Edge Davao 10 Issue 57, June 21, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES MAMA’S TIME. Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio takes time off to accompany her son, Stingray, in buying ice cream from a street vendor outside City Hall in Davao City on Thursday.

Lean Daval Jr.

UP FRONT

Sports Ordinance providing PWD desk in EDGEDAVAO all tourist establishments okayed

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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AVAO city council approved an ordinance requiring tourism enterprises and government offices to effectively assist the needs of persons with disabilities, especially the deaf and mute.

Specifically, the ordinance

requires tourism establishments to put up desk to assist the deft and the mute as one of their frontline services.

The ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Requiring Primary and Secondary Tourism Enterprises as well as Government

Offices that Provide Frontline Services to Effectively Assist the Needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)” was approved on Tuesday.

The ordinance mandates every Primary Tourism Enterprises (hotels, resort, self-

styled accommodation establishment, pension house/inn, motorist hotels, travel agency, tour operator, tourist transport operator, ticketing company, tour guides and MICE facilities), Secondary Tourism En-

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HUNGRY FOR KO

KO drought cost Pacquiao lots of fans: Roach

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

WANTED PERSONS. A passerby looks on the streamer printed with images of local terrorists attached to a police mobile patrol vehicle along Pelayo Street in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

GSIS extends scholarship application until June 23

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HE Government Service Insurance System is currently accepting applications for its enhanced GSIS Scholarship Program for Academic Year 2017-2018.

The deadline for submission of application is extended until June 23, 2017.

In a statement, the GSIS said it is offering a total of 400 scholarship slots to children or dependents of active members and permanent total disability (PTD) pensioners with the lowest annual basic salary.

Of the 400 slots, 40 or 10 percent are allotted for dependents of persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and solo or single parents.

Active members may nominate their children or dependents if they are permanent government employees, have at least three-year government service, have a salary grade of 24 or below (or its equivalent job level), and have paid premium contributions for the last six months. PTD pensioners who are below 60 years old are eligible to nominate their children as scholars .

Active members or disability pensioners may nominate scholars if they are college students in any year level in schools accredited by the Commission on Higher Education

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has called on tribal militiamen affiliated with the communist rebel movement to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law.

“They should stop fighting (against the government). For as long as they shoot and talk, they will remain neglected as it will be hard for the government agencies concerned to reach their respective localities,” President Duterte said, referring to New People’s Army fighters belonging to Indigenous People’s groups in Caraga Region.

Duterte made the appeal in a speech as guest of honor and speaker during the 50th anniversary of Agusan del Sur in Cabadbaran City over the weekend.

The President noted that a sizable portion of the NPA cadres in Caraga belong to the lumads (IPs), adding that IP groups are being lured into the rebel movement because of poverty and lack of opportunities in rural areas.

Duterte noted the absence of able-bodied men in his numerous visits to IP communities in Mindanao, particularly

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Gov’t forces gird for Marawi rehab G OVERNMENT forces recovered illegal drugs as well as cache of high-powered firearms over the weekend in Marawi City as they prepare to embark on other key tasks such as rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said 11 kilos of suspected metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu were recovered by troops after a brief firefight with Maute militants at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The confiscation of the illegal substance is one of the significant developments by the Joint Task Force Marawi in the ongoing clearing operations in the besieged city.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Spokesperson Brig.

Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., who joined Abella at the press briefing, said soldiers also seized more than 20 high-powered firearms last Saturday in Marawi City.

“So you may not be aware of the nature of the confiscated firearms. These are among the firearms that have been confiscated and they are not ordinary firearms at all but high-powered firearms that can fire from afar, hit targets and destroy them,” Padilla said.

“This is indicative of the length of planning that went to this operation of these rebels, when they were able to get this number of firearms and bring

it to the area of operations over a period of time,” he added.

Other war materials such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosives have also been confiscated.

According to Abella, the AFP is prepared to embark on other key tasks such as rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City once it is cleared of the terrorists.

“It has already prepared the Combat Engineering Brigades [from] the Army and the Navy for immediate deployment as soon as the clearing operations are [completed],” he said of AFP’s preparations.

In the meantime, however, he said the focus remains on combat, intelligence, and civil

military operations.

The government troops have so far rescued 1,637 civilians, recovered 250 firearms and killed 257 terrorists, Abella reported adding that the Maute’s resistance “continues to wane”.

At least 62 soldiers have been killed while thousands of people have been displaced since the siege started last month.

In response to people expressing desire to help families of troops killed-in-action and internally displaced persons, the government set up two separate accounts in Landbank where concerned people could deposit money.

HE National Bureau of Investigation on Monday announced the arrest of man claiming to have close ties with President Rodrigo Duterte and some government officials for alleged estafa after duping his latest victim of P14.5 million.

NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin identified the suspect as Lino Espinosa Lim Jr. who hails from Uson, Masbate where he also tried to run for mayor but lost in the polls.

He said Espinosa has been introducing himself as having close ties to government officials including Duterte, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and lawyer Fred Lim of the Philippine Gaming Corporationn (PAGCOR).

Espinosa was able to convince his latest victim to invest in government projects and earn high interests.

Espinosa was arrested last Friday by the NBI Special Action Unit (SAU) at a coffee shop

in Quezon City after having eluded for over a month the entrapment operations being conducted by the NBI against him based on the complaint of his victim who lost PHP14.5 million to him.

Espinosa was apprehended on the strength of arrest warrants issued by the Mandaluyong and Paranaque regional trial courts where he is facing a string estafa cases.

However, when the complainant made follow-ups the

suspect kept making excuses from delivering with his promises until Espinosa could no longer be contacted anymore.

Lavin urged other victims of Espinosa to come forward and file complaints against him.

Lavin cited three other victims have appeared before the NBI and said they lost a total of PHP10 million to the suspect, who is now detained at the NBI. (Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan/ PNA)

Duterte to rebel IPs: Yield arms, join AFP P Man posing to have close ties with officials nabbed for estafa T F DUTERTE, 10

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Ombudsman upholds firing of 5 NCMF officials in scam

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HE Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) has upheld the dismissal from public service of five National Commission on Muslim Filipinos executives for their complicity in the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales affirmed the dismissal and perpetual disqualification from public office of Secretary/Commissioner Mehol Sadain, Director III Galay Makalinggan, Acting Chief Accountant Fedelina Aldanese, Acting Chief Cashier Aurora Aragon-Mabang and Cashier Olga Galido.

The five respondents were found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

In case of separation from

the service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to respondent’s one year salary.

They are also facing trial before the Sandiganbayan for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act”, for the anomalous utilization of the PDAF of former Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong, who died in February 2017.

Probe found that in May 2012, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) covering PHP3.8 million in favor of NCMF, as implementing agency, charged against Datumanong’s PDAF. The money was intended to finance livelihood programs such as soap making, candle

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DAILY ROUTINE. Parents shield themselves from the searing heat with umbrellas as they gather outside Vicente Hizon Sr. Elementary School in Barrio Pampanga, Davao City to fetch their children on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

Former Cavite mayor New ordinance to punish meted 10 years in jail people raising ISIS flag T

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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ICE Mayor Paolo Duterte underscored the importance of the upcoming Anti-ISIS ordinance in the city of Davao, saying it was meant to punish those who possess and who profess allegiance to the terror group through the ISIS flag.

“Kung imong i-wagayway ang ISIS flag, it connotes ter-

rorism,” Vice Mayor Duterte said on a recorded footage by Davao Breaking News. “Makita man nato, ang flag sa ISIS, kung asa nila ginasaka, parang they are against that government so murag mupasok siya because we only pledged allegiance sa flag sa Pilipinas.”

Earlier last week, the Vice Mayor announced that the city

council will create an ordinance entitled “An ordinance punishing the act of recruiting and membership to ISIS and to their allied terrorist groups including those professing support thereto, manufacture and distribution of propaganda materials and failure to report ISIS related activities to law enforcement agencies.”

A penalty of Php 5,000 and one year of imprisonment will be imposed to anyone who will violate the said ordinance.

As of now, the vice mayor said that they are still fixing the legality of the ordinance under peace and public safety committee chaired by Councilor Nilo Abellera, Jr.

on social media.

This was bared by Northern Police District head Chief Supt. Roberto Fajardo in an interview Tuesday even as he stressed that all information contained in that controversial

memorandum, signed by Chief Insp. Jowilouie Bilaro, is still raw and unverified at the time of its release last June 16.

“There are a lot of information to validate and when we validated it, it turned out to be

negative,” he said in Filipino.

Fajardo said the release is contrary to normal procedures as it lacked validation at the time.

Sanctions that will be met-

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Sanctions await Valenzuela cop official over viral Maute memo

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ANCTIONS will be imposed to the Valenzuela police officer who released an unverified memorandum claiming planned attacks of the Maute Group in Metro Manila which went viral

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PRECIOUS COMMODITY. Water containers are queued up as Badjao women fetch potable water from a community faucet at Brgy. 23-C Isla Verde, Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

HE Sandiganbayan has found former Amadeo, Cavite Mayor Albert Ambagan Jr. guilty beyond reasonable doubt of two counts of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act”.

The anti-graft court sentenced Ambagan to suffer the penalty of imprisonment of six to 10 years for each count.

During trial, prosecutors from the Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) proved that Ambagan caused undue injury to the family of Simplicio Lumandas when he unlawfully caused the demolition of their ancestral home in February 2008 to give way

to the development of Balite Falls as an ecotourism area.

Effectively, the accused deprived the Lumandas family of the use and enjoyment of almost 7,000 square meters of their own property.

Ombudsman prosecutors presented witnesses who claimed that Ambagan stated that, “Ako ang mayor dito.

Ako ang masusunod. Lahat ng lupa dito i-expropriate ko (I’m the mayor here. My orders will be followed. I’ll expropriate all the lands here).”

Court documents showed that no expropriation proceeding was undertaken prior to the take over of the properties in Barangay Halang.

Marawi unlikely as new hub of IS fighters in PH

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ALACAÑANG on Tuesday said Marawi City is unlikely to turn into a new hub for extremist fighters from Southeast Asia as it downplayed concerns raised by several American lawmakers due to presence of foreign militants in the area.

At a Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had been able to thwart the ISIS-inspired Maute group from taking over the whole of Marawi and making it as base for Islamic State operations.

“At this stage, we’ll have to take the position that it’s unlikely for Marawi to become a new hub for IS fighters. The Philippine military has already preempted the Maute group from establishing a wilayat or a province in Marawi,” Abella said.

The Palace official issued the statement after some US lawmakers expressed their

belief that the US should take a bigger role in the Marawi operations to prevent the spread of the extremist group’s reach in the region.

At present, the role of the US in the month-old crisis is limited to providing aerial surveillance and Malacañang wants it to stay that way.

“The role of the US is to provide technical assistance as prescribed by the Constitution and we will abide by that. Let’s go by what is already present, technical assistance,” Abella said.

He also downplayed suggestions that Philippine-US cooperation against extremist forces in Marawi was indicative of an improving relationship.

“It’s always existing like that. Gen. Padilla has expressed that particular aspect of agreement has always [been] in existence,” Abella said, referring to AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. (Cielito M. Reganit/PNA)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

revises gov’t PH seen to benefit from DBCC borrowing program Belt and Road Initiative P T

HE Philippines stands to benefit from China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) Initiative, particularly in the revival of the maritime silk route, as it dovetails with the infrastructure buildup plan of the Duterte administration and will help sharpen the country’s competitiveness in the global trade arena, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Dominguez said that with airports and seaports as part of the Duterte presidency’s envisioned “Golden Age of Infrastructure,” the maritime silk road component of OBOR will open new markets for Philippine products in Beijing’s planned corridor between China and the Middle

East and Europe.

Describing the OBOR as a “powerful idea,” Dominguez said this China-led project will promote free trade and integrate economies across Asia and Europe.

