Edge10 issue89 AUGUST 4-5 ,2017

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 89 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

PRIVILEGED INFO. President Duterte discusses matters with Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Caesar Dulay on the sidelines of BIR’s 113th Founding Anniversary celebration at the agency’s national office in Quezon City on Wednesday evening. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PNP chief sends more cops to Ozamiz city

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hilippine National Police chief, Director General Ronald dela Rosa, late Wednesday deployed additional operatives to Ozamiz City to forestall possible revenge attacks by sympathizers and allies of the city’s slain mayor, Reynaldo Parojinog.

Dela Rosa said he has ordered the deployment of a force to back up the Ozamiz City Police, aside from the installation of checkpoints in all entry and exit points in the area.

These pre-emptive measures were undertaken by the PNP after concerned

individuals reported the sighting of two large bancas filled with armed men, shortly after the raid that killed Parojinog, his wife Susan, and 13 others inside their home in San Roque Lawis, Ozamiz City early last July 30.

Dela Rosa said they are not discounting the possibility of revenge attacks as the slain Parojinog belongs to a large syndicate, aside from being a well-known politician in Ozamiz City.

He however said that at the moment, they have yet to detect any security threat in Ozamiz City following Sunday’s bloody raid. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA

Duterte signs law limiting driver’s license to five years

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resident Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday signed into law Republic Act 10930 extending the validity of driver’s licenses to five years.

Under the new law, all qualified applicants shall be issued licenses, except for student permits, that will be valid for five years.

It also provides further that the holder of a driver’s license who has not committed any violation of the Land

Transportation and Traffic Code and other traffic laws, rules and regulations during the five-year period will be entitled to a license with a 10-year validity upon renewal.

This shall be subject to restrictions imposed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The law also mandates the establishment of stricter rules before the issuance of driver’s

 DUTERTE, 10

New license lowers chance to monitor driver’s health But seen as reward for good behavior

By ANGIE SAVERON

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ith the signing of Republic Act No. 10930 extending the validity of licenses from three years to five years, the Land Transportation Office admitted it faces longer time to monitor the health of drivers.

“Whereas when done every three years, the time span in monitoring the health condition of the driver seeking renewal of license is shorter,” said lawyer Gomer J. Dy, director of the Land Transportation

Office on Thursday.

He said with the validity of the license extended to five years, there is difficulty in monitoring the health of drivers.

He said that in a span of five years, a lot of things might happen to the driver to include accident or even contracting illnesses, affecting the person’s driving capacity.

“But if this is the case then we can ask our law enforcers to check on the status of the driver as well as their registration,”

said Dy. But since the Implementing Rules and Regulations are still being drafted, there is still no mandatory implementation for monitoring. “According to our central office, the Implementing Rules and Regulations is still being drafted and is now 85 percent completed, “Dy said. When the IRR is approved and published, the law will take effect 15 days after.

“Our target date is 3rd week of September,”

Dy added.

From P417.63, there will be an increase of P235 fee in terms of application of license so therefore the total amount for acquiring Driver’s License is P652.

There is an increase because of the longer validity of the card, the security features and materials used for the license card.

The issuance of licenses with five year validity started last November 2, 2016

the Top Ten. With a rating of 86%, Paramisuli “Suli” Sevilla Aming of Tawitawi topped the exam administered by the Professional Regulation Commission’s Board for Social Workers on July 27 and 28. A total of 5,997 took the exams and out of this number, 3,951 passed.

Suli, who is turning 21 on August 20, took the exam two weeks after she graduated Cum Laude

on July 13. She was also the Valedictorian of the College of Public Administration and was the recipient of the Department of Social Work’s Leadership Award.

Catherine Mirafuentes Caulawon tied for sixth place (84.40%) with a student from the Central Philippine University while Elmer Mandantes Villamucho, Jr. tied for seventh place (84.20%) with three others from

Bicol University-Daraga and Leyte Normal University.

Three other Mindanawons made it to the Top 10: Sweetzel Vertudez Correos of University of Mindanao in Davao City tied for fifth place (84.50%) with a student from St. Louis University; Mary Rose Pilar Tilde Ello of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) in Zamboanga City tied

 NEW, 10

MSU grad tops social worker licensure exams

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n the midst of war, we deliver!”

Dr. Alma Berowa, Vice President for Academic Affairs of the Mindanao State University System told MindaNews Wednesday upon learning that a graduate of MSU main campus in Marawi City topped the Social Worker Licensure Examination held last month, while two others placed 6th and 7th.

A total of six Mindanawons made it to

 MSU, 10

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Lookout order issued v. persons tagged in P6.5B shabu shipment

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RECOGNITION. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio leads the ceremonial pinning of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) operator pin during the

Fighting in Marawi will ‘soon be over’- Gen. Año

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rmed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said on Wednesday that the fighting in Marawi will “soon be over” with government troops dislodging the final pockets of resistance from the ISIS-Maute gunmen.

Año revealed this assessment after he and other military officers went to the main battle areas in Barangays Padian and Raya Madaya in Marawi City Wednesday morning.

“The fighting is reduced to house to house, building to building, floor to floor,

and chamber to chamber,” Año said.

He said the troops in the frontlines told him there is a noticeable decrease of resistance from the ISIS-Maute gunmen compared to weeks ago.

“We will finish Marawi very soon,” Año said.

Año said they have a general idea of the location of the hostages, including Fr. Teresito “Chito” Soganub.

He said ISIS-Maute gunmen are still holding most of the 300 hostages in two buildings while the rest were scattered in other parts of the city.

alacañang has suspended E n e r g y Regulatory Commission chair Jose Vicente Salazar for four months for insubordination.

This was confirmed on Thursday by Communications Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Banaag at a Palace briefing.

“The Office of the Executive Secretary, in its decision dated Aug. 2, 2017, finds Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman and CEO Jose Vicente B. Salazar, guilty of insubordination. Thus, Mr. Salazar is meted out the penalty of suspension for a period of four months without pay,” she

said.

The Palace official, who is also a lawyer, said that Salazar’s suspension is separate from the 90day suspension earlier meted on the embattled ERC chair.

She said that the preventive suspension is not a form of penalty but only a remedial action in order for the office to be able to investigate without any documents being hidden by anybody who is being investigated.

Banaag said the insubordination case against Salazar stemmed from his order to lawyer Ronaldo Gomez as signing authority for the office of the chairman

 FIGHTING, 10

ERC head suspended for insubordination M

 ERC, 10

SWAT’s graduation ceremony after about a month of training under the Davao City Police Office on Thursday. Keith Bacongco

he Department of Justice issued an immigration lookout bulletin order against Richard Tan alias Richard Chen and six others in connection to the entry of a shabu shipment worth P6.4 billion from China.

In a memorandum released on Wednesday, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II directed Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente to instruct all immigration officers in the country’s airports and seaports to be on the lookout to prevent attempts of the said individulas to leave the country.

Tan is the owner of the Hongfei Logistics in Valenzuela City where the shipment was seized last May. Also included in lookout bulletin are Kenneth Dong or Dong

Yi Shen Xi, the alleged middleman of the shipment; Fidel Dee, the consignee of the shipment; Jhu Ming-Jyun and Che Min who rented the warehouse, Mark Ruben Taguba, a private Customs broker and Larribert Hilario, head of the Bureau of Customs Risk Management Office.

The ILBO was issued upon the request of Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee who is conducting an investigation on the matter.

“Considering the gravity of the offenses possibly committed, there is a strong possibility that the foregoing personalities may attempt to place themselves beyond the reach of the lawful processes of this department by leaving

other hand, went down by 27 percent (from 47 to 27), physical injury decreased by 16 percent (from 132 to 111), robbery down by 41 percent (from 104 to 61), and theft decreased by 57 percent (from 282 to 120). Motorcycle theft also went down by 92 percent (from 38 to 3).

Senior Supt. Alexander Tagum, the city police director, said the reduction in index crime volume was also

due to the deployment of Volunteer Police Auxiliary members, who worked hand in hand with authorities.

“Before the deployment of the Volunteer Police Auxiliaries, I already challenged myself and even told the media that I will resign if our crime statistics here will not decrease,” he said. “The records only showed that the deployment of Police Auxiliaries is very effective.” CIO

LOOKOUT, 10

Mayor Sara lauds Davao Police on drop in crime

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ayor Inday Sara Duterte lauded the efforts of the Davao City Police Office for the decrease in index crime figures for the 2nd quarter of 2017 compared to the same period last year.

“I thank the personnel of the Davao City Police Office for their efforts and I hope that they will continue with their interventions that led to the reduction of crime rate in the city, especially that we are

going to celebrate the Kadayawan festival in the next days,” Mayor Inday said.

Based on DCPO figures, index crimes or major crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and theft decreased by 44 percent or 382 from last year’s figure of 681.

For murder alone, the decrease was 42.5 percent from 47 during the second quarter of 2016 to 27 for the same period this year.

Rape incidents, on the

BEHAVED MOTORIST.A traffic enforcer from the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) inspects the registration of a motorcycle during an ‘Oplan Lambat-Sibat’ along R. Castillo Street in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

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PCC to businessmen: Play fair or face hefty fines, penalties

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he Philippine Competition Commission on Thursday reminded businesses to comply with the provisions of the Philippine Competition Act or face hefty fines and penalties.

PCC chairperson Arsenio Balisacan, in a press briefing in Malacañan, said that with the transitory period ending on Aug. 8, businesses which still do not comply with the provisions of the Philippine Competition Act could be meted out with substantial fines and penalties.

“The PCA provides a twoyear transitory period to allow affected parties time to renegotiate agreements or restructure their businesses to comply with the PCA. Upon expiration of the transitory period on Aug. 8, 2017, an existing business structure, conduct, practice or any act which violates the PCA

shall be subject to the administrative civil and criminal penalties,” Balisacan said.

According to Balisacan, after due notice and hearing, the PCC may impose administrative fines of up to PHP100 million on the first offense and up to PHP250 million on the second offense.

“Aside from the fines, the penalty of imprisonment of up to seven years may be imposed by the courts upon directors and officials of any corporation involved in an anti-competitive agreement,” he added, noting that by next week, these fines and penalties with imprisonment will be in full force and effect.

