Edge Davao 10 Issue 66, July 4, 2017

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

TO THE Duterte LAST says war goes MAUTE on until last terrorist falls P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said he is “always praying” that the war against the Maute Group and its allied terror groups “will end as fast as it can” because of the rising casualties and the mass displacement of residents, but

vowed “that war in Marawi will continue until the last terrorist is taken out” and reiterated he will not negotiate with terrorists.

“I will never, never, never talk to the terrorists. And there will never be forgiving there. And that war in

Marawi will continue until the last terrorist is taken out,” Duterte told residents of Davao del Sur at the Davao del Sur Coliseum on Saturday, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the province.

“Hindi talaga ako papayag (I will

never agree) because it is a brutal and cruel organization. .. think.. what will happen to us if we allow them to overwhelm,” the President added.

He said the Maute Group and its allies have “no redeeming factor at

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P 15.00 • 20 PAGES NEW ICON. Guests take photos of the 32nd Kadayawan sa Davao logo using their mobile phones during the launching of this year’s festival at The Marco Polo Davao on Monday.

Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Sports SOLID MANNY Dabawenyos react on Pacquiao’s controversial loss

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

HERALDING THE NEW. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (6th from right) and Davao City Chamber of commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Captain Ronald Go, together with tribal leaders and deputy mayors, lead the unveiling of the 32nd Kadayawan sa Davao logo held at The Marco Polo Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

Kadayawan sa Davao 2017 launched

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

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TAND TALL. United. Resilient.

With August just a stone’s throws away, Davao City is again excited to celebrate the annual Kadayawan Festival – Davao’s most colorful, loud and deliciously diverse festival.

‘Nothing can stop us from making this beloved festival world class and truly Davao,’ Capt. Ronald Go of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. said.

Go challenged those in attendance to encourage everyone to join, participate and show what is truly happening in our beloved city of Davao.

The launch paved way for the unveiling of the official logo of the 32nd Kadayawan Festival. The magnificent shape of the mighty powerful eagle decked in specks of colors signifies solidarity and strength between and amongst Dabawenyos, Mindanaons and of us, Filipinos. That despite the hurdles and challenges, we come together as one.

Present during the unveiling were Capt. Roland Go from the Davao City Chamber of Commerce, Deputy Mayors/Tribal Leders from the eleven (11) different tribes in the city, reigning Hiyas ng Kadayawan and our beloved City Mayor Sarah Z. Duterte-Carpio.

Aside from the official

logo, the official Kadayawan trophy was also presented.

Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, during her message called for unity towards peace, inclusive growth and environmental and cultural preservation. She said, ‘I invite Filipinos and foreign visitors alike to come to Davao and experience a Kadayawan Festival like never before. Life is Here in Davao City; and now more than ever, we are committed to the embodiment of this maxim. So allow us to amaze you with a fiesta of colors and cultures, of gastronomic delights and pulsating music and dance. Allow us to showcase the best of Davao and the best of the Dabawenyo.’

Festival Director Gatchi Gatchalian Jr was in high spirits as he gave a rundown of this year’s upcoming activities and events. ‘Some old, some new’, he said. Of which, the events and activites were designed to further emulate the many beautiful reasons to come together and celebrate the abundance that Davao has.

The Kadayawan Village and Bantawan Nightly at the Magsaysay Park will showcase the authentic lifestyle of the eleven (11) ethnolinguistic tribes in the city. The village will highlight the culture, livelihood and ways of each of the tribes. It also is the first and most interactive village in the city.

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PH, Indonesia to hold joint maritime patrol next month To enhance maritime inter-operability C OMBINED Philippine and Indonesian forces will conduct an eight-day coordinated patrol in the common boundary of Davao Gulf and the common boundary of the two countries along the Celebes Sea from August 4 to 12.

In a press release Sunday, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) announced the Indonesian delegates, who will arrive early Monday at the Sasa Wharf in Davao City, will be accorded with an arrival ceremony by members of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao.

It added they aim to enhance the“inter-operability of the two countries in maritime

patrol.”

In a text message, Eastmincom spokesperson Major Ezra L. Balagtey said Philippine and Indonesian troops will start the planning for coordinated maritime patrol on July 4, and hold a sendoff ceremony on July 6 before leaving for Davao Gulf and the Celebes Sea. On July 7, military personnel will hold a medical mission aboard the patrol vessels in a stopover at Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental in coordination with the municipal government.

The coordinated patrol culminates in Manado, Indonesia.

Officials envision trilateral

relations between Philippines and its two neighbors, Indonesia and Malaysia, to enhance security patrol in the porous “southern backdoor” of this country that has remained vulnerable to international terrorists entering Mindanao.

During the Mindanao Hour on Friday at the Lispher Inn, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the three countries, all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, are “making a collective effort” against terrorism and extremism, as they convened in Manila on Thursday to discuss enhancing cooperation to address the common threats of terrorism and vio-

lent extremism confronting the region.

He said such relations will boost efforts in thwarting any attempts at establishing terrorist’s bases in Southeast Asia.

“Yesterday, the foreign military intelligence officials from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, had a fruitful and productive discussion on the trilateral cooperation aimed at preventing extremists and terrorists from establishing operational bases in Southeast Asia,” he said.

He said the three countries have agreed to work together to jointly develop and imple-

inmates. I talked to Director General [Benjamin delos Santos last Saturday, and we know what we are going to do,” Aguirre told reporters after the thanksgiving mass held in DoJ on Monday.

He added that the resurgence constitutes only about 5 to 10 percent as compared to the extent of the previous illegal drug operations.

“We have successfully curbed 75 percent of the illegal drug trade. If ever, the

resurgence is about five to 10 percent only and we are going to clip it again,” Aguirre said.

More than 300 SAF contingents who have been deployed at Bilibid last year were supposed to stay only for three to six months and then they will be replaced by the Marines.

He noted that some members of the police’s elite force may have been involved due to their familiarity with the inmates.

The rotation did not push

through, said Aguirre because the Marines have been busy fighting in Marawi City.

“I have to admit because of their familiarity, they have stayed there for more than six months, masyadong matagal eh. Ang aming plano dito is only about three month and apparently, because of the huge amount of money medyo nati-taint,” Aguirre explained.

Aguirre said he will talk to the head of SAF for a possible investigation. (PNA)

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Aguirre mulls probe on SAF involved in Bilibid drug trade

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USTICE Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said he will order a probe on some members of Special Action Force who may have been involved in the resurgence of illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

“I have received reports that there were some reactivation, we are doing something about this, we are going to end this resurgence, some sort of resurgence by some

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

Maranaos with‘Maute’,‘Romato’ surnames told to get clearance

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HE military here has advised Maranaos who have “Maute” or “Romato” for family name to get clearance from authorities certifying they are not involved in the terroristic activities of Maute family in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.

The call was aired by Army Colonel Jesus Sarsagat, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, following the arrest of nine persons, four of whom have Maute for family name here on Friday morning. Two were minors.

Sarsagat said the Maranaos came to Cotabato City from Marugong Lanao del Sur to have an elder family member see doctor. ”They said they also came over to apply for NBI clearance to prove they have no cases involving terrorism in Marawi City,” Sarsagat told reporters. ”They insist they are not in any way connected to the Maute brothers although they have the same family name,” he added.

They were invited for questioning just to clarify things, according to Senior Supt. James Allan Logan, director of PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

He said one of them was a village chairperson in Marugong while the other was a retired school principal who went to NBI to seek clearance and prove they were not related to the Maute brothers now fighting the government forces in Marawi City.

But Sarsagat said the authorities decided to withhold them for questioning because three of them have similar names in the Arrest, Search and Seizure Order of Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana following the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.

Logan said they were indeed applied for NBI clearance and showed official receipts. A check with NBI-ARMM office in Cotabato City confirmed the suspects’ claims.

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Governor commends Aeta UP graduate

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OVERNOR Lilia Pineda on Monday commended Norman King, the first Aeta to graduate from the University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila).

Pineda, during the flag ceremony rites held at the provincial capitol grounds here, said King serves as an inspiration to the Aeta community who wants to pursue college education.

King received his diploma of Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science wearing his tribe’s traditional attire, the “bahag”, during UP’s 108th commencement exercises last June 25.

Being the first Aeta to

graduate from UP, King acknowledged his family and the members of the Aeta community as his inspiration in finishing his studies.

He also expressed his plans to enter law school.

“Kung bibigyan po ako ng pagkakataon ay nais ko pong ipagpatuloy ang aking pagaaral at kumuha ng abogasya (In case, I will be given an opportunity, I will continue my studies and take up law),” he said.

King also said he has no plans on leaving the country and intends to focus on helping the Aeta community. (Joel Mapiles/PNA)

ADDED MUSCLE. Personnel of Indonesian vessel Kri Kerapu hoist a flag to officially mark their arrival for the Philippine-Indonesia border coordinated patrol at Sasa Port in Davao City on Monday. The activity is intended to strengthen the security of the Davao Gulf and the common boundary of the

two countries in the southern part of the Philippine Archipelago particularly along the Celebes Sea and enhance the inter-operability of the two countries in maritime patrol. Lean Daval Jr.

PDEA seizes 2,446 kilos of shabu since July 2016

By PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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TOTAL of 2,446 kilos of shabu (crystal meth) were seized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency during the one year that President Rodrigo Duterte has been in office.

PDEA Director Isidro Lapeña said that Duterte has been clear about his anger towards the illegal drugs problem of the country that has become a big problem specially in the marginalized sector of

the society.

During the Mindanao Hour here, Lapeña said that the government is winning on its campaign against illegal drugs with a total of 19,068 drug personalities apprehended including 302 government workers.

“The total value of drugs seized in billion pesos, we have a total of 82.52 billion pesos compared to the 4.8 billion pesos of the previous year.

This is a 283 percent increase,” he said.

He said that since the Duterte administration started the campaign against illegal drugs “ we had a drug affectation of 48 percent.”

As of June 30, a total of 3,677 barangays were cleared by the PDEA in the entire country. Most of the barangays were located at the National Capital Region.

Lapeña said that the drug

and Technology Week with Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 11 assistant director Mirasol Domingo during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

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Nograles gives President Duterte highest ratings

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HOMEGROWN. Pyroclave System inventor and RAD Green Solutions president Engr. Roderick Dayot provides updates of his medical waste processor invention while promoting the three-day 2017 National Science

campaign is not only limited to apprehending the drug personalities but also rehabilitating those barangays that were greatly affected by the illegal drugs.

“We wanted to be able to to accomplish is this figure will be translated into something that our people will feel, especially on the grassroots,” he said.

