Edge10 Issue76 July 18, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

Serving a seamless society

HOW IT IS DONE. An ironworker ties the steel bar with a wire to form a reinforcement cage which will be used in the ongoing rehabilitation of Ma-a Bridge along Carlos P. Garcia Highway in Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

AIR HUB

Davao to the World connectivity hub pushed EDGEDAVAO Sports

BY JIMMY K. LAKING

O

rganizers of the 4th Investment conference will push for establishing Davao City as an air connectivity hub south of Manila as a means to promoting the Davao region as an investment and tourism destination.

“We will press strongly the need for an autonomous authority to upgrade the Davao airport,” said Arturo Milan, trustee of the Davao City

Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII).

“For once that is realized, we can market Davao City in the same manner that Cebu marketed itself as an investment and tourism destination,” he said.

Milan and DCCCII of�icers Rolando Go (president), program committee chairperson trustee John Tria and Bella Torres (vice-prsident) assured

the KapehansaDabawat the SM Ecoland on Monday that it is all systems go for hosting of the 4thICon, considered the biggest business conference yet hosted by Davao City.

The chamber of�icials said hundreds of delegates from Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Japan as well as Great Britain and Europe have con�irmed to participate.

“We are now open for

business,”Milan said, adding that the hosts are looking forward to drumbeat the Davao region’s willingness to welcome investors in agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and manufacturing.

“For instance in agriculture we would like to attract investors to rubber or palm oil,” he said.

Tria said the British cham-

 AIRHUB, 10

NOT ENOUGH

Davao’s Loreto fails in title bid

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

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Maguindanao execs Duterte urged to certify favor ML extension A draft BBL as urgent bill ll the 36 town mayors of Maguindanao have expressed support to plans to extend Martial Law in Mindanao, Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu said Monday,July 17.

Speaking to reporters, the governor said the establishment of police and military checkpoints along major highways and crime prone areas in the province has proven to be an effective deterrent against crimes and terrorism. ”Since Martial Law was declared by the President, have you heard or read in the news

about a series of bombings and terrorisms in other parts of Mindanao outside Marawi City?” he asked.

He cited Cotabato City, Tacurong City, Isulan in Sultan Kudarat and in South Cotabato where crime incidents have been down to lowest rate.

While Mangudadatu strongly endorsed possible extension of military rule, he stressed that it should be �ixed so as not to picture the island as very dangerous. ”The bottom line here is

 MAGUINDANAO, 10

Aguirre names Raagas as Bureau of Corrections OIC

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ustice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday named Rey M. Raagas as of�icer-in-charge of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), replacing Benjamin Delos Santos who resigned from the position last week. ”“Mr. Raagas is hereby authorized to perform functions in relation to the day-to-day operations of the Bureau, functions delegated to the Director General…and such other ministerial duties that are essential in order not to disrupt public service,” Aguirre said in his Department Order 477 dated July 13, 2017 but was relased to media on Monday.

Raagas is currently BuCor’s administrative division

chief. Delos Santos submitted his irrevocable resignation last July 13 after Aguirre ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the resurgence of drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

Aguirre issued Department Order No. 457 directing NBI Director Dante Gierran to conduct probe and case buildup on the resurgence of illegal drugs trade.

If evidence warrants, the NBI was also granted the authority to �ile the appropriate administrative and criminal cases against those responsible.

Delos Santos cited the re-

 AGUIIRE, 10

MILF says Duterte must endorse bill to Congress

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he Moro Islamic Liberation Front expects President Duterte to certify as urgent bill the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that will be submitted to him on Monday, to increase its chances of being enacted into law by Congress.

“Less than that would only bring back old memories when the previous BBL was never formally certi�ied as urgent bill

by President Aquino,” the MILF said in a statement on Sunday.

On Monday, July 17, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) hands over its draft BBL to the President,

who in turn, is expected to endorse it to the Senate and the House of Representatives.

In a speech before Marawi evacuees in Iligan City on June 20, Mr. Duterte promised to ask Congress to pass the proposed law so that the Bangsamoro region can be established soonest and become a template for the federalization of the whole country.

The current draft is the second produced by the BTC. The �irst was under the Aquino administration which. The draft was handed over to the 16th Congress in September 2014. Congress adjourned in

early 2016 without passing the law.

While crediting Aquino’s push to have the �irst BBL draft enacted, the MILF said “a formal certi�ication would provide the necessary kick that can set Congress in real motion.”

The MILF leads the 21-member BTC that drafted the proposed charter of a Bangsamoro autonomous entity to replace and have greater powers than the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The group is con�ident that with the President, House

Speaker and Senate President all coming from Mindanao “(where) the problem is,” there is a “greater chance” for the BBL’s enactment into law.

The MILF also said that given Mr. Duterte’s high popularity, he is in a better position to sway the legislators towards positively considering the measure.

The groups has assured that the current BBL draft “is more inclusive both in process and content, because at least one-half of the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) is already on board.”

tation facilities, and in the Philippines, to lower the rate of airplane fares to a much more affordable fare,” Jaafar, the 1st Vice Chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said.

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Jaafar as Amirul Hajj for the 2017 Hajj Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on August 30 to September 4.

For Muslims, Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the birthplace of the Prophet Mu-

hammad.

Jaafar is presently chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) which will submit the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang on Monday, July 17.

The appointment of Jaafar as Amirul Hajj was dated July 10, the second time this year that President Rodrigo Duterte named him to a government post. The BTC is under the Of�ice of the President.

Last year’s Amirul Hajj was Guiling Mamondiong , head of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Abdullah Mama-o, Presidential Adviser on OFW Affairs told MindaNews in Marawi City on July 6 that he was supposed to be this year’s Amirul Hajj but he declined because of the ongoing Marawi Crisis.

“I was supposed to be the Amirul Hajj for this year but I told the President after Cabi-

 DUTERTE, 10

MILF vows better hotel and transport for Filipino pilgrims

M

oro rebel leader Ghazali Jaafar, this year’s Amirul Hajj (head of the Philippine Hajj mission), has vowed to work for better accommodation and transportation facilities in Saudi Arabia as well as lower plane fare for Filipino pilgrims to Mecca.

“There must be changes from the present situation to a much better situation such as better accommodation in Saudi Arabia, better transpor-

 MILF, 10

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

PNP seeks ML extension to arrest narco-politicians, Maute supporters

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he Philippine National Police has batted for the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao in order to give them more time and opportunity to arrest alleged narco-politicians and personalities who openly support Maute Group terrorists activities in Marawi City.

This was bared by PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa during a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Monday.

He added that this is based on law enforcement considerations.

Martial Law in Mindanao was declared following Maute Group attacks in Marawi City last May 23.

This recommendation is contained in the position paper they submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday.

The said recommendation, however, does not contain a speci�ic time frame for the proposed extension.

Likewise, Dela Rosa also pointed out that other relevant government agencies and institutions have already submitted their respective recommendations to the Chief Executive for the latter to act on.

The PNP chief also said that it is possible that the President may announce his decision before his State-of-the-Nation-Address (SONA) on July 24.

As this develops, Dela Rosa also said that they have detected plans of the New People’s Army (NPA) to conduct pre-SONA attacks on Davao City as part of their efforts to embarrass the President.

The PNP chief assured the public that they already have taken appropriate security measures to prevent this from happening.

Aside from this, no other threats were detected for Duterte’s 2nd SONA which will take place this coming Monday. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)

he Bureau of Customs-Enforcement Group (BOCEG) has seized an estimated PHP1.5 million worth of steel pipes in Davao City.

In a statement on Monday, the bureau said the shipment was misdeclared as 2,060 packages of Square Tube and consigned to Yagnas 08 Importation Trading.

It was apprehended by the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) last June 23.

Upon the discovery of the discrepancy, the ESS-Port of Davao headed by Jerry Arizabal recommended for the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment for violation of Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) of 2016.

Under the law, “Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture - Property that shall be

subject to seizure and forfeiture include: par (i) “Any package of imported goods which is found upon examination to contain goods not speci�ied in that invoice or goods declaration including all other packages purportedly containing similar to those declared in the invoice or goods declaration to be the contents of the misdeclared package.”

The shipment is now at the container yard of Sasa Wharf holding area in the said province.

On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner-EG Ariel Nepomuceno and ESS Director Isabelo Tibayan reminded the transacting public that the bureau will not tolerate acts by private entities to deceive the government from collecting the right taxes from them. (Ferdinand G. Patinio/PNA)

NOT THIS TIME YOU DON’T. Majority of jeepney drivers in Davao City no longer install the usual route signage on the right side of their windshield as it is one of the prohibitions of the revised Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA) which was recently implemented. Lean Daval Jr.

P1.5M worth of steel MinDA chief urges Marawi grads pipes seized in Davao to keep hopes high for Mindanao A T s the government gradually shifts its efforts towards rebuilding and rehabilitating the Islamic City of Marawi, Mindanao Development Authority Chairman Datu Abul Khayr Alonto assures the new batch of Marawi graduates that the city will rise stronger and better.

In his Commencement Speech delivered to around 2,000 graduates of the Mindanao State University Main Campus last July 13, the Maranao leader expressed his hope for the future professionals to contribute to nation-building and work with the government in rehabilitating Marawi.

“My dear graduates, use what you have learned from MSU to broaden your perspectives, to remain con�ident and optimistic in Mindanao, to be hopeful about its future and deeply committed to being an instrument of peace,» Alonto said.

This is the �irst time for the MSU Marawi to hold their commencement exercise outside of the campus, holding the ceremonies instead at MSU Iligan Institute of Technology, following the siege that befell the city last May 23.

“What happened in Marawi 52 days ago, is unfortunately personal to all of us; for somehow, there are amongst us who must have lost their loved ones; a family member, a friend, colleague, classmate or teacher; and there are those who will never ever make it to march in this halls or witness this kind of event in their lives,» he added.

The �irst Muslim MinDA Chairman however noted that despite what happened, Mindanao still holds great potential to be the country’s frontline for economic growth owing to its rich, largely untapped natural resources and a competitive and literate labor force. “Throughout history, our

darkest hours are always followed by our �inest moments. We are at this point where time and circumstances accord us excellent opportunity to build a strong nation in Mindanao and dismantle the national divide,” Alonto said while noting that there is a need to capture the historical dimensions of development in order to bring back lasting peace in Marawi and the rest of Mindanao.

He also cited the strong commitment and determination of the Duterte administration to effect both structural and institutional reforms that bring in bright prospects for lasting peace and development in Mindanao and herald a turnaround for its future and the Bangsamoro people.

Under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, MinDA works with all stakeholders to create an environment conducive for business growth. The agency collaborate in Mindanao to pursue

DND dares ML‘victims’: show up and file charges

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SERVICE.A volunteer doctor conducts free check up to participants of the 39th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week 2017 held at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

better governance, �inancing access, reliable power, infrastructure and connectivity, as detailed in one major program called Mindanao Development Corridors that will include a Mindanao Bangsamoro Economic Corridor and the Tawi-Tawi Economic Zone and Freeport.

“We use this agenda to effectively leverage for better and reasonable budget allocation from the national government to fund priority road networks and bridge projects to connect Mindanao and provide direct access to poorer communities,” Alonto added.

Alonto is the former Vice Mayor and Mayor of Marawi City.

He was the Interim Head of the Regional Autonomous Government, served as Ambassador and former Philippine Head of Mission. He was also the founding leader of the Youth Wing of the Muslim Movement in the Philippines (Lam Alif and MNLF).#

hile skeptical of reports claiming human rights abuses being perpetuated by security troops deployed for martial law duty in Mindanao, Department of National Defense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana has urged alleged victims to surface and �ile complaints so that they can be given legal redress.

To this, I strongly encourage these groups and alleged victims of excesses by government security forces to come forward, present your evidence, and �ile charges in the proper courts. Huwag po kayong matakot. If indeed some of our soldiers are found guilty of committing excesses under martial law, then we will not hesitate to administer the appropriate sanctions against these individuals, while en-

suring that due process is followed,» he said in a statement Monday.

In the same vein, the DND chief stressed that they will never condone such violations, adding that such acts damage the reputation of the military and defense establishments.

“We will never allow anyone within the defense and security establishments to tarnish the good image and reputation that we have painstakingly built over the years.

That is why we have decided in the past that only our best men and women should be allowed to operate in critical areas such as Marawi City and elsewhere in Mindanao, and that our Muslim brothers and sisters should not be singled out in our operations since terrorism

DND, 10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

BOI investment pledges hit P273B in mid-July

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he Board of Investments, the country’s leading investment promotion agency, has approved a total of PHP272.7 billion from January to mid-July 2017.

