Edge10 issue79 July 21-22, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 79 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 21-22, 2017

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Serving a seamless society

ON STAND-BY. Passenger buses commissioned by the city government of Davao are stationed along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Thursday to accommodate stranded commuters as TransmissionPiston Southern Mindanao staged a transport strike. Only 20 percent of the total number of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and taxis joined the transport strike according to the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 11 and Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 Lean Daval Jr.

RED HANDED

Ex-town councilor caught selling shabu

By ANGIE SAVERON

A

former municipal councilor of Malabang, Lanao del Norte was arrested by alert elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Davao City while in the act of selling crystal meth (shabu) to a PDEA agent who posed as buyer.

Information released by the of�ice of PDEA regional director Adzhar A. Albani identi�ied the suspect as one Nor-

waffy Bugabong Balindong, a former municipal councilor of Malabang. He was arrested at 10:10 am Thursday after he was caught in act of selling one sachet of suspected Shabu worth P1,000 to the PDEA agent. The buy bust operation was conducted by agents from Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Of�ice XI together with 305th Air Intelligence and Security Squadron

and Intelligence and Detection Management Section of Davao City Police Of�ice at Room 320, Sampaguita Inn, Quirino Avenue, Corner Camus Street, Davao City. Another sachet of suspected shabu and one match box of the suspected dried marijuana leaves were also recovered from his possession. The suspect is now kept at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Of�ice XI

detention facility.

The items taken from him were submitted to the Laboratory Service of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for qualitative and quantitative examination. Cases for violation of Section 5, Section 11 and Section 12, Article II of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 were being �illed against him.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 79 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 21-22, 2017

JUST ABOUT ENOUGH. Public utility jeepneys (PUJs) traverse along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Thursday. At least 70 percent of the total number of PUJs and 80 percent of taxis in Davao City did not join the transport strike organized

by Transmission- Piston Southern Mindanao. Lean Daval Jr.

NBI vows to aid PCSO in anti-gambling drive

N

ational Bureau of Investigation Director Dante Gierran vowed to assist the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Of�ice in the �ight against illegal gambling in the country.

Gierran said that the NBI is committed to help PCSO conduct the enforcement operations against those who operates the illegal numbers game and protect the operation of PCSO different gaming products like small town lottery (STL), lotto, keno and others to yield funds to help government. ”We will be helping government to collect taxes ito po ang ginagamit ng ating mahal na Pangulo Duterte at ng kanyang administrasyon (to help the public),” the NBI

Director told reporters during the press conference hosted by PCSO on Wednesday. ”Ngayon nga meron tayo probelma sa Marawi. Kailangan natin pagtulung tulungan yun saan ba tayo kukuha ng pera? Hindi lang kailangan na we always seek for the foreign help but we have to resolve generate funds to help the government,” Gierran added.

He said the bureau will continue to help PCSO to investigate and solve more illegal gambling cases.

For his part, General Manager of PCSO, Alexander Balutan said that the PCSO appreciates the initiative and vigilance of the NBI. Balutan said that the agency already send PHP5 million worth of bottled water and

 NBI, 10

Rebel in clash with PSG killed

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overnment forces pursuing communist rebels involved in an ambush on President Duterte’s security personnel in Arakan, North Cotabato Wednesday killed a New People’s Army member in a separate encounter, police and military authorities said.

Army Captain Silver Belvis, spokesperson for the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, said Thursday that the body of the still unidenti�ied NPA, who carried a bag containing an improvised explosive device, is

now in the custody of the Arakan local government unit.

Belvis said the slain rebel was among the more than 50 NPA men under Commander Bobby who �led to Barangay Naplico, Arakan after engaging members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) near a rebel-manned checkpoint in Bukidnon-Davao highway in Barangay Katipunan, Arakan, NorthCotabato.

As they �led toward Barangay Naplico, they clashed with

 REBEL, 10

Gaisano faces new lawsuit for illegal mall construction

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he City Government of Davao has �iled another lawsuit against Taipan Development, Inc., or Gaisano Capital Group violation of the National Building Code of the Philippines when it built a mall in Davao City without securing prior permits.

The lawsuit was �iled July 12 or barely a month after the �irst case was �iled against the company for violation of Davao City’s Zoning Ordinance when it built Gaisano Capital Mall in a medium density residential area and a water resource zone in Catalunan Pequeño.

The fresh case was �iled by

the Davao City Engineer’s Of�ice after the company failed to secure a building permit as proven by the inspection reports issued on June 29, 2016 or a month after the construction of the company’s Gaisano Capital Mall.

Engr. Joseph Dominic Felizarta, acting City Building Of�icial, said his of�ice has sent the company two notices of violations and work stoppage order on June 30 and August 11, 2016.

The af�idavit of complaint �iled by Felizarta underscored the failure of the company to comply with the order that was made evident during ocular in-

spections conducted by a team from the Of�ice of Building Of�ical.

On January 11 this year, a �ire hit Gaisano Capital Mall and this prompted Felizarta to order an inspection, which con�irmed the continued de�iance of the company to heed the orders of the local government.

The mall developer was also sued by the Davao City LGU last month for violation of Ordinance No. 0546-13 or the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of Davao City -- particularly Section 1 of Article XIV, which states that all owners/developers shall secure locational clear-

ance from the Zoning Administrator prior to conducting any activity or construction on their property/land.

The suit says Gaisano Capital Mall was built in Catalunan Pequeño despite the absence of permits and clearances.

The mall’s construction started on May 1, 2016. On May 17, the company sought for the issuance of a zoning certi�icate.

The certi�icate, issued the next day by Zoning Administrator Roy Ryan Rigor, clearly indicated that the project is located in a medium density residential zone and within a water resource area. CIO

with the NDF scheduled this week in Norway. Dureza said that the peace panel led by Labor Secretary Sylvester Bello II was told not to proceed to Norway hours after the incident in Arakan, North Cotabato, wherein members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) were injured. Dureza said �ive PSG members were wounded when �ired at by communist guerillas that set up road blocks and highway inspection in Barangay Gambodes in Arakan town Wednesday. “The incident in Arakan, North Cotabato has a great impact [on the peace talks]. The PSGs don’t usually

engage with the NPAs,” he said.

The PSG convoy on its way to Cagayan de Oro City when �lagged down by the rebels along the Cotabato-Bukidnon highway. The presidential guards suffered only minor injuries, according to OPAPP secretary. Dureza said they already informed their counterpart in the NDF and the third party facilitator in Norway about the postponement of the exploratory talks.

“I called up our third party facilitator in Norway. This is the group that supports some of the expenses for the talks. I explained to them that in the

meantime we won’t pursue with the backchannel talks,” he stressed.

Dureza, however, clari�ied that the government is not closing its doors for the possible resumption of peace talks with the NDF. “If the atmosphere is already conducive for the peace talks, yes, we will resume our engagements with the NDF,” said Dureza. The �ifth round of formal peace talks with the NDF scheduled last May 27 to June 2 in The Netherlands was also called off by President Rodrigo Duterte. (Malu Cadelina Manar / MindaNews)

NPA attacks trigger order to halt backchannel talks

T

he attacks the communist guerillas launched in North Cotabato and other parts of Mindanao were among the reasons why the Philippine government decided to suspend the backchannel talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Europe, a top government executive said on Thursday. In an interview over Catholic-run radio station DXND here on Thursday, Secretary Jesus Dureza, of the Of�ice of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), said it was a collective decision of the Philippine government to postpone the informal talks

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2017 Nutrition fair at SM Annex

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he 43rd Nutrition Month was organized by National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region XI in line with the Nutrition fair 2017.

The fair is the launching of different programs of NNC Region XI which is headed by Dr. Maria Teresa L. Ungson about nutrition. “This year’s Nutrition fair is different because its in-line with the President’s aim which is Change. There are new programs that will be launched today for the bene�it of everyone,” said Michelle C. Cortez from Prim Communications & Events Company i at SM Annex, Thursday.

One of which is the �irst Nutri-Karinderya in the Philippines to give

importance to the calorie count which is often ignored by the people.

In this Karinderya, the food will be labeled with the name and the calorie count. Another is the Media Inter-active which is the lifestyle journey of Maria Teresa L. Ungson in changing her way of living in terms of nutrition.

The goal of this program is to be an example to everyone who wants to have a healthier life. This journey can be viewed in Youtube and NNC’s facebook page.

The partners of NNC in promoting these programs are Anytime Fitness, Balay Verde, Prim Communications and Philippine Hallal Trade and Tourism.

PREPPING UP. City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) employees plant flowers at Rizal Park on Thursday in preparation for the upcoming Kadayawan sa Davao 2017 celebration. Lean Daval Jr.

MNLF to help push A for federalism in PH

ARMM solon eludes arrest in anti-drug op, aide falls

Not keen on new autonomy draft law

T

he Moro National Liberation Front under founding chair Nur Misuari will no longer submit its proposed amendatory law to enhance the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao but will instead push for federalism, its Peace Implementing Panel chair said.

“In line with conversations between President Rodrigo Duterte and MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari in the previous �ive meetings which among others touched on federalism, the MNLF will no longer submit a draft New Autonomy Law to avoid complications. The MNLF-GPH Pro-

cess will have to contribute directly to the fast tracking of federalism,” Peace Implementing Panel chair Randolph Parcasio told MindaNews on Wednesday.

Misuari led a delegation that paid a courtesy call on President Duterte Tuesday night in Malacanang, a day after the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) submitted to the President its draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The BBL is based on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro that the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation

Front (MILF) signed on March 27, 2014. The BBL was not passed under the Aquino administration.

Its passage will pave the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro, a new autonomous political entity that will replace the 27-year old ARMM. The 21-member BTC is led by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), with members from government, Indigenous Peoples and the MNLF faction under Yusoph Jikiri and Muslimin Sema.

In saying the MNLF under Misuari will no longer submit its proposed amendatory law or what

it refers to as “New Autonomy Law” (NAL) “to avoid complications,” Parcasio is referring to the complications arising from the seemingly irreconcilable intent of the BBL and the NAL that Congress, according to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, would “converge.”

