Edge Davao 10 Issue 60, June 25 - 26, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

ICON. An Islamic symbol of a crescent moon and a star sits atop the minaret of a mosque as a Muslim woman walks through an overpass along Quezon Blvd. in Davao City two days before Eid’l Fitr or the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Lean Daval Jr.

AFFIRMED DavNor SP backs BUCOR-TADECO agreement EDGEDAVAO Sports

I

N an unprecedented move, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao del Norte passed on June 19, Rizal Day, Resolution No. 364, supporting the joint venture agreement between the Bureau of Corrections and the Tagum

Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO) on the partnership deal to cultivate the over 5,000-hectare land of the Davao Prisons and Penal Farm.

The resolution, approved four days later by Gov. Anto-

nio Rafael G. del Rosario, was enacted primarily due to the “large contributions to the economy of the Province of Davao del Norte” arising from the agreement.

Based chiefly on the position paper submitted by Tade-

co, the resolution was passed with the SP convening as a committee of the whole and presided over by Vice Gov. Allan R. Dujali.

The Office of the House of Speaker, which sponsored the

F AFFIRMED, 10

EARLY BIRD

Pacquiao flies to cold Brisbane early for his July 2 fight

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

SLOWLY BUT SURELY. Rescuers lower a “victim” on a stokes basket stretcher using high angle rope rescue procedure during a practice for the upcoming nationwide simultaneous drill slated on June 29 at the junction of Bolton and Bonifacio Streets in Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

BIG CATCH

Zambo cops arrest 3 in P60-M drug haul T P1.2M shabu seized in Mati City L HE police have arrested on Saturday three suspects, including an Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) couple, and seized P60 million worth of shabu, in anti-drug operations in this city.

Supt. Nonito Asdai, Police Station 6 chief, identified the arrested suspects as Almujir Sabtal, 29, of Sulu; and, the couple OFWs as Carmin Maluddin, 36, and Sakur Alijam, 26 of Vallerosa subdivision, Sinunuc, this city.

Asdai said Sabtal was arrested in a buy-bust operation shortly before 8:00 a.m. Saturday at a downtown hotel in this city.

Asdai said the couple OFWs, Maluddin and Alijam, was arrested in a follow-up

operation 30 minutes later at Vallerosa subdivision, Sinunuc, when Sabtal revealed the source of the illegal drugs he sells.

Seized from the residence of the couple were more or less three kilos of shabu with an estimated P60 million street value, according to Asdai.

But Maluddin denied involvement in the illegal drug trade claiming they just accommodated Sabtal since he has nowhere to stay in this city.

Maluddin claimed they were unaware that Sabtal is staying at a hotel as well as his illegal drug trade activity.

However, Asdai said the packs of three kilos of shabu were recovered at the bed-

F ZAMBO, 10

Empowered citizens make good tourism ambassadors — expert

A

TOURISM expert has emphasized the need for a country’s citizens to be more empowered to make them better ambassadors of their country.

In day two of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) International Conference of Tourism Statistics on Thursday, Belgium’s VisitFlanders Research Project Manager Vincent Nijs presented a talk called “Learnings from ‘Resident Attitudes towards Tourism’ for Tourism City Management Activities”.

VisitFlanders, according to its website, is a tourist office that promotes tourism in Flanders, one of the three re-

gions of Belgium.

Nijs’ talk tackled how tourism has long been seen from the tourist’s point of view, when in fact members of tourism destination are just as imporatnt.

“Even the best destinations need supportive, happy and positive residents to convey the identity of the destinations in a positive way,” Nijs said.

Using as an example Belgium’s tourist destinations, the City of Bruges, Flanders, Nijs pointed out the need to empower citizens in order to boost the support for tourism.

“Empowered residents

F EMPOWERED, 10

AW enforcers in Davao Oriental arrested five illegal drugs suspects in Mati City which resulted to the confiscation of an estimated P1.2 Million worth of shabu in its One-Time Big-Time early morning Friday.

Around 1:30 a.m. of June 23, opeatives of Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office, Mati City Police Station, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Police Regional Office 11 - Drug Enforcment Unit (PRO11-DEU) launched a simultaneous anti-illegal drugs operation in the city which resulted to the arrest of the suspects.

Suspects identified as Julieto M. Revelleza, 43, resident of Barangay Badas, Reynante Camagal, 40 from the town of Tarragona, Ryan Balente, 34, also from

F BIG CATCH, 10

GRP panel wants review case of detained bishop

T

HE Philippine government peace panel is asking the Department of Justice to expedite the process for the immediate release of a Protestant bishop who was arrested along with an alleged high-ranking rebel leader in Ozamis City last month.

Government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III and panel members said priests and bishops of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) have been “assisting the Government it its peace efforts and initiatives especially in facilitating

the release of (government) captured soldiers/military officers or members of law enforcement agencies in the past.”

Bello urged the DOJ to look into the case of Bishop Carlos Morales on humanitarian ground.

Morales was held on May 12 at a military checkpoint together with alleged ranking rebel leader and National Democratic Front (NDF) consultant Rommel Salinas on humanitarian grounds.

The IFI bishop claimed

he did not know Salinas who flagged him down and asked for a ride last May 12, several weeks before the cancelled 5th round of peace talks in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

At that time, Bishop Morales told police investigators he just took pity of Salinas who was carrying several bags.

Salinas was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for destructive arson, murder, frustrated murder, attempted murder and robbery.

Another prelate of the IFI (popularly known as the Agli-

payan Church), Bishop Felixberto Calang has been actively participating in the GRP-NDF negotiations in Europe as an independent observer.

On several occasions, Calang served as third party facilitator in the release of government soldiers and policemen captured by rebels belonging to the New People’s Army, the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The CPP and the NPA are two of the rebel organizations under the umbrella of the NDF.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Federal conversion necessary for PH survival -- MinDa chair

M

INDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) Chair, Sec. Abul Khayr Alonto, said that in light of the infiltration of ISIS members and sympathizers in the country, the Philippines is in dire need to convert its Unitarian government into a Federal one.

During the Mindanao Hour Press Briefing held in this city, June 23, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader said that even if the Maute and the ISIS appear to have been weakened by military operations in Mindanao, it does not address the centuries-long issues that sparked convoluted religious ideologies here in the first place.

“This means we have to eliminate and resolve the causes through which daesh ISIS has been able to find a foothold

in the Bangsamoro and lure our desperate youth into its depraved and perverse ideology,” he said.

“It is in this context, thus, that henceforth we have to return to, and focus on, the original national flagship agenda of the President for system change – the constitutional shift from the present Unitary state to Federalism,” Sec. Alonto said.

The secretary believes that at present time, having an inclusive form of government where Moros can govern in accordance to their faith and religion is the best way to survive.

“This is not just a matter of reform,” he explained. “It has become a matter of survival for the Philippine State in light of the global menace of daesh extremism that has, like a metas-

F FEDERAL, 10

POWWOW TIME. Construction workers chat during lunch break at a high rise condominium building along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

No quick fix to finish off Maute group: AFP T

HE military, while mindful of the public clamor to end the fight against the terrorist Maute Group at the soonest possible time, cannot rush it to prevent more casualties in the long run, an official has said.

An urban terrain, such as Marawi City, is one of the most difficult combat environment there is as troops are dealing with enemy snipers, improvised bombs, mines, and the presence of civilian hostages, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla. “(Urban fighting) is complex. It is not that easy. People are very impatient but they don’t know the sacrifices of their soldiers,” he said.

Padilla cited the experience of one Marine unit last week as they were clearing a building in Marawi City.

“The Marines found an IED so they tried to deal with it by trying to explode it remotely. When it exploded, there were 10 huge explosions, like a ‘Judas Belt’ firecracker. It turns out that the IED was part of a (booby trap consisting of a series of IEDs laid together), which if triggered, would likely kill or injure troops unwittingly,” he said.

Padilla said neutralizing the remaining terrorists is complicated due to the urban terrain and with the enemy well aware of their positional advantage.

He cited the case of military units in the Middle East, who, despite their firepower and numerical superiority, encountered extreme difficulty in combating ISIS terrorists in an urban setting.

“The Battle of Mosul (in Iraq) is still ongoing. (Having) started in October 2016, it is not yet finished. (It has) been going on for eight months. In Libya (which conducted operations against) ISIS/Daesh (terrorists), the battle started May 12 (last year) and ended only last Nov. 6, so it lasted over six months,” Padilla said.

He further noted that in the Battle of Ramadi where American and Iraqi forces combined to fight the ISIS terrorists, the operation be-

gan in April 2006 and ended only in November that year and during the Second Battle of Fallujah where the Iraqi, American and British forces combined against Al-Qaeda terrorists, operations lasted Nov. 7 to Dec. 23, 2004.

“So if you will compare it to the ongoing engagement (in Marawi), the terrain is very much the same, and we are doing this very carefully. We have complex issues -- presence of hostages, residents in their homes refusing to leave, and continued discovery of improvised explosive devices, (necessitating) the door-todoor clearing operations our soldiers must practice,” Padilla said. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)

Rifle grenade blast kills household help A RIFLE grenade explosion killed a 36-yearold female household helper while her companion was severely wounded in Iriga City, Camarines Sur on Friday evening, said a report reaching the headquarters of the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) on Saturday.

Sr. Insp. Ma. Luisa Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said the victim, identified as Marites Capena, 36, was seated in front of a table around 7:30 p.m. on Friday in Barangay San Isidro in Iriga City when her companion in the house, Roy Tino, 48, arrived.

“Tino held in his hand a rifle grenade that he picked up somewhere in their barangay,” said Calubaquib.

She said Capena and Tino played with the grenade not knowing that it could explode.

Quevedo blasts desecration of chapel in North Cotabato

C

THE RIGHT WAY. Army reservists carry a “victim” to safety during a practice for the upcoming nationwide simultaneous drill slated on June 29 along Bolton Street in Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

“Suddenly the grenade exploded, ripping apart Capena’s body while Tino was critically injured,” said Calubaquib.

Capena was rushed to the Medical Mission Group Inc. in neighboring Nabua town, also in Camarines Sur, but was declared dead on arrival.

Tino was rushed to the same health facility but later transferred to the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City because of his critical condition.

The Iriga City Police Office is continuing with its investigation to determine how Tino managed to get hold of the rifle grenade, said Calubaquib.

Capeno was a resident of Barangay Sta. East in Buhi town in the province while Tino is a resident of Barangay San Nicolas, Iriga City. (Jorge Hallare/PNA)

OTABATO Archbishop Cardinal Orlando Quevedo has condemned the desecration of the Catholic Chapel of Malagakit in the Parish of Pigcawayan in North Cotabato.

“As the leader of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, I condemn in the strongest terms possible the wicked desecration of the Catholic Chapel of Malagakit in the parish of Pigcawayan and most especially of the Sacred Hosts that were kept there for the Catholic faithful,” he said in a statement.

“These are irreligious acts that cry out to heaven,” he added, pertaining to what the members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have done to the chapel.

It was reported that the BIFF left the images of the Vir-

gin Mary, a huge Crucifix and other statues were broken.

Also, the tabernacle, a place where consecrated hosts are kept, was opened and the hosts scattered on the floor.

At the same time, Quevedo urged the Catholic faithful to help in restoring the sacredness of their chapel.

The cardinal also asked all of them to pray for peace and harmony among all religions.

With this, Quevedo noted that BIFF leaders should penalized its erring members for doing “gravely sinful” actions.

“If the BIFF wants to have an image as a respecter of all religions, it must punish its members, who perpetrated the odious desecration in Malagakit, and educate all its members in strictly respecting other religions,” he added.

(Ferdinand G. Patinio/PNA)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

BSP 2017 rate hike projections varying

P PREFERRED MARKET. Consumers prefer to buy fruits at the makeshift stalls in Bankerohan’s bagsakan area as prices here are much lower compared to other fruit stands in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

ROJECTIONS for Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas rate hikes are now mixed, with some seeing a delay in rate increase in the second half of 2017 given the deceleration of inflation rate.

In a study, BMI Research remains optimistic for a 50 basis points increase in BSP rates “before end-2017 to curb inflationary pressures and to stem risks of capital outflows.”

This even as the central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) maintained its key rates on Thursday due to more manageable inflation outlook, among others.

To date, the BSP’s overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) rate is still at three percent, the overnight lending or repurchase (RP) rate is 3.5 percent and rate of the special deposit account (SDA) facility is 2.5 percent.

These three represent the central bank’s Interest Rate Corridor (IRC), which was put in place since June 2016 to help the BSP “better manage

inflation and promote longterm sustainable growth.”

Also, the 20 percent reserve requirement ratio for universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) was maintained.