“We think that Philippines will definitely benefit in participating in this One Belt, One Road project particularly in the Maritime Silk Road section of that project,” Dominguez said in a recent interview in Hong Kong.

“The Philippines is building a lot of infrastructure, of course with the help of China, and among the infrastructure that we are building are ports and airports. That will help lower the cost of shipping our goods to say Hong

Kong or to Shanghai and that will open markets to us along the corridor between China and the Middle East and Europe,” he noted.

He said the Philippines’ manufacturing industry, particularly companies producing electronics, and its food exports sector, especially those selling tropical fruits will have more and quicker access to new and profitable markets under the OBOR project.

“We are the largest exporters of tropical fruits (in Asia) so definitely there will be a lot of benefit to us if we are able to open markets in let’s say Kazakhstan, in Uzbekistan [and other countries], along the One Belt, One

Road area,” Dominguez said.

“And that’s aside from our manufactured goods.”

The OBOR Initiative, valued at about $1 trillion, aims to get some 60 countries to invest in infrastructure projects to develop land and maritime routes following the old Silk Road network that once connected China to Central Asia and Europe.

Dominguez said earlier that “DuterteNomics,” which is the Duterte administration’s economic strategy to sustain high growth and make it inclusive for all Filipinos, is anchored on an unprecedented infrastructure program that will require about P8.4 trillion over the medium term. (DOF)

HILIPPINE economic managers have revised upwards the government’s 2017 borrowing program and National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said this was in line with the three percent ceiling earlier set by the current administration.

De Leon confirmed reports that the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee has adjusted this year’s borrowing program from P631.3 billion to P727.64 billion.

She, however, said the revision was not due to higher borrowings last April, based on reports, but because of the budget deficit target of three percent of gross domestic product.

Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) data show that financing at the end of the first four months this year reached P275.098 billion, lower than year-ago’s P319.098 billion.

Last April alone, government financing amounted to P187.65 billion, lower than the P202.65 billion same pe-

riod in 2016 but higher than the previous month’s P26.08 billion.

The month-on-month uptick was mainly due to the sale from March 28 to April 6 of three-year retail treasury bond (RTB), wherein the government gained some P175 billion.

For 2018, the government plans to borrow around P889.72 billion, 22 percent higher than this year’s programmed borrowing program.

De Leon said that for both years, borrowings would be biased for domestic fund sources than off-shore creditors at 80 to 20 ratio.

“We don’t have a breakdown of how much we will borrow, in terms of our commercial borrowing and our ODA (official development assistance). That is still a work in progress,” she also said.

De Leon said the plan to tap China’s bond market for the Philippines planned maiden Panda bond issuance remained on the table. (PNA)

Grab supporting PUV modernization move

NEWLY-ARRIVED. Porters unload fish containers from General Santos City at the fish section of Agdao Public Market in Davao city on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

ING bullish in expanding shared services biz in PH

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HE Dutch financial institution, ING Bank, is bullish in the Philippines as it seeks to further expand its shared services business in the country, ING Business Shared Services country manager, Cees Ovelgonne, said in a briefing Tuesday.

The shared services hub in Manila can move to high-end services, such as knowledge

process outsourcing (KPO), financial analysis, and interpretation of results and reports from the usual transaction services, Ovelgonne said.

Manila is ING’s only shared services center in Asia.

ING opened its global services operations in 2013, servicing markets such as the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan,

China, and Japan. Its operation here has expanded not only in Asian markets but to other parts of the globe as well.

ING also has shared services centers in Slovakia, Romania, and Poland.

Ovelgonne said the ING Business Shared Services here has doubled its workforce from 250 in 2015 to 500 personnel.

He mentioned that the company is eyeing to end the year with 700 personnel.

ING Business Shared Services in Manila occupies four floors at the newly built World Plaza of Daiichi Properties, a Philippine Economic Zone Authority-registered IT park in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Combat Biodiversity Loss.”

Around 500 guyabano and guava seedlings were planted by NEDA officials and employees in Rizal, Laguna, during the event.

NEDA Assistant Secretary for Regional Development Mercedita Sombilla said that stakeholders in both the private and public sectors should implement strategies aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017–2022 to rehabilitate

degraded natural resources and to protect fragile ecosystems.

“One of NEDA’s policy recommendations is the complete delineation of final forest limits. This will mark the extent of forestlands that need proper management.

This should also distinguish production zones from protection zones,” she said.

Sombilla added that the rehabilitation of unproductive, denuded, and degraded

areas, which account for 7.1 million hectares, should be accelerated and prioritized.

The NEDA official emphasized that improving environmental health and ecological integrity are critical to support the accelerated economic growth that the administration aims to achieve.

“Our environment and natural resources play a critical role in our country’s development. They support the

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NEDA: Environment health critical to economic growth

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ELEBRATING Philippine Environment Month, the National Economic and Development Authority pushed for stronger policies for environmental protection in a tree planting event last Friday.

The month of June is declared Philippine Environment Month by virtue of Proclamation No. 237 signed in 1998 by former President Corazon Aquino. This year’s theme is “Go Wild for Life,

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IDESHARING services company Grab Philippines supports the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program of the Department of Transportation which seeks to provide safe, comfortable and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation to commuters.

The program aims to enhance commuter experience by upgrading vehicles to meet safety, energy efficiency and emission standards through overhauling of the public transportation system.

Grab Philippines country head Brian Cu believes that the PUV Modernization Program will enable to make available more technology-based transport solutions such as transport network vehicle services (TNVS) in the country.

He said that the company will support the government’s efforts to improve the state of public transportation system in the country by providing financing and training.

“Grab Philippines strongly supports the Transportation Department in its efforts for PUV modernization” Cu said in a statement.

“It’s the first step towards a real multi-modal transport system through the synergy of national government and local government units (LGUs).

This can only be achieved

through the use of technology such as Grab’s,” he added.

Cu noted the PUV Modernization Program will make public transport safe and convenient for the commuters, and cost-effective for operators and drivers. “Grab has always been about providing safety, convenience and reliability to its commuters, and we are one with the DOTr in this principle,” according to him.

The DOTr has released on Monday the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG) for PUVs which introduces reforms in granting of franchises by implementing new route planning rules and improved standards for operators and vehicles.

Under the OFG, public transport routes will be planned by local government units (LGUs) based on the current and projected travel patterns in their respective areas. These routes will be contained in the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) of LGUs which will serve as basis for franchise issuance by the LTFRB. The LTFRB will require existing operators to consolidate into cooperatives or consortiums to gain better access to resources, share operations and maintenance costs and maximize profits thru efficient vehicle dispatch. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

ECONOMY 5

DOST to help companies in improving operations

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HE Department of Science and Technology in Region 7 has helped some 300 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) since 2002 and continues to extend technological and innovation assistance to small businesses.

Regional Director Eriberto Paradela said he considered this as DOST-7’s biggest accomplishment for the Central Visayas region.

“Helping the MSMEs improve their products and operations and increase their productivity is the biggest contribution of DOST to the development of Central Visayas,” said Paradela on Tuesday during the launching of the 2017 Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

Under the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), Paradela said the DOST-7 was presently assisting a fashion accessories business in Minglanilla, Cebu and a furniture manufacturer in Bohol, to name a few.

He also boasts of the success of Sans Rival Cakes & Pastries, which has set up its first branch outside Dumaguete City in Cebu. Through the assistance of SETUP, Sans Rival is now at the Robinson’s Galleria Mall.

The DOST’s SETUP focuses

on fashion accessory-making, handicrafts, furniture, food processing, ICT, and health and wellness services, among many other regional industries.

Joining Paradela at the RSTW launching were DOST Undersecretaries Rowena Guevara for Research and Development and Brenda Nazareth-Manzano for Regional Operations, Technology Application and Promotion Institute Director Edgar Garcia, Cebu Chamber of Commerce president Melanie Ng, and Cebu Business Month 2017 overall chairman Charles Kenneth Co. Undersecretaries Guevarra and Manzano told the public about the various technology programs available for MSMEs. Among them was the DOST’s rent-to-own program, in which MSMEs can avail of the machinery and equipment needed for their businesses.

The three-day RSTW is part of the nationwide celebration of the National Science and Technology Week, which is aimed at “providing an opportunity to focus regional and national attention on the contribution of science and technology to national development and to give recognition and appreciation to outstanding accomplishments and personalities in science and technology.”

Foreign tourism ministers, VIPs set to arrive in Manila

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OREIGN tourism ministers and other officials are expected to arrive in Manila on Tuesday to attend the upcoming United Nation World Tourism Organization International Conference on Tourism Statistics slated this week.

Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Administration and Special Concerns Ronaldo Canizal said that among the first to arrive was Cameroon Tourism Minister Bello Bouba Maigari who ar-

rived Sunday night.

Cameroon or the Republic of Cameroon is a country lying at the junction of western and central Africa. The country is often referred to as “Africa in miniature”.

Meanwhile, South Africa Statistician-General Pall Lehohla arrived Monday (June 19) morning.

More tourism ministers and other officials are expected to arrive Tuesday for the UNWTO confab which will run

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ONE AT A TIME. Elementary students wait for their turn to buy ice cream from a lady vendor at Rizal Park in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

PTAA sees improved tourism figures despite Marawi crisis Says most parts of the country are safe for tourists

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HE Philippine Travel Agencies Association on Tuesday said it expects to see improved tourism numbers in the second quarter despite the possible decline in arrivals in May and June this year due to the ongoing conflict.

PTAA president Marlene Jante said she expects a decline in tourist arrivals and receipts in May and June even after the country posted a healthy 12 percent growth in arrivals for the first quarter of the year as compared to the same period in 2016.

Several countries have issued travel warnings to their citizens not to travel to certain parts of the country because of various reasons, including kidnappings and more recently terror threats.

Jante, however, said she is confident that the country’s tourism industry will bounce

back once the conflict is resolved and martial law is lifted.

“The mere mention of the words martial law can easily scare tourists away. But we understand and support the government in its actions in Mindanao. The problem in Marawi must be contained. But we know, as travel agents, that most of Mindanao and the rest of the country are safe destinations for tourists to enjoy,” Jante said in a statement.

“The country has seen worst situations in the past and every time, our tourism industry has bounced back. We in the PTAA believe that the series of incidents over the past several weeks are just temporary setbacks,” she added.

Jante said that with martial law only expected to last 60 days since its proclamation last May 23, both the government and the private sector should

coordinate to craft a short term plan for the tourism industry covering the rest of the year and 2018.

She, meanwhile, called for a stakeholders meeting to discuss the various issues currently affecting the industry particularly its biggest concern -- tourists who have not been to the country yet.

The PTAA president said that the association is currently conducting an internal survey among members to see how the recent developments have impacted their respective businesses.

“This will be a good gauge on how the industry is performing,” Jante said noting that the PTAA will be asking all their members to provide data over the past two months and assess how the travel advisories all the way to the time the Marawi siege erupted have af-

commitments to the project.

“As I have been advised, the Tutuban-Los Banos line would be financed (and therefore implemented) by Japan and the Los Banos-Matnog would be financed by China.

This is a critical and central project of President Duterte,” said Salceda who recently had consultation meetings with Socio Economic Planning Sec. Ernesto Pernia, Budget Sec. Benjamin Diokno and National Economic Development Authority Deputy Director General Rolando G. Tungpalan.

The NSRP south line was one of three railway projects approved by the NEDA-Investment Coordination Committee during the joint technical board and Cabinet Committee meeting last June 1. It was ap-

proved in 2015 by the Bicol Regional Development Council which Salceda chaired, and endorsed to the National Economic Development Authority Inter-agency Coordinating Committee for PPP. It was approved by the NEDA Board on February 16, 2015.