BOI Managing Head and Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo told reporters that investment pledges up to mid-July this year was higher by 30 percent from PHP210.4 billion approvals in January to July 2016.

The increase in investments in mid-July was boosted by the registration of the PHP79-billion MRT-7 project of San Miguel Corp..

The MRT-7 project involves the construction of 23-kilometer elevated railway with 14 stations from San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan connecting to MRT-3 North Avenue Station in Quezon City and a 22-kilometer asphalt road from Bocaue Interchange of North Luzon Expressway to intermodal terminal in Tala, Caloocan City.

But it was noted that investment approvals in BOI during the �irst semester of 2017 only inched up by 1.0 percent to PHP188 billion from PHP186 billion in the same pe-

riod last year.

Rodolfo said most of investors were waiting for the release of the 2017 Investment Promotion Plan (IPP) guidelines before registering their projects with the BOI; hence, the almost �lat growth in approvals in the �irst half of the year.

The 2017 IPP was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte on February 28, 2017.

It took effect on March 18, 2017, but the BOI only released the guidelines recently.

With the theme of “Scaling Up and Dispersing Opportunities”, the 2017 IPP supports socioeconomic agenda of the President Duterte and in line with the AmBisyon Natin 2040.

Rodolfo mentioned four highlights of the new IPP list -- the inclusion of inclusive business, commercialization of research and development and inventions from state universities and colleges as well as the Department of Science and Technology, implementing certain criteria for manufacturing activities, and trainings, particularly for information technology and business process management and maritime sectors.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

LGU in Alvarez’ district back Tadeco-Bucor deal LGU cites creation of jobs and invigorating economies as benefits

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he provincial legislature of Davao del Norte, along with a �irst-class municipality under the congressional district of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, have joined the growing list of local government units that have thrown their support behind the Joint Venture Agreement between the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO).

The LGUs were one in acknowledging the valuable contributions of the BuCor-TADECO deal in invigorating the economies of, creating jobs in, and providing social services to, in their respective

communities along with ful�illing the agreement’s primary goal of rehabilitating inmates at the Davao Penal Colony.

They issued their statements of support following the move by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who represents Davao del Norte’s �irst district, to initiate a congressional inquiry into the Bucor-TADECO agreement and declare the deal null and void for supposedly being disadvantageous to the government. At least two hearings have already been conducted by the House committee on good government and public accountability on the issue during the �irst regular session of the Congress.

But the town of Asuncion, a �irst-class municipality under Alvarez’s district, have opted to back the BuCor-TADECO deal. Resolution 2017-148 adopted by its Sangguniang Bayan last July 11 said that it was “earnestly supporting” the agreement because the deal not only contributes to Davao’s economy but also generates “employment to thousands of workers, more particularly in the neighboring localities including Asuncion.”

The Sangguniang Bayan of Asuncion also pointed out that besides providing jobs to inmates, TADECO’s banana operations also created some 30,000 jobs and “secured the

livelhood and future of at least 181,000 residents.”

It said the signi�icance of TADECO’s operations to the lives of Davaoenos was the reason Davao del Norte Governor Antonio Rafael del Rosario has enjoined all LGUs in the province to support the BuCor-TADECO agreement.

Meanwhile, a separate resolution sponsored by the majority of the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao Del Norte, and unanimously adopted on June 19, stated the provincial legislature’s support for the JVA and cited the relevance of TADECO “to the lives of the 181,000 res- LGU, 10

RP eyes possible bilateral free trade deal with US

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he Philippines aims to further enhance its access to the United States -- now, through a possible bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with the world’s biggest economy.

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo told reporters that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is doing a study for a possible FTA with the US, looking at the bene�its of having a trade deal with the US and the alignment of policies of the two countries.

This is after the US pulled out of Trans-Paci�ic Partnership (TPP) Agreement, and will be pushing for bilateral trade deals than multilateral FTAs. “The US trade policy will

really be towards bilateral rather than multilateral or regional,” Rodolfo said.

“For us, we put forward that the Philippines is interested in further enhancing our market access to the US. That has always been a key objective of the Philippines whether we attain it through the TPP or enhancement of the GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) or a bilateral FTA, we will pursue it,” he added.

The trade of�icial mentioned that the US will base the future FTAs on a study determining which markets US have trade de�icit. The study is expected to be released by the fourth quarter of the year. Initially, the RP EYES, 10

SSS to collect more than P13B under LRP

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he Social Security System has collected more than P5.22 billion in overdue loan payments from member-borrowers who availed of the Loan Restructuring Program (LRP) in the last 12 months, and expects to collect nearly P9 billion more in the next �ive years.

SSS President and Chief Executive of�icer Emmanuel F. Dooc said the total condoned amount for more than 850,000 members who availed of the LRP reached P13.83 billion over the one-year period the program was offered.

“We are very much overwhelmed by the huge volume

of applicants especially during the last few days before the deadline. We hope that members will be faithful in paying their restructured loan amortizations to avoid further penalties. We are expecting P8.6 billion in collection until the end of the �ive-year installment term,” Dooc said.

Due to the massive in�lux of LRP applications received, SSS hopes to implement the loan condonation program regularly with the approval of its proposed charter amendments.

One of the provisions of the proposed bill is to rationalize the power  SSS TO, 10

REST PERIOD. A street vendor takes a nap at his makeshift stall as business is slow on Monday afternoon at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City.

Lean Daval Jr.

Automotive industry to benefit from TRAIN Contrary to claims that the proposed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN) will hurt the local automotive industry, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the bill will even bene�it vehicle and car parts manufacturers given the projected high demand for alternative public utility vehicles under the jeep modernization program outlined in the tax reform package.

DOTR Assistant Secretary Mark Richmund de Leon said his Department is now in talks with the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Board of Investments to iron out an incentives program for the local car industry to help the government modernize the country’s aging �leet of 200,000 to 300,000 public utility jeepneys (PUJs) nationwide.

De Leon disclosed this de-

velopment as he expressed his support, along with of�icials of the Department of Energy and the Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board for the proposed adjustments in automobile excise taxes under the TRAIN. “The DOTr fully supports the proposed excise tax reform package for the automotive industry. And again, we laud the effort and the noble intentions of the bill to propose the earmarking of the collections of the excise tax to support our “Build, Build,Build” Program of the DOTr, including earmarking certain portions of the collections to our public transport reform program, again to address the concerns of our two stakeholders: the car manufacturers and even the car users,” De Leon said at a recent hearing of the Senate ways and means committee. The “Build, Build,

Build Program pertains to the Duterte administration’s P8.4 trillion infrastructure buildup over the next �ive years. The program aims to strengthen the country’s infrastructure backbone through the construction of new road networks, airports, seaports and mass transport systems nationwide and the deployment of rapid bus transit systems in Metro Manila, among other initiatives.

“For the car manufacturers, we’re telling the group that there’s a demand for public transportation vehicles. So we’re saying that we are replacing the public transport �leet: 200,000 to 300,000 jeepneys will be modernized, the buses will be upgraded to low-�loor buses, similar to what they have in Singapore, in Korea, and other progressive cities. There’s a huge demand for new vehicles, which the industry -- the CAM-

PI, the parts manufacturers -will also bene�it from,” de Leon said.

De Leon said the DOTr’s goal to reform the public transport system aims to help decongest traf�ic in Metro Manila’s main thoroughfares by encouraging car users to take public transport.

“In fact, in Alabang, the route from Alabang Town Center to Makati, we’ve done numerous surveys and they show that, in fact, 40 percent of the users there are previously car users, De Leon said. “In order for people to really patronize public transportation, we just need to really reform the routes and even the public transport vehicles for it to be more attractive to this car-riding public.”

Augustine Vestil Jr. of the LTFRB agreed with De Leon’s statements. “So as far as the LTFRB is concerned, we fully

 AUTOMOTIVE, 10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

ECONOMY 5

Youngest Filipino consultant in Sudan investing in IT, tours

A

young Filipino consultant in Sudan is investing in Information Technology and travel tours here.

Although currently in South Sudan, Jess Fernandez, a resident here, said he owns the TrikeE-Solutions here and also planning to expand soon in the local tours.

Fernandez currently works as a consultant on South Sudan’s upstream oil and gas industry specializing in �inance, accounting and taxation. At age 25, he holds the distinction as the youngest expatriate consultant currently employed in the oil and gas industry in South Sudan.

“The TrikeE-Solutions is one of the �ive divisions of

Trikee Corporation specializing in IT Consultancy. Other divisions include Trikee Travel and Tours, Madyanos Trading, Cafe de Calivo and Datu Bangkaya Productions,” he said in an online interview Sunday.

Its mission is directed towards catering the IT needs of the local government’s small and medium enterprises, academic institutions and private individuals in the province.

The said company envisioned to be the leading company in the province by the year 2018.

Meanwhile, Fernandez said their next step is to promote local tours using the traditional Filipino tricycles in the province soon.

Gov’t reviews San Miguel’s Bulacan airport proposal

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he government is reconsidering the unsolicited proposal from conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to build a new international airport in Bulacan worth P700 billion.

“The airport (project) in Bulacan is still not dead,” National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Ernesto Pernia told reporters.

Pernia said the NEDA Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) technical board is reviewing the proposed airport project following the country’s adoption of a national transport policy that aimed for long-term transport planning.

He noted Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has also announced that the government would welcome unsolicited proposals from the private sector to help jumpstart the infrastructure projects.

“It’s (airport project) going to go through the usual process, there’s no special treatment,” he assured. “We will consider whether or not there

are conditions. If there are conditions then, that will be a minus point.”

The NEDA chief explained that unsolicited project proposals have to go through public-private partnership (PPP) process, and are subject to a Swiss challenge.

“So they will have to compete,” he said.

Pernia said the timetable for the review of the unsolicited proposal from SMC to build the airport project varies depending on complexity.

He noted the project would eventually be elevated to the NEDA Board, chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte, for �inal approval.

Pernia said the government previously aimed to focus on redevelopment of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Clark International Airport (CIA) “for the meantime because that is really doable, that is what we need in immediate and short term.”

He also recalled that there were many lobbyists for the Sangley Airport Development project in Cavite compared to

DENR to host ASEAN senior environment execs’conference

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he Philippine government through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will be hosting an important gathering of senior environment of�icials in the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with climate change and environmental cooperation on top of the agenda.

Some 80 delegates are expected to attend the 28th annual meeting of the ASEAN Senior Of�icials for Environment (ASOEN) to be held in Pasay City from July 23 to 29.

The meeting will be chaired by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said the meeting is “critical” among the ASEAN

members to better manage the region’s environment and natural resources.

“Environment is transboundary in nature. As neighbors, we share the air that we breathe, the seas around us and the animals that travel across our borders. ASEAN and cooperative arrangements among its members are critical if we are to better manage our environment and natural resources,” Cimatu said.

The ASOEN meeting is part of the ASEAN 2017 Summit which is being chaired by the Philippines, with the theme “ASEAN 50: Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.”

ASOEN is composed of ASEAN of�icials with the ranks of Undersecretary, Assistant

CONNECTIVITY.Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) trustee and Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICon) chair Arturo Milan (left), together with DCCCII president Ronald Go (center) and DCCCII trustee John Tria, say their organization will push for establishing

Davao City as an air connectivity hub of the south as a means to promote the Davao Region as an investment and tourism destination. Milan made the statement during KapehansaDabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

13 firms keen on supplying RP with 250,000 MT imported rice Imported rice to increase NFA buffer stock

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hirteen companies have expressed interest in supplying the National Food Authority (NFA) with 250,000 metric tons of 25 percent broken, well-milled long grain white rice.

Representatives of the 13 �irms attended the pre-bidding conference conducted by NFA’s special bids and awards committee on July 13, 2017 at the Salvador H. Escudero Hall of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) in Quezon City.

The 13 prospective bidders from Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore that bought Bid Documents from the NFA under the government-to-private or open

tender scheme are: Olam International Limited, Ponglarp Co. Limited, Thai Hua Co. Limited, Vietnam Southern Food Corp.

II, Vietnam Northern Food Corp. (Vinafood I), Gentraco, Gia International Corp., Louis Dreyfus Company, Capital Cereals Co. Ltd., Thai Granlus Int’l.