The BBL will establish the Bangsamoro that will replace the ARMM while the NAL will amend RA 9054, the law governing the ARMM, to enhance or strengthen it.

One-Mindanao Federal State Under the Bangsamoro

work abroad and leave their families to address their basic necessities including the need for housing; hence the proposed project is intended to cater their housing needs,” the resolution said.

Once going, this would be the �irst in the entire Region 12, according to Councilor Judith Navarra.

Navarra, chair of the Committee on Housing and Land Use, said the project will bene�it some 1,077 overseas contractual and domestic workers in

the city.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista said the LGU will setapart at least PHP5 million for the acquisition of eight to 10 hectares of lot as its equity for the establishment of the project next year.

“They deserved to own a descent home as a reward of their sacri�ices working away,” the mayor stressed.

The mayor tasked the Kidapawan City Planning and the Public Employment of�ices to complete

the needed requirements, guidelines, and listing of all potential bene�iciaries.

Meanwhile, a group of OFWs in Hongkong voluntarily initiated an “Online Registration” for all OFWs purposely to account the existing workers from Kidapawan city.

“We are still on the planning process and is not yet on application stage”, Evangelista said, adding it will help prevent possible online fraud spread online. (John Andrew G. Tabugoc/PNA)

nti-narcotics agents and police arrested here early Thursday an aide of a Maguindanao regional assemblyman during an anti-drug operations, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said.

Juvenal Azurin, PDEAARMM regional director, told reporters that the PDEA raiding team, backed by city police, was armed with a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court 13 Judge Bansawan Ibrahim against ARMM Regional Assemblyman Sidik Salilama Amiril, Amor Basir Amiril and Buhagi Samad Basir alias Buddy Samad.

Assemblyman Amiril is representing Maguindanao’s second district in the ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly.

Government forces served the warrant in the

house of the regional lawmaker on Lawin Street, Federville Subdivision, Barangay Rosary Heights 11, Cotabato City.

Buhari Samad Basir was arrested but Assemblyman Amiril and wife Amor were not around during the raid.

PDEA agents found two sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 10 grams, a .40 cal. Pistol with ammunition, two cal. 40 pistol, two mobile phones, bag containing bullets, black Toyota Fortuner, various ATM cards and other documents.

Buhari Basir is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act. Manhunt is on against the regional lawmaker and his wife. (EOF/PNA

Davao transport Housing program for OFWs okayed strike fizzles out

T

he Kidapawan City council has unanimously approved Thursday a resolution that will push for the realization of the proposed low cost housing program for all Overseas Filipino Workers in this city.

Through Resolution No. 17-231, local government of Kidapawan duly requested the National Housing Authority (NHA) to allocate funds for the development of what it will call the “Heroes Village.”

“They were forced to

 MNLF, 10

T

he jeepney strike failed to paralyze public transportation in Davao City as most drivers and operators opted to ply their usual routes on Thursday.

The city government also provided about 20 buses to transport stranded commuters while the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) also deployed additional buses.

However, on initial assessment by the Davao City Transport and Traf�ic Management Of�ice, 70

percent of the total number of public utility jeepneys and 80 percent of the total number of taxicabs are still on the road and running as of 7 a.m.

The supposed strike is an attempt of the transport group Piston to sway the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Of�ice (LTO) not to implement the jeepney modernization plan by phasing out public utility vehicles that are 15 years and older under the Traf�ic Crises Act of 2016.

But Edwin Fernandez,

 DAVAO, 10

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P4M smuggled onions seized in Manila port

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he Bureau of Customs - Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service has seized three containers loaded with some P4.2 million worth of smuggled onions from China at the Manila International Container Port.

In a statement, CIIS-MICP Intelligence Of�icer Teodoro Sagaral said only 80 bags of garlic out of 2,800 bags were found inside the container by agents upon examination.

“The import permit presented covers the fresh garlic only but it doesn’t account for the declared onions beneath the declared garlic,” he added.

The onions were consigned to Equicent Import and Export Corporation located at U253, 2F Velco

Centre Building, R.S. Oca corner Delgado St., Port Area, Manila.

The shipment was intercepted after authorties received an intel report showing that the consignee deliberately covered the onions that were underneath the fresh garlic.

CIIS Director Neil Estrella noted that the importers have no corresponding import permits from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

BPI, an agency under Department of Agriculture, issues import permits for onions and garlic.

A warrant of seizure and detention for misdeclaration was issued upon the recommendation of Enforcement Group Deputy Commissioner Teddy Raval. (Ferdinand G. Patinio/PNA

ALL SET. A worker from the General Services Office installs colorful flags in preparation for the Kadayawan sa Davao 2017 celebration which is expected to boost the city’s tourism industry. Lean Daval Jr.

Nograles urges LTFRB to craft Mindanao investment initial rules for TNC operation pledges down by 63%

T

rade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the potential and attractiveness of Mindanao for investments and other economic activities remain though the region is under martial law, and that one of its key cities - Marawi City --becomes a war zone between government troops and terror group.

Lopez made the statement in an interview Wednesday after Board of Investments approvals of projects in Mindanao, except Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), plummeted by 63 percent in the �irst half of 2017.

Investment pledges in

Regions IX to XIII in January to June 2017 period amounted to PHP6.87 billion, a decline of PHP11.55 billion from PHP18.42 billion in the same period last year.

Lopez, who is also the BOI chair, noted that the drop in investment approvals at BOI for Mindanao in H1 2017 may be due to “timing of project submission and approval”.

But if ever the condition in Marawi City and the martial law in the entire Mindanao affected the entry of potential investments in the region, the Cabinet of�icial noted that the situation is temporary.

 MINDANAO, 11

To give time for crafting of regulatory law

H

ouse Appropriations Committee Chair and Davao City Congressman Karlo Alexei Nograles today welcomed the decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to stand by its decision to launch a crackdown against “colorum” Uber and Grab cars.

Nograles said that this should give Congress enough time to come out with a law that would regulate the operation of Transportation Network

Companies (TNCs) and also allow the TNCs to fully comply with the conditions set by the LTFRB. “I’m really glad that the LTFRB, through Chairman Martin Delgra III and Board Member Atty.

Lourdes Lizada, has reconsidered its position on this issue about the TNCs and took into account the importance of these ride-hailing companies as an alternative mode of transport for many of our countrymen. By giving provisional authority for

deaths of Filipinos all for abusive businesses’ pursuit to monopolize small-scale mining,” she said.

Under the bill, small-scale mining shall refer to mining activities carried out by individuals, groups, or communities who rely primarily on manual labor in the conduct of their daily operations, and are aided by simple implement, methods, mining machinery and technology.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that small-scale mining will also cover all mining activities that are not eligible and not quali�ied to obtain the following agreements:

(a) exploration permit approved by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau; (b) mineral agreements approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; (c) �inancial or technical assistance agreements approved by the President; (d) quarry permit granted by the provincial governor of the quarry area; (e) mineral trading registration accredited with the Department of Trade and Industry; (f) environmental compliance certi�icates issued by the DENR.

Solon pushes amendments to small-scale mining act

A

partylist lawmaker at the House of Representatives has �iled a bill seeking to rede�ine “small-scale mining” to address the loopholes in existing laws and to strengthen government regulation on all small-scale mining activities.

AGBIAG Partylist Rep. Michelle Antonio �iled House Bill No. 5921, which seeks to amend Republic Act 7076 or the SmallScale Mining Act of 1991.

In her explanatory note, Antonio said the existing restrictive de�inition of smallscale mining has resulted in a gap in the

law allowing mining operations not covered by the de�inition to operate without proper permits.

Antonio pointed out that the existing law has given rise to the conduct of illegal mining through the smuggling of precious metals and minerals, as well as the exploitation of impoverished miners by businessmen under the guise of conducting small-scale mining to evade necessary taxes and permits.

“This (bill) will put a stop in the conduct of illegal mining which has resulted in the smuggling of our country’s precious minerals, and the senseless

Uber and Grab, it shows their concern for the safety and convenience of the riding public,” Nograles said.

In the meantime that there is no law regulating the TNCs, Nograles said that LTFRB should come up with minimum requirement and guidelines that would temporarily govern their operation and ensure that these TNCs will remain accountable for the actions and behavior of their members. “ The requirement, since this is an interim ar-

rangement, should just focus on the safety and security of the passengers and drivers should no longer be required to individually secure a franchise as being originally required by the LTFRB. What’s good about Uber and Grab is that they can easily keep tabs on their drivers,” Nograles said.

Nograles said that he fully agrees with the position of the LTFRB that just like any other public transport system, the TNCs  NOGRALES 11

ne of the largest multinational corporations operating in the country has denied it was remiss in its duty to pay to the Philippine government taxes and �inancial obligations.

Refuting media reports, Del Monte Philippines Inc. said it has been religiously paying to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the primary government agency that collects taxes to entities and individuals.

“In its long histo-

ry in the Philippines, DMPI has been diligently paying the correct taxes,” said Antonio Ungson, DMPI company secretary and chief compliance of�icer, in a statement released to the media Wednesday.

Ungson maintained that DMPI—listed both in the Philippine Stock Exchange and the Singapore Exchange—“operates with the highest degree of transparency and adheres to the  DELMONTE, 11

Del Monte says it paid correct taxes O

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Diwalwal cited as potential tourist destination by NEDA

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he National Economic Development Authority revealed that the Diwalwal Mineral Reservation Area Development Plan has cited the presence of underdeveloped and untapped ecological and industrial tourism sites as potential come-on for Compostela Valley province.

It added that this is also re�lected in the Compostela Valley Province Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan, 2008-2027.

Aside from being a rich mineral-resource area, Diwalwal also has nature and cultural attributes that may be developed and packaged into tourism destinations.

Some of the tour-

ism sites identi�ied are the Mt. Diwata Mountain Ranges, Paraiso Falls, Mandaya-Manobo Cultural Heritage site, caves and tunnels, among others. Different species of �lora and fauna also abound in the area.

To boost the tourism activities, as incorporated in the plan, the much needed support facilities, such as access roads, tourist accommodations, and other basic services need to be provided and developed.