Salceda said the South Railway Line, when completed, will vastly improve connectivity and efficiency among urban centers and regional growth hubs and thus enhance productivity in the industry, services and agriculture sectors, and will further boost Bicol’s tourism by as much as 30 percent which forms part of the predicted 24% economic returns it will bring to the countryside when fully operationalized. (PNA)

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fected their operations.

She said that the data gathered and subsequent analysis will then be forwarded to the Department of Tourism.

“There has always been a high level of communication and discussion between the PTAA and the DOT. We are more than glad to provide our inputs to them on anything related to the country’s tourism,” Jante said.

As long as the public and private sectors works together, Jante said that the tourism targets of acquiring 6.5 to 7 million foreign tourist arrivals and 73.3 million domestic arrivals is still achievable.

According to its website, the PTAA is the country’s biggest tourism association with more than 500 members nationwide.

The DOT, for its part, reiter-

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P285-B South Railways project to start under PRRD watch BSP, CDA sign Surety Fund IRR

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is set to officially approve by the end of this month the P285 billion South line of the North-South Railway Project (NSRP) that will provide reliable rail system between Bicol and Manila.

After several hitches in the past, and reportedly stricken out of the Department of Transportation’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) list due to funding and investment problems, Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said the project will finally push through under the Duterte administration.

Salceda said the project will start this year, this time under a different procurement method, since it “remains a

priority investment project of the national government” and a vitally urgent infrastructure for Southern Luzon.

It was reclassified under direct expenditure scheme, which means the national government and Congress “would find ways to look for the needed financing to implement it, said Salceda, senior vice chair of the House ways and means committee.

The project which will be completed by 2021, within the term of President Duterte, involves new sets of railway tracks from Tutuban to Legazpi City in Albay, then to Matnog in Sorsogon, crossing the Southern Tagalog region and mainland Bicol.

He said Japan and China have both recently pledged

ICRO, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) now have stronger support from the government following the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) for Republic Act (RA) 10744, otherwise known as the Credit Surety Fund Cooperative Act of 2015, Tuesday.

There are currently 46 credit surety funds (CSFs) in the country after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas spearheaded the opening of the first CSF in Cavite in 2008.

BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr., in his speech during the IRR signing at the central bank office in Manila, said they target to open six more CSFs this year, one of

which has been opened in La Union last June 19.

“This milestone attests to the power of partnerships among agencies to pursue development objectives…to foster the organization of credit surety fund cooperatives, to manage and administer surety funds that will enhance access to credit for MSMEs and NGOs,” he said.

The IRR, signed by Tetangco and CDA chairman Orlando R. Ravanera, was drafted by a team from the BSP, the Department of Finance (DOF), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank).

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6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

Gov. Anthony del Rosario, left, and Vice-Gov. Alan Dujali launched the new Davao del Norte Pavilion, which will become the venue for the DavNor Singkwenta historical exhibit starting June 23, 2017.

DavNor historical exhibit at new provincial pavilion

By Noel Baguio

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AVAO del Norte – DavNor Singkwenta Exhibit showcasing the history of Davao del Norte from the prehistoric times up to the present will be unveiled at the new Davao del Norte Pavilion on June 23, 2017.

The historical exhibit will be among the major events top billing the kick-off of the nineday Kadagayaan Festival 2017

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that highlights the 50th Araw ng Davao del Norte celebrations.

Audiences will have the opportunity to experience the different stages in the great events and stages in the history of the province.

Provincial Administrator Samson Sanchez said the exhibit is designed to develop a good sense of history among

the Dabaonon people, which he stressed is very vital in understanding the past and in shaping the future of the province by applying the lessons learned from it.

Other events in the festival launch also include the Kadagayaan Agri-Aqua Fair and the One DavNor Tourism Fair, among others.

Strategically located with-

ernment agencies.

The launching of the kiosks will be on June 20 in Pantukan, June 21 in Nabunturan and June 22 in Mabini.

After the launching, the PIA XI together with the provincial government and respective municipal government and respective municipal government will hold an ASEAN Multi-sectoral Forum, which will highlight the three pillars of the region – economic, socio-cultural and political-security.

Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Labor and Employment are expected to discuss the said pillars.

The Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officers assigned in the municipalities will also shed light on the guidelines on Martial Law. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

ASEAN Forum for RDC-XI held About 100 guests from local government units and national agencies who are members of the regional development council attended the ASEAN Forum held yesterday (June 19) at the National Economic and Development Authority Building in Davao City.

The forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency-XI and the Regional Development Council had different speakers who spoke on various topics. The forum tackled political stability and security of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), overview of ASEAN and connectivity of BIMP EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area) and the Philippine Development Plan.

Davao del Norte Governor

lan na sab nako ang mga ingredients pati ang mga gamit (I have learned to bake cake and make ice cream. I can as well name the ingredients and the tools to use),” Nanay Quirina proudly boasted.

In fact, during the final assessment conducted by a specialist from TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), she landed second in her class. “Wala nay pa-edaray karon. Naa ra na sa imong diskarte (Nowadays, age won’t matter anymore but it’s one’s ingenuity),” she explained.

Nanay Quirina, a high school graduate, had badly

wanted to pursue college but didn’t have the financial resources to help her in achieving it. “Lisod muskwela sauna kay wala gyud ka-kwarta-kwarta akong mga ginikanan (It was hard to pursue schooling since my parents were financially hard up).”

Now that she has earned an NC II for Cookery, she eyes to work abroad along with her sisters currently working there. “Maong mapasalamaton kaayo ko sa DSWD kay kung dili sa ila dili intawon ko maka-graduate sa Cookery (That is why I am so grateful to DSWD. If not for DSWD, I wouldn’t have finished the

in the compound of the Davao Sports and Tourism Complex, the P9-million provincial pavilion, was inaugurated last Friday to serve as site for official functions of the provincial government.

Governor Anthony del Rosario and Vice Gov. Alan Dujali led the unveiling of the spanking DavNor Pavilion designed to accommodate up to 400

4 info kiosks to roll out in ComVal

ITH kiosks already established in Mawab Municipal Hall and Compostela Valley Capitol, the Philippine Information Agency XI will open another four information kiosks in the province.

The kiosks will be placed at the municipal halls of Pantukan, Mabini and Nabunturan; and at AXL Davao Bibingka also in Nabunturan town.

PIA XI rolls out information kiosks in the provinces to bring information to the countryside through free information, education and communication (IEC) materials.

For this year as the Philippines is holding the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the kiosks will feature materials about the region.

The kiosks also bring IEC materials of the programs and projects of the national gov-

Anthony del Rosario who is also the current RDC chairperson, cited the importance of discussing about ASEAN in the region because it gives many opportunities to the local government units.

“One of the things our local chief executives should be doing focusing on, is number one improving the manpower in your respective localities as we move further into the ASEAN integration definitely there will be more people, more goods, more services that would be more available to the entire ASEAN community.” Del Rosario said.

The Governor said that the expanded market brought about by the ASEAN Integration could uplift the economies of the local governments in the region.

“Think about it, you have 10 countries who are mem-

F 4 INFO, 14

48-year old ma to graduate in TESDA cookery course

“S

A wakas makasuot na gayud ko og toga (Finally, I can wear a toga),” Quirina delos Santos, 48, one of the beneficiaries from the municipality of New Bataan, was ecstatic while donning the academic gown and cap lent by the Endonela Institute of Technology Foundation, Inc. during the graduation ceremony of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at New Bataan Gymnasium, Compostela Valley last June 6.

“Kahibaw na ko magbuhat og cake ug ice cream. Mangan-

Cookery course).”

Nanay Quirina, is one of the 25 graduates of Cookery NC II along with 50 more graduates from Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II and Heavy Equipment Operator – Hydraulic Excavator NC II technical vocational courses who also received starter kits for their respective livelihood skills during the ceremony.

The Sustainable Livelihood Program is a community-based capacity building effort that seeks to improve the beneficiaries’ socio-economic status through Micro-Enterprise Development and Employment Facilitation. (DSWD)

persons.

Also highlighting the event was the signing of the joint venture agreement between Davao del Norte and G Xchange Inc. for the establishment of the Alternative Government Collection, Disbursement and Citizens ID System, which will allow the public to conduct cashless financial transactions with the provincial govern-

ment using Globe’s GCash micro payment service.

The province also inked a memorandum of agreement with the Davao del Norte State College and the government employee-scholars who availed of the specialized diploma, bachelor and masteral degree courses offered by the Davao del Norte Learning Institute.

3 Davao provinces mark 50th anniversary

T

HE three Davao provinces are gearing up for grand 50th founding anniversary on July 1.

The undivided Davao province was split into Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur with the passage of Republic Act No. 4867 on May 20, 1967.

Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte provincial governments have already lined up several activities for the big event.

“It is a celebration of the many successes of the Dabaonon people and their bullishness about the future,” said Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario.

Davao del Norte will be highlighting the evolution, development and achievements of the province over the past 50 years, while capitalizing on and nurturing their proud heritage, enduring multicultural identity, resiliency and creativity in building a better future.

The province chose this year’s theme: “Bulawanong Paghinumdum, Bulawanong Panlantaw (Golden Commemoration, Golden Vision)”.

The Provincial Information Office announced there will be daily activities for the nine-day festivity starting on Friday, June 23. The grand kick-off will be the launch of Kadagayaan Festival 2017, which will feature Agri-aqua Trade Fair, Tourism Fair, and exhibits, among others. It will pay homage to the rich-

ness of the Daboanon culture and traditions, as well as the bountiful harvest for the past five decades.

Activities also include the Binibining Davnor Pageant; the Hudyaka Street Dancing and Grand Showdown to be participated by different groups all over Mindanao; the MUSAMAN TriDavNor National Triathlon that promotes healthier lifestyle while showcasing the scenic beauty of the province; Davao Aguilas Footbal games; and, nightly activities and variety shows.

Davao del Norte will capped its anniversary with a fireworks display and party.

Meanwhile, Davao Oriental already started its monthlong celebration last June 5 but, the provincial government guarantees a festive day on July 1 with this year’s theme: “Celebrating Golden Heritage towards Sustainable Inclusive Progress”.

Several events have been lined-up towards July 1 that includes, tree planting on Thursday, June 22; Pap Dance Competition; bloodletting; a tribal fest; culinary fest; float and band parade; Miss Davao Oriental coronation night; sports competition; and barangay assembly.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang said the province’s Golden Anniversary is a special and meaningful occasion for the province as this will serve as venue to showcase its development

F 3 DAVAO, 10

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

Books for change

O

VER the years, Philippine public schools have struggled with dilapidated books and old school libraries with outdated resource materials.

This scenario has left librarians with a quiet room, not because children are busy reading but because no students are visiting.

“Back then, the books were in black and white, some of them not even fit for elementary school children,” said Maria Liles Marcellana, a teacher at Lapu-Lapu Elementary School in Davao City.

“But, today, thanks to the Phoenix Philippines Foundation, a lot of kids are paying a visit to the library,” fellow teacher Reycel Beoy added.

The Phoenix Philippines Foundation, corporate social responsibility arm of Phoenix Petroleum, has been supporting the Lapu-Lapu Elementary School library in Davao City for more than five years now.

“They provide books that are fit for the needs of the children. The books are interactive and colorful which entice the kids to read some more,” Marcellana said.

Since 2010, Phoenix Philippines Foundation has been

in touch with more than 50 public schools nationwide to build and refurbish libraries.

“We bring them a list of books that we can provide; we tell them how much worth of books they can request and we order it for them,” said Mr. Ben Sur, corporate affairs manager of Phoenix Petroleum.

As part of the refurbishment project, the foundation provides new chairs, tables, and air conditioning units for the libraries.

“Times are changing.

Children these days want interactive learning. They want to touch or feel what they are learning about,” he said.

For these Phoenix libraries, the school and the Foundation have signed an agreement that the school management will take care of the library facilities provided for the institution.

Sur also said that the Foundation is continuously looking for public schools that they can reach out to and provide with the same benefits.