In order to address the

ORMER House Speaker Prospero Nograles said that President Rodrigo Duterte has been “excellent” during his first year in office and has largely delivered his key campaign promises.

“He has been exemplary in the key factors of the presidency,” said Nograles who has been a fierce local political rival of Duterte in Davao City for around 30 years. “President Duterte has brought to the presidency the needed courage, decisiveness and single-mindedness of purpose.”

“While Mr. Duterte is bold, daring and not afraid to commit mistakes, he has also shown the ability to correct mistakes as fast as he could commit them,” added Nograles who had seen the Chief Executive through a virtual microscope from the time that Duterte started as a hesitant politician until he rose to

become president of the land.

Over the past 3 decades, Nograles has been in an onand-off relationship with Duterte that was made more memorable by at least 3 mayoral elections in which Nograles fiercely challenged the mayoral bid of either Duterte or his anointed. In the 2016 elections though, Nograles gave his support to Duterte’s presidential candidacy and was among his staunchest campaigners.

“I made the best choice for the presidency in 2016,” said Nograles who has worked closely with previous presidents that included Corazon Aquino (1986-1992), Fidel Ramos (1992-1998), Joseph Estrada (1998-2001) and Gloria Arroyo (2001-2010).

“After one year as president, Duterte has proven that he could swiftly implement

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

INNOVATION. Embedded Systems Engineer Engr. Ariston Gonzales and Mission and Payload Engineering Philippines Scientific Observation Satellite’s Kaye Kristine Vergel answers queries from reporters regarding their latest

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

46 ecozones await Palace’s imprimatur S

project, the Diwata 2 micro satellite, during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

OME 46 economic zone projects are awaiting for Presidential Proclamation as new Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) ecozones.

PEZA Director General Charito Plaza told reporters that six of these applications were pending at the Office of the President (OP) since the Aquino administration and the rest were received by the OP during the Duterte administration.

The value of these 46 projects reached over PHP31 billion.

Eleven projects were developed for manufacturing activities, 32 were IT parks and centers, one medical tourism

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which could eventually lead them to elevate their industry,” Casis said in a statement.

She said the gathering to start Wednesday will also provide cacao industry players technology inputs like establishment of cacao farm and cultural management.

Representatives from Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) are expected to provide inputs.

Foremost is the PCA pro-

gram for the intercropping of coconut and cacao.

Casis said the event will also serve as venue for the government to deliver them available financing program.

As announced by Agriculture Sec. Emmanuel Pinol, DA has financing programs such as Program for Unified Lending to Agriculture (PUNLA) of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and the crop insurance to cacao growers under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

Themed ‘Empowering the Cacao Farmers in Producing Quality Cacao Bean

for a Competitive Price,’ the gathering is expected to boost production and marketing of cacao and its byproducts.

According to the 2015 Philippine Statistics Authority data, SOCCSKSARGEN posted 103.77 metric tons cacao production with a total planted area of 525 hectares.

SOCCSKSARGEN region is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and Gen. Santos. (Edwin O. Fernandez/PNA)

HE Department of Finance is looking at the possible merger of the Philippine Export-Import Credit Agency (PhilEXIM) with other state-run guarantee firms to create a new single entity that would provide fresh funds for a new government guarantee system.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said that under Republic Act 10149, which aims to promote the financial viability and fiscal discipline of government-owned and controlled-corporations (GOCCs), the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) can carry out the reorganization, merger or streamlining of state-controlled firms.

Under the law, the GCG

can also recommend to the President the abolition or privatization of GOCCs. The PhilEXIM, which is attached to the DOF, provides credit, credit insurance and guarantee facilities primarily to export-oriented industries, including small and medium enterprises.

Dominguez said the consolidation of PhilEXIM with other state guarantee firms such as the Small Business Corp., Quedan & Rural Guarantee Corporation and the Home Guaranty Corp. can be done through executive fiat as provided under RAn10149 or the GOCC Law. “We have a GOCC law so we can put them all in one organization and then just create a new one without nec-

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Ex-NEDA chief says slight inflation hike will not hurt

DA to extend assistance F to cacao industry players HE Department of Agriculture in Region 12 is providing technical assistance to cacao industry players to help them discover investment opportunities, an agriculture official said Monday.

Engr. Milagros Casis, DA-12 regional executive director, said her office is conducting the 1st SOCCSKSARGEN Cacao Summit here where more than 100 farmers and stakeholders producing cacao are to attend. ”The cacao farmers are expected to understand financial markets and discover investment opportunities

center, one agro-industrial project, and one tourism development.

Manufacturing ecozones that have pending applications are located in Laguna, Batangas, Cavited, Bataan, Cebu, Negros Occidental, and Cotabato.

The IT parks and centers are mostly located in the National Capital Region particularly in Taguig City, Quezon City, Pasig, Muntinlupa, and Las Piñas, as well as next wave cities for the IT and business process outsourcing sector such as Cebu and Davao Region.

There are also investments in IT park and centers

ORMER National Economic and Development Authority director-general Felipe Medalla said the slight, temporary inflation increase arising from the adjustments in oil excise taxes under the proposed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN) will not hurt low-income earners or members of the informal sector owing to the safety nets for the poor and other vulnerable sectors outlined in the measure.

Medalla, who has been retained as a member of the Monetary Board, said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has found that with the proposed TRAIN, the fiscal targets and spending plans of the government remain “consistent with price stability and sustained economic growth of 6.5 to 7.5 percent.”

He said that even if fuel prices increase as a result of the adjustment in oil excise taxes under TRAIN, the inflation rate will still be consis-

tent with the BSP’s targets.

“Many people will not be actually hurt by the higher inflation if you take into account the increase in the incomes that result from the reduction in the income taxes for people who make less than P250,000 a year,” Medalla said at a recent Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) press briefing.

Medalla was referring to the provision under TRAIN that exempts compensation earners with a net taxable income of P250,000 and below from paying personal income taxes (PIT). Compensation earners with a monthly salary of P21,000 and below are covered by the exemption.

The former NEDA chief also cited the social safety nets to be put in place under TRAIN for members of the informal sector, or those who do not pay income taxes.

Under TRAIN, these safety nets include unconditional cash transfers (UCT) to about

essarily going to Congress,” Dominguez told finance and treasury officials at a recent DOF Executive Committee meeting.

He directed DOF Undersecretaries Antonette Tionko, who heads the Corporate Affairs Group; Bayani Agabin, who is in charge of legal services; Karen Singson, who heads the Privatization Office; and National Treasurer Rosalia De Leon to draw up a plan on how to carry out the proposed consolidation or merger.

De Leon recommended that the merger would have to separate the old PhilEXIM structure from the new PhilEXIM. She said the old PhilEXIM would mainly be a collecting

agency in charge of handling the existing assets of the firm while the new PhilEXIM would be a new corporation that would exclusively handle guarantee services.

The budget of P500 million of the existing PhilEXIM would be carried over to the new corporation, but another P500 million would be needed as fresh capital infusion to comply with Bangko Sentral requirements and enable the new PhilEXIM to grow, De Leon said.

Singson said the the GOCCs involved in the plan would have to take a “write down”-which means a reduction of the book value of their respective assets--before the consolidation can take place.

(DOF)

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PH treasury bills rates DOF eyes PhilExim merger with other guarantee firms rise across-the-board T A VERAGE rate of the Philippines’ Treasury bills (T-bills) went up across-the-board Monday, which a Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) official attributed to investors’ risk-off attitude.

Rate of the benchmark 91-day T-bill stood at 2.126 percent, up from the 2.084 pecent in the previous auction.

BTr offered it for PHP6 billion and was fully awarded due to strong demand, with bids reaching PHP12.005 billion.

Average rate of the 182day bill rose to 2.496 percent from the 2.421 percent in the auction last June 19.

Tenders for this tenor

reached PHP5.631 billion, higher than the PHP5 billion offering but the auction committee awarded only PHP4.131 billion worth of debt security.

The one-year paper’s average rate rose to 2.926 percent Monday from the previous auction’s 2.876 percent.

BTr offered it for PHP4 billion and was partially awarded at PHP2.37 billion even as tenders reached PHP6.902 billion.

Deputy Treasurer Erwin D. Sta. Ana traced the mixed results for the awarded T-bills to lower-than-expected bids.

He said investors continue to shy away from lon-

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

MRT exec’s zeal to pay BURI puzzles Nograles

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ESPITE clear violations of its contract and glaring evidence of overpricing and other clear violations of Repulic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, MRT3 General Manager Rodoldo J. Garcia, has asked the Department of Transportation to pay Busan Universal Rail Inc. a whopping PhP 35.527 Million as payment for its services covering the period of December, 2016 to January 2017.

This was revealed today

by Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist Jericho Nograles as he reiterated his call to DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade to withhold all payments for BURI including previous billings. Nograles stressed the government may even ask for a full refund of all previous payments because of BURI’s non-compliance to the

terms of its contract as MRT 3’s maintenance service provider.

Nograles revealed that in a memo to DOTr OIC Undersecretary for Railways Eduardo D. Mangalili dated June 30, 2017, Garcia endorsed BURI’s payment claim from DOTr amounting to PhP 35,527,503 despite pending questions on the validity of BURI’s maintenance service contract inked during the Aquino administration. “ Why is it that GM Garcia and his OIC Director Deo Leo Manalo are so much in a hurry to pay BURI knowing very well that issue can lead to a plunder case? Which side are they on? Are they really working for the government and the MRT commuters or are they working now for BURI?” Nograles asked.

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ADVOCACY. National Nutrition Program regional coordinator Ma. Teresa Ungson promotes the practice of proper diet among Dabawenyos as obesity cases in the region is on an upward swing. Ungson also said during the

Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday that the agency is encouraging eatery owners in the city to put nutritional content labels on the food that they serve. Lean Daval Jr.

rules out excessive DTI lauds US GSP expansion BMI peso depreciation v. USD covering travel goods from PH B EPARTMENT of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez welcomed the approval of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to include Philippine travel goods in its expanded General System of Preferences (GSP) scheme.

Effective 1 July 2017, all US GSP Beneficiary Developing Countries will enjoy duty-free treatment for a number of its travel goods exports to the US. The new GSP program included 23 tariff lines, allowing travel goods such as apparels, bags, wallets and backpacks, luggage, and sport and travel bags made in the Philippines to enter the US market duty-free.

Sec. Lopez pushed for the Philippine advocacy of GSP inclusion and had consistently taken this up with counterparts from the USTR. “This expansion will boost the local manufacturing in-

dustry and eventually provide more employment opportunities for Filipinos, creating 70,000 new jobs and increasing our GDP to 0.5 percent,” he said.

