Edge Davao 10 Issue 9

LPG FIRE

TVOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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Warehouse fire explosion injures 7 with third-degree burns

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

S

EVEN members of a family incurred third-degree injuries when a fire broke out inside a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) warehouse in Bangkal, Davao City Tuesday night.

Police said a loud explosion was heard before the fire.

The Talomo police station identified the seven who suffered from third-degree burns as Christito Fuertes a.ka. “Manoy” (caretaker of the establishment), April Joy Ormillo (40 years old),the live-in partner of Manoy who was seven months pregnant, their children Kaisha Ormillo (four years old) Christy Ormillo (eight years old), Crystal Ormillo (seven years old)and Christito Ormillo (three years old ) and one relative named Leonor Calubio (15 years old).

Also injured was Elsa Jabonero Digue, 51, who acquired second-degree burns. Slightly injured by the fire were Chanilyn Camarillo (27), Solieta Enriquez (27), Shiela Lozada (37), Christian Carlo Esperon Cilla (23) and Irene Calanda (24).

All are workers in an adjacent bar.

Third-degree burns are the most severe and cause most damage to the victims nerves and skin.

The victims were first brought to the Davao Adventist Hospital and later transferred to the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

According to a spot report from the Talomo Police Station, at about 10:10 PM of Tuesday PO1 Richyl Benitez who was assigned at the said police station reported that he was at the Davao Adventist Hospital when he heard a loud explosion coming from Petronas Gas Tank located along Km. 7, fronting Petron Gas Station, McArthur Highway, Bangkal.

The station immediately dispatched a team to the scene of the fire.

Elements of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Talomo managed to put out the fire at about 11:30 in the evening.

The BFP station was still determining what caused the fire.

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

COLORFUL ARRAY. A vendor arranges her display of colorful ‘sago’, a starch extracted from various tropical palms which is one of the main ingredients of ‘binignit’, at her makeshift stall inside Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Wednesday.

‘Binignit’ is a staple food in Davao City and other provinces in Visayas and Mindanao during Holy Week celebration. Lean Daval Jr.

Mexico eyes business prospects in Davao

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

M

EXICAN Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Julio Camarena on Wednesday said his country has been exploring the business portfolio in Davao City and is looking forward at ad-

ditional areas for investment.

The Mexican ambassador said based on consultations with the city government, the Mindanao Development Authority and the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and

Industry, Inc., they are looking at possible investments in ecosystem, hydro-technology, tourism, manufacturing, agro-industry, and telecommunications and infrastructure.

The Mexican ambassador was on a three-day visit to Davao City from April 10 to 12, 2017 to explore possible areas for investment.

Guesting during Wednesday’s Habi at Kape media

forum at Abreeza Ayala Mall Davao City, Camarena traced the bilateral relationship of Philippines and Mexico during the Galleon Trade which prompted not only

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

MEETING HIS HIGHNESS. President Rodrigo Duterte meets with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who paid a courtesy call on the President at the King Saud Guest Palace in Riyadh on Tuesday. The courtesy call was held following the President’s successful visit to His Royal Majesty King

Salman Bin Abdulazziz Al Saud at His Majesty’s private residence in Rawdhat Khuraim on the same day. ROBINSON NIÑAL/Presidential Photo

Book on RP-Mexican ties donated to city museum T

Voter registration takes break during Holy Week

Historians trace chocolate origins to the Aztecs

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

M

EXICAN Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Julio Camarena highlighted the cultural relationships between his country and the Philippines by donating a book entitled “El Galleon de Manila” or Manila Galleon to the Malagos Chocolate Museum on Tuesday.

The book about the Galleon Trade which brought cacao beans to the Philippines now serves as one of the highlights

of the museum located in Malagos Garden Resort, Davao City.

The first chocolate museum in the country is owned and operated by the Puentespina family.

“The Malagos Chocolate farm represents the friendship that has existed between Mexico and the Philippines. It really represents our old ties,” the ambassador said in an interview.

Camarena traced the coun-

tries’ connection 500 years ago when Philippines was under the Spanish rule and Mexico was once the vice kingdom of Spain which prompted the operation of Galleon Trade also known as Manila-Acapulco Trade.

“Many of the products that came through the Galleon are the products today of the Philippines and you keep the Aztec name starting with the chocolate… in Aztecs they call

it “xocolatl”. It was produced by the Aztecs, in fact the cocoa bean was the currency of the Aztecs,” explained the ambassador.

Other products from Mexico which came to the Philippines, he added, retained their Aztec name such as “maize” (mais or corn), tomato, “kalabasa” (squash), “chayote” (sayote or chayote), “achiote” (achuete), “chico”, “guyubano”,

RESIDENT Rodrigo Roa Duterte led Philippine officials in a courtesy call on King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud at His Majesty’s private residence.

It is the first time in eight years that a Filipino leader was received in a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The President thanked King Salman for hosting Filipino workers in the country. The Saudi king, in turn, thanked President Duterte for the Philippines’ contribution in providing professionals and other skilled workers for the Kingdom.

Accompanying the President were Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

Also in attendance were National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Presidential Adviser for Overseas Filipino Workers Abdulla Mama-O, Chairman of Mindanao Development Authority Datu Khayr D. Alonto, Philippine Embassy to KSA Chargé d’Af-

FBOOK, 10

HE Commission on Elections announced Wednesday thathe ongoing nationwide voter registration will take a break for two days this Holy Week.

Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez advised that voters’ registration centers across the country will be closed on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

He noted that local poll body offices will again start accepting applications for registration on Black Saturday until April 29, the last day of registration.

Earlier, Jimenez urged qualified voters to register for them to be able to participate in the October Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls.

The Comelec added that the voters’ registration procedure which started last November 7 will have no extension.

All types of applications will be accepted at the OEO from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays.

Comelec data showed that they have received a total of 2,174,601 applications for registration from Nov. 7, 2016 to March 25, 2017.

Applications received from regular registrants were 1,558,892, while those from SK registrants numbered at 615,709.

There were around 54 million registrants for the May 2016 national and local elections. (PNA)

faires Imelda Panolong, Special Assistant to the President Cristopher Lawrence Go, and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

After short pleasantries, King Salman introduced the Royal Family and Cabinet Ministers to President Duterte, and was reciprocated by the President who introduced his official delegation to His Majesty.

Following tradition, everyone was offered Arabic coffee before the President and His Majesty were ushered to the lunch room followed by the Royal Family, Cabinet Ministers, and the Philippine

delegation.

After the official lunch, President Duterte and King Salman were escorted to the venue for the bilateral meeting and signing ceremony.

Among the signed agreements included political consultations between Saudi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, and a labor cooperation for general workers recruitment and employment between the Ministry of Labor and Social Development and the Department of Labor and Employment.

(PNA)

11 Abu Sayyaf bandits President Duterte meets Saudi king at residence surrender in Tawi-Tawi P

T

WO notorious sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group and nine of their followers have surrendered to the military in Tawi-Tawi, officials said.

In statement released on Wednesday, Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the bandits yielded voluntarily to the troops of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi at the Marine Barracks Domingo Deluana in Barangay Sanga-Sanga, Bongao town at

around 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The Westmincom credited the surrender of the bandits to the ongoing military operation in Tawi-Tawi.

The military continues to put pressure on the Abu Sayyaf as Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año left a marching order to suppress the ASG within the time frame provided by the Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, which is on June 30.

The Westmincom identi-

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

UK, Canada warns nationals to avoid Visayas, Mindanao

N

OW its Canada and the United Kingdom’s turn to issue their respective travel advisories to their citizens advising them to exercise a “high degree of caution” while in the Philippines due to a “high threat of terrorism” in Visayas and Mindanao.

Early in the week, the United States and Australia issued their respective travel warnings to their citizens after they gathered intelligence reports that unidentified armed group are planning to kidnap them.

The Canadian government cited the April 9 advisory from the United States Embassy in

Manila warning Americans against traveling to Central Visayas, including the tourist-famous Bohol and Cebu provinces, due to “unsubstantiated yet credible information” on kidnap-for-ransom threats from terror groups.

On Tuesday, a firefight that lasted up to midnight and left at least nine dead ensued between government forces and suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Barangay Napo in Inabanga, Bohol.

In a travel advisory, Global Affairs Canada urged its citizens to avoid all travel to Mindanao including the Sulu archi-

pelago and the southern Sulu Sea and waters off southern Palawan Island, but excluding urban areas of Davao City, due to the “serious threat of terrorist attacks, piracy, and kidnappings” in the area.

“There is a serious risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in this region. Bombs causing deaths and injuries have exploded in public areas of major centers, including the cities of Cotabato, Davao, General Santos, Isabela, Jolo, Kidapawan and Zamboanga,” the advisory read.

“Clashes occur between

“It’s in being prepared that we can ensure the safety of all tourists,” she added.

De Castro also assured that the agency continues to coordinate with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for advisories and safety measures.

“Earthquakes are still considered unpredictable so what

we do at the DOT is to work closely with agencies like PHILVOCS and NDRRMC,” De Castro said.

“We follow their lead when earthquakes or any other form of disaster takes place,” she added.

Several earthquakes recently rocked areas in Luzon and Mindanao the past days ranging from magnitudes 5 to 6.

FUK, 10

DOT reminds establishments to prepare for earthquakes

T

HE Department of Tourism on Wednesday reminded accredited tourism establishments to remain vigilant following subsequent earthquakes that took place the past few days.