“Hopefully, one day, all public schools will have a library that has an ambience conducive for learning,” he said.

Celebrating 119 years of PH independence

Smart World supports Tokyo Summer Fest, other global events

P

LDT Global, through Smart World, is celebrating the Philippine Independence and our modern-day heroes via a series of global events that aim to strengthen Filipino ties, and their love for family and country.

“PLDT Global knows the Filipino, and his special brand of love. What better way to celebrate Independence Day than to honor our modern-day heroes, the millions of overseas Filipinos all over the world.

We want to recognize their hard work, and the sacrifices they made in hopes of giving their families back home a better life,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, head of the international and carrier business at PLDT and Smart.

Smart World kicked off the global celebration with the Tokyo Summer Festival 2017 last June 3 to 11 at the Ueno Park where Filipinos enjoyed food and entertainment, and mingled with other Filipinos, and got further acquainted with Filipino brands present in Japan.

Japan is one of the biggest destinations for Filipino workers. It is home to some 240,000 overseas Filipinos.

The Tokyo Summer Fest was organized by the Luminaires Joint Group (LJG) along with the Bonds of Ocean Asia (BOA), an NGO that aims to promote sta-

bility and development in Maritime Asia, supported by the Philippine Embassy in Japan. It aims to further strengthen ties between Japanese, Filipinos, and other ethnic groups in Japan.

The Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony was attended by His Excellency Jose C. Laurel V, Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of the Philippines, Tokyo, Japan; Honorable Kazunori Tanaka, Director-General, International Bureau, Liberal Democratic Party Member, House of Representatives, Japan; Honorable Nobuyuki Suzuki, Chairman, Bonds of Ocean Asia (BOA); and Honorable Ikuo Hattori, District Manager, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

Smart World was one of the biggest supporters of the Tokyo Summer Fest, hosting games, and registering new subscribers at its event booth.

PLDT Global and Smart World in partnership with NTT Communications have been present in Japan since 2016, bringing to the 240,000 Filipinos there an innovative service that bundles mobile Internet with relevant value-added services for free. Smart World UNLI Pocket Wifi offers unlimited shareable data made even better with a choice of a free Pinoy bundle of their

F SMART, 14

DavOr’s governance ‘excellent’: evaluators Dayanghirang cites Malanyaon’s role

M

ATI CITY, Davao Oriental – A team of regional evaluators cited Davao Oriental’s “excellent” performance in practically all areas of local governance.

During the Regional Assessment for the 2017 Seal of Good Local Governance on Monday, June 19, the evaluation team said that based on their observations, the province has met all the rigid requirements for the Seal while exceeding all the requirements in some areas.

Provincial Director Noel Duarte of DILG Compostela Valley Province, who led the team of regional assessors, said he is impressed with Davao Oriental’s performance especially in the area of peace and order, which is being regarded by the department as the most crucial core area of assessment.

He said Davao Oriental is now being considered as the country’s best implementer of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) – a special program that provides comprehensive services and benefits for former rebels. The Happy Home – a half-

way house for former rebels, which offers a wide array of comprehensive programs for their total healing and recovery, is being attributed to the province’s successful CLIP implementation.

He also cited Davao Oriental’s anti-criminality programs and its string of policies in support of the province’s anti-drugs efforts, describing Davao Oriental as “perfect” on this aspect.

Davao Oriental’s Financial Administration also received satisfactory remarks for being able to post updated Full Disclosure Policy, thus, promoting financial transparency. Evaluators also noted the province’s significant local revenue growth. They urged the province to sustain this growth so that it will become less dependent on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). Meanwhile, government spending of the 20 percent Local Development Fund turned out to have been efficiently utilized.

The areas of Disaster Preparedness and Social Protection, on the other hand, have met all the necessary requirements.

Davao Oriental’s programs for Tourism, Culture and the Arts as well the area of Business Friendliness have made a good impression with the evaluators considering that Davao Oriental has made efforts in creating the province suitable for business and has created a festival called “Kabilin Festival” that is touted to draw more tourists and spur economic opportunities here.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, said he is pleased with the evaluators’ observations. “While the leadership skills of my predecessor, then Governor now Representative of the First District Cong.

Corazon Malanyaon deserves a big chunk of the credit for establishing a competent team of public servants, the province could not have done it without the support and cooperation of the Provincial Government organization. Everyone in the Provincial Government deserves credit,” he said, expressing his gratitude to the workers of the Capitol and partner agencies.

Bannered with the slogan “Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang

Lokal”, the SGLG 2017 is the upgraded version of last year’s Seal as the DILG has scaled up the parameters of the assessment with the inclusion of peace and order as one of the core areas. This year, LGUs must pass four core areas namely: Financial Administration, Disaster Preparedness, Social Protection, and Peace and Order. Moreover, LGUs must pass at least one of the essential areas, namely: Business Friendliness and Competitiveness; Tourism Culture and the Arts; and Environmental Protection.

There will be 81 provinces, 145 cities and 1,489 municipalities that will be subjected to the SGLG assessment.

Aside from getting hold of the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB), LGU passers will get an access to the Performance Challenge Fund – an incentive program for LGU passers to fund local development initiatives. Moreover, the LGUs will also get access to other program windows and capacity development assistance as part of the incentive package. By Karen Lou Deloso/ Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang welcomes the Regional Assessment Team for the 2017 SGLG

DILG Provincial Director Noel PD Duarte interviews DOPPO Provincial Director PSSUPT Harry Espela and Provincial Administrator Duarte, Regional Assessment Benjie Bulaong for the Assessment of the Peace and Order Core Area Team Leader

DILG Davao Oriental Provincial Director Yvette T. Sunga

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

EDITORIAL Socially relevant laws

T

HE recent ordinance -- “An Ordinance Requiring Primary and Secondary Tourism Enterprises as well as Government Offices that Provide Frontline Services to Effectively Assist the Needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)” -- passed by the city council requiring tourism enterprises and government offices to effectively assist the needs of persons with disabilities is a measure that’s long time coming. Nevertheless, it’s laudable that the august body finally got this one through.

The ordinance makes it imperative for tourism establishments to put up desk to assist PWDs especially the deft and the mute as one of their frontline services.

It requires Primary Tourism Enterprises like hotels, resorts, self-styled accommodation establishments, pension houses/ inns, motorist hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, tourist transport operators, ticketing companies, tour guides and

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MICE facilities; Secondary Tourism Enterprises like restaurants, malls, shops, department stores, sports and recreational facilities, ecotourism, health and wellness centers, museums, themed parks and marina; and government offices to provide an assistance desk for the deaf and mute.

Non-compliance with the ordinance could mean non-issuance or the revocation of the mayor’s permit to their businesses or the cancellation of their licenses.

For a while it has been the dilemma of PWDs to go about places because there is no one to assist them with their needs.

Remember that tourism is not limited to the able-bodied. It does not preclude anyone with a disability to go about places or transact business with offices, private or public.

The latest ordinance further puts Davao City’s laws more socially relevant thereby creating more liveable conditions for its residents and visitors.

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EDGEDAVAO

I

N my childhood days when I became politically conscious, I have never heard nor read of a Philippine president who displayed as much fatherly concern as what PRRD has thus far shown for our AFP personnel.

As Filipinos recently commemorated “Father’s Day” nationwide, it becomes fitting that “Tatay Digong” be tagged as such by millions of his adoring supporters, fans and followers here and around the world who praise his paternal actions visiting the hospitals where wounded soldiers lay in recuperation.

He has also displayed his uncloaked sincerity by physically mourning and grieving with the families and heirs left behind by a KIA, condoling with them during vigils in the hometown of the fallen soldier.

“Tatay Digong” is the only sobriquet that can appropriately describe who the real Rodrigo Roa Duterte is.

Nothing else comes close.

If it were not too much even to suggest, “Tatay Digong” should be the symbol of Father’s Day celebrations in

L

AST June 17, the international community celebrated the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. Here, in the Philippines, it was welcomed without much fanfare. In fact, not too many Filipinos know about it.

For her part, Senator Loren Legarda, who is the chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, urged the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to promote the use of soil and water conservation technologies which could help combat drought aside from preventing land degradation.

“Harnessing soil and water conservation measures and practices including rainwater harvesting, watershed protection and sloping technology is critical in reducing soil erosion and enhancing agricultural productivity,” she said in a statement released during the occasion.

According to Legarda, land degradation in the country affects about one-third of the population. More than 33 million Filipinos are affected by it, she said, adding that it likely contributes to widespread and severe poverty in the rural areas.

Land degradation can be seen in the form of soil erosion. The Washington-based Worldwatch Institute considers soil erosion as “a silent crisis.” While we are worried about other countries conquering our land, our silent enemy keeps on encroaching our lands. “(Soil erosion) is a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land,” commented Harold R.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Tatay Digong the Philippines. Do you agree?

He has gone around almost all the military camps and installations nationwide, talking to AFP officers and enlisted men, assuring them of his personal support to fulfill their mission and listening to their plaints and hopes.

For these, I believe the entire AFP rank and file loves Duterte.

They have discovered rather painfully that, compared to PNoy who preferred attending glitzy ribbon-cutting rites of a giant motor company to granting presidential reception to caskets of 44 SAF personnel who perished in Mamasapano, “Tatay Digong” had always exerted his personal efforts to honor soldiers who have fallen fighting for the country.

This, despite being an “old” man who feels fatigue and weariness too (if being 72 years of age already qualifies one among the real old folks) as he himself oftentimes publicly say he is.

Read how simply he addresses the soldiers. In Butuan City recently, he told the 401st Infantry Brigade: “I

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba am filled with nice feeling. I love you all. Mahal ko kayong lahat. Nasasaktan ako tuwing may nadidisgrasya.

Ang konswelo ninyo, hindi kayo madedehado.”

How can an ordinary soldier not feel the empathy and filial compassion after hearing this from the President himself in the flesh?

Will a soldier not be encouraged

to fight and die if he personally hears the President (who is just meters away) reiterate the provision of a P50-B trust fund for the education of children of uniformed personnel?

These words of assurance are not mere rhetoric.

“Tatay Digong” has proven every doubting Thomases wrong.

After he visited Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, did he not bring home stranded OFWs wallowing in hunger and squalor?

Yes, those who detest “Tatay Digong” for his cussing simply swallowed their snickering saliva because despite his propensity to utter un-printables every now and then, “Tatay Digong’s” credibility remains high.

So, if the royalty in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Middle East receive him on a red carpet and accede to his diplomatic requests, who are the stupid opposition to deserve the people’s attention?

In the present political atmosphere, those who continue to deride and debase the executive actions and

leadership of “Tatay Digong” will one day pay dearly when the reckoning comes.

Thanks to the social media platforms available today, Filipinos here and abroad are enabled to discern the truth from media spins, to separate the chaff from the grain as the cliché goes.

That the Metro Manila-based mainstream media continue to discriminate against “Tatay Digong” because of his “probinsiyano” custom, proves that radical change of constitutional infirmities be pursued and finished during his term of office. Parliamentary federalism, it is.

“Tatay Digong” cares to dream.

His dreams are as simple as the man on the street as the soldier in fatigue uniform fighting the ISIS-inspired AbuSayaf-Maute rebels in Marawi City.

Peace. Food on the table. A roof above their heads. Education for the children. Stable jobs for the OFWs at home. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

this most serious threat to our food supply.”

Experts say land degradation makes farmlands infertile. Lester R. Brown and Edward C. Wolf, authors of Soil Erosion: Quiet Crisis in the World Economy, argued that erosion affects crop production in two ways. “The loss of topsoil reduces the inherent productivity of land, both through the loss of nutrients and degradation of the physical structure,” they explained. “(Soil erosion) also increases the costs of food production,” the two authors added. “When farmers lose topsoil, they may increase land productivity by substituting energy in the form of fertilizer. Hence, farmers losing topsoil may experience either a loss in land productivity or a rise in costs of agricultural inputs. And if productivity drops too low or agricultural costs rise too high, farmers are forced to abandon their land.”