According to the US International Trade Center (ITC), the US imported an estimated total of USD 232 million from the 23 tariff lines of travel goods from the Philippines in 2016, making the country the fifth largest import source of travel goods in the US. With the new GSP scheme, the duty-free treatment could increase Philippine travel goods exports to the US by USD 100 million annually for the first five years.

“The inclusion of travel goods into GSP will certainly provide benefits to our exporters, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and export-oriented agri-businesses utilizing ba-

nana and other vegetable fibers and community based industries in the various regions of the country,” DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said.

Meanwhile, DTI Undersecretary Nora Terrado concurred, noting that maximizing market access opportunities from preferential agreements and arrangements such as GSPs and free-trade agreements (FTAs) are an important pillar of the Philippine export strategy as embedded in the Philippine Export Development Plans (PEDPs).

She added that “DTI will sustain and strengthen its advocacy campaign thru the Doing Business in Free Trade Areas (DBFTA) Program to ensure that Philippine exporters use this access and generate jobs.”

Confederation of Garments Exporters of the Philippines (CONGEP) Executive Director Maritess Agoncillo said the de-

cision of the US government was an outcome of the joint efforts of the Philippine government and the private sector to strengthen the Philippine position on pushing for GSP for travel goods.

Sec. Lopez added that he “looks forward to this positive development as a much needed push for expanding employment opportunities and improving countryside development. This will also help contribute to the Duterte administration’s thrust of pursuing inclusive and sustainable growth thru job generation and entrepreneurship.”

The US GSP seeks to promote economic growth and development in developing countries through preferential and duty-free entry to the US market of products from 122 designated beneficiary countries and territories, including the Philippines. (DTI)

MI Research adjusted its end-2017 forecast for the Philippine peso against the US dollar from 50 to a greenback to 50.50 but stressed that it remains positive on the local currency “in total return terms.”

In a research note, one of the units of Fitch Group said it continues to have “neutral view” on the local currency, which is seen to average at 50.75 to a dollar in 2018, a depreciation from its earlier forecast of 49.75.

“While we no longer forecast slight appreciation for the peso in spot terms over the coming quarters, we remain bullish on the currency in total return terms,” it said.

The peso ended last week at 50.47 against the greenback, a tad better than its 50.53 finish last Thursday.

It opened this week’s trading at 50.45, way better than its 50.60 start in the previous session.

BMI noted that the lo-

S the International Plastic Bag Free Day is observed today, a waste and pollution watch group asked Filipinos from all walks of life to kick the plastic bag habit for a trash-free land and marine environment.

The EcoWaste Coalition, a member of the global “Break Free from Plastic” movement, directed its appeal for action against the omnipresent plastic bags to consumers, commercial establishments, schools, local governments and the national legislature.

“Plastic waste prevention and the genuine enforcement of best practices in ecological

solid waste management sans incineration and open burning is the way to go to tackle the plastic scourge that has now become a global malady,” said Daniel Alejandre, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.

“We can reduce the amount of plastic garbage dumped into the oceans by taking decisive measures at various levels from voluntary lifestyle option as responsible consumers to mandatory legislation banning single-use plastic bags,” he added.

Consumers should bring bayong and other reusable bags for their purchases

to reduce the volume of plastics burned in dumpsites or thrown in waterways eventually ending up and polluting our rivers and seas, the group suggested.

Commercial establishments like shopping centers should initiate mall-wide programs to encourage retail shops, restaurants and other tenants to offer incentives for customers who will bring their own reusable containers and halt the practice of handing out free plastic or paper bags, according to the group.

The group added that public and private schools should restrict the use of

plastic bags, as well as other non-essential plastic products such as drinking straws, inside the school premises.

Local government units (LGUs) with existing plastic bag bans should strengthen the implementation of existing regulations, while those lagging behind should quickly adopt effective ordinances, the group pointed out.

“It’s high time for Congress to enact a comprehensive legislation that will ban single-use plastic bags to expand and support the initiatives of the local authorities to deal with the plastic mess,” Alejandre said.

All LGUs also need to fully enforce the waste prevention and reduction provisions of Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, the EcoWaste Coalition emphasized.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resouces and the National Solid Waste Management Commission should take the lead in implementing policies and programs in support of UNEA Resolution 2/11, the group further said.

UNEA, or the United Nations Environmental Assembly, in 2016 adopted a resolution on marine plas-

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cal currency is one of the worst-performing Asian currency to date after breaking the 50-level last June but pointed out that “it has still outperformed the dollar in total return terms” in line with the research firm’s projection. ”While there is scope for further spot weakness over the coming months given rising real rates in developed markets, we do not expect this weakness to be excessive,” it said.

Last June,, the Federal Reserve hiked its key rates by another 25 basis points to one to 1.25 percent. It is the third increase after the same amount last December and March.

Some analysts still consider another hike in the Fed rates this year given the hawkish statements from Fed officials.

However, BMI said it is not among those that forecast another Fed rate increase this year.

tic litter and microplastics “stressing that prevention and environmentally sound management of waste is key to long-term success in combating marine pollution” and “calling on member states to establish and implement necessary policies, regulatory frameworks and measures consistent with the waste hierarchy.”

Waste audits conducted by the EcoWaste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace and Mother Earth Foundation in Manila Bay indicated alarming quantities of plastic

EcoWaste coalition urges Pinoys to break habit of plastic bag use A

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6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

Duterte creates inter-agency task force for Marawi rehab

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has created an inter-agency task force for the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi City and its immediate environs affected by the rebellion.

As per Administrative Order NO. 3 signed by Duterte last June 28, the task force will be known as Task Force Bangon Marawi and will be headed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana with Public Works Secretary Mark Villar as co-chair.

Other members of the task force include the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as the secretaries of the Departments of Education, Budget and Management, Energy, Health, Information and Technology, Interior and Local Government, Science and Technology, Social Welfare and Development, Trade and Industry, and Transportation.

Completing the members are the heads of the Local Water Utilities Administration, Mindanao Development Authority, National Electrification Administration, National Housing Authority, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Office of Civil Defense as well as the Secretary of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary and the chief of the Philippine National Police.

In the meantime, Lorenzana said that Task Force Bangon Marawi is now preparing the mechanism to go into the rehabilitational recovery as soon as the fighting stops in Marawi.

“So the first thing that we would do after the fighting stops is to clear the areas of any left IEDs (improvised explosive devices) or any explosives. After which, we are going to allow the return of the civilians, of the residents

F DUTERTE, 11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

1st Cacao Summit in SOX seen to advance industry’s interests T

HE Cacao industry in Region 12 is expected to grow with the conduct of the 1st SOCCSKSARGEN Cacao Summit here.

“Cacao farmers will convene on a two day regional summit this coming July 5 to 6,” Engr. Milagros Casis, Department of Agriculture 12 regional executive director, said.

In this two-day endeavor, about 100 farmer leaders and stakeholders of cacao in the region are expected to attend.

“With this endeavor, the cacao farmers are expected to understand financial markets and discover investment opportunities which could eventually lead them to elevate their industry,” the lady director added.

Aside from giving farmers

market linkages, the DA 12 will also provide them technology inputs like establishment of cacao farm and cultural management.

Other government agencies are as well to show-off their support to retool the farmers about their programs and projects like the Mindanao Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology and Philippine Coconut Authority (for the intercropping of coconut and cacao).

“We are also happy to inform our cacao farmers that this venue will serve as a time for us to deliver to them available financing program of the government,” Director Casis said.

The official referred to financing programs such as Program for Unified Lending to Agriculture (PUNLA) of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and the crop insurance to cacao growers under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

In addition, the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA 12 confirmed that a trade fair and exhibit will also take place in the event to be participated by cacao processors.

The DA 12 partners with the Federation of Cacao Producers in SOCCSKSARGEN, Inc. (FECAPS, Inc.) in the facilitation of this regional meeting.

FECAPS, Inc. will also lead the farmer leaders from dif-

ferent parts of the region in crafting new policies for their industry and submit resolutions to the government to further boost the industry.

The 1st SOCCSKSARGEN Cacao Summit centers on the theme, ‘Empowering the Cacao Farmers in Producing Quality Cacao Bean for a Competitive Price.’

In 2015, the Philippine Statistics Authority data indicated that Region 12 posted 103.77 metric tons cacao production with a total planted area of 525 hectares.

“We can increase the cacao production in the region and encourage farmers to expand their areas for cacao through this summit,” Director Casis noted. (DA-RAFIS 12)

Farmers can now avail themselves of input loan

F

ARMERS here can now avail themselves of financing from the Department of Agriculture to boost farm production, DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Monday.

Speaking on his agriculture radio program over NDBC stations, Piñol told farmers of the launch of “Abono sa Uma” (Farm fertilizers) loaning program by the Planters Products Inc. (PPI) for Mlang farmers.

The launch was the beginning of a nationwide fertilizer loaning program which would allow rice and corn farmers to avail of between six to ten bags of fertilizers payable after harvest.

Pinol and PPI president Domingo Duerme led the ceremonial distribution of bags of fertilizers to the first batch of about 2,000 farmers from various villages and different

farmers’ organizations here. “‘Abono sa Uma’ program is our initiative to uphold the Department of Agriculture’s bid of increasing rice and corn production in the country under its ‘Masaganang Ani 200’,” Duerme said.

Under the “Masaganang Ani 200,” the department wishes to hike the average yield per hectare to 200 cavans or ten metric tons for irrigated areas.

PPI, a private corporation which was sequestered by government, is placed under the administrative control of the DA. Piñol said the program aims simply to put a stop to rice importation. “Masaganang Ani 200 is our best option,” said Piñol.

“Next year, we’ll have one million hectares for hybrid rice to achieve sufficiency,” he said. (EOF/PNA)

Maute defense perimeter dwindling in size--AFP

T

HE dwindling number of Maute Group terrorists are currently holed up in a very small area in Marawi City, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said late Sunday.

When asked for the size of the area still in the hands of the lawless elements, the military official placed it between “one to two square kilometers.”

Año refused to give an exact deadline on when Marawi City will be cleared of the terrorists but said the AFP is doing everything it can to neutralize the remaining Maute Group remnants with the

least number of military and civilian casualties and damage to property.

“We cannot impose a timeline or deadline (in the ongoing Marawi City operations) as fighting there involves building-by-building, house-to-house, floor-to-floor.

You cannot just rush that as you could potentially left a structure filled with terrorists uninspected, giving the latter an opportunity to target civilians and other soldiers if given a chance,” he added in Filipino.