“We have always reminded accredited establishments to conduct earthquake drills from time to time,” Tourism Undersecretary for Media Affairs Kat de Castro said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency.

FDOT, 10

STEADY INCOME. A candle vendor waits for customers in front of one of the most popular statue in the Roman Catholic world, the Pieta, at San Pedro Cathedral compound in Davao City on Wednesday. Pieta is an

Magnitude 6.0 tremor T awakens Mindanaoans

M

ALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews )– A magnitude 6.0 earthquake woke up Mindanawons early morning Wednesday, reportedly damaging some houses and buildings in the municipality of Kalilangan, Bukidnon.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology initially reported epicenter of the 5:21 a.m. quake at six kilometers east of the Kalilangan town center (07.76°N, 124.81°E) with a magnitude of 5.5, but later corrected it to be six kilometers northwest of

the poblacion of Wao, Lanao del Sur (07.66°N, 124.69°E).

It is of tectonic origin with a depth of focus of only 1 km.

PHIVOLCS said it was expecting damage and aftershocks. As of 6:30 a.m., it already reported four aftershocks in the vicinity of Wao

artwork of Michelangelo which depicts the body of Jesus Christ on the lap of his mother Mary after the Crucifixion. Lean Daval Jr.

SC orders Marcos to pay P66M over poll protest vs VP Robredo

and Kalilangan ranging from magnitude 3.4 to 4.0.

PHIVOLCS said that the earthquake was felt as Intensity IV in Davao City; Cagayan De Oro City; Cotabato City; and Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

But based on Facebook

FMAGNITUDE, 10

WITHOUT LET-UP. A police officer conducts a routine inspection of passengers’ bags and baggage inside a van as part of the tighter security measures being undertaken during the Holy Week at a satellite terminal outside a mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

HE Supreme Court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal ordered former Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ to pay a total of PHP66.2-million for his election protest filed against Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo.

The PET directed Marcos to deposit the said amount for the retrieval of election materials for the 132,446 precincts whose results are contested by his camp.

Under Section 33 (b) of the PET rules, a protestant is required to make a cash deposit to the tribunal the amount of PHP500 per contested precinct “if they require the bringing of the contested ballot boxes and election documents to the tribunal.”

“Based on the foregoing, the cash deposit for Protestant is PHP500 for each of the 132,446 precincts, which amounts to PHP66,223,000,” read the three-page resolution signed by SC clerk of court and PET clerk Atty. Felipa Anama.

Marcos, in his protest, assails the election results in 39,221 clustered precincts-36,465 of which he prays for the conduct of manual count and judicial revisions while he prays for the annulment of election results in the remaining 2,756.

Based on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) data, the 39,221 clustered precincts

are composed of the 132,446 precincts.

In the same ruling, PET also ordered Robredo to pay PHP15,639,000 for the 31,278 precincts.

Both Marcos and Robredo can pay on installment basis.

Marcos should pay PHP36,023,000 on or before April 14 and PHP30-million on or before July 14 while Robredo is required to pay PHP8-million on or before April 14, and PHP7,439,000 on or before July 14.

Meanwhile, the camp of Marcos appealed the order in a motion for reconsideration.

Atty. Vic Rodriguez, Marcos lawyer asked the PET to defer the order for payment of the deposit pending resolution of their plea to set the case for preliminary conference.

“We have asked for a re-computation of the amount, that instead of basing it on the number of established or traditional precincts, it should be based on number of clustered precincts with the advent of the automation of our system of election,” he explained.

Rodriguez also lamented the “impounding” of the resolution, which was promulgated last March 21 but they received only last Monday.

They were informed about the order for payment only three working days before the deadline.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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NGCP assures stability of grid vs. earthquakes

G SORTING OUT. An elderly woman checks sweet potato from a pile of root crops which she will use as an ingredient for local delicacies (kakanin) in time for the Holy Week celebration on Wednesday at Agdao Public Market in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

RID operator NGCP assured its customers of a stable Luzon grid as it extends assistance to power plants affected by the earthquakes last April 8.

NGCP will be providing support to First NatGas, which operates the San Gabriel Combined-Cycle Power Plant (CCPP). The company reported damage to its equipment in San Lorenzo Units 50 and 60, San Gabriel Unit 70, Avion Switchyard, and Sta. Rita Switchyard. Among the affected high-voltage components are circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and current and combined current/ voltage transformers.

“NGCP will be looking to provide any on-hand equipment as needed by San Gabriel CCPP. NGCP is also ready to extend all forms of assistance to other generation companies in order to speed up the restoration, energization, and eventual synchronization of their power plants back to the Luzon grid,” NGCP stated.

Due to the forced outage of earthquake-affected

power plants, yellow and red alerts were raised by NGCP due to insufficient operating power.

“NGCP’s facilities within the vicinity of Batangas are all stable and ready to transmit power. The assistance to the generation companies will expedite the normalization of the power situation,” confirmed NGCP. After an extensive inspection in Batangas and nearby areas, NGCP declared its lines and facilities as cleared of damage and awaiting energization pending the return of affected power plants. The foot patrols and aerial inspections were conducted despite the numerous aftershocks experienced following the magnitude 5.6 and 6.0 earthquakes with an epicenter in Mabini, Batangas.

NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders Henry Sy, Jr. and Robert Coyiuto, Jr. (PR)

HE manufacturing sector grew stronger in February 2017 due to the upsurge in production of petroleum products, food, basic metals, and transport equipment, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) reports that the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) for manufacturing grew by 10.7 percent in February 2017.

This is slower than the 11.6 percent growth recorded in the same month last year but higher than the 7.1 percent growth recorded in the previous month.

“We must double our efforts to strengthen the manufacturing sector and help it realize its full potential,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia.

“The sector is expected to benefit from an investment-led growth supported by stable inflation, increased spending on infrastructure and rural development, strong private consumption, and continued gains in overseas remittances,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Value of Production (VaPI) jumped to 13.6 percent in February 2017 from 5.4 percent from the previous month.

For consumer goods, furniture and fixtures posted a double-digit growth of 21.9 in volume and 16.6 percent in value of production, while food manufactures grew in volume and value of produc-

tion by 20.6 and 19.3 percent, respectively.

“We must encourage firms to utilize science, technology and innovation to help them keep up with the increasing domestic and regional demands,” said Pernia.

For intermediate goods, petroleum products soared in both volume and value of production registering a double-digit growth of 47.1 and 95 percent, recovering from its contraction in the same period last year.

Similarly, wood and wood products swelled to 19.5 and 21.2 percent in volume and value of production, while non-metallic mineral products grew by 26.3 and 20 percent.

“This is a positive response to the government’s and private sector’s continuous efforts to ramp up infrastructure, as well as the increasing demand for housing from our expanding middle-class population,” he said.

The increase in production of construction-related manufactures is also bolstered by the positive yearon-year growth in the construction materials wholesale price index which grew by 4.0 percent in February 2017.

“We must empower micro small and medium enterprises to participate in the global market by enhancing their access to technology that will help them achieve economies of scale and enhance their capacity to meet the international demands in terms of quality and quantity,” said Pernia. (PR)

Mexico mulling to import Mindanao aggie products NEDA: Manufacturing grew

Also eyes partnerships with local traders stronger in February ‘17 M T EXICAN Ambassador to the Philippines Julio Camanera revealed this during a visit here Tuesday to explore trading partnerships with the local business sector.

In an interview at the Davao Chocolate Museum in Malagos Garden Resort, he said that trade relations between the Philippines and Mexico continue to flourish.

He visited the museum to hand over a book entitled the “Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade.”

Camanera said that during the galleon trade, the two countries exchanged agricultural products.

During that period many products were exported to the Philippines such as corn, tomato, squash, singkamas (turnip), sayote (chayote), chikoo (sapo-

dilla) and guyabano (soursop).

Camanera said Mexico imported mangoes from the Philippines during that time. Mexico is also importing coconuts from the country, he added.

While he signified the intention of Mexico to source agricultural products from Mindanao, he stressed that his country remains one of the top investors in the country.

“In 2013-2014, Mexico

was the top foreign direct investor in the Philippines with US$ 6.8 billion in investments,” he said, citing some of the Mexican investments like Semento Mexicano, Femsa Coca-Cola and those in the business process outsourcing and information technology sectors.

Mindanao has vast lands planted to banana, pineapple and coconut, to name only a few. (By Digna Bauzon, PNA)

of economists and fiscal policy experts, and by all our multilateral development partners. All those who understand the vital link between a strong fiscal position and a truly inclusive pattern of development cheer this tax package as they would a passing rock star. That is all very encouraging,” Dominguez told a recent gathering in Intramuros, Manila.

“In this new administration, the Department of Finance (DOF) is tasked with what might seem like impossible goals. We are committed to bringing down corporate and individual income tax rates to put them at par with the rest of the region. At the same time, we need to raise an additional P800 billion to fund an urgent infrastructure program, expand programs of social inclusiveness and bring down poverty rates to more civilized levels,” the finance chief said.

Dominguez pointed out that the DOF needs to impress two critical sectors—[1] law-

makers who need to pass the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), particularly its first package now pending before both chambers of the Congress, and [2] populist groups that see any new revenue measure as an opportunity for mounting street protests.

“We have to deliver our service in a pretty hostile environment. It is a biosphere inhabited by politicians who find political profit in giving away tax exemptions of every imaginable variety, populist groups that equate every revenue measure as a form of oppression and highly talented accountants skilled in the dark arts of tax avoidance,” Dominguez said. “It is never easy to navigate through this hostile environment.”

