Edge Davao 10 Issue 58, June 22, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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UNWANTED Upcoming ordinance to punish those who leave unmarked bags

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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HE Davao City Council will pass a resolution punishing the act of leaving unmarked packages in Davao City.

On Wednesday, Councilor Nilo Abellera, Jr., committee chair of peace and public safety enumerated the punishments when one would leave a package without identification in a certain place in the city.

According to him, for the first offense, one will pay the corresponding amount of P1,000 pesos, P3,000 for the second offense and for the third and succeeding offenses, P5,000 or one month imprisonment or both, depending on the discretion of the court.

Further, he said that this ordinance will add up to the security measure of the city, considering the advent of terrorist threats all over Mindanao “Ang pirmeng tumong sa city is ang seguridad sa area of responsibility which is Davao City.

Ginabuhat nato ni siya [nga ordinance] because this will cause panic.”

Earlier last week, Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte said in an interview that all packages and boxes, upon entering the terminals and other places, should have name, address and other details of the owner.

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

TO EACH HIS OWN GIMMICK. A physically impaired sidewalk vendor shows off his spinner ring skills to entice passersby to purchase the fidget spinners he is selling at Rizal Park in Davao City on Wednesday. Fidget spinner became popular toy among kids and teenagers but a recent report surfaced that its main purpose is to assist ADHD patients and mentally disturbed people fight mild anxiety. Lean Daval Jr.

Competition Act roadshow goes to Davao EDGEDAVAO Sports

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HE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has chosen Davao City to be the first venue - outside Metro Manila - of the National Roadshows on the Philippine Competition Act. “Davao City is our first stop outside Metro Manila,” PCC Chairman Arsenio Balisacan

said, during the opening of the two-day National Competition Roadshow at SEDA Hotel yesterday. The next round will be in Cebu next week.

In a message delivered by lawyer Janis Louis Esparcia, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte thanked the PCC for partnering with the city government in im-

plementing an advocacy for the promotion of inclusive economic growth through fair market competition.

“This roadshow is an indication that we place a significant weight on the welfare of our consumers,” she said. “This is an indication that as we reach greater heights of success, we also

elevate others with us,” Mayor Inday added.

She also thanked the PCC for establishing the notion that “playing aggressive is unrivaled with playing fair in the world.”

The mayor asked the participants to make the most of the roadshow to be informed

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APO BOYS

Davao pro Lascuna opens ICTSI Forest Hills in third, Salvador fourth

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

GETTING IT FIRST HAND. President Rodrigo Duterte chats with the wounded soldiers while inside an ambulance following his visit to over 90 injured combatants confined at Camp Edilberto Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday evening. RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Zamboanga City to build P33-M evacuation center

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HE city government will construct a P33.5 million evacuation center to shelter residents who will be displaced in case of natural and man-made calamity.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar on Wednesday said the evacuation center will be constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways in Barangay Cabatangan this city.

“Cabatangan is situated in a very high area which gives us an advantage point,” Salazar said citing it is strategically located.

Salazar said she was informed through a letter by DPWH Regional Director

Jorge Sebastian that the project will start soon with the downloaded Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and Program of Work (POW).

Salazar said the evacuation center is expected to be completed in 180 calendar days.

Salazar said that two other evacuation centers will also be constructed in barangays Tulungatung and Arena Blanco.

She said the Tulungatung evacuation center will accommodate land-based evacuees while that in Arena Blanco will be for sea-based, specifically the Badjaos.

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Be wary of solicitations for for Marawi victims — AFP

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HE Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday warned the public to be on the lookout for unscrupulous individuals or groups who are soliciting donations supposedly for the benefit of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and families of security forces killed-in-action during the rebellion in Marawi City.

At the Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. noted that “there has been an observable increase in scammers trying to raise money for our soldiers by

way of benefit dinners, lunches or whatever.”

“Please do not believe them until you have verified because there’s only one legitimate account that receives donations for soldiers and (another) for the affected civilians of Marawi,” he said.

“So just as a warning to the public, we would like to ask everybody to be on the lookout for these scammers and let your telcos know of the numbers they’re using so that they can be blocked and cannot go on with their nefarious activi-

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Reservists seek approval of land area use within UP Min

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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ITH the approval of the restoration of the mandatory Reserved Officers Training Course in Grades 11 and 12 by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the 11th Regional Committee Defense Group reiterated its request for the approval of its request to use part of the the land area within the University of the Philippines Mindanao, Mintal as training venue for incoming cadet officers.

“Noong naging pagmamay-ari na ng UP ang area after Presidential Proclamation in 1997, naging status quo na yung pag stay namin sa area.

With the proposed proclamation of President Duterte that the ROTC will be compulsory, meron kaming apprehension

kung wala na yun na area for training cadets, by 2018, wala nang area for training purposes,” said Lt. Col. Noli Kanashiro, Operations Officer of the 11th RCDG. According to him, they requested for the usage of 20 hectare portion of the 204-hectare land in UP Min through the Barangay Council of Mintal.

“Sumulat kami sa city council through the Barangay Mintal, pinapaboran naman nila for barangay resolution na ganun ang 20 hectares for military reservation, hopefully the city council will look into that, para sa ROTC cadets,” he said on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Kanashiro added that this area will be essen-

tial because there is no other area for within the city, aside from the Eastern Mindanao Command in Panacan, especially that in 2018, they are expecting an influx of ROTC cadets from 600 different high schools in Davao and that the number of reservists is growing.

“Aside from the Eastmincon in Panacan, wala nang ibang area for reservists sa Davao city. Pumupunta pa kami sa Mawab, napakalayo, almost 100km from here, it’s really not accessible.”

As to the issue of militarization in the campus protested by UP Mindanao Student Leaders, Kanashiro said that they are simply going to use the land as training

grounds for the reserve officers and cadets.

“Sana maintindihan nila yung request namin ngayon, dahil sa influx ng ROTC cadets, para maging developed din ang army into a premier training institution dito sa Davao Region. That will be a training institution. We are developing army officers, reservists, hindi naman combat kami combat units. We are mostly dedicated to train our citizens into being disciplined. Just like UP, training professionals, we are training professional army officers and cadets to be disciplined.”

Currently, the item was referred to the committee on city-owned real properties under Councilor Bonifacio Militar.

kit in Pigcawayan where they attacked an outpost of the 34th Infantry Battalion.

The attackers, according to the 34IB, were led by a certain Commander Aguila of the BIFF. The exchange of fires led a number of families in Barangay Malagakit to flee, according to Mamon.

The 34IB, along with staff from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management of the Pigcawayan LGU,

reportedly led the rescue of these families and brought them to the town’s poblacion, particularly at the multi-purpose building, as their temporary shelter.

Others are housed at Barangay South Manuangan, also in Pigcawayan, and at Barangay Panatan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

None was believed wounded or killed on the government side, Mamon said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 12 said that the armed clashes caused the disruption of classes in Pigcawayan and neighboring Midsayap town.

In a text message, DepEd 12 spokesperson Antonio Maganto said classes were suspended in two elementary schools in Barangay Rapacon and Malingao in Midsayap, North Cotabato. These villages are adjacent

BIFF attacks Cotabato village; suspension of classes ordered

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USPECTED Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked an Army outpost in a village in the municipality of Pigcawayan, North Cotabato early morning Wednesday, police said.

Chief Insp. Realan Mamon, municipal police station chief, said the armed group traveled from the marsh in nearby Kabuntalan and Northern Kabuntalan towns in Maguindanao and went to Barangay Malaga-

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NEWS 3

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Police personnel face penalties for leaking S ANCTIONS will be meted out against police personnel who allegedly leaked an internal memorandum claiming that ISIS, Maute Group and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters terrorists and their allies are planning to conduct attacks in key cities in Metro Manila this coming June 30.

In the same memorandum, which also circulated in the social media, these same groups will also allegedly hijack petroleum and LPG delivery trucks and convert them into bombs for use in their sui-

cide attacks.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said the information contained in the memorandum was still raw and unverified and still subject for verification.

The same memorandum originated from the PNP Aviation Security Group last June 18.

Sanctions will be meted against police personnel found to have leaked this memorandum as the information is intended for the internal use of the PNP, he added. (PFN/PNA)

BI tightens passenger-screening to thwart entry of foreign jihadists

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HE Bureau of Immigration on Wednesday ordered its officers officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and other ports of entry in the country to tighten screening of arriving foreign passengers, particularly from countries where jihadists came from.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente directed Marc Red Mariñas, the bureau’s port operations division chief, to subject all foreigner nationals to a stringent inspection, following reports that some of the terrorists fighting government troops in Marawi City are foreign nationals.

“Those who have questionable documents or doubtful purposes in coming to the country should be excluded and booked on the first available flight to their port of origin,” he said in a statement.

Morente noted that it was difficult to assess and establish if an arriving foreign visitor was a suspected terrorist, especially if the latter was completely documented and able to satisfactorily answer questions propounded to him by the immigration officer.

“That is why we have in our database the names of thousands of suspected international terrorists that were given to us by the different law enforcement and intelligence agencies here and abroad,” he said.

The BI chief explained that a foreign passenger whose name and description matches the person appearing in our derogatory list is immediately turned back and barred from entering the country.

On the other hand, Mariñas noted that aside from alerting BI personnel in all the international airports, he also issued a similar directive to immigration officers assigned to the southern seaports and border crossing stations in the South.

“They were instructed to coordinate with the military and police authorities in their areas in conducting border screening formalities for foreigners arriving in their respective ports,” he said.

Mariñas believed that most of the foreign jihadists now involve in the Marawi siege entered the country via the backdoor and did not pass

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DRUMMING UP. Selrahco management president Charles Lim (right), together with Davao City Sports Development Office head Mikee Aportadera, promotes the upcoming sports tourism forum slated at Grand Men Seng

Hotel on June 25 during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. The forum aimed to unveil Davao City as a sports tourism destination. Lean Daval Jr.

Significant decline of crime in Davao City volume noted T

HE Davao City Police Office has reported a sharp decline in the city’s crime volume since the declaration of martial law in Mindanao last May 23.

DCPO spokesperson Sr. Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan revealed a 10. 48 percent decrease in total crimes from June 5 to 11. She noted a 20.69 percent decrease in index crimes (crimes against persons and properties) while non-index crimes went down by 6.58 percent.

Based on the report of the DCPO, the total index crimes totaled to 28 from May 22 – 28. This covers crimes against

persons with 12 cases and crimes against property with 16 cases.

During the period, Gaspan said there were four rape cases reported. However, she said the rape incidents did not happen during the martial law period. “These rape incidents happened in the past but only reported now,” Gaspan stressed.

Gaspan also bared that from June 1 to 11, total crimes reached 52 which covers 23 cases of crimes against persons and 29 crimes against property. During this period, DCPO also recorded 18 theft cases.