In the meeting of the National Task An organic farmer displays freshly harvested cabbage sold at the weekly organix market at Rizal Park in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr Force Diwalwal-Program Monitoring and Coordination Center (NTFD-PMCC) conducted last 31 May 2017, the Philippine Mining Development

Duterte to grace 2-day Davao investment meet Dominguez cites business  DIWALWAL, 11

support for tax reform bid P

F

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has cited the strong support of the American business community for the �irst package of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, which, he said, was submitted by the Duterte administration to the Congress for its approval as a way to help the government maintain �iscal stability, fund its ambitious infrastructure program and expand the delivery of social services to the people.

Dominguez told the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc. (AmCham) at its 7th General Membership Meeting that this tax reform package—as contained in House Bill No. 5636 that the House of Representatives approved before its sine die adjournment last May 31—is vital to dramatically improving the country’s business environment and sharpening its global competitiveness in the medium term.

HB 5636 is the consolidated version of HB 4774—the original version of the CTRP Package One endorsed by the Department of

Finance (DOF)—with 54 other tax-related measures, and which the House had approved by a 246-9 vote with one abstention.

This bill is now pending before the Senate.

“I thank the AmCham for the strong support you have expressed for the comprehensive tax reform package we presented to Congress,” said Dominguez at AmCham’s gathering at the Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City. “This reform package is vital to dramatically improving the country’s business environment and increasing our competitiveness in the next few years.”

According to the DOF secretary, “The tax reform package is intended to achieve �iscal stability, fund the ambitious infra program the administration is pursuing and expand social services. We also intend in the medium term to achieve high middle-income status through the �iscal and economic reforms we are pursuing.”

Dominguez said that, “The infra program is not only about large showcase projDOMINGUEZ, 11

resident Rodrigo Duterte will speak at the twoday Davao Investment Conference (ICon) which opens Friday at SMX Convention Center with at least 600 local and foreign business delegates.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Ronald Go said they are expecting 150 foreign delegates to the investment conference.

Now on its 4th year, Davao ICon is set to draw more investments especially in the manufacturing sector. However, Go said it would take some time for investors to do their due diligence

before they commit to investing in Davao or Mindanao. ”We are trying to convince more investors to come in for the manufacturing sector,” Go said.

Among the early birds are groups of businessmen from China, 24 from Indonesia, 15 Japanese and others will be brought in by the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Earlier, DCCCII Trustee Arturo Milan said there is a big potential in Davao where prospective investors can explore especially with region’s vast natural resources.

Investors can even count on Mindanao’s

improved power industry given the increase in supply during the past months when power �irms completed projects that address power shortage.

“The timing now is really right for investments,” he said.

Milan said the President is expected to highlight the government’s efforts to sustain the good business climate although Duterte himself is a big attraction.

Go said the business sector would also like to highlight to President Duterte issues on security, infrastructure, and government support to give them the ease of doing business.

Aside from President Duterte, Friday’s opening will have Mayor Sara-Duterte Carpio and AirAsia President and Chief Executive Of�icer Tony Fernandez The business sector looks forward to Fernandez’s inputs given that ai connectivity plays a vital part in improving trade between the Philippines and member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

DCCCII has noted air linkage is a major consideration for investors. It will also be signi�icant for Davao in terms of getting a share of the big ASEAN market if air connectivity improves.

lando Tungpalan.

Tungpalan said these urban areas were recipients of a grant from Japan International Cooperation Agency to develop a comprehensive plan to “avoid the kind of congestion that comes with development.”

He noted cities that could serve as role models for livable cities are Sydney in Australia and Singapore.

The NEDA of�icial said the country had

started developing the Clark Green City that would hopefully be a model of future developments.

The Clark Green City project is envisioned to become the Philippines most modern and the �irst technologically-integrated city with a mix of residential, commercial, agro-industrial, institutional and information technology developments at the same time having

a green, sustainable and intelligent community.

It is one of the big-ticket projects under Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

Tungpalan said the �irst 1,000 hectares of the project would be transformed into mixed-use development. The masterplan covers 11,000 hectares. (Leslie D. Venzon/PNA)

Comprehensive dev’t plans for Cebu, Davao underway

M

ore urban areas are developing their sustainable development plans to manage traf�ic congestion and create livable areas.

“We are doing a comprehensive plan for Metro Cebu (and) Metro Davao to make sure that we not only grow but make the cities livable for the population,” bared National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Ro-

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Davao Light Kuryentalks with Mindanao Business Chambers. Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. EVP and COO Rodger S. Velasco gives a talk before the members of the American Chamber of the Philippines – Mindanao (AMCHAM) and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Mindanao, Inc. (JCCM) last July 18 at Davao Light Admin Building in C. Bangoy Sr. St., Davao City.

Engr. Velasco gave an update about the current power supply situation within

the Davao Light franchise and the factors affecting the electricity bill.

AmCham Philippines – Mindanao President Philip Dizon, Secretary General of JCCM Atsuto Fujimoto and Consul Tomoko Dodo of Japan were present to grace the event.

The event is part of Davao Light’s Kuryentalks, which aims to provide important information and updates about the company to its stakeholders.

Water service interruption in some poblacion areas July 22 - 23, 2017

D

avao City Water District advises of a water service interruption from 10:00 AM of July 22, 2017 until 2:00 AM of July 23, 2017 in some Poblacion areas.

Affected are the streets of Lopez Jaena, Mt. Apo, Mt. Mayon, Jose Abad Santos, and Tomas Alley and portion of Arellano Street (from corner Mt. Apo Street to corner Mabini Street), portion of Camus Street (from corner Quirino Avenue to corner Jose Abad Santos Street), portion of Mabini Street (from corner Arellano Street to corner Jose Abad Santos Street), portion of P. Taverra Street (from corner Arellano Street to corner Jose Abad Santos Street), and portion of Gen. Luna Street (from corner Quirino Avenue to corner Mt. Apo Street). This water service interruption will give way to the tapping of pipe at Lopez Jaena Street corner Arellano Street for preventive maintenance purposes.

On behalf of the DCWD management, general manager Engr. Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. They are also advised to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruption.

Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and of�icial Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial for the latest daily water updates.

Contact 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293, and 09084410653 for other updates, complaints, queries, and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Winston C. Ajero)

SSS ready to implement EC Funeral benefit hike in 1 month from effectivity date

S

tate-run Social Security System (SSS) on Thursday said it is ready to implement the recently issued Executive Order No. 33 by President Rodrigo Duterte ordering the increase of the Employees’ Compensation (EC) funeral bene�its for government and private sector employees from P20,000 to P30,000 within 30 days from the publication date of the Implementing Rules and Regulations to be issued by the Employees’ Compensation Commission.

“We just need a month to make system adjustments to implement the P10,000 increase in EC funeral bene�it. We are one with Pres. Duterte’s commitment to assist the families of our workers who died due to a work-related contingency,” SSS President and Chief Executive Of�icer Emmanuel F. Dooc said.

Dooc reiterated the EO provision that “the results of the actuarial

studies of the SSS and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) show that the State Insurance Fund (SIF) can �inance the increase in funeral bene�its without affecting the stability of the SIF and without requiring additional contributions.”

SSS administers the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) for workers in the private sector.

Under the ECP, workers will receive compensation bene�its for illness, disability and death resulting from occupational diseases and work-related activities. EC bene�its are granted only to members with employers.

The employer shoulders the cost of the employee’s EC contributions.

The EO was signed last July 17 citing “there is a need to continually improve bene�its under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) to make them more responsive to the welfare and development needs of occupationally disabled workers.”

Rotary Club of Waling-Waling Davao supports Sayawitan ’17

T

he Rotary Club of Waling-Waling Davao (RCWWD) supported the Sayawitan 2017 held on July 17, 2017 at the SM City Davao Annex. Sayawitan is among the activities prepared for the celebration of the 39th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week 2017.

Themed “Karapatan

at Pribilehiyo ng Maykapansanan: Isakatuparan at Ipaglaban”, the event paved the way for children who are differently abled to showcase their talents in singing and dancing. Aside from the talent show, there were also free check-ups for the participants and consultations with medical specialists.

Winners for the various

competitions were: Bolton Elementary School for the Ethnic/Folk Dance competition, Jullian Krist D. Sundo of Sta. Ana ES for the Solo Singing Competition for the Visually Impaired, Alliya Ruiz of F. Bangoy ES for the Solo Singing Competition for Children with Intellectual Disability, and Bolton ES for the Modern Dance Compe-

tition. RCWWD Community Service Director Elsie Libron served as one of the judges.

For years now, RCWWD has been actively supporting the annual celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week which upholds the rights and recognizes the plight of the Persons with Disability sector.

The Rotary Club of Waling-Waling Davao supports Sayawitan held on July 17, 2017 at the SM City Davao Annex. RCWWD is among the various agencies that uphold the talents and rights of differently abled children.

UCPB to deactivate old, magnetic-striped cards by Aug. 1

U

CPB has announced it will deactivate its old magnetic stripe-enabled ATM cards by next month as it encouraged its ATM cardholders to upgrade to the new, secure UCPB Visa Debit/EMV Card.

UCPB ATM cardholders have until August 1, 2017 to visit their maintaining branch and claim their EMV-powered ATM card, free of charge.

EMV, which stands for Europay, Mastercard, VISA is the global standard for payment card security.

“The Bank’s new Visa Debit Card provides our cardholders more security through the EMV chip,” said UCPB Vice President and Marketing Group Head Charina D. Balanquit.

Aside from increased protection against fraud, the new

UCPB Visa Debit Card makes it easier and convenient for clients to pay for their local and international purchases at stores or online merchants as it is powered by the VISA network. This minimizes the cardholder’s need to go to an ATM terminal and withdraw cash.

Traveling is also made more convenient with the UCPB VISA Debit Card as

withdrawals of foreign currencies abroad can now be made from any VISA-af�iliated ATM. UCPB completed the migration of its systems to be able to issue and process EMV chip-enabled cards in compliance with the mandate of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for all banking institutions to adopt the EMV technology for cards and card-accepting devices.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 79 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 21-22, 2017

EDITORIAL

Quo vadis, Pinoy jeepney?