Inc., Phan Min Investment Production Trading Services Co. Ltd., and Hiep Loi Food Jsc. The NFA Council (NFAC) has prescribed the Open tender scheme to allow more private suppliers to participate. The total volume of imports was divided into 8 lots and a supplier can bid for only a maximum of 50,000 MT. NFAC is composed

of representatives from various agencies such as the Of�ice of the Cabinet Secretary (Chairman), NFA (Vice-Chairman), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Of�ice of the Executive Secretary, and Farmers Sector Representative.

Representatives from the Of�ice of the Cabinet Secretary, DBP, and Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) also attended the prebid conference. Discussed

during the pre-bid conference are the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the importation.

Highlights of the TOR are: the pre-quali�ication requirements, technical speci�ications of the commodity (rice) to be imported, quantity and source, arrival and delivery periods, bid and performance bond, price, packaging, loading and discharging ports unloading operations, payment, surveyor and cargo handler, default and penalties, among others.

Delivery period for the imports has been staggered from August to September 2017.

The TOR, which is also available at the NFA website

tion, including the integration of digital strategies and e-commerce in market operations is a big growth enabler for MSMEs. While continuing the efforts to enhance the country’s foreign trade and investments, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) maintains its solid attention on developing MSMEs as backbone of the economy and as the prime mover of both domestic and regional growth. Sec. Lopez expressed President Rodrigo Duterte’s desire to widen the gains of the ASEAN Economic Integration, as well as considered the Summit “the result of the shared vision to make growth truly inclusive and felt by the people.”

“Making growth felt by everyone can only happen if we are successful in empowering the bottom of the pyramid. In the realm of business, we must effectively tap the potential of our MSMEs, which form a signi�icant part in our region’s growth resurgence,” he said.

According to him, there must be an effective enabling ecosystem with strategic imperatives at the regional level to upgrade the capabilities of MSMEs in ASEAN. “Teaching them how to �ish is the real solution to �ight poverty,” Sec. Lopez added.

“If we talk of upgrading competencies, simply put, we want to make smarter

entrepreneurs. For this to happen, the watchword is innovation, as showcased by the demonstrated capacity of many of our MSMEs in the ASEAN region,” he said.

The Summit noted that while MSMEs comprise about 95-99% of all business establishments, they still do not account for a commensurate output share in terms of Gross Domestic Product and exports.

As the ASEAN Economic Community creates opportunities and challenges for MSMEs in the region, the need for MSMEs to retool and upgrade to maximize their participation in the local and value chains has become even more imperative. (PNA)

Trade chief on growing MSMEs:‘digitalization, innovation are keys’

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igitalization is a great equalizer that levels the playing �ield for large and small business players, the country’s trade chief said at the successful Philippine hosting of the ASEAN 2017 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development Summit on 14 July.

“Through innovation and digitalization, we are con�ident that MSMEs can leapfrog their status as globally-competitive enterprises, thus bene�itting everyone in ASEAN,” said ASEAN Economic Ministers chairman and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

He explained that adopting a business model that considers processes and systems innova-

6 SUBURBIA Tagum’s frontline staff learn basic sign language EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

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ransactions and frontline services in the Local Government of Tagum have been made easier for the deaf and hearing impaired constituents in the city as the City Government took initiative to address the needs of such clients in transacting their appointments.

In observance of the 39th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Celebration, the City Government of Tagum, through the Of�ice of the City Social Welfare and Development, had lined up various events and activities scheduled July 10-14, 2017.

One of the highlights of

the celebration was the specialized Training on Basic Sign Language for LGU Frontline Service Providers last July 1112, 2017, at the City Tourism Of�ice Audio Visual Room located at the New City Hall of Tagum.

This training equipped the LGU’s frontline of�icers with

the basic skills in sign language to be able to converse with deaf/hearing impaired clients and understand their unique way of communicating, without having an interpreter.

With the Local Government of Tagum having a PWD-friendly environment, the training had been truly

vital for the enhancement of rendering frontline services and assistance to PWD constituents, particularly the deaf/ hearing impaired.

The conducted training is a boost to the agenda for Social Services under the EAGLE WINGS Program of Mayor Allan L. Rellon.

The 39th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week Celebration will be on July 17 until July 23, 2017, culminating in time for the birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini, who was also considered a differently-abled person due to polio. Drex Rafols/CIO Tagum

through the Of�ice of the City Social Welfare and Development, had lined up various events and activities scheduled July 10-14, 2017.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the specialized Training on Basic Sign Language for LGU Frontline Service Providers last July 11-12, 2017, at the City Tourism Of�ice Audio Visual Room located at the New City Hall of Tagum.

This training equipped the LGU’s frontline of�icers with the

basic skills in sign language to be able to converse with deaf/ hearing impaired clients and understand their unique way of communicating, without having an interpreter.

With the Local Government of Tagum having a PWD-friendly environment, the training had been truly vital for the enhancement of rendering frontline services and assistance to PWD constituents, particularly the deaf/hearing impaired.

The conducted training is a boost to the agenda for Social Services under the EAGLE WINGS Program of Mayor Allan L. Rellon.

The 39th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week Celebration will be on July 17 until July 23, 2017, culminating in time for the birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini, who was also considered a differently-abled person due to polio. Drex Rafols/CIO Tagum

13 in Maguindanao T

Tagum’s frontline staff learn basic sign language Anti-drug raid nets

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ransactions and frontline services in the Local Government of Tagum have been made easier for the deaf and hearing impaired constituents in the city as the City Government took initiative to address the needs of such clients in transacting their appointments.

In observance of the 39th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Celebration, the City Government of Tagum,

hirteen suspects have been arrested in an intensi�ied anti-drug operations here Sunday as police continue to receive tips from residents, a police of�icial said.

Jointly conducted by the Parang police and anti-narcotics agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEAARMM), the raid, covered by a search warrant issued by a local court, led to the arrest of 10 males, three females and two minors involved in illegal drug trade.

Agents swooped down on a residential compound in Barangay Poblacion 2 at past 5 p.m., surprising residents but gave out thumbs up signs, according to Chief Inspector Erwin Tabora.

Tabora, town police chief, said the site of operation was a known drug in�luenced village of the seaside town of Parang.

He named the suspects now detained at Parang police lock up cell as Myra Mamarinta, 30; Alejando Besillote, 57; Alma Ampato, 41; Mary Jane Bisillote, 36; Ruel Baula, 50; Ryan Valmes, 35; Jamail Adam, 19; Nelson Bisillote, 37; Joel Ambong, 33; Rabiano Besillote, 40; Abdullah Mapute, 18; Faizal Zailon, 39; Matanog Kansi, 39; and two minors.

Seized from them were marked money, several sachets of prohibited drugs and paraphernalia.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 are to be �iled before the provincial prosecutors of�ice Monday,July 17, Tabora added. (EOF/PNA)

MILF: BBL draft has better chances of enac ted as a law Says Duterte has time to push for it during term

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he new draft of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law has greater chances of becoming a law once it is certi�ied as an urgent bill by President Duterte, the ever optimistic Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday said.

Drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), composed of government and MILF representatives, the draft enabling law of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed in 2014 by the government and the MILF, will also be submitted to President Duterte early this evening (July 17) in Malacanang.

Ghazali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs, said in

Provincial Director of the Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office PSSUPT Harry Espela

an interview that “all systems go for the submission of draft bill.”

Jaafar will also hand over the new 112 page, 18 articles draft BBL, to Senate President Aquilino Koko Pimentel and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, one after the other.

Jaafar has visibly shown how excited he was and his panel. “Truth is that we are anticipating for endorsements when the president makes his speech during the BBL turnover today,” he added.

“More seriously, we expect him to make a categorical statement that he is certifying the BBL as urgent bill. Less than that would only bring back old memories when the previous

Tagum Coop goes mobile Play and Learn Sports

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agum Cooperative raised the bar of excellence several steps higher as it recently launched its exceptional mobile application available for both Android and IOS users.

The Tagum Coop Mobile Application allows members to conveniently view their real time account balances and transaction history. Speci�ically, members can check their deposit and loan balances, patronage refund and interest on share capital slip, insurance status and even calculate possible loan proceeds and amortization. Application for renewal

of minor loans is also available.

With this easy to use application, members can instantly access their accounts without the hassle of visiting the TC Branches. Here are the easy steps to use our mobile application: · Download “Tagum Cooperative Mobile Application” via Google Play (Android) and Play Store (IOS) · After download, Click the Register button on the main screen or page. · Click the I accept the terms & conditions above button on the Terms and Condi-

tions screen. · Enter your CID and mobile number. CID is an 11- character unique identi�ier, separated by a hyphen e.g. 001-0089131.

The mobile number is an 11-digit format that is preceded by 09. e.g. 09345569984 · Click the Submit button. · Enter your username, password and email. An authentication code will be sent to your registered mobile number.

Enter this number in the Authentication Code. · Click the Submit button · After the system successfully validates user inputs, click

the OK button to login to your account. · Enter your unique username and password. · Click the Sign in button. · After validating supplied username and password, it will take you to the home screen. · Finish.

Members with Customer IDenti�ication (CID) starting with “001” may register as of July 2017. The TC Mobile application is developed by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department of Tagum Cooperative headed

by Jappeht M. Fortich, MSIS.

Program re-launched

I

n collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission, the City Government of Tagum through its City Sports and Development Of�ice relaunched the largely-participated Play and Learn: Sports For Free Program - a nationwide sports-for-all advocacy of the national government.

The Play and Learn: Sports For Free Program was implemented to promote wellness and �itness of the citizens

by engaging in free sports training open not only for youngsters but for parents and senior citizens as well.

Now on its third instalment since 2014, the Local Government of Tagum has successfully relaunched the program in the city at the Rotary Park, Brgy. Magugpo Poblacion, Tagum City, with about 400 attendees as targeted participants.

This program aims not

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

Kilos SAMBAYANAN drive formally launched in Manila

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esidents of Barangay 286, Delpan, Tondo, Manila were the �irst ones to bene�it from the government’s latest anti-poverty program which was launched on Sunday.

The ‘Kilos SAMBAYANAN’ (Kilos para sa Sampung Batayang Pangangailangan) project aims to focus on the 10 basic needs of poor Filipinos in the country such as food, land reform, water, shelter, work and national industrialization, healthcare, education, social protection, healthy environment, peace, and people’s participation.

The program was spearheaded by several government agencies including the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cabinet Cluster (HDPRCC) composed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), National Economic and Devel-

opment Authority (NEDA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).

On the part of the DOLE, Assistant Secretary Gloria Tango said the department’s main tasked is to provide work, business and livelihood to Filipinos.

“Ang pagbibigay ng trabaho, negosyo at kabuhayan para sa mamamayan. Meron silang pamimilian ang formal employment, o employer-employee relationship of self employment, ito ay sa pamamagitan ng livelihood programs para sa ibat ibang sector,” she explained.

On the other hand, NAPC Secretary Liza Maza said the

RP visa services centers to process visa permits to Saudi Arabia kingdom Operations begin with the launch of Visa Services Centers in Manila, Davao, and Cebu VFS TasHeel International, an enterprise mandated with managing and administrating the visa application process on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today announced that its Visa Services Centers in Manila, Davao, and Cebu are now fully operational and have started processing visa applications.

The VFS TasHeel centers in the Philippines will process various categories of visa permits including resident, educational, personal, commercial visits etc., with the exception of Hajj, Umrah

and Work visas. Pilgrims and Work visa applicants will continue to process their visas through private tour operators in the country, and will be required to complete the biometric enrollment procedure at the VFS TasHeel Visa Services Centers. Biometrics enrolment includes collection of �ingerprints, facial image and biographic details, such as passport information.

Commenting on the Visa Services Center opening, Mr. Ajit Alexander, Chief Executive Of�icer, VFS TasHeel International, quoted, “We are pleased to be ful�illing the role

assigned to us by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is to facilitate a smooth, streamlined visa application process for travelers to the Kingdom. The new Visa Services Centers in Philippines offer visa applicants a full array of streamlined visa services, all of which are technologically driven and adhering to high standards of security and information con�identiality.”

Acting as a trusted mediator between visa applicants and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, VFS TasHeel services

includes, dissemination of accurate visa information, application guidance, fee management, identity management with biometrics enrollment and application submission.

