Edge Davao 10 Issue 70, July 9 - 10, 2017

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 70 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 9 - 10, 2017

DOUBLE DIGIT

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RDC targets 11.5 as GRDP by 2022

By ANTONIO M AJERO and ANGELIE ROSE SAVERON

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GROSS regional development product (GRDP) of 11.5 by 2022. This is the double-digit target of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Region 11 as the region’s leaders led by Davao del Norte Gov. Anthony “AGR” del Rosario officially launched the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP) 2017- 2022 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City on Friday, July 7. The event slogan, Committing to Sustain Change, “attests to the strong support of the Dabawenyos for President Rodrigo Duterte’s cry to join him in the journey of transformation for a better Philippines.”

Over 500 participants from the public and private sectors, local government units, national government agencies, academe, civil society, business sector and media were invited to the event.

The RDP Launch was preceded by the conduct of the Philippine Development lan (PDP), 2017- 2022 Regional Roadshow earlier in the day. A PDP motorcade from the iconic People’s Park to the SMX Convention Center carrying the banner “Tara

na! Ambisyon Aksyunan Nato Karon!” was joined by the LGUs, academe and government agencies.

As the blueprint for Davao Region’s development under the Duterte Administration, the DRDP anchor’s on the President’s 0+10 Socioeconomic Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals and works toward realizing AmBisyon Natin 2040, the collective vision of Filipinos over the next 25 years.

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FOCUSED. Regional Development Plan 11 chairperson Governor Anthony del Rosario of Davao del Norte pledges his commitment for the sustainable change and increasing growth of Davao Region during the launching of the Davao Regional Development Plan held at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

GLOBAL IMPACT

PSC to bring Filipino Children’s Games to Pinoy communities overseas SPORTS P16

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Marawi City battle nears end

HE fighting in this embattled city is expected to be over soon as the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute and Abu-Sayyaf

groups have been significantly reduced to at least 80 members as of Saturday, July 8, the military said. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is committed

to ensure that Maute and Abu Sayyaf will not be able to pose a threat,” Herrera said, noting that the military will still continue to pound the enemy positions in the

area.

On Saturday, several fighting planes, including the country’s newest jets, conducted bomb

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 70 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 9 - 10, 2017

COUNTER-TERRORISTS. Police officers undergoing a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) training simulate a terrorist attack scenario in front of a business establishment near the Davao City hall on Friday as part of their ongoing counterterrorist training. Photo courtesy of Keith Bacongco

Village officials House panel approves funds nabbed for drugs for PRRD emergency powers A

NOTHER government official was arrested late afternoon Friday when police raided his house in Tuburan, Cebu and recovered some 20 grams of metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu in one of the rooms.

Barangay Councilor Raul Cole Sr., 40, who was listed as a high-value target, is the fifth government official arrested for illegal drugs in a span of just three days.

Armed with a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Jerry Dicdican of Branch 25 in Danao City, elements of the Provincial Intelligence Branch, Provincial Drug

Enforcement Unit, and Provincial Public Safety Company raided the residence of Cole around 5:20p.m. and found a large plastic pack and three medium-size sachets of “shabu” inside a bedroom.

Police also seized three handguns of different types of caliber, live ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.

Cole has been identified as a big-time drug pusher not only in Tuburan, but also in the municipality of Tabuelan and other neighboring towns in northern Cebu.

However, the barangay official denied any involvement

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revealed that the panel approved a general provision for House Bill 4334 or the proposed “Traffic Crisis Act of 2016 Maki-isa, Makisama, Magka-isa” aimed at addressing the traffic congestion hounding Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Davao City.

“We have to equip the President with necessary powers to address the im-

mense and growing traffic dilemma which affects not only Metro Manila but most of the country’s urban centers,” Nograles said.

Nograles said the traffic gridlock in Metro Manila and in other urban centers has reached the magnitude of a national emergency and therefore extraordinary measures are needed to ensure the

swift implementation of policy and infrastructural reforms aimed at solving the country’s traffic woes.

Nograles expressed confidence that the proposed Traffic Crisis Act and other vital legislation will go full swing through plenary soon after the President’s State of the Nation Address on July 24. (Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA)

SUB-COMMANDER of the outlawed Moro armed group eluded joint police and military law enforcement operations in Datu Hofer but authorities seized high powered guns and grenade from his home, police said.

Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police director, said lawmen armed with

search warrants for murder, multiple murder, bombings and extortion when they raided the house of Kareem Falcon, alias Commander Falcon, in Barangay Tuayan, Datu Hofer town in Maguindanao Saturday dawn.

But the suspect was not in his home when the lawmen swooped down at past 4 a.m.

Tello said the raiding team

recovered a hand grenade, an improvised Armalite rifle, magazine and ammunition from Falcon’s home. Two sachets of suspected shabu were also recovered, Tello said.

Tello said Falcon was involved in a rash of killings, robbery and extortion in Maguindanao, preying even on poor Muslim villagers during harvest season.

The police official said Falcon was the leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who simultaneously fired rocket propelled grenades towards the Maguindanao provincial police office that left a civilian slightly injured last May. Speaking to reporters, Tello said Falcon has also separate

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Emeterio Antalan, Ricardo Solangon, Joel Ramada, Apolonio Barado, Jose Navarro, Generoso Rolida, Arnulfo Boates, Manolito Matricio, Josue Ungsod, and Sonny Marbella.

“This is a positive gesture and bodes well for the continuation of the peace negotia-

tions. We hope that the other political prisoners would also be freed soon,” said the Davaobased progressive solon.

“We hope that Pres. Duterte will agree to prioritize the forging of Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER)

simultaneous with or before a ceasefire is effected,” Rep. Zarate said, further urging Pres.

Duterte “to give primacy to the success of the peace process and not heed the pro-US militarists like Defense Sec. Lorenzana, National Security

HE House of Representatives’ appropriations committee has approved the funding provisions for the measure that seeks to grant the Duterte administration emergency powers to address the perennial traffic problem in the metropolis.

In a statement on Friday, committee chair and Davao Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles

Explosive, rifles seized from BIFF leader

A DND chief denies issuing F VILLAGE, 10

fake ‘Arrest Order No. 3’

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EPARTMENT of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday vehemently denied any connections to “Arrest Order No. 3” which is reportedly circulating publicly.

“We have received reports that an Arrest Order No. 3 is currently being circulated,” he added.

The DND chief issued this statement after receiving phone calls asking for clarifications on the matter.

Lorenzana, in his capacity as Martial Law Administrator,

said he did not issue any Arrest Order No. 3, thus, any copy of the document being circulated is fake.

Martial Law in Mindanao was declared nighttime of May 23 shortly after the Maute Group attack in Marawi City.

“I call on everyone not to share this fake news to avoid confusion, and not to jeopardize our current operations,” the DND chief added.

“Any announcement relating to Martial Law will be disseminated officially,” Lorenzana pointed out. (PFN/PNA)

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Bayan welcomes pardon of 10 political prisoners AYAN Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, vice chair of the House Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, welcomed Pres. Duterte’s pardon of 10 political prisoners.

The political prisoners released Thursday night were:

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

TF‘Bangon Marawi’ discusses rehab plans

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UNIQUE. An employee of the provincial government of Davao del Sur fixes her display of dolls donning ethnic-inspired dresses made by a women’s group of the province at the exhibit area of the Davao Regional Development Plan at SMX Convention Center on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

Three Cebu town officials linked to drug lord nabbed

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JOINT police task force arrested three municipal councilors of San Fernando, Cebu early Friday morning for possession of unlicensed firearms and illegal drugs in three separate operations.

Provincial Regional Office7 (PRO-7) Chief Noli G. Talino said the three town officials were connected to self-confessed drug lord Franz Sabalones, who was named by President Rodrigo Duterte last year as a big-time drug operator in Cebu province.

Arrested were Municipal Councilors Alfonso Donaire IV and Edwin Villaver, both 46 and married, and Barangay Chairman Johnny Arriesgado.

Arriesgado, 54, who is also an ex-officio municipal councilor and president of the As-

sociation of Barangay Councils, was arrested in his house in Barangay Magsico at 4:00 a.m.

Two .45 pistols, a defective .30 carbine rifle and bullets were recovered from him.

An hour later, another raid was conducted in the house of Villaver in Barangay Greenhills where two .9mm pistols, a Black Widow revolver and other firearms were recovered.

Another two .45-caliber pistols, a magazine, two live bullets, and a heat-sealed transparent sachet believed to be metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu were recovered when the house of Donaire in Barangay North Poblacion was also raided past 6:00 a.m.

Regional Trial Court Judge Jerry Dicdican of Danao City

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Easing Leyte aftershocks still threat to public safety: Phivolcs

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UTURE aftershocks of last Thursday’s magnitude 6.5 earthquake in Leyte province can still endanger life, limb and property, even if these tremors occur less frequently.

“Some of those aftershocks can further damage structures that the earthquake has already affected,” science research analyst of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Julius Galdiano, said Saturday.

He cautioned people against going near or re-occupying structures weakened by the quake as they might collapse when aftershocks strike anew.

Galdiano said about 20 aftershocks per hour shook Leyte shortly after the earthquake struck.

That frequency has already decreased to about 10

aftershocks per two hours and is expected to ease further, he said, noting that people however must continue to be cautious.

“Several of the earthquake’s forthcoming aftershocks may be felt and can even destroy damaged structures,” he warned.

Galdiano said as of 8 a.m.

Saturday, Phivolcs already recorded 481 aftershocks, concentrated in Leyte’s Ormoc-Jaro area.

Their magnitudes ranged from 1.5 to 4.3, and 10 of the aftershocks were felt, he said, adding that Phivolcs has already plotted 57 of the aftershocks.