BMI, a unit of Fitch Group, noted that “although the central bank maintained a neutral stance, it reiterated that the balance of risks is tilted to the upside with regards to inflation.”

This statement, it said, “chimes with our view for the BSP to adopt a more hawkish stance over the coming months to manage inflationary pressures.’

“Moreover, over the coming months, we expect diverging monetary policy vis-à-vis the US and fears of fiscal slippage to increase the risk of capital outflows, which the BSP will likely be mindful of,” it said.

Rate of price increases posted a slowdown to 3.1 percent last May after staying at 3.4 percent last March and April. (PNA)

PH hoping to work with AIIB on infra projects COA finds firetrucks

F

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the Duterte administration is looking forward to working with the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which has already made “great strides” in providing financial support to its partners even if it has been in operation for just two years.

Dominguez congratulated AIIB president Jin Liqun and lauded the AIIB’s “excellent” record in financing projects, as well as its organizational efficiency and keen focus on poverty reduction.

“I’m very happy to note that they have made great strides and in fact have lent more on their own than in partnership with others. It’s something like 55-45 percent right now, and I think it’s an excellent record for a bank so young,” said Dominguez in a recent media interview on the sidelines of the 2nd annual AIIB meeting held in Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea.

“We look forward to working with them and of course benefiting from loans and

grants from the AIIB,” added Dominguez, who for the first time attended the AIIB meeting as a member of its board of governors.

In an earlier interview, Dominguez said the Philippines is awaiting the Bank’s approval of its planned co-financing with the World Bank of the P23.46 billion Metro Manila Flood Control Management Project, which is listed among the proposed projects in the AIIB website.

The first phase of the project, which was approved by the Investment Coordination Committee and National Economic and Development Authority in September last year, includes the rehabilitation of 36 pumping stations in Metro Manila and the construction of 20 new ones in Manila, Pasay, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan. Valenzuela and Quezon City.

The Philippines had also presented for possible AIIB co-financing the P37.76 billion EDSA Bus Rapid Transit system, which is partly funded by the Asian Development Bank.

In the First AIIB Governors Session held in Jeju Island, it was reported that a threeyear Information Technology Masterplan for the Bank has now entered its second phase, which involves putting in place appropriate measures to ensure that AIIB’s robust operations remain continuous and resilient against external shocks.

“We want to be an ethical, innovative and agile institution,” said AIIB President Jin in his message to the Bank Governors.

The second AIIB meeting highlighted the massive infrastructure requirements of its members--from the smallest to the largest ones.

The members discussed ways to improve their respective policy environments with the end view of optimizing the economic benefits of infrastructure and instituting reforms to ensure the viability of these infrastructure investments.

“Well integrated infrastructure and enhanced connectivity between Asia and

the rest of the world has far reaching benefits for the global economy,” President Jin said.

The AIIB Risk Management Framework has also been set up with its first phase expected to be completed by December this year.

The AIIB’s membership has grown from 57 in 2016 to 80 this year. The memberships of Tonga, Argentina and Madagascar were the latest to be approved during the AIIB Meeting.

The three prospective members will officially join AIIB once they complete the required domestic processes and deposit the first installment of capital with the Bank.

The shares allocated to the new prospective members come from the Bank’s existing pool of unallocated shares.

In its first year of operation in 2016, the AIIB has approved loans of over $1.7 billion to help fund seven infrastructure projects across seven countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Azer-

their innovation and expertise in carrying out public-private partnership projects.

“Our partners in the private sector play a big role in the development process and thus in realizing our vision for the country, the AmBisyon Natin 2040. We need to start working outside of urban centers, however, and tap the potential of fringe regions,” Pernia said in his keynote address.

AmBisyon Natin 2040 envisions Filipinos as enjoying a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life.

The Secretary encouraged private partners to continue contributing to economic growth by creating jobs, promoting innovation, providing skills training, delivering quality health services, and providing additional infrastructure financing through public-private partnerships.

Meanwhile, Pernia stressed that the hallmark of the administration’s socioeconomic agenda is rural and regional development that will reduce poverty and inequality across the regions.

“This is why the new

PDP 2017-2022 employs a National Spatial Strategy (NSS). The NSS describes geographic challenges, as well as opportunities for economic growth,” Pernia said as he discussed the initiatives detailed in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.

The main strategies of the NSS are maximizing the benefits of scale and agglomeration economies, connecting settlements to form efficient networks, and making vulnerability reduction an integral part of development. (NEDA)

F PH, 10

Private sector asked to help boost inclusive growth: NEDA

T

HE National Economic and Development Authority called on the private sector to boost its activities especially in the provinces to promote the Administration’s agenda of inclusive growth.

During Wednesday’s 8th Regional Development Council-Private Sector Representatives’ (RDC-PSR) National Convention in Panglao, Bohol, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said that the private sector is able to help the government by bringing in

from China defective T HE Commission on Audit found some firetrucks procured from China as defective, which could affect the capability of the country’s regions to efficiently respond to emergency cases and effectively carry out Bureau of Fire Protection’s mission to prevent and suppress destructive fires.

The COA Report ending in December 31,2016 also noted some irregularities in the P 2.577 billion procurement deal by the BFP entered with a Filipino-Chinese joint venture in 2015.

The COA Report stated that 37 percent, or 176 out of the 469 firetrucks delivered by the joint venture of Kolonwel Trading, the local partner, and Hubei Jiangnan Special Automobile Company Ltd. of China were defective.

The contract was for the supply of 244 firetruck units with 1,000-gallon capacity at PHP 6 million each and 225 units with 500-gallon capacity at PHP 5 million each with the objective of achieving a set of reliable, fast and efficient fire trucks.

The Report stated this objective did not materialize as viewed from the various defects noted in the 176 (or 37 per cent) out of the 469 fire trucks delivered in 2015.

According to the Report, a total of 39 defects in the 176 firetrucks ranging from simple faults such as damaged side mirrors, busted front and rear lights to the more serious ones such as “engine shuts-off even during operation,” “sudden unintended swerving specially at running state” and “sudden acceleration of engine.”

It was on Feb. 2, 2015

when the BFP executed with Kolonwel joint venture the purchase contract amounting PHP2,577,275,000.

This was after the BFP Bids and Awards Committee in October 2014 post-disqualified the two other bidders for supposedly being “unresponsive” or failing to meet some technical requirements and as of May 9, 2017, it showed 107 of the trucks still needed to be repaired by the supplier.

The Audit Team Leaders (ATLs) of the BFP Regional Offices 1, 6 and 11 issued AOMs (Audit Observation Memorandum) on reported noted defects in the fire trucks and observed that the defects would affect the capability of the end-user Regions to efficiently respond to emergency cases and effectively carry out BFP’s mission to prevent and suppress destructive fires, the Report stated.

The COA questioned BFP’s choice of supplier, noting that Kolonwel Trading, the Filipino majority partner in the joint venture had “questionable 60 percent Filipino ownership/interest.”

The Report revealed that under their agreement, the parties should contribute PHP 100 million as initial funding requirement of the JV (joint venture) whereby Kolonwel should put up PHP 60 million, or 60 percent, COA noted.

The audit body noted that Kolonwel’s declared assets only amounted to PHP 1.4 million in 2012 and PHP 1.6 million in 2013. Thus, it is highly unlikely that it can put up the PHP 60 million initial funding share agreed upon in its joint venture agreement with Chinese firm Hubei.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

DBM allots P50-M for UN confab in PH A

READY FOR TAKERS. A sales attendant fixes a display of Muslim clothing inside an establishment along Quezon Blvd. in Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

ROUND PHP 50 million are being used to conduct the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) conference in Manila, the Department of Tourism said Thursday.

“For the whole conduct of the conference itself, we were provided by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the amount of P 50 million and we were also able to secure some support from our partners,” DOT Undersecretary for Administration and Special Concerns Ronaldo Canizal said in a press conference.

The conference, which runs from June 21 to 23, serves as a venue to discuss policy initiatives on the importance of developing a statistical frame-

T

HE establishment of the trilateral maritime patrol arrangement between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines early this week will boost business confidence in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said Ishak Mastura, chairman of the ARMM’s Regional Board of Investment.

“This (TMP) is an important development for the ARMM because people from our island provinces have been doing cross-border trade since time immemorial and even before there were borders to cross,” Mastura said.

ARMM governor Mujiv Hataman also welcomed the TMP, saying it would ensure security for traders in the ARMM who are doing busi-

ness in Malaysia and Indonesia. “This development will shore up trade and commerce in these areas,” he said, noting this will also help small-scale enterprises in the region.

Gov. Hataman said traders in ARMM have been doing businesses in these neighboring areas for centuries through barter trading. He said tighter security measures in the Sulu Sea would also help as the regional government is pushing for the revival of barter trading to curb smuggling activities in southern Philippines.

“The incidents of piracy and lawlessness in the Sulu Sea did not prevent traditional cross-border trade but international transshipment was affected by it. By conducting trilateral border patrols we believe that transshipment,

Nograles asks BIR to probe MRT contractors

A

PART from overpricing, the Busan Universal Railway Inc. (BURI) has committed tax fraud thereby denying the government millions of potential revenues, Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Partylist Rep. Jericho Nograles said.

“This is already beyond greed. BURI wants us to pay them P3.8 Billion for very sloppy service and still wants to cheat us by misdeclaring in their tax filings. They have perjured in Congress before and it is not surprising that they have falsified documents

through the years” Nograles said.

In a letter to Bureau of Internal Revenue chief Commissioner Cesar Dulay, Nograles asked the BIR to look deeper into the tax filings of the BURI incorporators namely: Busan Universal Rail Inc with company tax information number (TIN) 009-197-694; Elpidio Silvestre Uy ( Edison Development and Construction) with TIN 100-457-776-000; Tramat Mercantile Inc. with TIN 000-330-611-000; TMIcorp Inc. with TIN 007-352-105;

wherein bigger volumes of cargoes are safely moved among the three countries, can make a comeback,” said Mastura.

The departments of Defense of the three nations have agreed to step-up security measures in the roughly one million square-kilometer tri-border area in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas. This tri-border area is among the major trade routes in Southeast Asia.

The area is also the fishing ground of commercial fishery operators, specifically those into tuna and sardines operations. This route is also used

by Indonesian suppliers of coal for power plants in Mindanao and in the transshipment of major goods between Sabah in Malaysia and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and

Tawi-Tawi.

The TMP was agreed upon following a spike in hijacking in the last quarter of 2016, where local terrorist Abu Sayyaf group attacked international vessels and kidnapped sailors. To date, there are still five Vietnamese sailors that are in the hands of the bandits.

Brigadier General Custodio Parcon, commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, who also oversees the operations of the Maritime Command Center in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi under the Joint Task Force IndoMalPhil, said the initiative is also aimed at combating the present threat of jihadist groups, which use this route in setting up cells in the three neighboring countries.

(Bureau of Public Information)

FDBM, 10

Gov’t has funds to implement nat’l ID system --- lawmaker

Joint maritime patrols to boost T business confidence in ARMM Set-up seen to ensure security for traders

work to measure sustainable tourism worldwide.

It also became a gathering for foreign tourism ministers and other officials from around the globe.

On the second day of the conference, UNWTO officials visited Balesin Island Club in Polillo, Quezon for a familiarization tour to see firsthand how top destinations in the Philippines practice sustainable tourism.

UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai, in a press conference, lauded Balesin Island Club for its commitment to implement its own sustainable tourism program through aquaculture and agribusiness.

He, meanwhile, pointed

HE House appropriations committee has approved the proposed funding requirement for a measure which seeks to consolidate all existing government-initiated identification (ID) systems into one integrated Filipino ID system.

In a statement on Friday, appropriations committee chair and Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles said there would be enough government funds to carry out the implementation of a national ID system in the country. Bills requiring appropriations have to pass through Nograles’ panel.

When asked about the earmarked funding provisions, Nograles told PNA that the appropriations panel only puts a “general provision” and does not set a maximum limit to provide flexibility.

“There should no longer be a reason to delay the passage of the national ID system. We have enough funds to make it happen. We already passed it in the committee on appropriations which I chair,” Nograles said.

He cited the need to beef up the government’s efforts in eliminating terrorism threats

by equipping it with means to distinguish law abiding citizens from lawless elements.

“I am confident that after the House passage, the measure would be able to gain enough support in the Senate.

We want to strengthen the country’s fight against terrorism and criminality,” Nograles added.

Nograles said that the Filipino ID system would be machine-readable identification cards containing multiple data which can be used not just for identification but also for other government transactions.

The integrated ID system could trim government costs in the production of different types of cards. The proposed Filipino ID system can be used as a social security card, a tax information card, health card, and other government-issued identification cards.