But an even “greater task” is to win the support of the masses, especially the wage earners, by making them understand that the CTRP is crucial to attacking poverty and transforming the fast-growing

Philippine economy into a truly inclusive one where every Filipino enjoys the benefits of high growth.

“The greater task is to build public support for the tax reform package, especially from wage earners. We need to help the ordinary citizen understand how critical the tax reform package is to finally make the turn from exclusive to inclusive high growth rates and bring down levels of extreme poverty to the lowest levels ever,” Dominguez said.

He said “the usual excuse of legislators for not supporting tax legislation is that the amount to be collected could be raised by tightening on tax administration.”

“Anticipating that, we have tightened tax administration early on,” he said. “As much as we can, within the framework of prevailing laws, we have simplified processes and improved discipline in our main revenue agencies. As a result,

DOF facing tough task of cutting income taxes, raising more funds for inclusive growth agenda

T

HE Department of Finance (DOF) is facing what seems like an “impossible” job of slashing personal and corporate income taxes to make the country’s rates more competitive in the region on one hand, and raising at least P800 billion more yearly for the Duterte administration’s ambitious public investment program on the other, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Dominguez said that raising enough money for the government to spend big on infrastructure, human capital and social protection is no simple task, given that people have the propensity to hate taxes and the Duterte administration’s goal is “anything but timid,” which is to sustain a 7 percent growth rate and attain economic inclusion.

Fortunately, “the tax reform program is strongly supported by the business community, the foreign chambers of commerce, the community

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ECONOMY 5

PH reducing poverty in fisheries sector T

HE government is working vigorously to alleviate poverty and promote inclusive growth in the fisheries sector.

Melanie Guerra, officer-in-charge of the Fisheries Policy and Economics Division (FPED) of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), said her agency implemented various livelihood development programs, projects and initiatives.

Guerra, during the fish talks forum series on Tuesday, said it provided the fisherfolk appropriate inputs or assistance, capacity building and shared infrastructure support, and facilitated market linkages in the domestic and export markets.

She noted that under the Targeted Actions to Reduce poverty and Generate Economic Transformation (TARGET) program, livelihood interventions would no longer be given on a piece-meal or stand-alone basis.

“The type of intervention shall be matched with the type of available resources and its carrying capacity,” Guerra said. “Thus prior to the award of any inputs, profiling of the resources and the beneficiary shall be undertaken by the FLDTs (field livelihood development technicians).”

FLDTs were deployed in

coastal municipalities with high concentration of fisherfolk and high incidence of poverty.

Each FLDT regularly visits and monitors at least 75 fisherfolk beneficiaries that are registered under the Fisherfolk Registry.

Such registry was crossmatched with the data of Department of Social Welfare and Development’s National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR) and then Department of Budget and Management (DBM)’s Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA) to ensure that the poorest among the poor are prioritized.

“This strategy is seen to significantly reduce the incidence of poverty among fisherfolk to at least 10 percent while at the same time maximize production and improve fish sufficiency,” added Guerra.

She further said BFAR should also provide training and/or capacitate fisherfolk beneficiaries for skills and the local government unit (LGU) for responsible resource governance.

Guerra said interventions for post-harvest, such as provision of Community Fish landing Center, smokehouse, seaweed/fish driers, and marketing, should also be provid-

FPH, 10

ON THE LOOK-OUT. Mexican ambassador to the Philippines, Julio Camarena, says his primary objective in his visit to Davao City is to look for linkages and investment opportunities to work on between Mindanao and Mexico. Camarena graced this week’s edition of Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall.

Lean Daval Jr.

World Bank: Gov’t spending to back PH growth momentum

T

HE World Bank said increased government spending in infrastructure projects will support the growth momentum of the country’s economy.

During the launch of the Philippine Economic Update,

World Bank lead economist Birgit Hansl said robust gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to continue in the country with the Bank’s growth projection for the country to settle at 6.9 percent in 2017 and 2018, while

slightly easing at 6.8 percent in 2019.

She mentioned that the country’s economic growth remained resilient between 2013 and 2016, with investments becoming the key growth driver for the Philip-

pine economy.

These expenditures made by the government to fuel economic growth had also accelerated the pace of poverty reduction.

Hansl noted that pov-

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6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

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184 kids die on or before birth in North Mindanao in 2016 - DOH

O

TRAINING ON RESCUE. Rescue volunteers perform first aid to “victims” of a “vehicular accident” in a recent simulation exercise in Maitum town, Sarangani province. The participants attended a three-day Basic Emergency Response Training for basic bandaging, setting high line, fire fighting and

knot tying facilitated by the Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection and Rural Health Unit personnel. (John James I. Doctor/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

NE hundred eighty-four children died on or before birth in Northern Mindanao last year while 1,127 more did not reach the age of five.

According to a report released by the Department of Health (DOH) Wednesday, there were 99 dead male childbirths during the period, known as perinatal deaths, while there were 85 female stillborn.

For children who died before reaching five years old, 573 were girls and 554 were boys.

For the stillborn babies, the figure was 2.01 percent of the total pregnancy rate in the region in 2016 pegged at 91,754 childbirths.

Bukidnon posted the biggest in population with 22,392 childbirths followed by Cagayan de Oro City at 19,715, Misamis Oriental at 13,532 and Lanao del Norte at 12,783.

Cagayan de Oro City had the most number of stillborn at 105 followed by Bukidnon (excluding Malaybalay and Valencia cities) at 47 and Malaybalay City at 24.

For children who died before reaching the age of five, Cagayan de Oro City had the highest number at 505 followed by Bukidnon’s 286.

DOH-10 director Nimfa Torrizo urged for a more vibrant implementation of the government’s flagship immunization program, “Garantisadong Pambata,” to curb infant deaths.

Speaking during the local observance of the Garantisadong Pambata Week on Tuesday, Torrizo urged the local government units, the schools and parents for their continued support to the program.

At its inception, the Garantisadong Pambata offered only two services – deworming and Vitamin A supplementation. Over the years, the program has expanded its services, offering an integrated package of services and information on health, nutrition and environment for children that are made available everyday at homes, schools, health facilities and communities by both government and non-government entities.

(PNA)

OVERNMENT forces intensified Wednesday their operation against a band of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who recently attacked and seized officials of a remote community in North Cotabato province.

Elements of the 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) and North Cotabato police public safety battalion clashed Tuesday morning with about 50 NPA rebels belonging to Guerilla Front 53 in Barangay (village) Balite, Magpet town, said Lt. Colonel Harold Argamosa, 39th IB chief.

“Our combat operation will continue even during this Holy Week,” he said.

Argamosa said the government troops were conducting combat operation

against the NPAs who attacked the village of Mahongcog in Magpet on Sunday.

The communist rebels seized village chair Michael Lingaro and 10 of his “tanods” (village watchmen).

The rebels later freed the village chair and his men.

About 32 assorted firearms were taken by the rebels from the village.

Argamosa said the Army suffered a fatality and two wounded in the one-hour firefight Tuesday morning in Barangay Balite, which is close to Barangay Mahongcog.

“The NPAs suffered a fatality and three injured,” Argamosa said, adding that the wounded rebels were resi-

Drug board commends Troops pursue NPA rebs in NorCot Comval’s Oplan Liwanag G

D

ANGEROUS Drugs Board (DDB) Secretary Benjamin P. Reyes commended the launching of Oplan Liwanag, a province-wide community-based transformative intervention program for voluntary surrenderers for reform in Compostela Valley province.

The program was launched last April 4 that was also graced by Sec. Reyes.

He personally congratulated Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy and the rest of the provincial officials for establishing a comprehensive intervention program for drug surrenderers.

He said that the Department of Health will extend P750,000 allocation for the 11 municipalities of the province to the support of the implementation of Oplan Liwanag.

Vice Governor Manuel E. Zamora, who gave the welcome message during the launching and personally thanked Sec. Reyes, including the provincial, municipal and barangay officials who witnessed the ceremony.

The officer in charge of the Philippine National Police in Compostela Valley also briefed the participants and visitors on the status of the number of personalities

in illegal drugs who yielded to authorities since last year.

Police Senio Supt. Manuel Marvin Pepino reported that some of 16, 512 drug users and pushers voluntarily surrendered for reform since July 1, 2016 to April 3, 2017. He said that within that period, they conducted around 12, 981 house visitations.

Gov. Uy expressed his gratitude to the national government agencies, private individuals, religious sectors, academe, government officials and employees for gracing the launching as a show of support to the program.

Francis Garcia, chief of the Wao Municipal Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), said in a phone interview Wednesday morning that based on their initial assessment, about 30 houses were partially damaged in the villages of West Kili-kili, Extension Poblacion, Serran, Panang and Balatin.

In Panang, two mosques were damaged while a portion of the national highway had slight cracks.

The walls of some buildings at the Kili-kili National High School also cracked due to the quake, which Phivolcs said was of tectonic origin.

Panang barangay chairman Arsenio Delos Reyes said in an interview that

40-year-old Jorie Sagon was slightly wounded when a hollowblock fell on her right foot.

Garcia said the people went back to their homes after the earthquake, except for the families living in four houses made of light materials, who temporarily sought shelter at their relatives.

In Kalilangan, Bukidnon the municipal government building was also damaged, reports said.

Jennie Tamano, Lanao del Sur provincial information officer, said the quake also caused power outages across the province. Electricity was restored later in the morning.

Tamano said patients in

Quake damages properties in Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur

S

EVERAL properties were damaged as a Magnitude 6 earthquake jolted parts of the provinces of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur early Wednesday morning, April 12.