Also, Gaspan said the theft incidents reported during both periods, May 22 to 28 and June 1 to 11, happened inside malls.

Even under martial law where police and security forces are more focused on deterring terrorists, Gaspan said DCPO continues to implement Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded.

She said all police units were able to arrest 280 persons involved in illegal drugs and the surrender of 452 individuals. There were eight persons neutralized during operations.

Since last year, the relentless campaign of the police against criminals and persons

PH-Thai union for better treatment of stroke patients

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IN THE INTERIM. Mothers are engaged in a conversation while waiting for their turn during the weekly free infant check up and immunization at a barangay health clinic in Garcia Heights, Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

involved in illegal drugs helped bring down crime volume in the city.

DCPO noted that the implementation of the war against drugs resulted in lesser criminality and relatively stable peace and order in the city.

The Double Barrel Reloaded is a two-pronged national anti-drug campaign under Project Double Barrel” which is expected to further boost the overall “anti-crime effort, citing the correlation of drug use to other forms of index crime involving crimes against persons and crimes against property. (Lilian C. Mellejor/ PNA)

HE Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) on Wednesday partnered with the Prasat Neurological Institute (PNI) of Thailand to improve its services to stroke patients.

A Memorandum of Agreement was signed between WVMC chief Dr. Joseph Dean L. Nicolo and PNI Director Dr. Udom Poovarodoom at the center.

The agreement aims to build cooperation network in the field of stroke service in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in order to update and share information experiences on stroke. The sharing of knowledge will bring benefits to the ASEAN people.

Under the agreement, set of academic activities, seminars, conferences, scientific meetings and benchmark events

will be conducted to enhance the knowledge, transfer and develop enrollment in order to cope with the situation of each counterpart.

Nicolo, in an interview, said that they would be working with PNI and would be exchanging ideas on how to “build up” the stroke unit of the center which was also opened on Wednesday.

“Our nurses will be trained in Manila or hopefully in Thailand for them to be exposed on how to care with the stroke cases. They (PNI) will also be coming here once in a while to see our operations,” Nicolo added.

The stroke unit of the WVMC has currently three bed capacity but Nicolo said that they are planning to expand it to 10 bed capacity to cater more stroke cases. (Cindy B. Ferrer/PNA)

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DOE warns vs impostors

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HE Department of Energy has warned the public that “unscrupulous individuals” are using the name of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi in extracting sensitive information regarding stakeholders.

In an advisory issued Wednesday, the department said these individuals have apparently been after contact numbers and other information. ”We advise the public, particularly the industry partici-

pants, that such solicitations are not authorized by Secretary Cusi,” the DOE said.

The department noted that they have even received calls from persons claiming to be the Executive Secretary but were proven to be fake. ”We encourage the public to report any suspicious communication from these individuals or groups and to verify the authenticity of any message through the DOE Trunkline No. 4‎ 79-29-00,” it said. (DOE release)

PPA allows livestreaming of bidding

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HE Philippine Ports Authority has started its online livestreaming of all its bidding process to ensure transparency and integrity in the agency.

In a statement, PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said the measure sought to curb corruption in the procurement process for its projects.

“In order to maintain the integrity and credibility of the bidding process, the PPA is going live for every bidding process the agency is conducting,” Santiago said.

“The public can simply log on to our website, www.ppa.com.ph and click Biddings Live Streaming to view, specifically the opening of bids, and help us reduce, if not eliminate, irregular acts during the entire process,” he added.

The PPA aired live Tuesday the bidding for the proposed Abra De Ilog port project in Mindoro Occidental which involves the construction of a reinforced concrete pier, roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ramp and access trestle with duration of about 360 days or 1 year.

For this year, the agency has increased its capital

expenditure at P7.42 billion compared to last year’s P3.5 billion to implement various port projects such as the modernization of Mindanao and Visayas ports like Iloilo, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga, improvement of all passenger terminal buildings, and repair and maintenance projects.

“We believe that involving the public’s eyes during the bidding process is a deterrent to questionable awarding of bids considering the magnitude of the projects,” according to Santiago.

Last month, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has started its online livestreaming of procurement processes for all projects of the department to promote transparency, accountability and good governance.

Since its activation, DOTr has livestreamed a total of 29 projects, 21 of which were covered during the Pre-bid Conference, while eight projects were covered during the opening of bids.

The online livestreams can be seen in the official DOTr Facebook page. (ABP/PNA)

ONEY sent by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the Philippines are not covered by the proposed Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) of the Department of Finance (DOF) as the government has no legal jurisdiction over remittances sent from abroad.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua issued this clarification in separate congressional hearings, in response to erroneous reports that OFW remittances would be taxed under the first package of the CTRP, which is contained in House Bill No. 5636.

Chua said in separate hearings of the Senate and House ways and means committees on the CTRP that the Philippine government has jurisdiction only over domestic remittances, which are not taxed, given that the Value

Added Tax (VAT) imposed is not on the money sent but only on the transfer fees charged by remittance companies.

“We have to distinguish between the foreign and the domestic remittances. Those coming from abroad are not within our tax regime, so that is not [covered] (under the CTRP),” Chua said at a recent hearing of the Senate ways and means committee on the DOF-proposed tax reform plan.

He pointed out that under existing tax laws, transfer fees for domestic remittances have long been subject to VAT but have not been fully collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

“Let me be clear, it’s not a VAT on remittance, it is VAT on the money transfer like all other services which has been VAT-able from before,” said

ECSTATIC. Malagos Garden Resort marketing coordinator Rhea Jane Pañares provides the details of Malagos Chocolate’s latest success of winning two awards at the 2017 Academy of Chocolate in London for its sweetened dark

chocolates and for its 100% unsweetened dark chocolate under drinking category last June 5. Pañares interacted with members of media during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao’s Malagos Chocolate wins 2 bronzes in London tilt F

IVE-YEAR old homegrown Malagos Chocolate snatched two bronzes at the 2017 Academy of Chocolate in London for its sweetened dark chocolates only two weeks after it won silver in the same competition for its 100% unsweetened dark chocolate under drinking category last June 5.

The Puentespina family-owned chocolate firm made the announcement on Tuesday.

Malagos Chocolate’s 65% dark chocolates and 72% dark chocolates shared the bronze with eight other premium chocolate brands produced in seven different countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

The other winners of bronze are Amma Chocolate’s Amma Chocolate 75% (Brazil), Menakao 100% (Madagascar), One/One Cacao-Mahogany Hall 71% (Jamaica), St. Vincent Cocoa Company’s Vincentian Chocolate (Saint Vincent and Grenadines), Belvie Chocolate’s Belvie Tien Giang 70% and Bdelvie Hao Mac 80% (Vietnam), Krakakoa 70% single origin Sedayu (Indonesia), and T. Brothers’s t.brothers dark chocolate Ba Ria 70% (Vietnam).

Last June 5, Malagos Chocolate bagged its second silver for its single-origin unsweetened chocolate, making it the sole Asian country to win such an award for this year.

The two bronzes brought

Chua.

To plug this loophole, Chua said legal and tax experts have agreed that because such transfer fees are not explicitly exempted from VAT under the National Internal Revenue Code, then these should be subject to this consumption tax.

Chua said the BIR has advised the DOF that there is no need to amend the Tax Code to do this, and that only a revenue regulation needs to be issued to remind companies that transfer fees on domestic remittances are subject to VAT. “The [money] transfers are being done in any kinds of businesses like pawnshops, which used to be only pawning. Now, they are also into money transferring. This is the gray area or loophole that we are correcting. But we were advised by the BIR …. to just

clarify it through a regulation,” said Chua at an earlier hearing conducted by the House ways and means committee.

As for money sent by OFWs to the Philippines, Chua said the tax laws applicable to them would depend on the country of origin of the remittance.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in one of the public hearings on the CTRP that tax reform is expected to help reduce the poverty rate from 21.6 percent in 2015 to 14 percent by 2022, lifting some six million Filipinos out of poverty, and helping the country achieve upper middle-income status. Achieving this higher income status will require raising the country’s per capita gross national income from $3,550 in 2015 to at least $5,000 by 2022, or

to seven Malagos’ major international awards. The Academy of Chocolate awarded the company silver under Drinking Chocolate category for its unsweetened chocolate in 2016 and bronze under Best Unflavored Drinking Chocolate in April 2015.

The Great Taste Awards in London gave two out of three stars to Malagos unsweetened chocolate in 2016.

Malagos Dark Chocolate won a silver during the World Drinking Chocolate Competition organized by the International Chocolate Awards in October 2015 in Hannover, Germany.

The Academy of Chocolate, a London-based group comprising various professionals

in the industry, holds independent competitions to give recognition to excellence in fine chocolate-making.

It aims to raise appreciation for fine chocolates as well as promote transparency in the sourcing of prime ingredient for chocolates, the cocoa bean.

The Puentespina family went into chocolate business in 2012, with premium single-origin cocoa liquor as its first product until it branched out to Malagos 65%, 72%, and 85% Dark Chocolates, and Malagos Roasted Cocoa Nibs.

Its chocolates are exported to Japan, Thailand, Singapore, London, Australia, New York and the United States. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

YCOON Lucio Tan’s LT Group, Inc. is optimistic with the local business environment bringing better prospects for its business units.

During the company’s stockholders’ meeting Tuesday, LTG President Michael Tan noted that the administration’s push for better infrastructure development will lead to higher employment, particularly in the countryside.

This is also seen to bring increased purchasing power and higher consumer demand, in which the listed company will likewise benefit.

Tan said Philippine National Bank (PNB) will tap opportunities for sustained loan demands.

“PNB will be able to take advantage of the sustained

demand for loans. The bank’s migration to a unified, more modern IT system within 2017 should enable it to offer customers more products and services,” the company stated.

For its alcoholic beverages, Asia Brewery is seen to benefit from increasing income of consumers, while Tanduay will take advantage of the renewed demand for rum particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Its joint venture with Heineken will develop a bigger market for LTG for beer and alcopop segments.

“Consumers’ higher disposable income will sustain demand as well as provide a new market for Vitamilk soymilk which was previously being sold only in the modern trade,” the LTG said. (Kris M. Crismundo/PNA)

OFW remittances not covered by tax reform LT Group optimistic with PH business environment M T

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ECONOMY 5

Davao UV Express drivers cry foul over suspension order of LTFRB

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T’S been five days since Joel Agyandan’s last trip as a UV Express driver following the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) decision to suspend the operation of UV Express services in Davao City.

The suspension was issued last Wednesday after a UV Express van collided with a truck along Davao-Agusan highway that left 11 dead.

Agdayan said driving passenger vehicles is his only means of providing for his family.