Aware of the magnitude of the problem, Legarda authored Senate Bill No. 422 or “An Act Promoting Soil and Water Conservation Technologies and Approaches for Sustainable Land Management in the Philippines.”

Specifically, the bill aims to establish 1,000 soil and water conservation guided farms within five years from its effectivity to showcase sustainable land management best practices such as sloping agricultural land technology, organic-based agriculture, farm waste and residue management, wastewater recycling and re-use, rainwater harvesting.

It also aims to establish 10,000 units of small-scale rainwater harvesting systems consisting of rainwater reservoir development, watershed management, and service area development in strategic upland areas throughout the country.

More importantly, the bill likewise wants to capacitate and empower local government units and farmers associations in the implementation and operationalization and maintenance of soil and water conservation model farms and rainwater harvesting system.

“The degradation of soil in our farmlands will eventually lead to lower agricultural output despite the application of modern farming practices. This will affect not only the livelihood of our farmers but also our food supply. We have to act now before it is too late,” Legarda stressed.

The Bible says, “For sin pays its wage… death” (Romans 6:23). “When man sins against the earth, the wage of that sin is death or destruction,” Watson explained. “This seems to be a universal law of God and relates to all of God’s creation.

“We face the reality of what man’s sins against the earth have caused,” further added. “We see land degradation expressing itself in destruction of forests, loss of topsoil, pollution of streams and even the air we breathe. We are facing not a mere problem; we are facing destruction and even death if we continue to destroy the natural resources that support life on our planet.”

Battle against land degradation

Watson, the 1985 Ramon Magsaysay awardee for peace and international understanding and former director of Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC).

Recent studies show soil erosion affects 63%-76% of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares.

This is particularly true in the uplands, where 74% of the area is cultivated for subsistence farming.

“Available estimates indicate that the total degraded area in the Philippines is around 11.45 million hectares in the uplands or 38% of the country’s land territory, affecting around 33 million Filipinos,” wrote Dieldre S. Harder, a researcher with the Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA).

In terms of severity, 5.2 million hectares and 8.5 million hectares of the country’s total arable lands are severely eroded and moderately eroded, respectively, according to the report.

In 1989, the World Bank estimated the annual value of on-site fertility losses due to unsustainable upland agriculture in the country to be around US$100 million – that equal to one percent of Philippine gross domestic product per year.

In lowland agriculture, land degradation is due to chemical use.

Harder wrote: “Since the Green Revolution in the mid- 1960s, intensive crop cultivation has resulted to increasing nutrient deficiency leading to a decline in fertilizer use efficiency over time. Intensification of agricultural land use without compen-

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

sating investments in soil structure and fertility can lead to land degradation.”

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), land degradation is said to be caused by the following: deforestation, shortage of land due to increased population, poor land use, insecure land tenure, inappropriate land management practices and poverty.

If the problem is not solved, food insecurity is looming. “We are hardly aware of this enormous loss which is progressively eroding away our most fertile soil and thus our ability to produce food for an expanding population,” the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said in pastoral letter more than two decades ago. “Any comprehensive land reform must address

10 NEWS UP... FROM 1

terprises (restaurants, malls, shop, department store, sports and recreational facilities, ecotourism, health and wellness centers, museum, themed parks and marina) and government offices to provide an assistance desk for the deaf and mute.

According to Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chair of tourism and beautification, all tourism establishments covered by the ordinance must have at least one (1) employee or front-line staff should undergo training on how to effectively address the needs and communicate with the PWDs, particularly how to do sign languages, and thereafter, they will be

issued with a certification of completion of the training.

“The private sector should not worry about the trainings because there is a funding for the PWDs in the city. The training will be conducted by the City Government through the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office in cooperation with the City Tourism Office.”

He also added that this desk would be strengthened in the Davao airport, to assist deaf and mute passengers.

Non-compliance of the ordinance will cause the non-issuance or the revocation of the Mayor’s permit to their businesses or the cancellation of their licenses.

For families of slain soldiers, people can deposit money using the account name AFP Marawi Casualty with account number 00000552107128.

For evacuees from Marawi City, people can send money through account name Marawi IDP with account number 00000552107136.

Band together in fight vs terrorism.

Meanwhile, Padilla reiterated his call to the public to support the government in fighting terrorism describing the enemy as “a different

breed.”

He said the presence of foreign fighters in Mindanao is part of a continuing concern because they bring something different than from that of home-grown terrorists.

“But if we do not work as a nation and band together to fight it, the threat might increase,” he said.

He added that if Filipinos work together as one nation, it will be harder for the extremists to rule and the government could easily root them out.

(PCOO News Release)

in Caraga Region, saying “most of the dwellers there are women and children.”

Calling on the tribal militiamen within the NPA ranks to “lay down their arms,” the President also urge them to avail themselves of the “plenty of services” offered by the government under his administration.

Those who wish to serve in the Armed Forces, he added, may train and be “integrated into the military service.”

After the speech in Cabadbaran City, the President proceeded to military’s Camp Bancasi, this city to talk to the troops and presided the giving of military honors. (Noel Najarro/PNA)

ed out against Bilaro for these “memorandum violation” will come from the Valenzuela police chief, he added.

But for his part, the NPD head is recommending that

the official be relieved from his post while undergoing investigation for the unauthorized release of the above-mentioned memorandum. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)

ated that recent untoward incidents are only a “temporary setback” to Philippine tourism.

DOT Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Frederick Alegre earlier said that martial law could even be perceived as an indication that there is “tighter security” as other parts of the country become more secure.

“For us (martial law) is an indication that somehow

when there’s a tighter security measure, there is a perception that (tourists) feel more secure.

We’re positive that the decision to secure and make Mindanao a safer place will boost tourism,” Alegre said in an earlier press conference.

He acknowledged that there will be cancellations but noted that it is “temporary in nature.” (Azer N. Parrocha/ PNA)

for the past 50 years and an opportune time to recognize and thank the past leaders who each have contributed to these developments.

“I am confident that so long as we stand together and remain consistent in our service to the public, the people will be behind us every step of the way, as we work toward success,” he said.

Davao del Sur, on the oth-

er hand, will start activities for the golden anniversary celebration on Monday, June 26. among their activities are the sports fest including an off-road competition, trade and agri fair, tribute to people who contributed to the development of Davao del Sur, tree planting, bloodletting and the fireworks display to conclude the celebration. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

Gov’t... FROM 2

Duterte... FROM 2

Sanctions... FROM 3 PTAA... FROM 5

3 Davao... FROM 6

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

ERRANT MOTORIST. A Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 traffic enforcer stops a motorcycle rider after he violated the speed limit along R. Castillo Street in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Passenger bus catches fire in DavOr A N air-conditioned passenger bus was conflagrated in the town of Manay, Davao Oriental on Monday morning.

The Manay Municipal

Police Station bared in its report the conflagration of a Bachelor Tours bus which happened at Quinono-an, Barangay San Ignacio in the said town about 9:40 a.m. of

(CHED) as Levels IV and III. Active members who are single or married may nominate one child or dependent, while PTD pensioners may nominate their children only.

GSP scholars are entitled to the actual cost of tuition and miscellaneous fees not to exceed PHP40,000 per academic year and a monthly allowance of PHP3,000. Monetary incentives in the amount of PHP20,000, PHP30,000, and PHP50,000 also await scholars

who will graduate with Latin honors cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude, respectively.

GSP is one of the corporate social responsibility programs of GSIS. Since 1998, the program has been helping underprivileged yet deserving scholars obtain quality education from reputable schools.

Dependents of low-income members and pensioners are given priority in the selection process. (GSIS/PR)

making and meat processing for the municipalities of Mamasapano, Ampatuan and Datu Abdullah Sanki.

To facilitate the fund utilization, Datumanong requested that the PHP3.8 million be coursed through the Maharlikang Lipi Foundation, Inc. (MLFI), as a non-government organization (NGO)-partner,

through the execution of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

Upon audit, the Commission on Audit (COA) found that the selection of the NGO was undertaken in violation of COA Circular No. 2007-01 noting the absence of public bidding in the NGO-selection process.

(PNA)

Pulong said that the resolution and passage of the ordinance will take up to two weeks.

The ISIS group also called the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is a Jihadist militant group in Iraq and Syria that follows a fundamentalist Wahhabi movement. The

group was the alleged perpetrators of the recent terror attacks in Manchester and London, United earlier this year.

On May, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said that the Maute group, who occupied Marawi City on May 23 are affiliated with the ISIS terror group.

performance of other sectors like agriculture, fisheries, industry, and services. They also provide livelihood to resource-dependent communities,” Sombilla said.

To do so, she explained that research and law enforcement on forest management must be strengthened.

The tree planting event was organized by the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Staff of NEDA in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Laguna.

(NEDA)

GSIS... FROM 2

Ombudsman... FROM 3

New... FROM 3

Neda... FROM 4

June 19.

In its investigation report, the bus was on its way to Davao City from the town of when one of the passengers seated at back portion near the engine heard a burst and noticed a smoke which prompted him to call the attention of the driver.

The driver immediately disembarked the bus and

told the 32 passengers to get out from the burning bus.

The estimated damage cost of the incident reached to about P3 million and there were no reports of injuries.

The Bureau of Fire Protection has investigated the cause of fire that burned a portion of the bus. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Ovelgonne said the company is also eyeing to expand its office to cover eight floors at the World Plaza building.

“ING is a big company. It wants the Philippines placed a key role in what ING institution is doing in terms of operational efficiency, cost efficiency,” ING Bank NV, Manila Branch coun-

try manager and managing director, Consuelo Garcia, said.

Garcia noted that the company is also bullish with the country’s economic growth, hence, its confidence in investing more in the Philippines.

“I think 6.5 (percent) is a good target compared to 5.9 percent (last year),” she said.

from June 21 to 23.

Other tourism ministers and officials who are expected to arrive are UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai, Lao’s Minister Savankohone Razmountry, Sri Lanka’s Minister John Amaratunga, Sudan’s Minister Mohamed Abuzaid Mustafa Mohamed, Thailand’s Minister Kobarn Wattanavrangkul, Zimbabwe’s Minister Walter Mzembi and Uganda’s Minister Kamuntu Ephraim.

Costa Rica’s Minister Mauricio Ventura Aragon, Fiji’s Minister Faiyaz Koya, and Seychelle’s Minister Anne Lafortune have also reportedly confirmed their attendance.

Canizal said that at least eight tourism ministers, 15 deputy ministers and over 300 foreign delegates have

confirmed their attendance to the conference.

After the conference, the tourism ministers will also be brought to top tourist destinations like Balesin Island Club, located in Polillo, Quezon Province and Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

The tourism official said that the two familiarization tours are meant to showcase the Philippine destinations that somehow serve as a “model” for tourism sustainability.

“We want to bring them to destinations that practice sustainable tourism development -- one that benefits the community and allows a good experience for people,” Canizal said in a previous interview.

(PNA)

Tetangco said the team conducted 14 public hearings in 11 cities during the formulation of the IRR to ensure transparency, among others.

He said CSFs provided a reliable platform for the unbanked and underbanked MS-

MEs as these provided access to financing that these sectors cannot tap sans the CSFs. MSMEs account for about 99.6 percent of registered firms nationwide and employs around 63.2 percent of total workforce in the country. (PNA)

ING... FROM 4

Foreign... FROM 5

BSP... FROM 5

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 56 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

From Cebu to BGC

IBIZA BEACH CLUB

Reunited with friends.

IT WAS A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK when Movenpick Hotel Mactan Cebu’s communications manager and my good friend and fellow EDGE Davao columnist, Meghan Sta. Ines-Hernandez first invited me to experience the fabulous Movenpick Cebu in picturesque Mactan Island.