Earlier, Phivolcs director and science undersecretary, Renato Solidum, reiterated the need to assess the structural stability of structures in the

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EMBER agencies of Task Force “Bangon Marawi” met Friday to discuss the various recovery plans for the war-torn city.

The meeting was held at the social hall of the Department of National Defense (DND) building in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Task Force Bangon Marawi executive director, Defense Undersecretary Cesar Yano, chaired the meeting that was attended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Civil Defense administrator and representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, departments of national defense, public works, education, health, science and technology, budget, and trade, National Economic and Development Authority, National Housing Authority,

National Electrification Authority, Office of Civil Defense, and Mindanao Development Authority.

By virtue of Administrative Order No. 3, Task Force Bangon Marawi was organized to lead the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts for communities affected by the Marawi crisis.

Yano was designated by NDRRMC chairperson and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as the executive director of the task force during the recent special/emergency NDRRMC full council meeting.

The task force has been tasked to organize and deploy a quick response team that will address the immediate needs of Marawi City’s displaced and severely affected families.

It has also been directed

declare that danger is no longer present then martial law will be lifted, Duterte pointed out.

The President issued Presidential Proclamation No. 216 on May 23, hours after the ISISlinked Maute Group attacked Marawi that led to the displacement of the thousands of residents.

The proclamation placed the entire island of Mindanao under martial law for a period of 60 days. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus was also suspended upon the martial law declaration.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 4, affirmed the constitutionality of Proclama-

tion No. 216.

President Duterte was supposed to visit Marawi City on Friday but inclement weather prevented him from pursuing his plan.

This is the second time the President attempted to land in Marawi as the ground and air offensives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines continue to end the siege staged by the ISISlinked Maute Group that broke out last May 23.

Duterte tried to visit Marawi last June 20 after he visited the evacuation center in Barangay Buru-un, Iligan City but failed due to bad weather.

(Davao Today)

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Duterte: No plan to lift Martial law before Sona

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he was not inclined to lift martial law before his scheduled State of the Nation Address this month.

Speaking to reporters upon his return from a visit in one of the military camps in Iligan City on Friday, Duterte said he was leaving it to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to determine if there was still need or no need for Martial Law. He added it was also the armed forces and PNP that are in the position to determine if the situation in Marawi is no longer critical.

“No. And, hindi ako ang nag-ano, eh. It’s the Armed Forces and the police. I consulted them and said it was critical.

Ang magsabi sa akin na hindi na critical, ang Armed Forces pati ang pulis,” he said. Duterte will deliver his second SONA on July 24.

The President added: “I do not have an independent study of what, how things are on the ground. It’s not my job. And I cannot do it physically even. So, I have just to rely on the word of the Armed Forces and the police because they are the ones keeping this Republic healthy and alive.”

Once the AFP and PNP will

SPECIAL REQUEST. Presidential photographer Robinson Ninal obliges to a request of a woman to have her photo taken with a standee of President Duterte inside the Metro Davao Medical and Research Center recently. Lean Daval Jr.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 70 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 9 - 10, 2017

BSP chief dares credit execs to uplift MSMEs

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ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. on Friday urged credit executives to put greater focus on the information imbalance on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to help lift the sector.

In his speech during the 1st general membership meeting and induction of officers of the Credit Management Association of the Philippines Inc. (CMAP) in Makati City, Espenilla noted that the MSME sector accounted for 99.5 percent of registered business establishments in the country.

The sector also employs about 61.6 percent of total workforce, 54.7 percent of which are with the micro and small businesses.

The central bank chief said businesses belonging to the sector were so diverse, with exporters representing around 60 percent of the total.

Amid this fact, he said, the sector still found it hard to have easier access to credit, which is also due to lack of comprehensive information about the borrowers.

Thus, the need for a concerted effort to address this and prevent informal lenders from taking advantage of small businesses.

“Asymmetry in credit information for MSMEs results in the entire segments being subject to higher risk premiums or even outright exclusion,” he said.

Espenilla also urged CMAP members to tap “technology and innovative thinking” in the ensuring an efficient delivery of services to MSMEs. “Embrace and leverage on fintech (financing technology) to better serve the unserved led into organized value chains,” he added. (Joann Santiago/PNA)

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) 11 director Maria Lourdes Lim says the Davao Regional Development Plan is contemplating to construct more international airports in Davao Region. Lim, together with Regional Development Plan (RDP) 11

chairperson Governor Anthony del Rosario of Davao del Norte, revealed the plans during a news conference before the launch of RDP at SMX Convention Center in Lanang on Friday. Lean Daval Jr

New Samsung experience Microsatellite can help AFP in Marawi opens in Davao City mall T

By ANGIE SAVERON

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LUE hue lit up Victoria Plaza Mall during the opening of the second concept store of Samsung’s Experience Store in partnership with 8telcom on July 7, 2017.

It is also billed as the first redesigned concept store in the Philippines. In line with the celebration of 8telcom’s 15 years anniversary, Samsung decided to go back to where everything started. It was at the Victoria Plaza where the first 8telcom multi-brand kiosk was established.

The host of this event was 2017 Diwa ng Davao Carly Chua. The event started with a soulful song prayer that was sang by Czexyl followed by the prayer led by Fr. Danny Montaña. Mayor Sara Duterte- Carpio, Jason Lloyd Lao, Annie Salinas, Rhinn Paul Piczon and Jose Antonio Paulo Reyes simultaneously cut the

ribbon for the official opening of the store. Everyone gathered inside as Fr. Danny give blessing to the establishment.

A gracious tribal dance performance was given by Anaksin dayang- Dayang.

“I would like to thank first of course my partner so, headed by Sir Jig and of course our Boss Sir Rhinn. Uhh sir, thank you for the trust and of course we commit with Samsung, we commit to not only deliver what is needed to be delivered but of course giving the best service to our city.” Lao said.

He also thanked the people of Davao and wants to give more jobs to the people. He thanked his wife, his son, his family, his friends, his 8telcom family and his business partners because he believes that without them this milestone is not possible.

Hon. Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio also gave her speech

of gratitude to Samsung and 8telcom for inviting her in the event. “We from the part of the city government are grateful for the investor confidence in Davao city, especially in this trying times and challenging times for Mindanao.” She also wished for more blessings for their endeavors and future investments here in the city.

As a grand opening promo of the Samsung Experience Store they have will be giving away Mono Headset for the first fifty customers. They have five phone models that have free Bluetooth speaker upon purchase namely: Samsung J1 mini prime, Samsung Galaxy On7, Samsung a5 2017, Samsung j1 2016 and Samsung A9 Pro. They also want to market the latest nationwide promotion of Samsung which is Samsung J7 Pro, pre-booking is until July 9, 2017. According to John Louie Lao Marketing &

Operations Manager of 8telcom “If they will pre-order, they will get free Samsung Wireless Scoop Speaker.” The launch of J7 Pro will be on July 15, 2017 “We would want to have 100% availability for all Samsung smart phones and tablets and for accessories wide range jud siya, from the low-end to the high-end.“ John said. “All branded, all original Samsung Accessories.“ he added. Wearable gadgets are also available in the store. He also claims that it is the first store that 100% live demo units because they want to promote touch and feel experience for the customer.

The event was a success and everyone in the vicinity shared smiles as they have witnessed another establishment that would highlight the improving economy of Davao City.

HE Diwata microsatellite can help the Armed Forces in Marawi since the satellites has advanced imaging capability.

Engineer Ariston Gonzalez of the Philippine Microsat Program said the Diwata 1 satellite and the upcoming Diwata 2 satellite which will be launched next year have sophisticated optics such as a high-precision telescope, wide field camera, middle field camera and a multi spectral imager with liquid crystal tunable filter.

Gonzalez said Diwata I will be focused on research particularly in agriculture, disaster and environment.

The space-borne multi-spectral imager is used to monitor changes in vegetation and marine productivity, the wide-field cameras is utilized to observe cloud patterns and weather disturbances while the high-precision telescope with its 3-meter spatial resolution (3

meters is equal to one pixel) is used to determine the extent of damages after disasters.

He said any in the government including the military can request their offices for images. The satellite has taken thousands of images and is a click away. Photos taken from the satellite can be instantly received at the ground receiving stations in Manila and in Japan. The satellite orbits the earth three times a day.

Due to its advance optics the images taken from Diwata I has earned praises and has been described to be better than the photos taken by larger satellites.

In the Marawi siege the Armed Forces has been relying from American and Australian P3-C Orion aircraft for airborne surveillance. Various satellite imagery have also shown the great extent of damage the siege has brought to the city. (PIA/RG Alama)

PhilPlans exec: Company remains financially stable

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HILPLANS First, Inc. Chairman Monico V. Jacob said Thursday the company remains financially stable with assets still exceeding its liabilities.

Jacob made the statement after Insurance Commission released data showing that the preneed industry incurred a net loss of PHP831.54 million in the first quarter of the year.

Insurance Commission data noted that PhilPlans had biggest net loss in Q1 2017 amounting to PHP1.12 billion.

But Jacob said that the

firm’s total assets reach PHP38.1 billion, bigger by PHP4.6 billion compared to its liabilities of PHP33.5 billion.

“PhilPlans is financially viable,” Jacob stressed.

“Its total assets far exceed its liabilities by P4.6 Billion.

It can more than adequately serve all of the benefits due all of its plan holders as their policies mature,” he added.

PhilPlans is in the preneed industry for 28 years providing financial solutions like pension, education, and memorial programs. (KMC/PNA)

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EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

Plant more abaca, Regus, global work place Aklan farmers told

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HE demand for abaca fiber is high and the price is good. With this favorable assessment, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) here is encouraging farmers to plant more abaca.