As of this posting, the AFP chief said that they have so far

F MAUTE, 11

Davao del Sur @ 50. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte reiterates his firm stance against illegal drugs, corruption and terrorism in his speech during the province’s 50th founding anniversary at the Davao del Sur Sports and

Business Complex in Digos City on July 1, 2017. Duterte also graced the 50th anniversary celebration in Davao del Norte. Robinson Ninal Jr./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

DA rolls out P25-M projects to NorCot farmers

N

ORTH Cotabato’s rice producing town has received another boost to its farming activities with a PP25.9 million agricultural intervention from Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

Farmers and fisher folks are direct beneficiaries of the program who are expected

to contribute to the country’s food supply needs.

Piñol, together with top DA officials, on Saturday turned over the agricultural intervention projects to the local government unit of Midsayap, farmers’ associations, and fishing communities in the town as part of the agricul-

ture chief’s “Biyaheng Bukid.”

The project is under the agency’s Rice Program, Piñol turned over two rice combine harvesters and two mini fourwheel drive tractors.

On top of the hardware, the agriculture secretary also distributed to about 50 farmers groups assorted farm ma-

chines worth PHP8.9-M from the “Bottom-Up Budgeting” (BUB) program to boost rice production.

Piñol who was familiar with Midsayap’s rice production while he was governor and vice governor of North Cotabato, said capacitating

local and foreign benefactors, includng a Christian humanitarian group.

“This feeding project is a common initiative of the Gawad Kalinga, the World Food Programme and DepEdARMM,” Magno said.

Magno said the initiative was meant to keep war-weary children healthy while the continue studies amid bombings and hostilities

back home. The DepEd has put up Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) in public school grounds outside Marawi City.

Magno identified the good samaritans as the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Vision, an international Christian child welfare and protection organization.

The organizations provide for the daily needs of

internally displaced children now housed in several TLS in Iligan City and the towns surrounding the embattled Marawi City.

Magno said the regional government is thankful to the local and foreign benefactors for the food aid to distress children who hurriedly fled with their parents when local terrorists allied with the

F DA, 10

Local, foreign NGOs feed Marawi school children

E

DUCATION officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Sunday said Muslim school children displaced by armed hostilities in Marawi City are getting hot meals everyday for more than a week now.

Dr. John Magno, Department of Education (DepEdARMM) regional secretary, said the meals are courtesy of

F LOCAL, 10

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

BSP exec urged to shorten EMV compliance deadline

A

The City Government of Davao receives the P100,000.00 check for winning the Gawad Kalasag Award in the Highly Urbanized City Category, Monday morning.

Davao City gets P100,000 for Gawad Kalasag award

D

AVAO City Administrator and lawyer Zuleika Lopez received Monday the P100,000 check for Davao after it won the top prize in the Gawad Kalasag (KAlamidad at sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang kaligtasan) Award for highly urbanized city category.

Gawad Kalasag is one of the most prestigious government awards given to a city. Davao City had won the award several times in the past but this is the first time for the city to be at the top according to Central 911 Chief Emmanuel Jaldon.

Gawad Kalasag is a rec-

ognition given for outstanding contribution in the fields of disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian assistance.

It is the principal mechanism by which the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) promotes awareness of the best practices in DRRM and humanitarian response and action.

Jaldon said the city bagged the most-coveted award because of the combined effort of the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, as well as other government and pri-

vate sector agencies.

He said “kalasag” means shield and is a symbolic terminology signifying protection from disaster. It is making the city disaster-resilient, and putting in efforts in risk reduction management to protect communities. Gawad Kalasag was conceived to shield high-risk communities against disasters.

“It is a very important component of the Seal of Good Local Governance and will contribute to the city’s efforts to be recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government,” he said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) conferred the Gawad Kalasag award to Davao City for its achievements in the following areas: establishment of the first intelligent Public Safety and Security Command Center, establishment the highest standard in public safety service, establishment of a hotline that ensures the city has an efficient and effective response system, beyond state-of-the-art operations center and exhibiting genuine commitment, dedication and political will beyond the call of service. CIO

T

legal affairs and corporate secretary Perlita Sagmit made the announcement during the flag raising ceremonies held in front of the corporate offices here following the filing of leave of absence of CDC president Noel F. Manankil.

Sagmit said Dizon was named as CDC’s OIC during

the CDC Board of Directors meeting last Friday, June 30.

Dizon will be the OIC while BCDA conducts an investigation on alleged corruption in Clark.

She also said Manankil has filed leave of absence in order to give way to an unimpeded probe on the allega-

tions announced by President Rodrigo Duterte in his speech during the turnover of a military aid package from China to the Philippines last Wednesday.

Dizon is a member of the CDC Board of Directors chaired by former Cabinet Secretary Jose “Ping” De Jesus.

Aw.

at 50.3, Indonesia at 49.5, Myanmar at 49.4, and Malaysia at 46.9.

PMI is an indicator of the manufacturing sector’s health based on sub-components such as new orders, output, employment, suppliers’ delivery times, and stocks and purchases.

Indices above 50 signal improvement in business conditions while readings below 50 show deterioration.

For the entire ASEAN, the region’s PMI slipped to 50 in June from 50.5 in its previous month.

“The ASEAN manufacturing sector stagnated in June amid waning demand, which is disappointing news after a promising start to the second quarter. After five months of expansion, output across the region was broadly unchanged while growth in total new orders eased further,” Aw noted.

He added that ASEAN is struggling to maintain its manufacturing sector growth.

The economist said despite the increase in exports in June, manufacturing sector stagnated.

BCDA’s Dizon appointed as CDC OIC

HE Clark Development Corporation (CDC) on Monday announced the appointment of Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) president Vivencio B. Dizon as officer in charge of the government-owned and controlled corporation.

CDC vice president for

PH leads ASEAN’s index in manufacturing this June

T

HE Philippines has recorded the highest manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index among seven ASEAN countries for the month of June, according to IHS Markit’s Nikkei Manufacturing PMI Report released Monday.

The Philippines’ manufacturing PMI for June this year posted 53.9, but lower than its score in May at 54.3.

“The Philippines manufacturing sector rounded off the second quarter on a strong note, with a solid performance in June,” said IHS Markit Economist Bernard

Aw noted expansions in output and new business have driven the positive manufacturing PMI for the Philippines in June.

“While the domestic market remained the key pillar of manufacturing growth, there were signs that external demand is contributing more to the expansion. Export order growth strengthened to a three-month high,” he noted.

Following the Philippines in ASEAN’s manufacturing PMI in June was Vietnam posting an index of 52.5, then Thailand at 50.4, Singapore

LEADER of the House of Representatives on Monday urged the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Monetary Board to shorten the deadline for banks’ compliance on the upgrade to Europay MasterCard Visa (EMV) chip-embedded cards to avert skimming and other fraudulent activities.

In a letter addressed to BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr., House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries chair Ben Evardone called on the central bank to shorten the deadline of shifting to EMV of automated teller machines (ATM) cards to December 31, 2017 instead of the original June 30, 2018.

“The Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries in the House of Representatives has been informed of fraudulent activities, like skimming on ATMs of local banks in the country,” said Evardone.

“Skimming was attempted upon ATMs of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) last year, resulting in the ap-

prehension of foreign nationals. Also, the Banco De Oro (BDO) Bank reported recent skimming attempts upon its ATMs,” he added.

Evardone noted that criminals are becoming “more sophisticated” in the tools and wares used in their fraudulent activities.

“Hence, unless the deadline for compliance is shortened, we fear that more bank clients will be victimized, to the prejudice of the national interest in general, and the banking industry in particular,” he added.

EMV is the global standard for chip-based credit and debit card transactions with boosted security features, including encryption locks and keys to authenticate transactions, thus protecting data from being compromised.

The chip-embedded card contains unique transaction details that are activated each time the card is used. It is also protected by additional layers of security. (Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA)

New study finds chocolate helps memory, cognition

G

O ON, treat yourself. A recent Italian study has found that eating chocolate not only helps improves memory and cognitive function in the short term -- it can even help prevent cognitive decline as we age.

The study, published in May in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, focused on cocoa flavanols, the chemical compounds in cocoa beans, and their effect on brain function, both right after ingesting the flavanols and as a result of regular consumption.

Researchers Valentina Socci and Michele Ferrara of the University of L’Aquila reviewed the available literature on a variety of studies and found that eating cocoa -- which is, of course, the foundation of chocolate -- boosts memory performance, attention, and the speed with which visual information is processed.

“Regular intake of cocoa and chocolate could indeed provide beneficial effects on cognitive functioning over time,” they said in a press release.

And listen up, ladies: the benefits are especially pronounced among women, and even more so for women who don’t sleep well (hi, new moms!). The flavanols seem to counteract the damage done by sleep deprivation: after a bad night’s sleep, women who ate chocolate or cocoa were able to function much more normally, in terms of work and cognition, than those who didn’t.

The elderly are anoth-

er group well served by the sweet stuff: the study authors found that consuming cocoa every day led to improved attention, memory, processing speed and verbal fluency. Elderly people who were already showing signs of memory loss or other cognitive decline showed the most significant improvement.

“This result suggests the potential of cocoa flavanols to protect cognition in vulnerable populations over time by improving cognitive performance,” the authors explain.

“If you look at the underlying mechanism, the cocoa flavanols have beneficial effects for cardiovascular health and can increase cerebral blood volume in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus.” The dentate gyrus is believed to help in the formation of new memories.

“This structure is particularly affected by aging and therefore the potential source of age-related memory decline in humans,” the authors pointed out. “Regular intake of cocoa and chocolate could indeed provide beneficial effects on cognitive functioning over time.”

Of course, the researchers had to throw in a little warning about the calories in chocolate, plus the caffeine it contains, which can also be troublesome. But that doesn’t seem to concern them much.

“Dark chocolate is a rich source of flavanols,” they wrote. “So we always eat some dark chocolate. Every day.”

As though we needed an excuse. (Sputnik)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

M

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

It’s boxing, not politics

OMENTS after Manny Pacquiao’s controversial loss Horn’s roughhousing. to Jeff Horn in Brisbane on Sunday, Australians were

If only these people stuck to boxing in dealing with the mat-

nation, its main pastime being footy, rugby, cricket and surfing.

and came down with pride. He was magnanimous in defeat. He

one in celebrating its biggest boxing victory in his- ter.

tory. The land Down Under is never known to be a big boxing

Manny fought for the flag, dedicated the fight to the nation

In the other side of the world, Filipinos were divided in react- did not blame the judges and accepted the decision like a true

ing to the defeat of thier fallen boxing hero.

sportsman. The Australian crowd bathed him with a resound-

Some gave Manny their respect and appreciation in the af- ing applause. A statesman act it was. A class act by itself.

termath of the bloody fight. Manny had to endure going un-

But shame on some people who eroded the defeat with their

der the knife for seven stitches to repair an ugly cut sustained views on politics, dodging Manny, a staunch ally of the Presifrom Horn’s wayward elbows and headbutting. There were also dent, for his views and affiliation. those who mocked him for the defeat, even spilling over to the bounds of religion and politics.