Illegal acts under the PCA include anti-competitive agreements such as cartels and bid rigging; abuse of dominance; and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions. (PNA)

NATIVE TREAT.Marco Polo Davao chefs prepare ‘sikwate’ made from Davao City’s cacao during the launching the hotel’s Kadayawansa Davao 2017 festivity called ‘Fashion and Fusion’ on Tuesday night. Lean Daval Jr.

Nograles wants DA to realize LTFRB told:‘simplify’ franchise application rice sufficiency vow by 2018 T ransport network company Uber on Wednesday appealed to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to “simplify” the process of applying for a franchise to allow them to operate transport network vehicle services.

In a Senate hearing, Uber Philippines Public Policy Head Yves Gonzales stressed that they were not against the process of application for franchises, however, he described the current process as “inefficient”.

“My proposal to the LTFRB: Let’s simplify the process for applying for TNVS franchises. We are not against applying for TNVS franchises, what we are against is an inefficient process because it has created the backlog that nobody is happy about,” Gonzales said.

In July 21 last year, the

So as to end reliance on rice imports W

ith 50 percent of its entire budget committed to rice production,House Appropriations Chair Karlo Nograles today expressed hope that the Department of Agriculture would finally deliver on its promise to make the Philippines rice sufficient and put an end to our reliance on rice imports by 2018.

In yesterday’s budget briefing for the DA, Nograles noted that last year, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol declared that the Philippines would be rice sufficient by 2018 but even under the proposed budget, the National Food Authority (NFA) expects to import some

580,050 metric tons of imported rice for the same year.

“How far have we gone in this bid to make us rice sufficient? We can’t call ourselves rice sufficient until we stop importing rice from other countries. For this budget, I am hopeful that the DA would finally be able to realize its promise that we would be rice sufficient by 2018. Otherwise, let’s stop creating false hopes just to make us look good in the eyes of the public,” Nograles said.

Nograles said that with Piñol’s aggressive campaign to increase rice production through the DA’s National Rice Production Program,

the Philippines should already cease as world’s third biggest rice importer.

During DA’s budget briefing, Piñol said that while the DA is only allotting P11.793 Billion for the NRCP, the entire allotment for programs that are designed to increase rice production actually represents 50% of his department’s P54.03 Billion budget.

Stressing that Agriculture is indispensible to national security and development, Nograles said it is but right to maximize funding support to the DA’s aggressive food production support programs.

“Our food producers, the Filipino farmers and other agricul-

tural workers, must be extended all possible financial and technical support, including trainings, to ensure and secure the nation’s food supply. We must go beyond rhetoric and really work hard to make them happen,” Nograles said.

Of the total DA budget proposal, Piñol revealed that P51.833 Billion are new appropriations, and around P2.2 Billion are continuing appropriations.

This 17.6% higher than DA’s 2017 budget amounting P45.947 Billion. The 2018 DA budget level also represents 1.4% of the proposed national budget of P3.767-trillion. (PNA)

road network.

According to the standard set by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), 0paving one kilometer road requires a funding of P10 million.

This does not include embankment.

Manual said PRDP is working on securing more funds to improve access roads from the farm.

PRDP is a six-year project designed to establish the government platform for a modern, climate-smart and market-oriented agri-fishery sector where it will partner with the local government

units and the private sector in providing key infrastructure, facilities, technology, and information that will raise incomes, productivity, and competitiveness of the people in the countryside.

It aims to increase at least five per cent in annual real farm incomes, 30 per cent increase in income for targeted beneficiaries of enterprise development, 7 per cent increase in value of annual marketed output, and 20 per cent increase in the number of farmers and fisherfolk with improved access to services of the Department of Agriculture

(DA).

Manual said the Mindanao infrastructure projects has an approved allocation of P7.99 billion for 171 infrastructure projects. As of June 2017, PRDP disbursement amounts to PHP1.47 billion for 100 infrastructure project (31 completed and 69 ongoing).

Manual also reported that Mindanao is leading in terms of disbursements from the four clusters of PRDP. The other three clusters are North Luzon, South Luzon, and Visayas. The national disbursement ratio was only at 14.2 percent. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA

DFA: ASEAN has no rules for expulsion of members

PRDP: Mindanao has huge demand for infra T

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he Philippine Rural Development Project reported a huge demand of infrastructure in Mindanao especially the construction and improvement of farm-tomarket roads to help farmers market their products.

Sherwin Manual, the head of the Information Unit PRDP Mindanao, said many farmers in Mindanao are still facing difficulty on road access, using traditional mode of transporting their produce like using horses.

Manual said that the country still needs to pave an estimated 1,700 kilometers

LTFRB stopped processing TNVS applicants. TNCs, however, continued to accept TNVS applications despite the order by the LTFRB stopping the processing of applications.

Gonzales said that he agreed that TNVS partners should be required to get franchises but said that the same should not be required of TNCs since “it is not engaging in the actual transport” of passengers.

On the other hand, Grab Public Affairs Head Leo Gonzales said that the company is open to both applications of franchises for both TNVS and TNCs. LTFRB spokesperson Aileen Lizada acknowledged that the process to grant TNVS franchises took time, but noted that TNCs, also submitted their requirements late, sometimes incomplete..(PNA)

he Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said Asia’s biggest security forum, which the Philippines is hosting on Monday here, has no rules to determine if a participating country should exit the forum.

DFA Acting Spokesperson Robiespierre Bolivar stressed this in response to the United States’ intent to bar North Korea from the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) amid grave concern over the escalation of tensions over its missile launches.

Bolivar pointed out that ARF is a forum that does not have an “expulsion provision” similar to Article 50 of the Treaty of the European Union (EU) where a country can withdraw from the union.

“If DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) wants to exit, I guess there are no hard and fast rules for it to be prevented from exiting,” he said in a press briefing prior to the holding of the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings slated here on August 5.

The DFA official said aside from the United Nations (UN), the ARF is a forum participated by the DPRK, Japan, China, Russia, US, EU and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“It is the only venue thus far that we have to promote candid and free flow dialogue and to actually express our concerns to the DPRK side in a face-to-face manner,” Bolivar said.(PNA)

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ECONOMY 5

Lawmakers want bigger DA budget T

he House appropriations committee on Wednesday deferred the consideration of the P60-billion budget of the Department of Agriculture for 2018 as several lawmakers sought to augment the funding for the agency.

During the congressional hearing on the DA’s proposed 2018 budget, several lawmakers argued that the P60-billion budget was not enough to bankroll the agency’s major programs and it was much lower than the original request of PHP220 billion by DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

ANAC-IP Partylist Rep. Jose Panganiban Jr., chairman of the House committee on agriculture and food, moved to defer the consideration of the DA’s budget until neces-

sary adjustments have been made.

“With the indulgence of the honorable Secretary, I am moving that we defer consideration of the DA budget,” Panganiban said.

Bukidnon Rep. Manuel Zubiri seconded Panganiban’s motion.

A TEACHER Partylist Rep. Julieta Cortuna cited the need for a proper feasibility study to support the budget request of the Agriculture department and prove that it could deliver improved services and programs to its constituents.

“It has to be supported with the right feasibility studies that if you provide us with this budget, this is what we can deliver,” Cortuna said.

(PNA)

FIRM AND DETERMINED. City Engineer’s Office (CEO) head lawyer Joseph Dominic Felizarta gestures as he bares that his office puts on hold and issues notice of violations to the construction along Shrine Hills in Matina allegedly owned by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. Lean Daval Jr.

ARMM pushes for economic DTI security tips out investments in Basilan, Sulu for online shopping T

he Department of Trade and Industry has issued online shopping security tips to protect consumers from scammers and scoundrels and to protect their hardearned money.

The agency issued the security tips as electronic shopping (e-shopping) or online buying has become the norm today. In fact, even established malls, stores, and the likes have resorted to e-shopping so they don’t miss on the millions of consumers in the country.

But online shopping is not perfect. The complexity of today’s technology also leaves vast loopholes for technology-savvy criminals to exploit and prey on “notso-techy” consumers. Even “techies” fall victims to these unscrupulous people.

The first security tip, and also very logical thing to do, is to use “hard-to-guess” passwords or codes when creating an account for online shopping, Eng’r. Rolando Acuña, DTI assistant regional director, on Thursday said.

Security experts also discourage the use of birth dates, or anything that cane be identified with the user for password or codes. Instead, they advise to use a combination of letters and numbers.

“Using complicated passwords would make your account much secured.

It will protect you from hackers and will save you from a lot of problems. Also it is best if you change your password regularly, say every year. This will really protect your account from hackers,” Acuña said. (PNA)

s part of President Rodrigo Duterte administration’s campaign to go after tax evaders, the Bureau of Internal Revenue on Thursday filed separate tax evasion complaints before the Department of Justice against four delinquent taxpayers for alleged failure to pay taxes amounting to PHP58.3 million.

In a statement, the BIR said that Maria Cheryl Corpuz Lagat is facing raps for violation of Section 255 of tax code, allegedly failing to pay taxes worth PHP16, 898, 301.38 for taxable year 2010.

The allegedly unpaid taxes are broken down into: Income tax at PHP12, 201,

035.87, and Value Added Tax at PHP4, 697, 265.91.

Lagat is a sole proprietress with residence and postal address at No. 2402 Rizal Avenue corner Blumentritt St., Sta.Cruz, Manila.

Also charged for violating Section 255 of the Tax Code Eduardo A. Socuaje, Jr., sued for for a total deficiency tax liability for taxable year 2010 amounting PHP27, 923,948.84, inclusive of increments, broken down into IT — PHP3,205,497.04 and VAT – PHP24, 718, 451.80.

Socuaje is the sole proprietor of Gold East Trading with business address at Rm. 326330 Regina Bldg., Escolt St., Binondo, Manila.. (PNA)

BIR files tax evasion charges vs.4 firms A

Investments seen to address lack of jobs A utonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) is calling private companies to grab the opportunity and invest in the island provinces of Basilan and Sulu.

Armm is also composed of the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Tawi-Tawi.

Ishak Mastura, chair and managing head of Regional Board of Investment in Armm (Armm-RBOI), on Thursday said the two island-provinces are surrounded by rich fishery

grounds such as the Basilan Strait, Moro Gulf, Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea producing quality aqua marine products and fishes.

“Both provinces have good soil attributes and sound climatic conditions suitable for highly valuable agricultural and industrial crops such as corn, coconut, rubber and many others.