The province of Aklan produced 82% of abaca in Western Visayas in 2016, and according to Tarcesio J. Nervar, Jr., Provincial Fiber Officer of the PhilFIDA here, the province also produces good quality fiber.

Abaca, according to Nervar, has many uses and a wide market. The United States, United Kingdom, Japan, India, China, Indonesia and South Korea buys abaca raw fiber while its pulp is in demand in the US, Gernmany, UK, France, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, China and Singapore.

Eight countries – the US, Singapore, Canada, United Arab Emirates, UK, Gerrmany, Malaysia and Australia have demand for abaca cordage/ rope/twine while Hongkong, Italy, Japan, UK, Spain, France, China and Nigeria use abaca yarns and fabrics.

On the other hand, the UK, Mexico, Australia, Spain, Japan, US, Hongkong, Italy and China are the markets for abaca fibercrafts.

One other product made from abaca fiber, according to

Nervar, which has a very good and wide market, is the tea bag.

This is seen to increase the country’s earnings from abaca, because according to Nervar, millions of people from all over the world drink tea daily.

Based on records of the PhilFIDA, the Philippines was the major supplier of abaca fiber in the world in 2015 with 86% equivalent to 67,347 metric tons, while Ecuador and Costa Rica provided 14%.

In the country, the province of Aklan ranked 9th among the top 10 abaca fiber-producing provinces in 2016, producing 2,400 metric tons.

In the top 10 list are Catanduanes, number 1; Davao Oriental, 2nd; Northern Samar, 3rd; Lanao del Sur, 4th; Agusan del Sur, 5th; Bukidnon, 6th; Albay, 7th; Surigao del Sur, 8th and Davao del Sur, 10th.

The province of Aklan has 8 abaca-producing towns – Libacao, Balete, Malinao, Makato, Madalag, Banga, Ibajay and Tangalan.

In 2016, these municipalities produced a total of 2,399,972 kilograms of abaca fiber, registering an increase of 39% compared to 1,450,202 kilograms produced in 2015.

Currently, total areas planted with abaca in Aklan is 4,377.38 hectares. (VGV PIA6 Aklan)

POPULAR, decades-long cooking competition that showcases the best of Mindanao’s culinary scene is the latest casualty in the sixweek old Marawi City siege.

This city’s annual “Kumbira” (feast)--a major highlight of the Kagay-an Festival--has been scrapped for the first time after a 20-year running streak, according to the event organizer, the Cagayan de Oro Hotels and Restaurants Association (Cohara) .

Cohara vice-president Eduardo Pelaez said the decision was reached following the withdrawal of six major sponsors.

“The sponsors are not willing to send their staff here because according to them, they are not going to risk their (safety),” Pelaez said, referring to the ongoing hostilities in Marawi City, some 130 kilometers southwest of this city.

He said the problem was also compounded by the pullout of contestants from several schools in Iligan and Marawi cities.

School-based participants to the annual cooking competition number at least 100 participants, who would have vied for several cooking contest categories at Limketkai Atrium from August 16 to 18.

The three-day cook fest

would have featured professional chefs and culinary students besting each other to produce some of the best traditional Filipino foods, such as Humba Lumba, Sinuglaw Espesyal, Coffee Desserts, Biko, Pineapple Flambe, Artistic Bread Showpiece, Plated Filipino Dessert, Fresh Fruit Platter with Carving, Pastry and Dessert, Latte Art and Modern Filipino Set. Contestants would also have competed for the Kagayanon Puto, Binaki de Oro, Salads and Sandwiches, Pica Pica Platters, Sugba de Oro Platter with Condiments, Flairtending Tandem, Cold Coffee Challenge, Best Filipino Umami Dish and Cagay-anon Dessert Buffet.

Aspiring secondary school students would also have vied for side competitions in the following: Rustic Floral Buffet Centerpiece, Creative Cake Decorating and Themed Buffet Table Setting.

Started in 1996, Kumbira has long been touted as Northern Mindanao’s answer to the prestigious World Food Expo held every year in Metro Manila.

But despite the 20-year break, the Mindanao Chef Wars successfully proceeded as planned. (Mark D. Francisco/PNA)

provider, plans to expand G

LOBAL working place provider Regus announced last Friday it continues to see great potentials in Mindanao, despite martial law declared by President Duterte a month ago on May 23.

A rapidly developing second-tier city, Davao City is expectedly to be the Philippines’ next up and coming hub for commerce, education and manufacturing –supporting and serving the country’s southern regions. This is one reason Regus is putting up a second center in the city within the next two years, though the company is also planning to expand in other cities of Mindanao.

Regus Philippines Country manager Lars Wittig told Davao business reporters the company is looking for another building to set up a new center.

The working place solutions provider has likewise initiating discussion on expansion plans with first partner Damosa Land Inc. (DLI) of the Floirendo group.

Regus which occupies 1,600-square meter area of Damosa’s Topaz Tower, its present center attracts new locators and receives some 40 inquiries a month.

Ricardo F. Lagdameo, DLI vice president, said that his company is ready to discuss with Regus its expansion plan, but if the latter will look for new places, then it could do so.

“So who are we to deny a good plan,” said Lagdameo.

Wittig said the expansion in the city will still “likely come ahead of any expansion outside the city” as the company is looking also to put up centers in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Zamboanga.

Despite the recent incidents in Mindanao, particularly the declaration of martial law, Mr. Wittig said the average occupancy of the center is at 82%, “which is very high” with about 300 people using it as they represent 25 companies, with about 60% of these companies foreign.

Adding that the company has identified some areas in the city for its expansion, Mr. Wittig said the company is looking for a new center conducive to those who will decide to locate in the city either as executives of companies that have presence here or those looking for opportunities.

“We need to pursue what is possible,” he said, adding that at present, among the 25 centers in the country, the one in the city is considered among the fastest growing as it achieved an 80% occupancy six months after it opened in August last year.

The need for a new center in the city, he added, is also “driven by the high renewal rate,” as last month, of the four companies whose contracts expired, three of them re-signed.

“That (renewal rate) is pretty high in our experience in the Philippines,” he said, pointing out that even with the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, “nothing has slowed down” in terms of the operations of the

center.

The high renewal rate as well as the high number of inquiries are both indicators that the attention of the companies on the city as an investment area is not waning. Mr. Wittig pointed out that in Vietnam, the company could only operate seven centers as he jokingly said the company told him to “bring with” him “the magic wand” that he is using in the Philippines.

He said companies have “shown how serious they are in their plans in the city” either on possible expansion of their footprints or starting up their operations. “They have to convince their stakeholders that the city is a mature area for their investments,” he said.

The good thing is that, the city is always ready to help new investors based on the experience of his company, Wittig said, citing that he and Lagdameo “shook hands for the partnership in February (2016) and we started operating in August (of that year).”

Popular food fest scrapped in Oro fest A

UPBEAT. Regus country manager Lars Witting (right) says he is hopeful to open second center in Davao City at the end of the year.

Witting, who is joined by Damosa Land, Inc. vice president Ricardo

‘Cary’ Lagdameo, also bared the company is eyeing expansion opportunities in the city during a news conference at the company’s Tupaz Bldg. office at Damosa IT Park on Friday. Lean Daval Jr

DOE hopes to restore power in quake-hit areas in a week

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ECRETARY Alfonso Cusi of the Department of Energy (DOE) thanked the men and women who are working on 24-hour shifts to bring back electricity within three to five days in the quake-affected areas in the Visayas.

Cusi conducted an aerial and ground inspection of the various power plants, including geothermal facilities, that sustained damage from the magnitude 6.5 quake that recently hit the region.

A combination of bypass and build-back-better strategies are being implemented by the engineers, with Cusi expressing hope that power will be fully re-

stored within seven days.

“I commend the dedicated Visaya, Warays and the other personnel who are working 24/7 to fast track the delivery of safe and reliable electricity services to around 3 million consumers,” said Cusi.

Cusi added, “The Yolanda experience taught us a lot and I have seen that we have improved on restoration practices, but there is always room for improvement.”

The energy chief is hopeful that a tremendous improvement in the delivery of energy services within three to seven days.”

Among the power plats inspected by Cusi are the 1) 180-

megawatt (MW) Majanandog Geothermal Power Plant (GPP); 230- MW Malitbog GPP; 120MW Tongonan GPP; and 120MW Upper Majiao GPP. The power plants have seven other optimizing plants in their system with an additional generation of 50 MW. Meanwhile, Cusi received a briefing from Energy Development Corp. (EDC) president Ricky Tantoco and vice president Lito Santos, regarding the various issues brought about by the quake and the actions being taken to resolve them: The Tongonan facility which is directly connected to the 138KV transmission line of the

National Grid Corp.of the Philippines (NGCP) sustained damage to its office, the plant itself and transformer. Out of the potential 120MWs, 40 MWs are being targeted to be delivered within seven to eight days, another 40MWs

by Sept. 1 and the last 40MWs within 50 days.

The Malitbog GPP should be able to deliver around 150 MW

by July 11, 2017 to the areas of Samar and Ormoc City because it sustained minor damage.

The Malitbog, Majanandog and Majiao GPPs deliver electricity through the Marshaling Station which was likewise damaged by the earthquake. (PR/ PNA)

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Tagum, Sto. Tomas top Kadagayaan Fest

T

AGUM City and the Municipality of Sto. Tomas both won the Best Dressed Booth for the LGU Category in the Agri-Aqua Exhibit Contest highlighting the Kadagayaan Festival 2017.