Initial reports coming from the local governments of Wao in Lanao del Sur and Kalilangan in Bukidnon said residential structures and public buildings were damaged by the tremor that struck at around 5:21 a.m. on Wednesday. One person was reported slightly injured.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) first reported the earthquake’s epicenter in Kalilangan but later changed it to Wao.

FQUAKE, 10

Other agencies who attended the launching include the DILG, CSC, DEPED, Parole and Provision, AFP, PAO, COMELEC, DENR, DPWH, NCIP, PCA, BFP, DOLE, DTI, NFA, PHIC, TESDA, COA, DAR, DOST, LTO, NIA, RED CROSS, DA, DSWD, DOH, NBI, PIA and PDEA. Oplan Liwanag is a 2-month program which aims to rehabilitate and reform the VSRs through lectures and workshop on spirituality, psychosocial, health awareness, marriage and family enrichment, life skills and livelihood skills trainings. (Rey M. Antibo, IDS Comval)

UNDP SUPPORT. General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera assists Barangay Chairman Jerry Jugarap in handing out some of the 300 packs of groceries and supplies as part of

FTROOPS, 10

the United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ) and BUB services during the Barangayan Program recently held in Barangay Bawing. (Gensan CPIO/Russel Delvo)

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

DOE wants speedy rehab of quake-damaged power plants T

HE Department of Energy (DOE) is pushing for the speedy repairs of the major power plants that sustained damage following a swarm of earthquakes that hit Batangas and the adjacent areas to ensure adequate power supply to the Luzon grid.

“We are continuously and closely coordinating with power industry players, especially those on the side of the generation industry for the safe and immediate rehabilitation of the power plants affected by the earthquake last Saturday,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

“Our priority is the safe and quick restoration of the power supply in the Luzon grid following the declaration of a Yellow Alert status today (11 April) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. by

the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).”

The lost power capacities due to the earthquakes reached 1,570 megawatts (MW) following the forced outages of Avion Unit 2 (50MW), San Lorenzo Units 1 and 2 (500MW), Ilijan B (600MW) and San Gabriel (420MW).

“We are also calling for the ‘Bayanihan’ spirit among the power industry players to fasttrack the rehabilitation of the plants,” Cusi added.

To ensure additional power capacity for the Luzon grid, the DOE likewise directed the NGCP to ensure continued operation of Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.’s Malaya Units 1 and 2 Thermal Power Plant, with a combined dependable capacity of 450 MW.

In addition, the DOE reported that the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) confirmed a total of 383 Interruptible Load Program (ILP) participants which are ready to run their generator sets with a total capacity of 212 MW once needed.

On the other hand the Visayas and Mindanao Grids have normal power condition.

Cusi appealed to the consumers to use power wisely to help stabilize energy demand particularly during the summer season.

Meanwhile, the DOE said it is currently engaged in talks with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) and other industry players for the mitigating measures pertaining to spikes in the

price of power.

According to the report of the PEMC, the current condition of the power market is still normal despite the loss of supply.

PEMC also reported that prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) are within normal level since many are observing Holy Week, which pulls down the demand resulting in lower prices despite reduced power generation.

On the ERC side, the DOE is looking at limiting the “moving average price” in the WESM to five (5) days from originally seven (7) days.

The shorter days mean that the DOE, ERC and PEMC can easily monitor movements in the WESM to protect the consumers from price shocks. (PR)

EADING the charge in providing a leveled-up mobile gaming experience for Filipinos, Smart and TNT have partnered with China-based developer Moonton to offer in-app perks and awesome experiences for fans of the hit game Mobile Legends in the country.

Launched in July 2016 for Android and in November 2016 for iPhone users, Mobile Legends is a real-time online battle arena game that pits two teams of five players against each other in a race to attack and defeat their enemy’s towers and throne. Gamers choose from a list of heroes to play, whose skills develop as they battle with opponents using team work and strategy.

With its fast-paced gameplay and spectacular graphics, Mobile Legends has become a worldwide phenomenon with over 5 million active players in 200 countries, including mobile users from the Philippines, today.

gamers Under their partnership,Smart, TNT and Moonton are set to roll out gaming treats as well as host exciting events meant to elevate the way subscriber enjoy Mobile Legends on their smartphones.

“Smart and TNT’s partnership with Moonton is another step forward in our continuing support for the passion of Filipinos for online gaming and eSports, looking at it not just as form of entertainment, but also as a platform to discover, develop and showcase our gaming skills to the world,” said Eric R. Alberto, EVP and Chief Revenue Officer at PLDT and Smart.

“This partnership gives us a lot of opportunities to bring an unrivaled Mobile Legends experience to Filipino gamers, and harness the power of mobile technology to connect people who share the same passion.”

“With a growing number of Filipinos embracing our game, the Philippines has become a vital market for Mo-

bile Legends. Our strategic partnership with Smart and TNT shall allow us to share the game to more mobile users, and bring everyone a more enjoyable experience,” said Cheng Xu, Mobile Legends Publishing Director.

search firm OpenSignal.

Both Smart and TNT also offer Google Direct Carrier billing, which allows players to conveniently purchase in-app items to boost and unlock heroes on Mobile Legends.

LINGAP SA MASA. Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) interviews a client seeking medicine assistance through Libreng Gamot Para Sa Masa at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) on Monday. Lingap Sa Masa is a medicine assistance program of the Office of the President implemented

by DSWD in partnership with six government hospitals throughout the country. It aims to provide free medicines to indigent Filipinos needing current treatment for illness or injuries. DSWD regions NCR, 3, 6, 7 and 11 currently undertake the Php 1 billion medicine assistance program.

DSWD Davao Region has been allotted Php 150 million to carry out the program with SPMC and DRMC (Davao Regional Medical Center) in Tagum City. (DSWD Photo)

SSS warns public of fake checks

T Partnership to level up Mobile Legends experience in PH L

Elevated experience for

PARTNERSHIP. Smart and TNT teamed up with Moonton, publisher of the hit mobile game Mobile Legends, to introduce awesome experiences, perks and treats to Filipino gamers. In the photo are (from left) Moonton Senior

Fastest Smart LTE for mobile gaming Smart subscribers may enjoy Mobile Legends and all their favorite games when they top up with Giga Surf 50, which offers 1GB data plus 300MB for YouTube and more, as well as unlimited texts to all networks.

Smart users will also enjoy data perks which they can use for Mobile Legends on top of their prepaid promo or plan.

On the other hand, TNT is also rolling out affordable Tropa Apps offer where users can play Mobile Legends with their tropa for 3 days at only P10.

Gamers can also take their gameplay to another level by latching on Smart LTE, the fastest mobile connection available in the country, according to the latest study by UK-based re-

Esports and gaming partnerships Smart and TNT’s team-up with Moonton follows a string of partnerships and successful gaming events with world-leading game developers and organizers.

In 2016, Smart teamed up with Germany-based ESL, the world’s largest eSports company, to gather the world’s top DOTA 2 players in ESL One Manila, Asia’s first and biggest premium DOTA 2 event.

In 2015, Smart backed the eSports and Gaming Summit, the country’s biggest showcase of games, as presented the Philippine Clash, the country’s biggest Clash of Clans tournament.

The company also put together the Rampage 2015, the national finals league for the League of Legends. (PR)

Marketing Manager Mandy Dai; Mobile Legends Publishing Director Cheng Xu; Smart Head for Product Management Mitch Padua; and Smart Head for Digital Products and Partnerships Harvey Libarnes. (SMART Photo)

HE Social Security System (SSS) warned its members and the public of a possible spread of fake checks after the pension fund was informed that a grocery store received as payment a fake SSS check.

SSS Senior Vice President for Luzon Operations Group Josie G. Magana said that the fake SSS check amounting to P20,000 was used to pay groceries at Catanduanes Supermart of Virac Catanduanes by a certain Gina S. Henzon.

“According to Precious Sorra, Secretary of the supermart, they accepted the check after verifying the voter’s ID of the buyer which looked valid.

However, upon deposit of the check with their bank, they were informed that it was spurious,” said Magana.

Sorra immediately went to SSS Virac to report the fake check. Afterwhich, SSS Virac Branch Head Divina T. Avila instructed Edgar S. Rubio, Officer-In-Charge for Admin Section to check the name and SS number of Henzon. However, the SS number was invalid and such name is not registered in

the SSS database.

“Aside from non-existing name and invalid SS number, the signatories in the check who were employees of SSS Urdaneta were also forged.

Authorized signatories of SSS checks are not rank-and-file employees,” said Magana.

Avila later on instructed Jerald F. Competente, Verifier of SSS Virac to make a follow-up investigation at Barangay Palta Small in Virac which was the address indicated in the check. Based on the investigation, people in the area do not know Henzon and is not a resident of the said barangay.

“We advise the public, especially establishments, that before they accept checks as payment, kindly call SSS first to verify its authenticity. Also, valid SSS checks are attached to a voucher indicating the information about the payee as well as payment details from SSS,” said Magana.

To report fake checks, members and the public may call the SSS hotline at numbers 920-6446 to 55 or email member_relations@sss.gov. ph. (PR)

HE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said that it will provide free skills training to returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who worked in foreign countries affected by crisis or those who have problems with their employers abroad.

TESDA Director General, Secretary Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong said that the free skills training program aims to assist the OFWs in finding employment here and abroad.

Mamondiong also said that the skills training project would determine the appropriate assistance needed

should they decide to open a business or any other income-generating opportunities.