You can have all the Manny O wine you can drink just by adding Php600 to your Belearic-inspired 15-course grill.

The guest services team dressed in Cary Santiago.

The Ibiza Beach Club Show Team.

From the moment I first set foot on the property, I cannot help but say that I was impressed, not just by the beautiful architecture, but also by the unique dining experiences offered by the hotel, the most iconic of which was the Ibiza Beach Club.

With its unique modern Mediterranean-inspired design, relaxed atmosphere, top-notch entertainment, and signature Balearic-inspired 15-course grill the Ibiza Beach Club was one class act, all curated by the owner, Manny Osmeña himself, that was hard to beat, until now.

Fast forward to 2017, and Manny O’s vision of Lifestyle Dining + Unrivalled Entertainment gave birth to the Ibiza Beach Club; taking the dining experience to the next level at the Bonifacio Global City which I was lucky experience in a mini-reunion of sorts with Meg together with Chef Tim Abejuela of Kabisera as well as lifestyle writers in Manila.

The 4,000-sqm, 1,000-seater Ibiza BGC is

Sunken Seating area surrounded by water.

situated at the 6th level of the new W City Centre, a massive 29-storey office tower sitting on half a hectare property, strategically located along 7th Avenue, right next to Bonifacio High Street.

Within walking distance to the high-end Central Plaza Mall, the new Shangri-La at the Fort, residential towers, hotels, parks and shopping areas.

Aside from its signature DNA and spectacular view of the landscaped greenery and Manila cityscape, Ibiza BGC also takes its charm from its sophisticated and stylised sections, complete with water features surrounding plush seats, enticing lounges, exceptional Centre Stage and the First

Class dining section. The areas of the restaurant in BGC reminded me of Ibiza in Cebu albeit superized.

And it is not just the design elements that are similar, as Ibiza BGC also serves a variety of unlimited grilled meat and seafood choices which can be tasted with its signature 15-course Balearic-inspired grill. The for just Php2,500++, the hearty feast includes Filet Mignon, Angus Rib-Eye Steak, Baby Back Ribs, Ostrich Meat, New Zealand Lamb, buttery Rock

Lobsters or Salmon, Tiger Prawns, Cuttlefish, Chicken, Crispy Pork Belly and Beef Short Ribs, to name a few. This is aside from the all-you-can-eat salad bar, decadent Pao de Quejo, and Grilled Queen Piña. This menu is so indulgent, it’s sure to last an entire evening.

Spoiling everyone further with an array of diverse choices, the restaurant also offers an A La Carte and Tapas Menu featuring house-prepared charcuterie, Bruschettas,

URBANISSIMO A2

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

FOOD URBANISSIMO A1

Jamon Serrano, Gambas, imported cheeses, a selection of salads and starters, the Eivissa Paella, Seafood Marinara, premium steaks and the Manny O. Signature Wagyu Burger,

– best paired with signature cocktails, such as the Ibiza Sour, or featured wines.

The restaurant also showcases nightly performances by the Ibiza Beach Club Show Team, which is composed of

NOW SHOWING

June 14 – 20, 2017

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

R13

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

WONDER WOMAN Gal Gadot, Chris Pine Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

11:00 | 1:45 | 4:30 | 7:15 | 10:00 LFS

THE MUMMY Tom Crusie, Sofia Boutella Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

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

PG

1:05 | 3:15 | 5:25 | 7:35 | 9:45 LFS

budding Filipino artists, featuring a 45-minute visual treat with live singing and dancing to retro pop, disco and Latin music, as well as Broadway and movie musical sequences alongside daring exhibitions. This segment is sure to get everyone grooving and belting to every beat, as guests loosen up and get themselves in the mood for fun.

Ibiza Beach Club BGC is open from 11 in the morning onwards and the lunch crowd can avail the Early and Late Seating Special Lunch Set. For just Php500 nett, the set comes complete with the salad bar, a soup, side dish, one entrée out of the four choices of grilled items from the Balearic selection, and Ibiza’s Grilled Queen Piña with a side of fresh yogurt and honey.

There is also an Executive Lunch Set for diners who want a premium lunch from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm. Priced at PHP1,000 nett, the serving includes the staples of an Early and Late Seating Special Lunch, with the entrée upgraded to include a choice of one of the seven premium meats and seafood from the Balearic grill.

My Ibiza Beach Club

VOL. 10 ISSUE 56 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

Ibiza Sour.

Mövenpick Ice Cream.

Lamb Chops, part of the Balearic-inspired, signature 15-course grill. experience was not complete until I was reunited with my favourite Mövenpick ice cream from Switzerland, which I fell in love with two years ago.

Pao de Queho.

Congratulations to the Manny O. Group on their latest endeavour to bring the best of lifestyle dining and world-class entertainment to BGC. For enquiries and ad-

vance bookings, please call +63 2 755 1777 or email guestservices.bgc@ibizabeachclub.global.

Follow Ibiza Beach Club BGC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 56 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

GMA rolls out bittersweet love story set in Davao

BEGINNING JUNE 26, GMA Network unveils the story of three individuals caught in a bittersweet love story through its latest primetime offering, I Heart Davao.

Set in the picturesque province of Davao, this GMA Public Affairs romantic comedy series is top-billed by multi-talented Kapuso actress Carla Abellana, versatile Kapuso actor Tom Rodriguez, and Kapuso heartthrob Benjamin Alves.

It features the story of Hope (Carla), a heart transplant recipient whose world will be turned up-

side-down when she goes to Davao to save her family’s chocolate business.

Here, she serendipitously and unknowingly meets Ponce (Tom), the proud, brooding, and mysterious ex-boyfriend of her heart donor.

Ponce also happens to be the son of the chocolate haciendero whom Hope eyes to partner with to save her family’s strug-

“

The romantic comedy series is top-billed by multi-talented Kapuso actress Carla Abellana, versatile Kapuso actor Tom Rodriguez, and Kapuso heartthrob Benjamin Alves.

gling venture. Ponce’s “Dabawenyo Dude” pragmatism will constantly offend Hope’s “Manila Girl” sensibilities. Will they continue opposing each other or will their constant bickering eventually lead to something sweeter than the chocolates Ponce’s farm produce?

As Hope’s new life unravels in Davao, she feels a tug from her old self through the constant wooing of her childhood friend Paul (Ben), a brilliant young business executive. All his life, Paul has been in love with Hope that he is willing to temporarily leave his life in Manila to join her in Davao.

On top of this kilig love

triangle set-up, this romantic comedy series also highlights the beauty of the “land of promise”. The cast of I Heart Davao even flew to Davao to capture its local flavor, including the dialect, and the sights and sounds of the region.

Eighty percent of the series was shot in Davao.

With the province receiving renewed interest from the public, Carla says having Davao as the setting of the story is a good opportunity to show what the province still has to offer. “Napakadaming pwede i-highlight sa Davao and we are grateful that we can feature them through this show,” Carla shares.

One such area is the

Malagos Farm, which produces one of the world’s best chocolates.

Just recently, the Malagos unsweetened chocolate took home its fifth silver award for the plain hot chocolate category at the coveted Academy of Chocolate Awards 2017.

Tom hopes that the series will further inspire Filipinos to appreciate better the rest of the country. “It will allow not only those from Davao but the whole Visayas and Mindanao to take pride and ownership in this project,” he says.

“We highlight the things that are great in Davao,” adds Ben, who only has good things to say about Dabawenyos.

“The people in Davao are very warm,” says the Kapuso actor who has never been to the region before doing the series. “Sobrang bait po nila sa amin sa set. Natutuwa kami na they accepted us warmly,” he adds.

Joining Carla, Tom, and Ben are Betong Sumaya, Maey Bautista, Ricardo Cepeda, Glenda Garcia, Racquel Villavicencio, Joel Saracho, Geraldine Villamil, Natileigh Sitoy, Kevin Sagra, Philip Lazaro, and Catherine Rem as Aileen—Hope’s heart donor.

I Heart Davao is also proud to feature the talented members of Davao theatre group Cine Madayaw, providing more authenticity to the series’ characters.

This latest Kapuso offering is created by GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs Neil Gumban.

I Heart Davao is penned by award-winning film screenwriter and director Chris Martinez, with Lee BrionesMeily as director of photography.

At the helm of this series is highly-acclaimed director Marlon N. Rivera, who is also known for GMA Public Affairs’ political rom-com series Naku, Boss Ko and the award-winning film Babae sa Septic Tank.

Prepare to fall in love with I Heart Davao, starting June 26 on GMA Telebabad.

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 56 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

NEWS 11

The City Government of Davao, in cooperation with the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, led the commemoration of the 156th birth anniversary of our National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal , at the Rizal Park, Monday morning. CIO

NAPOLCOM opens door for professionals into police service

T

HE National Police Commission has authorized the recruitment of professionals with highly technical qualifications for lateral entry into the police service.

NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Rogelio Casurao said the Commission en banc approved Resolution No. 2‎ 017-229 dated May 31, 2017 granting the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) the authority to fill up 545 vacancies for the ranks of Police Senior Inspector and Police Inspector under the PNP CY 2017 Lateral Entry Program.

“The PNP Lateral Entry Program is aimed at strengthening the corps of Technical Service Officers in the police service,” Casurao said in a statement on Tuesday.

Out of the 545 vacancies in the various technical services of the PNP, 182 are for Police Senior Inspector (equivalent to Captain in the military) and 363 are for Police Inspector (equivalent to Lieutenant).

The quota distribution for Police Senior Inspector is broken down as 100 lawyers, 48 medical doctors and 34 priests, imams or pastors. (PTR/PNA)

Mayor Sara urges Dabawenyos to emulate Rizal’s patriotism

M

AYOR Inday Sara Duterte urged Dabawenyos to always live the Rizal spirit of nationalism and patriotism, saying this will greatly help in the efforts towards peace and stability amid the rise of terrorism.

“As we confront this turbulence of terrorism, I encourage every Dabawenyo to awaken in you the Rizalian spirit in this present crusade for peace, freedom, and security in Min-

danao,” Mayor Inday said in a speech read on her behalf by city administrator Dwight Domingo, during the celebration of the Jose Rizal’s 156th birthday.

Rizal, the country’s national hero, was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna.

Rizal’s birthday here was commemorated through a short program attended by city officials, during which, members of the Davao City

Police Office staged a Volley of Fire and Taps ceremony. The Diplomatic Corps, sponsoring organizations and workers of national agencies also made a flower offering.

Mayor Inday said Rizal’s words , life, and death provided the impetus of the revolution that ultimately led to the nation’s freedom.

She said it is beyond a combative literature and beyond combative skills that the

contemporary hero is molded but it is through the fervent desire to defend the country and its independence from all sorts of threats.

Mayor Inday said courage and conviction stand through time.