The two LGUs, which represented Districts 1 and 2, respectively bagged the top prize of Php 100,000 cash prize.

The Municipalities of Talaingod and B.E. Dujali shared the second spot (Php 80,000 each) and the Municipality of Asuncion and the City of Panabo as third placers (Php 60,000 each).

The Mango Industry Council won the Best Commodity Council Booth with Php 50,000 cash prize, Cooperatives of Davao del Norte placed second (Php 40,000), Cavendish Industry Council-third placer (Php 30,000), Local Banana Industry Council-fourth place (Php 20,000) and the Rice Industry Council on the fifth slot (Php 10,000).

Talaingod Municipality garnered 20,000 pesos (1st place) for the Urban Gardening Design Contest, followed

by Tagum City as second placer (Php 15,000), and Asuncion National High School on the third place (Php 10,000).

Non-winning entries from the three categories received

consolation prizes worth Php 40,000, Php 5,000 and Php 5,000, respectively.

Governor Anthony del Rosario in his speech reminded everybody that the province’s success over the past five decades does not only rely on the abundant crop yield but also owing to the rich diverse culture that DavNor proudly conserves.

“With our theme, “Bulawanong Paghinumdum, Bulawanong Panlantaw,” this year’s Kadagayaan Festival is more than just celebrating our heritage and bountiful harvest. It is about honouring our special history and identity that bind us as one Province”, the governor bared.

The seven days trade fair spearheaded by the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAGRO) aimed to showcase various and proudly Dabaonon products, as well as high-value and export quality crops that made the province known in international markets.

Kadagayaan Festival is truly a celebration of bountiful harvest and rich natural resources as the province proudly displayed all these agricultural crops and local products in celebration of the weeklong Araw ng Davao del Norte’s Golden jubilee.

TOTAL of 30 villages in the province have recently declared themselves as “drugcleared” communities.

Following the outlined guidelines for the implementation of the drug-clearing program, these villages in all ten municipalities and one city of the province have accomplished the parameters set by the Dangerous Drugs Board, allowing them to be declared as “drug-cleared”.

The series of validation conducted by the Regional Oversight Committee has started on June 28 in the Municipality of Tarragona where the first two villages of Tubaon and Tomoaong were officially declared as drug-cleared with a total of 80 drug reformists. The rest of the barangays are now waiting for validation from the oversight committee before they will be formally declared cleared from drugs.

According to the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), for a barangay to be declared as “drug-cleared”, it has to fulfill the mandatory requirements set on the DDB. Among them is to plan, strategize, implement, and evaluate programs on drug abuse in the barangay. It also has to organize and equip Tanods and BADAC Auxillary Team on their roles and functions in the campaign against street level illegal drug trade through seminars and training.

Based on the guidelines, barangays should determine and maintain records of information on all drug-related incidents as well as listings of suspected drug pushers and users. They are also mandated to identify drug affected

house clusters, workplaces, streets, puroks and sitios and inventory drug personalities involved in illegal drugs.

In addition to the set of parameters, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Action Officer in the province and the Chairman of the Davao Oriental Provincial Oversight Committee, Rey D. Pavillar said that a periodic monitoring of drug reformists undertaking Community-Based Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation will be conducted through random drug testing.

Relative to the nationwide anti-drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte, the Province of Davao Oriental under the leadership of Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang is intensifying its efforts in fighting drugs. Just recently, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the construction of a new drug rehabilitation facility in Sitio Magay, Don Martin Marundan, City of Mati, a project funded by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. in partnership with the Provincial Government.

To further strengthen and sustain efforts in the fight against drugs, PADAC Officer and Provincial Administrator Benjie Bulaong revealed that the Provincial Government will soon launch a new program for drug reformist dubbed as “Lihok NLD (Nagkakaisang mamamayan Laban sa Droga). The program aims to assist drug reformists in their journey towards rehabilitation and reintegration to the society. By Karen Lou Deloso

LGUs intensify efforts to rid villages of drugs A

Sheltering various commodities and local product displays are the winning booths of Tagum City and the Municipality of Sto. Tomas.

Remote DavOr village now connected to town

T

HE remote San Pedro village in Caraga town, Davao Oriental is finally connected to the main town after the bridge destroyed by Typhoon Pablo in 2012 is finally completed.

Karen Lou Deloso of the Davao Oriental Provincial Information Office on Friday said the newly-completed bridge will benefit hundreds of families mostly farmers living across the Caraga River.

The funds for the construction of the concrete bailey

bridge reached PHP154 million under the “Pablo Rehabilitation Fund”. The project started in 2014 initiated by former the former governor now first district Representative Corazon Malanyaon.

Deloso said that after the typhoon damaged the bridge it was immediately repaired but was washed out in 2014 when a low pressure area “Agaton” hit the area. The residents in San Pedro, Deloso said, endured many years of crossing the river using wooden fishing

boats as a mode of transportation.

Deloso said the bridge is now structurally by the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) to adapt to the changes in climate conditions.

With the completion of the bridge, Deloso said the residents, especially the children in the villages of Pakahon, Tubod, Boa, and Batiano across the Caraga River can now travel and market their produce easily. Government services can

also reach the villages.

According to Deloso, the village farmers living across the river are overwhelmed by the breakthrough project which they say will help cut transportation time and cost.

Malanyaon described the bridge as a symbol of the people’s unity and the convergence of all agencies of the government. This shows that the provincial government commitment that no one is left behind in terms of development.

(Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

villages a day before, said Bishop Modesto Villasanta of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, chairman of the human rights group Karapatan in Surigao del Sur. The displaced residents are now taking refuge at Simowao Tribal Community School in the neighboring sub-village of Emerald, about nine kilometers away from the national high-

way.

Bishop Villasanta said the lumad evacuees are looking at transferring to a safer and bigger evacuation area later in the week.

The same tribal communities fled the area and stayed for a year at the provincial sports complex in Tandag City after the killing of two tribal leaders gripped the upland villages.

Father Raymond Ambray, a Catholic priest in the area, said the evacuation has disrupted classes at six tribal school, affecting some 800 students and their 43 volunteer teachers.

Villasanta said Karapatan and another non-government organization in the area—the Friends of Lumad in Caraga— will ask Gov. Vicente Pimentel

Thousands of Surigao Sur Manobos abandon villages

S

OME 2,000 Manobo lumads from nine hinterland communities of this town fled their homes anew, fearing an imminent military operation and stricter checkpoints by government forces.

Residents started evacuating Thursday, July 6, after noticing the presence of military helicopters and a bomber plane hovering around their

F THOUSANDS, 10

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Two 15-minute power interruptions on July 9-10 in some parts of Panabo, Davao

D

AVAO Light and Power Co., Inc. will conduct two 15-minute power interruptions on July 9, Sunday, and July 10, Monday, both from 6:00 AM to 6:15 AM affecting customers connected to Panabo Feeders 1 and 2, and San Vicente Feeder 1.

These service disruptions will be necessary to conduct preventive maintenance activity at Davao Light’s Panabo Substation.

Specifically affected are customers from Lasang overpass going to Panabo Substation up to Panabo Public Market including Brgy. Caganguhan, Brgy. Gredu, DLPC Office, and neighboring areas.

Also affected are customers from San Vicente Substation going to Panabo Public Market including Gaisano Mall, Panabo Park.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience brought about by this scheduled power interruption.

But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

Please contact our 24/7 Call Center Service at 2293572 for any power interruption that will fall outside the given indicated schedule.

Decision on visa-free entry for Filipinos to Taiwan known soon

T

HE Taiwanese government is expected to make a formal announcement in September indicating the exact date of the visa-free entry for Filipinos to Taiwan.

This was the statement made by Taiwan’s represen-

tative to the Philippines and head of the Taipei Economic Cooperation Office (TECO) Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin during the 2017 Taiwan Tourism Workshop held at the New World Manila Bay Hotel Wednesday (July 5).

FDECISION, 10

DOE invites Koreans to invest in country’s energy projects

T

HE Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) under Secretary Alfonso Cusi today announced to Asian energy sector players and government officials that the Philippines will require 43,765 megawatts (MW) of additional electricity capacity by 2040.

Represented by Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, he told the Korea-Asia Energy Cooperation that the required additional capacity represents a three-fold increase in the Philippines’ demand for energy.

Fuentebella also expounded on the energy policies and thrusts of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte during the convening of the seminar at the Plaza Hotel in Seoul.

The DOE official briefed the audience of promising investment prospects in the Philippine energy sector.

“To address this need, the Philippines would need 70% base load power plants, 20% medium range power plants and 10% peak load power

Department of Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella promoted Philippine energy investment opportunities during the Korea-Asia Energy Cooperation Seminar conventionat the Plaza Hotel in Seoul, Republic of Korea on 7 July 2017. plants.”

Fuentebella cited the demand for new power plants in areas identified by the DOE in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Major energy projects were also highlighted in the presentation, such as the Integrated LNG Terminal and Visayas-Mindanao Intercon-

nection Project along with their corresponding costs and projected timelines for completion.

To highlight the Philippines as an attractive destination for energy investors, Fuentebella announced that President Duterte recently signed Executive Order No. 30

giving priority status to energy projects.

Under E.O. 30, an Energy Investment Coordinating Council was created to streamline regulatory procedures affecting energy projects of national significance.

The EO also reduced to 30

FDOE, 10

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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EDITORIAL

S

Achieving peace through sports

PORTS has been known as the universal equalizer. It is in sports that everyone comes and competes on equal footing, and it is in sports that one transcends boundaries in race, religion and education.

Sports is also a vehicle to achieve peace.

Behind these universal credo on sports, the real results come where governments and private individuals use sports as a medium to achieve greater ends like peace and human development.