These positive characteristics attract investors to come and invest in the (two) island provinces,” Mastura said.

Rima Hassan, ARMM

Business Council chair and Basilan based businesswoman, has urged the regional government to look for investors who can match the resources and skills of the local folks.

“We hope that there will be power plants, milling plants, manufacturing plants and factories that can generate large number of jobs.

We want to maximize the sustainable use of our natural resources and take advantage of our serene nature and promote eco-halal-tourism. We have a lot to offer to

our investors,” Hassan said.

Mastura said the ArmmRBOI has registered P3.2 billion worth of investments as of July 2017 despite the ongoing crisis in Marawi City.

“We are expecting additional PhP1.5 billion costs of investments from companies engaged in cacao plantations and other agri-based projects before the year ends,” Mastura said.

Armm Gov. Mujiv Hataman said there is a need to put fresh capital in the island provinces in Basilan and Sulu.(PNA)

of Customs (BOC) against the company.

“Please accept my warmest commendations for the great work the Bureau has done in the case of Mighty Corporation. Assiduous investigative work and effective enforcement broke what could be the biggest instance of tax fraud in our country,” Dominguez said during the BIR’s anniversary celebration held at its head office in Quezon City.

Dominguez said the criminal cases filed by the BIR against Mighty before the Department of Justice (DOJ) had forced the firm to sell off its assets to Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in order to meet its tax deficiencies.

Mighty’s settlement offer of P25 billion will balloon to P30 billion once the Value Added Tax (VAT) on the sale of its assets to JTI, estimated at P5 billion, is collected by the BIR, Dominguez had said in earlier forums.

“President Rodrigo Duterte ordered us to accept the

settlement offer, producing a revenue windfall. This, again, is the largest tax settlement in our history,” Dominguez said.

He said the “beauty of the settlement” lies in the fact that as a consequence of being forced to sell its assets, Mighty would be permanently out of the cigarette business.

“As a result of the BIR’s decisive action against Mighty, we now expect revenues from sin taxes to increase by P1 billion a month. Congratulations, again, for that,” Dominguez said.

“I look forward to more accomplishments similar to the cases of Mighty Corporation. These accomplishments highlight the vigilance and professionalism of the BIR,” he added.

The finance chief said that while “cigarette manufacturing has always been a troublesome sector as far as collecting proper taxes is concerned” he expects this to become a “smaller problem in the future” because of the new tools for surveillance and documentation of

tax payments to be employed by the BIR to help run after tax cheats. (PNA) “At the moment, we are collecting more sin taxes than projected. This is a good sign. It is a tribute to the men and women of our revenue agencies. Remember that much of the money collected in sin taxes goes to improving health services for the country’s poor,” Dominguez said.

He said the public now places high expectations on the government’s revenue agencies as the Duterte administration embarks on its twin goal of massively spending on infrastructure and social services over the medium term to realize its vision of dramatically lowering poverty incidence among Filipinos.

This unprecedented spending on infrastructure, Dominguez said, aims to bring the economy on the par with the Philippines’ neighbors in the region, improve the efficiency of moving people and goods, attract investments and create more jobs.

BIR lauded for ‘decisive action’against Mighty Corp.

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inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III commended Wednesday the Bureau of Internal Revenue under the leadership of Commissioner Caesar Dulay for its “assiduous investigative work” and “decisive action” against cigarette manufacturer Mighty Corporation, which has led to the largest tax settlement made by a single entity in the country’s history.

On the occasion of the BIR’s 113th anniversary, Dominguez told officials and employees of the agency that he looks forward to more accomplishments similar to the case of Mighty Corp., which has offered to settle its tax liabilities for a whopping P25 billion, exclusive of value-added tax charges, and to leave the cigarette business altogether.

Mighty Corp. thrived during the past administrations but was exposed for its fraudulent practice of using counterfeit cigarette tax stamps less than a year into the Duterte presidency after a series of operations done by the BIR and the Bureau

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 89 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

Wounded soldiers are helped by fellow soldiers at the Camp Evangelista Emergency Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday. The wounded were among the latest casualties in the two-month fighting in Marawi City.

MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Army extends medical aid N to wounded MILF fighters

Arms, bomb seized in raid

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AMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao, Aug 3 -- The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6th ID) displayed rescued and accommodated in a military hospital two members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) wounded in a clash with outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Sharif Saydona town in Maguindanao.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, of the 6th Infantry Division headquarters, said Major General Arnel dela

Vega, 6th ID commander, has expressed his full support especially to the wounded personnel of MILF who needs medical assistance.

Kamsa G. Karinda and Naim Musiko, both belonging to MILF 118th base command, are now confined at Camp Siongco Hospital.

Encinas said members of the MILF clashed with Isis-linked BIFF forces in Barangay Pusao, Shariff Saydona.

The MILF has been helping the military in law enforcement operation against the BIFF in Maguindanao and Encinas said the coordination and cooperation the MILF had extended through the ceasefire panel led to the firefight.

“We wanted to prevent the BIFF from initiating terroristic actions against peaceful communities,” dela Vega said.

Four were reportedly killed among followers of BIFF Commander Abdul-

malik.

Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana of the Army’s 6th Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, said local officials in Sharif Saydona told the Army that at least four BIFF fighers were killed in the firefight.

Under the GPH-MILF ceasefire agreement, the government and the MILF are bound to mutually cooperate in neutralizing terrorists and criminals in areas covered by the peace agreement. (EOF/PNA)

vesters, farm tractors, floating tillers, corn shellers, shallow tube wells, cassava chippers and many more.

As to the value, some P94 million of farm inputs were handed out under the rice program, P80 million in corn program, P11. Millio in high value crops, P9.2 in livestock a and P1.2-M under organic agriculture program.

DA, through the Philippine Rural Development Project, also handed over the first tranche worth P2.09-M to the recipients of the coffee enterprise subproject of South Cotabato.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation also awarded P215, 000 insurance claims to intended farmer-beneficiaries from Tantangan, South Cotabato.

At the turn over ceremony, Sec. Piñol announced thayt farmer associations can now avail of pre- and post-harvest facilities without raising funds for the equity.

“The order of the president is to give you these equipment fast and free,” the agri chief said.

Sec. Piñol pointed out that the only way for farmers to speedily make use of the farm machines is for DA to distribute these through full grant.

“Should we continue with the old guidelines you will not avail these projects today,” he told the farmers.

In the past, farmers associations and cooperatives are required to pay an equity ranging from 10%-15% to avail such projects.

He explained that he was not opposed to the previous scheme but pointed out that the old strategy limits the access of small farmer organizations that could not raise large amounts for the counterpart.

He also reminded the Bids and Awards Committee of DA 12 to choose bidders that offer the best quality of product, saying “this is the new order of the President, we go for quality.”

Sec. Piñol also announced that he wants DA to be the sole implementer of farm-to-market road project and added that he has already asked Senator Loren Legarda ang the Department of Budget and Management to rationalize rural road programs implemented by different government agencies so that the country will have one network of FMRs. “Our backlogs in farm-tomarket roads is 13,000 kilometer. With small budget I will not be able to fulfill the commitment of the president which is to finish all farm-to-market roads in the country,” Sec. Piñol said. DA’s P6 billion allocation for FMRs could only construct 6oo kilometers, he added.

Thus, he recommended that the government should mainstream to DA the implementation of FMR projects; and allow DA to coordinate with LGUs – not with congressmen -- to identify FMRs. (CUAguillon-DA-RAFIS 12/ DEDoguiles-PIA12)

orth Cotabato, Aug. 3 -- Soldiers and police officers arrested early Thursday a man believed to be a sub-leader of communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) and seized firearms and components for bomb making.

Colonel Roberto Angcan, 1002nd Brigade commanding officer, identified the NPA leader as Commander Ariel Rebuta, of Purok 3, Barangay Biangan here.

The 1 a.m. raid was covered by search warrants, according to Angcan.

It was joined by elements of 39th Infantry Battalion, PNP Public Safety Battal-

ion and Makilala PNP. Recovered from Rebuta’s house were three M-16 Armalite rifles, powder believed to be ammonium nitrate, electrical cords, seven mobile phones and 1,500 pieces of ammunition for various calibers.

According to Angcan, Rebuta has been placed under Army surveillance after intelligence information showed that he was keeping high-powered guns in his home.

After the intelligence information was verified and counter-checked, the operation was conducted.

(EOF/PNA)

DA awards P215.5-M agri to farmer groups, LGUs Cop, cohort nabbed

S

outh Cotabato, Aug. 3 (PIA) -- To intensify the attainment of affordable and available food for every Filipino, the Department of Agriculture (DA) turned over P215.5 million worth of farm machines and other projects to farmer groups and local government units (LGUs) in SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

“This activity is part of our aim to fully mechanize Philippine Agriculture before the term of President Duterte ends,” said Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol who led the ceremony on Monday.

With the secretary were Undersecretary for Special Concerns Atty. Ranibai Dilangalen and Usec. for Fisheries Eduardo Gongona.

Handing out farm machineries and equipment was carried out under DA’s Agricultural Mechanization Program aimed at increase productivity and lower post-harvest losses.

Machines given out consisted of rice combine har-

in GenSan drug bust G ENERAL SANTOS CITY, Aug. 3 -- Anti-drug agents arrested an active police officer and his cohort in a buy-bust operation at a popular seaside park here past noon Thursday.

Gil Cesario Castro, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (Pdea)-Region 12 director, identified the suspects as Police Officer (PO) 3 Joel Estabillo, who was assigned at the President Quirino municipal police station in Sultan Kudarat, and “girlfriend” Marites Baguio.

He said the two were arrested past 12 noon at a portion of the Queen Tuna Park in Barangay Dadiangas South here after allegedly selling a sachet of suspected metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu to a Pdea agent who posed as a buyer.

Recovered from the suspects were a sachet of suspected shabu, P500 bill used

in the buy-bust and a Philippine National Police-issued 9mm pistol, he said.

The official said the main target of the operation was Baguio, who was included in the agency’s watchlist of top drug pushers.

But during the transaction, he said PO3 Estabillo suddenly joined Baguio and was eventually arrested.

He said the two were reportedly linked romantically and partners in the illegal drug trade and other related activities.