“May you be reminded that volunteerism , single parenthood, and other underrated acts of heroism are just as noteworthy as the greater ones,” she said. CIO

12

EDGEDAVAO

18th City Council 4th Regular Session Series of 2017

d)

PRESENT:

e)

Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Bernard E. Al-ag - Temporary Presiding Officer Maria Belen S. Acosta Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Al Ryan S. Alejandre Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Pilar C. Braga Jimmy G. Dureza Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Leah A. Librado-Yap Rene Elias C. Lopez Diosdado Angelo A. Mahipus Sr. Bonifacio E. Militar J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Marissa P. Salvador-Abella Halila Y. Sudagar Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Ma. Cherry Ann M. Bonguyan Danilo C. Dayanghirang April Marie C. Dayap Avegayle Dalodo Ortiz

ABSENT: Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Paolo Z. Duterte - On Vacation Leave Nilo M. Abellera Jr. - On Domestic Emergency Leave Joanne M. Bonguyan-Quilos - On Domestic Emergency Leave January N. Duterte - On Domestic Emergency Leave Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes - On Domestic Emergency Leave Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte - On Domestic Emergency Leave

ORDINANCE NO. 0152 -17 Series of 2017 AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING ALL TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES, DAVAO LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY (DLPC) AND ALL OTHER PERSONS TO COMPLY WITH THE UNDERGROUND CABLING PLAN OF THE CITY OF DAVAO Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING ALL TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES, DAVAO LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY (DLPC) AND ALL OTHER PERSONS TO COMPLY WITH THE UNDERGROUND CABLING PLAN OF THE CITY OF DAVAO”; SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS – As used in this Ordinance, the following terms are defined as follows: a) Wires – refer to electrical and telecommunication wires; b) Cables – an insulated conductor or group of conductors protected by a waterproof coat that are installed aerial or underground; c) Installation – an assemblage of power/telecommunication

f)

g)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

equipment in a given location, designed for coordinated operation, properly erected and wired; Juridical Person – refers to corporations, institutions and entities engaged in businesses mentioned in the Ordinance; Telecommunications – any process which enables a telecommunications entity to relay and receive voice, data, electronic messages, written or printed matter, fixed or moving pictures, words, music or visible or audible signals or any control signals of any design and for any purpose by wire, radio or other electromagnetic, spectral, optical or technological means (Reference R.A. 7925); Public Telecommunications Carrier (PTC) – shall refer to a duly enfranchised and NTC certificated telecommunications carrier and/or entity duly authorized by law including the government to provide public telecommunications services (Reference: NTC MCNo.9-7-93); Service Entrance – the conductors and equipment for delivering electric energy from serving utility to the wiring system of the premises served (Reference: 2009 Philippine Electrical Code, part 1, Volume 1);

SECTION 3. COVERAGE AND IMPLEMENTATION PHASE – The coverage of this Ordinance shall be extended to the following areas with the corresponding implementation phases: Phase Phase 1

Period Covered 2017

Phase II

2018

Phase III

2019

Phase IV

2020

Location C.M. Recto Street Start: Junction of San Pedro St. End: Junction of R. Magsaysay Avenue San Pedro Street Start: cor. C.M. Recto St. End: E. Quirino Avenue R. Magsaysay Avenue Start: C.M. Recto Street End: Magsaysay Park C. Bangoy, Bonifacio, Pelayo Start: Roxas Rotunda End: San Pedro Street E. Quirino Street Start: San Pedro Street End: BSP - Quirino

Estimated Length of Coverage 1100 meters, more or less

1400 meters, more or less 1400 meters, more or less 1400 meters, more or less 1100 meters, more or less

SECTION 4. PURPOSE – This Ordinance is enacted for the following purposes: a) To bolster the image of the City of Davao as internationally competitive, capable of attracting investments while ensuring sustainable development in its midst; b) To provide the populace of the City of Davao with a clear model of a sustainable and aesthetic response to the rising demands of progress and their impact to the environment; c) To enhance safety and security for the offices and establishments within the Central Business District including other known landmarks in the City of Davao; SECTION 5. COMPULSORY UNDERGROUND PASSAGE – All electric utility companies and public telecommunication carriers servicing the City of Davao, including, but not limited to, other persons constructing, maintaining, installing aerial wires and cables shall place underground all electrical and telecommunication wires and cables within the area covered by this Ordinance;

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

13

EDGEDAVAO

All building owners within the covered area shall provide service entrances compatible for underground electrical and telecommunication wires and cables; SECTION 6. PENALTY PROVISIONS – The following penalties shall be imposed on any or all violators of this Ordinance: a) After three (3) notices, any person or entity who violates this Ordinance, by maintaining, constructing or installing aerial antennas and towers not placed with underground wires and cables shall be fined the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00); b) After the fourth and final notice, cancellation of his/her business permit; c) If the violation is committed by partnership, corporation, association, firm or other juridical entity, including governmentowned or controlled corporation, the penalty shall be imposed on the president, general manager and each of the officers of these entities. In addition, the penalty shall also include the cancellation of its business license;

10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17)

Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) PLDT/SMART Globe DCTECH Skycable Bayantel Bureau of Fire and Protection Fire Hydration Private Sector Representative

SECTION 11. CLEAN-UP OF EVERY PHASE AND RESTORATION – Within ninety (90) days after the full implementation of this Ordinance, all aerial wires, cables and poles shall be removed by the respective electric utility company and public telecommunication carrier; The streets/sidewalks that were destroyed as a result of the laying down of cables and wires shall be properly restored at the expense of Telecommunication Companies and Davao Light and Power Company; SECTION 12. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC – Upon the approval of this Ordinance, copies thereof shall be posted by the Secretary to the City Council at all the entrance of City Hall and the Sangguniang Panlungsod building and are given to all electric companies and public telecommunications carriers and all establishments within the area covered;

SECTION 7. COSTS – The cost for placing the underground electrical and telecommunication wires and cables including the restoration of the excavated streets/sidewalks shall be jointly shared among the electric SECTION 13. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect utility companies and public telecommunication carriers as determined in upon approval and after publication of the full text of the Ordinance in a the integrated design/ plan formulated by the Wires and Cables Technical newspaper of general circulation in accordance with the existing laws and Team; regulations therewith;

SECTION 8. WIRES AND CABLES TECHNICAL TEAM – To ensure that ENACTED, January 31, 2017, by a unanimous vote of all the the objectives of the Ordinance is attained, there shall be created a Wires Members of the Sanggunian present. and Cables Technical Team through an Executive Order of the City Mayor; SECTION 9. FUNCTIONS – The Wires and Cables Technical Team shall have the following functions: a) Implement the integrated design/ plan within 30 days upon its creation; b) Establish coordinative and working relationship among members of the team; c) supervised and monitor the full implementation of the Ordinance; d) Recommend additional provisions or actions that will promote and strengthen the objectives of the Ordinance; e) Prepare and design a blueprint of this Underground Cabling for approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod; SECTION 10. COMPOSITION – The team shall be composed of the following, to wit: a) Chair – City Mayor to be represented by the City Administrator b) Vice-Chair- City Engineer’s Office c) Members: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9)

Chair of the SP Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Chair of the SP Committee on Transportation and Communication City Engineer and/or the City Building Official Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Davao City Water District (DCWD) City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC)-Traffic Light System City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO)

14 NEWS Smart... FROM 7

choice. These include a free remittance transaction of up to JPY100,000 once a month, non-stop calls to the Philippines, or a premium subscription to The Filipino

Channel.

Apart from Japan, Smart World will support a series of events in other countries, where overseas Filipinos are most present, to cele-

bers of ASEAN and all of this are potential customers, potential buyers, it’s a very huge market and its important for us local chief executives to identify opportunities for our constituents.” Del Rosario said.

The ASEAN Forum was also attended by Eastern Mindanao Command chief, Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero who spoke and provided updates in the continuing implementation of martial law in Mindanao. (PIA/RG Alama)

their programs,” she said, adding that it has helped build the group’s confidence to pour more funding to the province for yet another meaningful project touted to have a huge impact in the society.

Governor Dayanghirang expressed his gratitude to the Filipino-Chinese businessmen headed by its President Eduardo Bangayan for their support in the province’s thrust to fight the drug menace.

“It is our duty to uplift the welfare of the people that is why we prioritize the rehabilitation of the drug users through the construction of this residential treatment and rehabilitation facility which is a historic first in the province. It’s the answer to the great challenge posed by the illegal drug problem,” said Gov. Dayanghirang, stressing that with the huge number of drug reformists who have surrendered, the province has every reason to put up a rehabilitation center.

Aside from strengthening partnership with all stakeholders and the Provincial Government’s intensified efforts in the information campaign against illegal drugs, the Governor is sending a strong message to all stakeholders to mobilize all resources to help solve the most serious problem on illegal drugs. “I call on the police, barangay chairs and all those occupying seats of power in this campaign. Let us double our efforts. We shall not stop until the last drug lord, the last financer, the last pusher has surrendered and put behind bars.

Let us do our job and I assure you my unwavering support in the fight against the illegal drugs trade,” he stressed.

Aside from supporting the thrust of President Rodrigo Duterte of fighting the drug menace, the drug rehabilitation facility is touted to have the potential to drastically curb drug addiction and break the crime cycle in the province.

As the Provincial Government is yet to plan for the operation of the facility, the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council identifies the facility’s highlight services which include medical, psycho-social, educational and economic programs to drug reformists, among many others. Tucked away from the city’s center and with a spacious area for future expansion, the facility’s tranquil location makes it conducive for treatment. The presence of the 701st Brigade military camp nearby makes the facility more secure from threats. pr/ Karen Lou Deloso/Eden Jhan Licayan

4 info... FROM 6

DavOr’s First Drug Rehab Center To Rise A new initiative to help treat drug reformists and to cut the cycle of drug addiction has started to materialize here as the Provincial Government and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) breaks ground on the province’s first Drug Rehabilitation Center.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang led the facility’s historic groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, June 9 at the Provincial Government Compound in Sitio Magay, Barangay Don Martin Marundan in the City of Mati.

Based on the initial plan, the facility which is set to be completed within 40 days consists of two one-story buildings, separating male residents from the females.

One of the buildings is being donated by the FFCCCII while the other is being funded by the Provincial Government. Upon completion of the first two buildings, a separate administration building is also set to be constructed to house the offices of the staff.

Provincial Consultant Cynthia Rodriguez, who represented the Filipino-Chinese group of businessmen, said she believes that the anti-drug efforts of the province will become a success because of its proactive role in forging partnerships with other institutions that have programs and resources that can contribute to achieve its goals in eradicating the drug menace here. “Hopefully this facility will significantly help the drug reformists redirect their lives,” said Rodriguez who also happens to be the Provincial Government’s bridge to the Filipino-Chinese group, making it possible for the province to tap the group’s financial support.

Davao Oriental is not new in terms of availing donations from the Filipino-Chinese group as it has previously donated fifteen school buildings across the province. “They were happy with the Provincial Government’s implementation of

EDGEDAVAO brate Philippine Independence Day. The Philippine government estimates over 10 million overseas Filipinos are working in over 100 countries.

Comval holds “GK Bayani Challenge” national build 2017 The local governments of Compostela Valley and the municipality of Monkayo in collaboration with the Gawad Kalinga (GK) led the National Bayani Challenge from June 7-11, 2017 in Pasian, Monkayo.

The ground breaking ceremony of the “New Berjaya GK Village” for the 5-day bayani-challenge was officially opened on June 7.

Dubbed “Ipakita ang iyong Tatak Bayani para sa Diyos at sa Bayan,” a total of 14 houses (7 duplex-type) will be built through the GK way for the family-beneficiaries who were affected in the road widening project in the area.

Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy expressed his gratitude and challenged the volunteers from the different sectors of the society to unite in bringing peace, love and unity in helping the poor families to end poverty.

“The spirit of volunteerism is one of the strengths of every Comvalenyo. Thank you to all the volunteers especially our youths for sharing your time and energy to build not just a house but a home for our future beneficiaries,” said Gov. Uy. Monkayo Mayor Ramil Gentugaya and the rest of the local officials also extended their gratitude especially to the provincial government and the GK for giving the opportunity to build houses especially for those families in need. In all, about 135 families were displaced in the Daang Maharlika road widening project of DPWH in Barangay Pasian. With this, another round of house build through GK way will be set to help the affected families.

Meanwhile, Rene Rieta, GK Mindanao Coordinator who graced the event

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

PLDT Global and Smart World will also celebrate the overseas Filipinos and their special brand of love that conquers distance, in a digital visualization of Fili-

pinos all over the world. At PagmamahalangPinoy.com, overseas Filipinos can tell the world how they make their love felt by their family back home, from wherev-

er they may be in the world.

Click on www.pagmamahalangpinoy.com and be part of this global celebration of love and connection this Independence Day.

thanked the LGUs for its continued commitment as “partners in nation-building.” Recently, Comval LGU through the Uswag-GK team and the governor, himself, joined the national GK build in General Luna, Surigao Del Norte last April 17-22, 2017.