These are the assumptions by which the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) took off for its ambitious program to achieve what political divide hindered. The PSC, under the stewardship of second-termer Dabawenyo Chairman Butch Ramirez, has launched the Children’s Games Larong Pinoy program. The program is a multi-faceted vehicle to harness cultural immersion for the younger generation as well as promote peace in conflict areas where children are most affected. These goals are apart from the usual impact on keeping kids away from illegal drugs and crimes.

Indeed, the program is succeeding where there is just so much division brought about by political conflicts in the country. Don’t look now

EDGEDAVAO

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but even the international body, the United Nations Education Sientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), has made notice of the noble program. Now, this is something different from the usual reactions we get from the United Nations over the bloody anti-drugs campaign of the government. It took this program for kids to get the UN body see something good in the country and by far it is paying off. Not even the hardline critics of the Duterte administration or the opposition has somethig to say against the program.

The plan of the PSC is to implement the Children’s Games not only nationwide but also in countries where there is a huge Filipino community. The wisdom behind the program is to reconnect the young Filipinos abroad to their heritage. That way, the future overseas Pinoys remain rooted to the Filipino culture.

This is one program the government must invest significantly. First, it ensures a peacful coexistence among the next generation of Filipinos.

Second, it enmeshes the Filipino culture among the future Filipino generation away from home.

And we are not even talking about sports excellence yet.

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EDGEDAVAO

I

F there is one industry that is synonymous to this region, it is the banana industry.

It is the one scene that confronts you from the air as the plane leaves the Agusan plains and flies past Compostela and Davao del Norteprovinces towards Davao City.

And Cavendish banana (shipped out from this region) is one commodity you can now access in the wet markets of the Visayas and Luzon as well as the tourist spots of Palawan and Southern Tagalog.

Not many know it but the banana industry has been holding its own as the country’s second-ranked Philippine agriculture exports sector. The top export product for decades has been coconuts.

Together coconut oil and fresh banana as the country’s top agricultural exports combined for an average share of 35.82% from 2004-2010.

Contributing $1.14 billion to the world banana trade in 2014, the local industry, particularly the fresh banana

“Y

OU know, Emily was a selfish old woman in her way.

She was very generous, but she always wanted a return. She never let people forget what she had done for them - and, that way she missed love.”

That statement comes from Agatha Christie, taken from her novel entitled, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles.”

I was reminded by the words of Idries Shah. In “Learning How to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way,” he wrote: “The real generosity is when a man does something generous when nobody knows about it.”

But then, the thought of Muhammad Ali also keeps coming to my mind. “I try not to speak about all the charities and people I help, because I believe we can only be truly generous when we expect nothing in return,” he wrote in “The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on Life’s Journey.”

Generosity -- that the term. “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave,” reminded American president Calvin Coolidge.

“Giving is the highest of living,” added inspirational author John C. Maxwell.

“Be generous,” urged W. Clement Stone, American businessman and philanthropist. “Give to those you love; give to those who love you, give to the fortunate, give to the unfortu-

VOL. 10 ISSUE 70 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 9 - 10, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

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The banana industry revisited sector, is also the world’s fifth largest exporter of bananas.

By classification, the industry is divided into three, namely: Cavendish, lacatan, and saba-cardaba. Davao region attained the highest production with 3,854,835 metric tons. Highest production of saba was attained by Davao in 2010 with 582,529 MT. Top major export destinations for fresh bananas include Japan, China and Korea. For chips and crackers, top export markets include Vietnam, China and USA. While, the three countries destinations of dried bananas for export are brought to Vietnam, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

In general, the banana industry, both fresh and processed, occupies 443,370 hectares, with saba cornering 182,001 hectares. The rest is planted to lacatan, with 56,473 hectares, and the fresh Cavendish variety, with 85,809 hectares.

Mindanao, in particular, is home to Cavendish plantations with 85,809 hectares dispersed in fifteen provinces,

REVERSED PUNCH (GYAKU ZUKI)

Jimmy K.Laking

five of them in Davao region alone. This is the equivalent of 19.35% of the total banana hectarage used for the entire industry in southern Philippines.

Around 44,670.29 hectares or roughly 50% of the banana industry hectarage is cultivated by firms registered with the Philippine Banana

Monetary terms Volume of production from the fresh banana sector in 2015 reached 4,563,102 metric tons, providing over 515,000 jobs and paying taxes estimated at P6.5 billion. These figures do not include the P100 million spent annually for corporate social responsibility undertakings.

Industry estimates put the annual wages paid by the industry at P46.4 billion, and a yearly tax contribution to the public coffers of P6 billion.

In terms of development, technology, buildings, logistics, and marketing, PBGEA estimates that investment value per hectare of fresh banana farm costs P1.75 million, or approximately P150.4 billion for the 85,809 hectares covered.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country has an agricultural land area of 9.671 million hectares, divided as follows: arable land, 4.936 million hectares; permanent cropland, 4.225 million hectares; permanent meadows/pastures, 0.129 million hectares; forest land, 0.074 million hectares; other lands, 0.307 million hectares. Of the total arable land, only 450,125 hectares have been planted to bananas, 85,000 hectares of these are in Region XI. The banana industry, moreover, is not only the largest private employer in the country; it is also the second biggest dollar earner. It has also been a huge factor in the development of idle lands and has given employment and ancillary opportunities to thousands of families.

Wheaton College, believing that it was the best tool to help her with the calling of ultimately translating the New Testament of the Bible into an unknown language. It was at Wheaton where she met a man named Jim Elliot.

Jim and Elisabeth went individually to Ecuador, as Christian missionaries, to work with the Quichua (or Quechua) Indians. In 1953, the two tied the nuptial knot in the city of Quito. Before she started work, she listened to the words of Maruja, a woman of a neighboring tribe. She was held captive for one year by the Huaorani.

She stated that the tribe was fierce and they acted like savages, but she also stated that the women were likeable and kind.

Their daughter, Valerie, was 10 months old when her father was killed. “The New York Times” reported: “After Mr. Elliot and his colleagues landed by plane on Jan. 2, 1956, he kept rehearsing a message of good will — “Bitimitipunimupa,” meaning “I like you, I want to be your friend” — from a Waorani phrase book. Three tribe members made a friendly visit, but then there was apparently a miscommunication or a perceived threat.

After the missionaries failed to make radio contact with a base station, searchers found their bodies pierced by wooden spears.

“Ms. Elliot renewed contact with the tribe over the next two years. In

1958, accompanied by her 3-year-old daughter and the sister of one of the murdered missionaries, she moved in with the Waoranis, known to their neighbors as Aucas, or savages. She ministered to them and remained in their settlement, in the foothills of the Andes, subsisting on barbecued monkey limbs and other local fare and living in rain-swept huts.”

Maxwell, who used the story as an example of generosity, wrote: “Under those circumstances, many people in Elisabeth Elliot’s shoes would have gone home. It’s one thing to be willing to give up a comfortable life in the United States to help other people; it’s quite another to give up your spouse.

But Elliot had a truly generous heart.

Despite her terrible loss, she still wanted to help the people of Ecuador.

She stayed and served the Quichuans with whom she was living.”

To end this piece, allow me to quote the words of Cole Ryan, author of “Money: I Think We’ve Missed the Point.” He said: “Here’s the thing: You can be materialistic and poor. You can also be content and rich. It has nothing to do with your income and it has everything to do with your heart. You don’t need to earn more money in order to be generous with your money.

Some people use that as an excuse to be greedy. Jesus seemed to believe that the key to generosity wasn’t having more, but being content with what you already have.”

Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA), while the remaining 30,000 hectares are tilled by agrarian reform beneficiaries and small landowners, mostly under growership programs.

These plantations are found in the provinces of Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Compostela Valley, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, AgusandelNorte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Sur.

Giving without expecting in return

nate — yes, give especially to those you don’t want to give. You will receive abundance for your giving. The more you give, the more you will have.”

A grandmother was standing in a store with a friend watching an artist demonstrate the work he was doing when she became aware that a man was staring at her. She thought he must be lonesome or that she reminded him or someone. She gave him a friendly smile.

At that he came over and with a shy smile of his own, opened the brown bag he was carrying. “I would like to give you a present,” he said without any introduction. And he put into her hand a beautifully carved little wooden horse.

He would have left right then if grandma had not insisted on asking questions. He refused to tell her his name but said that he worked as a night watchman at a factory. He carved such figures in his spare time from scrap lumber. When they were finished, he would walk along the street until he would find someone who looks as if he might like a horse, as he put it.

He explained that he had never had art lesson. “But where I come from, everyone whittles.”

Grandma’s friend, who owns a small gift shop, grew quite excited about the carving. “It’s beautiful!” she exclaimed. “If you bring several to our store, I know we can sell them for you.”

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

But the man shook his head. “If I sold them,” he said simply, “then making them would be just a chore. I get more pleasure this way.”

Grandma has never seen the man since. But the little horse is one of her most treasured possessions. Whenever she looks at it, she thinks of the giver and prays that the generosity of his heart and spirit has found its reward.

To her, it is perfect gift. It was given to a total stranger without thought of gratitude or reward.

I am not sure if the story above is true or not but here’s a true story of Elisabeth Howard Elliot. She was born in Brussels, Belgium and was only a few months old when her family went to the United States.

She studied Classical Greek at

10 NEWS DOUBLE... FROM 1 In pursuit of the Filipino aspiration for a matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay, The Region’s development Framework closely dovetails that of the PDP, with each strategy focusing on the needs of the Davao Region. It likewise lays the foundation for the inclusive growth, a high trust society and globally competitive knowledge economy. Its strategies fall under three objective, namely: malasakit (enhancing the moral and social fabric) , Pagbabago (reducing inequality), and patuloy na pag-unlad (increasing the growth potential).