“I hope na ibalik among byahe kay luoy pud baya ang uban nga driver diri lang sila nanginabuhi (I hope the suspension will be lifted soon for the benefit of other drivers who rely on it for their livelihood),” Agyandan said.

More than 600 drivers and operators are now affected by the said suspension which a Davao City councilor slammed as an excessive decision by the board.

“They are reacting harshly very harsh, why? Because unsa na man income karun sa mga drivers? Gi-suspend man nila from Davao City to North (how are the drivers going to earn their income since they [LTFRB] have suspended [services] from Davao to North),” Committee on Transportation and Communication Councilor Chairperson Conrado Baluran said.

To date, the LTFRB has yet to release the details as to when the suspension will be effective.

“But since wala pa sila mahatag nga board resolution regarding atu continue ang atuang pagpatuman sa ceas and desist order suspension (Since no board resolution has been issued yet, the implementation of cease and desist order suspension continues),” LTFRB XI transportation development officer, Virgilio Jevons said.

The City Council and the UV Express operators are set to discuss the problem on Friday. – Aiko Miguel | UNTV News and Rescue

P738-B infra projects up for NEDA Board approval

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is expected to approve nine infrastructure projects, including the PHP230-billion Mega Manila subway project, when he convenes the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board next week.

NEDA Director General Ernesto Pernia identified the nine projects costing PHP738 billion during a meeting of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) on Tuesday.

Pernia said these projects also include the P151-billion Philippine National Railways (PNR) Longhaul (Calamba-Bicol), the P150-billion Malolos-Clark Airport-Clark Green City Rail, the PHP134-billion PNR South Commuter Line (Tutuban-Los Banos) and the P35.3-billion Mindanao Railway Project-Tagum-DavaoDigos.

Other projects that are up for approval by the NEDA Board are the P15.35-billion Clark International Airport New Terminal Building Project, the P10.86-billion New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project, the P8.9-billion Cavite Industrial Area Flood Management Project, and the PHP2.67-billion Chico River Pump Irrigation Project.

“These are the ones that seem to be needed by the people and would help decongest Metro Manila,” he told reporters.

Pernia said the administration intends to focus on projects that can be completed within three years.

Seven projects are being applied for financing under official development assistance (ODA) from China and Japan.

The Mindanao Railway Project and the new Clark International Airport terminal building would be financed through general appropriations (GAA).

The NEDA chief said 25 projects have been approved in less than a year following the launching of the socalled ‘golden age of infrastructure.’

“Many of them are going to break ground this year.

And many of them are pretty ambitious like a subway in Metro Manila,” Pernia said during the Asian Development Bank (ADB) history book launch.

The proposed subway system will run from Quezon City to the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) in Taguig.

Pernia earlier said the feasibility study for the subway was expected to be completed in September. (Leslie D. Venzon/PNA)

THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN. Prime Philippines managing director Jet Yu (left), who is joined by senior leasing associated Ruth Coyoca (center) and assistant manager for business development Jen Namis, walks members of the media through the background and the services offered by the company

during this week’s edition of Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall.

Yu also gave his take on the city’s business landscape and the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao which he said affected the confidence of investors from Manila and abroad. Lean Daval Jr.

Over 10K farmers to benefit from agricultural enterprises A

ROUND 10,000 more farmer-beneficiaries are expected to directly benefit from approved enterprise development projects under DA’s Philippine Rural Development Project , a recent report revealed.

Under PRDP’s Investment for Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Productivity (I-REAP) portfolio, a total of 43 subprojects with a total cost of P184.21 million have been approved to date with one ongoing subproject in South Cotabato, the Cassava Granules Production and Marketing Project.

Around 10,930 farmer beneficiaries from 110 cooperatives who act as proponent groups and impementers of the project will benefit from the subprojects.

Forty-one (41) subprojects

with a total cost of P151.14 million have been issued the No Objection Letter (NOL) 1 which means the these projects are now approved.

While one project – the P4.98-million Rubber Expansion and Marketing Project in North Cotabato – issued with NOL 2. A NOL 2 issuance means that the project can proceed to procurement process.

“We are doubling our efforts to move all the approved enterprise projects into its procurement stage within the year so that the farmer-beneficiaries can start reaping the project gains,” PRDP Mindanao project director Ricardo Oñate Jr. said.

He said that all enterprise projects aim to increase the incomes of the farmers and to enhance their productivity by

strengthening market linkages.

Enterprise projects are classified into small, medium, and micro or startup enterprises.

Region 12 has been issued with NOL 1 for four enterprise subprojects with a total cost of P56.98 million for coffee, coconut and abaca, while three enterprise subprojects in Region 11 are given NOL 1 with a total cost of P25.08 million for its champion commodity cacao.

Region 13 has also been issued NOL1 for its abaca enterprise with P22.89 million.

Region 9 has one NOL 1-approved subproject with a cost of P13.40 million for cacao.

In Region 10, aside from the P8.78-million NOL 1-approved subproject in Lanao del Norte, 31 microenterprises with a total of P43.38 mil-

lion have been issued NOL 1 in Bukidnon. These approved subprojects have been classified under microenterprises that addresses the El Niño-affected areas.

Around 18 of the 27 Mindanao provinces have enterprises subprojects both approved and pipelined or those undergoing review.

According to PRDP Mindanao I-REAP component head Basila Siago, PRDP assisted in the forging of 30 marketing agreements between proponent groups and buyers, including two international buyers.

“While we help our cooperatives achieve increase in production of their yield, it is equally important to ensure that there is a ready market for their products,” she said. (Jay M. Rosas, PRDP Mindanao)

In his speech, Rifai, who has been to the Philippines around three times, emphasized how travel and tourism broke down stereotypes and misconceptions about certain countries and its people.

“Travel and tourism today can break down stereotypes and misconceptions, bring people together. All it takes it to come here to see. We are here to tell the world ‘come to Manila, come to the Philippines’. Anybody that tries to present any other versions of the story should come see it through our eyes,” Rifai said stressing how fake news had made it more difficult for people to know the truth behind the stories reported about cer-

tain countries.

“We don’t want to say (the Philippines is) safe because it is. We’re not in the habit of repeating what is obvious.

Just come and see us meeting here in hundreds and sending the message to the world that the Philippines is a wonderful place to be in. Come here and feel good,” he added.

Rifai, meanwhile, said praised Filipinos for being the country’s “asset”.

“The best thing about the Philippines is the Filipinos.

You’re the wonderful asset of this country. Be proud of it, rise up and say to the world, we are Filipinos. Because the world is lucky to have you,” Rifai said addressing all Filipinos.

“You haven’t lived, (if) you haven’t experienced the Philippines. You haven’t finished your journey of life. You cannot go about your journey of life if you don’t visit this beautiful country once in a lifetime at least,” he added.

UNWTO chief tells world:‘See RP through our eyes’

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HE UN World Tourism Organization Secretary-General on Wednesday wanted to send “a clear message” to world about the Philippines and Filipinos.

“We’re here to send a clear, strong message to the world: Come to the Philippines,” Taleb D. Rifai said during his speech in the opening ceremony of the 6th UNWTO International Conference on Tourism Statistics at the Resorts World Manila.

The conference, which will run from June 21 to 23, serves as a venue to discuss policy initiatives on the importance of developing a statistical framework to measure sustainable tourism worldwide.

Challenges The UNWTO chief, meanwhile, stressed that there were still several challenges facing the international tourism industry -- particularly its contribution to sustainability “We have to step up tourism’s contribution to sustainability in many ways. For our sector to be relevant it must be relevant to other sectors, to

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6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

4 Sarangani centenarians get P100-K cash gift each

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OUR residents in the town of Malungon, Sarangani province each received P100,000 for living beyond 100 years, officials said Wednesday.

Malungon Mayor Maria Theresa Constantino led the tribute to the town’s centenarians as she urged their respective families to take care of them.

The centenarians also received cakes from the local government to celebrate their longevity.

Constantino stressed that the cash gift for the centenarians is intended only for the recipient’s food supplies and medical maintenance and not for distribution to relatives.

Sarao Lavena Banes, Department of Social Welfare and Development – Region 12 (DSWD-12) focal person on social pension, said the release of P400,000 to the four centenarians was mandated under Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016.

The act directs the awarding of P100,000 to

Filipinos in the country and abroad who reached 100 years old, Banes said.

The town’s centenarians are Tinglo Tali, 107 years old; Teodolfo Conception, 103; Maria Palomo, 103; and Rofu Alipoyo, 102, of Barangays JP Laurel, Datal Batong, Upper Biangan and Poblacion, respectively.

The implementing rules and regulations for RA 10868 took effect after it was jointly signed by Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial and former Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno on September 26, 2016.

The centenarians were accompanied by their close relatives and Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) during the awarding of cash gifts.

Yolando Pabualan, head of the local Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), thanked the government for the cash gifts given to the centenarians and for the other assistance provided to senior citizens in the locality.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

Rellon sustains food pack supply to Muslim villagers T

HE City Government of Tagum’s tradition of distributing food packs to Muslim communities had served almost 3,000 households in Tagum this year, as the month-long celebration of Ramadan comes to an end.

Now on its fifth year of providing food assistance to various Muslim Communities in the city, Mayor Allan Rellon once again personally spearheaded the distribution this year that scheduled its operation on June 14, 15, and 17, 2017, in barangays Magugpo East, Pandapan, Nueva Fuer-

za, Pagsabangan, Mankilam, Magugpo West, Magugpo Poblacion, Magugpo South, Vi sayan Village, San Miguel, Canocotan, Bincungan, Apokon Madaum, San Isidro, Busaon, and Liboganon.

The local government handed out food packs consisting of flour, coffee, and sugar, as well as sacks of rice, which benefited a total of 2,920 Muslim households as part of the local government’s solidarity in celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

This year also saw the first time that Muslim com-

munities in Tagum have been given dates by a private organization that tied up with the local government. The sweet dates are usually eaten after fasting.

This year’s distribution is still in line with the Rellon Administration’s ten-point agenda EAGLE WINGS Program, specifically under the Social Services component and Cultural Development through the protection, preservation, recognition and promotion of the city’s cultural communities which includes the Muslim Community.

The three-day distribution was facilitated by the City’s Office on Tribal and Muslim Affairs.

Meanwhile, Mayor Rellon is set in motion in accommodating the over 100 evacuees or so called “displaced residents” from Marawi City due to the crisis taking place in Mindanao’s Islamic City. The local chief executive planned to help by donating relief goods to the refugees similar to the provision of food assistance to the Muslim households in the city. Drex Rafols/ CIO Tagum

Construction of dog pound in South Cotabato pushed

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HE provincial government of South Cotabato is pushing for the establishment of an impounding facility for stray dogs or dog pound in a bid to control the cases of rabies in the area.