All of a sudden, Manny’s past heroics were lost in the midst

of the ugly political divide. Poor Manny. How soon can people

It became uglier, much ugly than those cuts suffered from change and forget.

EDGEDAVAO

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W

HAT if Noynoy, by a historical twist, were still president today? Would he be able to promptly act on the Marawi crisis compared to his lackadaisical reaction to the Luneta bus hostage-taking incident where nine tourists from HongKong were killed during the first few months of his term?

What if VP Leni, by a twist of fate, were the president today? As the Marawi siege became full-blown, with no experience in executive leadership whatsoever, would she go crying to the United Nations for immediate help like when she fearfully denounced to the world the spate of killings due to the illegal drugs campaign of the Duterte government?

Would she use her presidential powers to do an ‘abra cadabra’ on the election protest of ex-Sen. Bongbong Marcos?

What if the coup-plotting Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV were the Malacanang tenant? With his military background as a former Navy officer, would he not also declare martial law in Mindanao sensing the Marawi conflict is internationally flavored with

Y

OU simply cannot put a good man down. For were the joint venture agreement between the Bureau of Prisons and the Tagum Agricultural Development Company subjected to a province-wide voting tomorrow, expect the outcome to be overwhelming in favor of the JVA. A portent of what to expect was the decision of the provincial board of Davao del Norte to express full and unqualified support to the Bucor-Tadeco agreement.

The overwhelming reason: the massive social and economic impact that Tadeco’s operation has brought out to the province.

Board Member Vicente C. Eliot, Sr. said the JVA has been partly instrumental in the transformation of the province into a booming agricultural territory.

For his part, Board Member Roy J. Catalan cited the invaluable role it plays in rehabilitating inmates before their reintegration into mainstream society as well as the educational assistance extended to thousands of students, and the employment given to those employed by the company and benefitting from the existence of the plantation.

There is more than meets the eye to Tadeco and it is for good. Consider this: Tagum Agricultural Development Co., Inc., the world’s largest and most contiguous banana plantation, paid four local government units close to P160 million in form of busi-

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

9

What if…?

ISIS ideology and foreign-funding; and that there is a deliberate goal to set up Marawi City as a future ISIS caliphate in the Philippines and Southeast Asia?

Would he obey his Communications Secretary if the latter suggested he should appear for interview at BBC’s Hardtalk for the second time?

What if Mar Roxas were elected president instead of Digong Duterte?

Would he have been better prepared to solve our neck-deep problems in the illegal drugs trade considering that during the much-heated 2016 presidential campaign, he proudly teased Duterte that he (Roxas) knew where illegal drugs are sourced from and sold in Davao City?

Or would he rather proceed with the status quo and leave it to the PNP whose top echelon during PNoy’s reign conveniently looked the other way because top generals were involved in protection rackets?

Would Mar, like PNoy’s indecisive handling of the Mamasapano massacre, just sit comfortably in his swivel chair and order media spins because the mainstream media are within his beck and call?

What if Sen. Grace Poe won the

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba 2016 presidential polls? Would she call on her father’s movie comrades with crime-fighting skills to decide how to deal with the illegal drug menace? Or call on Coco Martin (whose heroic exploits in the telenovela ‘Probinsiyano’ as the cop Ricardo Dalisay have become legendary), to single-handedly capture – dead or alive – evasive drug lords?

Would Sen. Poe also gather

around herself the same crime fighting skills depicted by her late father’s movie comrades to penetrate the Maute lairs and kill them all, one by one – including a hand to hand combat versus Isnilon Hapilon, the Maute brothers and their foreign jihadist-friends - ala Bruce Lee? Boy, lovely wouldn’t it be?

What if the importuned and jailed Sen. Leila De Lima were the one holding office by the Pasig River? Would she not summon her lover Ronnie Dayan, as her incognito presidential adviser, to compose a de facto council of drug lords confined at the Bilibid Prisons and negotiate for the temporary halt to the “marketing’ of the product until the issue is buried deep in the middle pages of the broadsheets and subsequently forgotten?

Would she not capably hale to court the still then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, through her appointed sycophant Justice Secretary, to lump upon him the charges that she herself has befallen?

Would she not also give the Davao City mayor company by including her accuser and jailer, DOJ Chief Vitaliano Aguirre, and label him also as a drug

lord protector?

What if the late feisty Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago were president now, huh?

Would she not send all criminals to the gallows, including corrupt elected and appointed officials involved in shady deals like the Napoles PDAF scam, the under-the-table multi-million contracts on big ticket government projects?

Would she not also penalize and jail all those involved in the mishandling of billions of foreign funds meant for the thousands of grief-stricken Yolanda typhoon victims?

Would she not also declare martial law on the Marawi devastation?

Would she have spared the rod and let the barbaric marauders go because the CHR and other international bodies are complaining about EJKs and human rights violations?

Would the late Madam Miriam be different from PRRD in tackling the messy Philippine situation left half-heartedly governed by the previous administration?

What if…? (Send your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Matthew 6:33. GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Tadeco’s 2016 contribution to Panabo City, which earned PhP955.7 million from local taxes that same, was equivalent to 6.2 percent of the city’s revenues, exclusive of the internal revenue allotment (IRA) and other outside incomes.

Historically, the town of Dujali was created as result of the substantial taxes earned from Tadeco, while Panabo, because of its hefty income, mainly from payments done by the Floirendo-owned company, qualified it for elevation from town to city.

For the towns of Santo Tomas and Carmen, which were largely undeveloped settlements prior to the banana boom in the 1970’s, their fast-paced growth in recent years could be attributed to the banana farms, the IRA, and the rise as plantation economies.

Farm estate to the disadvantage of the government and the plantation workers ill-treated and exploited.

No other banana plantation in Davao del Norte has been contributing immensely to the development of the province through taxes and fees, scholarship, inmates’ rehabilitation, and the productive cultivation of government lands once labelled as idle and abandoned.

Although the legislative inquiry conducted by the House of Representatives has yet to be completed, other branches of the government had already came out with their opinion recommending the nullification of the joint venture agreement Tadeco had signed with the Bureau of Corrections, the supervisory agency overlooking the condition of the prison lands.

The closure of Tadeco, if pushed, will not only result in massive displacement, loss of jobs, closure of businesses that are dependent on banana, and the hard im-

More to TADECO than meets the eye

ness tax, real property tax, and other fees from 2012 to 2016, The tax beneficiaries are Panabo City and the towns of Carmen, Santo Tomas, and B.E. Dujali, all within the jurisdiction of the province of Davao del Norte.

Audited records of the company showed that Panabo, a third-class city ratified in 2001 and one of three urban centers in the province, received P77 million during the five-year period.

On the other hand, the towns of Carmen, Santo Tomas and B.E. Dujali got P11.75 million, P30.5 million, and P39.4 million, respectively.

Overall, the LGUs received in the last five years (2012-16) from Tadeco payments amounting to P158,630,722 or an annual average of P55.57 million.

TADECO PAYMENTS BY LGU (2012-16) Local Gov’t Unit

Panabo City

Carmen

Santo Tomas

B.E. Dujali

TOTAL

Business Tax

REVERSED PUNCH (GYAKU ZUKI)

Jimmy K.Laking

By LGU share, Panabo City received an average of P15.4 in taxes and other payments; municipality of Carmen, PhP2.35 million; municipality of Santo Tomas, PhP30.5 million; and municipality of B.E. Dujali, PhP31.7 million.

Real Property Tax

PhP51,732,695.20 PhP24,846,117.90

5,701,093.79

13,737,446.00

9,453,097.44

P80,624,332.40

6,041,286.97

16,703,222.60

29,823,557.00

P77,414,184.50

Others

Total

PhP422,765.70 PhP77,001,578.60

4,761.00

6,935.00

157,743.53

P592,205.23

11,747,141.80

30,447,603.60

39,434,398.00

P158,630,722.00

TOTAL TADECO PAYMENTS TO LGUs (2012-16) LGU

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Carmen

2,864,094.30

2,934,330.07

2,265,746.38

1,850,877.74

1,832,093.27

8,308,643.52

8,175,581.74

Panabo City Santo Tomas B.E. Dujali

TOTAL

15,211,138.00 6,169,563.32 8,143,122.72

32,387,918.34

15,389,939.48 16,314,723.07 6,678,581.34

6,226,224.60

33,311,494.41 32,982,275.79

The four LGUs, incidentally, host all the farms developed and cultivated by Tadeco which, in recent months, was dragged into allegations it is managing the sprawling Davao Prisons and Penal

14,633,116.28 5,873,036.89 7,367,786.77

29,724,817.68

15,452,661.96 5,500,197.91 7,439,263.60

30,228,216.74

pact on the productivity of the banana industry in Davao del Norte, but is expected to stunt the development efforts of the city and towns directly benefitting from the joint venture.

10 NEWS TO THE... FROM 1

all,” that all they want is “to kill and destroy.”

The war against the ISIS-inspired group and its allies entered Day 40 on Saturday, the death toll mounting by the day: 465 as of June 30.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella in his Mindanao Hour press briefing aired over Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday morning listed 438: 317 terrorists, 82 government forces, 39 civilians.

Add to that the number of evacuees who died in hospitals in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte — 27 — according to reports reaching Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, Health Secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao — and the total number is 465 since clashes between government forces and the Maute Group started on May 23.

As of 3 pm.. on June 29, Report No. 53 of the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD-DROMIC) said a total of 388,073 persons (84,086 families) have been displaced by the armed conflict in Marawi, from all 96 barangays of Marawi City and from 20

towns in Lanao del Sur. “I want it (war) done immediately,” Duterte said.

But he reiterated previous pronouncements that the terrorists had been stockpiling firearms and ammunition allegedly for years, that “we never realized the magnitude of their preparation sa kanilang mga paputok” (of their explosives), that they had positioned themselves before the troops got in.

He again expressed his anger at his fellow Maranaos (his grandmother was a Maranao) for allegedly allowing the terrorists to stockpile firearms and ammunition in the city.

He said he has been telling troops he is “very sorry… but I hope you’d understand that I have this Constitutional duty,” that he would be jailed if the does not do his work “and more in shame, because para akong nag-talaw (I’d look like a coward).