The Visa Services Centers in Philippines are now in operation and located at: · DY International Building, Gen Malvar Street, Corner San Marcelino Street, Malate, Manila · Plaza De Luisa, Luisa Avenue Building, Jacinto Extension, Davao City · Insular Square Mall, 31 J.P Rizal Street, Tabok, Mandaue City, Cebu

DOH just following Duterte’s orders to‘take care of the poor’

F

ilipino-American (Fil-Am) millennials who wish to visit the Philippines may soon avail of special rates in airfares, accommodations, ground handling and tours, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo made this announcement during a recent brie�ing in the Philippine-DOT of�ice in San Francisco, USA urging Fil-Am millennials to trace their roots.

“Go back to your roots, learn the traits of the Filipinos. Change has come to our country, to our people, and you will be proud of yourselves to be Filipinos,” Teo was quoted saying.

Teo assured that the agency will be “pulling out all the stops with balikbayan travel packages.”

“Special rates in airfares, accommodations, ground handling, and tours will be applied for these Fil-Am millennials,” she added. However, she did not mention when will the pro-

gram start.

Moreover, she said the DOT will continue to tap new and emerging markets such as the Filipinos abroad who are probably now in their 30s and 40s and now part of the working-class to travel and rediscover their Filipino roots.

“We will offer them little known tourist destinations and sites, which are now among our priority growth areas for tourism development,” Teo said.

She said the DOT will “twin” them with other preferred Asian destinations like Philippines-Singapore, Philippines-Bangkok, Philippines-Hong Kong, and Philippines-Kuala Lumpur, among others.

The Secretary cited great improvement in the Philippines’ connectivity that has seen 423,540 new international air seats and 117 ports of calls from international cruise vessels in the �irst �ive months of 2017.(PNA)

Fil-Ams visiting RP get special Air rates, tour packages — DOT

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Department of Health of�icial on Sunday said the agency is just following the marching orders of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to “love and take care of the poor” through TSeKaP (Tamang Serbisyong Kalusugan sa Mahirap na Pamilya).

In the launching of “Kilos Sambayanan” held in Delpan, Tondo, Manila, DOH Undersecretary Dr. Gerardo Bayugo said the marching order was one of the highlights of the discussion between President Duterte and Secretary Paulyn Ubial last year.

“Because of that, DOH had

formulated the 12 Legacies of the Health Department,” said Bayugo as he narrated the �irst interaction between the President and Ubial when the latter was chosen as Health chief.

TSeKaP services aim to ensure that the poorest 20 million in the country have access to health services and interventions so that their minor conditions will not worsen.

“Dapat lahat naeeksamem -- dugo, sugar level, cholesterol, bukol, bingot -- para mabigyan kalutasan agad ang problema sa kalusugan na di na dapat pinapalala at pinapatagal,” the Health of�icial said.

SERVICE.A volunteer doctor conducts free check up to participants of the 39th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week 2017 held at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

DepEd chief cites need for qualifications framework

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epartment of Education Secretary Leonor Briones recently underscored the need to institutionalize a Philippine Quali�ications Framework to better empower future workers and make them more competitive if they go to other countries.

The PQF “will allow a person to start at a level that suits him/her, then build his/ her quali�ications over time,” she said in a press conference,

adding that the PQRF will also encourage lifelong learning.

The PQF will be aligned to the Quali�ications Framework of other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States.

Last July 12-13, the ASEAN Quali�ications Reference Framework (AQRF) was discussed in Manila by representatives of the member states.

The meeting discussed the details of the AQRF’s work plan.

AQRF Chair Julaihi Bin Mohammad of Brunei Darussalam and Vice Chair Megawati Santosa of Indonesia also joined Philippine government agency of�icials in discussing the focus and purpose of convening this technical workshop and meeting.

“We must ensure that our learners will have the kind of preparation that is comparable to the other countries. We need to make sure no one in

the ASEAN region will be left behind,” Briones said, referring to the need for an AQRF and PQF. She continued, “the Philippines needs the AQRF so we could be equal with other countries (in terms of quali�ications).”

Basically, the ASEAN member states want to address the differences in the levels of education quali�ications among different countries.

the 60-day martial law period (Proclamation No. 216) ends on July 22.

Martial law in Marawi and the rest of Mindanao was declared on May 23 following the attacks of Maute group terrorists in the locality.

“We have submitted our position on martial law in Mindanao to the President,” the defense chief said.

Lorenzana, however, did not give additional details so as not to preempt the President.

“We will have to wait for

the President’s �inal decision on the matter. What I submitted to him was my recommendation from the security sector as Administrator of Martial Law in Mindanao after consulting with the CSAFP (Chiefof-Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines) Gen. (Eduardo) Año. The President has a lot more to consider,” he said.

This includes inputs from the Department of Interior and Local Government and Philippine National Police, other government agencies and the

people of Mindanao.

“I fully trust the President’s judgment on this whether he considers my recommendations or not,” the DND chief stated.

Lorenzana, who was also designated as Chairperson of Task Force “Bangon Marawi” to rebuild and rehabilitate Marawi, acknowledges that the work ahead after the �ighting is even more daunting considering the extent of damage wrought into the city.

“While we have already be-

To extend martial law or not: DND says it is already in Duterte’s hands

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hile not giving any details so as not to preempt President Rodrigo Duterte, the Department of National Defense announced that it has already forwarded its recommendation to the Chief Executive on whether or not to extend martial law in Marawi and the rest of Mindanao.

Submission took place last July 13, DND Secretary Del�in Lorenzana said in a statement Sunday.

This is six days ahead of

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

EDITORIAL

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Still a force to reckon with

o doubt about it, Overseas Filpino Workers (OFWs) continue to drive the economy.

The country got eight percent remittances growth in the �irst quarter of 2017, up from three percent over the same period in 2016. By far, it has exceeded remittances growth target of the BangkoSentral ng Pilpinas (BSP) this year is four percent.

With that, OFW remittances clearly is still a reckoning force in the country’s economy. Proof that with more Filipinos busting their butts around the world, the economy will be a�loat.

Latest �igures show that OFW remittamces rose to USD2.31 billion in May 2017, 5.5 percent higher than the USD2.08 billion the previous month of April bringing the year-to-date cash remittances to USD11.35 billion, up 4.5 percent from year-ago’s USD10.86 billion. The report was based on the data released recently by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

According to the BSP, the expansion of cash remittances last May was fueled by the 6.2 percent rise of in�lows from land-based OFWs, amounting to USD1.8 billion, which was helped by the three percent rise of those from seabased workers, USD500 million. the bulk of the cash remittances came from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the United States

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(US). The data also showed that including in-kind transfers, total remittances last May reached USD2.59 billion, 7.1 percent higher from the US2.42 billion same period last year. In sum, for the �irst �ive months of the year, the total remittances amounted to USD12.61 billion, up 5.2 percent year-on-year.

Remittances have been among the major growth drivers of the Philippine economy for some decades now.

The World Bank (WB) recently said it continued to see robust performance for the Philippine economy this 2017, with growth projected at 6.8 percent, which in turn is within the government’s 6.5-7.5 percent growth target for the year.

That said, the Philippine economy would continue to rely on remittances to play a major role in the domestic expansion and driver of strong consumption.

The World Bank has made its forecast of a “stable” growth for consumption this year at 5.6 percent and 6.1 percent next year, from 7.2 percent last year.

While this continues to be the fact, bringing OFWs home with promises of jobs may be a step in the right direction as far as solving the jobs crisis from within. However, it still remains undeniable that for the good of the country’s economy, the more OFWs are there around the world, the better for the Philippines.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 67 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

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s early as 1901, American efforts to introduce cotton farming in Davao were already in effect. Imported cotton goods cost $7 million, a princely amount that was nearly one-fourth of the total merchandise brought to the country from the US, United Kingdom, Spain, British east Indies, and Germany that same year.

In fact, the US, given the abundance of water in the islands, had already projected the possible development of the country into a major source of cotton for the Asian continent. Achieving this goal, though, was not just about planting the crop but also getting the patronage of the natives and local residents.

The holding of cotton farm tests was reported in the December 1902 Monthly Summary of the Commerce of the Philippines (No. 2, Series of 1901-1902) which the Division of Insular Affairs of the US War Department issued the previous year: “Experiments in growing cotton from seed procured in the United States have been made in the province of Davao in Mindanao with such success that the culture of cotton will be tested fully, and if the results proved as successful as the persons interested in the trial believe, the consequences will be

I

wasn’t surprised receiving an e-mail from Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, the man who popularized tilapia in the Philippines. I know it was coming due to the fact that tilapia has been receiving bad news recently.

“There is still persistent misinformation coming out in the internet particularly Facebook maligning tilapia as an unhealthy �ish to eat. We have to counteract such with factual and scienti�ic information,” he wrote.

After bangus (milk�ish), tilapia is now the second most important �ish in the Philippines. It has gained popularity among Filipinos who cooked the �ish in different ways.

It can be either fried or grilled. It can also be made into a sinigang (a sour soup using tamarind, santol, guava or calamansi as a base) and paksiw (similar to sinigang only it uses vinegar).

In fact, tilapia has replaced galunggong (scad) as the poor man’s �ish. It’s no wonder why the Philippines is “now one of leading producers of tilapia in the world today.” The per capita consumption of tilapia in the country is estimated to be 3 kilograms per year, which is higher than that of milk�ish (2.53 kilograms per year) or round scad (1.61 kilograms per year).

Fishery experts have dubbed tilapia as “aquatic chicken” because it possesses many positive attributes that suit the �ish for a varied range of aquaculture systems. For one, tilapia tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions and is highly resistant to diseases and parasitic infections.

Other good traits of tilapia include excellent growth rates on a low-protein diet, ready

Davao’s cotton industry

far reaching in their effect upon the future cotton trade of the Orient.”

A 1901 report published in Manila Times, the country’s oldest newspaper daily, disputed the adaptability of the crop to local conditions. But a letter from a Bagobo native who was asked to plant cotton seeds acquired a year earlier from the US showed the crop was growing satisfactorily, saying the plant was “as fair a sample as one in the bottoms of the Mississippi.”

This account, which appeared in the same monthly summary, gave rise to optimism “the soil of the Philippines, from seed imported from America, adds still more to the vast and almost unlimited potentials lying hidden in this archipelago.

That same year, Philippine Exploration Company, with a capital stock of US$500,000, �iled its Articles of Incorporation, with US$180,000 in subscribed stocks. The incorporation was a prelude to the “formation of a company of millionaires with a capital of $250,000,000.”

Aside from mining and agricultural ventures, the �irm, which should have an initial capitalization of US$6.9 billion in 2017 �igures, was also into colonization.

“The principal objects of the concern will be to colonize the island of Mindanao, the largest of

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa the Philippine group, build trading posts, acquire lands for agricultural and mining purposes, build railways, erect sugar and other manufactories, construct water works, and to inaugurate a steamship line between San Francisco [USA] and the [Philippine] islands.”

The 1901 War Department report identi�ied the board of directors of the mammoth company as: William H. Crocker, millionaire banker; William G. Henshaw, an Oakland banker; ex-Congressman T.J. Clunie, and F.M. Smith, principal owners of the street railway sys-

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

riety of associated health bene�its, including its ability to help reduce weight, boost overall metabolism, speed up repair and growth throughout the body, build strong bones, reduce the risk of various chronic diseases, lower triglyceride levels, prevent arthritis, protect against cognitive decline, prevent various types of cancer, reduce signs of aging, boost the health of your hair, and strengthen your immune system.”

What’s in a tilapia, anyway? The website gave this information: “Tilapia is highly valued as a seafood source due to its many bene�icial qualities, which are attributed to its wealth of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, including signi�icant amounts of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, phosphorous, potassium, vitamin B12, niacin, vitamin B6,

9

tem of Oakland. The stockholders included Stuyvesant Fish, of New York; F.F. Watts, of Chicago, and former Mayor T.D. Phelan, of San Francisco.

Curiously, nothing came out positively of these encouraging developments.

Over a century later, encouraged by the growing global demand for cotton products, especially shirts and other apparels, interest in cotton was revived. For instance, Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M), the world’s second largest fashion retailer, started looking for partners in the country to sustain its cotton requirements for its garments in 2013.

Two years thereafter, Cotton USA, a popular garment brand, came out with its grand plant to grow 5% in the country. The idea here is for products to be produced locally and carry indigenous labels.

USA Cotton was �irst introduced its products to garment manufacturers and consumers in the country in 1994.