Dr. Flora Bigot, acting head of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said Wednesday efforts are underway for the development of the province’s dog pound, which will be based in Surallah town.

She said South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes earlier approved the construction of the facility, which will receive an initial funding of PHP1 million.

The provincial government will shoulder the construction of the pound while the municipal government of Surallah will provide the manpower and absorb its operating expenses.

“According to the proposal, the facility will accept stray dogs based on referral basis once it is operational,” Bigot said.

The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has monitored rising cases of dog bites in the province these past months after recording around 5,000 cases last year.

From January to April,

the IPHO’s epidemiology and surveillance unit confirmed a total of nine deaths due to rabies in the area.

Four rabies deaths were recorded in T’boli town, two in Lake Sebu, and one each in Polomolok, Banga and Koronadal City.

Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., IPHO chief, said the province’s Animal Bite Center in Koronadal City gave anti-rabies vaccines to more than 5,000 individuals last year.

For this year, he said they have started running out of vaccines as their allocation hardly enough to meet their requirements.

The Department of Health provides 60 percent of the province’s needs for anti-rabies vaccines for humans, which cost PHP1800 per vial.

He said they already asked for augmentation from other local government units in the province to address the problem.

Aturdido said they are also working on the accreditation of all rural health units (RHUs) in the province as Animal Bite Centers to resolve the shortage of anti-rabies vaccines through PhilHealth package.

The province currently has five hospitals and RHUs that are accredited as Animal Bite Centers.

VISITING BAKWITS. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte shakes the hand of an evacuee from Marawi City during his visit at the Iligan City National School of Fisheries on June 20, 2017 where 229 displaced families have taken shelter. Ace Morandante/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Aboitiz firm energizes Maguindanao village

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HE Aboitiz-owned Cotabato Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light) has taken another step to reach out and energize far-flung communities in its franchise area.

Thirteen households at sitio Paraman in Barangay Tapian, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, about 24 kilometers from Cotabato City are now enjoying electricity, planning to buy their own television sets for information and entertainment.

Anthony Candaroma, one of the beneficiaries of the energization program, could not hide his elation over the development. ”We cannot thank Cotabato Light much, we have been dreaming for this for so long, I think more than 10 years, we waited that long,” Candaroma said. ”Maliwanag na ang aming gabi dito,” he said as he signed a contract with Cotabato Light personnel.

Anna Lee Natano, Cotabato Light information

division chief, said the Cotabato Light team brings its services closer to its new customers, instead of the customers going to the office to pay for deposit. ”Through this initiative, the customer can save its time, effort and fare. A onetime service, from the process of inspection, installation of meters and energization of electricity was done on the same day,” Natano said, adding that team also conducted “Pulong-Pulong” with the village people.

”This is to let the constituents and the customers know about the proper usage of electricity to save on cost and most especially about its safety,” she added.

Natano said massive dissemination on relevant issues in Electric Power Industry which are important to customers.

To ensure timely payment of power bills, the Cotabato Light released the list of accredited Third Part Collecting Agents near to customers’ residence.

P

said Wednesday the move is part of the security measures that they adopted in the wake of the conflict in Marawi City and the prevailing martial law in Mindanao.

He said they decided to adopt such policy, which is also being implemented in this city and other key areas in Mind-

anao, following a meeting with Koronadal City officials last week.

Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel earlier called for stricter measures on the movements of people in the city due to the influx of evacuees from Marawi City.

Aside from the implemen-

tation of the “no ID, no entry” policy, Alvero said they established additional checkpoints in key entry and exit points of the city and province in major highways.

“This is to counter and limit the possibility of splinter groups or personalities

SoCot cops implement‘no ID, no entry’policy OLICE have implemented a “no ID, no entry” policy for commuters and motorists passing major routes leading to the capital city of Koronadal in South Cotabato in a bid to enhance security in the area.

Sr. Supt. Franklin Alvero, South Cotabato police director,

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7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

DCWD advisory:

Offices, collection centers schedule on June 23, 26

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AVAO City Water District advises its paying customers of these schedules for June 23 and 26, 2017.

On June 23, DCWD Bajada and Matina offices will be open from 7:30 AM to 4PM, DCWD Toril office will be open from 8AM to 4PM, and DCWD Felcris Centrale, SM Lanang, and Victoria Plaza collection centers will be open from 10AM to 4PM. The shortened working hours on said date is needed to allow the employees to participate in their midyear evaluation activity.

On June 26, DCWD collection centers in Felcris Centrale, SM Lanang, and Victoria Plaza will be open from 10AM to 7PM despite that this date is declared a regular holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr. However, its Bajada, Matina, and Toril offices will be closed on this date and will resume regular

working hours on June 27, 2017.

Due date for water bill payments falling on June 26, 2017 remains as scheduled.

DCWD general manager Engr. Edwin V. Regalado assures that DCWD’s technical and Central Information Unit (CIU) / Call Center operations will not be disrupted to ensure continuous water service and offsite customer assistance.

DCWD customers may visit DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov. ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook. com/davaowater) or contact DCWD’s Call Center through the 24-hour hotlines 297-DCWD (3293) and 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293, and 09084410653 for other updates, complaints, queries, and concerns related to water service. (Winston Ajero)

Security agency owner arrested during SSS “Operation Tokhang”

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HE Social Security System (SSS), in cooperation with Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of Philippine National Police (PNP), conducted again an “Operation Tokhang” yesterday which led to the arrest of the owner of a security agency for violation of Republic Act 8282 or also known as Social Security Act of 1997.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said that the team successfully arrested Ms. Babelyn S. Castillo, owner of Knightwatch Security Agency.

“It is unfortunate that these employers chose to hide from the authorities instead of fulfilling their obligations not only to SSS but also to their employees who suffered the most due to their unscrupulous acts.

With this, we would also like to thank PNP-CIDG for their guidance to ensure the success of this operation,” Dooc said.

Based on the resolution issued by the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City, the SSS filed a complaint against Castillo for

non-payment of employees’ SSS contributions from November 2009 to June 2010 and March 2011 to August 2011.

Despite issued demand letters and notices, Castillo still failed to submit documents to refute the accusations against her company.

As of September 30, 2011, the accused has a total delinquency of P180,368.34 representing the unpaid contributions and three percent penalty per month.

The warrant of arrest was served to Castillo at her residence in Cainta, Rizal.

Prior to the operation, the authorities confirmed that the accused is working as a Zumba instructor and regularly conducts her sessions in the morning.

“The arrest of Castillo is a clear manifestation that SSS will always be persistent in running after delinquent employers. So, we would like to remind them once again to please do the right thing by paying the SSS contributions to secure the welfare of their own employees. Rest assured that the full force of the law will take its course,” Dooc concluded.

Hijo’s new biz venture to boost DN’s economy T

AGUM CITY—The City Government of Tagum is positive that the Hijo Industrial Estates, which will soon rise in Barangay Madaum here in this city, will open the floodgate of opportunities for Tagumenyos to benefit and enjoy.

Mayor Allan Rellon said that with the emergence of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-accredited industrial estate here, Tagum City will be in the center of industrial development not only in the Philippines but in the ASEAN region, as well.

Dubbed as the “next gate-

way to ASEAN,” the 166-hectare Hijo Industrial Estates is part of the larger 760-hectare township to be developed by the Hijo Resources Corporation, which broke grounds last June 16, 2017.

Rosanna Tuason-Fores, CEO and President of this home-grown multi-billion company, said that the billion-peso project will certainly provide Tagumenyos employment and economic opportunities that may preclude them from seeking chances elsewhere.

“We’re hopeful that we will not just increase employ-

Rosanna Tuason-Fores, CEO and President of Hijo Resources Corporation, leads the ceremonial toast of the groundbreaking ceremony of the Hijo Industrial Estates last June 16, 2017. Together with her are Ed Abores, Vicente O. Reyes, Sansaluna A. Pinagayao, Ambassador to the Holy See Mercedes

ment but (also) value creation,” she said.

She also emphasized that with the company’s strategic location, being in the heart of Davao Gulf, the economic growth and industrial development of Davao region will be propelled as it is an ideal gateway for foreign and local exporters and importers alike.

“We operate in a viable and prime location. Everything we do here is complementary to the government’s vision of economic development,” Fores said.

The city government,

meanwhile, will extend support to the development of the industrial estate knowing that this is a boost to the progress of Tagum, Mayor Rellon said.

A satellite government center will be established in the self-contained township for ease of access to government services.

The local chief executive likewise revealed his excitement to the coming years of Tagum City especially now with the rise of Hijo Industrial Estate, saying “the future is bright for Tagum City.” Roy Banias/CIO Tagum

A. Tuason, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosarion and Tagum City Vice Mayor Geterito Gementiza. Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum

Tagum-Davao-Digos leg of Mindanao railway endorsed

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AVAO CITY – Chaired

by Governor Anthony G. del Rosario of Davao del Norte, the Regional Development Council XI convened for its 2nd Quarter Regular Meeting on June 9, 2017 at the NEDA-RDC XI Center.

During this meeting, the Council endorsed to the NEDA Board the Mindanao Railway

Project’s (MRP’s) TagumDavao-Digos (TDD) segment.

The project intends to facilitate greater connectivity in the island of Mindanao. It aims to provide more efficient, reliable, and affordable mode of transport that will deliver the benefit of reduced travel time and increased opportunities for economic activities.

The MRP-TDD Line forms the first phase of the proposed 830-kilometer (km) MRP loop. The project involves the establishment of a 102.8km commuter railway from Tagum City in Davao del Norte to Digos City in Davao del Sur. The proposed stations will be located in Tagum City, Carmen, Panabo City, Mudiang (Davao City), Toril (Davao City), Sta Cruz and Digos City, with its central terminal located in Davao City.

The MRP-TDD segment shall have 6 passenger train sets with 5 cars per train set. It is designed to have a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour. Since frequency of travel is up to six trains

per hour or 1 train every 10 minutes, time savings from Tagum City to Digos City will be around 2.2 hours, or from 3.5 hours to only 1.3 hours.

The MRP-TDD’s estimated project cost amounts to Php 35.911 billion and is scheduled for implementation as early as 4th quarter of 2017.

The meeting likewise resulted in, among others, the Council’s declaration of Davao Region as the Cacao and Chocolate Capital of the Philippines; the approval of the Davao Region Development Plan, 2017-2022 Communication and Advocacy Plan; and the creation of a Regional Research, Development and Innvovation Committee under the Council. The Council also received a briefing on the Armed Forces of the Philippines Guidelines on the implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao.