In a statement during a press briefing after the motorcade, the RDC said “the DRDP sets key targets that Davao Region aims to achieve,” adding that “by 2022, the economic growth rate is set at 11.5 percent in the medium term.”

“Overall poverty rate is targeted to decline from 16.1 percent to 13.6 percent by 2022,” adding that other targets are higher trust in the government and society, more resilient individuals and communities, and a greater drive for innovation.”

Embedded in the RDP are strategies that provide necessary environment for the Plan to work. These include

achieving peace and security, Accelerating infrastructure development, building resilient communities and ensuring ecological integrity.

According to Regional Director Ma. Lourdes D. Lim of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), The RDC 11 targets are doable as indicated by the increasing trend of the GRDP for many years, interrupted only by Typhoon Pablo which devastated Compostela Valley Province and Davao Oriental.

RDC 11 chair, Governor del Rosario, said that the regional goals are achievable, specially if the people and the leaders of local government units (LGUs) like the municipalities, cities and provinces will cooperate and contribute their share in accomplishing the targets.

Davao Oriental 1st District Representative Corazon N. Malanyaon, Compostela Valley 1st District Representative Maria Carmen Zamora and Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ronald Anthony C. Go delivered strong messages of support based on the DRDP’s pillars.

The RDP Launch also featured booths and exhibits showcasing the plans, on-going programs and services of LGUs and NGAs.

in the illegal drugs trade and blamed his son, Raul Jr., for the drugs recovered in his home.

Cole Sr. said he and his son had a fistfight recently after he reprimanded the young Cole about his drug problem.

Cole’s arrest came just about 12 hours after the apprehension of San Fernando Municipal Councilors Johnny Arrisgado, Edwin Villaver,

and Alfonso Donaire IV, and two days after Barangay Malabago Captain Epifania Alvizo of Badian, Cebu, was nabbed in a buy-bust operation on Wednesday.

Cole is now detained at the Cebu Provincial Police Office pending the filing of cases against him. (LBG/USJR intern Levirose Caballero/ PNA)

to facilitate the conduct of post-conflict needs assessment in Marawi and develop a comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery program for the city and other affected areas.

“Task Force Bangon Mara-

wi shall bear the build back better principle in its rehabilitation and recovery efforts, steering a culture of peace in Marawi communities and the rest of Mindanao,” Yano said.

(PFN/PNA)

issued the search warrants for the three successive raids.

Talino said they have been investigating the three local government officials for many

months after the PRO-7 received information from San Fernando about the municipal councilors’ illegal activities in the community. (PNA)

to allow the use of the provincial sports complex in Tandag as temporary shelter for the lumad evacuees.

Villasanta and Ambray expressed dismay with yet another displacement for the lumads, pointing out that the villagers have just started rebuilding their farms, homes and schools after they fled the area following the killing of tribal leader Dionel Campos and Emerito Samarca, a tribal school director, in September 1, 2015.

Citing reports relayed by the lumad evacuees to Karapa-

tan, Villasanta said government forces belonging to at least three Army battalions have been conducting military operations in the hinterland communities in this town, as well as in neighboring San Miguel and San Agustin towns, beginning Monday, July 3 .

Since then, residents have complained of harassments at military checkpoints, alleging that they were required to show proofs of identification and made to write their names on a logbook. (PNA/CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN)

Village... FROM 2

TF... FROM 3

Three... FROM 3

Thousands... FROM 6

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Fishermen aboard small but colorful fishing boats try to catch fish at the Davao Gulf near Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

Marawi... FROM 1 runs from dawn to noon.

Herrera said there are about 80 high-rise buildings that the military is trying to clear.

He said terrorist leader Abdullah Maute is “still in command” and “foreign terrorists are still there” in the area.

The death toll has been continually increasing since the armed conflict erupted on May 23. At least 366 terrorist have been killed, while government troopers suffered 87 casualties.

There are 39 civilians have

also been executed by the Maute group.

On Friday, the military extracted four more civilians in the battle zone bringing the total number of rescued civilians to 1,022.

The rescue efforts are also being conducted by the Joint Coordination, Monitoring and Assistance Center of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front under the “Peace Corridor” initiative.

Herrera said the troops are now zeroing in the area where the terrorists are being holed

warrant of arrest for his alleged involvement in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao that left 58 people killed, including 30 journalists.

He may have eluded arrest but police filed charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives and illegal drugs so another warrant will be out for him.

country.

“Many structures, particularly houses, are either non-engineered or old,” he said.

Assessing structural sta-

bility will show if a structure can still be repaired or re-occupied, or if they have to be condemned or demolished.

(Catherine J. Teves/PNA)

It may be recalled that the Taiwan government earlier announced its plans to ease the entrance of Filipinos into Taiwan through its visa-liberalization initiatives.

However, Lin said the Taiwan government will only make an announcement once all preparations have been completed.

Reports showed that the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier postponed the visa-free entry initially set for June due to some technical problems.

During the workshop, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau in cooperation with the TECO, showcased Taiwan’s latest tourism developments.

The workshop featured a “Travel Mart” and presentations from different Taiwanese and Filipino partner institutions, followed by a dinner and program to cap off the festivities.

Lin, in his speech, emphasized the growing relationship between the Philippines and

Taiwan and how tourism can boost this relationship to even greater heights.

He stated that both nations tend to overlook each other over the years despite its geographical closeness, only being separated by a twohour flight.

“It is time for the Philippines and Taiwan to beef up our traditionally long-standing friendship,” Lin said.

Along with the recently implemented “New Southbound Policy” which tops the Philippines on the priority list, Lin said that he believed that these actions will help strengthen the two countries’ “comprehensive relationship” along with the ASEAN nations, New Zealand, Australia, and the South Asian Nations.

Moreover, he said that through these joint efforts the two countries will not only enhance trade and investments, but also strengthen exchanges of culture, education, people to people, and including tourism.

(Azer N. Parrocha/PNA)

Explosive... FROM 2 Easing... FROM 3

Decision... FROM 7

up.

“We have established defensive positions against the Maute,” he said.

For his part, Zia Alonto-Adiong, the spokesperson of the Lanao del Sur crisis management committee, said measures are being drawn up for the massive rehabilitation of the besieged city.

“There is a need to provide soft financial packages for house loans and also to provide the needed capital for the local traders since the crisis have significantly affected the local

Bayan... FROM 2

economy of this city,” he said.

Adiong also bats to strengthen the teaching of moderate Islam to prevent individuals from the joining extremist group.

“There’s a need to expand Mandaris system. Military approach will not end the problem, it has to be collective efforts from all sectors,” he said.

According to him, the local government is already in talks with several non-government organizations to help address the root cause of conflict. (Darwin Wally T. Wee/PNA)

Adviser Esperon and AFP Chief Año, who are sabotaging the peace negotiations.”

“These militarists should instead be fired for bungling the situation in Marawi and for pushing for the declaration of Martial law in Mindanao,” he

said.

“We reiterate our call for the release of all political prisoners as a matter of justice and for resolution of the root causes of the five-decade old rebellion in our country,” Rep. Zarate said.

days the processing time for applications for energy-related undertakings and projects.

In the open forum, the DOE official said the Philippine government is open to looking at micro-grids to augment the energy supply given the country’s archipelagic location.

He said the DOE would soon release guidelines pertaining to the Green Energy Option.

Following the seminar, several Korean companies expressed interest in exploring energy investment opportunities in the Philippines.

months.

6. Cover with polyethylene plastic. Cover the pile with black polyethylene plastic sheets to control the temperature and maintain the required heat.

7. Add carbonized rice hull. Add about 2 kilograms of carbonized rice hull to 48 kilograms of organic fertilizer to prevent the occurrence and proliferation of harmful fungi in the organic fertilizer.

8. Air-dry the organic fertilizer. The standard moisture content of the organic fertilizer for the market is 30%.

Thus, air-drying is necessary to attain this desired moisture.

9. Sieve/refine the organic fertilizer. When lumps have formed during compost-

ing, pulverize them through the same shredder used in cutting raw materials. Use a 2-mm mesh sieve to produce a uniformly-sized and finer organic fertilizer.

10. Bag the organic fertilizer. Pack the sieved/refined organic fertilizer in 1-kilogram, 35-kilogram, and 50-kilogram bags or sacks.

According to the primer, one cycle of organic fertilizer production takes 30-45 days.

In one year, eight production cycles are possible.

At the end of the eighth cycle, a net income of P37,600 to P57,000 can be realized.

In other areas, a good quality organic fertilizer can be sold from P300 to P400 per bag.

(Photos taken from the net)

DOE... FROM 7

AGRITRENDS... FROM 12

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EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 70 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 9 - 10, 2017

FLOATS A1 colorful and beautiful.

But judges had to choose the “fairest of them all.”

And it so happened that my hometown, Bansalan, was chosen as the first prize winner.

When I posted the photos in my Facebook account, Luzon journo Frank A. Hilario asked why it won. “I don’t see a single message (in the float),” he wondered.

Since I didn’t know the criteria, I answered him, “I don’t have any idea.” But Leila RispensNoel commented: “It’s the most beautiful among the floral floats.” Business Mirror columnist offered this thought: “It won because it matches the message of the classic traditional song, Bahay Kubo.”

But it was Rosario R. Moreno, a municipal government employee, who wrote what perhaps was the reason why it won: “Gold flowers represents golden anniversary celebration and the waterfall represents the National Irrigation Administration dam. The materials are made of coco products, our one town one product (OTOP). The layers of flowers represents slope farming (which our barangay Kinuskusan is noted for: Sloping Agri-

cultural Land Technology. More importantly, it features the Bagobo tribe with their hut and the bountiful harvest of Bansalan.”