Apart from the free skills training program, the OFWs would also be given free assessment and certification which are requirements for employment, TESDA said.

The free skills program is also extended to the immediate family members of OFWs. Interested applicants may visit the regional, provincial and district offices of TESDA and submit the documents, such referral letter from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), if their names are

Free skills training for returning OFWs T FFREE, 10

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

EDITORIAL

A

Growing economic muscle

ND then there was Mexico.

Davao City continues to attract foreign economies to invest here. Coming at the heels of China’s expression of interest, now arrives Mexico.

Recent Davao visitor Mexican Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Julio Camarena revealed that Mexico has been exploring the business portfolio in Davao City and is positive at adding the city to its future areas of investment.

The investment prospects are in ecosystem ventures, hydro technology, tourism, manufacturing, agro-industry, telecommunications and infrastructure.

Mexico has been eyeing the city for business expansions and had even consulted with officials of the city government, the Mindanao Development Authority and the Davao City

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ KENNETH IRVING K. ONG JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO JECIA ANNE OPIANA MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters 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: TACIO GREGORIO G. DELIGERO • JOHNSR., CARLO TRIA • VIDA MIA S. VALVERDE FRED C. LUMBA • ANTONIO BORBON •HENRYLITO MARY ANND. “ADI” C.•QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO•ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY V.ZEN FIGUEROA CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. Add to this is the dynamism of Dr. Ma. Lourdes Garcia-Monteverde, past president of DCCCII, who is now honorary consul to Mexico.

Mexico had a history of bilateral exchange with the Philippines way back during the Galleon Trade. This led to exchange of agricultural products and the influence of Mexico on Philippine culture in terms of language, culture, and tradition. Not to mention the love of Pinoys for tacos, burritos and fajitas.

At present, Mexico remains to be one of the biggest foreign investors in the country alongside United States, Japan, United Kingdom.

Locally, the promise of investments should be another energy boost to Davao’s growing economic muscles.

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

For once, real public investments: Part 2: Public infrastructure is needed

T

HUS, the high value added of the manufacturing enterprise may be better placed in another area where infrastructure is better. It gives the company options in case the initial investments does not work out. The coconut processing plant, therefore, may engage in other businesses that will enable its survival even as labor and other costs increase for the original process.

Clearly, infrastructure matters.

Having the right ports, roads, and communications systems enable investors to have options in case the initial investment or intentions fail, or recomputation of returns may be needed.

Infrastructure is primarily a public investment. No G-20 country progressed without investing infrastructure, even if it meant not obtaining the necessary financial returns to make investors happy.

Just visit nearby Malaysia and

B

EFORE Imelda Romualdez met and snared former Philippine president Ferdinand E. Marcos in an 11-day whirlwind courtship, the famous Ilocano politico was romantically linked to Gilda, daughter of David Walstorm, an American plantation owner, and wife Gabriela Gruet.

As fate would have it, both Gilda and Imelda became finalist in the search for Miss Philippines, an event that was part of the Philippine International Fair held in Manila from February 1 to April 30, 1953. (In other accounts, she is referred to as Hilda.)

Ms. Walstorm’s participation as Davao’s representative in the fair was a difficult target. The political leaders knew Davao, as the premier province in the south, had much to gain in terms of publicity if it became part of the national event. But to select get there it required funds from both the province and private sources.

Not willing to waste time, the Provincial Board of Davao promptly passed Resolution No. 651, approving the holding of a provincial beauty contest to raise the needed funds and to augment the appropriation set aside by the province.

Under the mechanics, all twenty towns were required to have a beauty queen each who would participate in the province-wide

Thailand and see what proper infrastructure spending can do. It can level the playing field for business and unleash economic activities that help make investments more viable, and encourage expansion. They both have railways and highways that enable mobility and efficient logistics, making it cheaper to trade, and work and take in the twenty million tourists in Malaysia and the even bigger number for Thailand. The Philippines only managed to be proud of its five million. In foreign direct investments, these two countries consistently get at least twice as much foreign direct investment than our 5 billion dollar figure in 2015. Little wonder these countries were able to cut poverty significantly in the last twenty years.

Unfortunately for the Philippines in the last two administrations, public investments were always conditioned by the availabil-

MY TWO CENTS’ John Tria ity of private investment to make financial resources available. This is where privatization of necessary public services came in. Think of metro manila’s major roads leading in and out of the metropolis- they are tollways operated by private investors. The same goes for the water system- they are

operated by private companies.

In both cases, reasonable returns are guaranteed by government in favor of the private operator.

For the public, the cost of using these necessary services are high.

Using the South Tollways from end to end sets you back around 300 pesos, which is perhaps the direct fuel cost of the 80 kilometer trip for a fuel efficient vehicle. Malaysian and Thai infrastructure does not cost as much, yet is able to really push movement of goods and people.

Public infrastructure is an investment by the people, and should not have private equity investors to worry about. Is it time that we invested in infrastructure that people can use? When can we stop worrying about attracting investors to pour money into things tax money ought to spend for?

Good public investment entails the usage of money and not ex-

pecting immediate or reasonable returns especially if you want to bring investments like these to areas which are currently poor and need them. The State may need to step in to build the roads, communications facilities and other items needed to facilitate investments, even if it stands to lose in the short to medium term.

The last Administration spent less than the 5% of GDP needed to sustain growth and assure inclusivity. This was the main critique of many banks and donor agencies- underspending stymied the growth story that could have happened in the last administration. In todays government, this spending has been ramped up, and major infrastructure projects long shelved are being revived. There is need for even more. (to be continued) For reactions: facebook. com/johntriapage

glamorous and memorable, the organizers invited first Miss Universe titlist Armi Helena Kuusela, who won her title only nine months earlier. The invitation was sent to her on March 9, 1953. In the country, she stayed until April 11 and paid a courtesy call on the President Elpidio Quirino, met with the legislators from both chambers of Congress, visited numerous academic institutions, and climbed to Baguio where he met Filipino businessman Virgilio Hilario, her future husband.

Marcos was similarly awed by the stunning beauty of Ms. Kuusela such that he proudly introduced himself during her visit in Congress as the most eligible bachelor around. His overture, though, fell on deaf ears. After Miss Universe had left for Tokyo for an engagement related to her reign as beauty queen, rumors linking Marcos romantically to the Davaoeña beauty started to float.

Interestingly, it was President Quirino, a widower, who was head over heels first attracted to Imelda, christened by the media as the ‘Rose of Tacloban.’ In was in 1949, while on a visit to attend a banquet in Tacloban, that he first met Imelda at the Divine Word University. The local maiden displayed her prowess in singing while getting due credit for her alluring good

looks.

Quirino even told Pio Pedrosa, his finance secretary, that he was seriously considering courting Imelda for her charm but later backed out after contemplating such move would have an impact on his presidency. Quirino’s loss, in a way, was Marcos’s gain. Ominous or otherwise, Quirino’s premonition was realized when Marcos married Imelda.

Meanwhile, after her amazing rise to prominence, Ms. Walstorm, who had a sister named Virginia, returned home to Padada to assist her parents in running their agricultural venture. After their death, she took over the coconut plantation from the original incorporators.

In later years, she donated a portion of the estate to be development into subdivision named after her. This is situated at Guihing, now part of the town of Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. Part of the defunct plantation is now planted to bananas owned by Lapanday Banana Corporation, otherwise known as Guihing Agricultural Development Corporation (GADECO).

Ms. Walstorm’s father, David, as a former superintendent of the Manila Post Office before investing in the Mindanao Estates Plantation, which was originally owned by J.H. Shipley and J.E. Shubert, and managed by Otto V. Hansen.

Marcos’ love interest was from Davao

pageant.

On December 13, 1952, the contestants from every municipality were formally presented before the public, followed by the holding of the first canvassing. The next evening, the second canvassing and proclamation were held, culminating in the wee hours of the morning of December 15, 1952. Proclaimed as Miss Davao Province was Gilda Walstorm, the Miss Padada.

But the winner was not around when the final canvass was completed. Ms. Walstorm only arrived at 1:30 AM, cheered lustily by those who waited for her arrival and seeing her in person. Her entourage included her mother, fiscal Benjamin Gorospe, and lawyer (later judge) Dominador Zuño Sr., to name just a few.

During the coronation, Davao governor Alejandro D. Almendras, as expected, paid tribute to the beauty queen. Miss Maria Norma Mendoza, a beauty queen from Manila, crowned Ms. Walstorm with Doña Nenita D. Floirendo assisting. Miss Davao Province went on to win the Miss Mindanao title in the search for the Miss Philippines winner.

The Miss Philippine pageant took place in the first quarter of 1953, much to the euphoria of all those who graced the affair. On March 20, 1953, Cristina de Leon

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa Galang was proclaimed 1953 Miss Philippines, with journalist Benigno Aquino Jr., later the senator of the republic and father of President Benigno S. Aquino III, escorting her.

Galang’s court of honor included Violeta Villamor, as 1953 Miss Visayas and Pearl of the Orient; Ms. Walstrom as Miss Mindanao; Norma Jimenez, as Miss Manila; and Imelda Trinidad Romualdez, as Muse of Manila, a recognition bestowed on her after then Manila mayor Arsenio Lacson tried nullifying the decision of the Philippine International Fair Committee choosing Ms. Jimenez as Miss Manila.

To make the 1953 fair more

10 NEWS

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Mexico... FROM 1

CATCHING UP. Workers assemble the metal structure which will be used in the upcoming ‘Sugat sa Pagkabanhaw ni Hesus’ in front of San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

Book... FROM 2

among others.