“Unlike before, identification cards can now be embedded with digital chips so instead of having too many cards, a person would need a single card for all his government transactions because all the needed information can be stored there,” Nograles said.

ONGOING CONSTRUCTION. Connstruction of the iconic Aeon Towers project of FTC Group of Companies continue to move on schedule for a possible turnover

FNOGRALES, 10 early next year.

6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

BFAR 11 awards cash to 578 DA launches easy loan program Bantay Laot program fishers

A

TOTAL of 578 registered fisherfolk from 23 barangays in Davao City will receive cash incentives amounting from P1,000 to P2,000 each during the turnover ceremony of Bantay Laot Program at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-11 Regional Office, Davao City.

BFAR-11 Regional Director Fatma Idris said fisherfolk from Barangay 21C, 23C, 31D, 76A, Bago Aplaya, Bunawan, Centro, Daliao, Dumoy, Duterte, Hizon, Ilang, Lapu-lapu, Lasang, Leon Garcia, Lizada, Matina Aplaya, Pampanga, Panacan, Sasa, Sirawan, Talomo, and Tibungco will receive their individual cash incentives as sea watchers.

Bantay Laot Program is an initiative of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DABFAR) to deter illegal fishing activities and to protect threatened marine and aquatic species in the municipal waters by capacitating subsistence fishers, particularly the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) as sea guardians or sea watchers during closed season in nationally-declared Fishery Management Areas

(FMAs).

This transects the Bureau’s program on F/B Pagbabago, coastal resource management and law enforcement to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF).

Anchored on sections 24 and 158 of the Republic Act 10654 otherwise known as the amended Philippine Fisheries Code, entitled “An Act to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing”. The program provides support to LGUs, FARMCs and municipal fisherfolk to include assistance in the training of Bantay-Dagat Task Force.

In August 2016, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” F. Piñol made a promise during the turnover of 300 fiberglass boats to 600 registered fisherfolk in the Philippine Fisheries and Development Authority (PFDA)-11 in Toril, Davao City.

He said these registered fisherfolk shall receive a cash incentive for undergoing support activities.

Guidelines for the said program materialized and Davao Region became the pilot area

FBFAR 11, 10

Campaign starts for‘Letters of Hope’ for soldiers and civilians in Marawi

P

EOPLE from other regions and those living overseas can reach out to soldiers as well as displaced residents of Marawi through ‘letters of hope’.

The campaign was started by a group of private individuals in Luzon in coordination with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) Cabinet Secretary Khal Mambuay-Campong.

“Actually, this idea started when a doctor who visited Marawi City launched a donation drive for garments and thank you notes to the soldiers in the city fighting the local terror groups,” Sec. Campong said.

Assisted by her colleagues from Luzon, Sec. Campong initiated the delivery of the letters not only to soldiers but also to civilians affected by the month-long fighting between government troops and local terror groups.

Official data from ARMM’s Crisis Management Committee, as of June 15, showed a total of 252,282 individuals, or 51,651 families, were displaced by the crisis and are now in evacuation centers, or are staying with their relatives.

Rinz Araneta, a teacher from PAREF Woodrose School in Ayala Alabang in Metro Manila, said her group has seen the positive impact of this campaign to the soldiers thus extending the campaign to include civilians, especially those most affected by the crisis.

The campaign also allows sending messages of hope through the email ad-

dress: mgzaraneta@gmail. com.

“As our letters make their way to our noble soldiers, let us also extend this spirit of love and oneness to those severely affected by this war – our displaced brothers and sisters,” Araneta said.

“Let us send them letters that express love, that give hope, that show, or maybe, even just attempt at understanding,” Araneta added.

She explained that a page with a heartfelt message can motivate the victims.

The Education department’s provincial office in Cavite also issued a memorandum requesting all the schools to encourage teachers and students to send letters to the victims.

“It’s an expression of motivation and hope. We, the people of Marawi, need the prayers and words of hope,” said Campong who is from Marawi City.

She said those who are interested in sending letters to children and parents in Marawi City can send through Araneta’s e-mail address, or through drop-off points at Quezon City Science High School and at Veritas Catholic School in Paranaque.

She noted that many individuals have expressed their interest in delivering the letters.

In the first week of July, the group of Sec. Campong and Araneta will distribute the collected letters to the evacuation centers in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. (Bureau of Public Information)

for Surigao farmers, fishermen

T

HE Department of Agriculture has launched an easy repayment loan program for farmers and fishermen in Malimono, Surigao del Norte.

In his visit to the area on Thursday, DA Secretary Emmanuel Pinol announced the Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) program to the local officials and members of the Malimono Multipurpose Cooperative.

D

Pinol said PLEA aimed to provide loan access for farmers and fishermen in the countryside with an easy repayment plan.

Pinol said Malimono could be the poorest town in the country with a poverty incidence rate of over 80 percent.

“With a population of only about 18,000, the Malimono municipal government’s annual budget of only about PHP

65 million simply could not provide for what the people need to be able to wiggle out of poverty,” Pinol said.

Pinol said he was the first Cabinet Secretary to visit the town, according to Vice Mayor Teodorico Sinaca Jr. During the visit, DA also started to distribute the “Juan Magsasaka at Mangigisda “ intervention cards. The program has initial fund of PHP 15 million through the Mali-

mono Multipurpose Cooperative.

Qualified beneficiaries can apply for a loan of up to PHP50,000, depending on whatever products or project proposals they can come up with. The loan is payable in two up to 10 years at six percent interest per annum.

Aside from the intervention cards, Pinol also distributed bancas for the local fishermen. (LAM/PNA)

Founding Anniversary and the province’s Million Trees Movement, the tree planting activity is a province-wide undertaking where all ten towns and one city and ancestral domains simultaneously planted trees.

In the Governor’s Tree Park in the City of Mati alone, more than 1,000 narra seedlings have been planted during the activity, Officials here hope that most of the trees will survive, turning the currently empty Park into a picturesque mini forest in several years where people can stroll and enjoy nature within the rapidly progressing city.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, who was represented by the Capitol’s Chief of Staff Ednar Dayanghirang, dedicated the Park to the past Governors of the

province whose astounding performance contributed to the Davao Oriental’s development. He gave special credit to Former Governor, now Representative of the first district, Cong. Corazon N. Malanyaon, for her remarkable achievements that made Davao Oriental among the leading provinces in the region not only in terms of economic progress but also in the field of environment protection.

“Why choose a tree to symbolize the governorship of the province? This is because, in today’s changing climate, trees represent hope and life.

Standing trees strengthen the resilience of local people against the impacts of climate change as trees regulate temperature by cooling the environment, recharge watersheds, strengthen slopes

against landslides, dissipate wind and wave energy,” said Dayanghirang, adding that trees also provide habitat for wildlife, food and medicine for the people and the list goes on.

Like a tree, leaders provide for the needs of their constituents. “We know for a fact that in our official function, we provide basic services and inspire hope to the local people for a healthy, secure and safe living condition. Against all odds, like a tree, a Governor has to stand up for the wellbeing of his people,” he said.

Governor Dayanghirang urged the participants to do their fair share and pitch in for the province’s progress by supporting the leadership’s development programs while by being advocates of a sustainable environment. KAREN LOU DELOSO

DavOr Governor’s Tree Park launched

AVAO ORIENTAL – Armed with bolos and planting gears, hundreds of employees from the Provincial Capitol and national agencies flocked at the Governor’s Tree Park in Barangay Dahican in the City of Mati to participate in the annual Simultaneous Tree Planting Activity and Launching of the Governor’s Tree Park Thursday morning, Situated at the sprawling Government Center in Barangay Dahican in the City of Mati, the Governor’s Tree Park was launched to honor Davao Oriental’s past Governors and to symbolize the province’s hope for a future where economic progress intertwines with environmental sustainability.

Part of the series of events slated for the celebration of Davao Oriental’s 50th

The sprawling Governor’s Tree Park located at the Government Center Compound, Barangay Dahican in the City of Mati launched during a Tree Planting Activity on June 22, 2017 as part of the the series of events slated for the celebration of Davao Oriental’s 50th Founding Anniversary

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

Kidney-on-a-chip to help study, treat kidney conditions

R

ESEARCHERS with the University of Washington , in collaboration with the Seattle-based organ-on-a-chip company, Nortis, have been developing the “kidney-on-a chip,” a laboratory model for understanding how kidney is affected by drugs, toxins and environmental exposures.

The microfluidic chip, about the size of credit cards, contain a central chamber lined with live kidney cells.

A rocket carrying a payload that includes 24 such chips will transport the kidney research project as early as 2018 to the International Space Station.

The project is an attempt to understand how microgravity and other factors worsen kidney health.

“Weightlessness is an accelerator,” said Edward J. “Ed” Kelly, associate professor of pharmaceutics at the UW School of Pharmacy and Kidney Research Institute investigator. “In the microgravity environment on the International Space Station,

kidney problems are more common. They develop in weeks or months, instead of decades.”

With the space medicine project, researchers hope to use these discoveries to design better treatments on Earth for proteinuria, or the presence of protein in the urine that signals possible kidney problems; osteoporosis, namely bone loss; and kidney stones.

“By studying the kidneyon-a-chip after a few weeks in space, we expect to learn more about how osteoporosis, kidney stones and other kidney conditions develop,” Kelly said in a news release.

“This information may lead to breakthroughs in treatment and prevention.”

The kidney chips contain a small sample of live human kidney cells to test how drugs will affect those cells. The system offers a safer, more accurate, less invasive means of testing drugs before they are tried in patients. Importantly, it will reduce the need for animal testing in drug discovery research.

DOT focuses training frontliners for tourism

T

OURISM Secretary Wanda Teo announced here Friday morning P5-million fund for the MIMAROPA Region to be used to train tourism frontliners.

Southern Tagalog, comprised of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Romblon and Palawan, is also known as the MIMAROPA region.

Teo made the announcement in front of numerous residents and caretakers of important community-based sustainable tourism (CBST) sites at Sitio Sabang, Barangay Cabayugan, where the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

(PPSRNP) is nestled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The DOT secretary said the amount would come from a grant of PP100-million that they were given to be put in all regions, including Mimaropa.

“We were given PHP100-million and we will put in all regions for training, and PHP5-million will be for the Mimaropa, which includes Palawan. With that, I will ask your regional director to make sure that a part of it will be given for training in Palawan,” Teo said.

She said this was because the DOT wanted to focus on

Palawan, especially in the training of tourism frontliners, who would be first to meet the guests and visitors, as it was important for them to know how to properly welcome an individual at the onset of any holiday.

Palawan Provincial Tourism Officer Maribel Buñi welcomed Teo’s announcement particularly as it was precisely the province’s focus to train tourism frontliners on customer service.

She said when tourism frontliners, such as tour guides, tricycle and shuttle van drivers, restaurant servers, boatmen, hotel staff, and

others were trained, they help build relationships and retain customers or clients; generate word of mouth referrals and help abate adverse situations; and shape branding values for establishments that provide first-rate service to guests and visitors.

Teo is with United Nations World Tourism Organization Secretary General Taleb Rifai in visiting the PPSRNP Friday morning to personally witness and experience how residents of Cabayugan manage and control their CBST sites, such as the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour since 2000.

Airasia world champions for ninth time at Skytrax

A

IRASIA is the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the ninth year in a

row.

Asia’s largest low-cost carrier won the accolades at the 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards in the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace at Le Bourget Airport here yesterday.

AirAsia Group Cabin Crew Head Suhaila Hassan, who has been with the company for 20 years, accepted the award, flanked by AirAsia ambassador David Foster and Brazilian football player Roberto Carlos.

Foster is a world-renowned Canadian producer, musician, songwriter and composer who has won 16 Grammy Awards from 47 nominations over the span of almost four decades, while Carlos is a famed left-back who helped Real Madrid win four Spanish La Liga titles and was part of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup winning team.

Dubbed the “Oscars of the

Aviation Industry”, the Skytrax Awards are the global benchmark of airline excellence with over 19.9 million customer surveys completed worldwide by more than 105 nationalities, measuring standards across 49 key performance indicators of an airline’s frontline products and services.

AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said, “Today, Asean has created a world record. We are now nine times world champion. To put it into perspective, Brazil won the FIFA World Cup five times, Michael Jordan was NBA champion six times and Michael Phelps holds the record for most first place finishes at a single Olympics with eight gold medals.

“We take the world champion title seriously and we will strive to continue to improve for both our guests and shareholders. Over the last 15 years we have created a great brand

FAIRASIA, 13

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT. The Department of Energy (DOE) and Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (ASEP) experts engaged industry participants in a two-day public consultation for the Particular Product

Requirements (PPR) for LED lamps, air conditioners and refrigerators last 1415 June 2017 at the F1 Hotel in BGC, Taguig City.