Declared second prize winner was the Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DASURECO),

whose main office is based in Cogon, Davao del Sur. Digos City National High School (DiCNHS), formerly known as Davao del Sur National High School, was adjudged third prize winner.

July 7, 2017 only

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EDGEDAVAO

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150th Canada Day in Davao City THE 150TH CANADA DAY IN DAVAO CITY was celebrated on June 23, 2017 with a Dinner Reception at SEDA ABREEZA, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ Hotel Partner for this event.

CanCham President Julian H. Payne in his Welcome Address mentioned that “The Filipinos have changed the face of Canada and the event today is a token of our presence in Davao”.

Whilst H.E. Ambassador John Holmes, Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines on a video message said “More than 700-thousand Canadians with Filipino origins have done so much to strengthen the ties between our countries.”

Cultural Dances were performed by Madayaw Kultural Dancers of the

City Government of Davao and Sinag Tala Cultural Dancers from John Paul II College of Davao.

The occasion was graced by Officers & Members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines – Davao Chapter. MANULIFE PHILIPPINES and ANFLOCOR attended by CEO Alex Valoria as the major sponsor of the event. Joji Ilagan Bian & Nicole Hao Bian of ICHEF to have sponsored the 150th Canada Day Cake.

DCIPC Head Lemuel

Nicole Hao Bian, Joji Ilagan Bian of IChef present the 150th Canada Day Cake to CanCham President, Julian H. Payne (right) is joined by Bambu Cancham President Julian H. Payne. Also in the photo is Japanese Consul Tomoko Domingo, J. Ricky M. Tagabucba and Nilo G. Claudio for a Dodo and Nilo G. Claudio, CanCham Board of Trustee. ceremonial toast.

Ortonio; DFA-Mindanao Officer In-Charge Ebrahim Zailon; Japanese Consul Tomoko Dodo; Councilors Bernard Alag and Maria Belen Acosta; Holy Cross of Davao College President Rev. Msgr. Julius Rodulfa; Davao Doctors Hospital President & CEO Raymund Del Val amongst those invited guests Hany Constantin, Roy Rivera, Carlos Vargas, Bien Estanislao, Alex Valoria, and David Alexander with wife joined the celebrations.

Girlie Alexander.

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11 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 70 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 9 - 10, 2017

MATINA ENCLAVES RAFFLE WINNERS. The first batch of winners were drawn on July 5 with Project Director Gerald Kent Garces and Atty. Mel Bernardino supervising the draw at the Matina Enclaves Sales Office.

Matina Enclaves announces June Raffle winners

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

F

njb@edgedavao.net

UTURE residents of the Matina Enclaves are not only winning with their value-for-money home investment, they also have the chance to get luckier with overseas trips awaiting them.

Of course, the sellers won’t be far behind. They too have the chance to get their dream trip.

The first batch of winners were drawn on July 5 with Project Director Gerald Kent Garces and Atty. Mel Bernardino supervising the draw at the Matina Enclaves Sales Office.

For the buyers’ draw, winners of the round trip ticket to either Hongkong or Bangkok are Gerogina Sabad of Polomolok, South Cotabato and Neil Bryan Abrenica of Davao City.

For the Singapore or Malaysia destination, the winning buyers are Marvin Arnais of Toril, Davao City, Umi Watanabe of Osaka, Japan, and Michelle Florague of Midsayap, North Cotabato.

For the Sellers draw,

the winners of Hongkong or Bangkok destination are Mark Dela Pena, an independent broker, and Jennifer Charlotte Samson of Ablas Realty.

For the trip to Singapore or Malaysia, the winning sellers are Cherry Acosta of DG Realty, and Dolly Beth Relampagos of Realty Options Inc. “It can only get more exciting with the raffle draws.

It’s just the start, so everyone still has a chance for the future draws. It’s part of our commitment to our buyers and sellers,” said Garces.

Buyers and sellers who reserved units or booked sales for The Enclaves Towers last June were given a chance win international trips.

For the HK/Bangkok destination, the raffle mechanics require buyers and sellers who purchase/sell 1-bedroom units from the Enclaves Towers to qualify. Buyers and sellers who purchase/sell 2 & 3-bedroom units from the Enclaves Towers are quali-

fied for the Singapore or Malaysia destination raffle.

Buyers are given 1 coupon for each unit purchased while sellers are given 1 coupon for each unit sold.

The raffle is subject to the following Terms and Conditions: The company will only shoulder the airfare and accommodation during the trip. Buyers can only avail of the trip upon payment of three down payment amortizations, provision of 12 post-dated checks for the monthly amortization and submission of required documents.

The trip is transferable, but not convertible to cash and must be availed within two months from the reservation date.

Another draw will be made for the month of July.

Garces said the mechanics and prizes remain the same, and the raffle period will run from July 1 to July 31. Raffle draw will be done at the end of the month.

The Clubhouse at Matina Enclaves with Building B at the background.

12 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 70 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 9 - 10, 2017

Producing your own organic fertilizer

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

L

AND degradation in the country affects about one-third of the population, according to Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.

More than 33 million Filipinos are affected by it, she said, adding that it likely contributes to widespread and severe poverty in the rural areas.

Land degradation can be seen in the form of soil erosion. The Washington, D.C.based Worldwatch Institute considers soil erosion as “a silent crisis.” While we are worried about other countries conquering our land, our silent enemy keeps on encroaching our lands. “(Soil erosion) is a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land,” commented Harold R. Watson, the 1985 Ramon Magsaysay awardee for peace and international understanding and former director of Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC).

Recent studies show soil erosion affects 63%-76% of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares. This is particularly true in the uplands, where 74% of the area is cultivated for subsistence farming.

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

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

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

Organic farming has been cited as one possible solution of the problem of land degradation.

Environment-friendly, natural, not using pesticides and other chemicals, sustainable, regenerative, and healthy – these are the words use to describe this method of farming which has recently captured the attention of many coun-

tries around the world.

Thanks to Republic Act 10068, organic farming is now being promoted in the country. More popularly known as the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, the law is a state policy that promotes, propagates, and further develops the practice of organic farming in the country.

In a recent paper, Lucille ElnaParreno-de Guzman gives us further information about organic agriculture: “Organic agriculture is an agricultural production system that avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, growth regulators, pesticides, livestock feed additives, and genetically modified organisms and products.”

It has almost been seven years now since RA 10068 has been signed but still not too many farmers are adopting the technology. What must be the reasons?

To find out, Parreno-de Guzman conducted a study in selected towns in Laguna and in La Trinidad, Benguet, where farmers are adopting organic agriculture. Chemical pollution of soil and water bodies is the main land degradation issue in the municipalities where the study was done.

“This is mainly due to the continuous and indiscriminate use of chemical inputs in farming,” Parreno-de Guzman wrote.

Agricultural savants believe that continued use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides causes organisms present in the soil to die. Without soil organisms, chemically saturated land will eventually lose its capacity to nourish healthy and fruitful crops, until finally the soil “dies.” With “dead” soil, how can farmers grow crops?

“There are many ways of conserving the soil to maintain its productivity and one of the most efficient measures is by adding organic matter,” notes the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).

“Organic fertilizers rejuvenate and improve soil properties for better crop production,” PCAARRD explains.

“They contain beneficial microorganisms and humus, that when applied, will improve the soil’s physical, chemical and biological properties.”

In cooperation with Benguet State University, the PCAARRD came up with easyto-read primer on producing organic fertilizer right in the farm. “Producing organic fertilizers at the farm will ensure the addition of humus to the soil for a more efficient crop production,” it says.

Organic fertilizer is defined as: “any product in solid or liquid form, of plant (except by-products from petroleum industries) or animal origin that has undergone substantial decomposition. It can supply available nutrients to plants with a total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) of 5-7%. This may be enriched by microbial inoculants and natural-occurring minerals.”

Here are the steps in producing your own organic fertilizer, according to Organic Fertilizer Production: 1. Collect raw materials: dried chicken manure, sawdust or coco sawdust, wild sunflower, and Trichoderma.

Dried chicken manure is the preferred component over fresh chicken manure because the latter contains contaminants and harmful microor-

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ganisms and emits foul odor.

Both sawdust and coco sawdust are waste materials generated by the lumber industry; be sure not to use those chemically-treated.

Wildflower, on the other hand, is rich in nitrogen.

Adding it to the pile increases nitrogen content of the organic fertilizer. Trichoderma, meanwhile, is a fungus found to be an efficient decomposer because it enhances the composting process.

2. Shred the raw materials. This is done to physically reduce the size of raw materials for faster decomposition.

Shred the raw materials to 1-inch diameter or smaller, specifically those tough and fibrous plant tissues. Shred the wild sunflower stems up to 2-3 centimeters to provide a greater surface area for decomposition.

To enhance decomposition, pulverize the chicken manure and sawdust, particularly those that turned into lumps.

3. Pile the shredded raw materials. Pile the raw materials layer by layer. Prepare

a maximum of six layers (or 1.5-meter-thick) of materials.

Each layer is about 1-foot thick.

The ratio of raw materials is 50% dried chicken manure, 25% sawdust or coco sawdust, and 25% wild sunflower.

A layer of materials consists of two parts manure, one part sawdust or coco sawdust, and one part wild sunflower, which are spread on top of each other. Trichoderma is usually spread as a thin layer.

Stack the layers until the pile reaches 1.5 meters high.

Apply water to each layer until it is sufficiently moist. There is no need to put ash/lime or bamboo breathers.