Davao City - Atty. Timothy John Batan, Assistant Secretary for Rail of the Department of Transportation presented to the RDC XI the Mindanao Railway Project – Tagum-Davao-Digos Line which comprises of a 102.8-km commuter railway from Tagum City in Davao del Norte to Digos City in Davao del Sur with an estimated project cost of Php 35.9B.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

EDITORIAL

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Good news and bleak prospects

WO realities were recently revealed by reports published by the reputable forbes.com.

First, the good news. The Philippines is the 10th fastest growing economy in the world in 2017.

This report was based on the World Bank’s latest edition of Global Economic Prospects. For 2017, Philippines’ economy is expected to advance between 6.5 to 7.5 percent. That’s almost twice the country’s long-term growth.

GDP Annual Growth Rate in Philippines averaged 3.68 percent from 1982 until 2017, reaching an all time high of 12.40 percent in the fourth quarter of 1988 and a record low of -11.10 percent in the first quarter of 1985, according to Tradingeconomics.com.

Reason given for this is that the Philippines’ economy benefited from a stable macroeconomic environment of low inflation and low debt to GDP ratio, which has helped sustain a healthy domestic demand growth; and from a revival of the Asian Pacific region that have boosted exports, which account for close to a third of GDP. The report also revealed exports from the Philippines rose 12.1 percent from a year earlier to USD 4.81 billion in April of 2017.

The forbes.com report said that “President Duterte’s harsh domestic policies and foreign policy flip-flops haven’t undermined Philippines economic growth, at least not yet. But they have touched the country’s equity markets, which have underperformed the markets of the region.”

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And for the bad news.

The report by Panos Mourdoukoutas, assuming this is not fake news being that of forbes.com, also claims that “Duterte’s Philippines is getting corrupt and less competitive, according to Transparency International and the Global Competitiveness reports, raising serious doubts as to whether the current robust economic growth rates will be sustained in the future.”

According to the report, “those who have followed the Philippines economy for a long time have seen a familiar show: hard working Filipinos remain poor, watching the people of other nations in the region get rich. Revolutions come and go in Philippines, but the old villains -- corruption and political oppression -- remain intact, holding Filipinos back from making the transition from poverty to riches.”

That is the bleak side to it. Nevertheless, the second part of the report is an assumption and could be reversed by actual events in the Philippines. The corruption issue, for example, is a reversal of the all-out campaign of the Duterte administration in curbing corruption. Quite a few officials have been bootted out of office for alleged corrupt practices including those very close to the President.

So while the forecast may be bleak in terms of sustaining the growth, it will give base data for our economic planners to negate this and ride on the momentum of current trends.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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EDGEDAVAO

W

ORLD War II, for all it was worth, created heroes, most of them dead.

The Davao conflict, for instance produced two American Medal of Valor awardees who, sadly, died just as the last days of the mopping operations were about to end.

But there were also Allied Forces fighting under the US flag who sacrificed their lives in a war that originally did not include the Philippines but was drawn to the conflict because of her alliance with the Americans.

On June 10, 1945, Staff Sergeant Elmer W. Alt, a member of the US 19th Infantry, was felled by an enemy bullet while chasing the last Japanese remnants west of Davao City. It was Captain Donald R. Pruett who informed Alt’s relative about his death. The letter, which later appeared in the West Bend Journal on July 26, 1945, stated: “You have my deepest heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your son, and I hope that I can relieve your burden of sorrow by giving you as much information as possible, and to tell you just what his loss has meant to me and all the men of this organization, who have known him so long.

“We had just taken a strategic hill

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HERE was this story of a mother of an American president.

She had set up an interview with an aggressive woman reporter who made it clear with her very first question that she intended to take the measure of this sharp-tongue little woman and her upstart son.

“Your son,” the reporter started, “has been traveling the United States, telling people not to vote for him if he ever lies to them. Can you, knowing a son as only a mother can, honestly say he’s never told a lie?”

“Well, perhaps a little white lie now and then,” the mother countered.

Snapped back the reporter, “And what is the difference between a white lie and any other kind of lie? Define white lie for me.”

The mother said sweetly, “I’m not sure I can define it, but I can give you an example. Do you remember that when you came in the door a few minutes ago, I told you how good you looked and how glad I was to see you?”

“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” Was it Benjamin Disraeli who said these words?

The statement came to my mind after reading the story below sent to me via e-mail by a friend. Frankly speaking, some of experiences that happened to the originator of the story

VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

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Hero of the ‘small town of Mandog’ overlooking the small town of Mandog, eight miles north of the city of Davao.

We fought all day in driving the Japs off the hill, and we finally successfully repulsed all attempts by the Japs to retake it.

“We held the hill through the night of the ninth of June and on the morning of the tenth, the Japs attacked our positions. During the ensuing action your son was wounded by a Jap machine gun bullet. He was wounded at 11:35 and died at 12:35 of wounds. All medical aid was given, but it was impossible to save the life of your son.

“Elmer was buried at U.S.A.F.F.E. Cemetery No. 1, at Taloma (sic), Mindanao, P. I. and last rites were held by an army chaplain.”

Born on January 6, 1914, on a farm near Stephens, Minnesota, the Alt family, when Elmer was only five years old, transferred to a farm near Corwith, staying there until 1924, when they again moved to a Union township farm. In 1943, his parents moved to a Lotts Creek farm.Prior to joining the military, Elmer was his father’s helping hand.

Sergeant Alt joined the military service February 3, 1942, after receiving basic training at Camp Wolters, Tex-

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa as. His first duty was at Angel Island, San Francisco, where he stayed briefly before he was reassigned to Hawaii. In June 1942, as a member of Company D, 19th Infantry, he was sent to the South Pacific and served in Hollandia, Leyte, New Guinea, and Mindanao.

Three years later, he found himself fighting in Davao City on June 9.

Positioned on a hill overlooking the township of Mandog, he took cover on a defense that temporarily secured the soldiers until the break of dawn.

The following day, the Japanese forces counter-attacked and in the

ensuing battle wounded the young sergeant by machinegun fire. Medical efforts to save the man failed; he died an hour after the bloody encounter. For his bravery, Sergeant Alt was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. His remains were buried at the USAFFE burial grounds in Talomo, Davao City.

The West Bend Journal reported that a military memorial rite was held in his place after news of Sergeant Alt’s death reached home. It was held at the Christian Apostolic church, east of West Bend, with Knoll Post 549 spearheading the event.

The procession started at the Alt residence in Lotts Creek town. At the church, the color bearers were followed by the pastor, honorary bearers, the family, and patriotic service groups.

Rev. Joseph Banwart was in charge of the service, assisted by son Rev. Paul Banwart, both of West Bend. The honorary bearers were Floyd Bacon, Floyd Riebhoff, John Scuffham, Irvin Gerber, Eli Breullman and Fahe Gress. J. Luther Miller, commander, and W. J. Lockwood, adjutant of the Burt Legion Post gave Alt’s wife with an American flag. Dale Lockwood played the taps.

In the August 30, 1945 issue, the West Bend Journal reported that Ser-

geant Alt was survived by his parents; brothers, Harry and Melvin of Algona; Lawrence of Fenton; sisters, Mrs. Albert Wibben, Mrs. Harold Lampe of Bancroft; Mrs. Albert Speth of Ringsted; Mrs. Eli Gerber of West Bend; Evelyn and Rumy, at home; and a grandmother, Lydia Ringenberger of Gridley, Illinois.

The memorial service at home was attended by Lewis Alt, Deloria Trebesch, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota; William Wilkening, St. James, Minnesota, daughters Norma and Nancy; the A. E. Rinkenbergers, Morris, Minnesota; Mrs. Lydia Knohl, Hancock, Minnesota; Lena Aeschliman, Chicago; D. E. Alt, LaCrosse, Indiana; Evelyn Alt and Evelyn Dodda, Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Alt, daughter Rebecca, the Jos. Bauers, and daughter Laura, all of Cessna Park, Illinois.

Future historians, hopefully, will take a more incisive appreciation into the contributions the American soldiers have contributed to the cause of liberating Davao City from the Japanese imperial army. Many of the young soldiers who perished in the city died just as the last weeks of clearing operations were conducted by the Filipino and Allied forces.

and got a job. It was the time my old mother has to retire from work. But she didn’t want to; she was selling some vegetables in the market. Since I was working in the city, I had to send her money to help her but she would not accept the money. Even if she had to miss some meals, she said, “I have enough money.”

Wanting to have a higher position in the company I was working, I attended a well-known university taking a Master Degree, under the company’s scholarship program. After two years, I finished the degree and was promoted. I had enough that I can now bring my mother to anywhere in the world.

When I invited her to join me while vacationing in the United States, she answered, “I’m not used to.”

At the age of 80, my mother was diagnosed of having a cancer. It was not until she was hospitalized that I learned of her illness. After getting the news from one of our neighbors, I immediately flew to our hometown.

At the hospital, I found my mother lying down in bed, weak, thin, and had hard time breathing. I couldn’t believe what I saw. I looked at her for few seconds while tears were flowing on my face. I came to her and hug her. But my mother, with her remaining strength, told me, “Don’t cry my dear. I’m not in pain.”

After saying those words, she closed her eyes forever!

The son knew that through all the years, what his mother was telling him were all lies. He knew she was in pain. He knew she wanted to see the world. He knew that she liked fish and milk. But knowing that he needed it more than her, she said the other way around.

“What is a lie?” asked George Gordon Noel Byron. “It is but the truth in masquerade.” To which Mark Twain adds, “It’s no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense.”

Let me end this piece with another story. A priest saw a group of little boys sitting in a circle with a dog in the middle. He asked them what they were doing with the dog. One boy said, “We are doing nothing to the dog; we’re just telling lies, and the one that tells the biggest one gets the dog.”

The priest told them he was much shocked, that when he was a little boy he would never have even thought of telling a lie. The little boy thought for a while, and then declared, “Give him the dog, fellers.”

Just one more reminder: “Lying is done with words and also with silence.” That’s according to Adrienne Rich.

The truth of the matter

also occurred to me. That is the reason why I can relate with what the author (whoever he is) wrote.

Read the full story – which I am printing in toto – to fully comprehend what I am talking about…

My story began when I was a child.

I was born to a poor family. Oftentimes, we ran out of food. Most of the time, my mother would gave me her portion of rice. While she was removing her rice into my bowl, she would say “You can have this rice, my son. I’m not hungry.”

While I was growing up, my mother made use of her spare time fishing in a river near our house. She hoped that the fish she caught would give me some nutritious food for my growth. After fishing, she would cook the fish. While I was sipping the soup, mother would sit beside me and eat the leftover meat from the fish I was eating. Seeing what she was doing, I gave some fish. She would decline and said these words: “Eat it, my son. I don’t really like fish.”

When I was in high school, my mother was selling second-hand clothes to support my studies. At night, I would see my mother sewing those tattered clothes over a little candlelight. I usually urged her to sleep since it was already very late at night. She would just smile and reply, “Go to sleep, my dear. I’m not tired.”