DOE leads forum on energy efficiency for consumer products

T

HE Department of Energy (DOE) recently held the second of a series of public consultations aimed at developing a national energy efficiency standard for household appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators and lighting products like LED lamps.

Holding the dialogue in partnership with the European Union, the DOE led other government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and private sector representatives in culling inputs from experts, resource persons and the general public.

The collective inputs would be used to improve the proposed Particular

Product Requirements (PPRs) that would help consumers choose wisely in buying household items that are energy efficient.

Once finalized, the PPRs will form part of the Implementing Guidelines for the DOE’s Philippine Energy Standards and Labeling Program (PESLP).

Through the product standards, consumers will be better informed on the energy consumption and efficiency levels of specified consumer goods.

Director Amelia de Guzman of the DOE’s Energy Research and Testing Laboratory Services stressed the importance of involving consumers and civil society in

the deliberations in order to get the practical viewpoints of the end-users.

She explained that the PESLP not only benefits consumers by reducing their energy bills but will also help in significantly reducing carbon emissions that contribute to mitigating climate change.

In his opening remarks, Program Manager for Energy of the EU Delegation in the Philippines Willy Hick said, “The EU has been supporting the Philippine government through the years in reaching its energy efficiency and poverty reduction targets.”

The EU has allocated 60M Euros or PHP3.3 B in support of the Philippine

government’s 100%-electrification target by 2022.

“European funding can never work without a strong partner,” Hick said during the Philippines’ and EU’s Access to Sustainable Energy Program (ASEP) Meet.

Aside from efficiency, the ASEP also advocates clean energy by providing grants to boost rural household electrification using clean energy sources.

The first public consultation was held last 24 May. Apart from the consumer products mentioned during the first two conferences, the PESLP will also cover television sets, washing machines and even passenger and commercial vehicles.

AirAsia Group Cabin Crew Head Suhaila Hassan (center) holds the award. She is flanked by AirAsia ambassador AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer Captain Dexter Comendador (center left) and AirAsia Philippines Chairperson David Foster (left) and Brazilian football player Roberto Carlos (right).

Marianne Hontiveros (center right) happily pose with the Cabin Crew.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

EDITORIAL

For whom the bell tolls

O

N Sunday, Senator Manny Pacquiao will climb the ring again for the 68th fight of his professional boxing career. He is a ripe 38 years old when athletes--whether in contact sport or not--are in the twilight of their sporting life.

While the norms dictate he should hang up his gloves, the fighting senator continues to defy the norms with the hope of turning back the hands of time.

In his 68th fight, he will face a man 10 years younger who will be fighting the fight of his life backed up by a government that partly funded what is to be the biggest boxing night in the history of Australia.

The Australian schoolteacher Jeff Horn is not even given a chance to win in this fight by the supposed boxing pundits, but as we know, boxing is a sport where two men battle on equal terms with both hands.

Chances shift as every punch is thrown. Who would not remember the night of 8th December in 2012 when just as the Filipino great was finishing off Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez, a hailmary punch

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

landed smack on his jaw with the bell about to sound off the end of the round?

In short, we can never tell.

Pacquiao is also fighting in winter conditions in Australia these days where temperatures drop to sub 10s. Remember Frank Cedeno On January 18, 1984, Cedeno made his first world flyweight title defense against Koji Kobayashi in Nagoya, Japan and lost via second round TKO. The winter chill practically froze Cedeno’s muscles and has beaten to a pulp.

But more than any external factors, the main reason the overwhelmingly point to a Pacquiao retirement is his responsibility as a public servant which he must devote his time fully. Boxing has served him well and he has nothing more to prove. Not even a crushing triumph over Horn on Sunday will even change the boxing landscape which has likewise moved on past the era of a Pacquiao or a Mayweather.

The bell has tolled for Manny and it is time he must make that life-changing decision.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0948-823-3685 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

EDGEDAVAO

I

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

Missing out on the Floirendo timeline

N the 1980s as well as in this decade, it has been a source of amusement to read how Manila-based opinion writers would ‘assess’ the situation in the Davao region.

In the first months of his presidency, President Duterte was a favorite topic, as one supposed ‘expert’ after another gave his take on the man; to include his colorful language, his choice of his cabinet, his war on drugs, his anti-Obama tirades, his stand on the South China Sea territorial dispute, his supposed inexperience, his leanings towards China and Russia and lately his declaration of Martial Law. Now one columnist claims Duterte has actually started another war in another front: this time against the oligarchs.

And that this war has been brought to bear on the owners of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and against the business conglomerate that Antonio Floirendo, a self-made man from Bauang, La Union took 50 years to build as President Duterte himself noted in a speech in Davao del Norte.

Yet according to this columnist, an earth-shaking ‘crucial battle’ is being waged against the Floirendo’s by the Duterte administration with no less than House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez taking the point.

He added: ‘Floirendo has been practically a crony of the past six Presidents starting with Marcos. This is because all past Presidents allowed his huge banana enterprise, the Tagum Agri-

cultural Development Corp. (Tadeco) in Davao del Norte to control for 48 years – nearly half a century – and at atrociously cheap rates some 5,500 hectares of property, which is under, but not owned, by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), that is just one of the many bureaus of the justice department. It was crony access to such vast cheap lands and labor that made the company one of the world’s largest banana exporters.”

How the columnist would lump the PDI owners with the Floirendo’s is beyond me. My suspicion is that having arrived at a ‘thesis,” the columnist included the Floirendo’s as a convenient ploy to buttress his assertion.

The insinuation seemed to say that the late Floirendo, Sr. owed his billions to his fellow Ilocano, President Ferdinand E. Marcos under whose term the Tadeco-Bucor agreement was inked.

Floirendo’s timeline suggests otherwise. In fact, it showed from the start a pioneering entrepreneur who built up his business conglomerate through dint of hard work and perseverance. One account has this to say: “Born on Nov. 20, 1915 in Bauang, La Union, Floirendo was among those who saw enormous possibilities in the country’s southern frontier after the war when the administration of President Elpidio Quirino encouraged people from Luzon and the Visayas to explore opportunities in Mindanao.”

The following time-line suggests

ZAKATUL FITR Three days before the expected ending of Ramadhan, Muslims pay an obligatory alms to the poor in the form of food, which is customarily given in 3 kilograms of rice and other grains.

It is reported from Prophet Muhammad, “Prophet Muhammad has made Zakatul Fitr obligatory by paying 3 kilograms of dates or barley (or rice in our case in the Philippines as daily staple) as purification for the Muslim who fasted from sins committed during Ramadhan. It is also given as food for the poor. Whoever pays it before Salatul Eid, it shall be accepted as Zakah and whoever pays it after Salatul Eid, it shall be accepted from him only as Sadaqah or charity.” Narrated by Abu Dawud.

It is important to note here that Zakatul Fitr is obligatory upon every Muslim who has observed Ramadhan or were alive during Ramadhan whether they fasted or not. It means that a person will pay Zakatul Fitr for himself and for every dependent Muslim under him such as his wife, children or even parents or workers.

Zakatul Fitr should be paid only by food and not by money or any other goods. Although scholars allow that money may be collected by collecting Muslim agencies who will in turn by rice for them and deliver the Zakatul Fitr to the worthy.

It is an act of purifying ourselves from misgiving during Ramadhan such as lying, backbiting and other sins so that we could get the best rewards we could.

Zakatul Fitr should only be given to the poor. The Miskin is someone who has only enough earnings for the day so that they will not die of hunger, while a Faqir is someone who has to beg for money in order to live. They are the only ones who deserve to receive Zakatul Fitr. It is important to note now that our brethren who are evacuees from Marawi City deserve Zakatul Fitr and it may be sent to them.

It is to be paid at least 3 days before the expected day of Eid until before Salatul Eid starts.

REVERSED PUNCH (GYAKU ZUKI)

Jimmy K.Laking

a pioneering enterpreneur who made the most of opportunities: February 11, 1947: Antonio Floirendo opened his first company, the Mindanao Motors Corp., which imported of semi-knocked down car and truck parts for distribution in Mindanao. It was no exaggeration to say he brought wheels to Mindanao, which was in most parts largely undeveloped and still to be connected by good roads.

April 14, 1948: Floirendo founded Davao Motor Sales (DAMOSA) and established a Ford Motors reassembly plant at Bankerohan Public Market, the firm’s main office. Damosa by the way remains to this day, as a living testimony as ‘fruit of a good tree.’

1950: Floirendo acquired a

60-hectare land named Nenita Farms at Marapangi, Toril, which was Asia’s largest piggery. At its height, the farm hosted a mind-boggling 25,000 heads of hogs. This purchase alone suggests that Floirendo’s has hit upon his millions and well on the way to making more.

December 20, 1950: Don Antonio registered and incorporated the Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO), dubbed by the prestigious Fortune magazine as the “single biggest abaca plantation in the world.”

April 2, 1951: President Elpidio Quirino signed Proclamation No. 247 excluding 1,023.8574 hectares from the Davao Prisons and Penal Farm (DAPECOL) estates in the name of TADECO. March 18, 1953: Floirendo founded the Panabo Hemp Company, Inc. February 1, 1956: President Ramon Magsaysay met with Frank Metcalf, vice-president of the Columbian Rope Co. of New York, Merle Robie, vice-president and general manager of Columbian Rope Co. in the Philippines, and Foirendo, president of DAPA at Malacanan. Floirendo informed the President the price of abaca had gone up and suggested the government set aside 50,000 hectares in Davao and Agusan for the exclusive cultivation of hemp. In response, the President promised to take action toward increasing the Philippine abaca production.

May 16, 1956: TADECO, represented by Don Antonio, entered its first contract with the Bureau of Prisons, represented by Director Alfredo Bunye to process excess abaca stalks in the 2,800-hectared DAPECOL plantation. The deal was approved by acting Secretary Catalino Macaraeg.

These pre-Marcos developments showed Floirendo a millionaire many times over by the time the Tadeco-Bureau of Corrections agreement was consummated, an agreement that a succession of administration sustained.

The reference to cheap lands failed to account for the fact that most of the land then was an inhospitable swamp and that it took Floirendo to drain it and to turn it productive.

The reference to cheap labor does not wash either because the legislated labor wage labor from the 1950s upwards amounted to survival wages.

What has not been highlighted is the fact that the Tadeco-BUCOR deal has introduced a new concept of reforming prisoners by making them productive and thus allowing them to earn at the same time while serving their prison terms. Fact is, some of them have chosen not to leave even after having served their terms.

It is a concept that the Iwahig Penal colony in Palawan has copied in part and it explains why in some cases the families of some convicts chose to follow them to Palawan where they could till part of the land while awaiting deliverance. (JKL)

have for the occasion and all Muslims are expected to attend it. Male, female old and young. Even menstruating women are allowed to go to the prayer area even if they will not perform the Eid prayer just to observe.

It is an established tradition in Islam to recite Takbir by saying Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd which means, Allah is the greatest, there is no god worthy of being worshiped except Allah and all praise is to Him. The Eid prayer is composed only of two rak’ahs just like the Jumuah prayer. It is then followed by the Khutbah or sermon of the Khatib or Imam. Upon the completion of the Eid Sermon, it is customary for Muslims to greet each other on the coming of this Eid. In the Philippines, Eidul Fitr is declared as a national holiday, so Muslims use this day to visit loved ones and even being together with the family.

Eidul Fitr is celebrated not because Muslims are happy that the blessed month of Ramadhan had ended, but they celebrate it because Allah has promised them the reward of it upon the completion of this great act of worship.

return to old ways after Ramadhan.

Most Muslims will again not pray or wear hijab or will even to back to vices such as drinking or gambling.

Let us not forget that Ramadhan is only a month in a year while we were created by Allah to worship Him the whole year, from morning until evening wherever we may be or whatever our mood is.

We Muslims should understand that one of the signs that our good deed is accepted by Allah is that this good deed should make us better persons upon the completion of this good deed. And this good deed should not make us complacent to think that we’ve worshiped Allah enough so that we could go back to a life of sinning.

Accomplishing great acts of worship such as fasting and praying the whole month of Ramadhan should cause us to be more humble towards Allah and recognize His power over us and recognize our own weakness and need for His mercy.

With this said, let us be better persons after this Ramadhan.

I hope that this column made your day. If you need clarifications you may send your questions, comments, and suggestions to mensahetv@gmail.com.

For more information about Islam, watch Mensahe TV via Cignal channel 184. Mensahe TV, our message is Mercy to Mankind.

Beyond Ramadhan

EIDUL FITR Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadhan by a festivity known as Eidul Fitr. Unlike other festivities, Eidul Fitr is solemn and is done strictly according to the Shariah or Islamic Law. There is no drinking of liquor, music or dancing. Allah said in the Quran, Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. In order that you may complete the days of fasting and that you may magnify Allah for having guided you and that you may give thanks.

Quran 2: 185.

Eidul Fitr has been legislated

by Allah as one of the two occasions

UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

Mujahid Navarra

which are allowed in Islam. The other being the Eidul Adha or the Eid of Sacrifice on the culmination of Hajj season. Muslims do not celebrate birthdays or anniversaries.

Eid comes immediately after the last day of Ramadhan which is declared by the highest religious authority in the land according to the sighting of the new moon of the next month after Ramadhan named Shawwal. Upon the sighting of the new moon, Muslims are informed that Ramadhan has ended and they prepare for the next day of festivities.

Muslims prepare for Eidul Fitr by preparing themselves to go to the Eid Prayer which is done in huge congregations in masjids or even public areas. They wear the best clothes they

9

BEYOND RAMADHAN Many people have found themselves worshipping Allah during Ramadhan and many of them sadly will

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

AFFIRMED... FROM 1 inquiry into the JVA “in aid of legislation,” did not submit its position paper.

Recently, the same agreement was the focus of congressional inquiry and became the subject of separate opinions issued by the Department of Justice, Office of the Solicitor General, and the Commission on Audit.

The provincial legislature also cited the contributions of the deal in the rehabilitation of inmates, the reviews conducted by several justice secretaries supporting its approval, the millions of taxes, fees, and shares paid to the government, and the hundreds of thousands of job

opportunities created, both direct and ancillary.

The sanggunian also underscored the tax inputs the agreement has contributed to the economy of the towns that have directly benefitted from the deal, and the moral support extended by the cities and municipalities within the province to the JVA. Copies of the resolution were ordered furnished to TADECO, the Director of Bureau of Corrections, the Speaker and the chairman of the Committee on Justice of the House of Representatives, the Justice Secretary, and the municipal mayors and vice mayors of Davao del Norte.

room of the OFW-couple.

Maluddin works as an administrative assistant in the middle east and is scheduled to return to her work station on July 8.

Her husband, Alijam, have worked as driver for eight years in the middle east and is now in transport business in this city.

Sabtal claimed that he

earns PHP10,000 as commission for every kilo sale of shabu.

Asdai said Sabtal earns as much as PHP30,000 weekly as the latter revealed he could sold three kilos of shabu in one week.

He said that Sabtal further revealed that the source of shabu is from Jolo, Sulu. (Ely E. Dumaboc/PNA)

are better ambassadors, spokespersons of the city. The more residents feel empowered—proud, feel connected, are given a voice, are part of policy making and planning— the more they see positive impacts and less of the negative impacts of tourism activities,” Nijs said.

“The more they see positive impacts, the more they support tourism,” he added.

The three-day International Conference on Tourism Statistics was held from June 21 to 23 at the Marriott Hotel

in Manila.

The conference served as a venue to discuss policy initiatives on the importance of developing a statistical framework to measure sustainable tourism worldwide.

It was attended by around 1,000 delegates including officials from over 80 countries.

After the conference, delegates will be joining a familiarization tour to either Pampanga’s Mt. Pinatubo or Tagaytay’s Taal Lake and Volcano. (Azer N. Parrocha/ PNA)

baijan and Oman. It now lists 12 approved projects and 13 projects in the pipeline on its website.

The Philippines became a full member of the AIIB on Dec. 28, 2016.

“I’m very happy that we joined, this is a very dynamic organization,” Dominguez said. “I must congratulate AIIB President Jin for bringing the organization so far, so fast (in

just two years of its existence).”

India will host the third annual AIIB Meeting in Mumbai in June 2018.

Dominguez earlier said the government is exploring hybrid financing arrangements that will combine development aid and loans in raising more funds for its big-ticket infrastructure projects while keeping down borrowing costs.

Castan Corporation with TIN 008-536-964-000 and Busan Transportation Corporation with TIN 457-732-838-000.

Nograles said that based on his investigation, at least four of BURI incorporators have misdeclared their taxable financial assets obviously to deny the government its much-needed tax revenues.

“It came to my attention that the aforementioned companies have invested huge amounts of money but have not appropriately filed or declared the same,” Nograles said.

Nograles cited the case of Edison Development and Construction which did not

declare in their supposed P124.8 Million shareholding with BURI as required by law.

Tramat Mercantile Inc. on the other hand reported having only P27.7 Million in total assets but managed to invest P124.8 Million worth of BURI shares.

This is the same case for TMICorp which declared that it has a paid up share of P102 Million for BURI but declared no such amount in its Audited Financial Statement. Castan Corporation on the other hand has a paid up P60.3 Million worth of shares on BURI but has declared only P5.3 Million worth of actual assets.

Zambo... FROM 2

Empowered... FROM 2

PH... FROM 4

Nograles... FROM 4

PLAYTIME NOT YET. A young girl wears a stoic face as she peeks between a display of Islamic clothing inside an establishment along Quezon Blvd. in Davao City two days before the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Lean Daval Jr.

Palace elated by Marawi operations’development

M

ALACAÑANG on Saturday welcomed the developments on the government’s ongoing operations against the Maute Group in Marawi City.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said among these developments is the recovery of PP10-million worth of shabu found inside the house of former Marawi City mayor, Omar Solitario Ali. In a statement, Abella said this “will hopefully bring to bear the realities existing in the area about the close relation between the illegal drug trade and this ongoing rebellion”.

Ali was among the local

government officials allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade who were named by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“His name is likewise included in the arrest order of the Department of National Defense in connection with the Marawi rebellion,” Abella said.

He further said that the military is validating reports that Malaysian national Mahmud bin Ahmad, who helped finance the rebellion in Marawi, died from wounds he sustained during the early days of the Marawi conflict.

“We have been told that the military has information of the spot where he was bur-

ied and government troops are now trying to locate it and recover the remains. Once done, only then can we make an official confirmation,” Abella said.

Meanwhile, he said Malacañang, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the DND do not encourage or tolerate abuses by the military or the police in Mindanao or elsewhere.

“We will investigate and if evidence warrants, prosecute and punish all those who committed abuses, especially sexual violence against women,” he said.

Abella cited a recent re-

port by the Commission on Human Rights, stating that there was no evidence of abuse of martial law in Mindanao.

“Should there be, proper complaints must be properly filed. In the meantime, unless based on fact and evidence, we ask critics and advocates to be more considerate in their judgment of the efforts and context of our soldiers’ challenges and be more supportive of their efforts to protect the Filipino way of life,” he said.

Abella also said reports that 89 foreign terrorists have entered the country is still being validated.

Tarragona, Ebrolyn Evaresto, 32, Barangay Central in Mati City and Sajan Oasis Gadjadali of Barangay Sainz, Mati City.

Revillesa was arrested in his house through a search warrant issued by a Regional Trial Court in Mati City.

Camagal who was identified as top 5 drug suspect in the prvoince was arrested through buy-bust operation along with Evaresto and Balente in Barangay Central in Mati City.

Then, Gadjadali was arrested in Upper Bliss in Barangay Sainz where the operatives seized two caliber. 45 pistols and a hand grenade from his posession.

A total of 80 grams of Metamphetamine Hydrochlo-

ride known as “shabu” were confiscated in three operations.

Mati City Mayor Carlo Luis Rabat lauded the opeeatives for the success of the operation leading to the arrest of the big-time drug suspects in province.

Rabat said he is hopping for more and arrest of drug suspects in the city.

For his part, DOPPO Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Harry G. Espela said the police will continue its anti-illegal drugs operations in the whole province to attain the campaign of President Rodrigo R. Duterte making the Philippines a drugfree country. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

tasizing cancer, now invaded our country through its backdoor. The Marawi City tragedy ought to jolt us out of our smug complacency and oblivious treatment of the Bangsamoro Question.”

Sec. Alonzo then revealed that the Moro community is determined to form an All-Moro Convention, whose goal is to bring all Moro tribes together and form a consolidated law in preparation for Federalism.

“We are determined to immediately convoke, with the

official blessings of the President, the All-Moro Convention to expedite inclusivity or the participation of all sectors of the Bangsamoro and as well as the convergence of the two separate tracts [MNLF and MILF peace agreements] in the peace processes with the Moro Fronts,” he said, adding that once a Moro Law is completed, it will be submitted to the Constitutional Commission in charge of the drafting of the new Federal republic in the future. (PCO Davao/PNA)

to implement the program under the supervision of BFAR National Director Eduardo B Gongona.

Various activities like orientations, monitoring, control

and surveillance; environmental briefing, and disaster preparedness trainings were laid down to capacitate and support them in their involvement in the program. (BFAR-PR/PNA)

out that to become a sustainable tourist destination, a country should not curb its growth or make short its development bur rather strike a balance between the two.

“I believe that this island is walking the talk,” Rifai said, referring to Balesin Island Club.

“Sustainability comes from the world sustain and sustain means keep alive. We’re sus-

taining life, keeping it going because we cannot afford to have any setbacks for our future,” he added.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, UNWTO Director for Asia and the Pacific noted that sustainability meant “going beyond the narrow concept of being green and being environmentally friendly.”

BIG CATCH... FROM 2

BFAR 11... FROM 6

Federal... FROM 3

DBM... FROM 5

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

By OLAN EMBOSCADO IT WAS AN INVITATION I HAVE LONG WANTED TO GET. In fact, years ago, I was invited to visit this very important destination in Mindanao but for some reasons I wasn’t available. But being on my bucket list, seeing this city has always been my dream. Finally, a very enticing invitation came to travel and experience the wonders of this phenomenal destination – the Shrine City of Dapitan.

Like those other destinations in my bucketlist, this beautiful and tranquil city is among those places that topped on my Sibika at Kultura Book.

How can I forget those lessons I learned about Rizal in Dapitan? Or that commercial ad of Dakak Park and Beach Resort played repeatedly on Eat Bulaga? And with this invitation, seeing, experiencing and relishing Dapitan is a dream unfolding.

One week before the trip, the whole island of Mindanao was placed under Martial Law. Checkpoints were everywhere.

Strict security measures have been implemented. Many tourists and travelers cancelled their trips to many destinations in Mindanao even to those that are not directly affected by the crisis. I, on the hand, found myself traveling to Dapitan on the 5th day of Martial Law in Mindanao. From Davao, I flew to Dipolog City via Cebu and headed straight to the famed Shrine City of the Philippines.

Unlike other trips I have, I did not do any research about Dapitan. In fact, I did not check the photos and images in the internet. I wanted to be surprised. I wanted to be amazed by the things and wonders that I will see in Dapitan. And true enough, Dapitan City did not only surprise me but amused me with so many things that I never expected to experience.

Here are some of the most exciting things that made my stay in Dapitan City more fun, memorable and worth-sharing.

DAKAK PARK AND BEACH RESORT If you grow up in the 90’s, you probably heard and watched that of Dakak Beach Resort’s advertisement played on Eat Bulaga. That TV Ad actually ignited the interest in me to experience this famed Beach Resort of Northern Mindanao. And just like what that old ad said, DAKAK BEACH RESORT is indeed a paradise to enjoy. Staying there is like

DAPITAN CITY

More than just a Shrine City

Part One

reliving that childhood wish of experiencing this Northern Paradise that has enticed tourists from all over the world including the beautiful Misses of the Universe. I was booked at the Deluxe Room. It’s a very spacious room with amenities that promise comfort, ease and relaxation. The beachline is clean. And the food is incredibly good.

VILLA ANGELINA LUXURY SUITES Dakak Beach Resort now boasts of its newly constructed Villas situated in the Cliffside.

These beautiful villas provide an amazing view overlooking the calm waters of Dakak Cove and the famous sunset of Dapitan. This beautiful array of exquisitely designed villas is called Villa Angelina Luxury

Suites. This is located just adjacent to Dakak Beach Resort but unlike Dakak, Villa Angelina Luxe Resort is exclusive and more luxurious than the regular rooms of Dakak. The construction is still in progress but some 20 luxury suites are now open for its valued guests.

These suites are called Cliffside Casitas and each villa comes with amenities that promise luxurious, relaxing and comfortable stay.

DAKAK ADVENTURE ZONE Dakak never runs out of fun and exciting things in store for their guests. Aside from its beach and aquafun activities, it also boasts of its facilities apt for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkie – the Dakak Adventure Zone. It is home to the longest dual zipline in Asia

that stretches up to 1.3 kilometers long and said to be one of ziplines in the country offering the most scenic view. Aside from the zipline, there is also an ATV Thrill Ride that offers extreme adventure and funfilled drive.

GLORIA’S FANTASYLAND Dapitan City takes pride as home to the only theme park outside of the island of Luzon and that is courtesy of the Gloria’s Fantasyland. With its theme “Everyday is a Festival!”, spectators are assured of one magical experience. The theme park features a line-up of thrilling rides and attractions and spectacular quality entertainment. The Grand Night Parade is a must-see. It features a Fire and Thunder Show, a parade of Festival Colors and Cultures of

the world and a specular Firework Display. Indeed, one’s stay in Dapitan is not complete without a visit a Gloria’s Fantasyland.

RIZAL SA DAPITAN Aside from Dakak Beach, another synonymous phrase to Dapitan is “Rizal sa Dapitan”.

Our national hero’s exile to Dapitan has made remarkable significance to the city to be coined as the Shrine City of the Philippines. Rizal spent 4 fruitful years in what was then a laid-back town of Dapitan and helped the community develop significant changes that until now can be sensed. The works, life and great contribution of Ka Pepe is preserved until now.

The Rizal Shrine tops as the number historical and heritage spot in the whole city.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

Abreeza Mall celebrates Indie Day with AFP EastMinCom NOW SHOWING

June 24 – 27, 2017

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

PG

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

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

PG

2D - 11:00 | 8:00 LFS / 3D- 2:00 | 5:00 LFS

DESPICABLE ME 3/ *EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING Amandla Stenberg, Nick Robinson Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG/*PG

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 LFS/ *6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

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

PG

12:45 | 3:35 | 6:25 | 9:15 LFS

IN THE FACE OF THE ARMED CONFLICT IN MARAWI, it has become ever more important for Filipinos to value their rights and freedoms, and to honor the brave men and women whose duty it is to safeguard them.

On June 12, 2017, Abreeza Mall sought to recognize our country’s courageous soldiers by once again partnering with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command to celebrate the 119th Philippine Independence Day. The annual celebration, dubbed Kalayaan 2017, had as this year’s theme “Pagbabagong Sama-Samang Balikatin,” and aimed to honor the bravery of Filipino World War II heroes.

After invocation by Maj. Rey David G. Loyola CHS, Chaplain of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, the audience witnessed a cultural dance by the Youth for Peace (YFP) Movement - Tanan Lihok, Batan-on ug Sama Nimo/Nako (TALBOS), a non-profit organization that advocates making the youth productive and peace-loving citizens. Col. Cornelio T.

Arboleda (GSC) PA, Group Commander of the 5th Civil Relations Group of the Civil Relations Service AFP, then presented esteemed Filipino veterans of World War II. An inspirational message by Sgt. Miguel M. Inigo, president of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines 1st District Davao City, wrapped up the program.

Afterwards, mall-goers stayed to view the AFP Static Display, which offered a glimpse into military life through information panels and different paraphernalia

that demonstrate the AFP’s warfighting and disaster response capabilities. Members of the uniformed forces also gamely posed for pictures with mall-goers, and even regaled the gathering with their musical talents through live performances.

Furthermore, Ayala Malls partnered with HERO Foundation, Inc., a non-profit group that aims to benefit the children of Filipino soldiers killed in action, to give special Independence Day perks to soldiers. Active and inactive soldiers and their

dependents enjoyed free access to the Ayala Malls customer lounge as well as discounts on cinema tickets and Timezone cards.

To coincide with the Independence Day celebration, the Ayala Business Club of Davao launched an effort to collect donations for the evacuees and displaced families of Marawi.

Interested donors may deposit rice, non-pork canned goods, bottled water, and hygiene necessities such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes at the booth at Abreeza Mall’s Ground Floor Supermarket Hallway.

Abreeza Mall also provided shoppers with different opportunities to express their Independence Day sentiments through Philippine flag-themed installations around the mall.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

EDGEDAVAO KORONADAL PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Brewing at Harden Homecafe WITH THE RISE OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, it is no wonder that entrepreneurs are taking advantage of every opportunity they see.

From north to south, their presence is inevitable.

For the majority, this means additional places to dine, hangout and spend the day. But for entrepreneurs, this means an opening presenting itself life a ray of sunshine.

Harden Homecafe is Davao’s newest addition to its growing number of foodie places. This cafe is small yet packed to a tee.

With limited seating, the place offers a convenient place for students and anyone who wants to rest and relax.

Despite the limited seating, Harden Homecafe’s interior is one that you’d look forward to. Why? The design boasts of travel snippets and memorabilias from owner Carolyn Ocampo’s many travels abroad. The name Harden is the couple’s youngest son who loves to explore the kitchen, eat and cook.

Primarily a coffee shop/ cafe, Harden is a cut above its competitors. Their menu is very affordable -- perfect for students and anyone who wants to enjoy good food minus the expensive cost. More so, Harden serves a complete array of meals and dishes designed to curb anyone’s

craving. More like a graband-go store but with seats to accommodate.

Choose from their rice meals, pasta, snacks, and bread choices on any given day. Sweet thirst? Go ahead and indulge on their choices of sweet coffee and non-coffee based smoothies and frappes. The best thing? Everything costs less than you’d expect them to be.

“It’s a very relaxing cafe.

What we pride in is our menu that’s very light on the budget. It’s not complicated -- just everyday good food you’d want to eat all day long”, said Ocampo.

Aside from the fresh and hot off the grill dishes, they also offer pre-packaged items for people on the go. Best recommendation?

Try their meaty burger for as low as P65.

Visit Harden Homecafe at Acacia street corner Calachuchi, Juna subdivision, Matina, Davao City.

Again, congratulations!

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

TULONG ARAL NG DCWD HELPS 16 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS FOR SY 2017-2018. Tambobong ES is among DCWD’s partner schools for its scholarship for top performing grades five and six students.

DCWD welcomes new scholars D

AVAO City Water District has 16 partner schools for its elementary scholarship and five new tribal college scholars for the school year 2017-2018.

For the elementary scholarship, DCWD partners with 16 elementary schools within Malagos, Mt. Talomo-Lipadas, and Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan watersheds, namely Baguio Central, Baracayo, Bartolome, Cadalian, Gumalang, Lacson,

Malagos, Malalan, Tambobong, Tamugan, Tawan-Tawan, Tungkalan, Wines, Quezon, Marilog, and Gatungan for its Tulong Aral ng DCWD. Through this scholarship, the top 10 performing grades five and six students in English, Math, and Science will receive PhP200 for every grading period as motivation to excel and sustain their academic performance throughout the school year. Last school year, a total of 1,277

top performing students in DCWD’s 13 partner elementary schools in the uplands received this incentive.

For DCWD’s College Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples, there are five incoming tribal scholars who will be enrolled in Public Administration, Community Development, Agricultural Business, or Business Administration courses at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP). As schol-

ars, they are entitled to free tuition and miscellaneous fees every semester and monthly uniform, textbook, transportation, meal, and housing allowances and will need to maintain a weighted point average of 80 every semester.

With the incoming scholars, DCWD now supports a total of 17 indigenous students from Toril, Tugbok, Baguio, Calinan, and Marilog districts.

Two scholars are expected to

graduate from USEP in June 2017. DCWD has another college scholarship program for academic excellence, which supports two would-be fifth year Civil Engineering students in USEP. All DCWD scholars are organized under the WATER Ambassador program, which hones the scholars to become Well-rounded, Action-Driven, Tenacious, Environment-conscious, Responsible citizens through learning and peer

support interventions such as environmental education, teambuilding, counseling and mentoring, and school-parent visitation.

The college and elementary scholarships are part of DCWD’s Corporate Social Responsibility with the objective to help the communities within the watersheds, where Davao City water comes from, attain their right to education. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

never before “pre-battle formation and real-time battle operation” experience. In addition, players can collect and train over 20 different heroes. Each with their own skills and abilities, providing a completely new strategic experience.

Once integration, global distribution , Huawei Games Services Quietly Go Online.

Following Apple and Google, Huawei became the third company to provide a platform for games and apps worldwide. Huawei has been setting up its services for the HiGame platform overseas over a long period of time. It provides developers with professional, convenient, and comprehensive game integration services. It also has technical support, allowing the developers to achieve quick integration to global distribution with ease. By 2017, their services are projected to cover over 30 countries and regions around the world.

Combined with Huawei’s global advantage, Huawei HiGame provides developers with an abundance of free online and off-line resources. In 2016, Huawei exceeded the industry average growth with an increase of 29%, shipping 139 million smartphone units. Huawei’s B2C services made huge sales revenue growth by achieving 100% growth in 40 countries. This includes coverage over HiGame clientele, Huawei’s own official array of media, mobile phone marketing, and joint events with retail locations worldwide. With Art of Conquest as an example, HiGame provided a wealth of marketing resources such as client side banner, official Facebook push notifications, Huawei mobile phone themes, and more.

“Based on Huawei’s global platform and Lilith’s high-quality content, we believe that Art of Conquest’s global debut on HiGame will have exceptional results,” HiGame said. “[We] will also

mark this as a beginning, to continuously provide global developers technical support, online traffic support, and business operations, in hopes to achieve a win-win atmosphere.”

ADDU to hold book Global Debut of Art of Conquest on HiGame gives launching on June 27 int’l players first access to experience the game

T

HE Ateneo de Davao University will be having the Book Launch of Mary Quite Contrary by Fr. Renato L. Puentevella, SJ on 27 June 2017 at the Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel. The book launching will be integrated into the 5:00PM mass in the University Chapel.

In the same date, the university will also have the Blessing of the Our Lady of Compas-

sion Statue in Roxas Avenue at 6:30PM. The local government, the Archdiocese of Davao, Task Force Davao, vendors in the night market, and members of the Ateneo community are also invited. Snacks will be served after the blessing.

Should there be any concerns, kindly contact us via landline at (082) 22124-11 local 8378 or email us at commsteam@addu.edu. ph.

Science debunks fake rice reports in: NFA

T

HE National Food Authority has tapped science to dismiss allegations that fake rice is sold in the country.

“Rice samples analyzed in our laboratory show there is no fake rice in the Philippines,” NFA administrator Jason Aquino said during a press conference in Metro Manila Friday.

As a precaution against the possible entry and sale of unusual rice stocks, Aquino said he ordered NFA’s field offices to intensify their market surveillance activities.

NFA’s Food Development

Center (FDC) reported analyzing six uncooked and two cooked samples of commercial rice that NFA gathered and submitted to the agency amid fears about fake rice in local markets.

FDC director Jocelyn Sales said they subjected the samples to microscopic and starch analysis, as well as a sensory evaluation to check if these are indeed fake rice.

“We found the samples to be real rice,” she said.

Aquino said he hopes the finding would finally end speculations about the alleged re-emergence of fake rice in

J

UNE 23rd, 2017, Lilith Games introduced Art of Conquest alongside Huawei HiGame in its global release. With this release, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian players will be able to experience the game and receive exclusive ingame gifts.

Highlights, Rave Reviews and Endorsed by Apple, Google and Huawei.

After 3 years of undivided dedication, Art of Conquest became Lilith Game’s 2nd self-developed strategy game, following Soul Hunters. After its release on June 6 , Art of Conquest received praise from gaming media across the board. In over 140 countries, both iOS and Google Play featured Art of Conquest on their homepage under the Top Game Recommendations.

As a real-time strategy mobile game, Art of Conquest features its own European and American styled graphics, unique combat techniques, and supports 600 independent battles that give players a local markets.

In 2015, reports also surfaced about the emergence of fake rice in the country.

Sales said FDC at that time

analyzed samples believed to be fake rice, and results showed they were real rice as well, she noted.

“There’s no actual fake

rice discovered in the Philippines since 2015,” Confederation of Grains Retailers’ Associations of the Philippines (Grecon) national president

About Huawei’s HiGame HiGame is the global brand for Huawei’s gaming center. As the game distributor for Huawei’s market, HiGame has coverage over all of Huawei’s global mobile regions including China , Southeast Asia , Middle East , Western Europe , Latin America and Africa .

About Lilith Games Founded March 2015 , Lilith games has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Following their debut mobile smash hit Soul Hunters, which spawned a new genre, Lilith has continued bringing their style, quality, and innovation to the mobile games market by once again pushing the MMORTS genre forward with Art of Conquest.

SOURCE Huawei HiGame Jaime Magbanua said during the press conference, citing as basis for his assurance the results of FDC’s laboratory analysis.

12 BIGGER PICTURE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

The banning of tobacco smoking

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO “A cigarette is the only consumer product which, when used as desired, kills its consumer.” -- Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, former WHO director-general.

J

***

UST a few days before the Philippines joined the international community in observing World No Tobacco Day last May 31, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the Executive Order (EO) 26 making true to his campaign promise of imposing a smoking ban throughout the country.

Through this presidential order, all public places in the country will now be 100% smoke-free. “There will be nobody smoking in public places anymore, whether indoor or outdoor. Parks, bus stations, and even in vehicles.

All these are considered public places,” explained Health Secretary Pauline Jean Ubial.

According to Dr. Ubial, the EO replicates the existing ordinance in Davao City that was implemented since the time of Duterte as city mayor. “What is being done in Davao is set to be done nationwide,” she pointed out.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in Davao City. You won’t see people puffing cigarettes while striding along the sidewalks. You won’t see children selling cigarettes in heavily traffic streets. Even inside the public utilities, cinemas, malls, restaurants, and bars.

People are also strictly prohibited to smoke in public gatherings like concerts, rallies, and parades. The cemetery, markets, terminals and public places are not excluded.

Damn, smokers may say.

But wait, there are few places in Davao City where you

can smoke to your heart’s content. These are in your own residence or in someone’s, in private vehicles, and designated outdoor smoking areas. “If you want to smoke, find a place where it is allowed,” Duterte said.

Designated smoking areas The EO recently signed by Duterte has enumerated the requirements needed for designated smoking areas (DSA) as well as areas that could not be used as such. The standards are as follows: 1. DSAs should have no opening that will allow air to escape from the DSA to smokefree area of the building or conveyance, except for a single door equipped with an automatic door closer, provided that, if the DSA is not located in an open space, such door shall open directly towards a non-smoking buffer zone.

2. DSAs should be located in or within 10 meters from entrances, exits, or any place where people pass or congregate, or in from of air intake ducts.

3. The combined area of the DSA and the buffer zone should not be larger than 20% of the total floor area of the building or conveyance, provided that in no case shall such area be less than 10 square meters.

4. The ventilation system for the DSA other than in an open space and for the buffer zone shall be independent of all ventilation systems servicing the rest of the building or conveyance.

5. The DSA shall have the following signs which are highly visible and prominently displayed: (a) “Smoking Area,” (b) Graphic health warning on the effects of tobacco use; and (c) prohibition on the entry of per-

sons below 18 years old.

6. Other standards and specification to better ensure a smoke-free environment as may be prescribed by the Inter-Agency Committee Tobacco under Republic Act 9211 that such standards and specifications are consistent with the order and that personsin-charge are given 60 days to comply.

Aside from banning minors inside the DSA, they are not also allowed inside the buffer zone. More importantly, no building or conveyance shall have more than one DSA. Among the areas that cannot be used as DSAs are: centers of youth activity such as schools, youth hostels and recreational facilities for minors; elevators and stairwells; fire-hazard locations such as gas stations and storage areas for flammable liquids, gas, explosives or combustible materials; buildings and premises of hospitals, medical, dental and optical clinics, health centers, nursing homes, dispensaries and laboratories; and food preparation areas.

Duterte reportedly signed the no-smoking policy in the country because he believes smoking does not only brings diseases to smokers but also to those who inhale the deadly smokes which cigarettes and tobaccos emit.

Tobacco, when being smoked, is considered as one of man’s greatest killers. “Each year, smoking-related illnesses cause the most number of deaths in the Philippines,” said Dr. Willie T. Ong, an internist/cardiologist, book author, and newspaper columnist. “What is worse is that smokers actually hurt the non-smokers around them by letting them inhale its toxic fumes.”

Every year, 87,600 Filipinos die of smoking-related ailments that include lung cancer and chronic lung diseases. “(Smoking) is essentially a man-induced disaster that is causing more deaths than all the fatalities due to natural calamities, vehicular accidents, rebellion and all other disasters, either natural or mancaused,” reiterates Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, one of the country’s top cardiologists.

A study done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute shows that 47% of Filipino males and 16% of females are smokers, one of the highest worldwide. Moreover, 33% of Filipino minors are already smoking by age fourteen.

This is the reason why the presidential order prohibits selling, distribution and purchasing of tobacco products to minors. The advertisement of tobacco products within 100 meters from the perimeters where most minors congregate is banned.

Deadly diseases History records showed that tobacco was introduced in the Philippines in the late 16th century during the era of Spanish colonization when the Augustinians brought cigar tobacco seeds to the colony for cultivation. In 1686, William Dampier visited Mindanao and observed that smoking was a widespread custom.

Cigarettes, one of the most popular forms of tobacco, are poison, anti-smoking groups declared. Their main component, as one health advocate eloquently puts it, are “tobacco which kills and nicotine which is addictive.” Dr. Halfdan Mahler, former director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), likened tobacco use to “slow-motion suicide.”

“Smokers are people who hard to convince,” Dr. Ong said, but adding that that there are over 70,000 scientific articles to prove that smoking damages a person’s heart, lungs, esophagus, stomach, bowels, prostate, and predisposes a person to all kinds of cancers.

“It’s been proven beyond any doubt,” he said.

Unknowingly, cancer, particularly lung cancer, is just one of the many diseases smokers are likely to get. Here are more: Emphysema. Emphysema is one of a group of lung diseases referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that can interfere with normal breathing. Other diseases that come under COPD include asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Emphysema is a widespread disease of the lungs and people having this illness are particularly vulnerable to pneumonia, bronchitis, and other lung infections.

Smokers are also likely to suffer from cardiovascular problems such as heart failure.

“Slow drowning” is how some doctors describe those who die from emphysema.

Heart attack. A person’s chance of getting a heart attack increases by threefold if he smokes. Medical science says smoking promotes the hardening of the arteries and reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

“Cells in the heart muscle that do not receive enough oxygen-carrying blood begin to die,” says Dr. Rafael D. Castillo, a cardiologist who works at the Manila Doctor’s Hospital. “The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart.”

Rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis may be the oldest known ailment on earth. Mummies uncovered in Egypt had it, prehistoric man had it, dinosaurs had it. There are several forms of arthritis and the most common is rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune systems attacks the joints leaving sufferers in severe pain and with reduced mobility.

Initial analysis of data from a research done by the Stanford University showed that smoking is a risk factor for developing rheumatoid arthritis among men.

Impotence. Until the early 1970s, experts thought that most erection problems pointed to underlying problems in the psyche. Today, the medical community recognizes that almost half of all impotent men have a physical or structural problem that’s at least partly responsible.

Take smoking, for instance. Smoking has also been observed to cause slower penile erection among men because excessive nicotine in the bloodstream “causes constriction of the penile artery, the blood vessel necessary in male erection,” to quote the words of Dr. Priscilla Tablan, a chest physician at the Lung Center of the Philippines. She also said smoking might seriously hamper a man’s potency or ability to sire children.

Snoring. “Thou dost snore distinctly,” wrote William Shakespeare in The Tempest. “There’s meaning in thy snores.” Men are more likely to snore than women. In the Philippines, for instance, snoring affects approximately 50 percent of men and only 20 percent of women.

Snuff snoring by snuffing cigarettes. “Smokers tend to be snorers,” says Dr. Earl V. Dunn, a researcher at the University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Medical Center Sleep Laboratory.

“So, stop smoking.”

Cervical cancer. “Cervical cancer cases in developing countries of the region are almost four times more numerous than in developed countries,” reported Dr. Gauden Galea, cancer specialist. In the Philippines, more than 4,000 new cases are reported each year.

According to the Singapore Cancer Society, some of the risk factors associated with cervical cancer include: sexual intercourse at an early age; multiple sex partners; genital infections such as herpes and human papilloma virus (HPV); and first pregnancy before the age of 20.

Osteoporosis.

Cigarette smoking lowers estrogen levels, says Dr. Kenneth Cooper,

F BIGGER PICTURE, 13

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

BIGGER PICTURE... FROM 12

author of the book, Preventing Osteoporosis. And women with lower estrogen levels are at increased risk for developing osteoporosis. Literally “porous bones,” osteoporosis is a “thinning” of the bones that occurs when the calcium that keeps them strong has seeped out.

Osteoporosis is less common among men for reasons that men have larger skeletons.

Men’s bone loss starts later in life and progresses more slowly. The male species do not experience the rapid bone loss that affects women when their estrogen production drops as a result of menopause.

Quit smoking Generally, people who smoke are advised to quit smoking – if they want to live longer and spare others from secondhand smoke.

While most of them fail, there are few who were able to do so.

Emmanuel Piñol, the current secretary of the Department of Agriculture, is one of the chosen few. He used to consume three packs of cigarettes a day.

“Not a single stick of cigarette has ever touched my lips for the last 18 years,” he said.

It all started on September 20, 1998 when his daughter asked her what she wanted for her birthday. “I want you to stops moking,” she told

him. It was a birthday request he couldn’t refuse. So, he quit smoking.

Today, he doesn’t smoke anymore although he could still imagine the smell of tobacco. “But I could easily control myself,” he said.

When it comes to smoking, it is usually those who quit who emerge winners. Dr. Ong said a person who quits smoking will immediately get his rewards instantly. Citing a study done by the American Lung Association, Dr. Ong said the health benefits of quitting will “begin just 20 minutes after your last cigarette. Your blood pressure and heart rate will decrease, and the oxygen content of your body will increase.”

After the first day of quitting, a previous smoker’s risk of suffering a heart attack will be reduced. On the second day, his nerve endings will start to heal and his ability to smell and taste will improve. Between 2 weeks and 3 months after quitting, his blood circulation will improve. His cough will be lessened and walking will become easier. Soon, his lung function will improve dramatically.

“By the time you reach 15 years of never touching a cigarette, your risk of dying will be the same as a non-smoker,” Dr. Ong pointed out. “This

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

just goes to show that the ill effects of smoking are serious and deadly. Quit early and quit now. Quit while you are still young to obtain the full health benefits from quitting.”

But quitting smoking is easier said than done. “Some people can quit smoking just like that and suffer no side effects,” Dr. Ong noted. “However, for others, it can be a difficult process.”

Dr. Ong cited three factors responsible for the difficulty in quitting. “Knowing these factors will help you prepare yourself for the quitting process,” he said.

The factors were: (1) the number of cigarettes being smoked each day, (2) the people who smoke around the person who want to quit, and (3) the real reason on why the person smokes. “It could be due to peer pressure or for weight control,” Dr. Ong said of the latter.

“If you really want to quit smoking, you must identify the situations that trigger you to smoke, and do your best to avoid them,” Dr. Ong suggested.

Lethal smoke What makes cigarette smoking so deadly? Well, it contains about 4,000 chemical agents, including over 60 cancer-causing chemicals. In

addition, many of these substances, such as carbon monoxide, tar, arsenic, and lead, are poisonous and toxic to the human body.

Nicotine is a drug that is naturally present in the tobacco plant and is primarily responsible for a person’s addiction to tobacco products, including cigarettes. During smoking, nicotine is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and travels to the brain in a matter of seconds. Nicotine causes addiction to cigarettes and other tobacco products that is similar to the addiction produced by using heroin and cocaine.

Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, interferes directly with the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. This causes shortness of breath, lack of endurance, and promotes and accelerates narrowing and hardening of the arteries.

And so it came to pass that two Martians were sent to planet Earth on a mission. When they returned home, they submitted this report to the committee: “The Earth people have an odd practice. They light a fire at the end of a poisonous substance and then suck the smoke into their body. This results in much sickness and even death. The habit is also very expensive. Strange, those Earth people!” (Photos taken from the net)

UNICEF warns food crisis‘far from over’

T

HE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned Friday that the food crisis in South Sudan, Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen is “far from over”.

The announcement of an end to famine conditions in South Sudan this week should not distract from the fact that severe food insecurity continues to put the lives of millions of children at risk in northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South

Sudan and Yemen, said Manuel Fontaine, UNICEF’s director for emergency programs.

He said “there is no room for complacency” and that while famine has been reversed in South Sudan, “the crisis is far from over”.

He also stressed the need to continue “to scale up our response and insist on unconditional humanitarian access, otherwise the progress made could be rapidly undone”. (Xinhua)

and over the next 15, we want to move towards One AirAsia, a truly Asean community airline. We also want to recreate ourselves as a digital airline and use technology to drive more value.

“We are humbled for the support shown by our valued guests and we thank them for voting for us nine times in a row. We asked David and Roberto to accept this award with Suhaila to inspire our staff to emulate these two amazing gentleman in music and sports to be world champion and be the very best in all they do.”

AirAsia Group Cabin Crew Head Suhaila Hassan said, “What an amazing honour to be given the opportunity to accept this award on behalf of AirAsia and my fellow Allstars. They are the real champions. It’s been an incredible 20 years, being part of AirAsia’s journey from a domestic Malaysian airline to the world’s best. We have a great team fueled by passion, hard work and dedication, and I have no doubt we will continue to live up to our reputation as the world’s number one LCC as we expand to China, Vietnam and beyond.”

Airasia... FROM 7

14 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

Matina Enclaves fetes May top sellers

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

E

njb@edgedavao.net

SCANDOR Development Corporation (Esdevco), the homegrown developer of the sought after Matina Enclaves project, feted its top performing sales agents during its regular Top Sellers Banquet at the Kamayo Cafe of The Royal Mandaya Hotel recently.

The top performing May Sellers are led by topnotcher Carmen Uy of Visitacion Realty.

She is closely followed by Solomon Bañez of Bañez Realty in second while Ryan Sayson of Leuterio Realty was in third place.

Rounnding up the Top 7 are Dolly Beth Relampagos of

Realty Options Inc., Veljean V. Villaraiz of Three V Realty, Joseph Arthur Avila of Leuterio Realty, and May Adolfo of Adolfo Realty.

Meantime, for the Top Realtors of the month category, Leuterio Realty emerged as the top performing realtor with Realty Options Inc. coming in

second and Romero Realty in third.

“Again, we congratulate our sellers and realty affiliates for their aggressive performance in sales, this despite the very tough competition in the market today,” said project head Gerald Kent Garces of Esdevco.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial region BRANCH 17, Davao City IN RE: PETITION FOR CORRECTION IN THE ENTRY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH Case No. R-DVO-17-01341-SP RENLEIGH MACAWILE CAÑAVERAL, rep. by this mother, ALTHEA LEIGH C. MACAWILE., Petitioners, - versus OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR, DAVAO CITY, and RENANTE R. CAÑAVERAL, Respondent, x---------------------------------------x ORDER Petitioner, filed an Amended Petition, praying that after due notice and hearing, an Order be issued, ordering the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City to correct/change the surname of herein petitioner RENLEIGH MACAWILE CAÑAVERAL registered with their office as well as the records appearing before the National Statistics Office from CAÑAVERAL to MACAWILE.

TOP SELLERS BANQUET. Escandor Development Corporation project head Gerald Kent Garces with the top performing sellers and realtors at the Kamayo Cafe of The Royal Mandaya Hotel for the May Top Sellers Banquet.

Other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for.

Finding the Petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set hearing of the Petition on September 4, 2017 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning, ordering all interested persons to appear on the said date and show cause, why this Petition should not be granted.

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

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

SO ORDERED Given this 26th day of May, 2017 at Davao City, Philippines.

EVALYN M. ARELLANO-MORALES Presiding Judge

TEAM EFFORT. The sales force of the Matina Enclaves with project head Gerald Kent Garces.

DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORP. De Guzman St., Davao City Telefax (082)225-4473

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All unredeemed items pawned during the month of February 2017, if not redeemed/renewed on June 30, 2017 will be put on Auction Sale on July 1, 2017 at 9:00 A. M. to 5:00 P.M. Pahibalo nga ang tanang wala malukat nga prenda sa bulan sa Pebrero 2017, kung dili malukat sa Hunyo 30,2017 isubasta sa bulan sa Hulyo 1, 2017 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag hangtud sa alas 5:00 sa hapon.

DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORPORATION

Davao City: 252 San Pedro St., 167 San Pedro St., G/F Victoria Plaza Bajada 120-B Lapu-lapu St., Agdao 75C R. Magsaysay Ave., nd 2 Level Gaisano Mall Bajada, G/F NCCC Bldg., R. Magsaysay Ave., Centerpoint Plaza Matina Fronting San Pedro College Guerrero St., Carlson Bldg., Lapu-lapu St.,Agdao NCCC Mall Matina Saavedra St., Toril

Gaisano South Citimall, Ilustre St., Buhangin Cabantian

Davao del Norte Gaisano Mall, Panabo Davao del Norte Gaisano Grand Mall of Tagum, Tagum City Gaisano Mall of Tagum, Tagum City Davao del Sur Gaisano Grand Mall of Digos Quezon St., Digos City

VOL. 10 ISSUE 60 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 25 - 26, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

NEW FACE OF THE LAKERS

SPORTS15 NEW LAKER. Lakers’ no. 2 pick. Lonzo Ball answers questions from media after the NBA Draft.

Magic sees no. 2 pick ball as Lakers’future

M

AGIC Johnson pointed a long index finger at the wall of the Los Angeles Lakers’ training complex, where the 16-time NBA champions’ nine retired numbers hang over the practice court.

“I’m going to put a little pressure on you right now,” Johnson said to Lonzo Ball. “You look to your right, there’s some jerseys hanging on that wall. We expect a Ball jersey hanging up there one day, all right? Good.”

Somebody not wearing Big Baller Brand sneakers might be a bit intimidated by Magic’s bold pronouncements.

After all, the Lakers’ president of basketball operations immediately dubbed his 19-year-old point guard “the new face of the Lakers, the guy who I think will lead us back to where we want to get to.”

But after a short lifetime spent preparing for this moment, Ball already

knows exactly what’s expected from a superstar on his favorite team.

“I’m happy to be home, and I’m ready to get to work,” Ball said as he formally joined the Lakers on Friday (Saturday, Manila time) after getting chosen with the No. 2 overall pick.

Ball is facing sky-high expectations, but he’s also just one part of Johnson’s plan to transform the Lakers into a championship contender after the worst four-season stretch in franchise history.

Magic made his intentions known a few days before the draft when he traded D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn, giving up on the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft after just two mostly promising seasons.

Magic made the deal partly to clear the way for Ball, whose passing talent and leadership enraptured the Lakers’ Hall of Fame point guard in a way that Russell never did.

“I’m going to do what it takes to get the right players in here with the right mindset,” Johnson said. “D’Angelo is an excellent player. He has the talent to be an All-Star. We want to thank him for what he did for us, but what I needed was a leader. I needed somebody also that can make the other players better, and also that players want to play with.”

Johnson also echoed general manager Rob Pelinka’s comments one day earlier about the Lakers’ long-term plans when he cited 2018 salary cap relief as the second reason for trading Russell.

PICE Davao supports PRC Friendship Games Ancajas in for a tough defense D D ESPITE the PICE Midyear Convention activities held at SMX Convention Center, Manila were civil engineers of the entire country participated, Davao City Chapter managed to support the Professional Regulation Commission activities by joining the 44th Founding Anniversary & PRC Week Celebration and 2nd PRC –XI Friendship Games 2017.

Highlighted events for the said occasion include the events on June 17 starting with a motorcade participated by the different Region XI Accredited Professional Organizations (APO) from PRC Davao Regional Office – R. Castillo Agdao – San Pedro – Quirino Avenue – Bajada

B

and ended at the Holycross of Davao College, SOS Bajada where the formal opening program, sports, parlor games and fellowship activities took place.

Four teams competed during the events and were categorized as follows: • Business Education and Economic Professions • Technology and Engineering Professions (comprising of Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electronics Communication Engineers, Master Plumbers, Agricultural Engineers, etc.)

• PRC Davao Staff and Family • Health and Allied Professionals

The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Davao City Chapter is one of the leading organizations who participated in the event and was teamed with other technology and other engineering professions who successfully bagged the “champion“ title for most of the events during the “2nd PRC XI Friendship Games” this year. It was remembered that the Technology and Engineering professions also bagged the Over-All-Champion for almost all of the events during the culmination ceremony last year.

For this year, the awards comprised the following: basketball men- champion, volleyball mix - 1st runner up and parlor games: Longest

Line & Catch My Egg – Champion and Catch My Tail- 2nd Runner Up; PRC Region XI thru Atty.

May Suzanne N. Puentespina – Ciudadano, Legal Officer & Executive Officer personally thanked all the participating teams and encouraged all the Accredited Professional Organizations to support all the PRC activities, plans and programs.

All teams were persistent in showing their skills, prowess and strength in all the sports tournaments and other activities, but in the end it was the Technology and Engineering Profession team that prevailed, thus winning the much coveted award. (Engr. Sharon Angelica Gilla-Bonguyan)

ABAWENYO fighter Jerwin Ancajas is on for a tough night when he makes the second defense of his world super-flyweight crown in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Jeff Horn “Battle in Brisbane” on July 2.

Japanese challenger Teiru Kinoshita, who has an impressive record of 25-11 with eight KOs) has been described by Ancajas’s trainer-manager Joven Jimenez as being ultra-aggressive and dangerous.

“Sugod ng sugod,” said Jimenez, who expects Ancajas to rely on quickness and experience to retain the International Boxing Federation 115-lb title at Suncorp

Stadium where Pacquiao meets Jeff Horn in the main event.

Ancajas (26-1 with 17 KOs) insists speed will play a factor against the taller and naturally bigger challenger who is originally from Korea.

Ancajas, who is joining Pacquiao on board an Air Asia chartered flight from General Santos City today, had won the title last year and retained it for the first time last January in Macau.

The Kinoshita bout will be worth a career-best $60,000 for Ancajas, who is one of only four reigning Filipino world champions other than Pacquiao and ALA Boxing stablemates Donnie Nietes and Milan Melindo.

Clippers’Griffin opts for free agency

LAKE Griffin has decided to test free agency, telling the Los Angeles Clippers that he is opting out of the final year of his contract.

A person with direct knowledge of Griffin’s plans confirmed the decision to The Associated Press on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity because neither the five-time All-Star nor the Clip-

pers have publicly announced the move.

The move was expected, and gives Griffin the chance to either pursue a deal elsewhere - or, of course, re-sign with the Clippers for more years.

The Clippers have had six consecutive successful regular seasons - winning at least 60 percent of their games each year, something only San Anto-

nio has done in that same span - but never cracked the code of finding success in the playoffs.

The Clippers never made it out of the second round in any of those six seasons, and lost in the first round each of the last two years.

And now with Griffin, along with LA guards Chris Paul and J.J. Redick all potentially on the move as free

agents, as well as speculation that DeAndre Jordan could be a trade possibility, next season’s Clippers could have a decidedly different look.

Griffin has spent his entire career with the Clippers, averaging 21.5 points and 9.4 rebounds on 52 percent shooting in seven seasons. He was due to make $21.4 million next season.

TITLE DEFENSE. Jerwin Ancajas will be tested to the hilt by Japanese foe Teiru Kinoshita.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.10 10ISSUE ISSUE60 60••SUNDAY SUNDAY--MONDAY, MONDAY,JUNE JUNE25 25--26, 26,2017 2017

EARLY BIRD Pacquiao flies to cold Brisbane early for his July 2 fight

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

P

ERTH, AUSTRALIA --- Deciding to come early by more than a week before fight night could be one of the best moves for Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.

He is set to cross gloves with undefeated Brisbane bomber Jeff Horn at Suncorp Stadium on July 2 with an expected record crowd of over 50,000--likely breaking all Australian boxing attendance record.

By the time Pacquiao hits town in Queensland, it’s the height of Australian winter and temperatures are normally at lows of 8 in these shorter days.

“Tama lang na mag-acclimatize muna sya dito.

Malamig na,” said a Filipino boxing afficionado Jay in Perth.

Winter in Australia starts June and by far it has lived up to its notoriety.

Spin.PH reported on Saturday that Pacquiao as his team left for Down Under from General Santos City to the hometown of challenger Horn who has long been waiting for him.

The report said the 38-year-old fighting senator of the republic and his contingent numbering about 200 and counting departed from here aboard a 375-seater chartered AirAsia flight directly to Brisbane.

The 12-round match at the Suncorp Stadium for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown of the Pacman, will be the first for Pacquaio outside of

Las Vegas since his scoring a unanimous decision against Chris Algeiri in Macau three years ago.

Pacquiao has sparred a total of 120 rounds in closing out training camp that ran for almost eight weeks and split between Manila and here.

Despite some bumps along the way, trainer Freddie Roach was very pleased by the time the camp closed Friday at the Pacman Wildcard gym.

“I like what I see,” said the Hall of Fame trainer.

“And we’re finally leaving for Australia,” added Roach laughing as the 57-year-old trainer saw his earlier plan to leave for Brisbane at least a month before the fight fell on deaf ears.

ACCLIMATIZATION. Manny Pacquiao left for Brisbane on Saturday ahead of his July 2 fight against Jeff Horn.

Due to heavy rains early on Saturday, Pacquiao decided to put off his scheduled road workout.

But he’s still (59-6, 38 KOs) expected to spar at least four more rounds in Australia on Monday.

“We’re going four more rounds in Brisbane and that’s it.

He’s done,” said unbeaten Australian sparmate George Kambosos Jr., who stands by his prediction Pacquiao will knock off his compatriot.

“Manny will be going to knock him out within six,” said Kambosos, a native of Sydney.