The Cotton Council International ASEAN reported the Philippines consumes an average of 40,000 metric tons (MT) of lint every year, which is valued at PhP3 billion ($66.57 million). Ninety-seven percent of the cotton it uses is imported

mainly from the US. A 2015 report that appeared in Rappler.com underscored the major setback the Philippine cotton industry has been confronting: “Although the Philippines has a favorable soil and climate to grow cotton, the local industry has been enduring a major setback because of several socio-economic and technical factors, such as the cotton bollworm issue. Bollworm is any larva or moth that attacks the fruiting bodies of certain crops, especially cotton. Thus genetically-engineered Bt cotton was introduced to reduce the use of synthetic insecticides in �ighting such pest.”

A decade earlier, Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), a partnership between the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and major clothing brands, introduced cotton to reach farmers and taught them how to farm this water-wasting crop, using less pesticides and water.

The Initiative de�ines ‘better cotton’ as a crop that adopts a sixpoint agenda, namely: to minimize the harmful impact of crop protection practices, use water ef�iciently and care for the availability of water, care for the health of the soil, conserve natural habitats, care for and preserve the quality of the �ibre, and promote decent work.

and pantothenic acid.”

Nutrition experts are fond of tilapia because of its “impressive protein content” which makes up more than 15% of a person’s daily requirement in a single serving. “Protein is an essential part of our diet, particularly animal proteins, because they can be enzymatically broken down into composite amino acids and reassembled into usable proteins in the human body,” the website claims. “Protein is directly linked to proper growth and development of organs, membranes, cells, and muscles. It is particularly important that children consume adequate amounts of protein to ensure that they develop properly.”

Aside from protein, tilapia is also a good source of phosphorus, a vital part of the development and growth of bone matter. “Phosphorus is also a necessary element in the maintenance of the teeth and nails, keeping them strong and durable well into your old age,” the website says. “It can help prevent osteoporosis, which is the degradation of bone mineral density often suffered by people as they age.”

Tilapia is also good for your heart. The website states: “Tilapia is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been directly linked to lowering cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels in the human cardiovascular system. Omega-3 fatty acids neutralize the impact of omega-6 fatty acids.

“There is some controversy about �ish in general having high levels of dangerous LDL cholesterol, but studies have shown that the bene�icial effects of the omega-3 fatty acids outweigh the risks of omega-6 fatty acids also

found in tilapia. Omega-3 fatty acids help to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. The potassium found in tilapia is also a vasodilator, and reduces blood pressure, which is an additional boost to heart health.”

Not only that. Tilapia can delay aging as it contains selenium, an antioxidant that can actually rejuvenate or stimulate vitamins E and C. Both vitamins can improve the quality and health of the skin. “The more than 20% of daily selenium that tilapia provides makes it a very good food source for improving the health and appearance of your skin by stopping the free radical damage,” the website points out. “This means a reduction in wrinkles, sagging, age spots, and other signs of aging.”

For men 40 years older and above, here’s a good news: tilapia prevents prostate cancer.

As stated earlier, tilapia has a very high content of selenium. “Studies have directly linked selenium intake to a reduction in the risk of prostate cancer, as well as various heart conditions,” the website says. “Antioxidants like selenium are famed for their ability to reduce free radical activity in the body, thereby lowering the chances of oxidative stress on all the organ systems, and the mutation of healthy cells into cancerous ones.”

But there’s more to tilapia than just providing food. In the United States, tilapias are stocked in the canals that serve as the drinking water sources for the cities of Phoenix, Mesa, and others. The �ish reportedly help purify the water by consuming vegetation and detritus, thus greatly reducing puri�ication costs.

AQUATIC CHICKEN

breeding in captivity and ease of handling; and, more importantly, wide acceptance as food �ish.

“Historically, the introduction of the �irst tilapia species, the Mozambique tilapia, in the Philippines in 1950 was initially not well-accepted by the industry because of the lack of appropriate culture techniques,” recalled Dr. Guerrero, who holds a doctorate degree in �isheries management from Auburn University in the United States. “Growth of the �ish in ponds was stunted with too much breeding and overpopulation. The small size and dark color of the �ish did not also appeal to local consumers.”

The coming of the Nile tilapia in the 1970s improved the acceptance of tilapia in the Philippines because of its lighter color and faster growth compared to the earlier-introduced tilapia. “The development of technologies for the improved breeding and culture of the �ish and its affordable price are the main reasons why the tilapia is now the ‘�ish of the masses,’” Dr. Guerrero said.

Most of the tilapia raised in the Philippines are consumed locally. Filipinos relish its cotton-like meat and fairly good taste.

Both Americans and Europeans are also fond of eating tilapia since they consider it as “white meat,” a health food low in cholesterol and fat. Also, chefs have a preference for tilapia’s �irm meat.

Just recently, the website organicfacts. net came up with a list of eight “amazing bene�its” of tilapia.

In its introduction, it said: “Tilapia is a delicious, lean white �ish that has a wide va-

VANTAGE POINTS

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

AIRHUB... FROM 1 ber has expressed interest in the Davao region and its 6 million population as a market and as the setting for a wide array of partnerships.

“The conference is certain to open up opportunities both ways,” he said.

The DCCI of�icers said they would strongly press for developing Davao as an air connectivity hub through the establishment of an authority and the upgrading of the airport.

They said the connectivity and access provided by an airport is the �irst thing that always comes into the mind of potential investors.

“Hence, we must take

advantage of the window of opportunity provided by the Duterte to have this objectives realized,” said Milan.

He said that Davao remains the shortest link to Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

“It is a strategic advantage that will lower the cost of business and time of travel,” he said.

The 4thICon is scheduled on July 20-22 at the SMX convention center in Lanang, Davao City.

It is expected to bring together potential buyers and investors to discuss business opportunities. (30)

the safety of our people, the safety of everyone and all of us,” he said.

Mangudadatu said what is very important in the martial law declaration was that “our rights as civilians remain, our bill of rights was not suspended, unlike the Marcos martial law.”

Colonel Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade of the 6th Infantry Division said the martial law in Mindanao has weakened lawless elements and terrorists movements. ”We in the military are implementing what the law tells us and our civic leaders have repeatedly told us martial law made their lives safer,” Carreon told reporters. ”Crime rate has improved, curfew hours religiously observed by people,” he added.

Martial law, declared by

President Duterte on May 23 following the Marawi siege, will end on July 22 or 60 days after its declaration as provided for by the Philippine Constitution.

But Duterte is entertaining the idea of extending it, still in accordance with the Constitution and recommendation of the military.

Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangudadatu, chair of the SOCCSKSARGEN regional peace and order council, also favors extension of the military rule, saying the military know better the peace and security issues of Mindanao.

Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, also favors the extension of martial law provided the safety of civilians remain a priority and any abuses by implementers should not exist. (EOF/PNA)

surgence of narcotics trading at the national penitentiary as the reason for going back to retirement.

“Having been prevailed upon not to on leave, I have since seriously considered the controversy as a signal for me to return to my retirement life,” he said.

Delos Santos assured he did not leave the BuCor in disarray and boasted leaving behind signi�icant changes in the bureau.

“I am con�ident that the seeds of change have been amply spread in the rough and rugged road towards a reformed BuCor,” he said.

“I am sure capable successor will pick up from where I have contributed in our drive to stop drugs, crime and corruption,” added Delos Santos.

He assumed the post last November, replacing retired police Chief Superintendent Rolando Asuncion

goes beyond any religion or creed,” he added.

Martial law in Mindanao was declared after Maute Group terrorists conducted a series of unprovoked attacks against civilian and military targets in Marawi City after a botched attempt to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, last May 23.

“We have made it clear from the very start that all our operations under martial law will be based on the rule of law and respect for human rights of all, regardless of religion, ethnicity or ideology. That is why we have also opposed calls for an ID system for Muslims only since this is discriminatory. We believe that if an ID system is adopted, it should be national in scope, and should apply to every citizen of

the republic,” Lorenzana pointed out.

And in line with efforts to prevent abuses, the DND chief said the military has deployed human rights of�icers and lawyers on the ground to help soldiers in performing their expanded duties and responsibilities under martial law.

“My trust and con�idence in the professionalism and integrity of the Armed Forces, however, remains strong. Naniniwala akong gagawin ng ating kasundaluhan kung ano ang nararapat alinsunod sa batas at hindi nila kailanman tatalikuran ang kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin - ang ipagtanggol ang bansa at sambayanang Pilipino, kahit kapalit ang sarili nilang buhay,” Lorenzana pointed out. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)

Maguindanao... FROM 2

Aguiire... FROM 2

DND ... FROM 3

MOTORISTS HUB. Motorists are welcomed by heavy traffic congestion during peak hours near Ma-a Bridge along Jose P. Garcia Highway in Davao City on Monday morning which was caused by road construction and rehabilitation in the area. Lean Daval Jr.

MILF vows... FROM 2 net meeting that I am declining (it) because I do not want to be away and I have been also deeply affected emotionally with this problem (in Marawi).

My relatives are in all corners of this city,” Mama-o said.

Jaafar is not the �irst Moro rebel leader named to be Amirul Hajj. Nur Misuari, founding chair of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) served as Amirul Hajj.

Lawyer Randolph Parcasio, spokersperson of the MNLF faction under Misuari said Misuari served the post twice while he was Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“Gargantuanresponsibilities” Jaafar said he appreciates “so much” the President’s appointment.

“On behalf of my family, I appreciate so much the trust and con�idence given to me by our beloved President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” Jaafar told MindaNews in a text message.

“This is another big task with gargantuan responsibilities,” said Jaafar, whose appointment was coursed through the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).

Jaafar said he hopes to introduce several changes in this year’s Hajj.

He said the Hajj is a sacred religious obligation of every Muslim but there are Muslims who take advantage of the Hajj by doing business. “Nangungumpra sila ng mga paninda para ibenta pagdating sa kanilang lugar” (They shop for goods to sell when they get back home).

He said several pilgrims have complained about poor transport services as well as hotel accommodation “compared to Hajj performers from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia na �ive star ang accommodation sa kanila.”

“There must be change from the present situation to a much better accommodation in Saudi Arabia, God-willing,” Jaafar added.

Jaafar said he intends to negotiate with airline compa-

nies to make the plane fare to Mecca more affordable for pilgrims.

As early as January this year, the NCMF together with the Of�ice of the Cabinet Secretary facilitated the Hajj Multi-Stakeholders Planning Workshop “to bring all stakeholders together to jointly collaborate in identifying the systems, policies, and procedures in administering, managing, supervising the annual Hajj with the end product of generating sustainable policies and direct actions that can be implemented by concerned government agencies to ensure smooth and hassle-free Hajj operations.”

Those who sign up for Hajj pilgrimage are required to have a Hajj passport and a Sheik to lead the pilgrims once in Saudi Arabia, “thus the demand for travel agencies to process pilgrim applications and Sheiks.”

The planning workshop noted that as with any other demand, “exploitation comes in many forms when various stakeholders come into play; and despite the Commission’s attempts to monitor these agencies and sheiks, the risk is borne by the potential pilgrim.”

The planning workshop also intended to make the NCMF, other concerned government agencies and the public “aware of the systems, policies and procedures of the Hajj operations” and to “devise strategies to address the gaps in the Hajj operations in the Philippines and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Atty. Maia Chiara Halmen Reina Valdez, one of the undersecretaries of Of�ice of the Cabinet Secretary, urged workshop participants to be “partners for change and partners for our fellow Muslims in their spiritual journey to Hajj,” to keep them in mind “as we work on our goal to provide them with smooth and hassle-free hajj processes.”

Last year’s major problem was the discovery of 177 Indonesian nationals who were stopped at the airport in Manila for using Philippine passports obtained fraudulently. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

Duterte... FROM 3 Meanwhile, some 70 leaders from various sectors in Mindanao emphasized that the “earnest push forward” with the Bangsamoro peace process provides “a strong foundation” for rebuilding Marawi City which has been besieged by Islamic State-linked militants since May 23.

The leaders, who were convened by the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) here last week, particularly cited the enactment of the proposed BBL as signifying seriousness in implementing government’s peace agreements with Moro revolutionary groups.

That, in turn, serves as a counterpoint to the arguments of Islamic militants against the Bangsamoro peace process, the conference participants said.

The MILF has said that “there is no logical way forward except the way of peace – and for government to comply for what it had committed.”

“The longer the con�lict protracts, the better chance for the violent extremists like the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups to recruit and strengthen, because they feast on our failures.” (Ryan D. Rosauro / MindaNews)

US identi�ied markets which it has USD10-billion trade de�icit. The list includes Canada, China, European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Apart from the trade de�icit study, the US will also consider the market size of a country and its policy gap with the US. Rodolfo noted that the Philippines is an attractive market for the US with its over 100 million population.