“I had to do it because if not, we would have lost Marawi in a matter of days. At maka-establish sila… makapagyabang sila (they would have bragged) that they have an Islamic state,” he said. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

ment counter-terrorism measures and strategies in the region.

“Let us underline that their joint aim, the end game is to prevent the establishment of operational bases in South East Asia,” he said.

On June 22, top foreign and security officials of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia came out with a joint statement on security, reaffirming their “commitment to effectively address existing as well as emerging transnational challenges and threats that have potential to undermine

the stability and well-being of countries in the region.”

It said the ministers raised concern over recent incidents of terrorism and violent extremism in their countries and reaffirmed their desire to work together to jointly develop and implement counter-terrorism measures and strategies.

The ministers acknowledged that “proper development of strategies and cooperation in security and intelligence on a regional scale” are necessary in addressing transnational threats. (MINDANEWS)

different problems relating to illegal drugs, the Interagency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) four clusters.

These are enforcement cluster, justice cluster, advocacy cluster and the rehabilitation cluster.

Lapeña said that the purpose of the ICAD and creating the four clusters is to unify all the efforts of the government and to implement it to the so-

ciety.

Lapeña said that they will also involve the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs to address the drug problems in the MILF affected areas.

“We have to involve them to help us in our campaign against illegal drugs in those areas that are considered conflicted areas,” he said.

ger-term debt securities given the expectations of rate hikes in advance economies such as in the US. “So I think the market is still digesting these news

coming offshore and probably that is also the cause of why we didn’t have that much of tenders compared to the last auction,” he added. (Joan Santiago/PNA)

litter, particularly in the famed Manila Bay. In July 2016, for instance, a waste audit conducted by EcoWaste Coalition’s partner groups at Freedom Island in Parañaque City collected 1,482 kilos of trash, 79 percent of which were assorted plastic materials, consisting of junk

food wrappers and sachets (20 percent), plastic bags (17 percent), composite packaging (12 percent), food packaging (9 percent), polystyrene containers (7 percent), diaper liners (7 percent), hard plastics (4 percent), drinking straw 1 (percent) and plastic twine (1 percent).

PH... FROM 2

PDEA... FROM 3

PH... FROM 4

EcoWaste... FROM 5

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

Philippine Navy personnel carefully fold back for safekeeping the flags of the Philippines and Indonesia after an arrival ceremony for the visiting Indonesian navy at Sasa Port in Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

Kadayawan... FROM 2 The Hiyas ng Kadayawan will take centerstage at a new venue to accommodate a bigger crowd (USEP Gymnasium). Dula Kadayawan (at the Tionko Fields) is about the many competitive tribal games. Kaondayawan at the Palma Gil street is about the union of delicious gastronomic food finds in the city and the beats of Davao. On the other haand, Sayaw Kadayawan is a competition of dance nar-

ratives featuring Mindanao myths, legends and folklores.

The most awaited Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan, Panulak sa Kadayawan and Pitik Kadayawan will all take place at the newest and biggest Kadayawan Dome that will have bleachers on the side.

Additions for this year’s festival includes Habi Kadayawan, a Kadayawan-inspired professional fashion competition and Mugna Kadayawan,

a Kadayawan-inspired doodle art competition.

Also this year, the Kadayawan Festival will have a new jingle – composed by renowed folksinger-songwriters Joey Ayala, Bayang Barrios and our very own, Popong Landero.

More so, this year, the festival committee are working together with the Davao Digital Influencers, Davao’s premier blogging and vlogging community of social media influ-

encers, to utilise the vast scope of online and social media. For the latest on the upcoming Kadayawan festival, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @kadayawanfest. #Kadayawan “This year’s Kadayawan is the festival that they will never forget. We encourage our fellow Dabawenyos and visitors to celebrate with us in the streets. See you in the streets!,” Gatchalian said.

Sarsagat said the military informant who provided information about the presence of the suspects in Cotabato City came from the same source who provided information which led to the arrest of ter-

rorists patriarch Cayamora Maute in Davao City and his wife Farhana in Masiu, Lanao del Sur three days later. ”We are just making sure the Maute terrorists are neutralized,” he said. (EOF/PNA)

his programs and his objectives like the war against illegal drugs,” Nograles remarked.

“President Duterte has a successful anti-illegal drugs campaign because he is on top of it. It’s the same as President Arroyo who had a successful nautical highway program because she was on top of this project. I was able to deliver on my promises when I was a congressman and Speaker because I personally took care of them,” Nograles explained.

“At 72 years old, however, the President needs to slow down a bit and make his cabinet officials deliver,” Nograles pointed out.

“The President, more than ever, needs some of his key cabinet men to perform to make the Duterte administration completely successful,” he stressed. “It seems that some of the cabinet men are busy doing other things that’s why some of the campaign promises are slowly moving, or not moving at all, towards fulfillment.”

“On top of mind are problems in the transport sector that have lingered,” the former

Speaker said. “The driver’s license cards and motor vehicle plates are still delayed, the MRT problems have even worsened, the flight delays and cancellations continue to bug the travellers while metro traffic remains on stand-still.”

“All these promises in the transport sector are waiting to be attended to,” Nograles observed.

Nograles also mentioned the slow internet services in the country. He said the administration promised to fix the problem during the campaign so that the Philippines will no longer be known as “a country with Jurassic-age telecoms” and “nation with very slow, if not the slowest, internet service in Asia.”

“Of course, never again that the Philippines would be adjudged as having the worst airport in the world,” Nograles added.

“One year into the presidency, Duterte could begin cracking his whip not only on illegal drugs and corruption, but also on inefficiency and incompetence of some of his key cabinet men,” said Nograles.

(PNA)

in Cebu, Davao Region, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Bataan, and Baguio City.

The medical tourism development is located in Cebu while the new tourism project is in Compostela Valley.

In the first five months of the year, investment approvals in PEZA climbed 98 percent to PHP107.75 billion from PHP54.38 billion in the same period in 2016.

These investments came from 240 projects seeking for

PEZA registration in January to May 2017, lower by 5.88 percent from last year’s 255 projects.

Employment in PEZA in the January to April period increased by 5.73 percent to 1.34 million this 2017 from 1.27 million in 2016.

Export revenues of PEZA enterprises also went up by 13.57 percent to USD16.5 billion in January to April this year from USD14.5 billion in the same period a year ago.

(Kris M. Crismundo/PNA)

farmers will help build peaceful communities.

Two farmers’ associations and four villages were given 27 units of pre and post-harvest facilities from the PAyapa at MAsaganang pamayaNAn (PAMANA) program.

Under the DA’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, about 200 bags of corn seeds and

another 200 bags of fertilizer were given to the farmer-recipients.

With Midsayap having wetlands, fishing communities are also getting government intervention. Piñol turned over 34 units of motorized bancas and 80,000 tilapia fingerlings from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Islamic State of Iraq and Syria attacked the city.

As fighting continues and its end invisible at this time, education officials have designed plans so as not to interrupt public school children’s schooling.

Magno eyes expansion of the feeding program to cover other pupils in other evacuation centers in Lanao del Sur

to accommodate more children.

Ana Zenaida Unte, assistant superintendent of public schools in Marawi City, said the unaccounted public school teachers since the May 23 conflict have been located and reported to their respective stations.

The Marawi City schools division has 1,426 teachers.

Maranaos... FROM 3

Nograles... FROM 3

46 ecozones... FROM 4

DA... FROM 6

Local... FROM 6

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO Seda BGC is located directly on BGC’s High Street, maging it the perfect location to start any weekend romp.

Why I love BGC METRO MANILA is a hodgepodge of many different cities and municipalities lumped together to form one gigantic metropolitan area. This makes for an exciting contrast of area to visit, but this vastness makes it a little bit daunting for some urban explorers, myself included.

Conceived in the 1990’s and masterplanned as a true global city, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is one of the few places in Metro Manila I really do not mind staying at for business or for leisure.

My top choice when it comes to accommodations in the area is Seda BGC. The flagship propLoving the ourdoor jacuzzi at the Ibiza Beach Club BGC. And yes, guests are encouraged to take a dip since Ibiza also has shower rooms.

The glitz and glamour of Megaworld’s Uptown Parade.

Drinks at Revel at the Palace.

erty of the award winning Seda Hotel chain, Seda BGC introduces guests to the concept of an Urban Lifestyle Hotel, where seamless customer service, exceptional value, and exciting destination weave a remarkable accommodation experience.

Seda’s 179 spacious and well-appointed rooms are fitted with the latest technologies for urban travellers such as USB charging points, fast and free WiFi, tonnes of electrical outlets, as well as a 40-inch LED HDTV matched to a media dock.

The BGC experience One reason why I love staying at BGC is its pedestrian friendliness which encourages people to walk with its wide sidewalks and parks. Its main shopping area, the High Street, is where one can shop, dine, people watch, or jog about in the early morning or late evening.

Although the Seda BGC has its own 24-hour gym and a pool, I found that jogging around Bonifacio Global City was an experience in itself. The sidewalks as well as the design of the city really encourage the fitness lifestyle. It also helps that the area is relatively crimefree, making it safe for joggers.

Dining around BGC can be an overwhelming affair with many new, as well as old, dining experiences just around the corner.

One new establishment that is literally making waves in Manila’s dining scene is Manny Osmeña’s

Seda BGC’s room is comfortable and spacious with great attention to the modern traveller’s needs.

Ibiza Beach Club which is a super-sized version of the original Ibiza Beach Club in Cebu. Here, one can dine until they are more than full thanks to Ibiza’s 15-course Balearic-inspired buffet. As just as the original restaurant, there is nightly entertainment, making dinners a memorable and fun experience.

Looking for some familiar Filipino fare?

Check out Kabisera and their fresh and creative interpretations of classic Filipino comfort food.

Weekend action For those who want more action, you can check out Seda BGC’s Straight-up Bar, voted for four years-in-a-row as one of the bars in the Philippines, Straight-up sits on the top floor of Seda BGC. Here one can let their hair down and have their fill of great music, drinks (I suggest ordering their Midori Sour) as well as various tapas and pica-pica.

The restless set can check out Megaworld’s Uptown Parade and the Palace complex where many of Metro Manila’s top bars and dance clubs

Straight Up, named for the 4th straight year as one of Best Bars and Lounges in the Philippines by Philippine Tatler, gives guests a spectacular view of BGC and beyond.

Cocktail specials at Seda BGC Straight Up Bar, perfect for happy hour. are located. Check out Valkyrie for some big room clubbing or maybe drop by Revel for a more intimate space.

And the best part of partying at BGC is that afterwards, my comfort-

able bed at Seda Hotel BGC is just a crawling distance away.