Aside from agri-products, Camarena cited the traditions being observed by the Philippines with Mexican influence such as the Semana Santa or the observance of the Holy Week, misa de gallo, Noche Buena, and fiesta.

Meanwhile, guesting during Wednesday’s Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Ayala Mall Davao City, Honorary Consul of Mexico to the Davao City Dr. Maria Lourdes Garcia-Monteverde gave importance to the efforts exerted by the Mexican ambassador to “reconnect the cultural roots of Davao City to that of Mexico”.

“What the ambassador did was something beyond ordinary compared to other countries that have been to Davao because he is reconnecting

the roots of our ties and that is through our agricultural products,” she said.

The book donation was one of the side events of the ambassador in Davao City.

Aside from that, he bared he has conducted a consultation with the city government, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) to explore for additional areas of opportunity for investment.

In 2013 to 2014, Mexico was the top investor of the Philippines with a total foreign direct investment (FDI) of $6.8billion. At present, Mexico remains to be one of the biggest foreign investors in the country alongside United States, Japan, United Kingdom, among others.

Philvocs, meanwhile, urged the public to determine if their homes and work areas are safe by answering a 12-point questionnaire to assess the earthquake-readiness of their houses. It is based on the recommendation of the National Building Code and Structural

Code of the Philippines.

The checklist “House safe is your house?” is available in the Philvocs website, www. philvocs.dost.gov.ph.

It says that an earthquake resistant house is one that will not collapse in an intensity 9 earthquake. (PNA)

posts, the earthquake was felt practically all over Mindanao.

MindaNews received pictures taken by Kalilangan resident Roxanne Cabanting showing cracks in the Sangguniang Bayan building as well as in one concrete house in the poblacion area. In her Facebook account, Cabanting described the earthquake as so strong, “murag kabungkagon

ang balay” (it appears that the house is about to collapse).

The earthquake came as Mindanawons are preparing for the long weekend during Holy Week.

The past days, a series of earthquakes have also been felt in the waters southeast of Mindanao, as well as in Batangas in Luzon. (Walter I. Balane / MindaNews)

erty rate in the Philippines dropped to 21.6 percent in 2015 from 25.2 percent in 2012.

She stressed that the country’s economic growth is inclusive.

“We see government commitments to further increasing public infrastructure investments, expecting to sustain the Philippines’ growth

momentum throughout 2018,” said Hansl.

Hansl added that improved public infrastructure investments reinforce business and consumer confidence. It also spurs additional business activities, creates more jobs, contributes to higher household consumption, and reduces poverty rate.

(PNA)

DOT... FROM 3

Magnitude... FROM 3

World... FROM 5

11 Abu... FROM 2 fied the Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders who surrendered as Berong Sariol alias Boy Master and Ben Saudi Dambong Sariol alias Boy Pangit.

Petinglay said the siblings Berong and Ben acted as the leaders of separate Abu Sayyaf groups active in kidnap-for-ransom activities in Tawi-Tawi and in neighboring Malaysia.

The other nine ASG members who surrendered are also relatives of the siblings.

They are Jasim Dambong alias Dams, Mujil Dambong, Magelan Langal, Kael Sariol, Nurhamin Sariol, Alhan Sariol, Amnisain Sariol, Akmad Sariol and Benasil Sariol.

The Westmincom said those who surrendered are all residents of Sitio Gigipan, Barangay Baldatal, Sapa-Sapa in Tawi-Tawi.

Seven firearms consisting of an M-16 Armalite rifle with attached M-203 grenade launcher, one M-14 rifle, one M-79 rifle, and four caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle were turned over to the military.

“The surrendered Abu

Sayyaf members will be turned over to the Tawi-Tawi police for the proper legal procedures,” Petinglay said.

According to the military, the Sariol group was tagged in the murder of Father Jesus Reynaldo A. Roda of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) in Tawi-Tawi in 2008 as well as in other kidnapping activities in the province.

The military also linked the Sariol group to the “Muktadil brothers,” who are notorious in kidnap-for-ransom and extortion activities. The siblings Nikson and Brown Mukdatil were killed by soldiers when they tried to escape after their capture in Sulu last year.

“Your armed forces remain committed in sustaining the internal security in Mindanao with the all-out offensives being launched by the joint task forces of the Western Mindanao Command,” Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, said.

Galvez said that a total of 16 Abu Sayyaf members have surrendered lately to the government. (PNA)

ed to beneficiary communities to ensure product linkage with the markets.

She noted the 2016-2020 Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan (CNFIDP) targets to increase aquaculture production in the country over the next five years.

“Production increase of 14.4 percent from fiscal year 2015 to fiscal year 2020 is expected to come from aquaculture interventions particular-

ly on seaweeds, shellfish, food fishes and other high-value species…,” Guerra said.

Moreover, the BFAR official said it worked also for hike in quantity and value of traded fish and fishery products for domestic and export markets.

She noted the Plan aims to reduce by 10 percent the post-harvest losses which accounts to more than 25 percent of total production.

(PNA)

the upper floor of a still unnamed hospital were evacuated to the ground floor when the tremor started.

Based on the Phivolcs report, the earthquake at Wao and Kalilangan was felt at Intensity 7.

Intensity 4 was felt in Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato City, Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental, Matalam in North Cotabato and Davao

City.

Intensity 3 was recorded in Kabacan, North Cotabato; Maramag, Quezon and Don Carlos in Bukidnon; and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat.Intensity 2 was felt in the cities of Kidapawan in North Cotabato and Koronadal in South Cotabato.The quake was also felt in Camiguin and Misamis Oriental provinces (Intensity 1). (PNA)

PH... FROM 5

Quake... FROM 6

the exchange of agricultural products between the two countries but the influence of Mexico on Philippine culture in terms of language, culture, and tradition.

“The Galleon Trade is the first example of free trade between the two countries and what the Mexico and the Philippines has been doing today is in the same tradition of keeping the Galleon Trade alive,” said Camarena.

“What we are doing here in Davao is trying to look at the portfolio and looking at additional areas for further investment,” said Camarena who added many of the Mexican companies in the Philippines have already set up their subsidiaries in Davao City such as FEMSA, a multinational beverage company headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico that serves as the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products in the world by volume, and Apo Cement Plant owned by Cemex, a Mexican multinational building materials company.

Also guesting at the forum, Honorary Consul of Mexico to the Davao City Dr. Maria Lourdes Garcia-Monteverde said the consul was amazed by the active involvement of MinDa which presented a list

of projects where Mexican investors could invest on.

“MinDa presented us projects on infrastructure and renewable energy and I think the development of the country really relies on that,” noted the ambassador.

On May, the Mexican embassy will spearhead the conduct of Filipino-Mexican Business Council Meeting which aims to bring potential investors in the country.

In 2013 to 2014, Mexico was the number one foreign direct investor of the Philippines with a foreign direct investment (FDI) of $6.8 billion.

In the same duration, Philippines had an FDI of $600 million to Mexico.

One of the biggest investments of Mexico in the country in 2013 was the arrival of FEMSA has brought in $2.6 billion worth of investments after acquiring 51% of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) from The Coca-Cola Company.

In the same duration Cemex has brought in $3.6 billion worth of investments.

According to Camarena, at present, Mexico remains to be one of the biggest foreign investors in the country alongside United States, Japan, United Kingdom, among others.

insurgent groups and between armed groups and security forces. These incidents often result in deaths and property destruction, and innocent bystanders have occasionally been taken hostage. Several foreigners have been kidnapped in this region. If you are visiting or living in this region despite this advisory, review your security situation regularly and take appropriate precautions, particularly when visiting places frequented by foreigners,” it added.

Canada, however, noted that there was no nationwide advisory in effect for the Philippines.UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) also warned British citizens against all travel to Western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of “terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups” and advised them to remain vigilant at all times and report anything suspicious to local

authorities.”

“The FCO advice against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao and to the south of Cebu province, up to and including the municipalities of Dalaguete and Badian, due to the threat of terrorism,” it said.

“There is a high threat from terrorism throughout the country. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out attacks at anytime and anywhere in the country.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners like airports, shopping malls, public transport and places of worship,” the advisory further said.

Philippine chief of police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, earlier confirmed terrorist threats to kidnap tourists in Central Visayas but assured the public that government s. security forces were on top of the situation. (PNA)

dents of the village recruited by the NPA before the clash.

About 200 families have fled to safer grounds with the local government of Magpet providing emergency assistance to the affected families.

They were from the village of Balite who moved to the adjacent villages of Katindu and Anuling in nearby Arakan town, also in North Cotabato.

Argamosa said the attack

in Barangay Mahongcog was well planned with the attackers coming in the village using Toyota Fortuner vehicles and passenger vans.

Argamosa vowed to continue pressing the rebels who he condemned “for taking advantage of the government’s peace initiative to build forces and collect revolutionary taxes from innocent civilians.”

(PNA)

still not listed on the database of the agency, and passport.

Immediate family members who want to avail of the free skills training program should bring a photocopy of

the passport of the returning OFW, letter of authorization from the OFW, and marriage or birth certificate which would prove that they are immediate relatives of the OFW.

UK... FROM 3

Troops... FROM 6

Free... FROM 7

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

Chill and grill

ADMIT IT, you should have booked your ticket to some island paradise in time with the long Holy Week holiday to skip the heat and maybe even have a good time. I know that we all have our own valid reasons why we would rather stay put in Durianburg than brave the congested airports and even more congested beaches but staying put in Durianburg does not necessarily mean that we should be devoid of a little fun or even good food.