Moreover, Rodolfo mentioned that the policies of the Philippines and the US are

not dif�icult to align as the two countries have been collaborating to improve trade ties through the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).

“What we are saying is that, under the TIFA, we have closed the gap in most of the issues,” he said in Filipino.

He mentioned that among the major policy issues between the Philippines and the US include the intellectual property issues which applies to public health; foreign equity restrictions, particularly in public services; sensitivity on geographic indications; and government procurement

of the Social Security Commission, which includes making it an approving authority for loan condonation programs instead of the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Launched last April 28, 2016, the LRP provided relief to delinquent borrowers by allowing them to settle their unpaid SSS loans in full within 30 days with no additional interest, or through �lexible payment terms of up to �ive years at a low interest rate of three percent per annum.

“We would like to remind our LRP availees that loan penalties will be completely waived only after full payment of the principal amount and interest of the

restructured loan. So they are advised to pay their �inancial obligations on time to prevent an additional penalty of 0.5 percent per month,” Dooc concluded.

As part of the program’s terms and conditions, members who availed of the LRP can no longer avail of future condonation programs. However, members can apply for another SSS loan six months after they have fully paid their �inancial obligation under the LRP. Majority of the LRP applicants were employee-members who contributed P3.23 billion worth of collection. While voluntary members, who represented 27 percent of total availees, paid an initial P1.38 billion. (SSS)

RP eyes... FROM 4

SSS... FROM 4

INdulge!

VOL.10 ISSUE 76 • JULY 18, 2017

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

LUXE LIVING

at Amiya Resort Residences

IMAGINE WAKING UP to a community where its spaces evoke tropical bliss and a promise of living life to the fullest. Imagine spending the day relaxing or having fun with your family in a beautiful Thai-themed pool.

Now stop imagining because the dream is a reality at Amiya Resort Res-

idences. An 85-hectare masterplanned community located along Libby

Road in Puan, Davao City, Amiya Resort Residences brings exotic and relaxing resort living right to one’s doorstep.

In her message during the grand launch of Amiya’s Clubhouse, Kisan Lu Land’s President Kristin Lu shared that Amiya was a dream of her late father, Kisan D. Lu. “The Amiya Clubhouse is the jewel of my father’s pet project.

We promised our homeowners and investors that this will be the grandest amenity of this subdivision and I am happy and proud to say that we believe we have lived up to expectation.”

And what a grand amenity indeed. The Amiya Clubhouse sits on an almost two-hectare site dominated by a 1,800 square meter saltchlorinated pool, one of the largest community pools in Mindanao. Fitness buffs will love the

community gym which is fitted with TechnoGym equipment imported from Italy. There is also a full-service spa where residents can unwind after a long day.

Functions can be accommodated at the clubhouse thanks to its grand ballroom which can seat

250 people comfortably.

There is also an allocation for three satellite restaurants which will soon operate within the clubhouse premises.

Another unique feature of the Amiya Clubhouse are the three villas and five casitas where the guests of residents, as well

as visitors to Amiya, can stay for the night. All casitas and villas come with modern resort amenities such as LED TVs, air conditioning, and hot and cold showers among others, all set within a modern Thai setting.

Not resting on their laurels, Kristin revealed upcoming amenities that will soon rise within Amiya. “We will be putting up a sports complex as well as a non-sectarian chapel soon to cater to our growing number of residents in the community.” she added.

Luxe resort living has truly come to Davao and it has come home to Amiya.

A2INdulge!

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.10 ISSUE 76 • JULY 18, 2017

Meet GenSan’s favourite Korean grocery mart AMS Mart is the first Korean grocery mart in General Santos City.

Opening its doors since November 5, 2015, AMS Mart has since been a favourite by locals and visitors alike.

Owned and managed by Jenmarie Valiente and her Korean national husband, they also own Dae Jang Geum, a fast growing Korean restaurant located at Robinson’s and SM GenSan.

This quaint Korean grocery mart offers a multitude of Korean products that are fast becoming favourites in the country. Frequenting the shop are not only Korean nationals but more so, locals who have since been hooked with the K-fever.

Inside, you’ll find a plethora of choices that will surely have you craving in an instant. Their best seller?

Korean ice cream that features spectacular flavours perfect for an any day cold munching. Not only that, they also sell

a ton of Korean snacks and drinks to keep you company on your travels or nonchalant crunchy yearnings.

Do you want to replicate that Korean dish you had last night?

Fret not. At AMS, they also carry a number of Korean spices, condiments and some delish Korean dried fish. Now, whipping up a plate of

Tteok-bokki won’t take you forever.

Also available are Korean beef slices and sausage for that homemade Korean feast with the family.

AMS Korean Grocery Mart is located at J. Caytolico Sr. Avenue, General Santos City . For inquiries, you may call them at 0917 519 2142

VOL.10 ISSUE 76 • JULY 18, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Kiko Estrada and Chef Boy Logro share their blessings

July 9 – 11, 2017

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KIKO ESTRADA carries a household name in showbiz but he’s gradually carving his own mark in the business.

For him, the journey isn’t easy but he makes sure to surround himself with people – his fans and supporters – who can be a source of motivation that gives him an extra push to be better.

As he turned a year older, instead of having a big celebration, he invited some of his fans to an intimate get together last June 20 at the Kondanda Archery Range in Eastwood City. “I’m very happy to be spending this day with my fans who’ve been supporting me ever since. In our lives, merong mga taong nagiging bahagi ng buhay natin who will love and support us unconditionally. Kaya naman I chose to celebrate my birthday with them. It’s also my simple way of thank-

ing them sa walang sawa nilang suporta,” shared the Kapuso star.

The party was hosted by fellow GMA Artist Center stars Arrianne Bautista and Yasser Marta. They facilitated the short program where Kiko gave a short and sweet message to his fans before playing archery. After having fun over games, laughter and popcorn, Kiko felt very happy to be able to give joy to his solid supporters.

Meanwhile, aging gracefully is the 61-year

old Chef Boy Logro who decided to celebrate his birthday with a purpose.

Last June 22, he invited the GEMS Heart Banduria Group, one of the beneficiaries of ChildFund Philippines to his 7 Flavors Restaurant in San Juan. ChildFund Philippines is a non-governmental organization that acts on the protection of children and focuses on their education.

Instead of wishing something for himself, Chef Boy instead of-

fered a prayer of thanks.

“Lagi kong sinasabi na hindi na ‘ko humihingi sa Panginoon, kundi lagi akong nagpapasalamat dahil ‘yung binigay niya sa ‘kin, grabe— siksik, liglig, umaapaw. Alam n’yo naman saan inabot ng aking pinag-aralan. I [did] not really graduate from high school pero binigyan [ako] ng Panginoon [ng maraming blessings],” he said.

A short program was hosted by Top One Project member Joshua Jacobe, where the kids played the banduria and performed for Chef Boy. The chefTV host was filled with joy seeing young ones celebrate the Filipino culture through music. Impressed with their performance, he invited the children to guest in his show, Idol Sa Kusina. The program ended with Joshua’s song number, in which he acknowledged the kind heart of Chef Boy.

EDGEDAVAO

A4INdulge!

VOL.10 ISSUE 76 • JULY 18, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

SUBURBIA11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang

Gov’t Reaches Out Farming Village, Eyes Tourism Development

D

AVAO ORIENTAL— Almost two thousand residents in Barangay Bobon in the City of Mati have availed of the government’s free goods and services through the Nagkakaisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental (NLD) Barangay Outreach Caravan on Tuesday, July 11.

A �lagship program of Governor Nelson Dayanghirang which brings the government closer to the people, the caravan has converged 31 line agencies from the city, provincial, and national level that provided various services ranging from medical and dental to technical and legal consultations.

Residents here, who have been suffering from low farm productivity due to extreme weather conditions, expressed

their gratefulness to the government for reaching out to them. “I am deeply thankful to the government because these are the services that we really need and we get them for free,” said an overwhelmed 50-yearold Ricky Gayta, who claims of availing medical services for the �irst time due to the lack of income.

Various agricultural supports have also been poured to the village. In support to the village’s main crop —coconut, grown as a source of revenue, the Philippine Coconut Authority has turned over P 716,000 worth of cash incentive for the Participatory Coconut Planting Project.

Also, various planting materials and �ishing gears were given to the residents. The Provincial Agriculture Of�ice

has turned over 100 bags corn seeds, 10,000 pieces cacao seedlings, 200 packs assorted vegetable seeds, and 800 kilograms of ginger.

In accordance with the national administration’s mandate which is to achieve available and affordable food, the Department of Agriculture Regional Of�ice distributed to farmers 300 pieces pomelo seedlings, 500 pieces guyabano seedlings, 100 pieces lanzones seedlings, 100 packs of assorted vegetable seeds, and 10,000 tilapia �ingerlings.

Engineer Ricardo Oñate, OIC Regional Executive Director of the DA, revealed that they are set to launch a livelihood program in Barangay Bobon called multiplier farm wherein native breeder of livestock will be provided. The

A resident. in Barangay Bobon who relies on farming for his family’s daily needs is happy to receive free goods and services from the government through

Provincial Agriculture. Office Department Head Rotchie Ravelo; Hon. Valencio Macaturac, Punong Barangay in Barangay Bobon; Arnel Pineda, Chairman of the Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Council; Engineer Ricardo Oñate, OIC Regional Executive Director of

multiplier farm is the �irst time to be launched in the said area in the entire province.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in partnership with the City Government of Mati, turned over one unit patrol boat with complete accessories, one unit search light, day and night binocular vision, life jacket, �lashlight, and boots.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Of�ice together with its provincial counterpart, the PSWDO, gave food packs and school bags.

Ten bene�iciaries were chosen randomly for the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Emergency Employment Program wherein recipients will be given work within ten days and will be compensated at

the Department of Agriculture; Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, the brainchild of the NLD Caravan; Vice Governor Niño L. Uy; and, Col. Reuben Basiao, Commander of the 701st Brigade of the Philippine Army.

a salary rate of P340.00 per day. Lydia Carmina, one of the employment recipients, said the program is timely since the recent �looding has greatly damaged their vegetable farm where they get their source of food.

Meanwhile, paving way for tourism development, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang has announced the road concreting project for the barangay. The project, which stretches up to 6.5 kilometers from the barangay proper up to the coastal sitio of Libudon, costs P105 million.

The scheduled road concreting is poised to attract more business investments, giving more income opportunities for locals.

More than a means for faster mobilization, the road

will also serve as a farm-tomarket road to the marginalized inhabitants who are highly dependent on agriculture for their livelihood, the governor said.

Governor Dayanghirang has urged the locals not just to participate on the anticipated inclusion of the barangay to the tourism industry but also to cooperate with the government’s effort in winning a true and lasting peace.

“By making your area more accessible to the public, tourism development is expected to take place. Let us take advantage of the endowed beauty in your area and at the same time take part with the peace effort of our government gearing towards sustainable development”, he said. By Riza M. Golez

12 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

YOU CAN AVOID DYING OF CERVICAL CANCER

BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Everyday, it kills 12 Filipinos, mostly women. To think of, the deaths could be prevented. In fact, there is now a vaccine for the disease and it can be cured – if detected early!

Cervical cancer, which also af�licts men, is women’s enemy number two. “In the Philippines, cervical cancer i s second to breast cancer as the most common malignancy that af�licts and kills women with conservative estimates between 35,000 and 70,000 cases with almost 7,000 new cases added every year,” reports Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, former chair of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Cancer Institute.

Between breast cancer and cervical can cer, the latter is the deadliest. As Rina Jimenez-David, a recognized advocate in reproductive health, puts it: “While breast cancer is the most common form of cancer for women in the country, it is not the most deadly. The death toll from cervical cancer is higher than for breast cancer, and this is mainly because by the time its victims come for treatment, it is already too late.”

The cervix is the lower

part of the uterus. It extends into the vagina. Cervical cancer, which results from the uncontrolled growth of severely abnormal cells in the cervix, usually affects women aged 35 to 55, but is can affect women as young as 20.

“The younger a woman was the �irst time she had sexual intercourse and the more sex partners she has had, the higher her risk of cervical cancer,” points out The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

Usually, it takes about ten years before cancer develops.

But it presents some early signs. “In the early stages, cervical cancer usuall y causes no symptoms. It may cause spotting or heavier bleeding between periods, bleeding after intercourse, or unusually heavy periods. In later stages, such abnormal bleeding is common,” says the Merck manual.