W

hether Thursday’s transport strike in Davao was successful or not from whoseever’s perspective, is not the essential issue. The question remains whether or not the jeepney modernization scheme is a step in the right direction given all the parameters.

To begin with, it is best to understand what the law means So what does “jeepney modernization” really mean?

Let’s rewind to 2015 when the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) unveiled its plan to introduce policies that will impose a strict limit on the age of public transport vehicles. Hence came LTFRB’s Resolution No. 2013-10 which states that public vehicles beyond the 15-year-old limit will be decommissioned as part of the DOTr’s massive overhaul of the public transport system. The goal is to create a transport system with modern and roadworthy PUVs plying the national roads minus the pollution and ensuring a reliable and safe commute for the riding public. That sounds like a very impressive plan indeed. However, jeepneys aren’t the only sector affected by the program, it also covers public utility buses and vans.

The next question is how is the modernization plan going to be implemented by the LTFRB?

According to the program, in order to reorganize the public transportation system, the LTFRB will overhaul the jeepneys from the ground up. Aside from the recall of aging jeepneys due to their environmental effects and poor passenger safety standards, there are also other measures that the board wants to implement to make the system more coherent.

To supplement this program, there is also a need to make public transport routes more ef�icient and therefore cause less traf�ic. Hence, House Bill 4434 and Senate Bill 1284 will implement the “route rationalization.”

Now, once the transport modernization measure gets the green light from both the House and Senate and gets approved

by President Rodrigo Duterte, the LTFRB will revoke all existing line franchises and issue new ones with better and more sensible routes.

Next step is the route rationalization. In this stage, the government will be planning and introducing new routes. And

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On the drivers’ compensation aspect, the modernization of jeepneys will require the standardization of drivers’ salaries.

In the old days, operators had to use the boundary system, which usually prompt drivers to engage in reckless competition just to reach their quota.

Under the new system, the boundary system will be a thing of the past. Drivers will be given regular salaries with corresponding employment bene�its. Salaried drivers will also receive adequate training to become more responsible in plying the public roads.

And for those who think the program will “kill” the Pinoy king of the road, the LTFRB denies it and insists it will only upgrrade the iconic jeepney.

LTFRB spokesperson Atty. Aileen Lizada said in an interview that the program only aims to “level up the type of jeepneys we have on the road.” According to Lizada, the replacement units, which is more ef�icient and environmentally friendlier, will use electric motors and Euro 4-compliant 30kW AC engines. In addition, the modernized jeeps will have features like a seating capacity of up to 26 persons, side entrance, GPS navigation, and automated fare collection system. A report by Top Gear Philippines said the upgraded jeepneys will fetch between P1.2 million and P1.6 million.

Something drivers and operators are now protesting as they cannot afford the cost and no bank will give them a full loan to cover the cost.

So where does this lead from here? Are we seeing the last days of the signature Pinoy transport?

As it looks now, there is no stopping the modernization plan and jeepney drivers and operators must brace for that, It’s a reality that whoever can come up with the franchise cost and capital will have to be in the business. There will be new players for sure in the transport business and drivers should not be left without a job. Prospects are that this is the ideal ccondition for drivers in the long run.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor

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

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then there’s the franchising side. Other than the route rationalization, single unit operators can no longer apply for new franchises. In the same manner as the government did with taxis a few years back, only operators with a minimum of 20 jeepneys under its �leet will be able to apply for a new franchise. By 2019, the minimum will be increased to 40 units.

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EDGEDAVAO

D

VANTAGE POINTS

9

The banana industry: Weighed down by legislative indifference

espite the huge input the industry has made in terms of taxes and revenues, government fees, jobs, livelihood, and export earnings, it is the only thriving agricultural sector that has not been legislated.

In fact, major industries such as sugar and rubber have their own regulatory agencies that address issues and concerns affecting them. There is no Philippine law that exclusively protects and promotes the banana industry, and investors in this sector use their own funds with almost no technical, �inancial, and subsidiary support from the government.

To name a few, there is the Sugar Regulatory Commission, which manages sugar; Philippine Coconut Authority for coconut; Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, for abaca; Philippine Rubber Research Institute for rubber; National Tobacco Authority for tobacco; and Philippine Rice Research Institute for

D

VOL. 10 ISSUE 79 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 21-22, 2017

espite the huge rise in the approval (81%) and trust (82%) ratings of PRRD, his detractors and critics continue to �lail away in a stupid way.

They cannot accept that their former boss, who sat indolently ensconced in the comfort of Malacanang watching events as they pass by, has been incomparably overcome in performance and leadership by a relatively unknown ‘probinsiyano’ city mayor.

This type of opposition, led by the Yellow Party, is the kind that is unwanted in a country that grossly needs to be united, instead of being polarized and torn asunder by political mudslinging.

As most world-renowned successful entrepreneurs and businessmen believe and practice: “Nothing in the world can bother you as much as your own state of mind. If others seem to bother you with their ideas and thoughts, do not forget it is your mind that keeps telling you all these. Therefore, clear your mind and focus on positive things.”

rice.

During the National Banana Congress 2016 held in Davao City, the industry stakeholders pushed for the creation of a Banana Industry Development Council. In support of the move, President Rodrigo Duterte declared: “The proposed measure is the creation of a Banana Industry Development Council. Now it should be a law, I cannot give executive order. So, because if you need something, money or otherwise; if you need government to intervene – the legal standing has to be something like there is a law, the force of law in the creation of the banana research institute.”

During the same congress, the industry sector, through the interim board of the National Banana Industry Council and the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) 11 also pushed for the passage of the Comprehensive Development Act for Banana.

A draft bill of the proposed measure was submitted in 2016

to the House of Representatives,

REVERSED PUNCH (GYAKU ZUKI)

Jimmy K.Laking

now headed by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (1st District, Davao del Norte) but no member of Congress sponsored it.

Challenges Notwithstanding its billion-peso contribution to the national economy, the banana

industry, particularly the fresh banana sector, survives on its own amid the various challenges it faces.

It is the only industry that has no banking supporter, and it gets its funding from outside �inancial institutions and investors. It is self-�inanced and survives without state support.

While the President has encouraged the strengthening of exports in order to create more jobs, the industry is in dire straits given the wobbly socio-political climate that is endangering it. Worse, it is deemed as the most harassed industry given the threats it has received as a result of rising insurgency, misguided agrarian reform claimants, informal settlers, and other risks.

Between February and May 2017, over a dozen rebel atrocities were recorded, in�licting huge losses in the industry while displacing hundreds of laborers.

In Davao City alone, the most devastating attacks happened

on April 29, 2017, when three banana establishments were torched, resulting in PhP1.2 billion in losses.

On that day, the rebel New People’s Army stormed the banana plantation of Lapanday Foods Corporation in Mandug, Davao City. After burning some of its equipment and structures, the company guards were armed. Simultaneously, they attacked and torched the Macondray Plastic Plant in Bunawan, followed by the con�iscation of high-powered �irearms of a banana plantation in Calinan, both in Davao City.

The threats to the banana industry also includes pests and diseases, natural calamities, climate change aftereffects, high production costs, inconsistent government policies, anti-banana industry legislations, statutes that cripple sustained competitiveness, and the moratorium in the expansion of plantations. (30)

the tiny city-state has evolved into one of the most progressive countries in the world and one of the least corrupt, too.

For the record, Singapore, from Third World to First, has risen to the top pf of the Global Competition Index (always �ighting for the number one spot). It is also tops on surveys in government transparency and ease of doing business, an area which is somewhat strange to our government systems and procedures.

Just days ago, three Custom employees were caught on CCTV receiving bribes to get brokers’ documents done ahead of the pack.

The LKY concept of governance is not exactly being copied

by PRRD but that straightening out and �ixing the corrupt bureaucracy must be the goal and vision.

Singapore got rid of negative concepts, thoughts and views amidst a racial ethnic mix because LKY implanted a positive seed among its citizens that has, until today, become the pillar of a suc-

cessful national discipline.

In Singapore, prosperity came at a price. So? Filipinos must be enlightened to see in full what PRRD wants to achieve for his country and people.

His vision cannot come to full fruition if there are more negative thinkers in our midst who are desperately trying to pull down PRRD and his duly- constituted authority. This is ‘talangka’ mentality at its hypocritical worst.

My point is this: If Singapore, which was then being given little chance of survival, got past all through its struggles and suffering, why can’t we even duplicate, if not surpass, what our Southeast Asian neighbor has achieved?

We have the natural resources, the manpower, the tools, to shape our nation.

But �irst, we must boot out the negative thinkers. Out, you, devils. Go! (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) Jer. 29:13. GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Get rid of negative thinkers

The Duterte government inherited so much negative baggage and trash from its predecessor whose family - and fanatical followers - eternally claim its ascendancy from the ouster of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, a song they have sung in the parliament of the streets to fan the �lames of pseudo-nationalism alive.

The menacing rise in illegal drugs traf�icking and its consequent corruptive in�luence in all agencies and branches of government during the past regime have caused unwarranted grief and untold suffering among the victims (most of them youths) and their families which is being recti�ied with boldness and swift action by the incumbent government.

As PRRD engages all these problems with courage and �irmness, we – the citizens – must not be so numbed and absent-minded as to allow these negative conditions to permeate their surroundings and prevail.

Filipinos must get involved in the sculpting of a new brave, just

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba and progressive modus vivendi, not a half-interested existence that is oblivious to the present circumstances, political and otherwise.

The citizens make up the State; without them, as the governed, there is no government. This is how the argument proceeds.

I would like to make Singapore as a parallel example. With a decisive leader in Lee Kuan Yew,

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 79 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 21-22, 2017

Housing program for OFWs okayed

T

he Kidapawan City council has unanimously approved Thursday a resolution that will push for the realization of the proposed low cost housing program for all Overseas Filipino Workers in this city.

Through Resolution No. 17-231, local government of Kidapawan duly requested the National Housing Authority (NHA) to allocate funds for the development of what it will call the “Heroes Village.”

“They were forced to work abroad and leave their families to address their basic necessities including the need for housing; hence the proposed project is intended to cater their housing needs,” the resolution said.