One way to spend the hot summer Fridays and Saturdays away is at The Deck of the Marco Polo Davao. Families can enjoy the night sky and chillax by the pool while enjoying a buffet of grilled items like lamb chops, tiger king prawns, fish, sausages and chicken with unlimited servings of local beers with the hotel’s Fire and Ice promotion.

I love how you can mix and match your favourite grilled meat and seafood with the abundant choices of salads and greens at the buffet. My favourite mix and match item would be Marco Polo Davao’s signature kinilaw served with fatty grilled lamb chops. The tartness of the kinilaw balances the richness of the lamb chops. Of course simple grilled king prawns are always a delightful eat too. Add to that freeflowing local beers as well as decadent desserts and fresh fruits and you have

the complete island feast in the middle of urban Davao. Entertainment every evening is courtesy of the Subak Fire Dancers who can literally give fire dancers in Boracay a run for their money. You can even take a selfie with them after their exciting fire dance extravaganza.

The Marco Polo Davao’s Fire and Ice grill and chill promotion is priced at Php1300 per person and will is available now and lasts until the end of May, a perfect summer reward for us who choose to stay put.

EDGEDAVAO

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FOOD ROYAL CHEF A3

of Egg Coffee but no-no.

Their milk tea is made of pure and refreshing all-natural premium tea bags imported from Vietnam and milk. The Mint Milk tea was the combination of Black Tea and the sweet flavour of mint. This cuppa is refreshingly good.

Was I craving for coffee all the while? YES! Was my thirst for delish Vietnamese drink quenched with their Mint Milk tea? YES. Would I order it again? Of course. You should too.

The pizza was uniquely good. Expecting thin or thick dough crust?

Theirs is made with grilled rice paper as the crust, quail eggs, fried

shallots, and scallion oil, with ground beef, aromatic dried shrimp and a hefty amount of grated cheese on top. Yummy!

If you are expecting to share, lay down the rules.

You’d thank me later.

Other Milk tea variants are the Strawberry (Black Tea + Sweetness of Strawberry), Peach (Black Tea + Aromatic Flavours of Peaches), Apple (Black Tea + Sweet-tart Juicy Apple) and Matcha (Strong vegetal taste with natural sweetness loaded with high anti-oxidants).

On the menu also is the famous Viet Iced Coffee of aromatic Authentic Arabica and Robusta Vietnamese coffee with milk.

Banh Mi (Freshly

VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

baked Vietnamese baguette, stuffed with aromatic and flavourful filling, savoury condiments, crunchy pickles, rich pate and fresh herbs) is also on the menu. Choose from the Classic Banh Mi Supreme or their Lemon Grass Chicken.

Cảm ơn bạn, Viet Cafe. Hẹn gặp lại.

Viet Café is located at 41-9 Cervantes Generoso Street, Bo. Obrero, Davao City and is open from 2:00pm to 10:00pm. For inquiries, you may call them at 0939 609 1272.

Want to know my latest food finds? Follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and my blog theroyalchefeats.wordpress. com. Happy munching, Royalistas!

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

Sai-gone to

VIET CAFE

VIETNAM. Historical places and rice papers. Coffee and baguettes. Pho. Yes, that Vietnam.

Looking back, Vietnam did me good. I have become more of a foodie, I’ve appreciated the many benefits of fresh coriander and the importance of a slice of lime on a hot bowl of Pho. Not to mention, mornings spent outside, on a low chair and table, with a cup of hot or cold Viet coffee. The life.

Despite the distance, Davao already has a few

dining places that highlights the many delicious

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reasons why Vietnamese cuisine is your next best comfort food find.

Though still making its way onto the palates of Dabawenyo’s, it has slowly made an impact in the lives of those who are not afraid to taste something new. Have you?

Always looking for a new dining place, Viet Cafe has been a most visible gastro place on social media. From friends who rave about their Pho to acquaintances who love their splendid and inexpensive Banh Mi, you’d surely be thrilled to know that Viet Cafe is not a full-blown gastro place. Despite lacking tables and chairs and airconditioned room, Viet Cafe’s quaint menu will make you forget about them all.

Speaking of which, their menu is very simple. With just the staples of Vietnamese cuisine, you would be treated to a whirlwind of fresh and refreshing flavours on anything you’d want to eat that day. My choice?

Pho. Beef broth Pho and al dente rice noodles with slivers of soft beef strips topped with fresh sprouted beans, coriander leaves, white onion and kalamansi on the side. It’s so Vietnamese yet so Pinoy with the addition of Kalamansi (normally, Vietnamese Pho is served with a slice of lime). Not to mention the hoisin sauce served on the side.

Normally, I’d settle for an all-vegetable Vietnamese spring roll and Mango cashew salad.

Since both were not available, I opted for Vietnamese Pizza (with ground beef, of course) and a cuppa of their Mint Milk tea. I know, I know. I should’ve ordered coffee or their cup

ROYAL CHEF A2

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EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

849 new HIV cases reported

T

HE Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a total of 849 new HIV cases for February 2017 based on the latest HIV/AIDS Registry of the Philippines (HARP) report and majority of them or 95 percent were male while two others were pregnant women.

The figure was also five cases higher compared to the 844 cases recorded in January 2017.

“This was 13 percent higher compared to the same period last year, which was 751,” the report said.

Some 94 of them were now classified as full-blown acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases.

Still, sexual contact continues to be the number one mode of transmission with a total of 828, most of which are from the male-having-sex-with-male (MSM) population comprising 707 of the current total cases.

Homosexual contact had the highest number with 442, followed by the bisexual contact with 265, while heterosexual contact led to 121 cases.

Nineteen cases of injecting drug users were also recorded as transmitting HIV. Aside from that, some 95 deaths were also noted in the report.

National Capital Region (NCR) registered with the most number of cases with a total of 310; followed by Calabarzon with 129; Central Luzon with 102; Central Visayas with 79; and Davao Region with 52.

A total of 63 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were also found to have acquired HIV/ AIDS, and all of which were infected through sexual contact.

Since 1984, there is now a total of 41,315 HIV cases, including 3,849 AIDS cases, and 2,097 deaths.

Death can happen because immune system of HIV patients who progressed as AIDs patients can be damaged further by opportunistic infections which can lead to their death.

Since HIV weakens the ability of the immune system to fight the opportunistic infections, a person with HIV should be provided with anti-retroviral therapy (ARTs).

It is important that HIV positive individuals will seek this form of intervention/treatment and take regularly the ART everyday to prolong their life and boost their immune system.

Of course, practicing healthy lifestyle like quitting from smoking and drinking alcohol is also important as they take the treatment.

It is also important that an HIV patient will not expose himself further to other co-infections so that their body’s defense from illness will not further deteriorate.

DOH Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial said that ARTs can be accessed in the treatment hubs of DOH and are given free.

To prevent death and ensure that it is not the end of everything for an individual with HIV, it is important that they seek early treatment or know their status.

By knowing one’s status, an individual who suspects that he/she has acquired HIV will know what to do, get the right counseling and treatment needed. (PNA)

both the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) and the BOC (Bureau of Customs) have performed well, with the Customs Bureau actually exceeding targets in the fourth quarter.”

Dominguez has welcomed the move by the House committee on ways and means to “approve in principle” the first phase of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) before the Lenten break of the Congress.

Dominguez said the decision of this committee chaired

by Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua to pass tax reforms as a package rather than on a piecemeal basis is a step closer for the Congress to help the Duterte administration fund its ambitious agenda to sustain the high-growth momentum, dramatically cut poverty and transform the country into a high middle-income economy by 2022.

The House ways and means panel voted in its 8th public hearing on the CTRP to “approve in principle” tax reform as a package and not on a piecemeal basis, subject to the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) that would draw up a substitute bill consolidating the proposed reforms by the Department of Finance (DOF) with other tax-related proposals by the

lawmakers.

He said that funding the Duterte administration’s ambitious public investment program will be done through the implementation of the CTRP, which aims to make the current outdated tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient.

“May I also mention that we did this in record time.

There’s no other administration that has submitted a tax reform program within 90 days of its assumption of office,” Dominguez said.

According to the finance chief, now is the best time to push this tax reform plan, considering that interest rates remain low enough to attract investments and a “large demographic wave of young Filipinos are about to enter the workforce, expecting a dynamic economy that will have jobs for them and space for their dreams.”

“There is no other way to state the urgency of passing the tax reform package at the soonest than to say we are at a Cinderella moment today.

If we do not seize this rare opportunity to break the old cycle of high poverty, poor infrastructure and low growth, we will condemn the next generations to the past we want to leave behind,” Dominguez said. (PR)

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COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

Tourism sec to speak th during 4 Davao ICon T

OURISM Secretary Wanda T. Teo will be one of the top-caliber speakers to discuss investment opportunities in the Davao Region and the Philippines in general during the 4th Davao Investment Conference (ICON) on July 21-22 at the SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang Premiere in Davao City.

This was reported by Arturo M. Milan, trustee of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DC-

CCII) who met with Secretary Teo on March 29, 2017 at the DOT office in Makati. Davao ICON is chaired by trustee Milan and one of conference focus areas is tourism development in the region.

Ms Teo’s address is expected to unveil what’s next for the tourism industry and the tourism players in Davao under the new administration.