“He (PO3 Estabillo) was temporarily under the regional police’s personnel holding and accounting unit based on the identification card that he presented,” he said.

Castro said they have long been monitoring the movements of Baguio, whose operations reportedly cover this city and parts of Sultan Kudarat province.(AVE/PNA)

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 89 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

RELIABLE POWER. The 100-megawatt (MW) barge-mounted peaking power plant of Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) located in Maco, Compostella Valley is one of the power generating facilities of AboitizPower in Mindanao. TMI Mobile 1 provides reliable and stable power whenever needed by its customers.

Phoenix Petroleum is Outstanding 7 Singapore firms seek Filipino Franchise a second time biz opportunities in PH A P hoenix Petroleum was named Outstanding Filipino Franchise in Retail-Large Store Category in the 2017 Franchise Excellence Awards (FEA), the second time for the company to receive the prestigious award.

The awarding was held on July 19, 2017 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

FEA is the most distinguished award in the franchising sector given to best-managed companies that are benchmarks for all franchising businesses. It is organized by the Philippine Franchise Association and the Department of Trade and Industry in coopera-

tion with the Philippine Retailers Association and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

FEA nominees are judged based on a comprehensive set of criteria, which include the growth performance indicators in expansion, sales and profitability, franchise, sales and marketing programs, excellent operation system, innovations implemented, corporate social responsibility, and ethical practices and reputation.

The company received its first Outstanding Filipino Franchise award in 2015, where it was noted for being a successful and fast-growing homegrown company in an industry

Phoenix Petroleum wins the Outstanding Filipino Franchise in Retail-Large Store Category in the 2017 Franchise Excellence Awards. Receiving the award for the company are Phoenix Petroleum AVP for Sales Mega Manila

dominated by major players, serving as an inspiration to provincial brands.

Phoenix Petroleum’s second win in the FEA places it in the awards’ Hall of Fame, given to businesses which win twice in the same award category.

“We continue to be committed to delivering worldclass products and services and the best customer experience, as we aspire to be an indispensable partner of Filipinos in their journeys,” said Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Officer Henry Albert Fadullon.

From its first five stations in Mindanao in 2005, Phoenix Petroleum now has more than 500 stations nationwide and is

the leading independent and fastest-growing oil company in the Philippines.

Its high-quality fuel products meet the Euro 4 specifications for cleaner fuel. Its flagship product, the high-performance Phoenix Premium 98, is blended with three Premium Performance Additives for increased acceleration, reduced friction, and engine cleansing – improving overall engine performance.

Many Phoenix Petroleum stations are becoming one-stop shops offering non-fuel related products and services, such as convenience stores, fast food, car servicing, and Clean and Cool restrooms.

Ericson Inocencio (6th from left) and AVP for Brand and Marketing Celina Matias (7th from left) during the awards held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City on July 19, 2017.

total of 17 companies based in Singapore are in the Philippines to look for business opportunities.

The firms brought 24 business delegations for a four-day business mission, during which they also visited Davao.

In a press conference on the sidelines of the 2017 PSBC Conference and Business Matching session in Makati City Thursday, PSBC co-chair Loh Chin Hua said Singaporean companies have seen a lot of opportunities in the country with its fast economic growth.

He said the visiting companies are looking at opportunities in the areas of business management, real estate, infrastructure, food and beverages, information technology, and engineering services, among others.

“There’s a lot of interest among Singaporean companies to engage in the growth pace of the Philippines’ economy,” Loh said.

The Philippines, he said, remains an attractive investment destination for Singaporean businesses de-

spite the situation in Marawi City.

“We do look at longterm fundamentals of the Philippines, and the signs are all positive,” he noted.

Loh, who is also the chief executive officer of Keppel Corp.

Ltd., said Singaporean firms also see Davao as a new destination for businesses.

Moreover, PSBC chair Guillermo Luchangco said Philippine conglomerates are also eyeing Singapore for their business expansions, particularly in the ASEAN region.

“The visit of the Singapore business delegation is timely because the Philippines is hosting the ASEAN this year under the theme, Partnering for Change, Engaging the World,” Luchangco said.

Singapore will succeed the Philippines in chairing the ASEAN next year.

Singapore is also the country’s largest trading partner from ASEAN, accounting for a 30-percent share of the country’s total trade with ASEAN. (KMC/PNA)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

M

VOL. 10 ISSUE 89 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

Disrespect

ega Harbour Port and Development Corporation owes Mayor Inday Sara Duterte a major apology.

That is judging from the report which also comes out in this edition of Edge Davao that the company called the mayor “reckless, callous, and unethical individual.”

Obviously, this is a spinoff to the announcement made by the mayor in terminating the Joint Venture Agreement of a P39 billion mixed-use coastline development project in Davao. Mayor Inday Sara got back at Mega Harbour in reaction to the latter’s letter and recently published statement questioning her decision to terminate the project. ”It is utterly fiddling of you to threaten me with a law suit should I continue to fulfill my obligation to explain to the public why I terminated the agreement. And you certainly do not have the right to tell me how and when I should do my job,” read the city mayor’s letter.

Mega Harbour had claimed it did not receive notice of the termination--a claim debunked by the mayor saying that the letter was duly acknowledged on July 27. 2017.

EDGEDAVAO

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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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OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

It took Mayor Inday Sara a year to review diligently the documents and weigh in on the project which would have affected 10 coastal barangays and some 4,000 families. She had sought the help of some consultants-both technical and legal--to assist her in coming up with a thorough assessment of the project and in the end, she decided the city is better off not proceeding with it. Mega Harbour cannot fault the city mayor. She was elected by the people and it is understandable that it is the welfare of the people that has more weight to her in any argument vis a vis that of the megabuck project. That alone should be respected.

The problem has just gotten from bad to worse in the case of Mega Harbour. In the final analysis, it is their own making that they are in bad light. The reaction made by Mega Harbour and the words hurled at the direction of the lady mayor speaks much of its corporate mindset.

It’s a pity they had fallen so much in disgrace instead of keeping its head high and salvage what would have still been a situation that could be mended.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0948-823-3685 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

EDGEDAVAO

T

wo decades after its opening, the port of Davao, by 1928, was already a huge earner for the government, something the authorities was happy about given the numerous bureaucratic difficulties that had to be hurdled before it was finally allowed to operate.

The port’s dramatic rise in terms of customs collections was later highlighted in the 1928 Annual Report of the Insular Collector of Customs addressed to the Finance Secretary Vicente Aldanese.

Comparably, the port, official records show, collected P49,316.36 more than the previous year, which was attributed to the increased import and export of all items or commodities that were subject to foreign taxation. The total customs receipt of Davao port in 1928 amounted to P224,697.35 as against the prior year’s P175,380.99.

Entry of foreign liners and the expansion of trade and commerce at the port of Davao was hugely influenced by the booming abaca plantations that produced quality hemp for the foreign market. These fibers were not only in demand in the world market; they were also coveted for their strength and durability, especially for use in defense

T

o prevent for a person being infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – the microorganism that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) – health workers are prescribing the first five letters of the alphabet: ABCDE. Since sex is the most prevalent mode in the transmission of the virus, the first three letters premised on that fact: A stands for “abstinence,” meaning no sex at all; B for “be faithful,” in other words if you get engaged in sexual activities, be sure to remain faithful to your sexual partner; and C for “condom,” highlighting the use the latex rubber particularly to those who have multiple sexual partners.

D urges to those who are intra-drug users: “don’t share needles.” The last letter, E, stands for education on HIV/ AIDS. “HIV is highly preventable,” a health official from the Davao regional office of the Department of Health pointed out.

“The government can only provide you information, diagnosis, and treatment.

But the most effective way of preventing HIV still heavily depends on the practices of informed individuals.”

There are four critical conditions that must be fulfilled if HIV is to be transmitted by a particular route. First, HIV must be present in a body fluid (semen, vaginal fluids, blood or blood products). Second, HIV must survive during the period it is out of the body. Third, HIV must get into a person (skin forms a barrier to HIV so the virus must enter where the skin is

VOL. 10 ISSUE 89• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Port of Davao, circa 1928 requirements.

Moreover, the internal revenue receipts also appreciated from P2,006.64 in 1927 to P30,254.52 the following year. This was due to the operation of a bonded warehouse at the port, which allowed the direct import of petroleum products. This was the first time in the port’s history that collection for the highways special fund was done, which amounted to P27,841.18.

The annual report declared: “The total foreign trade of the port of Davao during the year [1928] reached the amount of P13,762,805, of which P927,255 represent the value of imports and P12,835,550 that of exports as compared with P11,184,541 in 1927, of which P428,674 represent the value of imports and P10,755,867 that of exports.”

On the part of the import trade, the port’s income doubled than that of the previous year due to the entry of petroleum products. In terms of export, trade registered positive results that amounted to P2-million increase over the value of exports from the preceding year.

Among the principal commodities imported and exported in 1928 are as follows: for export, the damaged or more delicate, e.g. the mucus membrane of the anus and vagina).

Lastly, sufficient HIV must be transferred into the person to make an infective dose.

“In the early stages of HIV infection, the body shows no symptoms,” informs the Remedios AIDS Foundation, Inc. (RAF). Among the non-specific signs and symptoms of HIV infection are: intermittent or persistent fever, fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, malaise, loss of weight, generalized swelling of lymph nodes (in neck, arm pits, or groin), skin infections (such as whitish patches in the mouth and tongue), sores (in the genital area, buttocks, or mouth).

“Not all signs and symptoms may occur to HIV positive individuals,” the RAF points out. “These are called opportunistic infections, since they happen when the immune system could no longer fight the disease.” Death is not caused directly by HIV, but by one or more infections.

As stated earlier, sex is the most prevalent mode of HIV transmission. As such, it is but wise to use condom when performing sexual acts.

“Complete abstinence from sex is unrealistic and even reducing the number of sex partners does not guarantee avoidance of HIV,” wrote John Hubley, author of “The AIDS Handbook: A Guide to the Understanding of AIDS and HIV.” “Even if you adopt a message of one partner for life, your partner may not and thus you can still be at risk of catching HIV.” Condoms – also known as rubbers,

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa articles, to cite a few, included wheat flour, cotton goods, fish products, manufactures of iron and steel, meat and dairy products, gasoline, and kerosene; for exports, the products included abaca, copra, and lumber, among others.

The annual report also disclosed that during the year in review a total of 19 vessels from abroad, with a total tonnage of 76,204, docked at the port, sharply smaller than 1927’s 27 direct entrances, which had an aggregate tonnage of 99,968. Of these foreign steamers, 37 flew the United States

flag, 26 from Japan, and 19 from Great Britain.

For other vessels entering the port, mainly interisland, there were 67 ships with a net total tonnage of 239,642, as against the 54 liners that called port the previous year, which had only a total tonnage of 203,501.

The report continued: “During the same period 43 vessels engaged in foreign trade, with a net tonnage totalling 166,120, were cleared for foreign ports direct, as compared with 43 of such vessels, with an aggregate net tonnage of 163,433, in 1927; while 39 vessels engaged in such trade, with a total net tonnage of 149,725, were cleared through other ports of entry during 1928, as compared with 38 vessels engaged in the same trade, with an aggregate net tonnage of 140,036, in 1927.

“During the year, 79 coastwise vessels entered this port with a net tonnage totalling 48,998, as compared with 38 entrances of such vessels, with an aggregate net tonnage of 43,998, in 1929; and 78 vessels, with an aggregate net tonnage of 48,516, were cleared from this port during the year, as against 92 vessels in 1927, with a net tonnage of 43,971.”

Moreover, it was reported that

seven ships, with a total capacity of 49.95 tons, were registered in 1928 for the bay and river traffic, including a lighter, a vessel with auxiliary engine, and motor launches.

Fifty-three vessels with an aggregate net tonnage of 378.08 were issued licenses, 40 of these were for the bay and river traffic while the remainder were for coastwise trading.

For one reason for another, elven vessels in the bay and river traffic, with a total net tonnage of 43.44, were removed from the register in 1928.

Confiscations were also included in the Annual Report of the Insular Collector of Customs: “Two seizures were made during the year, one of 43 bundles of gunny sacks for being unmanifested and one of 71 packages of Chinese playing cards brought in by a Chinese passenger in his baggage. Disposition of these seizures according to law was pending at the close of the year.”

Seizure of Chinese playing cards predated the 1928 haul. For violating the customs and opium laws, 13 packs of Chinese playing cards were confiscated in Manila alone in 1921; 277 packages in 1922; 16,710 pieces in 1924; 4,308 sheets in 1925; 54,733 sets in 1926; and 4,210 sets in 1927.

Hubley also wrote: “Laboratory studies have shown that HIV cannot pass through the thin membrane of the condom (even air and water do not pass through the condom and these molecules are much smaller than HIV).”

While condoms offer useful and vital protection, they have also become associated with promiscuity and infidelity.

During the 15th International AIDS Conference in Bangkok in 2004, the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni advocated for HIV prevention based on “optimal relationships based on love and trust.” He didn’t approved of “institutionalized mistrust, which is what the condom is all about.” He thought of condoms “as an improvisation, not a solution.”

(Museveni later complained of being misunderstood. In fact, he signed an article in “The Lancet” stating that condoms formed a valuable part of HIV prevention.)

Five years later, in 2009, Pope Benedict XVI reignited the controversy when he commented that AIDS in Africa “cannot be overcome…through the distribution of condoms, which can even increase the problem.”

But when use improperly, condoms may even compound the problem. “Incorrect use of condoms can compromise their effectiveness, thereby increasing the risk of HIV transmission, even when they are used consistently,” wrote J. Wilton in an article published by

CATIE, Canada’s source of information on HIV/AIDS. “There are many ways condoms can be used incorrectly and research shows incorrect condom use is common.”

Some types of incorrect use can cause condoms to break, slip or leak, thereby increasing the risk of HIV transmission. “This type of incorrect use includes using condoms that are too small or too large; using damaged or expired condoms; unrolling male condoms before putting them on; reusing condoms; not pinching the tip of the male condom when putting it on; using sharp objects to open condom packages; not using enough lubrication in combination with condoms; using oil-based lubrication with latex or polyisoprene condoms (oil-based lubrication is safe to use with nitrile and polyurethane condoms); or not holding the rim of the male condom when pulling out,” Wilton wrote.

Other types of incorrect condom use can increase the risk of HIV transmission even though the condom does not break, slip or leak. Wilton cited the following examples: “Some people may put a condom on late (after intercourse has started), remove the condom early (before ejaculation has occurred), or put the condom on inside out and then flip it over to use. These types of incorrect use can increase the risk of exposure to HIV.” “It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS,” Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor once said, “but no one should die of ignorance.”

Condom vs HIV

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

French letters, durex and even raincoats and gumboots – have been available for a long time and have been promoted both as a method for family planning and for prevention of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).

In recent years, condoms have been endorsed by health experts as a way to curtail HIV infection.

“Consistently used condoms provide significant protection against HIV, pregnancy and STIs,” said an information carried by the website, www.aidsmap. com. “The degree of protection they offer against HIV and STIs is significantly better than any other single prevention method, taken in isolation, other than sexual abstinence or complete mutual monogamy between two people who have tested negative for HIV.”

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 89 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

APOLOGIZE... FROM 1 mayor in 2011. ”This time, I am again the mayor and I have no obligation to repeatedly sit down and listen to you. My option was to review all the documents that you have submitted to the City Government. I thoroughly read all the materials and minutes of meetings, including your presentation to the Neda Regional Infrastructure Development Committee. It took me a year to articulate my decision because I had to diligently go through all your documents.

I also had to hire consultants who independently assessed and vetted the project,” she explained. ”These bare the truth of my direct involvement in the process -- even more than your definition of what a direct involvement is, which is to simply sit down with you, look at your glossy presentations, and listen to

your briefings,” she stressed.

The mayor explained she did not disclose the information which formed part of her decision to terminate the agreement. ”I do not wish to belabor with you on the merits and basis of the joint venture agreement. We can save that argument for the right time and the proper venue,” she said.

In a press statement last week following the termination of the agreement, Mega Harbour described the decision as “unilaterally and arbitrarily is a shock.” ”We never saw it coming.

All the while we thought that we were all on the same page in trying to improve the lives of the marginalized in those 10 coastal barangays – involving some 4,000 families,” the statement stated. (Philippine News Agency)

and as of the month of August there are 129,771 people who are using the temporary license.

The issuance of the permanent license will depend on how fast the IRR will be completed and also with the contract with the supplier.

“Once the IRR is published and the delivery of the plastic cards will be completed nationwide, probably October or November this year we will be able to release it,” Dy said.

Individuals who applied for Driver’s license prior the said date will have the validity of three years.

Even then there are still 23,352 people who have yet to receive their licenses. “This happened because the plastic cards

are still being ordered by the supplier, “he said.

He said the people who will greatly benefit from the extension of validity of the license are those working abroad. Their return in the country varies and with this law they will not worry about renewing it immediately.

Dy suggests that the IRR should include the qualifications to apply for the 10 years validity of license, adding that persons arrested for traffic violations otherwise that person won’t be able to benefit from the 10 years validity of license. Additional fee of P235 should be added on that additional 5 years.

“It’s like a reward for good behavior, good driving and careful driving,” said Dy.

the country,” read the order signed by Aguirre.

“In light of the foregoing, the Commissioner, Bureau of Immigration is hereby ordered to instruct all immigration officers top be on the lookout/ alert for the abovenamed individuals inn the event that anymore of them pass through

immigration. Counters in any of our international airports and/or seaports,” it read.

“We thus deem the issuance of an ILBO against the the subject prudent in order to at least monitor the itineraries of the flight, travel and/or whereabourts,” the order further stated.

and chief executive officer despite Malacañang’s order assigning Commissioner Geronimo Sta. Ana to serve as officer-in-charge during his absence.

“So this is the insubordination part. This is the penalty, because the Office of the President has jurisdiction over Chair Salazar.

And for his disobedience, for insubordination, for not obeying the previous appointment released by the Office of the Executive

Secretary to Mr. Sta. Ana, OIC Sta. Ana and for appointing another person as OIC. That is the case of the insubordination that was decided upon by the Office of ES,” Banaag said.

However, she said that there are other issues surrounding the case of Salazar other than insubordination that she could not disclose.

“For investigations, of course, we cannot divulge whatever they are so as not to preempt whatever may happen. (PNA)

NEW... FROM 2

LOOKOUT... FROM 3

ERC... FROM 3

OPPORTUNITY. A resident takes advantage of the warm weather to dry clothes at a community in Times Beach, Davao City which will be affected by the planned 18-kilometer coastal road project. Lean Daval Jr.

MSU... FROM 2

for ninth place (84%) with two students from St. Louis University and Leyte Normal University; and Divine Grace Ruizol Lecias also of WMSU tied for 10th place (83.90%) with five others.

MSU main campus in Marawi also made it to the Top 10 performing schools in the country or those with 50 or more examinees and with at least 80% passing percentage. It ranked fifth nationwide with 231 passers out of 241 takers or 95.85%.

Another MSU branch, in Maguindanao, ranked 9th with 69 passers out of 77 examinees or 89.61% while Lourdes College in Cagayan de Oro ranked 10th with 56 passers out of 64 examinees or 87.50%.

Aming’s topping the licensure exam boosted the spirits of Marawi residents, most of whom had to flee the city since clashes started between government and the Maute Group on May 23.

Aming’s topping

the exam was good news amid the crisis that entered Day 72 on August 2.

MSUan Words of Wisdom posted on Facebook that MSU is “not just a home for #Survivors, but #Topnotchers too!” as it congratulated Aming, Caulawon and Villamucho and all passers of MSU. The PRC announced that registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card and Certificate of Registration will be done online from August 7 to 8. PRC’s website is www.prc.gov. ph.

S u c c e s s f u l examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals, it said.

The PRC has yet to announce the date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new social workers.

(MINDANEWS)

licenses.

Asprovided,theLTOwill promulgate prerequisites and guidelines before the grant of drivers’ licenses to ensure that these are issued only to deserving applicants with sufficient driving skills and knowledge on road safety and proper road courtesy.

RA 10930 also introduced a new provision penalizing persons who violate the rules on the issuance of drivers’ licenses.

A fine of PHP 20,000 will be imposed on an applicant if found to have willfully misrepresented material information in his or her application; connived with the officer

in the irregular conduct of examinations or issuance of license; falsified documents; or cheated during examinations.

On the other hand, any officer who issues a license without the proper examinations, connives with the applicant for the irregular issuance of a license or who, by gross negligence, issues a license to an unqualified applicant will be dismissed from the service with all the attached accessory penalties.

The laws shall take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. (PNA

DUTERTE... FROM 2

FIGHTING... FROM 3 “We still have so many names unaccounted for and we believed the gunmen are holding them as hostages,” Año said.

Año arrived at the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital here to pin the Wounded Personnel Medal to 53 soldiers.

He also gave P1 million checks to the families of 1Lt John Carl Morales of Kabacan,

North Cotabato; Cpl. Philip Apao of Don Carlos, Bukidnon; and PFC. Kevin Sisban of Linamon, Lanao del Norte; who were all killed in action in Marawi City.

The money came from an anonymous donor who pledged to give P1 million to each soldier killed in action in Marawi. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

Davao to tourists: come for Kadayawan Festival

T

he tourism industry in Davao City has suffered a major blow after martial law was declared last May 23 but tourists are urged to participate in the month-long Kadayawan revelries, with Department of Tourism 11 director Roberto Alabado III saying it is much safer now because of the tighter security plan in place.

“Go out into the streets to experience what is it to be a lumad, what is it to be a Muslim, what it is to be a Filipino,” Alabado said during 4th Turismo Café organized by the Davao Tourism Association (DATA) at the Marco Polo Davao Tuesday, Alabado said.

The tourism official said the Kadayawan Festival is part of the regional effort to showcase the culture and tradition of the city’s 11 recognized tribes – BagoboKalata, Bagobo-tagabawa, Matigsalug, Ata Manobo, Ovu Manobo of the Lumad, Sama, Kagan, Maguindanao, Iranun, Maranao, and Tausug.

As one of the major festivals in the country, Alabado highlighted the importance of the Kadayawan because it is a display of the lumad culture preserved even after being under the rule of foreign powers.

“Visitors will be able to experience real culture because in some parts of the Philippines,

they have been colonized by Spaniards for a few [centuries].

When Filipinos would like to know culture, what is Filipino culture, we would like to tell them – come to Davao, come to Kadayawan,” he said.

Alabado said that if “there is one bad news, then we have to provide 10 good news so that we can balance things out.”

DATA president Gatchi Gatchalian said the tourism players have to double their efforts to promote Kadayawan this time due to martial law, and visitors can expect a grander festival this month.

He said the tourism stakeholders have remained unfazed to the challenges, claiming this is “the most secured Kadayawan” festival.

Gatchalian said they encourage visitors from neighboring cities and provinces to join in the celebration, and witness the celebration in honor of the 11 tribes and “we want to thank our wonderful god for the beautiful harvest.”

He added they will set up Kadayawan billboards along EDSA in the country’s capital and other major cities to inform the tourists that the City Government is not cancelling the festival.

“Cancel should not be part of our vocabulary,” Gatchalian said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 89• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

Enjoying the journey

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE is recognized as one of the premium segments of the cruise industry that offers more than 500 cruises annually—from one-day minivacations to Grand World Voyages of more than 100 days. Our mid-sized ship, MS Maasdam featured an interior motif that was inspired by the historical Dutch East and West India companies of the 17th through the 19th centuries—It was no wonder that upon setting foot on the ship for the first time I felt a kind of awe and misplaced nostalgia…with a slight tinge of dread, because of the few similar corners Maasdam had with the movie, Titanic.

On-board entertainment was never a problem and in every cruise ship, you get to experience two gala nights and fine dining options every night. Although, a smaller ship does mean that it is more susceptible to strong waves, so if you get dizzy easily like me, then I bid you to stay away from cruising or choose a route that doesn’t travel through open water that much—I couldn’t eat dinner for two days due to seasickness, which was a win for my diet, but with the “free” overflowing food (not to mention steak and lobsters!) 24/7, my self-control didn’t last long.

Our journey was a seven-day Canada and New England tour that started boarding at Boston, Massachusetts. I have to say, I love Vancouver, but if I

had to choose a place to live in in the US, it would have to be Boston. The city of Boston can be explored through walking or biking with a lot of historical sites and famous establishments to experience in just a day or two. And in every port stop during our cruise, we joined hopon-hop-off bus tours— this is a great way to see the main points of a city in just a few hours, especially since we only had limited time for each port

stop. But even if you do have a few days in a new city, it is a great idea to do to a hop on/off and finish the whole tour without going down for you to be able to have an overview of the city, and then deciding which ones you prefer to stay longer at.

Our first port stop was at Bar Harbor Maine, USA; a quaint and pic-

turesque Victorian town world-famous for their “Maine Lobsters” and acres of scenic Acadia National Park, donated by the Rockefeller family.

Our second destination was Halifax, Nova Scotia, a small and lazy city but with a lot of superb sites and stories to tell—particularly the tragedy that was Titanic, it was a tear-

jerking tour and made me appreciate the historical effort that was put into the making of the film.

Third stop was at Sydney, Nova Scotia, where Alexander Graham Bell spent the last 32 years of his life developing his amazing inventions. The fourth port was Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island— the largest producer of

potatoes and home of the fictional character, Anne of Green Gables. Our fifth and most fetching stop was in Quebec, Quebec, with its European architectures and Frenchspeaking culture; it can satiate one’s hankering for a Euro trip for a while.

Finally, we reached our jump-off port, Montreal, Quebec, the location of many beautiful churches, particularly Notre-Dame Basilica and the huge Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. So, “to cruise or not to cruise?”— It really depends on one’s schedule and preferences.

I, for one, still prefer staying on shore and taking the time exploring the land that lies before me without the pressures of overindulging on a smorgasbord of food.

EDGEDAVAO

A2INdulge!

EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 89• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

Seda launches Kadayawan treats THE KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL CAME EARLY at Seda Abreeza as it launched its Kadayawan Festival offerings last July 26 at a fabulous dinner party at the hotel’s T’nlak function room.

Promising a more festive Kadayawan sa Davao experience this year, Seda Abreeza partners with Malagos Farmhouse Cheese, Malagos Chocolate, artist group Tabula Rasa, and the Philippine Eagle Foundation to create experiences like no other.

Hotel Manager Kennedy Kapulong in his welcome address highlighted the hotel’s commitment to support the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s bird ambassadors by raising funds through hotels bookings done by all Seda Hotels nationwide. “This year, the entire Seda Hotel group will again support the bird ambassadors.”

Guests and visitors of Seda Abreeza will also be able to taste the unique flavours of Davao thanks to Executive Sous Chef Goivanna Garcia’s bountiful culinary creations incorporating various local fare in a Kadayawan Buffet Feast on August 17 to 19.

There are is also a new ala carte menu for the months of August and September featuring Sisig Samosa,

Malagos Kesong Puti and Crispy Adobo Flakes Pizza, Slow-Roasted Angus Beef Short Plate, Misto Chili Prawns, Grilled Tuna Panga, Alimango in Kurma Sauce, Chocnut Banana Turon, and Ube Leche Flan Cake. People with a sweet tooth may want to try Seda’s new signature dessert, the Malagos Dark Chocolate Cheesecake, featuring Malago’s famous cheese and chocolate.

Talking about Malagos Cheese, Seda is also offering a Malagos Cheese and Wine Platter, a platter of luscious Malagos Cheese paired with a bottle of premium wine which is sure to be a hit among oenophiles.

The Kadayawan experience is elevated more at Seda Abreeza with the participation of Tabula Rasa, who will hold a month-long art exhibit as well as scheduled live sketching sessions at the hotel’s lobby.

For inquiries and reservations, you can call Seda Abreeza at (082) 322 8888 (loc. 8444) or book through e-mail at fb.dvo@sedahotels.com.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 89• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

SKY, KCFI share the gift of knowledge to schools in Batanes ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS in far-flung Batan Island, Batanes will now have access to the country’s first and only curriculum-based channel, Knowledge Channel as SKY and Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) donated educational tools to four schools in Luzon’s northernmost province on June 13.

Basco Central, Diptan, Mahatao, and Ivana elementary schools in Batan will benefit from Knowledge Channel’s rich educational material via SKY’s direct-to-home (DTH) TV service, SKYdirect.

The said schools are part of the pool of beneficiary schools that will receive the SKYdirect Prepaid kits this year, as determined by SKYdirect and KCFI. Antonio S. Ventosa, SKY Cable Corporation Chief Operating Officer shared in an interview, “Education is an identified need in our society today and SKY has a unique opportunity to provide access to content together with Knowledge Channel.

I wish that we’d be able to reach out to as many schools as possible in the Philippines. And there would be a time that every kid in the country, if we count 10 years from now, will say ‘I first learned something through the Knowledge Channel content.’ ” Ventosa further quipped “That would really be a good achievement knowing that content is a great foundation to the future learning of Filipino children.”

According to KCFI Founder and President Rina Lopez-Bautista, new technologies have enabled Knowledge Channel’s educational materials to reach more areas through SKY’s facilities.

“SKYdirect is a very important platform for us because it allows us to be anywhere in the Philippines through a small satellite dish and a box. Students, teachers, and even communities can learn so much from the Knowledge Channel,” LopezBautista said.

Abegail Farrah Alueta, a grade four teacher from Diptan Elementary school, said Ivatan families highly value access to education. The province’s isolation from the Luzon island and poor Internet connectivity, however, restricts the up-to-date learning tools that their students can acquire.

The students and teachers from the four schools now have LIVE access to Knowledge Channel’s curriculumbased programs designed by former Dep-Ed secretary Dr. Fe Hidalgo, who is now a Knowledge Channel consultant.

Dr. Hidalgo conducted the training among teachers that consisted of various multimedia learning tools of

Knowledge Channel as well as how to install the SKYdirect Prepaid kits.

Bags with school supplies were also distributed courtesy of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation.

As part of a continuing effort to serve as an access in bringing educational tools to more areas nationwide, SKY furthers Knowledge Channel’s thrust of literacy by sharing its enriching content to more areas using the extensive reach of SKYdirect and SKYcable.

Before the direct-to-home technology was utilized, people in remote provinces like Batanes had limited access to up-to-date information due to poor TV reception and lack of TV cable services. Today, Knowledge Channel is viewed by over five million learners and more than 50,000 teachers and principals in 64 provinces. Over the years, SKYcable has provided more than 1,000 schools with access to Knowledge Channel and its learning materials.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 89• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

11 ENVIRONMENT Climate change consequences: in deep trouble EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 89 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

“Climate change is the biggest environmental issue because it threatens to be disastrous. It will not only directly affect our climate. It will severely affect human beings and the ecosystem. We will have millions of people suffering from it.” – Geird Leipold, international executive director of Greenpeace

Last of Three Parts

TEXT AND PHOTOS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

W

hat do sea level rise, coral bleaching and ocean acidification have one thing in common? All three the most direct consequences of climate change. Although they spell trouble for the ecosystems where they can be found, they all mean doom for human beings – especially those living these areas.

Take the case of sea level rise. Of the 25 cities most exposed to a 1-meter sea-level rise, about 19 of them are located in the Asia and Pacific region, according to a new study released by the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Curiously enough, seven of the 19 cities in the region are found in the Philippines. In Mindanao, Davao together with Butuan have been identified. There are four in Luzon (Manila, Taguig, Caloocan and Malabon) and only one in the Visayas (Iloilo).

“Under a business-as-usual scenario, a 6-degree Celsius

temperature increase is projected over the Asian landmass by the end of the century,” said the study’s report, “A Region at Risk: The Human Dimensions of Climate Change in Asia and the Pacific,” which Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact Research co-produced.

“Coastal regions of Asia and the Pacific are among the most vulnerable to climate changerelated sea level rise,” the report pointed out, adding that global flood losses are expected to increase to US$52 billion per year by 2050 from US$6 billion in 2005.

It must be recalled that a previous study published in Nature said that the world’s oceans are now rising far faster than they did in the past. The current sealevel rise rate – which started in 1990 – is 2.5 times faster than it was from 1900 to 1990.

A previous study pointed out that a six-meter sea level rise in the Davao Gulf could submerge the

coastal area of Davao City. According to the study, the Agdao district, Panacan, Sta. Ana wharf, part of the Lanang, Bajada and Matina areas, the whole downtown area, including the City Hall, will be completely under water. “These areas will virtually be part of the Davao Gulf,” it said.

As a result, 40% of the city’s total population will be forced to evacuate to higher areas like the Buhangin district, Catalunan Grande, Calinan, Mintal, and Paquibato. Once the downtown is inundated, businesses have to be relocated to higher areas.

Another consequence of climate change is coral bleaching.

Dr. Terry Hughes, a professor at the James Cook University in Australia, told this author that as global warming intensifies, coral bleaching will also increase at an unprecedented level. “Bleaching events are expected to increase in terms of frequency,” said Dr. Hughes, who has been a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science

since 2001.

In a series of journals some years back, Science reported that climate change could trigger the death of coral reefs, with coral bleaching being the clearest sign. “A range of stresses, including disease, sedimentation, pollutants and changes in salinity can induce coral bleaching,” explains a fact sheet disseminated by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).

The GBRMPA is recognized as a world leader in managing reefs affected by coral bleaching.

“Mass bleaching has now affected every reef region in the world,” it says. “A particularly severe, worldwide bleaching event occurred in 1998, effectively destroying 16% of the world’s reefs. Some areas lost 50-90 percent of their coral in this single event.”

In 2010, as much as 95% of the corals in the Philippines suffered bleaching after a warming event. “The bleaching has been observed at many other sites around the Philippines featuring mass mortality of corals,” a news report said.

In the Philippines, destruction of coral reefs means disaster.

“Coral reefs are home to thousands of marine species, and losing them will spell disaster for our ecosystems, not to mention the thousands of Filipinos who depend on them for food and as sources of livelihood,” reminds Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.

Some 50 million Filipinos are dependent on the coastal ecosystem that comprises mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Some 40% of the country’s coral reefs today are assessed as “poor” – up from the

previous 27%. Only one percent is considered to be “pristine.”

Coral bleaching has been cited as one of consequences of the raising of baseline temperatures in the oceans. But what most marine scientists around the world are concerned most of is ocean acidification, which is considered as “climate change’s evil twin.”

“Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere eventually finds its way to and dissolves in the oceans, causing the water to become ‘acidic’… reducing the ability of the coral reefs to deposit calcium carbonate or calcify,” explained Dr. Edgardo Gomez, the founding director of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute.

About 25-50% of the carbon dioxide emitted over the industrial period had been absorbed by the world’s oceans, preventing atmospheric carbon dioxide buildup from becoming worse.

But this atmospheric benefit comes at a considerable price. “As a result, the sea water becomes more acidic and the concentration of carbonate ions decreases,” explains Forest Rohwer, author ofCoral Reefs in the Microbial Seas.

Experts claim the average pH (the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution) of the ocean has already decreased about 0.1 pH unit from pre-industrial values, a shift that corresponds to a 30 percent increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions and a decrease in carbonate ions. “This has decreased the rate at which reef-building corals build their skeletons (their rate of calcification) by 20 percent,” Rohwer writes.

Ocean pH is projected to decrease another 0.3 to 0.4 pH units by the end of this century. This

much change in pH is predicted to reduce coral calcification rates to 40-60 percent of normal. “This is a momentous change,” Rohwer notes.

“Imagine dripping hydrochloric acid onto chalk,” says André Freiwald of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, one of the authors of a study that appeared in the professional journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment.

“The chalk would disintegrate immediately; the corals could face a similar fate.”

The acidification, according to Dr. Gomez, may be gradual but would happen simultaneously all over the world. He warned that it would be worse than the acidification of agricultural lands due to the use of chemical fertilizers. “Land is more manageable. With the use of organic fertilizer and chemicals, land can easily recover. But once the ocean becomes acidic, it would take millions of years to bring back their natural (state).”

The current acidification may be worse than during four major mass extinctions in history when natural pulses of carbon from asteroid impacts and volcanic eruptions caused global temperatures to soar, according to a study which appeared in the journal Science.

Climate change is for real. “Climate change knows no boundaries,” reminded Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change. “It affects us all. It will make the poor poorer, create more climate refugees, and greatly affect the vulnerable— children, women, elderly, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples.”

EDGEDAVAO

12 SCIENCE

VOL. 10 ISSUE 89 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

Biotechnlogy will prevail despite misinformation

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

n orchestrated misinformation campaign by wellfunded lobby groups is the reason why biotechnology is not moving fast in the Philippines, according to a former professor of the University of the PhilippinesMindanao (UP-Min).

Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr., when asked why biotechnology is very slow in the country, replied: “Misinformation from wellfunded lobby groups.” He added that whether we like it or not, “biotechnology is already here, mostly in medicine.”

Dr. Rasco has a doctorate in plant breeding from the Cornell University in the United States. He is also an academician at the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). His decades in research and public education at the UP-Min have inspired him to address young minds’ curiosity toward plant biotechnology and other scientific farming practices Biotechnology, particularly in the field of

agriculture, “is beneficial to farmers and consumers alike, pointed out Dr. Rasco, who once headed the Institute of Plant Breeding at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños in Laguna. “(Biotechnology) will prevail in spite of misinformation,” the scientist who wrote The Unfolding Gene Revolution: The Ideology, Science and Regulation of Plant Biotechnology added.

That’s what the new report from the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) is also telling. In fact, the Philippines now ranks as the twelfth biggest producer of biotech crops in the world.

“Biotech/GM corn production in the Philippines rebounds in 2016 as the country remains to be the top grower of biotech or genetically modified (GM) crops in Southeast Asia,” said the report, Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/ GM Crops: 2016.

In 2016, an additional

110,000 hectares have been added to the previously 702,000 hectares planted to biotech corn in 2015.

The 16% increase was “due to favorable weather conditions, and high local demand for livestock and feed stocks.”

Adoption rate of biotech corn also increased from 63% in 2015 to 65% in 2016, when the number of small, resourcepoor farmers, growing on average, 2 hectares of biotech corn in the Philippines was estimated to be over 406,000.

According to the report, the farm level economic benefit of planting biotech corn in the country from 2003 to 2015 is estimated to have reached US$642 million, and for 2015 alone, the net national impact of biotech corn on farm income was estimated at US$82 million.

Aside from corn, there are others crop events that have been approved for food, feed, and processing cultivation: alfalfa, rapeseed, cotton, potato, rice, soybean

and sugar beet.

Current research and development efforts on biotech/GM crops include products from the public sector: fruit and shoot borer resistant Bt eggplant, biotech papaya with delayed ripening and papaya ring spot virus resistance, Bt cotton, and golden rice.

Biotechnology, which existed since ancient times, is defined as “any technique that uses living organisms to make or modify a product, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific uses.”

E x a m p l e s include bagoong, patis, lambanog and tapuy.

Spirulina, one of the oldest forms of life on earth, is believed to be what the ancient Israelites of the Old Testament called “manna from heaven.”

The modern era of biotechnology, however, had its origin in 1953 when American biochemist James Watson and British biophysicist Francis Crick presented their doublehelix model of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

DNA, the genetic material of all cellular organisms and most viruses, carries the information needed to direct so-called “protein synthesis” and “replication.”

Protein synthesis is defined as “the production of proteins needed by the cells or virus for its activities and development.” Replication, on the other hand, is “the process by which DNA copies itself for each descendant cell or virus, passing on the information needed for protein synthesis.”

In 1973, American geneticist Stanley Cohen and American biochemist Herbert Boyer removed a specific gene (a piece

of genetic material that determines the inheritance of a particular characteristic, or group of characteristics) from one bacterium and inserted it into another using restriction enzymes.

This event marked the beginning of recombinant DNA technology, commonly called genetic engineering.

Generally, it is “the alternation of an organism’s genetic, or hereditary, material to eliminate undesirable characteristics or to produce desirable new ones.”

In recent years, genetic engineering has been used to increase plant and animal food production, to diagnose disease, improve medical treatment, produce vaccines and other useful drugs and to help dispose of industrial wastes.

“Modern techniques in biotechnology have vastly increased the speed at which nature could be manipulated to serve society’s needs,” said Dr. Felimon Uriarte Jr. when he was still the head of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

“Biotechnology, in conjunction with other emerging technologies, will undoubtedly be a major source of innovation and growth in the next millennium.”

Biotech crops have been seen as the most possible answer to hunger.

“All possible tools that can help promote sustainable agriculture for food security must be marshalled,” suggested Ismail Serageldin when he was still the vicepresident of World Bank, “and biotechnology, safely developed, could be a tremendous help.”

But despite its safety records, several organizations are still against biotech crops. So

much so that in 2016, several Nobel Laureates issued a statement in support of biotechnology and condemning critics in their critical stance.

“Biotech crops have now had an unblemished record of safe use and consumption for over 20 years,” the ISAAA report claimed. It was in 1996 when a biotech crop was first commercialized.

Slowly but surely, the Philippines is on its way. “As citizens of this country, I think it is our duty to help spread the truth about things that have the potential to make cheap and safe food available to our people and to inform them of things that endanger their health and welfare,” said former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. said during the opening of the 12th National Biotech Week at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management last year.

“I think it is time that we make full use of the advances of biotechnology – where applicable – and use it to help free our people from hunger – and from ignorance – so that they in turn may not only be receivers, but sharers of the wealth of the nation with those in dire need of it,” the former senator from Mindanao pointed out.

But there are still those who are against the commercialization of biotech crops. One sage, however, put dilemma into this perspective: “A man who has enough food has several problems. A man without food has only one problem.”

Leading Roman lyric poet Horace dismissed it mildly: “Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things.”

VOL. 10 ISSUE 89 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS13

Bulgarian ATM scammer nabbed

P

ersonnel of the Philippine Coastguard have intercepted at the local port a Bulgarian allegedly involved in Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) scams, a PCG official announced Thursday.

Lt. Commander Alvin Dagalea, Zamboanga Coastguard Station commander, identified the arrested Bulgarian as Konstantine Simeonov Kabrakov, 33, who has no travel documents.

Dagalea said Kabrakov was intercepted at around 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday aboard a

passenger ferry bound for Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Dagalea said they seized from Kabrakov’s possession more than 30 swipe cards of a shopping mall chain, expired Philippine driver’s license, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) card, laptop and a swipe machine.

He said Kavrakov had been living in Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City based on the his driver’s license.

He said they are validating information that Kavrakov is the same person arrested in 2011 for hacking the

bank account of Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

He said the Bulgarian is allegedly the leader of an international syndicate responsible for cloning debit and credit cards.

He said they are also validating whether Kavrakov has standing warrants of arrest.

Dagalea said the arrest of Kavrakov was a result of tighter security measures being implemented at the local port following President Rodrigo Duterte’s martial law declaration here in Mindanao. (Ely E. Dumaboc/PNA)

AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Año pins the Wounded Personnel Medal to a soldier who was wounded in Marawi City during ceremonies at the Camp Evangelista Emergency Station Hos-

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of

4 REPORTERS Submit application letter and resume to: Mr. Antonio M. Ajero, Editor-in-Chief or Mr. Jimmy K. Laking, Associate Editor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City Or email at edgedavao@gmail.com

pital in Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday (2 August 2017).

Año awarded the medals to 53 soldiers recuperating at the hospital. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

BIG FIELD VOL. 10 ISSUE 89 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

28th Durian Tee set Aug. 16-19

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

T

he longest-running club tournament in Davao City just keeps getting better.

Now on its 28th year, the annual Durian Tee Invitational Golf Tournament hits the fairways of the Apo Golf and Country Club on August 16-19.

A banner field is expected to crowd the hunt for top prizes in the two-division tournament which will have Team competition for a tandem composed of one member and one guest and Individual for members.

Scoring will be Stableford for Gross scores and Modified Stableford for Net scores. Shotgun start will be applied.

AGCC’s club tournament will be staged this year with partners Petron Philippines, University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network

BIG FIELD. Renz Yamyamin swings from hole no. 1 in last year’s Durian Tee. Boy Lim

(UMBN) and Ford.

The par 72 course, popular for its challenging long and winding layout, is expected to be spruced up and in tip top form come tournament time.

Registration Fee is pegged at P5,000 inclusive of mulligan, free practice round and P5,000 worth of Mizuno gift certificate. Players may register via duriantee.agcc@ gmail.com or call 234-9309 and 09182579963.

A brand new Ford Ecosport Titanium, Ford’s top of the line model, is up for grabs for the lucky shotmaker of a hole-inone on a designated par 3 hole.

Other hole-in-one prizes are P500,000 cash, Suzuki Address motorcycle, Samsung LED TV sets, Mizuno iron sets, and Koppel Air conditioner.

Davao Martial Arts Festival set Aug. 5 T

he Davao Martial Arts Festival 2017 will be held on August 5 at the Kadayawan Hall of the NCCC Mall featuring the exciting various martial arts from all over the world.

Organizer Ryan Cordero said the one-day event will start with the ITF Taekwondo Invitational tournament from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It will be followed by the Martial Arts Demonstration until 5 p.m.

Demonstrations will be made

by ITF Davao on taekwondo, Wansai on Karate and Jujitsu, New Life BJJ on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mandirigman Kalidradman on Kali/FMA, Davao Kendo Club

N

on Kendo, Sambo Pilipinas on Sambo and Southern Mindanao Aikido on Aikido.

The third event will be the Panasangka (Arnis Tournament) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and to be followed by the awarding of prizes.

The weigh-in and final pairing for the tournament players and the Rules Orientation will be on Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Bagani Martial Arts Center.

The event is organized by the ITF Taekwondo Davao, Stamina Martial Arts (Tang Soo Do), Kumbate Martial Arts, Wansai Karate and Aikicomjukado.

Admission is free to the public.

Pelicans sign veteran Clark

EW ORLEANS (AP) -- Former Golden State Warriors guard Ian Clark has agreed to play for the New Orleans Pelicans on a one-year, veteran minimum contract, said a person familiar with the situation.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday morning because the signing was not yet official.

The 6-foot-3 Clark averaged career highs of 6.8 points on 49-percent shooting in nearly 15 minutes per game in a championship campaign with the Warriors last season.

Yahoo first reported Clark’s intention to play for New Orleans.

The 26-year-old Clark left the defending champs this summer to test the free agent market, which apparently dried up on him.

As a combination guard, he’ll be able to rotate in for either Rajon Rando or Jrue Holiday.

When Clark first turned pro as an undrafted free agent out of Belmont in 2013, he was coached by Pelicans lead assistant Darren Erman on Golden State’s summer league squad.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans announced later Wednesday that they have signed two

players to two-way contracts, allowing those players to move back and forth between the developmental NBA G League and the Pelicans without affecting New Orleans’ roster limit if they spend no more than 45 days with the NBA squad.

Signed to the two-way deals were 6-5 guard Charles Cooke, an undrafted rookie out of Dayton, and 6-7 forward Jalen Jones, who spent last season with the G-League’s Maine Red Claws after going undrafted out of Texas A&M in 2016. Jones also played for the Pelicans’ 2017 NBA Summer League squad.

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

UNDEFEATED

VOL. 10 ISSUE 89 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017

Team Duterte-CMO trounces IBP

T

eam Duterte trounced IBP, 99-90, in Game 12 of their basketball friendly series to remain unbeaten on Friday night at the Genesis 88 Gym. Sec. Christopher “Bong” Go sizzled from behind the arc hitting eleven triples as Team Duterte stretched its lead to 10-0.

Go, the Special Assistant to President Rodrigo Duterte, came through with 53 points in a great display of shooting prowess.

He also shot nine baskets from within the arc owing to pull up jumpers and running jump shots.

The win was the second in a row for Team Duterte after the thrilling Game 10 draw and kept IBP winless in the series.

Armand Dioso paced with 34 points for IBP which could only muster two draws so far against

ANOTHER EXPLOSION. Secretary Bong Go fired 53 points topped with eleven triples to lead the Duterte-CMO cagers. Lean Daval Jr.

Go and company.

Team Duterte also drew significant contributions from Joel Aberilla who scored 12 points while JR Rosal and Eugene Labor had 11 and 10 baskets respectively.

Team Duterte and IBP battled to a 108-108 draw in Game 10 with both teams displayed superb offensive firepower.

They capped the high scoring game in a deadlock for the second time in four games.

Draw also settled Game 7 where IBP was on the threshold of tasting its first victory But Team Duterte pulled off an unprecendented fight back, clawing back from 17 points down midway to finish the game to a 93-all.

After Game 10 draw, Team Duterte stormed back with two straight wins.

Messi says goodbye to Neymar Lionel Messi said goodbye to Neymar on Instagram, which means the Brazilian star’s transfer to PSG is imminent. Or so it seems.

I

s the most significant, most seismic, most insufferably protracted transfer saga of the summer — and maybe ever — finally about to end?

Lionel Messi seems to think so.

The Barcelona star took to Instagram on Wednesday to say goodbye to current teammate Neymar, who’s been linked with a blockbuster move to Paris Saint-Germain for weeks, if not years.

The post was published in Spanish, and it translates roughly as follows: “It was a great pleasure to have shared all these years with you, friend @neymarjr.

I wish you good luck in this new stage of your life. See you tomorrow.”

And here’s the post in full, complete with a video tribute:

Fue un placer enorme haber compartido todos estos años con vos, amigo @ neymarjr. Te deseo mucha suerte e n esta nueva etapa de tu vida.

Nos vemos Tkm

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on Aug 2, 2017 at 6:05am PDT Neymar missed Barcelona training on Wednesday, with his agent telling a Spanish radio station the Brazilian attacker was flying to Paris to formalize plans to be presented as the French giants’ newest signing this weekend.

PSG apparently intends to trigger Neymar’s mammoth release clause, which has been reported as over $260 million, which would represent by far the biggest transfer price in the history of the sport.

And Neymar just might be worth it. He can play on either wing or through the middle, he’s deft both on and off the ball, he’s got pace to burn and he’s a specialist in free kicks and penalties. During his time with Barcelona, the Catalonians have won the Champions League, two La Liga titles and three consecutive Copa del Reys. Neymar also led Brazil in triumphs at the 2013 Confederations Cup and last summer’s Rio Olympics.

While nothing is official regarding the transfer, this is about as strong as the indications have been that Neymar is bound for the French capital. Since being purchased by a Qatari ownership group in 2011, PSG has dominated Ligue 1 but failed to advance past the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Can Neymar lead the club to European glory? We’ll see. The first step is actually signing for PSG, no matter who posts what on social media.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 89 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2017