Once going, this would be the �irst in the entire Region 12, according to Councilor Judith Navarra.

Navarra, chair of the Committee on Housing and Land Use, said the project will bene�it some 1,077 overseas contractual and

domestic workers in the city.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista said the LGU will set-apart at least PHP5 million for the acquisition of eight to 10 hectares of lot as its equity for the establishment of the project next year.

“They deserved to own a descent home as a reward of their sacri�ices working away,” the mayor stressed.

The mayor tasked the Kidapawan City Planning and the Public Employment of�ices to complete the needed requirements, guidelines,

and listing of all potential bene�iciaries.

Meanwhile, a group of OFWs in Hongkong voluntarily initiated an “Online Registration” for all OFWs purposely to account the existing workers from Kidapawan city.

“We are still on the planning process and is not yet on application stage”, Evangelista said, adding it will help prevent possible online fraud spread online. (John Andrew G. Tabugoc/PNA)

GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS. A young girl holds a toy gun while looking for her playmates during an afternoon of imaginary gunfight at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

NBI... FROM 1

DAVAO... FROM 4

medicine for residents affected by violence in the ravaged city of Marawi City.

He said the aid was on top of assistance already being provided to those who were wounded or af�licted with illness after days of continu-

ous �ighting between government troops and local terrorist groups in Marawi City He said PCSO is one with other government of�ices in helping President Rodrigo Duterte in his �ight against corruption and illegal gambling.(PNA)

joint 39th IB troopers, militiamen and Arakan police units.

The scene of encounter was about �ive kilometers from Barangay Katipinan.

Supt. Romeo GalgoJr, speaking for police in Region 12, said personnel of the Arakan municipal police are still trying to identify the NPA fatality.

Citing intelligence information, Belvis said the rebels belonging to NPA’s Guerilla Front 56 gathered in Barangay Katipunan before dawn and set up a checkpoint to �lag down public transport vehicles.

Residents �irst noticed they were in military fatigue uniform with patches of 3rd Infantry Battalion. But Belvis said the locals noticed they

arrived on foot and not on military KM-45 vehicle the Army regularly use.

They became suspicious and tried to alert village of�icials when automatic gun �ires were heard.

Belvis said the PSG personnel noticed something wrong with the checkpoint so its driver decided to pass through, hitting the Task Force Davao signage followed by automatic gun�ire.

Galgo said as the rebels �led toward Naplico on board two vehicles, they picked a militiaman along the way, used him as human shield and executed him later. A man later named Rogelio Genon, a police civilian agent, was also abducted. His fate remained unknown.(EOF/PNA)

REBEL... FROM 1

spokesperson for Transmision-Piston in Southern Mindanao said Thursday’s protest action was not a transport strike but a Transport Caravan wherein drivers and operators of 21 drivers and operators’ organizations under Piston have to participate.

The convoy will proceed from Magsaysay Park to LTFRB then LTO passing through major streets in this city.

If all drivers would participate in the activity, Fernandez said it will paralyze 60 percent of the public transportation.

Fernandez said they are opposing the jeepney modernization program and the Traf�ic Crises Act of 2016 because small operators and drivers cannot afford to buy units with each costing over a million

pesos.

Under the rule, Fernandez said they are required to have a capital outlay of at least PHP7 million to acquire 20 new units and get a franchise by 2018 which they have to increase to 40 units by 2019.

Fernandez said the banks can only offer PHP80,000 for a loan, so they are still required to raise more than a million pesos for each unit which they cannot afford unless the government would shoulder 70 to 80 percent of the amount to acquire new units. They will also be burdened by high-interest rates.

He said they would lose their income especially for drivers who rely only on daily income.(PNA)

Peace Roadmap approved in July last year, the convergence of the MILF and MNLF peace tracks is supposed to happen within the

BTC, which was expanded from 15 to 21 precisely to get the MNLF factions to participate in crafting the draft Bangsamoro law.

MNLF... FROM 4

Misuari’s faction, however, declined to be part of the BTC. Dureza set up a separate peace implementing panel for it, to work on the last provisions under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement that the MNLF says have not been fully implemented.

The MNLF faction under Jikiri has three members in the BTC who worked with other BTC commissioners on the inclusion of the unimplemented FPA provisions into the new draft BBL. Parcasio said they �inished drafting the amendatory law. “Nahuman na unta namo New Autonomy Law pero nag-decide MNLF nga dili na lang” (We �inished drafting the New Autonomy Law but the MNLF decided not to submit it), he told MindaNews.

Parcasio explained that “the totality of all MNLF-GPH peace agreements –1976 Tripoli Agreement, 1987 Jeddah Accord, 1996 Final Peace Agreement, the result of the Tripartite Review — provide a template on the power, authority, territory of a One-Mindanao (Regional) Federal State.”

He said the “applicable provisions of the draft autonomy law drafted by the GPH-MNLF Implementing Panel can be a template for such power and authority of a One-Mindanao (MinSuPala) Regional Federal State and for all proposed Regional States in the Visayas, and Luzon for that matter.”

MinSuPala refers to Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan.”

The proposed Bangsamoro will cover the �ive ARMM provinces and two cities — Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi, the six towns in Lanao del Norte that voted for inclusion in the 2001 plebiscite and some villages in some towns in North Cotabato.

ConCom member Duterte announced in the meeting Tuesday night that Parcasio would be one of 25 members of the Consultative Committee (ConCom), the body that would review the 1987 Constitution in preparation for the shift to a federal system of government.

The EO provides that the ConCom shall “study, conduct consultations, and review the provisions of the 1987 Constitution, including but not limited to, the provisions of the structure and powers of the government, local governance, and economic policies.”

The President signed EO 10 creating the ConCom on December 7 last year but he has yet to appoint its members. Congress will begin deliberations on amending the Constitution after the ConCom submits its report six months after it is convened.

Not abandoning FPA Parcasio clari�ied that its non-submission of the proposed ARMM amen-

datory law does not mean they have abandoned the 1996 peace agreement.

“Wala gi abandon kundili gi-reconcile ang FPA ug Jeddah Accord” (Not abandon but reconcile FPA and Jeddah Accord), Parcasio said, adding the FPA is the basis for powers and authority while the Jeddah Accord is the basis for the territory of the proposed MinSuPala federal state which he refers to as the “original Bangsamoro homeland.”

He said the Bangsamoro core territory proposed in the BBL will be an enclave of the MinSuPala federal state.

Under the proposed federal Philippines of Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Jr., the proposed Bangsamoro will be a federal state, not a mere enclave.

Pimentel told MindaNews in late February that the Bangsamoro “will be treated as one regional state. One regional government” while Alvarez told MindaNews in late March that there would be �ive Mindanao states, two of them Bangsamoro states — one in mainland Mindanao comprising Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur and the other comprising the islands of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.

Welcome move MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim told MindaNews the decision of the MNLF under Misuari is a “positive development since there will be no more complication with the new BBL.” Murad said the new BBL has converged the MILF and MNLF peace tracks.

Guiamel Alim, Executive Director of the Cotabato City-based Kadtuntaya Foundation and a member of the Council of Elders of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, also welcomed the news. “Good decision so there will be no more problem on convergence,” he said.

Deputy Speaker for Mindanao and Maguindanao Rep. Bai Sandra Sema said she respects the decision of the MNLF under Misuari “as we move for the enactment of the enhanced BBL where it can also serve as template for federalism.”

Duterte has repeatedly said since the Presidential campaign in early 2016 that the Bangsamoro can be the template for federalism.

At the MILF’s Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Duterte told MILF of�icials on February 27 last year that if he wins as President, he would work for the amendment of the 1987 Constitution to change hte system of government into federalism “but if it takes time, and if only to defuse tension, in my government I will convince Congress to pass the BBL then make it as a template for federal states.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

INdulge!

VOL.10 ISSUE 79• July 21-22, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

ARTS AND CULTURE

TRAPPING REALITY

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO TRAP REALITY? That is one of the greatest fights not only for Davao Artist, Rey Bollozos, but also to all figurative artists. Making illustrations of life through realism is the greatest excitement of being in this artistic genre; painting is story telling— and that story should be concrete and direct, according to Rey.

Currently, he is a practicing artist and an art instructor working with other figurative Davao artists connected with Atalier Peniel Fine Art. The artist began by using graphite or charcoal and experimented the techniques he learned during his formal trainings in mediums such as watercolors, acrylics, pen and inks, and prints.

Rey Bollozos’ first one-man show in Manila was a collection of pen drawings but now he sticks to using oil paints. “Since my elementary years, I loved drawing. I came from public school and I remember we had a booklet in reading called “Balarila”; it had illustrations that I found out years later were the works of Maestro Fernando Amorsolo. I love figurative realism—it is somewhat magical for me and I consider it more challenging than abstract or other

post-modern painting styles,” the artist shares.

Truly, there is nothing like the “classics”—it never fades.

Sure, realism like “real life” may get their twists and turns— from making different style cuts of denim or doing a remix from a classical music—still, the basics stay the same. Denim still looks good whenever and however you wear it and the proper notes of Bach’s sheet music would never change no matter what rap song you insert to it.

The same goes as with the works of Rey Bollozos; it is clear, it is real life…but with an intriguing twist. “I studied the techniques of artists like Vermeer, Goya, and contemporary figurative realists like Cesar Santos and Casey Baugh. In terms of painting style, if I have one or not, I do not paint hoping I will end up being known for one. What is important to me is to communicate through my works using the old-style techniques.

I stand on the belief that style is not the determinant whether what I am doing now is right or otherwise. Life is so dynamic and so is art,” Rey says. The artist loves his professional passion and his mind and emotions are always “insanely stable”, he has a positive outlook in life and loves having fun, and thinks that being an artist is second to being a prophet—even though it stereotypically borderlines on the “visionary lunatic”.