Also gracing the event were Board Members Arturo T. Uy, Joanna Gentugaya, Macario Humol, barangay Officials, Provincial Government (PG) heads and Assistant PG heads led by Provincial Administrator Virgilia S. Allones, youth volunteers,

students, Philippine Army and the Phil. National Police.

The Uswag-Gawad Kalinga, which started in 2007, is the provincial government’s strategy to provide decent homes as a poverty alleviation initiative. (Rey Antibo, IDS Comval)

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

PHENOM. UCLA’s Lonzo Ball could he headed for a dream stint with the Lakers.

UCLA star’s chances for Lakerrs draft strong B

Y now the entire basketball world knows Lonzo Ball is a singular talent with a unique parent.

T h e UCLA product with preternatural court vi-

sion is among the most intriguing prospects in the NBA draft this week. In perhaps the greatest testament to his abilities, his father LaVar Ball’s bombast and $495 shoes and racially insensitive comments don’t appear to be scaring off the Los Angeles Lakers or any other team that believes Lonzo

“Well, it has nothing to do with personal, this is the fight game. The thing is, people get

E

NTRANCE to the Pacquiao residence in Gensan is like a camel entering the eye of a needle. Security is so tight the doorkeeper in civvies will wave you away even if you properly introduce yourself.

As most security precautions make one think in a box, you just have to adhere to the rules. After all, you are entering the domain of an 8-division world champion, a senator of the republic and a future Philippine president.

I didn’t wait that long though. My name was included in a media list invited to cover an occasion in which the good senator was to hand over financial assistance to the family and heirs of a slain soldier who died in the Marawi siege.

could be the next great point guard.

Because of his headline-magnet father, Ball’s celebrity has already outpaced his talents before he plays his first professional game. Yet ever since his days leading the Big Ballers AAU team set up by his dad, Lonzo has shown nothing but maturity and calm in the face of LaVar’s audacious approaches to hoops, parenting and the business of sports. ‘’I think it definitely doesn’t help,’’ Ball said of his father’s notoriety. ‘’Definitely makes it a little bit harder. But any good player is going to have attention on him at all times, and I’m pretty used to it by now.’’

Ball’s mental steadiness is another big reason he’s almost certain to be a top-three pick on Thursday. Ever since the Lakers got the No. 2 choice in the lottery last month, most draft observers have believed Ball will wear a gold jersey in the fall, completing a

serendipitous match of player and team.

That’s been the dream scenario for the entire Ball family ever since Lonzo showed the first inklings of world-class talent. He was raised in Chino Hills, a suburb about 35 miles east of Staples Center, and LaVar Ball is an ardent fan of the Lakers - and specifically Magic Johnson, the Hall of Fame point guard now running their basketball operations.

After Ball worked out for the Lakers last week, he didn’t mince words about his hopes to make it permanent: ‘’Of course. I want to stay home.’’

Los Angeles and its sprawling suburbs have produced an incredible portion of the NBA’s top talent of recent years. All three MVP finalists this season - Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard - are from the area, as are Paul George, Klay Thompson, Tyson Chandler, DeMar DeRozan and many others.

To-ranked Mindanao netter in 3-leg HK tourney

HUNGRY... FROM 16

Asked if there is anything on the 38-year old fighting senator that he doesn’t do as well now due to his age, Roach thinks it’s the killer instinct.

“I would love to see him get his killer instinct back and go for the knockout. I know we haven’t done that in a long time and the bible has a lot to do with that, and it’s very tough to argue with the bible.

The thing is, people like knockouts in boxing and Manny has lost a lot of his crowd because he hasn’t knocked anyone out in such a long time. I think he needs to get back to that, and I would love to see him do that, and this is the perfect fight to do it in,” he said.

Is the lack of killer instinct got to do with personal beliefs than Pacquiao aging?

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

knocked out and they get hurt, this is the game we chose from the beginning. I wish he would just go back to his old self, because he was a really hot product when he was knocking people out. I know he can do it again if I press the right button and get him to fire up,” Roach said.

Against Horn, Roach predicts Pacquiao to win by KO without a tinge of doubt.

On a possible fight with Keith Thurman, Roach said: “Yeah no problem, I would love that fight. I saw his last fight and he kind of didn’t want to exchange at the end of the fight, he tried to outbox the guy and it made it into a boring fight. The first half of the fight was kind of exciting, but the winner or loser of that fight, we welcome both of them.”

On the news that Canelo Alvarez will be fighting Gennady Golovkin on September 16th, Rpach had this to say: “I

think it’s a great fight, I think it’s a very good fight. It’s about time that it happens. When the best fight the best, there’s no better sport than boxing.

These are two guys that are really good fighters, but ‘GGG’ didn’t look that great in his last fight and Canelo looked great in his last fight. Can we go by that? I’m not sure, but the thing is, it’s a very interesting fight and I can’t wait to watch that myself.”

On the Mayweather vs. McGregor fight, Roach said: “Not really. Depending on what rules we go by, if we go by boxing rules the boxer wins, if we go by UFC rules, the UFC fighter wins. It depends what rules you go by.

These sports to me don’t mix that well, but McGregor does sell for his side and Mayweather sells for his side, so it could be a big fight, but I don’t think there would be any action. I wouldn’t buy it, but that’s me.”

P

HILIPPINE Davis Cupper Francis Casey Alcantara begins his campaign in Hong Kong on Monday in the first round of the USD 15,000 ITF Men’s Futures 1 at the Victoria Tennis Center outdoor hard court.

The Cagayan de Oro Citybased Alcantara will be playing with Indian Karunaday Singh in the doubles division where they are the No. 2 seeds.

Alcantara and Singh will be up against Filipino Dave Sebastian Mosqueda and Hong Kong’s Alester Magalit.

The 25-year-old Alcantara has improved his world’s

doubles rankings to 487 after sweeping the three-leg Singapore Futures last week with Dutch partner Sem Verbeek.

Meanwhile, top seeds Katsuki Nagao and Hiromasa Oki of Japan will meet wild cards Wing-Lun Lam and Ching Yeung Michael Tam of Hong Kong.

Third seeds Yecong He of China and Pak Long Yeung of Hong Kong will square off with wild cards Pak Hong Issac Chan and Ching Ho Sunny Yue of Hong Kong, while fourth seeds Arata Onozawa and Jumpei Yamasaki of Japan will clash with Anthony Jackie Tang and Chun

Hun Wong of Hong Kong.

Other matches will pit Hong Kong’s Denton Ho and Chimg Lam against compatriots Anthony Jackie Tang and Chun Hun Wong; Hong Kong’s Hei Yin Andrew Li and Hong Kit Wong against Americans Mousheg Hovhannisyan and Evan Song; Hong Kong wild cards Ryan jiu Mguy and Zheng Qi Jonathan Zhang against compatriots Ki Lung Ng and Ming Chun Alan Sou; and Japan’s Yutaro Matsuzaki and Masato Shiga against Hong Kong’s Skyler Butts and French Arthur Weber. (Jean T. Malanum/PNA)

HE Philippine Olympic Committe (POC) will join on Saturday (June 24) the worldwide celebration of Olympic Day. POC senior official Robert Mananquil on Monday said, the strong-56 regular and associate members of the sports body would

T

hold several games to highlight the international event.

The games include vortex javelin relay,obstacle course, tug-of-war,3k team relay and 4x 100 meter relay.

Since the Philippines joined the Olympics in 1924, it kept the Olympic ideals

aflame in pursuit of human excellence in mind and body.

Organized by International Olympic Committee (IOC), Olympic Day is not all about sports but about sustaining friendship among individuals and nations towards achieving peace. (Primo P.Agatep/PNA)

The name of Terence Crawford inevitably came up.

“Hindi lang naman siya ang gustong lumaban sa akin,” Manny replied, as he looked around him. “Andyan si Thurman, tsaka yung negro na nakulong, sino ng aba yun? Maraming pwedeng pagpilian.”

A return grudge fight with Mayweather was out of the question. But he picked Floyd to win over mix martial arts champ McGregor.

“Pure boxing naman ang rules, hindi naman mix martial arts. So, if that is the case, paano manalo si McGregor.”

Pacquiao didn’t say if a KO will happen, though.

The Pacman did not answer as to who exactly will be his last and final opponent.

Actually, he could promote

his last fight himself but he is leaving it all to Arum. What remains constant is his wish to stage his final battle before his countrymen.

“Sila na ang bahala pumili muna. Tingnan natin what’s the best. Hindi naman ako masyadong concerned sa pay-per-view. Bahala na ang promoter dyan.”

Three weeks leading to the Horn encounter, it is easy to see how fit the Pacman can easily adapt himself to be. He has had no weight problems as some other un-disciplined boxers get themselves in. His training regimen is religiously followed, including his diet and nutrition.

His regular basketball games make it easier for him to check his weight and his fitness to run around the

oval without feeling tired and fatigued. He has educated himself by developing endurance even when there is no fight scheduled for him. It comes naturally.

In his senate job, the Pacman says Mindanaoans can readily understand why martial law had to be declared all over the island after the Marawi crisis erupted.

“We need peace as much as we need rain and food.

Kelangan natin ng katahimikan dito sa Mindanao. Ang buhay dito hindi pa masyado maintindihan ng maraming kababayan natin. We need to support our President.”

I’m beginning to appreciate his vision as a future national leader. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.). GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

PH joins worldwide Olympic Day celebration

Conversation with the Pacman

Just coming off his regular training for the day, Manny was in high spirits as he also hosted Agriculture Secretary and namesake Manny Pinol for the night. The latter was actually instrumental in requesting the good senator for the financial package to the soldier’s family who is a native, I learned, of Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.

After a quick dinner, Pacquiao, in a colored ‘pambahay’ t-shirt and shorts, agreed to a Q & A. I made the quick assumption that the Jeff Horn bout on July 2 in Australia is already academic. Not a walk in the park but just the same no one would bet even his bottom peso on an unknown fighter, even if undefeated. So, I asked questions that seemed

SPORTS KEN

By RED C. LUMBA

speculative to him but were nonetheless very relevant.

“This is my last fight in my contract with Arum,” he started. Pacquiao said he trusts the old man so much he would still have Arum arrange and promote his last and final boxing assignment.

“Gusto ko sana dito sa Pilipinas gawin ang last fight ko… para mapanood naman ng mga kababayan natin dito.”

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

HUNGRY FOR KO KO drought cost Pacquiao lots of fans: Roach

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

M

njb@edgedavao.net

ANNY Pacquiao’s Hall of Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach knows his ward so well that he knows for sure this is nt the same Manny that was chased and adored by legions of fans across the world.

For Roach, Manny has lost that flavor with the fans.

Simply because he has ran out of knockouts.

His

KILLER INSTINCT. Manny Pacquiao punishes Jessie Vargas. Fans are looking forward to see his killer instinct back.

last one coming way, way back the Miguel Cotto fight.

Roach has a very important fight coming up for his most famous fighter against self-styled undefeated Aussie fighter Jeff Horn. The fight on July 2 in Brisbane will be telecast o n ESPN.

The Filipino boxing icon has fought on PPV for the last ten years, but this move may help his future PPV’s if he is able to look impressive against Horn and thrill the boxing fans that might have tuned out in recent years.

Roach was recently interviewed by boxing show “On The Ropes” by Jenna J, who discussed with him the future options for Pacquiao and if a fight with Keith Thurman is something they might con-

sider. Roach likewise shared his thoughts o n

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor and gives a breakdown of Saul Alvarez’ long awaited fight against Gennady Golovkin.

But essentially, Roach talks about his most popular ward and gives his prediction for the Pacquiao vs. Horn fight.

Roach said he is wary that Pacquiao has lost some of his killer instinct and with that, he lost the admiration of many.

F HUNGRY, 15