For more information or bookings, you can check out Seda BGC’s website at http://www.sedahotels. com.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

PHILIPPINE SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR:

The birth of Phl professional surfing

Surfer Martin Taniegra flies up the wave.

Photo by Michael Eijansantos.

IT’S BEEN QUITE A RIDE FOR THE SURFING INDUSTRY since the inclusion of competitive surfing in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan last year. For most surf enthusiasts like me, it’s a huge bait to actually go and witness this historical event personally.

Last October 2016, our very own Philmar Alipayo and Nilbie Blancada both from Siargao made it to the top ranks in the Asian Surfing Championship, gaining them the opportunity to represent the Philippines for the Rote Open 2016 in eastern Indonesia. With Nilbie Blancada emerging as

champion in the women’s division.

In today’s age of digital media, surfing has become more and more a noticeable topic of interest online. More people now want to feel the sense of unadulterated elation that is popularly known throughout the surfing community as “stoke” or

“froth.”

There is a special breed of surfers who have nurtured their love for surfing in a whole different level. Surfing everyday for these individuals is not just a way to get their daily dose of stoke; it is an integral part of their lives, their bread and butter. I would say, surfing is their life.

With surfing as the primal drive for these wave rider, the country’s premiere surfing league, the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PSCT), was created. Through the efforts of these former competitive athletes and now pioneers and leaders in their local surf communities- Luke Landrigan (La Union), Bjorn Pabon (Zambales and Bicol Region), Manuel Melindo (Siargao), and Mike Oida (Ilocos Norte).

These four men have seen the vast potential of Filipinos and shared a common vision of raising the standards of local competitions to push our athletes towards global competitiveness. Dedicating their time to learn-

ing the procedures of international surf judging, these men hold the highest level of International Surfing Association (ISA) judging certification in the country and will be the main officiating judges in the tour.

The PSCT is now ready to take on the daunting but highly gratifying endeavor of determining and ranking the best surfers in the Philippines through a series of national competitions while exposing them to the standards and format of the international leagues.

Patterned after the World Surf League, the PSCT is the country’s first-ever and only professional surfing tournament where surfers from all over the Philippines will gather and tour around different surf spots to earn points and battle for a spot in the national ranking.

More than competition, PSCT hopes to unite surfers from Luzon to Mindanao and promote a sense of “ohana” in the Filipino surfing community. Only through working together can we

make the dream of making world champions a reality.

The schedule of events for this year’s Philippine Surfing Championship Tour starts this September in the worldrenowned Cloud 9 in Siargao Island followed

by Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur, then up to Luzon in Baler, Aurora and lastly, in the surfing capital of the north, La Union as the final leg.

It looks like the start of the surf season this year is opening with such excitement as we’re finally opening doors to discovering promising athletes that would represent the Philippines in the international arena. Find out how you can help or be part of history taking place by heading over to www.psctour.com for more details about the schedule and for updates.

Interested in what to do in Siargao should you decide to watch the tour take off in September? Or maybe wondering what Lanuza has to offer? Check out my blog at www.millennialmermaid.com for more stories.

Surfers Ongster Montenegro and Wawa Delamide before heading out for a heat in Lanuza. Photo by Michael Eijansantos.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

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SEDA VERTIS NORTH, the sixth property of the Seda brand by AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts, is now open at the emerging Vertis North business and commercial district in Diliman, Quezon City.

Seda Vertis North is the first large format hotel of the homegrown chain, offering 438 guestrooms and suites.

Owing to the newfound popularity of Quezon City as a corporate location, Seda Vertis North was designed as the premier and biggest hotel catering to business travellers in the northern part of the metropolis.

The hotel’s expansive lobby is already a talking point owing to its stylish design and size that is unique to Quezon City. For all-day dining, it has a 250-seat full scale international restaurant called Misto, featuring a show kitchen and impressive buffet that will change with the seasons and guests’ tastes. More-

over, its pillarless Quezon Ballroom that can seat up to 500 guests, is expected to make the hotel a favored wedding reception venue of couples from the northern part of the Metro, or a cocktail venue for social and corporate events with up to 700 attendees.

Deluxe rooms and studio-style Premier Rooms are ideal options for individual travelers.

Suites, with a separate master bedroom and living room, are perfect for families or guests

who require more spacious accommodations.

Opening in the next few months is the Club Lounge with its array of additional perks and privileges, as well as the Presidential Suite, a Chinese restaurant, and Straight Up, Seda’s signature rooftop bar, on the 24th level offering expansive views of the city skyline.

Other hotel facilities and services include the Club Lounge, e-lounge, adults’ and children’s pools, gym and spa with

steam and sauna, inroom dining, concierge, bell service, parking and valet, laundry and dry cleaning, airport and city transfers, and daily housekeeping.

Other Seda hotels are located in BGC, Taguig, where a second tower is being added; Cagayan De Oro City; Davao City; NUVALI, Laguna; and Iloilo City. More Seda hotels are opening in the next three years in Metro Manila and other key destinations in the Philippines.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

Pacquiao should consider retirement—Sen. Lacson

B

PRRD assures Davao Norte of equal share of resources

oxer-senator Manny Pacquiao should consider being a full-time public servant after his loss against Australian boxer Jeff Horn in an unanimous decision Sunday afternoon.

This was the statement made by Pacquiao’s friend and colleague Sen. Panfilo Lacson noting that he was only concerned for his future.

On his official Twitter account, Lacson also made a slight hints that retirement

was the best decision Pacquiao could make.

“Lesson learned: It is best to leave the stage while the audience is applauding,” Lacson said in a subtle Tweet. However, it was not clear if he was indeed referring to Pacquiao.

Another of Lacson’s Tweets also expressed sadness for his colleague’s loss.

“Great day for Australians; sad day for Filipinos,” he said. (Azer N. Parrocha/ PNA)

neutralized 317 bandits since fighting in Marawi City broke out last May 23.

Military and police losses are placed at 82 and civilian

dead are put at 44.

“We are painstakingly (operating against them) day-today, we are eliminating them, just like yesterday (Saturday),

we killed 10 of their snipers, and everyday, they are taking losses and getting smaller in number,” Año said. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)

of Marawi,” he said during the Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang.

“So we now have a mechanism for as long as tumigil na ‘yung bakbakan diyan, mag-start na kami ng rehabilitation. In fact with this document (AO 3), we can now start stockpiling construction materials for the rehabilitation of Marawi,” Lorenzana said.

The head of Bangon Mara-

wi said that besides rebuilding the city’s infrastructure like lights, water, roads, bridges and government buildings, the task force also aims to immediately restore banks and business establishments.

“One of the things that we would like to restore immediately are the stores so that when the residents go back then they have places to buy their provisions. Also the

banks, if we can restore the banks, so that the banking system or the businesses of the area will resume,” he said.

“We will involve the local government leaders there, the mayors, the governors, the barangay captains, because we are going to establish a defense mechanism so that the event for the past month in Marawi will not be repeated,” Lorenzana said.

Maute... FROM 6

Duterte... FROM 6

NEWS 11

T

AGUM CITY, Davao del Norte (PIA) --- Gracing the 50th Founding Anniversary of Davao del Norte, President Duterte assured Dabaonons of equal share of resources to develop the potential of the province.

Reading the last three paragraphs of the speech prepared for him, he said “rest assured that the gov-

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ernment remains committed to fulfilling its promise of equal share for Mindanao, including Davao del Norte”.

“Use the money to uplift the lives of your people and realize that great potential,” he added.

He, however, asked the Dabaonons to remain committed to the continuing war against illegal drugs, corruption, criminality and terrorism,” and he appealed them to stay united and steadfast against evils that threaten peace.

President Duterte expressed faith that the leadership of Gov. Anthony G. Del Rosario will continue to spur development, making Davao

del Norte the fastest growing province in Mindanao.

He foresaw the province to get at par with the top growing provinces in the country, citing the vast resources of the province with its “strong and resilient people”.

The President’s visit was the major highlight of the July 1 50th founding anniversary of Davao del Norte celebrating the occasion with the provinces of Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental.

Heralding the day of the 50th founding anniversary of the province was the Diana around Davao del Norte that started at 3:00 A.M. The Alay DavNor Walk 2017 followed

at 5:00 A.M., succeeded by street dancing dubbed as “Hudyaka”.

The festive merriment was put to solemnity when the Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Bishop Wilfredo Manlapaz of the Diocese of Davao, that ended past noon.

Meanwhile, the fireworks display took place at 6:45 P.M. an hour ahead of schedule.

The festivity went on through the night with a variety show highlighted by the performance of artist Pilita Corales, Asia’s queen of songs, among other Filipino artists. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

10 million households belonging to the bottom 50 percent of the population, and subsidies for public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators and drivers as well as for electricity consumers in island-provinces and other Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) areas not connected to the main power transmission system.

“In short, our own analysis in the BSP is the fiscal reform and fiscal spending plans of the national government are consistent with price stability and sustained economic growth,” Medalla said.

Medalla said the government would be able to manage the economy well and maintain fiscal stability because the additional revenues generated under TRAIN will help finance the increased government spending on infrastructure, health, education and social protection.

“The government will be spending more on infra-

structure, education, health, and social programs without getting out of the framework of fiscal stability, precisely because it expects that new tax measures and improved tax collections will be able to finance a big part of the increased spending,” he said.

The House of Representatives approved the CTRP’s first package— House Bill No. 5636 or the TRAIN—by a 246-9 vote with one abstention before the Congress’ sine die adjournment.

The bill, which had consolidated the DOF’s original proposal—HB 4774 filed by Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua—with 54 other tax-related measures, seeks to make the country’s tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient by slashing PIT rates and, to fill up the consequent revenue loss, by adjusting excise taxes on certain products and broadening the Value Added Tax (VAT) base.

President Duterte has certified the bill as urgent and priority measure.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who had earlier asked the President to certify the tax reform bill as urgent, said in his memorandum to the Chief Executive that this TRAIN bill is “expected to help reduce poverty rate from 21.6 percent in 2015 to 14 percent in 2022, lifting some six million Filipinos out of poverty, and helping the country achieve upper middle-income country status where per capita gross national income increases from $3,500 in 2015 to at least $4,100 by 2022.”

Dominguez said the DOF will continue to hold dialogues with senators during the remaining weeks of the congressional break to explain to them the merits of tax reform package and convince them to retain the original DOF-endorsed version outlined in Cua’s HB 4774.

“What is in this contract that makes them so obviously sympathetic to BURI despite all the sufferings of the commuting public due to BURI’s failure to comply with the terms of their contract? Even the COA is hot in investigating the anomalies,” he added.