“Figurative realism is technically the most challenging—it

is like carving out images from the canvas using brush and paints. Learning and knowing how to use the techniques in painting is very essential, for technique is the weapon and the artwork is the bullet—if it hits well, then it becomes very effective,” the artist states. Admittedly, Rey’s works are now quite different from his paintings before, since an artist’s outputs are very much reflective of the life they live in. Much like the artistic evolution that happened to Picasso, the artist’s works

are currently more people-centric and much more quiet and peaceful. “I love people. I am a people person—I love them as much as I hate them,” Rey jokingly shares. His works are neither too deep nor superficial— his works rely solely more on his feelings than opinions on a certain subject matter. Rey Bollozo’s ultimate goal is to pass his skills and knowledge to his son, Egon Dali, in hopes that he too can experience a life that is artfully rewarding that could fill body, soul, and spirit.

EDGEDAVAO

A2INdulge!

EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 79• FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JULY 21 - 22, 2017

Abreeza Mall gives away P10,000-worth shopping sprees daily for 100 day

Much to the delight of Davao’s shoppers, Abreeza Mall has brought back the phenomenal promo it launched in 2014 which gave away P10,000-worth shopping sprees daily for 100 days.

The promo dubbed 100 Happy Shopping Days which originally ran from August 11 to December 26, 2014 returns this 2017 as 100 MORE Happy Shopping Days—same number of days, same number of winners, and the same daily promise of a massive shopping

spree up for grabs.

For shoppers to join the raffle and be on their way to winning that shop-all-youwant reward, all they have to do is shop at Abreeza Mall on weekdays from July 3 to November 17, 2017.

A same-day single or accumulated receipt purchase of at least P500 from any Abreeza Mall store or Robinsons Department Store or P1,000 from Robinsons Supermarket presented at the Main Concierge at the Ground Floor qualifies them for the raffle.

The prize of a P10,000worth shopping spree comes in the form of a P10,000-worth Ayala Malls Electronic Gift Certificate, which shop-

pers can use as credit when making purchases at any Abreeza Mall store that has a BPI terminal.

Giving people even more reason to head to Abreeza Mall is another promo set to run concurrently with 100 MORE Happy Shopping Days, but this time exclusive to moviegoers. 100 Happy Move Nights, which is scheduled to run on the weekdays of July 24 to December 8, 2017, gives cinema patrons a chance to be one of 100 daily winners of a P1,000-worth Ayala Malls Cinema Gift Card.

To join the raffle, all they have to do is watch a movie on weekdays and present at the Main Concierge at least three cinema tickets purchased on the same day.

For both 100 MORE Happy Shopping Days and 100 Happy Move Nights, winners for a certain date are drawn the following weekday, except on holidays, and announced immediately, with results posted on Abreeza Mall’s Facebook page.

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 79 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JULY 21 - 22, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

Andrea Torres renews ties with GMA Network

Beautiful and multitalented actress Andrea Torres continues her journey as a Kapuso as she renewed her exclusive contract with GMA Network yesterday, July 18.

Present in the contract signing were GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, Senior Program Managers for ETV Charles Koo and Hazel Abonita and GMAAC Senior Talent Manager Vic del Rosario.

During the contract signing, Andrea said she feels blessed and thankful with her contract renewal with the Kapuso Network, “Masaya ako dahil for the next few

years makakasama ko ang pamilya ko, ang GMA 7. Dito naman po talaga ako lumaki. Ang nakakatuwa kasi they helped me realize what I want to do here in the industry. Tinutulungan nila ako para maisip ano pa ang pwede kong gawin at paano pa ako mageexplore,” she said.

Aside from Bubble Gang, Andrea is back on primetime as she once again reprises the feisty and daring character of Venus in the top-rating series Alyas Robin Hood.

Andrea’s portrayal of Venus got positive feedback from viewers and netizens and as the drama series enters a new chapter, she shared that “mas fierce, mas palaban at mas maraming action scenes ang aa-

bangan sa character ni Venus. Excited na ako kasi magagamit ko na yung mga naging trainings ko for Muay Thai at Boxing.”

She also revealed that she looks forward to reunite with her costars and the production team of the soap and to finally work with her friend Solenn Heussaff.

“First time namin makakatrabaho ang isa’t isa. I’m sure magtutulungan kaming dalawa. Pero we’ve always been friends. Mas lalalim ang friendship namin dahil mas makakasama ko na siya.”

Meanwhile, Rasonable said that GMA 7 is proud to have Andrea as one of its home-grown talents, “Nakita natin how

she has grown as an artist kaya mas nakaka-engganyo kasi ang dami na niya ngayong na-develop in her, not only sa acting, pati yung physicality niya. She can do action and she can even do comedy so naeengganyo tayo to think of projects and roles that would fit her and that would further hone her craft. (30)

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 79 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JULY 21 - 22, 2017

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 79 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 21-22, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

Arroyo bats for aeroponics technology in agriculture

F

ormer President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is pushing for the development of aeroponic technology to boost the country’s agricultural production and enable farming in urban areas.

Arroyo has �iled House Bill No. 3977, otherwise known as the Aeroponics Technology in Agricultural Production Act of 2016, which seeks to promote the use of aeroponics technology to be applied in the production of high value-added crops and vegetable farming.

The bill aims to address the country’s food security concerns and judiciously utilize scarce fertile land resources.

Aeroponics is the process of growing vegetation in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or an aggregate medium. Aeroponics is considered to be safe and ecologically friendly for producing natural and healthy plants and crops.

Arroyo pointed out that the main ecological advantage of aeroponics is the conservation of water and energy, with growers claiming they can produce fresh local food in half the time as conventional growing with 90 percent less water and 90 percent less space.

“One area where the State can devote more research and development is in the use of state-of-the-art

technologies aimed at improving agricultural production and ensuring food security,” Arroyo said in her explanatory note.

“Speci�ically, the adoption of aeroponics technology is widely perceived as an innovative measure to increase agricultural productivity,” Arroyo added.

The Pampanga lawmaker said the aeroponics system is cost-effective because of reduced volume of solution input, less water, and fewer nutrients needed.

Under the bill, the Department of Agriculture is mandated to conduct a comprehensive research and information drive on aeroponics technolo-

gy applied to agricultural production.

The bill provides that idle government lands shall be considered for growing crops and vegetables using aeroponics agriculture.

Furthermore, the use of aeroponic technology will be integrated into the curriculum of high school and college students in all courses related to Agriculture, Practical Arts and Home Economics, and subjects related to agriculture.

“With aeroponics, the deleterious effects of seed stocks that are infected with pathogens can be minimized due to the separation of the plants and the lack shared growth matrix,” she said.

ECONOMY11 made it in the list of the country’s top 500 corporate taxpayers in those years.

Ungson said DMPI was issued a de�iciency assessment for P14.9 million, due to disallowed deduction and timing issues, which it paid the BIR in 2011.

A P21 billion tax assessment, he said, would be outrageous

considering that DMPI’s total revenue in 2011 was P16.8 billion.

“With respect to the assessment of the PhP3.43 billion for 2012 and PhP5.2 billion for 2013, DMPI and its tax counsel had satisfactorily substantiated a much lower amount of taxes due which the BIR accepted,” Ungson added.(PNA)

ects. It also means irrigating 1.3 million more hectares of agricultural land and upgrading our rural road system.”

“But the large projects do matter as well,” he said.

“The Mindanao railway system, the Cebu expressway, the improvement of our airports to cope with tourism growth and the construction of a subway to relieve Manila’s traf�ic predicament will help clear the wayfor sustained economic development.”

He expressed the hope that “you share our optimism about the growth prospects in the near and medium term. We are doing the right things at the right time to take fullest advantage of our demographic strengths and the opportunities offered by the global economy.”

“I hope the members of the AmCham will, as usual, be our strong partners in building broader based prosperity for our people,” he added.

Following a request from the DOF, President Duterte certi�ied two months ago as an urgent

measure for congressional approval HB 5636—better known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN)—that is crucial to the �inancial sustainability of the government’s ambitious agenda to sustain the country’s growth momentum and accelerate poverty reduction via a massive spending on infrastructure, human capital and social protection for the poor and vulnerable sectors.

In a letter to Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, President Duterte pointed out that, “The bene�its to be derived from this tax reform measure will sustainably �inance the Government’s envisioned massive investments in infrastructure thereby encouraging economic activity and job creation, as well as fund the desired increase in the public budget for health, education and social programs to alleviate poverty.”

Both the Senate and the House will reopen for the Second Regular Session of the 17th Congress on July 24, when President Duterte is to deliver his second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

DOMINGUEZ... FROM 6

DOF eyes P2B gains from sale of govt-owned assets

MATINA ENCLAVES. Construction of Building C of the Matina Enclaves has by far been right on timelines. Building C is the second high-rise residential building of the sprawling complex developed by Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco).

MINDANAO...

the regulations for the ers for purposes of deteroperation of transporta- mining the liability and FROM 5 tion network services. degree of diligence that Under the proposmust be observed in the should be regulated and wide gap in the needs and al, Transportation Netcourse of their operation public safety should be a convenience of the riding work Companies and and the presumption paramount concern. public,” Nograles said.

Drivers (TNDs) are deof negligence in case of But since the conNograles and his clared as common carribreach of contract. (PNA) cept of application-based brother Puwersa ng ride-hailing and ride-shar- Bayaning Atleta Patryling system is new and ist Rep. Jericho Nograles very distinct from the recently �iled House Bill FROM 5 traditional public trans- 6009 which seeks to portation, its rules should regulate and set clear rebe speci�ically designed to quirements, guidelines Philippine Tax Code DMPI. Ungson acknowlsuit the needs of the com- and standards for the and the BIR rules and regulations. ” edged that DMPI was muters. operation of these appliThe statement was assessed P21 billion in “Just like any pub- cation-based ride-hailing released amid media 2011, P3.43 billion in lic transport, the TNCs platforms. reports that top of2012, and P5.2 billion should be regulated but Also known as the �icials of the BIR are in 2013. they should be regulated Transportation Network However, the DMPI without diminishing their Service Act, the measure facing charges for allegedly committing of�icial labeled the tax accessibility. They have seeks to institutionalize irregularities in its assessments “absurd”, become very popular be- the TNCs as an alterassessment and colsaying that the comcause they are very acces- native mode of public lection of taxes from pany has consistently sible and they �ill up a very transport and provide

DELMONTE...