Monitor the temperature of the pile with a thermometers (0⁰-200⁰C, with a long probe). Maintain the temperature between 40⁰C and 60⁰C for three weeks. This can be done by regularly mixing the pile.

4. Water the pile. Water each layer of raw materials after piling. Thereafter, water the pile regularly, at least 2-3 times a week. The material must be moist. But avoid it

becoming soggy or compacted. Moisture content is best between 40% and 60%.

Avoid adding too much water into the pile to prevent anaerobic decomposition.

Foul odors are from anaerobic activity and indicate lack of oxygen. If the pile becomes too wet, increase turning frequency and/or add fibrous materials to the pile in order to reduce the moisture content and increase oxygen.

5. Mix the compost pile.

Turn the compost pile from top to bottom after two weeks from piling. Repeat this every week thereafter until the pile has fully decomposed. Mix the pile to help break down tough and fibrous plant materials efficiently. By doing this, moisture and organisms that help breakdown the raw materials are distributed evenly in the composting materials.

If fungus activator such as Trichoderma is applied, the pile takes 1-2 months to decompose. However, the decomposition process without fungus activator takes 2-3

F AGRITRENDS, 10

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RDC targets 11.5 as GRDP by 2022

By ANTONIO M AJERO and ANGELIE ROSE SAVERON

A

GROSS regional development product (GRDP) of 11.5 by 2022. This is the double-digit target of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Region 11 as the region’s leaders led by Davao del Norte Gov. Anthony “AGR” del Rosario officially launched the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP) 2017- 2022 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City on Friday, July 7. The event slogan, Committing to Sustain Change, “attests to the strong support of the Dabawenyos for President Rodrigo Duterte’s cry to join him in the journey of transformation for a better Philippines.”

Over 500 participants from the public and private sectors, local government units, national government agencies, academe, civil society, business sector and media were invited to the event.

The RDP Launch was preceded by the conduct of the Philippine Development lan (PDP), 2017- 2022 Regional Roadshow earlier in the day. A PDP motorcade from the iconic People’s Park to the SMX Convention Center carrying the banner “Tara

na! Ambisyon Aksyunan Nato Karon!” was joined by the LGUs, academe and government agencies.

As the blueprint for Davao Region’s development under the Duterte Administration, the DRDP anchor’s on the President’s 0+10 Socioeconomic Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals and works toward realizing AmBisyon Natin 2040, the collective vision of Filipinos over the next 25 years.

F DOUBLE, 10

FOCUSED. Regional Development Plan 11 chairperson Governor Anthony del Rosario of Davao del Norte pledges his commitment for the sustainable change and increasing growth of Davao Region during the launching of the Davao Regional Development Plan held at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

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T

Marawi City battle nears end

HE fighting in this embattled city is expected to be over soon as the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute and Abu-Sayyaf

groups have been significantly reduced to at least 80 members as of Saturday, July 8, the military said. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is committed

to ensure that Maute and Abu Sayyaf will not be able to pose a threat,” Herrera said, noting that the military will still continue to pound the enemy positions in the

area.

On Saturday, several fighting planes, including the country’s newest jets, conducted bomb

F MARAWI, 10

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 70 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 9 - 10, 2017

DOUBLE DIGIT

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

RDC targets 11.5 as GRDP by 2022

By ANTONIO M AJERO and ANGELIE ROSE SAVERON

A

GROSS regional development product (GRDP) of 11.5 by 2022. This is the double-digit target of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Region 11 as the region’s leaders led by Davao del Norte Gov. Anthony “AGR” del Rosario officially launched the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP) 2017- 2022 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City on Friday, July 7. The event slogan, Committing to Sustain Change, “attests to the strong support of the Dabawenyos for President Rodrigo Duterte’s cry to join him in the journey of transformation for a better Philippines.”

Over 500 participants from the public and private sectors, local government units, national government agencies, academe, civil society, business sector and media were invited to the event.

The RDP Launch was preceded by the conduct of the Philippine Development lan (PDP), 2017- 2022 Regional Roadshow earlier in the day. A PDP motorcade from the iconic People’s Park to the SMX Convention Center carrying the banner “Tara

na! Ambisyon Aksyunan Nato Karon!” was joined by the LGUs, academe and government agencies.

As the blueprint for Davao Region’s development under the Duterte Administration, the DRDP anchor’s on the President’s 0+10 Socioeconomic Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals and works toward realizing AmBisyon Natin 2040, the collective vision of Filipinos over the next 25 years.

F DOUBLE, 10

FOCUSED. Regional Development Plan 11 chairperson Governor Anthony del Rosario of Davao del Norte pledges his commitment for the sustainable change and increasing growth of Davao Region during the launching of the Davao Regional Development Plan held at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

GLOBAL IMPACT

PSC to bring Filipino Children’s Games to Pinoy communities overseas SPORTS P16

T

Marawi City battle nears end

HE fighting in this embattled city is expected to be over soon as the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute and Abu-Sayyaf

groups have been significantly reduced to at least 80 members as of Saturday, July 8, the military said. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is committed

to ensure that Maute and Abu Sayyaf will not be able to pose a threat,” Herrera said, noting that the military will still continue to pound the enemy positions in the

area.

On Saturday, several fighting planes, including the country’s newest jets, conducted bomb

F MARAWI, 10

www.edgedavao.net

VOL. 10 ISSUE 70 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 9 - 10, 2017

DOUBLE DIGIT

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

RDC targets 11.5 as GRDP by 2022

By ANTONIO M AJERO and ANGELIE ROSE SAVERON

A

GROSS regional development product (GRDP) of 11.5 by 2022. This is the double-digit target of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Region 11 as the region’s leaders led by Davao del Norte Gov. Anthony “AGR” del Rosario officially launched the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP) 2017- 2022 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City on Friday, July 7. The event slogan, Committing to Sustain Change, “attests to the strong support of the Dabawenyos for President Rodrigo Duterte’s cry to join him in the journey of transformation for a better Philippines.”

Over 500 participants from the public and private sectors, local government units, national government agencies, academe, civil society, business sector and media were invited to the event.

The RDP Launch was preceded by the conduct of the Philippine Development lan (PDP), 2017- 2022 Regional Roadshow earlier in the day. A PDP motorcade from the iconic People’s Park to the SMX Convention Center carrying the banner “Tara

na! Ambisyon Aksyunan Nato Karon!” was joined by the LGUs, academe and government agencies.

As the blueprint for Davao Region’s development under the Duterte Administration, the DRDP anchor’s on the President’s 0+10 Socioeconomic Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals and works toward realizing AmBisyon Natin 2040, the collective vision of Filipinos over the next 25 years.

F DOUBLE, 10

FOCUSED. Regional Development Plan 11 chairperson Governor Anthony del Rosario of Davao del Norte pledges his commitment for the sustainable change and increasing growth of Davao Region during the launching of the Davao Regional Development Plan held at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

GLOBAL IMPACT

PSC to bring Filipino Children’s Games to Pinoy communities overseas SPORTS P16

T

Marawi City battle nears end

HE fighting in this embattled city is expected to be over soon as the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute and Abu-Sayyaf

groups have been significantly reduced to at least 80 members as of Saturday, July 8, the military said. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is committed

to ensure that Maute and Abu Sayyaf will not be able to pose a threat,” Herrera said, noting that the military will still continue to pound the enemy positions in the

area.

On Saturday, several fighting planes, including the country’s newest jets, conducted bomb

F MARAWI, 10

www.edgedavao.net

VOL. 10 ISSUE 70 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 9 - 10, 2017

DOUBLE DIGIT

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

RDC targets 11.5 as GRDP by 2022

By ANTONIO M AJERO and ANGELIE ROSE SAVERON

A

GROSS regional development product (GRDP) of 11.5 by 2022. This is the double-digit target of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Region 11 as the region’s leaders led by Davao del Norte Gov. Anthony “AGR” del Rosario officially launched the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP) 2017- 2022 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City on Friday, July 7. The event slogan, Committing to Sustain Change, “attests to the strong support of the Dabawenyos for President Rodrigo Duterte’s cry to join him in the journey of transformation for a better Philippines.”

Over 500 participants from the public and private sectors, local government units, national government agencies, academe, civil society, business sector and media were invited to the event.

The RDP Launch was preceded by the conduct of the Philippine Development lan (PDP), 2017- 2022 Regional Roadshow earlier in the day. A PDP motorcade from the iconic People’s Park to the SMX Convention Center carrying the banner “Tara

na! Ambisyon Aksyunan Nato Karon!” was joined by the LGUs, academe and government agencies.

As the blueprint for Davao Region’s development under the Duterte Administration, the DRDP anchor’s on the President’s 0+10 Socioeconomic Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals and works toward realizing AmBisyon Natin 2040, the collective vision of Filipinos over the next 25 years.

F DOUBLE, 10

FOCUSED. Regional Development Plan 11 chairperson Governor Anthony del Rosario of Davao del Norte pledges his commitment for the sustainable change and increasing growth of Davao Region during the launching of the Davao Regional Development Plan held at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

GLOBAL IMPACT

PSC to bring Filipino Children’s Games to Pinoy communities overseas SPORTS P16

T

Marawi City battle nears end

HE fighting in this embattled city is expected to be over soon as the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute and Abu-Sayyaf

groups have been significantly reduced to at least 80 members as of Saturday, July 8, the military said. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is committed

to ensure that Maute and Abu Sayyaf will not be able to pose a threat,” Herrera said, noting that the military will still continue to pound the enemy positions in the

area.

On Saturday, several fighting planes, including the country’s newest jets, conducted bomb

F MARAWI, 10