Other symptoms may include a four-smelling discharge from the vagina, pain in the lower abdomen, and swelling of the legs. The urinary tract may be blocked, without treatment, kidney failure and death can result.

Contrary to common beliefs, cervical cancer is not hereditary. It is primarily

caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted during sexual intercourse. HPV takes several forms, which are referred to by number.

“There are about 100 types of HPV that generally infect people in various parts of the body but there are only 13 types that can cause cancer in the cervix,” wrote Dr. Llave in a paper presented at the Global Conference on Low-Resource Setting Cervical Cancer Preven tion held at the Johns Hopkins University.

The most common causes of cervical cancer are HPV Types 16 and 18. These two types are responsible for 70 percent of cervical cancer around the world. HPV Type 16 also causes oropharyngeal cancer. Condoms do not fully protect against infection because the virus can exist throughout the genital area and around the anus.

Exposure to HPV alone is not enough to cause cancer – human bodies are equipped with the mechanisms to naturally reject and �ight infections, HPV included,” wrote Elderita C. Rizo in an article which appeared in Health and Lifestyle. “However, in some women, the virus stays and survives

for years without manifesting any symptoms, which eventually changes normal cells to pre-cancerous cells.”

Although sexual intercourse is the primary culprit cited for cervical cancer, there are several other factors that may trigger such cancer among women. These factors include early age at �irst birth, having many births, tobacco use, prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives, and an impaired immune system, particularly related to HIV infection.

“Twenty percent of all cancers are caused by viruses,” Prof. Ian Frazer, a clinical immunologist and currently the chair of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation’s Medical Research Advisory Committee. “If we know that cancer is caused by a virus, then we know how to prevent it.”

And this, he added, is where vaccines would come in.

There are two vaccines against HPV currently sold in the market: Cervrix and Gardasil. A woman must be injected three times to guarantee full protection against the speci�ic types of HPV infection.

The World Health Organization recommends HPV vac-

cination as early as nine to 13 years old, especially in liberal countries. “But every woman is at risk so women aged 13 to 55 years old can still have the vaccine,” Dr. Llave said.

Clinical trials done by Prof.

Frazer and his team showed that the vaccine can last for as long as ten years. However, as these do not protect against all types of cancer-causing HPVs, more vaccines are need to combat the other HPV strains.

If detected early, cervical cancer is curable. “There is no reason for any woman to die of cervical cancer,” deplores Noe Tuason, a research scientist at the University of San Francisco Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Industrialized countries, like the United States, have achieved success in early detection of pre-cancerous conditions in the cervix with the Pap smear. But in developing countries like the Philippines, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is recommended.

In VIA, a swab cotton is immersed in acetic acid, and then placed on the cervix. If an area turns whitish, this is an indicator for health practitioners to suspect for the presence of cancer.

Several international med-

ical societies and health governing bodies have rated VIA as equally, if not more useful than Pap’s smear and as more appropriate and cost effective in low resource areas. In the Philippines, studies show that Pap’s smear has a cancer sensitivity rate of 30 to 89 percent while VIA has a sensitivity of 51 to 77 percent In a lecture held at the College of Medicine auditorium at the University of the Philippines in Manila three years ago, Prof. Frazer reiterated three things that must be done when dealing with cervical cancer.

He said that a person must undergo prevention (changing one’s lifestyle or avoid certain environments), then early detection through screening, and �inally de�initive therapy once the cancer cells develop.

“We have got good treatments for cervical cancer especially if we detect it early, in which state it becomes de�initely curable. This is why screening is very important,” Prof. Frazer explained. “The problem arises if a woman waits until she �inds she is sick of cervical cancer, wherein by that time, the disease is so advanced that is already becomes incurable.”

ECONOMY 13

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

AUTOMOTIVE... FROM 4 support the position of the Department of Finance. At the same time, we hope that the PUV modernization will also be supported by the other stakeholders,” he said.

Director Patrick Aquino of the DOE’s Energy Utilization and Management Bureau lauded the government’s initiatives to encourage the manufacture of hybrid and alternatively fueled vehicles and also reiterated his Department’s support for TRAIN. We join the government in lauding the initiatives towards encouraging the manufacture of alternatively-fueled vehicles.

We support the tax reform program,” he said.

The DOF has assured senators that subcompact sedans such as the Mitsubishi Mirage and compact multipurpose vehicles such as the Toyota Innova models will remain affordable to middle-class families despite the proposed automobile excise tax increases under the tax reform bill because they are bound to get signi�icant personal income tax rate (PIT) cuts that will more than offset the slight price markups on these cars.

DOF Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the reforms in the excise tax system for automobiles under the TRAIN,

will, however, impact luxury vehicles such as the Land Cruiser, given that the objective of tax reform is to make the system more progressive by imposing stiffer consumption taxes on the wealthy, or those who can well afford to pay these high rates.

The House of Representatives approved TRAIN or House Bill No. 5636—by an overwhelming majority before the Congress’ sine die adjournment. TRAIN is the �irst package of the Duterte administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP). (DOTR) This bill, which had consolidated the DOF’s endorsed proposal—HB 4774 �iled by Quirino Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua—with 54 other tax-related measures, seeks to make the country’s tax system simpler, fairer and more ef�icient by slashing personal income tax rates and, to �ill up the consequent revenue loss, by adjusting excise taxes on certain products and broadening the Value Added Tax (VAT) base.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has said he hopes the Senate would act swiftly on the bill when the Congress opens its second regular session in July and retain the original features of TRAIN outlined in HB 4774. “We can

LGU... FROM 4

idents of the province” who are dependent on the company’s business operations.

The resolution was issued with the support of Del Rosario and was adopted with Vice Governor Alan Dujali presiding over the Sanggunian proceedings.

“The JVA rehabilitation program brought pride to the Province of Davao del Norte because its success is well known in the entire Philippine Penal System and as a matter of fact, BuCor wanted it replicated in its Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan,” Resolution 364 of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan read.

The resolution likewise stated that in 2016 alone, TADECO paid BuCor a total of 142,719,662.00 which equates to P26,900 per hectare and the former also paid approximately P438,000,000.00 in taxes and fees to the Philippine government.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan, which decided to adopt a resolution of support for the BuCor-TADECO deal after receiving the position papers of both Tadeco and the Of�ice of the Speaker, also called on the LGUs in District I “to give their support to the JVA due to its social and economic bene�it to the entire Province for so many years.”

All the LGUs in the second district comprising Panabo City and the municipalities of Braulio E. Dujali, Carmen, the Island Garden City of Samal and Sto. Tomas have already is-

sued their separate resolutions of support for the BuCor-TADECO JVA. Last May 29, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Panabo adopted a resolution “earnestly supporting the joint venture agreement” between TADECO and BuCor, which it said has a “vast contribution to the economy of the neighboring cities and municipalities within the Davao Region.”

In its resolution, the Sangguniang Panlungsod said the TADECO-BuCor agreement “had [been] reviewed and approved by no less than Six (6) Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretaries, namely, Juan Ponce Enrile (1968-1970), Vicente Abad Santos (1970-1979), Ricardo C. Puno (1979), Catalino Macaraig Jr. (1979-1981), Sedfrey Ordonez (1987-1990), Simeon Datumanong (2003), and Raul Gonzales (w0042007).”

“It has also passed through fourteen (14) Secretaries of Justice who upheld its validity,” the Sanggunian also said in its resolution.

The Sangguniang Bayan of Sto. Tomas said in a separate resolution adopted on May 22 that it is backing the BuCor-Tadeco accord “so as not to displace the thousand workers and its contribution to the economic development of the communities and country.”

The town of Tibal-Og in Sto.Tomas, through its Sangguniang Barangay also released a resolution last May 23 backing the JVA, which stated that the

presence of Tadeco “tremendously boosted the fast economic development activities bene�iting the entire province of Davao del Norte.”

The Liga ng Mga Barangay of Sto. Tomas, meanwhile, unanimously adopted a resolution last May 18 supporting the JVA, which it said, “helped to rehabilitate the inmates inside the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) and prepare them for their eventual reintegration to society by providing them with a decent means of livelihood while serving their sentences to become a productive citizen in the community.”

Mayor Virginia Perandos of the municipality of Carmen pointed out that “TADECO has been playing (a major role) in the development of the entire province of Davao del Norte in general, and brought quality standard of living for the people with its employment opportunities, including many of the BuCor inmates.”

A resolution unanimously adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan of Carmen on May 23 expressed its support to the JVA, and said the “presence of banana companies including Tadeco boost the economic activity not only of the Municipality of Carmen, but throughout the Davao Region.”

The Liga ng mga Barangay of Carmen has also adopted a separate resolution backing the BuCor-Tadeco JVA. “Fifty percent of our labor force are working [in companies like TADECO, Dole Philippines and other agro-in-

dustrial establishments in the locality and other neighboring cities and municipalities,” the Liga said in its resolution.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Bayan of Braulio E. Dujali pointed out in its Resolution dated May 15 that besides creating jobs, providing revenues for the municipality, and constructing roads and other infrastructure, TADECO has also regularly conducted medical outreach programs for the town’s “poor communities through the Antonio O. Floirendo Foundation” and helped the town realize “its electri�ication program which bene�ited a good number of households and even those located in the outskirts of this town.”

The resolution stated that Tadeco contributes more than half of the municipality’s total annual income.

The Braulio E. Dujali chapter of the Liga ng mga Barangay have also come out in support of the JVA, stating in its unanimously adopted resolution that “Tadeco is one of the highest-yielding banana plantations in the world that provides employment to thousands of workers.”

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of the Island Garden City of Samal stated in its resolution that many of the inmates who bene�ited from the JVA came from the city.

Its Liga ng Mga Barangay noted in its May 10 resolution that the JVA provides employment to hundreds of workers in all of the 46 barangays within the city.

(PNA)

14 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

PREVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION: Receptive students of Bobon National High School said they will use what they have learned as leverage to shun extremist ideologies and radical influences.

Anti-Violent Extremism Drive Takes Off at Outreach Caravan

D

AVAO ORIENTAL – An advocacy program touted to serve as a major offensive to “counter violent extremism” is being piloted here in the province.

Incorporated to the myriad of services and advocacy campaigns being offered by the province’s regular program Nagkakaisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental Barangay Outreach Caravan, the advocacy program called “Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism” took off at the caravan’s latest venue at Barangay Bobon in the City of Mati on July 11.

The students of the Bobon National High School, who were the advocacy program’s �irst audience, positively responded saying that they will use what they have learned as leverage to shun extremist ideologies and radical in�luences.

In the wake of the recent violent attacks in some parts of the country, the Provincial Government now focuses mainly on prevention through education.

The program currently targets the youth as the primary recipients of the campaign as they are the most vulnerable sector to radical

in�luences due to peer pressure and the burgeoning social media.

The Provincial Government is also looking at expanding the campaign to other sectors such as the women sector, being recognized for their role in upholding values in the family; the Indigenous Peoples’ Community; and the Jama’ah (Muslim community in a barangay or sitio) as a strong institution with direct in�luence on its members.

The datu and imam, who lead the 122 Jama’ah all over the province, are

The program. currently targets the youth as the primary recipients of the campaign as they are the most vulnerable sector to radical influences due to peer pressure and the burgeoning social media.

Datu Nestor Vicente. Sultan Allan Manuel, and Provincial Governor’s Office Chief of Staff Ednar G. Dayanghirang together with the staff of the Provincial Sultanate Office during the NLD Barangay Outreach Caravan in Barangay Bobon, City of Mati. considered among the key actors to propagate the campaign to their communities.

Overall Datu of the City of Mati, Nestor Vicente, lauded the campaign thrusting to end violence by addressing the root causes of violence which are twisted ideologies. The campaign also aims at breaking the notion of Muslims being associated with violence and extremism. He urged everyone to be vigilant by reporting to the authorities all suspicious elements lurking in their community.

TOWARDS LASTING PEACE Promoting and pushing inclusive growth and development, the Provincial Government has incorporated to the Provincial Development Physical Framework

Plan the Jama’ah Strategy for the Muslim community as well as the Ancestral Domain Strategy for the Indigenous Peoples’ Sector, which would mean implementation of more development programs and projects focused on these minority groups.

The NLD Barangay Outreach Caravan, which pools resources and services of all government agencies to be delivered down to communities, is part of these strategies.

The �irst-time participation of the Provincial Sultanate and Islamic Development Of�ice on Tuesday’s outreach caravan was a welcome enhancement to the program as it provided needed services peculiar for the Muslim community. Among these services

are processing of marriage certi�icate, baptismal certificate, conversion certi�icate, and tribal certi�icate.

Sultan Allan Manuel, who heads the Sultanate Of�ice of the province, said he is happy to be part of the outreach caravan to offer services to the Muslim community of Bobon which consists of about 40 percent of the population.

“We are glad to be able to participate,” he said, lauding the government’s attention to the marginalized sector. He said he trusts that the community’s needs for more programs on health, infrastructure, and potable water, among others, can be readily be addressed through the consistent participation of all agencies and stakeholders.

By Karen Lou Deloso

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

BOUNCING BACK

Standhardinger each chipped in 17 points with the latter also grabbing 15 rebounds for a double-double alongside three assists, one block, and one steal for Gilas, which bounced back from a stinging defeat to Canada 150 on Saturday.

Kiefer Ravena and Mike Myers came close to their own double-doubles as Ravena made 15 points and eight rebounds while Myers �inished with 11 rebounds and nine points.

Mike Tolomia played for the �irst time in the tournament and �inished with four crucial points that gave Gilas the lead for good late in the second period.

Gilas bounces back, topples Chinese Taipei

S

ome may call this an upset considering both teams’ rosters, but this should serve as a huge morale booster for the Philippine national team.

Gilas scored its �irst win in the Jones Cup after shocking Chinese Taipei Blue, 8872, at the Taipei Peace International Basketball Hall in Taipei on Sunday night.

Gilas opened the account with a 7-0 �lurry before CT Blue inched closer and even took the lead, 13-12, later in the �irst quarter. Gilas would somehow reclaimed control and was up, 23-22, after the

period.

Gilas then tried to pull away in the second period, opening a 40-30 cushion only for CT Blue to go on a 10-0 run to tie the game, 40all.

Gilas restored order by ending the second quarter with seven unanswered points for a 47-40 halftime lead.

Gilas kept CT Blue at bay in the second half and �inally pulled away for good in the fourth quarter by limiting the host side to only 11 points in the �inal 10 minutes.

Matt Wright and Chris

J

en had the �inest season of his career while playing point guard in �irst-year coach Mike D’Antoni’s system. But Harden isn’t worried about that. ‘’I don’t think anybody’s ever seen anything like this before,’’ he said. ‘’Two guys that can create and facilitate and just do things with the ball that nobody’s done from the one position and the shooting guard position. So it’s going to be fun.

I’m excited to be a part of it.’’

Harden �inished second in MVP voting last season behind Russell Westbrook after ranking second in the league with 29.1 points per game and �irst with 11.2 assists. He had 64 double-doubles last year after combining for just 67 in the �irst seven seasons of his career, and notched 22 triple-doubles after getting just nine total before last season. ‘’I’ve coached a lot of people and watched a lot of games and the stuff that he did day in and day out was incredible,’’ D’Antoni said. ‘’Now I’m just so excited that he’s going to be here for a long time.’’

Harden’s brilliant season ended with a thud when the Rockets were eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in a 39-point loss in Game 6 of the Western Conference semi�inals. Harden didn’t attempt a shot until halfway through the second quarter of the blowout and �inished with 10 points to tie a season low.

That loss still weighs on Harden, who shouldered the blame for the defeat in the hours after the game. ‘’For sure it motivates me,’’ he said. ‘’Of course it wasn’t how we wanted it to end ... but that’s what

Lu Zheng-Ru led Chinese Taipei Blue with 16 points, one board, and one block.

Gilas will face the other Taiwanese team in the tournament, Chinese Taipei White on Monday at the said venue.

Box Scores: Philippines 88-Standhardinger 17, Wright 17, Ravena 15, Pogoy 10, Myers 9, Cruz 6, Ferrer 5, Tolomia 4, Jalalon 3, Parks 2, Belo 0, Paras 0 Chinese Taipei Blue 72Lu 16, P.H. Chou 14, Y. Chou 13, Davis 11, Liu 6, Hu 5, Su 4, Chang 3, Tzeng 0, P.C. Chou 0, Yu 0 Quarterscores: 23-22, 4740, 67-61, 88-72 (Ivan Saldajeno/PNA)

STEADY. Matthew Wright (in file photo) led Gilas with 17 points.

Harden re-signs with Houston, intent to win a title

ames Harden never wants to leave Houston and is intent on bringing another NBA title to the city the Californian now considers home.

And the Rockets are doing everything possible to make sure the Beard gets exactly what he wants.

The clearest evidence of that came a week ago when they signed him to the biggest contract in league history: a four-year, ‘’supermax’’ extension that guarantees $228 million over the next six seasons. ‘’I know where I want to retire ultimately and I know where I want to win a championship,’’ Harden said Saturday. ‘’Everything is going to happen in Houston and that’s the reason I’m here forever.’’

Since orchestrating the trade that brought Harden to Houston from Oklahoma City in 2012, general manager Daryl Morey has known he had a cornerstone player to build a team around. To him, shelling out that much money to keep the 27-year-old off the free agent market until the 202223 season was a no-brainer. ‘’Some of our decisions are hard.

This one’s easy,’’ Morey said. ‘’We’d do more if we could. This was the most they allow us to do.’’

The contract extension followed the Rockets’ trade for nine-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul late last month, giving Harden another superstar to help chase Houston’s �irst title since the Rockets won two in a row in 1994-95.

There have been questions about how the two will �it together in Houston after Hard-

SPORTS15

life is about. You get tested and you go through certain things where things don’t happen your way ... you have to sit back, look at how you can be better and go out there and just be better at it. And if you fail, do it again.’’

Harden is excited about his new deal and humbled to have signed the richest contract in NBA history. However, he insists that all those zeros in his bank account will be hollow if he doesn’t take the Rockets to the next level. ‘’Money is cool ... but it doesn’t really mean anything without holding that championship up,’’ Harden said. ‘’So that’s what we’re working toward. That’s why I’m in the gym every single day and I won’t stop until I get it.’’ Meantime, a person with knowledge of the situation of tells The Associated Press that the New Orleans have agreed in principle on a oneyear deal with Rajon Rondo.

The person says Rondo is expected to sign his contract next week and the terms are still being �inalized. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because an of�icial announcement has not been made.

The deal joins Rondo with fellow Kentucky Wildcats Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. The addition gives coach Alvin Gentry the �lexibility to play Jrue Holiday more at shooting guard, an effective position for him in the past.

Rondo was a four-time All-Star and won a championship with the Celtics. But he has bounced from Dallas to Sacramento to Chicago in the last three seasons.

Yahoo Sports �irst reported the agreement.

Federer wins 8th Wimbledon crown

L

ONDON -- Roger Federer defeated seventh seed Marin Cilic in straight sets to win a record eighth Wimbledon title here on Sunday.

Third-ranked Federer, 35, spent only one hour 41 minutes winning his 11th �inal 6-3, 6-1, 6-4.

Cilic, who apparently was suffering from a left foot injury, was not in good form and even took a medical timeout after the �irst two sets.

The 28-year-old tried to get back to the match, holding his service games

to make it 3-3. But Federer broke him in the seventh game and dominated the next two for the victory.

Federer, who won here last time in 2012, has taken his Grand Slam tally to 19 titles. He won his �irst Grand Slam title in �ive years in this year’s Australian Open.

“It’s such a special court, so many legends have marked this court from the women’s game, the men’s game, doubles, all of it - to be here today is very special,” Federer said on Centre Court in front of a capacity crowd, among whom are

Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton.

“I hope this wasn’t my last match, I hope I can come back next year and try to defend the title.”

“To be back here feeling great and holding the trophy now, not dropping a set is magical. I can’t believe it yet. It’s just too much, really.”

The Swiss superstar, who won his �irst Wimbledon title in 2003, will rise to No. 3 when the new world rankings are released on Monday, his highest rankings since August 2016.

(Xinhua)

ANOTHER TITLE. Roger Federer raises his arms in triumph after a breezy three setter win over Marin Cilic in the finals.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

NOT ENOUGH

VOL. 10 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

Davao’s Loreto fails in title bid

D

avao City’s Rey “The Hitman” Loreto failed in his bid to wrest the WBA minimumweight title on Saturday with a unanimous decision loss to defending champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong of Thailand.

According to a report by Philboxing.com, Loreto started strong then faltered in the middle rounds and survived a knockdown to launch a desperate rally in the homestretch but couldn’t sustain a consistent attack in the �ight held in Chonburi, Thailand.

The report said Loreto, 26, got off to a blistering start as he raked Thamma-

noon with right jabs and left straight-right uppercut combinations to sweep the �irst three rounds. The Thai’s left eye began to close early in the fourth but Loreto appeared to lose steam as the champion seized the initiative with power body shots. With Loreto showing signs of slowing down, Thammanoon stepped up the pace and fought like a dervish, reminiscent of Manny Pacquiao. He charged in, pulled back and held Loreto’s head down when they came close.

Thammanoon took control of the �ight starting the fourth.

He darted in and out, banged the body and counterpunched

CONNECTION. Thai world champion Thammanoon (R) connects with a right at his Filipino challenger Rey Loreto during their title �ight last Saturday in Chonburi, Thailand. Philboxing. com photo

as Knockout CP Freshmart.

Judge Ignacio Robles of Panama scored it 115-113, also for the Thai. The Star had it 115-112 for Thammanoon.

GAB chairman Abraham Mitra, who was at ringside, didn’t object to the decision but expressed disappointment in the way Ramos worked the �ight and the lopsided scorecards of two judges. “Just like the �ight of Sen. Manny (Pacquiao) against (Jeff) Horn, it’s hard to decide in terms of scoring as the referee kept on warning Thammanoon but let him get away with it,” said Mitra. “The Thai has won all his �ights in his country but if outside, I’m sure he’ll lose. We will now closely

look and caution any Filipino to �ight in Thailand. We may eventually hold issuance of authority to �ight in Thailand until they (Thai authorities) shape up and promise to be fair.”

Mitra said Loreto was remorseful after the bout and apologized for losing. “Rey told me it’s been �ive years since he fought at 105,” said Mitra.

Loreto, once the IBO light�lyweight champion, went down to the 105-pound division to challenge Thammanoon.

The records show that Loreto hadn’t fought as a 105-pounder since 2009. The drop in weight could’ve caused Loreto to weaken as his punches didn’t appear as potent as they were when he campaigned

masterfully to the delight of the cheering hometowners.

In the ninth, Thammanoon broke away from a clinch and landed a right cross to the face as an off-balance Loreto retreated, causing a knockdown. Referee Rafael Ramos, a Texan of Puerto Rican descent, gave Loreto a mandatory eightcount. It seemed like Loreto was more embarrassed than hurt. In the 10th, Loreto got his second wind and went for broke. Behind on points, Loreto knew his only chance to wrest the crown was to score a knockout. Loreto threw caution to the wind in the 11th and in a wild sequence, missed a haymak-

er that nearly struck Ramos.

Both �ighters gasped for air in the �inal round. They wrestled each other to the canvas and on another occasion, Thammanoon pushed Loreto down. When the �inal bell rang, Thammanoon’s left eye was swollen shut and Loreto’s left eye was badly bruised. Thammanoon, who made it a habit to end every round by raising both arms, did enough to turn back Loreto.

Judges Takeshi Shimakawa of Japan and Ferlin Marsh of New Zealand saw it both 117-110 for Thammanoon, a former Muay Thai �ighter known

in the 108-pound ranks.

GAB commissioner Fritz Gaston, who was also at ringside, said he spoke with Ramos and questioned the knockdown. “I thought Rey was pushed,” said Gaston. “But the referee called it a knockdown. I wanted him to know our opinion. They’ll review the video to check.”

In �lashes of brilliance, Thammanoon resembled Pacquiao, particularly in charging in with both �ists �lailing to force Loreto to backtrack. The Thai had the clear edge in volume punching and landed the cleaner blows. He countered with a high level of accuracy. While Loreto used combinations to take the early

lead, he couldn’t maintain the same level of intensity in the middle rounds and resorted to throwing a punch at a time.

Turning the tide in the fourth, Thammanoon blasted Loreto’s midsection like punching the heavy bag and it sapped the Filipino’s energy. The ninth round knockdown was the climax of Thammanoon’s furious assault.

To his credit, Loreto came back in the 10th and 11th to try to save the sinking ship. But there was little left in his tank in the �inal round as Thammanoon held on to eat up the time with wrestling tactics.

The win raised the Thai’s record to 16-0, with 7 KOs while Loreto’s mark dropped to 2314, with 15 KOs.