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rivatization of some stateowned assets is eyed to contribute about P2 billion in government coffers this 2017.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III told reporters that the Finance department is currently evaluating state-owned assets that would possibly be put up for sale.

Among these are parcel of lands in Batangas, Las Pinas, Makati and Davao as well as shares in various companies.

Dominguez said some of these properties has to be revalued to determine its current market value.

He said the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) has received about P949 million remittances from privatization efforts from July 2016 up to end-June this year.

A big state-owned property in Batangas, valued at around P500 million, would soon be sold, he said, but he declined to elaborate.

Earlier, Dominguez said the Duterte administration was keen on looking at all sources of �inancing to be able to �inance its at least P8 trillion infrastructure program until 2022. (Joann Santiago/PNA)

12 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

Floods submerge 18 villages in Cotabato E ighteen of Cotabato City’s 37 villages have been underwater since Wednesday due to torrential rains affecting Soccsksargen Region and Maguindanao province, of�icials said Thursday.

Mayor Cynthia Guiani Sayadi has ordered all village of�icials to closely monitor the water level of affected villages, mostly located on the eastern part of the city.

Sayadi said 11 public schools have been �looded and classes were suspended Thursday.

About 200 villages in Maguindanao’s 36 municipalities are also underwater brought about by the inter-tropical convergence zone affecting southern Mindanao. ”The �loods here come from Maguindanao because we serve as catch basin of �loods from the Liguasan marshland,” Sayadi said during meeting with local and village of�icials that she posted live on Facebook to reach more people. ”I appeal to residents residing beside rivers and tributaries criss-crossing the city to evacuate, especially the elders and pregnant mothers,” Sayadi said in her message to city residents.

Flooded villages are Barangay Poblacion Mother, Poblacion 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9, Barangay Rosary Heights 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9, Barangay Tamontaka Mother, Tamontaka 2, 3, 4, 5, and Barangay Bagua 3 with about 12,000 affected families.

Sayadi said members of the city disaster risk reduction and management council and other concerned government agencies are now working to ensure no one is harmed and

no properties will be damaged by the unfolding calamity. ”We don’t want something bad happening to our people when we have all the opportunity to respond,” Sayadi said, adding barangay disaster units must act. ”We are closely monitoring the water level situation, we have our emergency food assistance ready,” she added.

Cotabato City, situated in the middle of Rio Grande de Mindanao and Tamontaka River, serves as gateway of �lood water from upstream reaching up to the borders of Maguindanao with North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

Even if it does not rain in the city and bad weather is being experienced in South Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato, the city will experience �looding, environment of�icials said.

It is because the water from the marshland will �ind its way to the Moro Gulf via Cotabato City’s low lying villages.

Worst, water level could go as high as waist level if sea water level rises as �lood water rushes downstream.

One of the recent worst �loods that hit the city was in 2011 when �lood water submerged Notre Dame University compound and the communities surrounding it. Even Quezon Avenue in the heart of Cotabato City and the supermarket area were underwater.

City of�icials hope it will not happen again.

Floods also hit the low lying villages of Midsayap, Pigcawayan, Libungan, Aleosan, Pikit, Kabacan, Matalam, Mlang and Tulunan, all facing Liguasan marshland. (EOF/ PNA)

New attraction to spice up New Israel Eco Adventure Park in Makilala town

T

he development of a new attraction at the New Israel Eco Adventure Park in the highlands of Makilala town is in the of�ing.

Local of�icials here had already �inalized the plans for the establishment of a community vegetable garden at the park as an additional attraction for visitors.

The development, according to Mayor Rudy Caoagdan intends to increase the number of tourist to the eco-park and encourage them to come to the place more often. It also aims to push the municipality’s efforts as the vegetable capital of Cotabato Province.

The community garden would be managed by the 26man crew of the eco-adventure park, as an additional attraction of the place aside from the zip line ride, the unique culture of the residents and the amazing community of Monkeys.

The LGU through the Municipal Agriculture and Services Of�ice (MASO) would provide the necessary planting materials to the community to begin the said vegetable garden.

Mayor Caoagdan brought up the idea to showcase the po-

tential of the members of the community in developing a vegetable garden that would help them improve their income out of the sales from their vegetables.

Tourists could buy fresh vegetables from the community garden after experiencing other facilities of the area.

The LGU also planned to refurbish the old church structure of the Alpha and Omega Crusaders to preserve the symbolism of the culture of the residents of Barangay New Israel, who are also devotees of the said religious sect.

Also in the list of infrastructure development include the concreting of the circumferential road leading to the eco-adventure park and other infrastructure projects that the LGU plans to pursue to increase the number of visitors to the area. (ACAgad PIA 12 with reports from OCDeseo-LGU Makilala) The Provincial Government of Cotabato turned over the management and operation of the zip line project to LGU Makilala after three years of operation. This has generated a close to P8 Million gross income in June. (ACAgad PIA 12 with reports from OCDeseo-LGU Makilala)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 79 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 21-22, 2017

Marawi evacuees get help in Tagum City R

esidents who were displaced by clashes between the government troops and armed militants in Marawi City received relief packs distributed by the Local Government of Tagum as they found refuge here in the city.

A total of 254 Marawi evacuees received the food bundles handed out by the city government in the recently conducted relief-distribution program spearheaded by the Values Enhancement Program Unit (VEPU) at the city’s Cultural Pavilion.

Mayor Allan Rellon, himself, led the distribution of the relief packs that consist of �ive (5) kilos of rice, 10 canned

goods, 30 packs of instant noodles and other Halal-certi�ied groceries.

Through the pro�iling and master listing performed by the City Social Welfare Development Of�ice (CSWDO), the initial number of evacuees who moved here was identi�ied. The process, which is still ongoing, is made possible through the assistance of the barangay and purok of�icials and the 71st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

The CSWDO con�irmed that after the pro�iling, the evacuees who were identi�ied to be suffering with trauma or physical damages will go through a stress debrie�ing process or other interven-

FOR MARAWI.Hundreds of food packs were distributed to the displaced residents of Marawi City by the City Government of Tagum. The goods were gathered through the successful conduct of the city-wide donation drive

tions necessary for their rehabilitation.

The relief goods were gathered through the citywide donation drive initiated

by One Tagumenyo Youth Movement last month, in partnership with the City Government of Tagum. Schools, Muslim communities, the army, and some private and business entities were among the groups who donated supplies and extended their support during the month-long drive.

Other donations were also collected through the cycles of Values Enhancement Seminar conducted to different sectors by VEPU under the leadership of Mr. Lowie Selario, Executive Assistant II.

The recipients of the relief assistance will still bene�it the next batch of goods to be distributed by the city government together with the additional identi�ied evacuees.

Other than food provisions, the displaced residents will also receive clothing, Hijab, blankets, and sanitary kits, among others.

For interested donors you may coordinate to the Values Enhancement Program Unit or personally deliver your donations to the Center for Transformation and Justice, the former SangguniangPanlungsod Building, located at Bonifacio Street, Barangay MagugpoPoblacion. Roy Banias / CIO Tagum.

last month as initiated by One Tagumenyo Youth Movement and the city government. Vinz Davo/CIO Tagum

Mindanao-wide confab for event organizers, hoteliers to bolster SOX tourism

T

he recent island-wide gathering of big hoteliers and event organizers in Mindanao has provided an avenue for stakeholders to chart the direction of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region as the next choice in terms of hosting meetings, conventions, exhibits and other local and international events.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) 12, is aggressively pushing the region as the newest and an emerging MICE destination in Mindanao. The region has vast potential in agricultural products such as coffee, pineapple, tuna, coconut, pork or swine, and palm oil industries that can be used as add-ons to activities in the region.

Unique product features of the region such as culture and tourist destination are presented as part of the package in promoting and marketing MICE destinations of the region.

Known as SOX, the region’s tourism sector especially ecotourism and farm-tourism has

sustained making names and noise both in the local and international market.

Held earlier this month, at Greenleaf Hotel in the bustling General Santos City, region 12 tourism director Nelly Nita N. Dillera said, the decision to conduct this activity here is anchored on the city’s successful hosting of signi�icant MICEEs such as the recent Tuna Congress, Banana Congress, Vegetable Congress and other major local and international events.

Just recently, the city also hosted the APO convention which generated more than 4,000 local and international participants.

The vibrant tourism industry of SOCCSKSARGEN has bring in more investment opportunities and stir up the economic development of the region, local tourism of�icials boast.

This observation also earned appreciation from Tourism Usec Alma Rita R. Jimenez who said, “as we progress in this continuing tourism dialogue, we can jointly craft an agenda that will allow us to continue the up-

ward trajectory of our tourism performance. This is an imperative because tourism contribution is signi�icant to the economy and national development.”

About 45 participants from different tourism regional of�ices in Mindanao, local government tourism of�icers, event organizers, managers of renowned hotels and convention centers and other private sector representatives met to consolidate their initiatives and projects in the island.

Matters concerning provision of incentives as well as the guidelines and standards for tourism stakeholders were resolved in the gathering. Their concerted efforts form an essential part of the uni�ied MICE Development Plan for Mindanao.

MICEE stands for Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conferences and Conventions, and Exhibits and Expos.

Tourism Usec Jimenez in her message said that the MICE market “is a rich and largely untapped market for the Philippines that shows promising

potential.”

This is considering that “the meeting spending is rising globally, led by the Asia Paci�ic region with a 2.1% expected rise predicted for 2016. Incentive for travel on the other hand experienced a strong year in 2015 and 36% of travel industry professionals expect to spend more than $4,000 per person in 2016” the of�icial stressed. (AC Agad PIA 12/with reports from KElijay DOT 12) The MICE-Mindanao Planning Workshop was graced by top national tourism of�icials led by Usec for Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation Alma Rita R. Jimenez; OIC Raquel Ruth A. Tria from M.I.C.E. Department, Tourism Promotions Board; Director Maria Rica C. Bueno, Of�icer-In- Charge DOT Mindanao and Philippine Association of Convention, Exhibition Organizers and Supplies (PACEOS) President Ms. Maria Lourdes S. Lagandaon. (AC Agad PIA 12/with reports from KElijay DOT 12)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 79 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 21-22, 2017

13

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troops’morale

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte’s Thursday visit to Marawi City, where Filipino troops are currently locked in battle with remaining Maute Group terrorists, has greatly boosted the morale of military personnel currently deployed there.