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

During my final examination, I usually study hard. My mother would accompany me and see to it that I had all what I needed. She would prepare hot milk for me since the nights were cold.

When I saw my mother was shivering, I gave her the milk she had prepared for me. “My son, drink it,” she said. “You know that I don’t drink milk.”

My father died ahead of my mother.

Since he left nothing, my mother had to work to support me. I can sensed that she had a hard time and wasn’t capable of supporting the two of us. A neighbor advised her to marry again, but she replied, “I don’t need love. I have my son.”

Finally, I was able to finish college

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

UNWANTED... FROM 1

“Kung nabiyaan ninyo unya dili mo ma contact, muabot ang bomb squad, diha pa na claim, ma penalize mo,” the vice mayor said.

Councilor Abellera said that after committee hearing together with committee for rules, privileges, laws and ordinances under Councilor Bernard Al-ag and consultation with the city legal office this week, this ordinance will hopefully be passed and approved on the next regular session on Tuesday next week, along with the ordinance “punishing the act of recruiting and membership to ISIS and to their allied terrorist groups including those professing sup-

port thereto” announced by VM Pulong previously.

Meanwhile, Martial Law Spokesperson for Eastern Mindanao Command Brig.

Gen. Gilbert Gapay expressed that the city ordinances are a welcome development for the military and the Philippine National Police.

“It strengthens our security here in the city and shields it from terrorist attacks. These are proactive measures which involves everybody particularly the general public to work with the government security forces in shielding the city and preventing such terror attacks be perpetrated in our city,” Gen. Gapay said.

of what Republic Act 10667 or the National Competition Policy Prohibiting Anti-Competitive Agreement, Abuse of Dominant Position and Anti-Competitive Mergers and Acquisitions is all about.

RA 10667 aims to enhance economic efficiency and promote free and fair competition in trade, industry and all commercial economic activities. It also aims to prevent economic

concentration, which will control the production, distribution (of goods), and trade or industry that will unduly stifle competition, lessen, manipulate or construct the discipline of free markets.

Mayor Inday she also hoped that the forum will improve the way participants do business and enhance their relations with one another.

CIO

ties,” Padilla said.

On Monday, the government announced two special bank accounts that can be used for Marawi donations.

Members of the public who wanted to donate to the

families of the soldiers slain in Marawi can do so through a Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) account with account name “AFP Marawi Casualty” and account number 00000552107128.

to Barangay Malagakit.

He said DepEd 12 also ordered suspension of classes at all levels in Pigcawayan’s west district due to the ongoing clashes between government forces and the BIFF. Maganto also reported that a school in Barangay Simsiman, also in Pigcawayan, was ransacked by the armed men.

He said they based their report on a statement issued by

close to where Thailand is now.

Business tycoon Lance Gokongwei, 15 former DOF secretaries and undersecretaries plus five former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) directors-general have backed the CTRP. Ex-DOF Secretaries Cesar Virata, Jose Isidro Camacho, Jesus Estanislao, Roberto De Ocampo, Jose Pardo, Cesar Purisima, and Juanita Amatong; ex-NEDA chiefs Arsenio Balisacan, Emmanuel Esguerra, Cielito Habito, Felipe Medalla, and Romulo Neri; and former finance undersecretaries Romeo Bernardo, Cornelio Gison, Lily Gruba, Milwida Guevara, Jose Emmanuel Reverente, and Florencia Tarriela, have signed a manifesto supporting

the CTRP. Ex-finance secretary Margarito Teves has also expressed his support for the CTRP during a recent House ways and means committee hearing.

Fifteen (15) foreign and local business organizations belonging to the Philippine Business Groups – Joint Foreign Chambers have also backed the tax reform program, and called on both Malacanang and the Congress to give it top priority in order to improve the country’s investment climate, create more jobs and attain economic inclusion.

The House of Representatives approved Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN) or HB 5636—by a 246-9 vote with one abstention

last May 31 before the Congress’ sine die adjournment.

This bill, which had consolidated the DOF’s original proposal—HB 4774—with 54 other tax-related measures, seeks to make the country’s tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient by slashing personal income tax rates and, to fill up the consequent revenue loss, by adjusting excise taxes on certain products and broadening the VAT base.

Dominguez said he hopes the Senate would act swiftly on the bill when the Congress opens its second regular session in July and retain the original features of TRAIN as outlined in HB 4774.

“We can live” with HB5636, “but of course it’s better if we get more,” he said. (PNA)

other aspects so life. We must move forward for a truly green economy where growth and environment are decoupled from each other,” Rifai said.

To do this, Rifai said that it is necessary to measure the impact of tourism to the environment to be able to properly manage them.

“If we cannot measure, we

cannot manage. We need to measure accurately and regularly. We need to measure our impact if we have any hope of reducing carbon emission…

We have to curb the negative impact of the society,” he added.

Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, for her part, expressed keenness in turning

tourism into an environmentally-responsible industry.

Around nine foreign ministers and other officials were present during the UNWTO conference opening ceremonies including ministers from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Seychelles, Indonesia, Fiji, South Africa, Korea, China, Spain. (PNA)

involved in terrorism from entering the province, especially Koronadal City,” he said in an interview.

He said the possibility re-

mains high of lawless groups taking advantage of the situation in Marawi to stage terror-attacks in other areas.

Owing to this, the police

official said he directed personnel manning the security checkpoints to inspect all passing commuters, motorists and vehicles.

Competition... FROM 1

Be wary... FROM 2 OFW... FROM 4

UNWTO... FROM 5

SoCot... FROM 6

ONGOING SEARCH. JCI Philippines’ Diane Tan discusses the nomination process for this year’s search for The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awards during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall. Lean Daval Jr.

BIFF... FROM 2

the security guard assigned at Simsiman High School that said the attack happened around 4 a.m. on Wednesday. The still unidentified guard, according to him, managed to escape and sought refuge at the nearest military detachment at Barangay Malagakit.

The reports from DepEd 12, however, have yet to be verified, according to Mamon. (Malu Cadelina Manar / MindaNews)

Zamboanga... FROM 2

City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Elemir Jade Apolinario said the construction of evacuation centers is one of the require-

ments of Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. (RGAAG/PNA)

inspection by immigration authorities, given the country’s long and porous shorelines.

On the other hand, BI Spokesperson Antonette Man-

grobang did not identify the nations that have allegedly links to extremist organizations. (Ferdinand G. Patinio/ PNA)

BI tightens... FROM 3

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

INdulge!

Lechon Roll by Four Paps.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Sizzling Seafood by Popong’s Ground.

Eating out at Eskina DINING OUT IS ALL ABOUT FINDING FOOD OPTIONS and settling on one. But oftentimes, we cannot just choose one restaurant as personal preferences can be as diverse as the personalities we are with, which is why at times, it is much better to visit places with many different dining establishments close to one another.

Charlotte’s Fried Wanton.

Eskina’s John Irene del Ocampo (second from right) together with the gentlemen of San Miguel Beer.

Sisig Nacho by Beer and Belly

Recognising this, the Lanang Business Park created Eskina to give office-goers as well as residents in the area, great food options at affordable prices. Now on its second year and laid out similar to Singapore’s hawker food centres, Eskina gathers together food purveyors serving familiar Filipino fare.

Serving seafood is Popong’s Ground with their Kinilaw and Sizzling Seafood while individuals craving for Davao’s famous “Greaseless” Fried Chicken will want to check out Martin’s.

Filipino comfort food is served up in spades at Charlotte’s. I especially loved their version of Pancit Molo which has a rich pork bone broth.

For heavier fare that pairs well with beer, there is Beer & Belly and their Tuna Belly and Sisig Na-

Calderetang Kambing by Kuya’s Kambingan.

cho, as well as Kuya’s Kambingan with their Papaitan and tender Calderetang Kambing, Personally, I loved the Lechon Kinilaw of Four Paps, this is mainly thanks to their own house-made sinamak spiced vinegar which adds a flavourful kick to the dish and can also be bought bottled.

“Eskina at Lanang Business Park brings together various food options for the people working at and around the area,” said Lanang Business Park’s John Irere del Campo “We have six purveyors serving a wide variety of food and they are open for lunch as well as dinner.”

For weekend evenings, Eskina has an acoustic band to provide diners some entertainment.

Eskina is located at the Lanang Business Park and is open daily from 11am onwards.

Live bands perform every weekend night at Eskina.

Four Paps’ Lechon Kinilaw.

Greaseless Fried Chicken by Martin’s

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

ENTERTAINMENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

Rock ‘n Soul diva signs anew with GMA NOW SHOWING

June 22, 2017 only

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

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ROCK N’ SOUL DIVA Aicelle Santos renewed her exclusive contract with GMA Network.

Aicelle has been part of GMA 7 for 11 years now, and she treats the Kapuso Station as her second home, “Una sa lahat, thank you Lord sa blessings, and siyempre sa GMA sa patuloy na pagtitiwala nila sa akin.

Dito talaga ako nag-grow.

Hindi ka naman basta basta maggo-grow kung yung environment mo hindi ka tinuturing na pamilya. So lahat, from the staff, mga bosses, mga nakatrabahong artista, isang pamilya talaga, kaya yung pagmamahalan kitang kita. And I’m staying because they trust me kaya I’m very thankful.”

Present in the contract signing were GMA Entertainment TV’s Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable; GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun Ferrer; GMA Artist Center

Senior Talent Manager Joy Marcelo and Carlo Orosa, Aicelle’s co-manager and Talent Group Head of Stages.

The Kapuso singer/actress is part of the upcoming Afternoon Prime se-

ries Impostora topbilled

by Kris Bernal and Rafael Rosell. She is very happy to be one of the cast members and she said that viewers will definitely enjoy watching the remake for its relatable storyline.

“I’m playing Deedee, the best friend of Nimfa played by Kris Bernal.

Siguro makikita ng viewers si Aicelle somehow dun sa character na pinoportray ko. Mapapanood sa Impostora yung story ng friendship at pagiging totoo sa sarili, pero andun yung may mga pangarap na gustong abutin, ano ba yung kailangan mong ipagpalit para maabot yung mga bagay na yun,” she said.

During the contract signing, Rasonable said she is very grateful with the actress’ renewal of contract as she has witnessed her growth through the years, “Siyempre sobrang happy kasi hindi biro ‘yung mag-stay ka dito for more than 10 years. Dito na nag-bloom ang career niya. Dito na rin nag-bloom ang kanyang personal life. So anak siya ng GMA and we’re very happy that she’s still with us. And we know naman that Aicelle aside from being a terrific singer is also a very good actress. So we’re glad that she’s part of Impostora.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Her name is Mary Grace IT NEED NOT BE EVERYDAY; just the thought makes you unforgettable.

Living where not all the food finds flock is a frustration that encourages the foodie in me to book a flight and travel. Most often, it is the food finds in other places that makes me want to go, eat, come back and repeat. However, it too is the frustration that makes me miss them that excites my palates on our next meeting.

And yes, I am still talking about food.

Mary Grace. A name that’s simply synonymous with deliciously baked cakes and pastries. A name that I too am excited to hear to open a branch in Davao (a girl can always wish, right?). Oh the joy!

Whenever I chance upon any Mary Grace store, I grab the opportunity to feed my hungry palate of old time favourites and create new memories with every bite.

With Mary Grace’s repertoire of wonderfully baked cakes and pastries and delectable savoury dishes, you could never, ever, ever go wrong when dining here. What’s more, I personally love that I can mix and match my orders to create some new flavour combos every single time.

Recent trip allowed me to linger around the airport and of course, got some Mary Grace action in my palate. Together with my friends, we opted to eat (a lot!) before our next flight. What better way to kill the time than dine in

at Mary Grace and indulge our tired selves with their choices of definite tummy satisfying dishes unlike any other.

Ensaimada & Hot Chocolate Duo Is the creme de la creme of everything Mary Grace!

Thick Belgian chocolate paired with grilled cheesy ensaimada equals perfection every single time. I personally love the pairing -- soft and fluffy & thick and rich. What I do is drizzle my ensaimada with the chocolate and eat.

It’s a never ending love affair that I wish would never end. The duo is impeccably beautiful. Melodic, even.

On its own, their ensaimada is nothing but perfection. I’m mababaw and whenever I eat a piece, I’m happy na. I love them when they are grilled even so when paired with something hot. I love that it’s maalat but not umay. I love that it’s sweet but with a hint of cheese and butter in every bite. In total, I love that their ensaimada is consistent over the years.

Though cheese is on my list of migraine triggering munchies, I still love Mary Grace’s cheese roll. Like the ensaimada, I love that I need to unwrap them before I can take a bite. I simply cannot find the word

to describe every piece of cheese roll I’ve eaten over the years. The fluffy bread, the cheese, the butter and the hint of sweetness makes for a medley of texture and depth in the palate.

Like the ensaimada and cheese roll, you’d also love their lemon orange chiffon. It’s soft, bouncy and very fragrant -- perfect as a wake me upper anytime of any day. Despite such, I always, always crave for their lemon squares. A box of these babies make me smile like there is no tomorrow.

A new addition to my Mary Grace list of unforgettable is their plate of Tomato and Herb Pasta.

Yup, I always end up with the basics of anything on my palate. Though I love to experiment but I always go back to their tomato and herb pasta that’s very refreshing and delish to a tee. The combination may be basic but every bite entails you a different depth altogether.

So, when in the metropolis, don’t say ‘no’ to Mary Grace. Don’t doubt; go ahead and indulge.

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

Disaster officers undergo assess analysis training

T

HE Office of the Civil Defense in Southern Mindanao is conducting a four-day Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) training course to local disaster risk-reduction and management officers all over the region at Mergrande Ocean Resort here.

The training runs from June 20-23, 2017, which aims at equipping all LDRRMs on techniques and strategies in making speedy assessment and needs analysis reports without compromising accuracy.

OCD assistant regional director Rebecca Lopez empha-

sized the necessity to apply RDANA in every disaster or calamity occurrence, thus the need for such training.

Lopez said key principles for RDANA are basically damage assessment and needs analysis, which go together.

“RDANA is a disaster response tool that is used immediately during the early and critical state of a disaster and RDANA teams are activated to conduct damage assessment and needs analysis,” she said.

RDANA teams may be composed of OCD personnel, local DRRMs, and sectoral experts. (Anthony S. Allada/ PNA)

BIFF attacks NoCot villages

A

N undetermined number of suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters on Wednesday attacked two villages in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao, police said.

Chief Inspector Realan Mamon, chief of Pigcawayan PNP, said the BIFF first harassed the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) outpost in Barangay Malagakit which resulted to a fierce firefight.

The tension now centers in Barangay Malagakit and the adjacent Barangay Simsiman, forcing hundreds of residents to flee.

Mamon said the lawless group was led by Commander Aguila that operates in the boundary of Pigcawayan and Northern Kabuntalan town of Maguindanao.

He also confirmed that nobody was hurt as of posting time.

The LGU quickly suspended classes in all levels in Malagakit, Simsiman and nearby villages to guarantee the safety of students.

Mamon has yet to confirm reports circulating that some students were held hostage by the rebels. (John Andre Tabugoc/PNA)

NEWS 11

Davao Muslims to mark Eid al-Fitr with ‘more passion’ A

MID the continued suffering of Moro and Christian communities in Marawi City, the Muslim community here will be more passionate in celebrating Eid al-Fitr on Monday that marks the end the Holy Month of fasting or Ramadan.

While Davao Muslims have sympathized with those affected by the crisis in Marawi City, Samer Allong, administrative officer of the Madrasah Center in Davao, said they are passionate about celebrating Eid al-Fitr to show there are other Muslims in Mindanao.

This time, the city government-run Madrasah Center is taking the lead in a centralized celebration of Eid aimed at fos-

tering harmony between Muslims regardless of tribes and Davao communities regardless of faith. It is expected to draw 3,000 to 5,000 Muslims at the People’s Park from 8 a.m to 5 p.m.

“Gusto namin na may nakikitang ibang Muslim sa Mindanao (we want to show there are other Muslims in Mindanao),” he told reporters during the AFP-PNP press corps at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

Allong said this is not only about a happy celebration.

Allong hinted to correcting impressions against Muslims amid the government’s campaign against terrorists in Marawi.

Allong admitted the event will be an extra challenge to the police and army in terms of securing the place. However, he said they were already assured by the security forces, police, the Task Force Davao and other government agencies during their meeting on Wednesday.

“Our objective here is to create a festive atmosphere for the children,” Allong said, adding that the event can foster harmony among Davaoenos regardless of tribe and faith.

There are 49 Madrasah schools in Davao and 99 Arabic teachers who are city-paid.

For 2016 -2017, there are 3,428 pupils enrolled in the Kindergarten to Grade six and

high school. Among them are 27 scholars of the city government.

Allong emphasized the importance of the Madrasah schools in inculcating Islamic values.

“We are secured,” he said as he dismissed speculations that Madrasah schools could be a training ground for extremism. Allong emphasized they cannot be easily penetrated by extremist ideology because the children are prepared and have strong Islamic values.

“The implementation of the traditional Madrasah centers is under the city government,” he said. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

amatsu City have already reached dangerous levels, with its banks likely to breach and flood the vicinity if heavy rain continues.

In the last 24 hours, the amount of rainfall logged exceeded 200 millimeters in Shizuoka prefecture and 250 millimeters in Mie prefecture, the JMA said. In Wakayama prefecture rainfall exceeded 400 mm, according to the

weather agency.

In the Kanto-Koshin region, which includes Tokyo, the weather agency has warned that 40 mm of intense rain could fall per hour accompanied by strong gusts of wind.

Some transportation systems have been affected including the Tokaido Shinkansen which has had its services suspended.

The JMA has called for public vigilance against sediment-related disasters, the flooding of lowlands and to pay close attention to the impact of the weather on transportation during rush hour this evening.

The weather agency here said that warm air hit a lower pressure front causing intensely heavy rain in western Japan. (Xinhua)

300,000 Japan residents face evacuation amid heavy rain

A

N evacuation advisory has been issued for around 300,000 residents of Japan’s Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture, in the Chubu region of Honshu island, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) on Wednesday warning of possible flooding and mudslides.

Local authorities have warned that water levels of the Tsuribashi River in Ham-

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 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 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;

All building owners within the covered area shall provide service entrances compatible

VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

13

EDGEDAVAO

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;

5)

National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)

6)

Davao City Water District (DCWD)

7)

City Planning and Development Office (CPDO)

8)

Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC)-Traffic Light System

9)

City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO)

10)

Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC)

11)

PLDT/SMART

12)

Globe

13)

DCTECH

14)

Skycable

15)

Bayantel

16)

Bureau of Fire and Protection Fire Hydration

17)

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;

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 utility companies and public telecommunication carriers as determined in the integrated design/ plan formulated by the Wires and Cables Technical Team;

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 8. WIRES AND CABLES TECHNICAL TEAM – To ensure that the objectives of the Ordinance is attained, there shall be created a Wires and Cables Technical Team through an Executive Order of the City Mayor;

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 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)

Chair of the SP Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

2)

Chair of the SP Committee on Transportation and Communication

3)

City Engineer and/or the City Building Official

4)

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

SECTION 13. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect upon approval and after publication of the full text of the Ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation in accordance with the existing laws and regulations therewith;

present.

ENACTED, January 31, 2017, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

APO BOYS

Davao pro Lascuna opens ICTSI Forest Hills in third, Salvador fourth

R

STEADY. Antonio Lascuna is in third with a 68.

Petron bounces back, meets Cignal today Games Thursday, June 22 (Filoil Flying V Center)

5 pm – Generika-Ayala vs Foton 7 pm – Cignal HD vs Petron

P

ETRON bounced back from a second-set disaster to pull off a 25-21, 26-24, 25-21, 25-18 conquest of Generika-Ayala in the Philippine Superliga (PSL) All-Filipino Conference yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

National team stalwart Frances Molina waxed hot as the Blaze Spikers caught fire in the third and fourth sets to complete the victory in this prestigious club tourney bankrolled

by Gold’s Gym, Rebisco and Belo with TV5 as official broadcast partner.

Molina had an impressive all-around performance with 15 kills, three blocks and two aces for 20 points while veteran Aiza Maizo-Pontillas submitted 17 markers for the Blaze Spikers, who missed the strong offensive presence of spitfires Cherry Rondina and Bernadeth Pons.

Rondina, the high-flying University of Santo Tomas star, delivered seven points, but was fielded sparingly after sustaining an ankle sprain while Pons didn’t suit up to attend her graduation ceremonies.

With the victory, the Blaze Spikers are now tied with rival Cignal at the second spot of Pool C behind unbeaten Foton with a 3-1 win-loss card, turning their clash tomorrow a highly-antici-

pated affair.

But Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos was far from satisfied, especially after suffering a second-set meltdown due to their 13 errors and the Lifesavers three service aces.

“We relaxed in the second set,” said Delos Santos, who was part of the coaching staff when Petron tallied a clean sweep of this conference that also has Senoh, Mueller, Mikasa, Asics and Grand Sport as technical sponsors two years ago.

“We lost our composure and our rhythm in the second set.

Nawala ang gigil. I’m glad we were able to bounce back in the third and fourth sets.”

True enough, Petron made a resounding rebound in the third set, capturing a 14-5 advantage before Generika-Ayala moved closer, 13-19.

But the Blaze Spikers couldn’t be denied as Molina connected on an off-the-block attack for the set point before unleashing a booming kill from the open spot.

“But the job is not yet done,” said Delos Santos. “It’s going to be tough from here. Everybody is looking for good position in the quarterfinals so we expect a tough fight from our next opponents.”

Patty Jane Orendain had 13 kills for a total of 14 points while Angeli Araneta and Fiola Ceballos chipped in 13 markers apiece for the Lifesavers, who absorbed their second loss in four matches.

EIGNING Manila Masters titlist Tony Lascuña of Davao City fired a tfour under par 68 to put himself in third place after the opening round of the ICTSI Forest Hills Championship at the Forest Hills Golf and Country Club in Antipolo on Wednesday.

Lascuna outplayed ICTSI Luisita champion Miguel Tabuena and recent Calatagan leg winner Zanieboy Gialon, birdying two of the last three holes for his opening round scorecard.

Veteran Arnold Villacencio capitalized his steady putting and scored six-under 65 for a two-shot lead over young Ira Alido.

Villacencio surprised the field sizzling with two birdies in the last four holes to nines of 33-32 card and set the pace at the Nicklaus layout.

“I played a fantastic round.

Everything was in place, including my putting,” said Vil-

lacencio.

The PHP3 million event is sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. “Hopefully, I maintain my game and win,” added Villacencio, out to end a long title spell and string of missed cut stints aiming for the coveted title and whopping PHP550,000 to the top win-

ner on Saturday.

Ira Alido, eagled par-5 No. 6 and birdied No. 8 to shoot a 67 in another impressive start for the rookie pro who is in second spot.

Rico Depilo stood two strokes behind at 69 in the event backed by Custom Clubmakers, BDO, Meralco, Sharp, KZG, PLDT, Champion, Summit Mineral Water and K&G

Golf.

Another Dabawenyo Elmer Salvador bogeyed the 18th and missed joining Depilo at fourth with a 70, settling for joint fifth with Benjie Magada, Ferdie Aunzo, Jobim Carlos, Anthony Fernando and Korean Hwang Myung Chal. (Primo P. Agatep/PNA)

UNLUCKY BOGEY. A bogey in the closing hole gave Elmer Savador a 70.

EASY OVER. Mika Reyes of Petron tries a soft touch against Gen Casugod ATTACK. Aiza Maizo-Pontillas of Petron (right) attacks this defense by of Generika-Ayala. Gz Fiola Ceballos of Generika-Ayala.

S

Alcantara reaches HK doubles quarters

ECOND seed Francis Casey Alcantara and doubles partner, Karunuday Singh of India, made it to the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Futures 1 on Wednesday.

Alcantara and Singh defeated Filipino Dave Sebastian Mosqueda and Hong Kong’s Alester Magalit, 6-3, 6-3 at the Victoria Tennis Center outdoor hard court to arrange a showdown with Japanese tandem, Yutaro Matsuzaki and Masato Shiga.

Matsuzaki and Shiga advanced to the next round after posting a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Hong Kong’s Skyler Butts and France’s Arthur Weber.

Top seeds Katsuki Nagao and Hiromasa Oku of Japan won over Hong Kong wild cards, Wing-Lun Lam and Ching Yeung Michael Tam, 6-2, 6-3, to also earn a quarterfinal seat in the USD15,000 tournament sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation.

Nagao and Oku will be up

against the winner between Hong Kong pairs, Denton Ho and Ching Lam, and Anthony Jackie Tang and Chun Hun Wong.

Meanwhile, third seeds Yecong He of China and Pak Long Yeung of Hong Kong downed Hong Kong wild cards, Pak Hong Isaac Chan and Ching Ho Sunny Yue, 6-4, 6-3, to advance against Hong Kong’s Ki Lung Ng and Ming Chun Alan Sou, who won by default over compatriots Ryan Jiu Nguy and Zheng Qi Jonathan

Zhang.

Japanese tandem Tomohiro Masabayashi and Yuki Mochizuki also advanced to the next round after eliminating fourth-seeded compatriots, Arata Onozawa and Jumpei Yamasaki, 6-2, 5-7 [10-6].

Masabayashi and Mochizuki will face Americans Mousheq Hovhannisyan and Evan Song, who beat Hong Kong’s Hei Yin Andrew and Hong Kit Wong, 7-6 (8), 3-0 (retired). (Jean T. Malanum/PNA)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

PINOY SPARMATE. Jeff Horn with Filipino sparmate Czar Amonsot.

E

SPN’S First Take panelists Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman know their boxing.

Kellerman has been a mainstay on HBO’s boxing coverage for years, while Smith was part of the broadcast team for Pacquiao’s last fight against Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas.

But even someone as knowledgeable as Smith needed reminding about Australian welterweight contender Jeff Horn.

The duo were discussing the upcoming “Battle of Brisbane” between Horn and Pacquiao on July 2 at Suncorp Stadium with Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum, only for Smith to have an unfortunate case of mistaken identity relating to Horn.

“Here’s my question,” Smith began. “Pacquiao against Joe Horn, now I know Joe Horn is a respectable guy.”

“Jeff, Jeff, Jeff ...” Arum interjected.

“Jeff, I apologise,” Smith quickly stated.

Smith was making the point he believed Pacquiao was too great a name for Horn, and intimated that the Filipino legend should be in a more high-profile fight with more well-known fighters — something he feels Horn is not.

“I think about (Manny) Pacquiao, I only think about (Floyd) Mayweather,” Smith said. “I also think about the young lions in this game.

The Terrence Crawfords of the world, the Errol Spence Juniors of the world, the Kell Brooks of the world.”

Legendary promoter Arum used the appearance on First Take to reveal the Horn-Pacquiao fight will be shown live for free worldwide (except in Australia) on ESPN, in a move to generate new interest in Pacquiao and build his brand towards a future fight with the “big name” Smith sug-

gests.

Pacquiao’s last fight against Jessie Vargas was also not shown on pay-perview and was held at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, rather than a more lucrative on-strip casino venue.

It shows the Pacquiao brand is not as strong as it once was — but the hope is the Horn showdown will rectify that.

“This is the first fight that Manny has had that’s been on free-to-air television, thanks to ESPN,” Arum said. “He hasn’t had a fight in 11 years that people haven’t paid for.

“His last fight was on HBO (US cable channel).

This is an opportunity for the public to become re-acquainted with Manny Pacquiao. It will have a tremendous audience and he’s fighting a really good, tough kid in Jeff Horn.

“If he beats Horn and if he looks good beating Horn, then down the road there’s Terrence Crawford, there’s Spence — he goes into those fights.

“But those fights are very expensive and we can’t do them on free television, we have to do them on payper-view. We have to pay what the fighters would want in a fight like

SLIP TALK Veteran broadcasters hardly know Horn United States, given the fight will be held just before a big US holiday (Independence Day).

Arum revealed that with the fight being underwritten in part

by Queensland Tourism (Queensland Government and Queensland Tourism and Events), there was less pressure on promoters to offer the fight as a pay-perview overseas to fill coffers.

“This fight (against Horn), because of the Tourist Board, because of the Queensland Tourist Minister we are being subsidised by the government in Australia — there’ll be close to 60,000 people in attendance and we can therefore afford to show this fight for free. “(It will be) The July 4 weekend (in America) gift, thanks to ESPN and Manny Pacquiao.”

Horn can put a dent in future plans for both Top Rank and Team Pacquiao, but also land himself another marquee date — with Arum confirming a potential future fight between Terrence Crawford and Pacquiao is all part of the plan.

“Absolutely Terrence (Crawford) wants Manny Pac-

that.”

While the world will enjoy the Pacquiao-Horn welterweight showdown for free, Australian fans will have to pay $59.95 for the privilege on Main Event pay-per-view.

But there’s added incentive for the Australian.

The worldwide audience could yet prove an excellent springboard for Horn to make a name for himself overseas, particularly in the

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quiao,” Arum said.

“Terrence wants the best. Terrence told me he wants (Manny) Pacquiao, (Errol) Spence and (Keith) Thurman.”

DWIGHT HOWARD

PLAYFUL. Manny Pacquiao hits the mitts with Australian journalist Jamie Pandaram.

Hawks send Howard to Hornets

D

WIGHT Howard’s Atlanta homecoming was short-lived.

The Hawks sent Howard and the No. 31 overall pick in Thursday’s NBA draft to Charlotte for center Miles Plumlee, shooting guard Marco Belinelli and the 41st pick, getting the deal completed late Tuesday night.

Howard, an eight-time AllStar and three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, will be playing for his third team in three seasons following a disappointing one-year return to his Atlanta hometown. ‘’We are excited to add a player of

Dwight’s stature to our roster,’’ Charlotte general manager Rich Cho said. ‘’He has been a very talented player, an elite rebounder and rim protector as well as a physical presence since the moment he entered the league.

Howard’s best seasons came alongside coach Steve Clifford and we believe their familiarity will make an immediate impact for the Hornets this upcoming season.’’

Clifford was an assistant with Orlando and the Los Angeles Lakers during Howard’s stints with those teams. ‘’I’m excited about working with Dwight again,’’ Clifford said. ‘’He brings a defensive mindset, shot blocking ability and a level of physicality that will be a huge asset for us. We look forward to him continuing his career here in Charlotte.’’

Howard signed a threeyear, $70.5 million deal with Atlanta and then sat out the fourth quarter in two of six playoff games in the

Hawks’ first-round loss to Washington.

Howard’s averages with the Hawks - 13.5 points and 12.7 rebounds - were close to his production in his last of three seasons with Houston in 2015-16. Still, he finished the season unhappy about his diminished role in the playoffs, when he averaged eight points and 10.7 rebounds. ‘’It was very difficult. I want to play,’’ Howard said after the season. ‘’I want to be on the floor. I want to make an impact. You can’t do it on the bench.’’

The Hawks were eliminated in the first round for the first time since 2014. Following the season, coach Mike Budenholzer resigned his additional role as president of basketball operations and Wes Wilcox stepped down as general manager.

The Howard trade is the first deal for new Hawks GM Travis Schlenk, who faces the difficult challenge of re-signing free-agent forward Paul Millsap. ‘’It is extremely important for our organization that we maintain our flexibility and this trade helps us achieve that critical goal,’’ Schlenk said. ‘’We appreciate the contributions that Dwight made on the court and in the greater Atlanta community this past season.’’

Howard, 31, is due to earn $23.5 million each of the next two seasons.

Plumlee, 28, still has three years remaining on his contract at $12.5 million per season. Belinelli, 31, is set to earn $6.6 million in the final year of his deal.

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