Prior to the Garcia’s memo to Mangalili, BURI sent to Tugade last June 28 “billing claim no. 12” as a payment demand for the DOTr supposedly for the services rendered

by BURI covering the period of December 19, 2016 to January 18, 2017.

“Kindly be informed that Billing Claim No. 12 of Busan Universal Rail Inc. (covering the period of 19 December 2016 to 18 January 2017) in the amount of Thirty Five Million, Five Hundred Twenty Seven Thousand Five Hundred Three Pesos and Ten Centavos (PhP 35,527,503.10), subject to BURI Maintenance Contract--mandated penalties

and deductions and which represents the undisputed items for said Billing Claim is currently with the office of the DOTr for processing and approval pursuant to the Coordination Meeting held on 21 June 2017 in the DOTr-MRT3 Depot,” stated the billing claim signed by Eldon Uy representing BURI. “As of this time, the Officer-In-Charge of the Office of the Undersecretary for Railway and Toll Roads (Mangalili) had not considered the processing and approval of the said Billing Claim No.12 as not constituting the day to day operations of said office, and of which , according to him is not within his authority to perform as Officer-In-Charge,” Uy said.

Nograles said that prior to Uy’s payment claim to Tugade, Mangalili issued a memo to Garcia stressing that he cannot approve the payment because several

undelivered items as required in the contract have no corresponding amount which should be indicated and referenced with the “Bill of Quantities” submitted by BURI. Mangalili also told Garcia that he cannot approve the request of payment because “there are still no corresponding amounts in several undelivered items of which are not reflected in the disbursement voucher submitted to the undersigned. “ “Clearly, Undersecretary Mangalili was right to decline the request for payment because how can you pay something that cannot be clearly quantified? Why would the tax payers pay for a service that is so sloppy and so overpriced?” Nograles said as he noted that BURI has already collected 8 billing cycles and this should be thoroughly reviewed by the Commission on Audit. (PNA)

Ex-NEDA... FROM 4

MRT... FROM 5

12 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

Promising prospects in agriculture: Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO (First of Two Parts)

“W

ITH new trends in farming being promoted as tree farming, the agriculture sector looks promising for Filipino farmers,” said a recent EDGE Davao editorial.

The reason for coming up such editorial was because of what Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said. The former journalist-turned-farmer wrote in his blog that farmers could make more money by planting trees.

In Agusan del Sur, for instance, farmers who plant Falcata trees – a pulp and paper species which could also be used in making wooden palletes – are getting more than growing agricultural crops.

In five years, Falcata trees are considered fully grown.

For a five-year-old tree, a farmer earns at least P2,000.

Now, if he plants 500 trees in one hectare, he would automatically get a whooping P1 million. If he allows the trees to grow more in 10 years, he will be getting P12,000 per tree.

While the trees are still in their growing stage, farmers can plant agricultural crops like coffee, cacao or abaca.

The tree farming is the new program of the Department of Agriculture. It will be promoted in areas with denuded mountains “to ensure the protection of water sources for sustainable agriculture.”

“Tree farming, which is now officially an agricultural activity just like planting cacao, is now spreading like wild fire all over the country as farmers realize how much money they would make by planting trees,” Piñol said.

The program is in line with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s vision of green and sustainable agriculture.

At one time, the president who hails from Mindanao said: “Our forests and watersheds must be protected if we dream of sustainable agriculture. Cut those trees and you will kill the future generation.”

Unknowingly, about 10,000 farmers in Mindanao are already a farming system called “conservation agriculture with trees” or CAT. According to its proponents, it does not only prevent soil erosion but also serve as an

insurance against damages brought about by climate change.

CAT, a project by the World Agroforestry Center (WAC), was first piloted in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, It combines the planting of trees with food crops and agricultural landscapes (forages-plant eaten by animals as pasture) in upland areas.

About 60% of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares are considered uplands.

“The benefits of CAT are maintenance of vegetative soil cover year-round; sustained nutrient supply through nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling; insect pests and weeds control; soil structure improvement and water retention; carbon storage above and below ground; organic matter formation in soil; and biodiversity conservation,” a press release said.

One example of CAT system is the growing of banana between rows of trees planted along the contour of sloping lands. Another is the planting of corn with cowpea intercropped with rubber and banana trees and forages.

“The combination of rubber trees, bananas and forages as contour hedgerows provide soil binding and anchorage that reduces – if not eliminate – soil erosion and landslides during extreme rainfall events,” the press release said.

“If one kind of crop gets damaged by a strong typhoon, then farmers practicing CAT will still have other crops to fall back on and sell,” explained the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), which is helping promote the system.

Farmers in Mindanao who adopt the CAT system said they are enjoying “many income streams and food sources.”

On why CAT is heavily promoted in Mindanao, the press release said: “Mindanao plays a pivotal role in Philippines’ food production with 40% total share and food export, a similarly significant 30%.

“Yet, these farmers, particularly those living in the uplands, are resource-poor and are extremely vulnera-

Tree farming

ble to the impact of extreme weather changes brought by climate change,” it added.

An editorial in Business Mirror also offered this expla-

nation: “Mindanao is generally regarded as the food basket of the Philippines, where many cash and high-value crops are grown. That’s be-

cause of its innate geographic advantages. For one, the region is not in the path of typhoons, unlike Luzon. Hilly areas in Mindanao are ideal

for growing temperate vegetables, and contagious farmlands in the region are suitable for palm-oil plantations.”

Tree planting can help arrest soil erosion, touted to be the country’s silent crisis. Estimates from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources showed about 10,000 cubic meters of arable soil per hectare are eroded annually, such an amount equivalent to one meter layer of soil thickness removed per hectare per year.

Soil erosion will imperil the country’s food supply in the coming years, according to Harold R. Watson, the former director of Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC).

“Soil is made by God and put here for man to use, not for one generation but forever,” the 1985 recipient of Ramon Magsaysay award reminded. “It takes thousands of years to build one inch of topsoil but only one good strong rain to remove one inch from unprotected soil on the slopes of mountains.”

The planting of trees in the uplands of Mindanao as part of food production is a welcome news. Aside from arresting soil erosion, tree planting may also help in curbing deforestation and even reforest denuded areas.

As of 2010, only 6.84 million of hectares of forest cover remains or about 23%

F AGRITRENDS, 13

www.edgedavao.net

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

TO THE Duterte LAST says war goes MAUTE on until last terrorist falls P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said he is “always praying” that the war against the Maute Group and its allied terror groups “will end as fast as it can” because of the rising casualties and the mass displacement of residents, but

vowed “that war in Marawi will continue until the last terrorist is taken out” and reiterated he will not negotiate with terrorists.

“I will never, never, never talk to the terrorists. And there will never be forgiving there. And that war in

Marawi will continue until the last terrorist is taken out,” Duterte told residents of Davao del Sur at the Davao del Sur Coliseum on Saturday, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the province.

“Hindi talaga ako papayag (I will

never agree) because it is a brutal and cruel organization. .. think.. what will happen to us if we allow them to overwhelm,” the President added.

He said the Maute Group and its allies have “no redeeming factor at

F TO THE, 10

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES NEW ICON. Guests take photos of the 32nd Kadayawan sa Davao logo using their mobile phones during the launching of this year’s festival at The Marco Polo Davao on Monday.

Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Sports SOLID MANNY Dabawenyos react on Pacquiao’s controversial loss

www.edgedavao.net

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

TO THE Duterte LAST says war goes MAUTE on until last terrorist falls P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said he is “always praying” that the war against the Maute Group and its allied terror groups “will end as fast as it can” because of the rising casualties and the mass displacement of residents, but

vowed “that war in Marawi will continue until the last terrorist is taken out” and reiterated he will not negotiate with terrorists.

“I will never, never, never talk to the terrorists. And there will never be forgiving there. And that war in

Marawi will continue until the last terrorist is taken out,” Duterte told residents of Davao del Sur at the Davao del Sur Coliseum on Saturday, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the province.

“Hindi talaga ako papayag (I will

never agree) because it is a brutal and cruel organization. .. think.. what will happen to us if we allow them to overwhelm,” the President added.

He said the Maute Group and its allies have “no redeeming factor at

F TO THE, 10

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES NEW ICON. Guests take photos of the 32nd Kadayawan sa Davao logo using their mobile phones during the launching of this year’s festival at The Marco Polo Davao on Monday.

Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Sports SOLID MANNY Dabawenyos react on Pacquiao’s controversial loss

www.edgedavao.net

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

TO THE Duterte LAST says war goes MAUTE on until last terrorist falls P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said he is “always praying” that the war against the Maute Group and its allied terror groups “will end as fast as it can” because of the rising casualties and the mass displacement of residents, but

vowed “that war in Marawi will continue until the last terrorist is taken out” and reiterated he will not negotiate with terrorists.

“I will never, never, never talk to the terrorists. And there will never be forgiving there. And that war in

Marawi will continue until the last terrorist is taken out,” Duterte told residents of Davao del Sur at the Davao del Sur Coliseum on Saturday, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the province.

“Hindi talaga ako papayag (I will

never agree) because it is a brutal and cruel organization. .. think.. what will happen to us if we allow them to overwhelm,” the President added.

He said the Maute Group and its allies have “no redeeming factor at

F TO THE, 10

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES NEW ICON. Guests take photos of the 32nd Kadayawan sa Davao logo using their mobile phones during the launching of this year’s festival at The Marco Polo Davao on Monday.

Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Sports SOLID MANNY Dabawenyos react on Pacquiao’s controversial loss

www.edgedavao.net

VOL. 10 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

TO THE Duterte LAST says war goes MAUTE on until last terrorist falls P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said he is “always praying” that the war against the Maute Group and its allied terror groups “will end as fast as it can” because of the rising casualties and the mass displacement of residents, but

vowed “that war in Marawi will continue until the last terrorist is taken out” and reiterated he will not negotiate with terrorists.

“I will never, never, never talk to the terrorists. And there will never be forgiving there. And that war in

Marawi will continue until the last terrorist is taken out,” Duterte told residents of Davao del Sur at the Davao del Sur Coliseum on Saturday, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the province.

“Hindi talaga ako papayag (I will

never agree) because it is a brutal and cruel organization. .. think.. what will happen to us if we allow them to overwhelm,” the President added.

He said the Maute Group and its allies have “no redeeming factor at

F TO THE, 10

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES NEW ICON. Guests take photos of the 32nd Kadayawan sa Davao logo using their mobile phones during the launching of this year’s festival at The Marco Polo Davao on Monday.

Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Sports SOLID MANNY Dabawenyos react on Pacquiao’s controversial loss