Thus, declared by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año who was among the ranking military and defense of�icials who accompanied the Chief Executive there.

The visit took place “amidst the sound of gun and artillery

�ires on the background,” he added. The President also set foot in Marawi as the troops launched a daring assault from the other end of Mapandi Bridge-- site of one of the �iercest gun battle in downtown Marawi heavily defended by Maute Group.

He was given the latest situations update on the ongoing operations at the Tactical Command Post of Joint Task Force Marawi on the 59th day of rebellion.

Año said the President had the opportunity to shake hands with the troops, talked to, and exchanged pleasantries with them.

And while the visit was very successful and memorable for the troops, the AFP chief said it was not easy as shots started coming in at the landing zone where the helicopter carrying Duterte and his party was supposed to land.

Aside from Año, the President was accompanied by Defense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., Presidential Adviser for Military Affairs Undersecretary Arthur Tabaquero, and Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)

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INSPECTION. President Rodrigo R. Duterte inspects recovered guns when he visited troops engaged in the battle with the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City on July 20, 2017. The President gave out food packs

and other assistance when he set foot at Camp Ranao.

The President’s visit, despite an ongoing gun battle near the camp, boosted the morale of the soldiers. (Ace Morandante/Presidential photo)

14

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 79 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 21-22, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 79 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 21-22, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

Gilas falls to South Korea

S

uddenly, Gilas Pilipinas couldn’t shoot straight.

Throwing bricks, Team Phl dropped a crucial 72-83 loss to old regional arch nemesis South Korea and practically bombed out of the title race in the 2017 Jones Cup at the Taipei Peace Basketball Gymnasium here Tuesday night.

“I don’t have the stats, but I think we shot one of 65 from the three-point area or something,” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes on his wild guess on their horrible shooting that caused them a loss after three straight wins.

“I can’t take the effort of the guys. We fought hard and just couldn’t make our shots,” said Reyes, ruing the defeat that dropped them outside the Top Three with a 3-2 overall mark.

The Nationals lost the rhythm and good shooting they’d shown in their victories over Taipei A, Taipei B and Japan.

They made just one of 26 three-point attempts in a horrendous clip, and committed crucial defensive

BIG MEN. Gilas big men like Kobe Paras and Christian Standhardinger were the bright spots for the Nationals as ttheir shooters went cold.

lapses just when they came within four points in a rally from a couple of 17-point de�icits.

The Koreans, meanwhile, converted key free throws in the crunch and thus dealt the Filipinos a telling blow in their title bid in the tourney won by Philippine club team Mighty Sports last year.

“We can’t beat a team that zones us if we can’t make our outside shots,” said Reyes.

“I thought we came out with a great effort. I’m very proud on how our guys fought a very good, high-quality Korean team. I thought we held our own on defense,” Reyes said.

“We essentially held a good team to 83 points that should have been enough if we’re hitting our shots. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.”

Matthew Wright, a deadly cold-blooded shooter in their �irst four games, was 0-of-7.

RR Pogoy was 0-of-5, Kiefer Ravena 0-of-4, Kevin Ferrer 0-of-3, Bobby Ray Parks 0-of3 and Carl Bryan Cruz 0-of-2.

Ginobili playing Crawford picks Wolves over Warriors, Cavs for 16th season A A s the clock ticked downon the Spurs’ season and Manu Ginobili was pulled from the game, a thunderous roar from the home crowd guided him to the bench.

Ginobili wore an appreciative but quizzical look on his face as he put a warmup shirt back on and prepared to head off into the summer. Clearly, the fans were saying goodbye to one of the most pop-

I

HATE to see basketball referees committing glaring goofs in officiating. So much of this happen every PBA season, not excluding well-organized school leagues like the NCAA and the UAAP. It is because fans know exactly when and what kind of a foul is committed yet all three game officials choose to look the other way.

Fouls in amateur basketball are whistled differently from pro games such as the NBA, PBA and other leagues around the world.

In the on-going Jones Cup tournament in Taiwan, the Philippine Gilas squad lost to South Korea (83-72) due mainly to bad officiating.

Not that I am sour-graping, but for the record, everytime Filipinos battle the SoKors,

ular players in Spurs history.

Ginobili was not ready to do the same: The Argentinian posted a message on his Twitter account on Wednesday that he is re-signing with San Antonio for another season, which will be his 16th with the Spurs. ‘’It felt like they wanted me to retire,’’ Ginobili said with a smile after the Spurs were swept out of the Western Conference �inals by the Golden State Warriors. ‘

we always are victimized by poor officiating.

Do you know that politics also rears its ugly head in sports, specifically in basketball and boxing?

The Jones Cup is only a clubbased competition in honor of the late William Jones, the revered secretary-general of FIBA responsible for the enduring progress of the sport world-wide.

But over the years, the tournament has quite grown in prestige because many national teams have taken part in it as part of a training regimen preparatory to FIBA and IOC-organized sportsfests such as the Olympics, European, American and Asian championships.

Stymied by bad calls, Gilas cadets lost their shooting

t 37 years old and having never played in the NBA Finals, Jamal Crawford certainly could have gone ring chasing when he received a buyout from the Atlanta Hawks.

The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers, who have met in the last three �inals, were both interested in the veteran scorer. LeBron James was calling Crawford personally to recruit him to Cleveland.

So naturally, Crawford

chose ... the Minnesota Timberwolves?

The Wolves have missed the playoffs for 13 straight seasons. But after Minnesota added Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson and Jeff Teague this summer, Crawford decided to join Tom Thibodeau’s team in hopes of being an integral part of a team trying to break through as opposed to the latest hired gun on an established contender. ‘’I want to experience it with these guys and go through the wars and the

struggles and just really embrace the journey with these guys,’’ Crawford said Wednesday. ‘’To me, that can be even more gratifying than just going to a team that’s already made and ready to win a championship. Hopefully, we’ll get there, but we’ll all go through it together.’’

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Crawford, who spent the last �ive seasons on a Western Conference contender with the Los Angeles Clippers. He started the summer

under contract with the Clippers and working with coach Doc Rivers and several teammates to convince star forward Blake Grif�in to stay in Los Angele Grif�in did decide to stay, but point guard Chris Paul chose to leave a group that had been together for years and couldn’t quite get over the hump. Paul’s decision to join James Harden in Houston forced Rivers to shuf�le the decks, and Crawford was traded to Atlanta as part of a three-team deal that brought Danilo Gallinari to the Clippers.

wanese (Mainland China was still sleeping covered by its bamboo curtains then) were always itching to avenge lopsided losses they each suffered against the Filipinos.

South Korea, hosting the Asian Basketball Championships in 1967, was greatly stung when they lost the ABC title to the Philippines.

Consequently, heads rolled in their turf.

The Jones Cup loss to South Korea, which fielded a national platoon also preparing for the FIBA Asia, prevented us from contending actively for the crown so much that we can only hope to fight for third at best and for fourth and fifth places at the worst.

If I may just recall, not too long ago a Philippine team went berserk and engaged

their foes in a free-for-all when biased officiating greeted them in the same Jones Cup contest.

The great consolation is that the Gilas cadet-players (Matthew Wright, RR Pogoy, Kiefer Ravena, Kobe Paras, Ray Parks, Jr., Christian Standhardinger, Jio Jalalon, Mike Tolomia et al) got some ample playing exposure they could count in as personal experience.

As I have stated previously, basketball is no longer my cup of tea. It will take a miracle to make us Asian champions again. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Prov.19:2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way. GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Bad officiating at Jones Cup

SPORTS KEN

By RED C. LUMBA

touch, knocking in just one trey during the entire game.

For the record, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and China have long been notorious for rigged decisions and officiating especially if their teams are in the running for the golden trophy.

As hosts, they are excellent in back door channeling strategies. Get the drift?

As former 3-time Asian

Games cage champions, a win over the Filipinos is a very prestigious victory by any opponent in the Asian sphere.

This is the reason our opponents fear us. Thus, they confront us with everything they got, including throwing the kitchen sink at us.

I am perhaps one of the few remaining gray-haired sportswriters today who has personally watched the revered heroes of Philippine basketball play during their prime years in the late fifties and sixties – Caloy Loyzaga, Carlos Badion, Narciso Bernardo, Kurt Bachmann, Eddie Pacheco, Ed Ocampo and a few more.

Because of the Pinoys’ unbeatable ability and streak, the Sokors, the Japs and Tai-

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 79 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 21-22, 2017

FORE THE FRAT TM Birdies golfest set July 26

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

T

njb@edgedavao.net

he Fraternal Order of St. Thomas More of the Ateneo de Davao University celebrates its 50th founding anniversary with the staging of TM Birdies Golf Tournament.

The 18-hole scramble tournament is set on July 26 at the Apo Golf and Country Club and is open to all amateur players.

The tournament fee is pegged at P4,000 per team

with a free practice round.

Up for grabs are classi�ication gross and net titles and the team championship. The lucky scorer of an ace also gets home with a brand new Hyundai car with �ive more motorcycles from Motortade and one from Trump motorcycle as other hole-in-one prizes in designated par 3s.

TM Birdies is co-presented by Apo Golf and Coun-

GOLFING LAWYERS. The Panyero Golf Team, composed mostly of Tau Mu lawyers led by Atty. Ed Batacan (5th from right) and Atty. Vincent Paul Montejo (4th from right).

try Club and supported by Glutamax for Men, Nice Day Coffee, Cong. Carlo Nograles, Cong. Koko Nograles, Motortrade, Hyundai, Glowing Motor Parts Inc., Civic Merchandising, HL Trading, Karasia, Andrew Bautista, Bong Basilia, Vibrant Earthmovers, Atty. Ed Batacan, Atty. Ken Dabi, Atty. Rene de Manuel, Pros. Marte Velasco and Cocoy Junsay.

TAU MU ALL. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, GRP Peace Negotiator Angela Librado-Trinidad, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jess Dureza and Tony Arellano of OPAPP while waiting for President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacanang.