Edge Davao 10 Issue 62, June 28, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

HOME AT LAST

Mayor okays transfer of museum to People’s Park

PUZZLING. President Rodrigo Duterte has not been seen in public since Tuesday last week when he visited wounded soldiers in Cagayan de Oro City sparking once again speculation about the state of his health.

Malacanang said the chief executive is expected to resume his official activities on Tuesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

D

AVAO City’s museum will finally get a permanent home at last with the approval of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio to transfer Museo Dabawenyo, present-

ly located at A. Pichon Street to Palma Street, to the premises of People’s Park.

This was revealed on Tuesday at the regular council session on Tuesday by Councilor Pilar C. Braga in

her privilege speech, saying that the mayor has given her imprimatur for the transfer of the museum to People’s Park after a thorough study and research.

She also presented the proposed building perspec-

tive which is a durian-inspired design done by City Architect Clyde Eric Verga.

The current museum building was formerly the Court of First Instance which was restored and rehabilitat-

F HOME, 10

Sports P16

PADDLE SUPREMO

Mati’s Amihan paddlers rule Bugsayan Festival

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

AT LAST. The newly-widened upstream portion of Davao River Bridge is now open to motorists, decongesting one of the traffic choke points along Diversion Road in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Suspect in Zambo dance instructor’s slay nabbed

Z

AMBOANGA City police, in coordination with the police in Imus, Cavite, have arrested the suspect behind the brutal killing more than two months ago of a 23-year-old “hip-hop” dance instructor in this city.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO9) information officer, on Monday said the suspect was arrested on Friday, June 23, at a subdivision in Barangay Malagasang 1-B, Imus, Cavite.

Galvez identified the suspect as Roselinni Arcillas, 31, a resident of Barangay Zambowood, and formerly worked as a “bouncer” at a local beer joint.

She said Arcillas was the primary suspect in the killing of Maria Clariz Faylona, 23, a

resident of Villa Rio Drive, Barangay Pasonanca, this city.

She said Arcillas was arrested on the strength of a warrant of arrest for murder with no bail recommended issued by the court last June 15.

The burned remains of Faylona was found in an abandoned building of a school in Sitio Lantawan, Barangay Pasonanca.

Arcillas, escorted by Chief Insp. Joseph Ortega, Police Station 7 chief, arrived on Sunday in this city from Imus, Cavite.

Chief Supt. Billy Bertan, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO9) director, commended the Police Station 7 for its efforts which resulted in the arrest of the murder suspect. (TPGJR/ PNA)

Pimentel urges UP Law: ‘Be part of the solution’

S

ENATE President Aquilino Pimentel III has urged new graduates of the University of the Philippines College of Law to be part of the solution to the country’s problems and to change the perception that lawyers use their knowledge to further injustice.

“Do not be a part of the problem. Be a part of the solution. When you practice your profession never allow yourself to be used as a

bribe-giver,” Senate Pres. Aquilino Pimentel III said in a statement.

Pimentel, former bar topnotcher and UP alumnus, was invited to be speaker in his alma mater’s commencement exercises and encouraged UP law graduates to avoid temptations brought by “money, influence, and power of the privileged sector of our society.”

“You will be born as law-

F PIMENTEL, 10

Leni appeals for unity in facing Marawi crisis F

Says evacuees anxious to go home

ILIPINOS should show unity in facing the crisis caused by the siege in Marawi City and contribute everything they can to resolve it, Vice President Leni Robredo said in a visit to the evacuees here on Monday.

“Dapat more than at any other time sa ating bansa, ngayon dapat tayong magpakita na nagkakaisa tayo (More than at any time in our country, now is the time for us to show that we are united),” Robredo said.

Tents have been put up in an evacuation center for Marawi City evacuees at the

Al Markazie Islamic Institute in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte on June 26, 2017. MindaNews photo by Manman Dejeto She said she believes the government is doing everything but that there’s no telling when the siege will end.

“We can only hope that this will end soon. Because that is the question that all the evacuees have been asking us. When can we go back to Marawi? When can we go back to our respective homes? It is a question that we cannot answer definitely,” she said.

She said that whenever

she would ask evacuees about their conditions they would ask back “kailan ba ito matatapos? (when will this end)”.

Asked if it’s possible to go beyond a military objective through a political solution, Robredo said the government must push the “peace process for everyone”.

But the vice president clarified that she did not mean including the Maute Group in the process.

Robredo said that while the way the administration has been handling the threat of terrorism may not be perfect, everyone must cooper-

ate “rather than criticize tayo nang mag-criticize”.

“Magtulungan na lang tayo kasi maraming pangangailangang talagang kailangan sagutin (Let’s just work together because there are plenty of needs that must be addressed),” she said.

The Marawi siege started when the ISIS-inspired Maute Group occupied portions of the city on May 23.

The group is said to have linked up with the Abu Sayyaf, which is based in Basilan and Sulu and thrives on kidnap-for-ransom activities. (MindaNews)

first with respect to what has happened to the economy and all sectors of the society before being able to come up with a definite grade. But definitely it is passing and not failing,” he added.

Escudero said Pres. Duterte still had to change his “brass rhetoric”” but noted that it has improved “a little bit”.

“…He should get used to that. We have to get used to his brass rhetoric. But for the past few months, he does mellow down a little bit. So I think, as we get used to him, he’s getting used to it as well,” Escudero said.

Because the international community is paying attention, Escudero said the President

should be wary of his words. “…Anything that flows from his mouth is actually not only national but international news as well,” he added.

Duterte marks his first year in office on June 30.

He is set to deliver his second state of the nation address on July 24. (Azer N. Parrocha/ PNA)

Passing grade for Duterte in first year: Escudero

A

LTHOUGH he has yet to review Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s first year in office and give a definite grade, a senator on Tuesday said that he would definitely give the chief executive a passing grade.

“It’s too difficult to give a grade,” Sen. Francis Escudero said in a TV interview.

“I have to see all the data

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Marawi-bound relief package yield ammo E ASTERN Police District operatives on Tuesday are now tracking down the suspect who allegedly smuggled 159 9mm rounds into relief packages intended for victims affected by the ongoing fighting against Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City.

EPD commander Chief Supt. Romeo Sapitula identified the suspected ammunition smuggler as a certain “AJ”.

The latter was tagged by Mohaimen Mutalib, a resident of Reliance St., Barangay Highway Hills, Mandaluyong, as the person who tried to place the above-mentioned ammunition into the relief packages which

the former organized to help Marawi City residents severely affected by the almost six weeks of fighting.

Incidentally, Mutalib is a native of Marawi City, hence his decision to organize his own relief drive.

Fighting in the city started when government security forces tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, the ISIS “Emir” in southeast Asia, last May 23.

Sapitula said the 9mm rounds were found inside a plastic box, containing some clothes, by Mutalib while checking the donations, prompting the latter to report

NEW HOME. Museo Dabawenyo is housed in the old Davao City court building that was built in 1953. The museum will finally get a permanent home with

F MARAWI, 10 the approval of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to transfer to the premises of People’s Park. Lean Daval Jr.

Army request for UP G land usage seen dim

AFP gaining vs. Maute in‘war between snipers’

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

C

OUNCILOR Bonifacio Militar, committee on city-owned real properties, revealed that it is highly unlikely for army reservists to be granted use of a 20 hectare area if the University of the Philippines in Mindanao will not approve it.

The 11th Regional Committee Defense Group sought to use the area as a training venue for incoming cadet officers and reservists.

But Militar said no such thing is possible if the UP in Mindanao authorities will thumb down the request.

On Tuesday, Militar said

that the 204-hectare area in Bago Oshiro, Tugbok allocated to UP Mindanao according to Presidential Proclamation No. 822 signed by then president, Fidel V. Ramos is reserved for academic building purposes.

“The 20-hectare property requested by the army as their camp will be in contradiction to the board resolution of UP Min, na for academic purposes ang area,” he said during the Pulong-pulong ni Pulong.

Furthermore, Militar advised the army to first settle with UP Mindanao with

this request since they hold the authority over the land as stated in the presidential proclamation.

“If you want, you first settle among yourselves, whether or not UP will agree and enter into a memorandum of agreement without any objection from any party so that it is easy for the committee to pass a resolution.”

In addition, Militar said that it is difficult for his committee to craft an ordinance or resolution requesting President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to pass an executive order allotting the 20-ha land area if UP

Mindanao will object to it.

“I cannot submit a request to the president because there is UP. It is conflicting because the area that the army is requesting is covered within the academic development of UP.” The 11th Regional Committee Defense Group appealed to the city council to approve their request to use part of the land area within UP Mindanao, Mintal as a training venue for incoming cadet and reserve officers in preparation for the mandatory Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC) in Grades 11 and 12 in 2018.

OVERNMENT forces are starting to negate the sniping threat posed by the remaining Maute Group remnants in Marawi City.

This was bared by Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in a briefing late Monday in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. “(They still have snipers but) we have gradually negated that advantage and now we have the momentum and the tempo of the operations,” he added.

For operational and security reasons, the military official did not reveal their tactics in dealing with Maute Group snipers.

The AFP earlier said that these anti-sniping operations have so far accounted for an

Calabarzon cops boost Marawi City enforcers

T

NO LOAD TOO HEAVY. A father and his two young daughters brave the blistering heat as he brings them to school on a bicycle on Tuesday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

estimated 90 to 100 Maute Group snipers in the past few weeks of operations.

Conflict in Marawi City started when government forces attempted to arrest Abu Sayyaf Group leader Isnilon Hapilon, the ISIS “Emir” in southeast Asia, last May 23.

As of this posting, the number of terrorists neutralized by military operations is now at 290 with the number of government troops killed in action at 70 and 27 civilians executed.

Number of firearms recovered from the lawless elements are placed at 347 with the remaining hostages placed at 150 to 200.

Number of remaining active Maute Group terrorists are placed between 100 to 120, Arevalo said. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)

HE Police Regional Office (PRO IV-A) in Calabarzon deployed on Monday 241 policemen bound for Marawi City to augment government forces in the ongoing operations against the Maute terrorist group.

Calabarzon Regional Police Director, Chief Superintendent Mao Aplasca, presided over the send-off rites at the police regional headquarters here immediately after the “humanitarian pause” in observance of “Eid al-Fitr,” a non-working holiday marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Aplasca said the police augmentation force will support the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the combat zone.

He said the regional public safety battalion (RPSB) contingent will only focus on law enforcement functions, check points and security operations, search and rescue and other police functions.

Of the 241 cops, around 70 are from RPSB; 35 from Batangas Police Provincial Office (PPO); 34 each from Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Quezon provincial police offices (PPOs).

Calabarzon stands for the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

“I want you to bring the banner of Calabarzon high. We have to defend our country. We have our sworn duty that we took when we joined this noble profession,” Aplasca said.

“The mission will not be easy, but it is not impossible. We should be ready anytime, our services is needed anywhere in the Philippines.”

Aplasca also led the inspection of firearms and other equipment of the troops.

In an interview with PNA, Superintendent Chitadel Gaouiran, chief of the Police Regional Public Information Office, said the RPSB-4A contingent of 70 personnel will be the first batch scheduled to leave Tuesday by C130 plane.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

DOE hosts energy efficiency forum T

HE Department of Energy 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 (EU), 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) which will help inform consumers on energy consumption and

efficiency levels on specified appliances and fixtures.

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.

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.

De Guzman also 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.”

110 bank branches open in PHL in Q1 A TOTAL of one hundred ten bank offices of various types have been added to the existing bank offices in the Philippines in the first quarter of 2017.

This figure was indicated in Circular Letter 2017-038 issued by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. on June 22, 2017.

Of the total, 47 of them are branches are for universal and commercial banks (U/ KBS), 37 are thrift bank (TBs) branches and 26 are branches of rural and cooperative banks.

Central bank data show that as of end-December 2016, there are a total of 28,392 branches of financial institutions in the country.

French firms eye more PH investments, trade

F

ENOUGH SPACE. Young children play near piles of cut and dried bamboo at a community under the Bolton Bridge in Davao City on Tuesday. The area is known in Davao City for handcrafted products made from bamboo. Lean Daval Jr.

A

PH 20-yr T-bond rate down Tuesday

VERAGE rate of the Philippines’ 20-year Treasury bond (T-bond) fell Tuesday primarily due to strong demand for the debt paper.

Data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed that rate of the T-bond declined to 5.035 percent from the 5.104 percent it fetched

during its initial issuance on April 16, 2017.

BTr offered it for P15 billion but tenders were more than twice at P31.078 billion.

The auction committee made a full award.

Meanwhile, National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon , in a memorandum to all Government Securities Eligible

Dealers (GSEDs), said it would issue a total of PHP 195 billion worth of T-bonds and Treasury bills (T-bills) in the third quarter of 2017.

The Memorandum shows that PHP 6 billion worth of 91-day, PHP-5 billion worth of 182-day and PHP4-billion worth of 364-day T-bills will be offered during the auctions

scheduled on July 5 and 19, August 2, 16, and 30; and September 13 and 27.

T-bond offerings were set at Php 15 billion per auction.

Specifically, five-year T-bond will be offered on July 13, 20year on July 27, seven-year on Aug. 10, 10-year on Aug. 24, seven-year on Sept. 7, and 10year on Sept. 21. (PNA)

Dalian.

Li said that free trade should be the basis of fair trade, and that holding back free trade would not bring fair trade.

Trade disputes should be dealt with according to the different situations in different countries, Li said.

“Based on the principle of

equal consultation, mutual understanding and accommodation, as well as equal treatment without discrimination, countries must seek convergent interests and complement each other’s advantages to achieve win-win results,” Li said.

“Neither should we impose unilateral rules on others, nor politicize fair trade.”

Li underpinned the positive role of globalization in promoting the free flow of merchandise, capital and human resources, which creates a bigger market for producers and more choices for consumers that benefit all countries.

The problems facing different countries are not due

China: Protect economic globalization for growth

C

OUNTRIES must safeguard economic globalization to achieve inclusive growth, Premier Li Keqiang said Tuesday.

Li made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2017, also known as Summer Davos, held in the northeastern coastal city of

F CHINA, 10

Of the total, there are 6,252 head offices and 22,140 branches and agencies.

Total bank head offices and branches as of last year reached 11,178 while there are 17,214 non-bank financial institution offices in the country.

Total head offices and branches of U/KBs as of last year reached 6,237 while TBs reached 2,176 and RBs, 2,765.

Espenilla, who heads the central bank’s Supervision and Examination Sector (SES), said there are also 110 approved applications for new banking offices around the country in the first quarter of the year.

Total approved applications for U/KBs reached 24;TBs, 12; and RBs and Coop Banks, 74. (JSV/PNA)

RANCE has expressed interest in increasing trade and investments in the Philippines even amid fighting in Marawi City.

“I don’t see so far any impacts of the current (Marawi) situation in the business,” French Ambassador Thierry Mathou told reporters.

Mathou said more French companies were keen to invest and develop trade and economic relations with the Philippines, particularly in infrastructure, energy, pharmaceuticals and other strategic sectors.

He bared his country had been working with the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) to finalize an agreement on agriculture “so it will give the opportunity for the two countries to cooperate in this important sector.”

There are over 80 French companies operating in the Philippines.

Mathou said France and the Philippines had already celebrated the 70th anniversary of their bilateral relations “but we think that there is still room to develop our relations especially in the economic and trade sector.” ”More and more French companies are taking a renewed interest in the Philippines as a potential market in the region,” he said.

Mathou cited the Philippine large population and economic growth of between 6 and 7 percent providing huge business opportunities.

In 2015, trade between France and the Philippines amounted to 1.44 billion euros.

Philippine exports to France experienced a 28-percent increase to USD 602 million, attributable to the increase of exports of electronic components and agricultural products.

HE PNR North or Manila-Clark Railway Project, a 106-kilometer line connecting Manila to Central Luzon will cut down travel time by as much as 70 percent.

With this railway project, you can travel from Tutuban, Manila to Clark, Pampanga in under an hour or 55 minutes, a significant reduction from the current 2-3 hours travel time.

The rail line will have a total of 17 stations, five of which were marked in a station marking event early today. The stations will run from Tutuban passing through Marilao and Malolos and all the way to the Clark International Airport and the proposed New Clark

City in Tarlac.

This will be the first time that a commuter rail project will be extended to Central Luzon. This project is expected to decongest Metro Manila and spur development in the peripheries of Metro Manila.

“We hope to finish the term of President Duterte with at least 1,000 kilometers of railway system all over the country,” said Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade.

The PNR North railway project is one of the 61 infrastructure projects under the Build Build Build program of the Duterte administration. It will begin construction later

Manila-Clark railway to reduce travel time T

F MANILA, 10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

ECONOMY 5

Boracay tourist arrivals tops 1M in six months

B

EFORE the end of the first half of this year, this resort island already received over one million tourists, according to the local tourism office.

Felix delos Santos said on Tuesday that the island was able to reach its one million mark last June 10, earlier compared to last year.

In 2016, only 982,710 tourist arrivals were recorded from January until the end of June, he added.

The tourism officer said tourist arrivals continue to increase. “With the increasing trend, we expect that we will reach the two million

tourist target for this year,” he said.

As of June 22, the Malay Municipal Tourism Office recorded a total of 1,063,569 tourists.

Of which 476,948 are foreign tourists, 560,915 domestic and 25,796 overseas Filipinos.

Despite threats of terrorism in other parts of the country, Delos Santos said that Boracay remained to be a safe destination for tourists.

He said tight security was also being implemented in all points of entry to Boracay. (Karen V. Bermejo/PNA)

AIIB to help fund Manila flood management project

C

HINA-LED Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has agreed to co-finance the first phase of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project.

This was disclosed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who represented the Philippines in the AIIB meeting in Jeju Island, South Korea early this month.

Dominguez said he attended the meeting, which is the first for the Philippines, primarily not to ask for financing but as part of Bank’s stakeholder.

Members of the AIIB are required to put in capital and the Philippines, for one, is allowed to take out about USD200-USD500 million worth of loans annually.

Dominguez dubbed as a “good progress” the operations of the AIIB, which was established in October 2014.

“It is is learning process

for us and quite frankly we are very happy with what we hear about the AIIB. They run a very lean organization,” he told reporters recently.

“With regards to our own negotiations with them we have concluded one negotiation wherein they will cofund the Metro Manila Flood Management Project Phase 1,” he said.

Dominguez said AIIB and the World Bank (WB) would put in about USD207.63 billion each for the project while the Philippine government shares around USD84 million.

He is confident that the government will have the necessary funds to construct the flood management project, especially since it targets to finance all its infrastructure projects and just bid out the projects’ final construction phase and the operations and maintenance.

US okays USD1.3-B sale of surveillance aircraft

T

HE Defense Security Cooperation Agency said that the US Department of State approved the sale of Gulfstream G550 Aircraft with airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare systems to Australia for $1.3 billion.

“The government of Australia requested the possible sale of up to five Gulfstream G-550 aircraft modified to integrate airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare (AISREW) mission systems, Global Positioning System (GPS) capability, secure communications and air-

craft defensive systems,” the release stated.

The DSCA explained the order also includes spares, airborne and ground systems for data processing and crew training and technical data.

“This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major contributor [Australia] to political stability, security, and economic development in the Western Pacific,” the release added.

The prime contractor for the sale will be L3 Technologies, the DSCA added.

(Sputnik)

BIZ AS USUAL. A petroleum depot stands tall at a coastal area in Sasa, Davao City on Tuesday. Oil firms rolled back the prices of petroleum products on Tuesday, ending the month of June with four straight weeks of price cuts. Lean Daval Jr.

Government execs back passage of tax reform act M

TRAIN seen as a win-win proposition

ORE government executives have come out to support the proposed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN) now pending in the Senate, calling it a “win-win proposition” that would reform the country’s “outdated” tax system and at the same help raise funds for the government’s unmatched infrastructure, health and education, and social protection programs.

They include top officials from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ; the Departments of Budget and Management, of Health, of Transportation and of Energy; National Power Corp. and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; and the National Economic and Development Authority.

Director Rolando Toledo, who heads the DBM’s Fiscal Planning and Reforms Bureau, said the TRAIN “is a package that will be instrumental in

the raising revenue effort and ultimately funding our development priorities for infrastructure and the social services which include health and education.”

The TRAIN, which is the first package of the Duterte administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), will also lead to a “simpler, fairer and more efficient tax regime” that will “invite more investments and put more money in the pockets of 99 percent of the population,” Toledo said at a recent hearing of the Senate ways and means committee.

“So in essence, the tax reform package is a win-win proposition, the reform package that we wish our legislators will support. And the DBM is fully supporting this package,” he added.

Director Reynaldo Cancio of NEDA’s National Policy and Planning Staff, said that with fiscal sustainability a key ele-

ment in realizing the Duterte administration’s goal of lifting six million Filipinos out of poverty by 2022, the TRAIN will provide “the necessary resources for financing important investments in infrastructure, human capital and social protection.”

The BSP, represented by Director Zeno Ronald Abenoja of its Department of Economic Research, said: “We would like to reiterate our position in support of the comprehensive implementation of the tax reform program to raise the revenue base of the government and help refocus all the expenditures, including those for infrastructure and socioeconomic programs.”

“We think over the medium to long term, inflation would fall within the target range set by the national government in the next few years (of not more than 4 percent),” he added.

Kenneth Ronquillo, the di-

rector of the DOH Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau, said the Department “fully supports the [TRAIN] as this will allow the government to intervene better in the health sector.”

“The Philippines lags behind ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nation) neighbors in terms of per-capita spending for health. We are at 6th in per-capita health expenditure in ASEAN, trailing behind Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam,” he said.

DOTr Assistant Secretary Mark Richmund de Leon said “the Department of Transportation fully supports this tax reform measure because this will fund the proposed ‘Build, Build, Build’ program of the Duterte government.”

“In this tax reform measure, we are proposing that the earmarking be allocated to our public transport reform program to make sure that the

ILLAR family’s Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc. will be venturing into tourism and industrial developments over the next five years.

Vista Land President Manuel Paolo Villar said in an interview that the company would take advantage of the robust tourism industry of the country, with the increasing tourist arrivals -- mostly from China -- and growth in infrastructure projects.

“We’re very bullish on

tourism. As you know the Chinese has been more open to come to the Philippines. I think there have been more and will be more Chinese tourist arrivals in the Philippines, so you’re looking at the big growth in tourism,” Villar told reporters.

“You’re going to see an increase, even some of the other less well-known tourist areas are becoming more wellknown. So I think, we’re just going to participate in that,” he added.

He mentioned that Vista Land aims to build hotels in its bigger developments.

Vista Land developments are now in 117 cities and municipalities across the country.

It targets to be in 200 locations this year.

“Some hotels will be owned by Vista. Some hotels, not and will be managed by others. Some will be even owned by others, not just be on our property,” Villar said.

“We’re looking at the next three years for hotels,” he add-

ed.

F GOVERNMENT, 10

Vista ventures expand to tourism, industrial V

When asked if the company is open to gaming ventures, Villar noted that “it is possible”, but only as potential tenants of its integrated resort projects.

“We are not averse to gaming. It’s possible. Not necessarily Vista Land. I’m not sure Vista Land would be a gaming company but as a lessor as someone leasing to gaming company or buildings with gaming, it’s possible,” he said.

6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

cops, PCG seize Davao Sur opens weeklong Maritime P32M cash at CDO port celebration of Golden Jubilee M Cagas wishes participants good memories of celebration

G

OVERNOR Douglas Cagas has led this Monday’s opening of the weeklong celebration of Davao del Sur’s 50th Founding Anniversary which is celebrated every first of July.

The celebration started with a Holy Mass and flag raising ceremonies attended by the provincial and municipal local officials, capitol employees and guests, which were held at the Davao del Sur Coliseum.

The Golden Jubilee banners the theme, “Bulawanong Gugma ug Panaghiusa Alang sa Malambuong Probinsya (Golden Love and Unity for a Progressive Province).”

“As we work harder with many elected and ap-

pointed local officials and our friends from the private sector including the media, it is our fond hope and devout wish that the people of Davao del Sur and all our guests will enjoy and have good memories of the weeklong celebration of the golden anniversary of the founding of our beloved province,” Cagas stated.

The governor also headed the ribbon cutting to open the Agri-Techno-Industrial Trade Fair which features various products of Digos City, eight municipalities and big private companies in Davao del Sur. The participating city and municipal local government units have dressed their respective booths ac-

cording to the criteria set for the competition of Best Dressed Booth which was handled by the Department of Trade and Industry Davao del Sur Field Office.

Aside from the LGUs, private firms and DTI-Davao del Sur, the Philippine Information Agency Region-11 through its Information Center for Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental also joined the Trade Fair.

PIA-11 brought its Information Kiosk containing IEC materials and video clips showing about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and programs of various national government agencies.

The opening day also featured tribal rituals of various

tribes in their Indigenous People’s Day, opening of a Photo Exhibit/Arts Competition, Basketball on Wheels involving Persons with Disabilities, Rescuelympics and Talent showdown for Youth entitle “Tawag ng Tanghalan Sounds Familiar.”

A Job Fair to be hosted by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) will take place tomorrow (June 27). PIA-11 will also put up an Information Kiosk to this one-day activity.

Provincial information officer Nilda Aninon said the provincial LGU has allocated a budget amounting to more than P11.4 million for the various expenses in the golden celebration. (PIA11/Carina L. Cayon)

ARITIME and Philippine Coast Guard authorities seized a total of P32 million in cash Sunday evening at the port area here while about to be transported to Cebu City, a senior police officer said Monday.

Senior Supt. Rustom Duran, head of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group in Northern Mindanao, reported in a radio interview that the bearers of the cash were supposedly bound for Cebu City when they were intercepted while about to board a Cebu-bound passenger vessel Sunday night.

The PNP Maritime Group 10 is part of Task Force Oro of which PCG is also a member.

Earlier, PCG received an intelligence report from Task Force Oro that an armored van full of cash was en route to the port at Cagayan de Oro City located in barangay Macabalan here on Monday.

PCG then issued an advisory bulletin to all Task Force Oro personnel assigned at the port area, including the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) police, PNP Maritime Group 10, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) Station 5 and PCG. At 8 p.m. Sunday, a PPA police lookout noticed an unmarked green armored van about to park at the premises of the port. Three persons got out of the van – purportedly a

bank employee and two security guards – all of them not in uniform. The three asked for porters and unloaded four carton boxes.

Now suspicious, the PPA police officer promptly informed his PCG counterparts for reinforcement.

Together, the PCG personnel ordered that the boxes undergo X-ray inspection.

The PPA police manning the X ray machine discovered that the boxes were full of cash, prompting the PCG to hold the cargo and put the three persons under custody.

Duran refused to divulge the identities of the three persons, saying it’s a PCG operation. Duran was the one who was interviewed from Task Force Oro since no one at the PCG answered calls for this story.

But according to Duran, the three persons claimed that they were from UCPB Velez branch who were hand-carrying cash to Cebu City.

Duran said that the method in transporting money was highly unusual even in common bank practices.

“When you transfer large amount of cash, it’s supposed to be a bank-to-bank transaction. That’s why the PCG is still interrogating the three persons to get to the bottom of the matter,” he said. (Mark Francisco/PNA)

Police beefs up security for Northern Mindanao

VP LENI WITH ‘BAKWITS’. Vice President Leni Robredo shares light moments with evacuees from Marawi City in an evacuation center at the Al Markazie Islamic Institute in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte on June 26, 2017. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

Muslims mark Eid’l Fitr amid anxiety

F

OR thousands of Marawi residents who fled their residences due to the fighting between extremists and government forces, this year’s Eid’l Fitr lacked the joyous spirit usually associated with one of the most important Muslim religious celebrations.

Taking their cue from their fellow Muslims in other countries, Islam believers throughout the Philippines marked Eid’l Fitr or the end of the month-long Ramadan on Sunday, June 25.

“This is the saddest Eid’l

celebration in recent memory,” said Assemblywoman Zia Alonto Adiong, a member of the legislative body of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and spokesperson for the Lanao del Sur Provincial Crisis Management Committee, in a statement.

Adiong said the presence of the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group, whose members are currently engaged in a series of firefights with the military in Marawi, has deprived the city’s Muslim devotees of opportunity to

properly celebrate Eid’l Fitr.

“This local militant group robbed us the chance to observe Ramadhan peacefully and stole from us the opportunity to celebrate Eid’l Fitr and be with our loved ones in this religious occasion. For centuries, this Islamic tradition has been observed uninterrupted until now,” he said.

Adiong added, “It pains us to see families who can’t even share meals together, pray together and continue observing our current state doesn’t permit such family gathering to take place.”

Most of the 264,000 residents in Marawi are staying in various evacuation centers and in their relatives’ homes in the provinces of Lanao, Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro and other parts of Mindanao.

Meanwhile, the military has announced it has declared an eight-hour “humanitarian pause” in its offensive against the Maute Group as a show of respect to the observance of the Eid’l Fitr last Sunday.

The temporary cessation of hostilities began at 6 p.m. and ended at 2 p.m.

T

HE new police regional director, Chief Supt.

Timoteo Pacleb, of Northern Mindanao, on Monday ordered to intensify security measures in all checkpoints in the region, both static and mobile.

Pacleb, who randomly inspected a few checkpoints in Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental Friday afternoon, discovered that some of these were lax than others.

“It must be uniformed and standardized, especially the entry points in the city.

There must only be one system that is applied to all entry checkpoints,” he said.

Pacleb ordered that all public passengers must alight from their vehicles, walk in a single line and have themselves and their hand-carried luggage be frisked before returning to the public utility vehicles (buses, jeepneys, vans, etc.). The PUVs themselves must be checked separately.

Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) spokesperson Chief Insp. Mardy Hortillosa said that under the new di-

rective, a checkpoint must be manned by at least eight personnel.

With the Cocpo manpower already stretched, they were given a boost over the weekend by reinforcements from the Malaybalay Citybased 403rd Brigade, which sent a battalion-size force who will help man checkpoints, rove around the city and be on call when the need arises.

In a related development, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 10 has also installed a Haz Mat checkpoint along the national highway at barangay Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City.

All tankers and similar vehicles containing chemicals must be flagged down and inspected by BFP personnel coming from the east and south portion going towards Cagayan de Oro. A similar checkpoint was earlier set up in Iligan City and west of Misamis Oriental.

A week after the Marawi City conflict broke out, the Haz Mat checkpoint in Iligan was able to intercept tons of chemicals believed bomb components.

(Mark Francisco/PNA)

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

Davao City Water District gives away school supplies. Pupils in Lampianao Elementary School hold out their bags donated by DCWD.

DCWD donates supplies to schoolchildren D

AVAO City Water District donated school supplies to around 1,100 elementary schoolchildren on various occasions in preparation for the school year 2017 to 2018.

Spearheaded by DCWD’s

Community Relations Division, a series of distribution of school bags, notebooks, papers, pencils, and ballpens to grades one to six pupils were done on May 24 in Brgy. Manuel Guianga, May 25 in Daliaon Plantation,

June 1 in Brgy. Tungkalan, June 2 in Malagos Watershed, and June 3 in Brgy.

Tambobong.

Initiated by the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Finance Mildred

G. Aviles, DCWD also gave away notebooks, pencils, and crayons to Brgy. Tibungco pupils through the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart on May 30. Meanwhile, Finance and Property Department manager Ber-

nadette A. Dacanay led the distribution of school bags to pupils in Lampianao Elementary School in Calinan District on June 10.

For 14 years now, DCWD through its Educational Support to Upland Learners has

been supporting its partner communities in the uplands to contribute in the development of its stakeholders and partner schools and communities as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility program. (Winston C. Ajero)

ITH its pursuit to advance the betterment of micro, small and medium enterprises, the Philippines celebrates today the International MSME day in support of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution recognizing the crucial role MSMEs play in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in promoting innovation, creativity, and decent work.

“MSMEs represent around 90% of global economic activity. They are on the front lines

of embracing transformative technologies and new business models. By leveraging their ingenuity and creativity to harness new market opportunities, they can lead the way towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.” UN Secretary-Genetral António Guterres said.

In April 2017, the UN General Assembly, co-sponsored by 54 Member States including the Philippines, adopted a resolution recognizing the importance of MSMEs in achieving sustainable development goals, which hereby designates

June 27 as MSMEs’ Day. Philippine MSMEs which account for 99.5% of the total number of established businesses and employ 62.8% of the workforce, contribute substantially to the country’s manufacturing output and total employment. MSMEs therefore are critical engines of economic growth and development.

On the other hand, the Philippines’ MSME Development (MSMED) Council also issued MSMEDC Resolution No. 03 Series of 2017 “supporting

the United Nations Resolution Designating June 27 of Each Year as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises’ Day” to give recognition and importance to MSMEs as cornerstone of economic growth and development.

The MSMED Council, where Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez sits as Chairman, is the primary agency responsible for the promotion, growth and development of MSMEs in the country by

85 food technologies PH celebrates International MSMEs’Day developed by DOST XI W

D

AVAO CITY – Eightyfive prototypes of new technologies that are used for food production have been developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XI under its Food Processing Innovation Center (FPIC).

Sheryl Napoco, science research specialist at DOST XI told reporters Tuesday that they need buyers for the inventions of researchers and scientists in the Davao Region to be used in food processing for commercial purposes.

The inventions include vacuum fryer, coconut spray dryer, freeze dryer, water retort, and vacuum packaging machine.

Napoco said they have received inquiries from Singapore, China and Thailand for the spray dryer that can turn coconut water into powdered juice. The dryer was developed by a pool of researchers from the DOST 11.

“As it converts the liquid feed into powder, it is now easy for transport and has a longer shelf life,” she said.

But she said the invention cannot be produced yet on a commercial scale because nobody has shown interest to buy it.

The FPIC is currently housed at the Philippine Women’s College (PWC) in Davao City, with co-partners from DOST XI, Department of Trade and Industry, city government of Davao, and the Food Processors Association of Davao.

The facility is said to be

Good Manufacturing Practices-compliant.

It boasts of fabricated equipment by DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute as part of its High-Impact Technology Solutions program to hasten the production process and improve food and packaging quality and enhance product marketability and durability.

The P5.3-million FPIC was first launched on May 15, 2014 in Davao Region before it was rolled out in Cagayan Valley, Northern Mindanao, Western Visayas, and Caraga Regions, Napoco said.

She said the DOST hopes to operationalize the FPIC in all regions across the country before end of this year.

She said DOST XI provides P50,000 to inventors who wish to pitch for their innovative ideas.

The FPIC provides common service facility for food innovation, micro toll processing, and packaging to food technology faculty and students of PWC of Davao and MSME food processors.

It provides food testing, information, packaging and labeling design, consultancy and advisory services to assist food processors conform to local and international standards, and organizes trainings and seminars on food processing and food safety.

It is envisioned to become a leading “hub for innovations, technical support services for the food industry in the region transforming concepts into products.” (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

F PH, 10

SSS Cares for Marawi through Philippine Red Cross

A

S part of the pension fund’s corporate social responsibility, the Social Security System (SSS) extended financial assistance to soldiers and families affected by the ongoing armed conflict in Marawi, Lanao del Sur through the

Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

Photo shows Social Security Commission (SSC) Chairman Dean Amado D. Valdez (2nd from left) and SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc (3rd from left) handed over the check worth

P500,000 to PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Senator Richard J. Gordon (4th from left) during the official turnover ceremony held last June 22 at the Philippine Red Cross National Headquarters located in EDSA corner Boni Avenue,

Mandaluyong City.

Also present at the ceremony were (from left) SSS Executive Vice President for Investments Sector Rizaldy T. Capulong, SSC Commissioners Diana Pardo-Aguilar and Atty. Arthur L. Amansec.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

EDITORIAL

Home for the Museum

M

USEO Dabawenyo or the Davao Museum has been sitting at its home a stone’s throw away from the Sangguniang Panlungsod. It has been there since 2008 n a restored old trial court.

While it may be an interesting venue for deepening one’s knowledge of the Dabawenyo history and culture or as a tourist attraction, there is not much to be desired of its current location. Hence, the museum is gathering more dust than attracting visitors.

Not for long though. President Rodrigo Duterte has allocated P100 million for the construction of a permanent museum inside the vast People’s Park. Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has given her approval as well for the transfer and construction.

The People’s Park is the best venue possible for the museum

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

given its space and the regular flow of tourists in the area. Likewise, the area is more accessible to traffic and parking is far better than the former site.

However, there is more to be done than building a new home for the museum. There has to be coordination with the Department of Education and the Department of Tourism to maximize the use of the museum.

Deped should encourage students to come and see what’s inside the museum as part of deepening their understanding and knowledge of the Dabawenyo heritage. Likewise, DOT can direct tourists to the museum as part of Davao’s attractions.

With a better home and location, the museum can be one Dabawenyos can truly be proud of as it reflects the history and culture of the people.

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

T

HE penchant to create departments and agencies under the Executive branch of the government is a storied chapter in Philippine governance. Under the American colonial rule, agencies were named and patterned after existing US subdivisions.

For instance, the agriculture department was lumped up with the natural resources sector, resulting in the creation of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).

Later, given the Philippines is an agricultural economy, the farm and land sectors (before the advent of ‘agrarian reform’) was given its own Department of Agriculture (DA).

This pattern of changing and transferring specific concerns from one department to another has, in itself, an interesting historical subject for decades. But the consequential impact of this practice has always resulted in the bloating of the bureaucracy.

During the Commonwealth period, there was the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) which, over time, would be shortened to just BI given that deporting unwanted foreigners is only a specific function of that agency.

Today’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) started as Department of War and Pub-

I

N the beginning, God created man and his name was Adam. But the Creator observed that he was alone and lonely. So, He allowed the first man to fall asleep and took one of his ribs and formed into a woman (“because she was taken out of man”).

When Adam saw Eve for the first time, he was struck with her beauty. The Bible was silent what happened next but we’re sure Adam courted Eve relentlessly. At the end of the day, he won her heart and so God initiated the first wedding ever recorded. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

Today, love, courtship and marriage are still with us. But through times, however, these traits – if you call them such -- have changed. Let’s start with love. “Love is an ocean of emotions entirely surrounded by expenses,” said Lord Dewar. “To be in love is merely to be in a state of perceptual anesthesia,” added Henry L. Mencken.

“To love is to suffer,” said Woody Allen. “To avoid suffering one must not love. But then one suffers from not loving. Therefore to love is to suffer, not to love is to suffer. To suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love. To be happy then is to suffer.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Creating new gov’t departments lic Works (DPWH), then it evolved into Department of Public Works and Communication (DPWC) and Department of Public Works, Transportation, and Communication (DPWTC).

In the Marcos era, changes in names of agencies were evident and often with hidden meanings.

For instance, the Fishery Industry Resources Management (FIRM) Program had a hidden definition, FIRM being ‘Ferdinand Imelda Romualdez Marcos!’

Even the innocent PROFEM, which stands for Program for Forest Ecosystem Management, actually stood for ‘Profile of Ferdinand Edralin Marcos’ with its logo, a tree with a crown, hiding the seven half-faces of Marcos. Remember that ‘7’ was the dictator’s favourite number!

(Have you ever tried visiting your Philippine map and observe that the provinces in the north form the bust of the former dictator?)

An important Marcos-era creation was the Department of Human Settlements (DHS), which banned the eleven (11) basic needs of man, including food, shelter, and power, to name a few. The department was known for its BLISS (Bagong Lipunan Integrated Sites and Servies), which built tenement to house the hoi polloi, the poor.

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa Recently, under the Duterte leadership, technocrats proposed the creation of the Department of Settlements (DOS) to replace the National Housing Authority and integrating the functions of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and related offices dealing in the funding, planning, and approval of housing undertakings.

But this is just of many the Palace diehards have in mind. As an archipelago surrounded by oceans, rivers, and other waterways, there is a push to create the Department of Fisheries (DOF). For so long, the fishery industry has played second

fiddle in the government’s agriculture agenda, which is focused more on staple food production and irrigation.

An interesting suggestion is the establishment of the Department of Overseas Workers (DOW) to cater to the ten or eleven million Filipinos deployed abroad, which is far larger than the coverage of the many agencies currently existing. If enacted, offices like the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will be dissolved to constitute the new department.

Another eye-raising suggestion, a source of global concern, to address water. In line with this, there are sectors pushing for the creation of a Department of Water. Predictably, agencies like National Water Regulatory Board (NWRB), the Local Waterworks Utilities Administration (LWUA), and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will likely be absorbed by it.

Elsewhere, there are individuals wanting their collective voices heard with the establishment of the Department of Sports (DOS), a function that’s assumed in great amount by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) after sports and athletics were removed from the then Department of Education, Culture, and Sports

(DECS).

In the banking sector, innovations in creating banks addressing specific targets have also been considered. During the Arroyo administration, Local Waterworks Utilities Administration (LWUA) chair Prospero Pichay Jr. pushed for the creation of a WE Bank.

WE stood for water and energy.

While the intent was laudable given the need to address the issues of power shortage and water deficiency, the Ombudsman found flaws in the transaction after it found out the 2009 takeover of Express Savings Bank Inc. (ESBI), the supposed future WE Bank, was anomalous.

As a result, a case was filed in 2015 against former officials of LWUA, executives of WELLEX Group Inc. (WGI), the owner of the bank, and Forum Pacific Inc. because the takeover fee involved was PhP80 million, far bigger than the PhP50 million threshold in a plunder case.

Under the Duterte leadership, given the President’s overwhelming support for Filipinos employed abroad, the clamor to create an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Bank was signature advocacy among those who have loved ones and relatives working in global destinations.

Whether the bank will materialize is something t state has not really pushed forward.

that night.” To which Rita Rudner countered, “I love being married.

It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.”

Parents generally tell their children whom to marry. But they won’t listen to them. Soon-to-be-married couples have one hope for their partners. As Bettina Arndt said, “Women hope men will change after marriage but they don’t; men hope women won’t change but they do.”

And that’s where trouble begins.

This is what James L. Framo, authors of Explorations in Marital and Family Therapy suggests: “People do not marry people, not real ones anyway; they marry what they think the person is; they marry illusions and images. The exciting adventure of marriage is finding out who the partner really is.”

Unlike singles, who think of no one but themselves, being married really means thinking of the other half. “You can never be happily married to another until you get a divorce from yourself. Successful marriage demands a certain death to self,” said Jerry McCant.

If night is the most memorable time within the 24 hours among married couples, breakfast should be equally unforgettable. Gabriel Garcia Marquez knows this well:

“The problem with marriage is that it ends every night after making love, and it must be rebuilt every morning before breakfast.”

And German actress Marlene Dietrich advised, “Once a woman has forgiven her man, she must not reheat his sins for breakfast.”

Marriages cannot outlast life.

Death is the end of it all. Generally, men die younger than their counterparts. A teacher asked her students why women live longer on the average than men.

A student, without standing up, told his teacher: “Because they don’t have wives.”

And so it came to pass that the husband ended his unhappy life at 47. The widow, inconsolable at first, finally got a dog to ease her loneliness. The sorrow mellowed as she became more attached to the dog.

“She’s happy because she’s gotten back into her old pattern of living,” reported a neighbor. “That dog is a perfect substitute for her poor husband. He’s out all day, sleeps all evening, and she feeds him out of cans.”

Someone once quipped, “‘I am’ is reportedly the shortest sentence in the English language. Could it be that ‘I do’ is the longest sentence?”

Your answer is as good as mine.

When a man loves a woman

But suffering makes one unhappy.

Therefore, to be unhappy one must love, or love to suffer, or suffer from too much happiness. I hope you’re getting this down.” Okay, fine!

Aside from love, there is such thing as infatuation. “No one can understand love who has not experienced infatuation,” wrote Mignon McLaughlin in ‘The Neurotic’s Notebook.’ “And no one can understand infatuation, no matter how many times he has experienced it.”

After that, courtship follows.

“Men dream of courtship, but in wedlock wake,” Alexander Pope once wrote. This jibes with a proverb that states, “In courtship a man pursues a woman until she catches him.”

“Courtship,” according to Laurence Sterne, “consists in a number of quiet attentions, not so pointed as to alarm, nor so vague as not to be understood.” Or, as an unknown author puts it, “The difference between courtship and marriage is the difference between the pictures in a seed catalog and what comes up.”

When you are courting a nice girl, an hour seems like a second.

But when you sit on a red-hot cinder, a second seems like an hour. “That’s relativity,” Albert Einstein explained.

When the girl says I accepted you, then marriage is just around

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

the corner. “Marriage,” said British playwright George Bernard Shaw, “is an alliance entered into by a man who can’t sleep with the window shut, and a woman who can’t sleep with the window open.”

That’s funny. This statement, coming from the mouth of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, challenges understanding: “The sum which two married people owe to one another defies calculation. It is an infinite debt, which can only be discharged through eternity.”

“Never get married in the morning,” advises Paul Hornung, “because you never know who you’ll meet

10 NEWS HOME... FROM 1

ed to house and to showcase the rich history and diverse culture of Davao City. It first opened to the public during the 71stArawngDabawopening ceremony on March 14, 2008.

The museum will be located in a 1,000 square-meter lot inside People’s Park.

“If plans don’t miscarry, the construction will start later this year,” said Braga.

The cost of the building of the new modernized MuseoDabawenyo is 100 million pesos, which was sourced out from the Office of the President.

The MuseoDabawenyo

Advisory Board found that the area in People’s Park is ideal for the museum since those who will have field trips can have bigger parking spaces, in contrary to its current location in Pichon St. which is smaller and has heavy traffic during rush hours. The museum will also become more accessible if it will be located in People’s Park.

On May, the city council approved ordinance 026606/02966-06 entitled “An ordinance establishing the MuseoDabawenyo, providing for its permanent home and other purposes.”

yers into a world where lawyers are more reviled than admired. Reviled for the perception that their knowledge of the law is being used to further injustice and to enrich themselves even as they may also be admired for their knowledge of the law,” Pimentel said. “…Reject the reasoning that since the other side is doing it, then you should also be doing it in order to level the playing field,” he added.

He also urged them to restore the faith of Filipinos in the justice system and rule of law.

Citing the 2015 Rule of Law Index of the World Justice Project (WJP), Pimentel said that the delay in resolving criminal cases and the duration of civil cases in the

country are the most significant or serious problems of the civil and criminal justice in the Philippines, as cases can take nearly two decades to come to a final resolution.

He also cited civil and criminal justice in the Philippines as the worst aspects of the rule of law in the country -- even worse than corruption in government. “…Justice is denied either through lengthy delays or the outright sale of decisions.

Because of this, the law is no longer seen as a majestic tool for justice, but as a deplorable tool for the powerful to abuse the powerless,” he added.

Pimentel graduated from UP Law in 1990 and topped the Bar examinations that same year. (Azer N. Parrocha/PNA)

the matter to the police.

Aside from the bullets, also found were a holster and some ammunition clips.

Police are still investigat-

ing on whether “AJ” intended to smuggle weapons or other related items as well. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/Gilbert Villaruz (OJT)/PNA)

to globalization itself, but because of the inability to address it, he noted. “It does not make sense to blame the rough road and stop moving if I sprain an ankle.”

It is advisable to adapt to and better guide the direction

of globalization, safeguard the authority and effectiveness of multilateralism, promote free trade and investment facilitation, reform global economic order to ensure all countries enjoy equal rights, opportunities and rules, he noted.

this year and targeted for completion in 2021. It is designed to accommodate 350,000 passengers daily on its opening year.

Other rail projects include way of facilitating and closely coordinating national efforts to promote their viability and growth.

The MSMEDC Resolution also highlights the commitment of the government to foster MSME policies and initiatives that lead to inclusive growth.

The MSMED Council also enjoins all government agen-

Pimentel... FROM 2

Marawi... FROM 3 China... FROM 4

Manila... FROM 4 PH... FROM 7

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

SIESTA TIME. A masseuse has fallen to sleep while waiting for customers during a slow day at Magsaysay Park in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

Maute group fighters shrinking in size: AFP

T

HE tide is definitely against the remaining Maute group terrorists in Marawi City as the military starts to bring more pressure against the lawless elements.

With the focusing of its combat power, more and more defense positions of the Islamist group are being neutralized, Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said Monday.

The development is a welcome one as fighting in Marawi City reaches its sixth week.

“We also declared that the AFP is firm in its declaration that it is winning in this battle, as a matter of fact the victory is irreversible, it is just a matter of time before we will be able to complete our mission,” Arevalo added.

“Right now the terrorist group is feeling the might of the Armed Forces and (the

AFP) is closing in on their (remaining) positions,” he further said.

With the shrinking of the Maute group’s defensive perimeter, Arevalo said that they have been receiving reports that there is now conflict among the members and the leadership of the lawless elements due to issues of finances and waning logistical support. “(With these development) there were some

members of the Maute group/ISIS group who (have made plans to surrender and desert) but according to reports, they were executed,” he added.

The military official added that with the reduction of Maute group combatants some civilian hostages are being forced to fight or carry ammunition and supplies for the terrorists with execution as an alternative for those who will refuse.

PNR South (Manila – Los Baños – Bicol) and Mindanao Railway. MRT-7, LRT-2 East Extension, and LRT-1 Cavite Extension projects are all undergoing construction. (PR/PNA)

financing for the new fleet of modern public transport vehicles, including the jeepneys, will be financed by this reform program,” De Leon said “In addition to that, we’re proposing that public transport operators and drivers be trained to improve their capacities in managing their fleet,” he said.

For the LTFRB, which is under the DOTR’s supervision, the provision raising the rates for fuel excise taxes under the TRAIN, “will translate to the programs of the Department of Transportation having the necessary funding, having the necessary resources.”

“In the Department of Energy, we support our priorities to sustainable consumption. In

that manner, we support this tax reform package,” said Assistant Director Jesus Anunciacion of the Energy Utilization and Management Bureau.

For Napocor vice president for administration and finance Lorna Dy, the TRAIN “will benefit especially the poor members of our society.”

“Definitely the National Power Corporation is 100 percent supportive of this,” she said.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said earlier that the DOF will continue to hold dialogues with senators during the congressional break in the hope that they would act swiftly on the TRAIN bill when the Congress opens its second regular session in July and retain

its original features as outlined in HB 4774.

“We can live” with HB 5636, “but of course it’s better if we get more,” he said.

The House of Representatives approved HB 5636 or the TRAIN by a 246-9 vote with one abstention last May 31 before the Congress’ sine die adjournment. HB 5636 is a consolidation of the DOF-endorsed bill—HB 4774 filed by Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua—and 54 other tax-related measures.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) went up by 90.37 points or 1.15 percent to close at 7,927.49 last June 1, or the day after the House had approved HB 5636 on third and final reading. It then closed at its highest level for this year

last June 5 at 8,001.38 points, with PSE president Ramon Monzon quoted in media reports as saying that this breach of the 8,000 level was driven by “optimism over the developments in the DOF’s CTRP.” An increasing number of international financial institutions have lauded HB 5636’s approval as a positive step to reforming the country’s tax system and boosting revenue, and a testament to the Duterte administration’s decisive leadership and firm resolve to pursue broad economic reforms and ensure the financial viability of its ambitious public investment program. These include Moody’s Investor Service, Fitch Ratings, Deutsche Bank, and Nomura. (PNA)

cies including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academe, and other MSME stakeholders to undertake activities in commemoration of the MSMEs’ Day. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Zenaida Maglaya acknowledged the role played

by MSMEs in lifting the coun-

try’s economy and vowed to promote further MSMEs, and provide programs that will help small and medium entrepreneurs.

“MSMEs are the backbone of the country’s economy and it provides Filipinos employment. With this, we need to deliver programs that will promote them as we encourage more Filipinos to engage

in entrepreneurship,” Maglaya explained.

The International MSMEs day resolution states that it “recognizes the importance of encouraging the formalization, participation and growth of MSMEs in international, regional, and national markets, including through access for all to capacity building and financial services such as affordable

microfinance and credit.”

The resolution adds, “further the need for sustainable business practices and the importance of principles for responsible business and investing.”

Other countries co-sponsoring the resolution are Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Egypt,

Ethiopia, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Samoa, Singapore, Slovenia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Vietnam.

Government... FROM 5

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

VISITING MANILA THIS JULY? Make sure to catch this musical production while you’re in town.

Disney’s Newsies is a high-energy, dance-intensive musical and Gawad Buhay winning choreographer PJ Rebullida talks about working with the 21 young men who comprise the “Newsies” On all weekends of July, the Globe Iconic Store Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater will be the home for one of Disney’s biggest theatrical hits, the 2012 Tony Award winning musical including Best Music, Newsies. Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions, this high-energy musical is an adaptation of the 1992 cult hit motion picture (starring Christian Bale) and is inspired by the true events of the “Newsboy Strike of 1899” in New York.

With lyrics by Jack Feldman, music by Tony and Oscar winning composer Alan Menken, and book

by Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles), Newsies is another theatrical event brought to you by the country’s number one mobile network through its entertainment arm, Globe Live, and Manila’s premiere theater company, 9 Works Theatrical.

Gawad Buhay award winning choreographer PJ Rebullida, with director Robbie Guevara at the helm, is reimagining the choreography for the Philippine premiere of Newsies.

“As opposed to what I did before, like say in American Idiot, I had everything planned out,” says PJ. “I read the script and I said, ‘I could go crazy with this’ because the storyline wasn’t so defined as Newsies. Here, there is a storyline to follow. That’s harder because you have to know how to plot point when the highlight happens. That’s the hard part right now.”

When it comes to choreographing an Alan Menken score, Rebullida says, “He’s a genius.

When I listen to the music, the music will tell me to jump. It’s Alan Menken. I can hear the jumps and the pirouettes.” Tying up the movement and making it organic to the story and the setting are what he spent most of the time on when working with his actors during

workshops.

With 21 young men of various degrees of dance skills, Rebullida was happy to have had a training ground with his actors: six hours, five days a week training in ballet, jazz, tap, singing, acting, scene work, and everything else that would help the actors be ready for this show.

“We’re not making this easy for them,” he shares about the choreography and the need for training.

“We’re raising the bar.

My goal is that everyone does a double pirouette our taps clean.”

What about choreographing for an amphitheater stage? “The thing about choreographing in an amphitheater setting is that there are other factors at play,” he explains.

“There are sounds and lights from outside. There are restaurants in view, and people are passing by, so [as an audience member] even if there’s something happening in front, your focus isn’t completely there. So your peg when you are choreographing for an amphitheater is the visuals matches everything and you give time for the audience to let the visuals sink in.”

Newsies stars Gian Magdangal, who has just come back from a stint at Hong Kong Disneyland’s The Golden Mickeys and Universal Studios in Japan. Joining him as part of the newsboys are Jef Flores (recent Gawad Buhay awardee for Outstanding Lead Actor for Tick, Tick…BOOM! ), Daniel Drilon (Secret Garden, Fun Home), Tory Cortez (Hansel and Gretel, A Christmas Carol), Luis Marcelo (Little Shop of Horrors), and Alex Diaz (Singer, Host, Star Magic talent, MYX VJ). Also in the cast are Danielle Chopin (Into the Woods, My Fair Lady), Greg Dulcie (The Wizard of Oz, Sweeney Todd),

A high energy extravaganza:

Disney’s Newsies

Pinky Marquez (The Wedding Singer, Beauty and the Beast), and Raymund Concepcion (Annie, The Little Mermaid).

Rounding up the cast are Franz Imperial (A Christmas Carol, Shrek), Ariel Reonal (Tick, Tick…BOOM!, Miss Saigon), Joni Galeste (La Cage aux Folles, A Christmas Carol), Melis-

sa Bell (Tokyo Disney Sea, Hong Kong Disneyland), Ian Ocampo (Don Quixote, Carmen), Ronelson Yadao (Ulaging, Romeo and Juliet), Erick Arenas (Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You), Jourdan Bartolome (UP Filipiniana Dance Group), Mark Anthony Grantos (Manhid, Masterpieces), Jim Ferrer (Here Lies Love, An-

nie), Chesko Rodriguez (American Idiot, La Cage aux Folles), Kendrick Ibasco (American Idiot, A Christmas Carol), Anton Posadas (The King and I, The Sound of Music), Stephen Viñas (Orosman at Zafira, #R</3J), Clark dela Riva (Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland), Jon Abella (Mula Sa Buwan, Orosman at Zafira), MC dela Cruz (Mula Sa Buwan), Vyen Villanueva (Company of Ateneo Dancers) and Jan Mayo (Orosman at Zafira).

Globe Live and 9 Works Theatrical’s production of Disney’s Newsies is directed by Robbie Guevara, together with PJ Rebullida as choreographer, Franz Imperial as assistant director, Daniel Bartolome as musical director, Yek Barlongay additional choreography for tap, Ed Lacson as set designer, Eric Pineda as costume designer, Martin Esteva as lighting designer, GA Fallarme as video & projection designer, Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer and Dong Calingacion as technical director.

Heading the production team are executive

producers Joe Caliro (Globe Live) and Santi Santamaria (9 Works Theatrical), Denise Seva (Globe Live Director for Events and Production), with 9 Works Theatrical’s Anna Santamaria as company manager, Jonjon Martin and Issa Tuason as PR managers, GM Hernandez as marketing manager, and Arma Bonilla as stage manager.

Newsies will be staged at the Globe Iconic Store Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, Bonifacio Global City on July 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 & 28-30, 2017 at 8:00pm.

For tickets and more information, go to go.globe.com.ph/newsies, or contact Ticketworld at 891.9999.

Disney’s Newsies is a production of Globe Live & 9 Works Theatrical, co-presented by FOX and StarWorld, with MAC Cosmetics as the official make-up partner. Special thanks to RX93.1, Ibiza Beach Club BGC, Bonifacio High Street and Mossimo.

Disney’s Newsies is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

A2 INdulge!

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

Ryan Cayabyab at the Bamboo Dome IN THE LIGHT OF THE EVENTS IN MARAWI CITY, the Volunteers of Hope in partnership with Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers initiated the Music at the Bamboo Dome Benefit Concert to be able to extend help and encourage the Filipinos to clinch on to Hope and Peace. This comes in time with the RCS’ 10th Anniversary as a group where in both Poppert and Nikka are members hailed from Davao City.

Orlando Sol, a recording artist , actor and model being managed by no less than Multi Awarded Director Maryo Jay Delos Reyes joins the team of volunteers.

He(SOL) also a Mindanaoan from Agusan holds Marawi close to his heart making it a dream opportunity to serve in the project along with UPGRADE an all-boy singing group who started as an internet sensation and now one the countries most promising boy band never hesitated to volunteer for the event.

The event is going to be staged in Davao’s new hidden gem, The Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Eco park in Malagos , Davao City on August 12 this Year. Organizers promise a wonderful

communion with nature and a stunning dinner date with the volunteers giving them a world class performance with renditions of the latest hits to the priceless classics of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

Passes to the event in-

cludes an afternoon tour of adventure and fun at the Eco park, a buffet dinner and an intimate meet and greet with the volunteers. The event’s 100% proceeds shall be intended to relief programs for Marawi City.

NOW SHOWING

June 28 – 29, 2017

RESET Yang Mi, Wallace Huo Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

1:00 | 3:10 | 5:20 | 7:30 | 9:40 LFS

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

PG

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

DESPICABLE ME 3/ *WONDER WOMAN Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG/*PG

Amandla Stenberg, Nick Robinson/ *Gal Gadot, Chris Pine 12:25 | 2:25 | 4:25 LFS/ *6:30 | 9:20 LFS

OVERDRIVE Ana de Armas, Scott Eastwood Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

1:00 | 3:10 | 5:20 | 7:30 | 9:40 LFS

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 â&#x20AC;˘ WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

MX3 shines in Watsons Health and Beauty Awards 2017 WATSONS STORE CARE PHILIPPINES, held its Health Wellness Beauty Awards last May 26, 2017 at the SMX Convention Center SM Aura, Taguig City. The Stellar themed ceremony celebrated the success of Watsons and the outstanding brands in terms of sales, promotion, customer service and overall product excellence.

It was the culmination of the outstanding collaboration and unified teamwork between Watsons and its suppliers to bring to the Filipino consumers top of the line products of health and beauty. Watsons has been a strong and important ally of DMI â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MX3 in terms of branding and product awareness. It has created an image of integrity, quality and excellence among consumers all over the country.

This 2017 , DMI Medical Supply Co. Inc. reaped the fruits of its successful partnership with Watsons as MX3 was recognized as the Health Supplement of the Year. Its major recognition however was the Partner Supplier of the Year (Medium Category). The award was received by the Chairman of the Board, Madam Emilia

Mendoza, Mercedes Franco, Head of Sales in NCR and Luzon and Teresa Orcullo, Head of Sales for Visayas and Mindanao.

DMI remains fully committed in its thrust to be a provider of superior quality health products that will benefit many not only locally but also globally.

The company is holding true to its core values of being service focused and results oriented.

This has helped the brand to become a trailblazer in its business category.

Its flagship brand MX3 has

reached far and wide but above and beyond the accolades, DMI Medical Supply Co. Inc. looks ahead in creating more products that its loyal consumers can use to live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives.

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 â&#x20AC;¢ WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 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

COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol leads the distribution of Juan Magsasaka at Mangingisda Identification Cards to the farmers in Malimono, Surigao del Norte as the first beneficiaries of the Production Loan Easy Access Program of the Department of Agriculture implemented under the Agricultural Credit and Policy Council (ACPC).

Aggie chief launches easy access Finally,WESM Mindanao launched Wednesday loan program for the farmers S T HE government is beefing-up its effort to alleviate the economic conditions of the farmers and fisherfolks in the countryside.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol launched a nationwide credit program for the farmers and fisherfolks dubbed as Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) Program.

The launching ceremony

was held at Malimono, Surigao del Norte some 32 kilometers away from Surigao City on June 26, 2017.

Through PLEA, marginal and small rural farmers and fisherfolks in the area can loan an amount of up to P50,000.00 with no collateral.

Borrowers can pay the loaned amount from 2 to 10 years depending on the commodity or activity with only

6% per annum or 0.5% per month interest rate.

During the launching ceremony, Secretary Piñol awarded to Malimono Multi-Purpose Cooperative an amount of P15 million as lending conduits where borrowers can access the said loan program.

“Our farmers have 3 basic needs which is technology, financing, and marketing, and PLEA is one of the

answers to their financial needs,” Piñol said.

The loaned amount is intended to finance any agricultural or fishery production activities covered with insurance through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

However, before a farmer or fisherfolk could access the loan, they shall be enrolled in the Juan Magsasa-

F AGGIE, 13

OME 11 years since being established in Luzon and over six years since taking a foothold in the Visayas, the Wholesale Electricity Spot (WESM) will come to Mindanao on Wednesday, 28 June 2017.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi waxed optimistic with the establishment of WESM Mindanao, saying it “signals the start of a competitive electricity market in the region whose costing is very transparent.”

Cusi said that the provision of more reliable and competitive supply that results in more affordable power to consumers in the region is in line with the Duterte administration’s thrust to vastly improve Mindanao’s economy and the quality of life of its people.

“WESM facilitates a transparent electricity market with which Mindanao power generators will have an avenue to trade un-con-

F FINALLY, 13

Asia Premium Travel Mart foreign delegates’post-tour in Davao

A

TOTAL of ten (10) International delegates and buyers of the Asia Premium Travel Mart (APTM) visited Davao City and Samal Island for a four-day posttour activity, hosted by the Tourism Promotions Board and the Department of Tourism-Davao Region on June 2326, 2017.

The group, which includes delegates from China, Russia, Malaysia, UK and Indonesia experienced Davao’s premier destinations including the iconic attractions of Malagos Garden Resort, Philippine Eagle Center, Hijo Resorts and Pearl Farm Beach Resort. The group were treated to a fruit tasting activity, cultural presentations and some exhilarating water sports activities

available at Pearl Farm.

In an interview, DOT 11 Regional Director Roberto P. Alabado, III expressed, “We are glad to host them and showcase our diverse tourism offerings.”

“I hope their tour will be an eye opener on the realities of Mindanao - rich culture, biodiversity and friendly people”. Alabado added.

During the Product Update Activity held on June 23, 2017 at Seda Abreeza Hotel, the guests were formally welcomed were oriented on the various tourism products of the region that are available for different foreign markets, specifically those luxury and premier options for international buyers. The activity

F ASIA, 13

12 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

Alzheimer’s disease: Lest you forget

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(First of Three Parts) “Every age has its own way of dying.

The 19th century had consumption, the 20th century had the heart attack, and the 21st century will be the age of Alzheimer’s disease.”

-- Lev Grossman in an article which appeared in Time.

*** OUR months after my grandmother, Modesta Tacio, turned 66, she started acting strange. She kept forgetting simple things: where she put her keys, if she had eaten lunch already, or if she had paid the electric and water bills.

“Don’t worry. Forgetfulness happens once in a while,” my aunt Lydia assured her.

But as months progressed, her forgetfulness became worse. She could no longer remember the names of her grandchildren. “What’s your name again?” she would often inquire.

During the 1998 Christmas, we came to her house before midnight as a family tradition.

We sang Christmas carols and five minutes before it struck 12, we went to the table to eat.

I was completely surprised when my grandmother asked me, “Who are you?”

As months passed by, my grandmother’s problem became more lucent. At one time, she went alone – without my aunt Lydia’s knowledge – to the public market. She used to this since the public market is about one kilometer away from home. But on her way back, she became disoriented and was completely lost.

We went frantic when my aunt Lydia told us that my grandmother never came home that day. We searched for her all over the town but failed to find her. “Have you seen this

F

Alzheimer’s disease brain comparison (from Wikipedia)

Memory loss may be the most apparent – and earliest – problem in Alzheimer’s disease but other symptoms are equally annoying to the patient and alarming to his relatives -- Dr. Simeon Marasigan, an associate professor at the department of neurology and psychiatry of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila

woman?” we inquired. But most people we asked replied negatively.

Two days later, after a neighbor told us that he found an old woman in New Clarin, a barangay some eight kilometers away from the town proper. We immediately went and sure enough, we found her sleeping under a mango tree. “I could no longer remember the road,” she said crying as she embraced my dad.

Because of this incident, we brought my grandmother to a doctor who referred her for special assessment by a team of doctors consisting of a neurologist, psychiatrist and psychologist. Certain tests were performed. Their diagnosis: Alzheimer’s disease.

“Memory loss may be the most apparent – and earliest – problem in Alzheimer’s disease but other symptoms are equally annoying to the patient and alarming to his relatives,” explains Dr. Simeon Marasigan, an associate professor at the department of neurology and psychiatry of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.

Unlike in the past, doctors can now diagnose the disease with 90% accuracy, but proof can only be obtained by examining the brain after death. Unfortunately, many other disease processes can mimic Alzheimer’s such as thyroid imbalances, vitamin B12 deficiency, brain injuries, tumors, and depression.

No one knows how many Filipinos suffer from this common degenerative condition of the brain because statistics are hard to come by. Figures from the Population Commission, however, showed that the num-

In Alzheimer’s disease, changes in tau protein lead to the disintegration of microtubules in brain cells (from Wikipedia)

ber of older people aged 65 and above have increased considerably – from 2.9% in 2004 to 4.3% in 2014.

In an interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer, Dr. Marc Evans Abat, consultant director of the Center for Healthy Aging at The Medical City, said older people are vulnerable to various illnesses like hypertension, heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive lung disease, cancer, kidney failure, liver disease, cataract, hearing impairment, arthritis and osteoporosis.

They are also susceptible to Alzheimer’s. The disease often starts in late middle life with slight defects in memory and behavior. That was what had happened to my grandmother, who died of the complications of the disease.

Dementia is the name of the disease and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form. “Alzheimer’s disease is seen more commonly in the older age group,” says Dr. Manolette R. Guerrero, chairman of the Department of Nuerosciences at the Davao Medical School Foundation.

Forgetfulness or lapses of memory is, contrary to most belief, is not actually part of aging, although it strikes mostly adults. But memory loss is always the first sign of the disease. Charito, for instance, admits she has trouble with words and sometimes, simple physical tasks such as preparing the table for dinner.

Her memory troubles, however, come and go. “There are times when I don’t have any problem,” Charito admits. “But there are also instances that I don’t know what I am doing at all.”

“The loss of memory can progress to more serious problems like leaving the door open or the stove burning, becoming lost in places the patient is fa-

miliar with, and difficulty recognizing familiar people,” Dr. Abat said.

The disease becomes more serious when the patient shows behavioral problems like becoming paranoid (example: accusing people of stealing money or marital infidelity), becoming uninhibited (such as running around naked or getting into unprovoked fights), or having hallucinations.

The Alzheimer’s Disease Association of the Philippines (ADAP) lists the following as common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease: Difficulty performing familiar tasks: People with dementia often find it hard to complete everyday tasks. A person with Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s disease may not know the steps in preparing a meal, using a household appliance or doing a hobby.

Problems with language: A person with Alzheimer’s disease often forget simple words or substitutes unusual words, making his or her speech or writing hard to understand. If he or she is unable to find his or her toothbrush, for example, he or she may ask for “that thing for my mouth.”

Disorientation to time and place: People with Alzheimer’s disease can become lost in their own street, forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home.

Poor or decreased judgment: Those with Alzheimer’s disease may dress without regard to the weather, wearing several shirts or blouses on a warm day or very little clothing in cold weather. They often show poor judgment about money, giving away large amounts of money to telemarketers or paying for home repairs or products they don’t need.

Problems with abstract thinking: Balancing a checkbook may be hard and the task more complicated than usual. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease could forget completely what the numbers are and what needs to be done with them.

Misplacing things: A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.

Changes in mood or behavior: Someone with Alzheimer’s disease can show rapid mood swings -- from calm to tears to anger -- for no apparent reason at all.

Changes in personality: People’s personalities ordinarily change somewhat with age. But that of a person with Alzheimer’s disease can change a lot, becoming extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.

Loss of initiative: A person with Alzheimer’s disease may become very passive, sitting in front of the television for hours, sleeping more than usual or not wanting to perform usual activities.

Since it is equated with aging, most of those afflicted with the condition go untreated. “Family members of people with Alzheimer’s disease tend to ignore the signs of the early stage of the disease,” says Dr. Grace Orteza, a neurologist and psychologist.

But the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the University of the Philippines in Manila does not consider Alzheimer’s as normal part of aging. “Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of old age,” it said in its website. “Up to 5% of the people with the disease have early onset Alzheimer’s, which often appears when someone is in their 40s or 50s. It worsens over time.”

(To be continued)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

Aggie... FROM 11

ka’t Mangingisda Database System and issued with an intervention card.

Prior to the launching in Malimono, DA Central Office through the Information and Communications Technology Services (DA-ICTS) conducted a data gathering activity through an interview and geo-tagging the areas to identify the location of their farms and fishing grounds.

“The reason why farmers are hesitant to lend money from the banks is due to nu-

merous documents needed, that is why we simplified the process, once you are registered in our database system and issued with Juan Magsasaka’t Mangingisda Card you are now eligible for the loan program,” Piñol explained.

PLEA with funding support of up to P20 Billion through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) is targeting around 2 million family-beneficiaries across the country. (Aurelius P. Arais/DA Caraga)

also served as an informal networking activity among the foreign buyers and the local tourism stakeholders of Davao.

The foreign buyers attended the two-day travel trade and tourism show at the SMX Convention Center in MOA Pasay last June 2122, 2017. Co-presented by TPB, APTM was organized

by S8 Exhibition Inc. especially designed to highlight premium properties, luxury

destinations and choice travel services in the Philippines.

This unique travel show was aimed to provide greater opportunities for our country’s premium properties, luxury destinations, travel and tour operators and tourism professionals to showcase their respective products and services. It has also served as a venue for exchanging of ideas, experiences and build cooperation among the world’s travel providers.

tracted power supply,” said Cusi.

“WESM will provide consumers more sources of electricity to choose from, in-

creasing their chances of lower-priced energy,” he added.

The launch of WESM Mindano is set at SMX Lanang in Davao City.

Asia... FROM 11

Finally... FROM 11

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS13

Young Dabawenyo doctor serves poor lumad communities M YLES Clement Ababon represents the perfect antithesis to the often glamorized, glossy image of doctors.

Often seen wearing only a shirt, a pair of jeans, and sneakers, the charmingly plain and relatable 27-yearold physician is a doctor to the barrio.

He is one of the only two doctors who committed to help Davao City deliver health services to far-flung villages of Paquibato District.

For the past two years, the young doctor spends most days in communities of indigenous peoples in upland villages of Paquibato.

He eats with them and

sleeps in their homes. This is an integration process that makes his efforts to bring health services to the people more comprehensive and ‘more connected’ -- somewhat.

His journey to being a doctor was influenced by his parents -- who are both doctors themselves. He took off after graduating from nursing school by availing a scholarship from the Department of Health (DOH).

He left medical school in 2014 and decided to work as a doctor to the barrio -- and asked to be assigned in Davao City, his hometown.

“My parents are doctors, but being a doctor to the barrio was a personal choice,” he

said. “I decided to work immediately as soon as I finished medicine.”

A doctor to the barrio may choose to work in wherever they want within the Philippines. However, a place near a doctor’s hometown is given top priority.

His decision to become a community doctor has been deeply influenced by his father, who also worked with the Ata tribes in Paquibato for years as a physician of the Davao City Health (CHO).

“I chose this community because my father used to work here,” he said. “Back when I was still a kid, I often went along with him.”

This allowed him to deep-

ly understand the need of poor, far-flung communities for basic services, including health.

“These communities are far and the more that it is important for us to visit them regularly and provide them the health services that they need,” he said.

A day at work means Ababon traverses from one barangay to another to perform medical checkups. His patients are mostly children and elderly.

Over the past two years, Ababon has been endeared himself to the lumads , who treat him not only as part of their community but as a family. CIO

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

Car color matters

C

OLOR is a major factor is making a car purchase. In fact, some are willing to pay extra for a particular color or wait for a few more weeks for their desired color to be available. The words of French artist, Pierre Bonnard, ring true: Color does not add a pleasant quality to design – it reinforces it.

Axalta Coating Systems, a developer of paint for vehicles released their Global Automotive 2016 Color Popularity Report. There, white emerged as the world’s most popular color for the sixth straight year. It leads all other shades at 37 percent. In fact, Asia favors white more than any other region. Black follows at 18 percent. Gray continues its gradual climb and is the world’s third most popular color at 11 percent, tied with Silver. Silver was the world number one in 2011 but has gone down a bit in rank.

Interestingly, color preference isn’t steady. For instance, green was extremely popular in the 1990s, but has dropped significantly in popularity in recent times.

Meanwhile, today neutral colors such as white and sil-

ver have dominated the top tier, mostly due to a connection of these colors to hightech devices (blame Apple).

BASF, a German-based chemical company predicts that deep and non-saturated blues will become the next new trend in automotive colors which would appear in the next 4 to 5 years. According to BASF, these colors reflect societal changes such as young people migrating to urban areas, the continuation of the digital era, and the need to connect with nature.

Blue, it seems has a calming effect and offers a strong correlation with nature. In addition, blue signifies the desire for simplicity and transparency—traits which young buyers seem to look for.

In developing new colors, inspiration can be from anything—be it furniture, the beach, architecture, artwork, animals, or even fashion. Of course, there are several considerations what color design specialists must take into account in developing a new color: How will special paint finishes affect the overall appearance? Does the color inspiration align with the

supplier’s current offerings of pigments and dyes?

What are the current trends and are they appealing to the potential buyers? What are the unique characteristics per region?

Mazda for instance, took inspiration for its signature Soul Red Crystal from a very unlikely source. Creative design expert Keiichi Okamoto presented the Mazda design team with a bright ruby-colored drinking glass to epitomize the requirements of the color: it had bright highlights “bursting with energy like flowing magma” while the shaded areas offered a clear and translucent nature with “a lustrous shine exhibiting fine detail and hardness.”

From this piece of inspiration, car manufacturers then work closely with paint suppliers to create the desired color. It’s a process of trial and error with varying mixes of pigments, dyes, and special effect colorants. Car makers actually produce color samples from actual car panels that have been sprayed and cured just as the production car will be, complete with base coat and all. Once approval is obtained for the small

Kia launches new Sorento

C

OLUMBIAN Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines is finally bringing in a more affordable variant of its mid-sized SUV offering, the Sorento.

After launching with a sole EX AWD variant in 2015, this new EX 4x2 joins the 7-seater SUV fray with a more affordable price point.

Priced at P 1,895,000 or P 405,000 less than its AWD sibling, the 2017 Sorento EX 4x2 may become an interesting alternative for buyers eyeing

the typical PPVs (pickup-based passenger vehicles). This is especially true for those who prefer the handling and comfort of a monocoque SUV. Like the AWD variant, the Sorento EX 4x2 is powered by a 2.2-liter common rail direct injection diesel engine. This 4-cylinder powerplant produces 200 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque—figures which are comparable to midsized SUVs with larger displacements. Power is routed exclusively through the front wheels via 6-speed automatic

with a manual shift override.

Apart from the loss of the AWD system, the differences between the EX AWD and EX 4x2 are fairly minimal.

From the outside, the EX 4x2 can be distinguished thanks to the smaller wheels and tires (235/65 R 17), and the loss of the panoramic sunroof and roof rails. While inside, the EX 4x2 makes do with fabric seats, a manually opening tailgate, and the absence of

panel, a larger panel or even the entire car will be colored to know how it’ll look in actual and under various lighting conditions. In some cases, what may be great in a small panel may not be as nice on the curves and edges of the real car.

The whole process may take many months and even years to finish. That’s how critical color is in determining the character or personality of the vehicle.

Color designers have their

wood grain on the steering wheel, push-button engine start/stop, vehicle immobilizer, and Bluetooth

work cut out for them since coming up with a new color isn’t something that they can come up freely. Like any part of a vehicle’s development, they are bound by fixed parameters such as time and cost. Above all though, they do have to respond to customer needs. Ultimately, color designers have to think from the customer’s perspective while using the skills of a professional to realize that vision without compromising.

hands-free.

Kia dealerships across the country are now accepting reserva-

tions for the 2017 Sorento EX 4x2 with initial deliveries to start soon.

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

Pacquiao-Horn fight officials named

T

HE referees, judges and supervisors for this Sunday’s world title defenses of Filipino world champions Manny Pacquiao and Jerwin Ancajas have already been assigned by the respective sanctioning bodies as both Pinoy champions are set defend their world crowns in “The Battle of Brisbane” before an audience of 50,000+ fans at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, this coming Sunday July 2.

Officials are all neutral and experienced, so fans can breath a sight of relief. The WBO officials for Manny Pacaquiao against Brisbane challenger Jeff Horn are: Referee Mark Nelson of Minesota, USA. Judges: Mrs. Waleska Roldan of New York, Mr. Chris Flores of Arizona, USA. and Mr. Ramón Cerdán of Argentina.

The last time Mr. Mark Nelson - a referee since 1992 - worked as a third man in a world title fight was in the WBO/WBC super lightweight world title defense of unified undefeated champion Terence Crawford (31-0, 22 KO’s) against challenger John Mo-

lina Jr. Crawford knocked out Molina in eight rounds, with referee Mark Nelson doing his usual outstanding work.

Mrs. Waleska Roldan’s last officiating work in a world title clash was as recent as last March at the Madison Square Garden in New York in the close, bloody super flyweight title defense of 30-year-old Nicaraguan 4-division world champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez against Thailand challenger Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (also known as Wisaksil Wangek).

After the twelve torrid rounds of non-stop dramatic action, Chocolatito lost his crown in a controversial split decision. But Ma’am Waleska voted a 113-113 draw, a scorecard hailed by a great number of fans and boxing writers as the fight’s best scoring.

The second Pacquiao judge is Chris Flores, who is also a referee. Mr. Flores was ringside in Mexico last May as judge in the third defense of IBF 105-lbs world champion Jose Argumedo of Mexico against Colombian challenger Gabriel Mendoza. No scorecards were needed as the Ar-

UTG hits Philta polls

T

HE Unified Tennis Group expressed its disappointment at the recent PHILTA elections.

The Jean Henri Lhuillier-led organization opted not to participate in the voting process owing to alleged irregularities.

“We did not participate in the recent election because it violated several rules in conducting an election,” said Lhuillier.

This is the third straight time the UTG protested the PHILTA elections.

The UTG first snubbed a snap election last July declaring Salvador Andrada president, replacing Parañaque mayor Edwin Olivarez, whose resignation was nullified by the POC, before exercising its right to not join the elections last February, in which Andrada was reelected the national tennis association’s head.

This time around, Tony Cabiltas, who only became a member of the PHILTA board last April, was named the new president. Like the previous two elections, the POC did not recognize the latest elections.

“We’re just elated that even the Philippine Olympic Committee did not participate and are not recognizing the results of it,” Lhuillier said.

“We have strongly questioned the timing and the manner of appointment of Atty. Cablitas as Mr. Ortiz’s

replacement. It happened too quickly and just a few weeks prior to the elections. Our main question here is, how can Atty. Cablitas run and what is his program for Philippine tennis?” added PHILTA vice president Randy Villanueva Adding to the irregularities of the recent PHILTA elections was that Secretary General Romeo Magat called for the elections and not Olivarez.

“The fact that even the incumbent president did not participate in the recent elections just shows what a mockery it was,” said PHILTA Board Member Gerard Maronilla.

Olivarez, according to Lhuillier, called for the postponement of the said elections so that PHILTA can resolve all the issues surrounding it, but Magat defied it and pushed through with the elections despite having a gentleman’s agreement with POC and ITF through President David Haggetry that PHILTA will hold it in a proper manner.

“It was agreed that the presidential aspirants must present sound programs and plans for the development of tennis in the Philippines. Tennis in the Philippines has been suffering for far too long and the Philippine tennis community deserves someone better to handle it,” Villanueva further said. (Ivan Saldajeno/ PNA)

DEFENSES. Jerwin Ancajas will defend his title in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Jeff Horn fight. gumedo ended matters with a TKO over Mendoza in round 8.

And the third Pacquiao judge, Ramon Cerdan, is a veteran judge in hundreds of fights since 1998.

Mr. Cerdán was with pen and paper on hand just three weeks ago in his native Argentina as a judge in an all-Argentinian affair: the title defense of WBO/WBA/IBF of super lightweight world champion Ana Laura Esteche defending against her Argentina compa-

MVP. Russel Westbrook receives his MVP trophy for 2017.

L

triot Adela Celeste del Carmen Peralta.

It was a split decision.

Two ringside judges saw Esteche winning. However, judge Ramón Cerdán voted for Peralta. Esteche retained her crown.

The supervisor in the Pacquiao-Horn fight is none other than WBO President Francisco “Paco” Varcarcel of Puerto Rico, a man of boxing who loves Manny Pacquiao and loves fair scoring.

IBF OFFICIALS FOR ANCAJAS VS KINOSHITA The co-main event in Brisbane will be the second super flyweight world title defense of 25-year-old Filipino “Pretty Boy” Jerwin Ancajas (26-1-1, 17 KO’s) of Davao del Norte against tough IBF #3 Teiru Kinoshita (25-1-1, 8 KO’s) of Osaka, Japan.

Kinoshita is six years older than Ancajas, both are southpaws and the referee in charge of the action is Ignatius Missa-

ilidis of Melbourne, Australia.

The experienced Mr. Missailidis has been official for over 20 years in nearly 300 fights, including oriental, Oceania, interim, national and regional titles.

Judges in the Ancajas fight are equally experienced: Judge Ray Wheatley also from Australia, Samuel Conde Lopez of Puerto Rico and Levi Martinez of New Mexico, USA. Judge Wheatley, 69, has been a man of boxing his whole life, first as a heavyweight boxer in his youth; then as a judge in dozens of fights. Years ago, Wheatley was also a referee, though not now. In addition, Mr. Wheatley has been fight supervisor, boxing promoter and he has written about box.

More experience than that its hard to find.

Mr. Samuel Conde Lopez - the second IBF judge in the Ancajas rumble - last acted as a judge in the WBC World female flyweight fight between defending Mexican world champion Jessica “Kika” Chavez and Japanese challenger Naoko Fujioka in October of last year in Ecatepec, Mexico. It was a unanimous decision.

Westbrook is MVP

R

USSELL Westbrook moved past Oscar Robertson and kept right on going to the top of the NBA. Westbrook was voted MVP on Monday night after setting a record with 42 triple-doubles during his historic season. He led the league with 31.6 points and added 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game, joining Robertson as the only players to average a triple-double for the season and breaking Robertson’s single-season record of 41 triple-doubles in 196162. ‘’I remember growing up just being home, playing the video games and stuff with my pops, and my mom sitting there and my brother and just talking about maybe one day I could be the MVP. Obviously I was joking at the time,’’ Westbrook said. ‘’But now to be standing here with this trophy next to me is a true blessing, man, and it’s an unbelievable feeling, something that I can never imagine.’’

Westbrook’s victory ended the first NBA Awards show, which included two wins apiece for the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks.

He received 69 first-place votes and 888 points from a panel of 100 media members and a fan vote to easily beat Houston’s James Harden, who had 22 firstplace votes and 753 points. Kawhi Leonard was third with nine first-place votes and 500 points.

Westbrook succeeded Stephen Curry, who had won the past two MVP awards.

The point guard who plays with defiance on the court got choked up during an acceptance speech in which he brought some teammates onto the stage with him.

The Thunder went 33-9 when he had a triple-double, riding Westbrook’s record run into the playoffs in their first season after losing Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors. ‘’Oscar, guys like him, Magic Johnson, those guys, obviously I wasn’t able to see those guys play, but just to look back at history and see the things that they did, it’s something that I looked up to as a kid,’’ Westbrook said. ‘’I never thought I would be able to say that I broke Oscar Robertson’s record, and that’s just a true blessing.’’

Earlier, Milwaukee’s Malcolm Brogdon became the first player not picked in the first round to win NBA Rookie of the Year in the common draft era, beating out Philadelphia’s Dario Saric and Joel Embiid.

JPV Marikina booters lead PFL

ook who is on top of the PFL standings now.

JPV Marikina overtook Meralco Manila in first place following a 2-1 shocker over Global Cebu at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Sunday night.

Tadashi Odawara’s brace was enough for Marikina to beat Cebu in a match held at a place they call their second home with their primary venues only to be open next month.

Odawara struck first in

the 25th minute while completing the two-goal output in the 55th.

Sekou Sylla threatened Marikina with a 68th minute strike, but that turned out to be Cebu’s only goal of the game.

Marikina, which won its sixth straight game, moved up to 18 points, a point clear of Manila, who drew its last two games following a 5-0 start.

Manila, however, has a match at hand. (Ivan Saldajeno/ PNA)

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 62 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

PADDLE SUPREMO S

Mati’s Amihan paddlers rule Bugsayan Festival

AN ISIDRO, Davao Oriental --Team Amihan of Mati City won four categories in kayaking to rule the first Mayor Tina Yu Bugsayan Festival over the weekend.

Amihan’s Peter Alvin Ocdenaria clocked 41.52 seconds to rule the Men’s Open Singles event. Local bet Regie Bandoquillo (41.87) of Barangay Baon place second followed in third by veteran Walter Escolor (49.50) of GABON. Crowd-favorite Iyay Montebon also of Amihan topped the distaff side with a time of 46.65. She was followed by 14-year old Lovely Mae Montebon (50.84) of CARE Group from Digos City. Finishing third was Amihan’s Lang-Lang Apordo (51.18).

Ocdenaria later combined with Bebe Guineta for 47.01 to win the Mixed Expert category. Finishing second was the pair of Kampilan’s Dennes Cubelo and Ma Mordiz Morales at 47.17 followed by GABON’s Escoltor and his wife Marian at 57.24.

Ocdenaria also paired with team captain Winston Plaza to win the Men’s Tandem at 40.09. Baon’s Elvin Caragao and Alvito de Castro (40.30) placed second followed by

the father-and-son duo of George and Viiresh Garcia of CARE (56.15).

CARE’s Weng Pacaldo and Bangbang Gomez (1:01.93) topped the Women’s Tandem followed by the mother-and-daughter team of Ma. Theresa and Therese Merry Mahusay of HADAMS at 1:02.91.

Third was the pair of Amihan’s Magbago and Jane Paulino at 1:17.01.

Meanwhile, Elvin Casragao and Rowena Raman emerged champions in the local banca race.

Casragao (41.54) topped the men’s singles followed by Obba Turaji (44.38) and Sixto Pelegrino (46.66) in that order. Raman (1:03.64) of San Isidro Municipal Tourism Office won the women’s singles followed by Rosemarie Destreza (1:04.43) and reigning Mutya ng Kalikasan title-holder Darlene Bunguelo (1:21.72).

Nods Andi and Cid Hassan (39.78) won the Mixed Tandem followed by Bandoquillo and Destreza (47.57). Third was the duo of Rama and Rojay Camoza (1:28.32).

San Isidro Mayor Tina Yu and organizer Jun Bacus of Bugsay Dabaw awarded the cash prizes, trophies and medals to the winners.

WINNERS. Team Amihan of Mati City led by skipper Winston Plaza (4th from right, with cap) showing their trophies and medals.