The secretary’s confirmation to talk during the conference is a display of the depart-

ment’s support to the objectives of 2017 Davao ICon and a clear manifestation of the good partnership between the private and public sector in promoting inclusive development, Milan said.

The 2017 Davao ICon’s theme is: Davao: The Gateway to a World of Infinite Investments. One of its aims is to highlight Davao Region’s abundant resources and majestic landscapes attracting a number of tourists all year

round making it ideal for investment.

The two-day conference will happen on July 21-22, 2017 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier.

The four focus areas of the conference are Infrastructure and Connectivity, Tourism, Manufacturing, and Agriculture. Aside from the anticipated conference, it will also showcase site visits, business matching as well as a trade exhibit.

INSIDE DOT OFFICE. From left, 4th Davao Investment Conference (Icon) chair Arturo M. Milan, Ms. Marissa Diploma (DOT), Sec. Wanda Teo (DOT), and Dante Pollescas (Aboitiz).

US, PH sign child protection compact partnership

T

HE United States and the Philippines signed a new partnership on April 11 to enhance efforts to reduce online child sexual exploitation and child labor trafficking in the Philippines. The U.S.-Philippines Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership, signed by Secretary of Justice and Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Chair Vitaliano N. Aguirre II and

Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Michael S. Klecheski is a jointly-developed, four-year plan aimed at bolstering current efforts to prosecute and convict child traffickers; provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for child victims of these crimes; and prevent these crimes from occurring in the future.

The signing of the partnership facilitates the Department of State’s Office to

Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons award of up to Php149 million in U.S. foreign assistance funds to address online child sexual exploitation, as well as an additional Php25 million to increase awareness and improve the response to child labor trafficking.

The Partnership reflects a shared concern about the harmful and lasting impact of online sexual exploitation of

Filipino children – especially when undetected – and a mutual interest in partnering to improve efforts to prevent children from becoming exploited in domestic servitude or other forms of child labor trafficking.

Learn more about the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons and other Child Protection Compact Partnerships at https:// www.state.gov/j/tip/. (PR)

small children, especially infants, are vulnerable to diseases, which abound in congested areas.

Senior citizens, especially those with hypertension, should likewise stay at home as the severe heat could make them ill, she added.

Those who insist on going should at least be accompanied by a family member, who should ensure that their med-

icines are on hand, the health chief said.

Ubial further suggested that those who will join the Visita Iglesia wear comfortable clothes and bring an adequate supply of drinking water to avoid dehydration.

“Even when you don’t feel thirsty, you have to rehydrate yourself by drinking at least one glass every hour,” she said.

She also advised devotees

to bring food that do not get spoiled easily, such as biscuits and crackers.

Those with chronic illnesses should bring their medicines, she added.

Filipino devotees perform the traditional Visita Iglesia during Holy Week, usually on Maundy Thursday, going to seven different churches to pray before the Blessed Sacrament in each church. (PNA)

DOH: Don’t bring babies, elderly during Visita Iglesia

H

EALTH Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial advised devotees performing the Visita Iglesia this Holy Week to refrain from bringing along babies and senior citizens to protect them from illnesses.

“If possible, don’t bring small children or babies to crowded places to prevent them from contracting diseases,” Ubial said, explaining that

12 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

Crop yields drop due to soil salinization

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

L

AST March, President Rodrigo Duterte came to Myanmar (English name: Burma) for a two-day official visit. He met President U Htin Kyaw and discussed on how the bilateral relations between the two countries be further strengthened.

“President Duterte’s visit to Myanmar is significant in many respects,” Alex Chua, Philippine Ambassador to the Myanmar, was quoted as saying. “In particular, the discussion will include talks on improving trade and investment relations.”

Myanmar is just like the Philippines. “All peoples of Burma are naturally friendly and hospitable,” the All-Asia Travel Guide stated. “English is widely spoken and a foreign visitor will encounter few problems when dealing with the ordinary people in the street or in the countryside.”

The country is a haven for photographers. “So, long as you do not expect all the modern convenience of Western life, a holiday in Burma can provide a rewarding experience. It is particularly rewarding for those looking for unusual and striking images to photograph,” the travel guide said.

Just like the Philippines, agriculture plays a key role in its economy. But unlike the Philippines, the country is divided into zones (where Philippines is categorized into regions).

Let’s take a closer look at Central Dry Zone, which covers 13 districts and 57 townships. It is home to 11.5 million people or 27% of the total population in Myanmar.

With an average population density of 99 persons per square kilometer, it is the third most densely populated in the country.

“The topography is generally undulating,” explains Dr. Amy Soe, of the Department of Agriculture Planning which is under the Ministry of Agri-

culture and Irrigation, on why the region is called as such.

“Most of the local streams are dry for much of the year with water flow limited to rainy periods.”

The average rainfall is about 650 millimeters per year. No wonder, the region’s agricultural systems are complex; farmers cultivate paddy and non-rice crops (pulses, oilseeds, cotton, tobacco, and vegetables, to name a few) and raise livestock at the same time.

Most of the people are dependent on the south-west monsoon, which starts in mid-July and last until October. “Over the last decade, there has been an increasingly higher frequency of lower amounts of rainfall occurring annually,” Dr. Soe reports.

But what’s even more alarming is that the soils, the primary source of farming, are being blown away by strong winds and eroded during an intense rain. The continuous farming of the land has resulted in soil salinization, as what Dr. Soe’s study found out.

The study – done in Mandalay, Sagaing and Magway – was conducted with support from the ELD (Economics of Land Degradation) Initiative and the Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA).

In Myanmar, just like in the Philippines, irrigation plays a crucial role in crop production. But once water is misuse, it may result to salinization. “Salinity is a common problem in dry regions where the rainfall is too low and irrigation is practiced without proper drainage,” Dr. Soe explains. “Such irrigation practices can lead to accumulate salts in the root zone, which give negative on soil properties and crop productivity.”

More often than not, salinization takes place among rice fields. It takes about 3,000 liters of water to pro-

So, long as you do not expect all the modern convenience of Western life, a holiday in Burma can provide a rewarding experience. It is particularly rewarding for those looking for unusual and striking images to photograph

duce one kilogram of rice, reports the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

“Water quality is usually associated with both the salinity and sodium content of the water,” Dr. Soe says. “Sodium present in irrigation water can adversely affect soil structure and the growth of the crop.”

Farmers know it well.

Generally, they get to know the soil condition through the texture and color. “At the time of rice planting until harvesting, they observe that some parts of their farms

have white salt crust. This results to the stunting of the crop’s growth. Later on, the leaves of the plants turn red and the proper yield cannot be fully attained. In some cases, the whole turn dry before harvest,” says Dr. Cho Cho San, who is with the policy and planning unit of the agriculture’s Department of Planning.

When this happens, farmers may abandon their farms, according to a study conducted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

But there are some farmers who try to solve the salinity problem by adopting various conservation measures.

Among them are the following: application of organic and chemical fertilizers, using farm yard manure, intercropping, mulching, no-tillage cultivation, crop rotation, and appropriate drainage.

While 90% of farmers know that their farms are degraded due to saline water that comes from irrigation water, the study showed, 80% of them believed there are no policies and programs that can curtail land degradation, particularly salinity problems.

The study said: “Even though the farmers noticed that their soil had a salinity

problem that leads to lower soil fertility and reduced productivity of their crop, they lack knowledge on how to combat the problem and what appropriate measures can be taken to reduce the soil problem in their farms.”

To solve the salinity problem, the study suggests seven policy recommendations. Among these are: feasibility studies to be done before irrigation systems are constructed; soil and water management action plans be included in soil and water salinity monitoring in all levels; urgent and effective action on highly affected alkalinity and salinity areas; and establishment of water user groups and farmer organizations.

The study also urged the government to address low crop productivity in salinity affected by area by instituting programs such as the introduction of salt-tolerant varieties and promotion of appropriate agronomic farming practices.

In addition, the study recommends that other irrigation-induced land degradation problems like waterlogging and acidity should be addressed.

“The existing capacity of government extension ser-

vices need to be strengthened because they play a critical role in diffusing new technology and practices to farmers,” the study urges.

All these should be heeded before it’s too late. “If problem is not solved, the salinity condition will be worsen associated with climate change,” Dr. San points out.

“The present study found that there is considerable crop loss and benefit loss for the farmers and agricultural sector which contributes 34% of country’s gross domestic product.”

Dr. San further says: “In local level, by the experience during this study, farmers find the other option such as going to abroad, or move to urban for making new livelihood.”

But it’s never too late yet.

“Our government has adopted land use policy and existing laws which are related to sustainable land management,” says Associate Professor Dr. Thanda Kyi, director of the ASEAN Section of the Department of Agricultural Planning which is under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. “However, policy into program and action on sustainable land management implementation is still weak due to planning and budget allocation.”

VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of Lay-out Artist Qualifications: • Male / Female • Knowledgeable in Adobe Photoshop and Indesign application • Willing to work under pressure

Accounting Clerks (2) Qualifications: • BS Accountancy Graduate • Female • Can work with minimum supervision • Experience of at least one year

Account Executive Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate • Male/Female • With pleasing personality Send your application letter and resume to: Ella P. Tingzon HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City Or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

SP VISIT. Lt. Col. Marion T. Angcao (center), 73rd Infantry Battalion commander, pays a courtesy call during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Sarangani province in Alabel town last week. Board Members (left-right) Virgilio Clark Tobias, Fredo P. Basino, Jess Bascuna, Vice Governor Elmer T. de Peralta; and (right-left) Arman U. Guili, Joseph M. Calanao,

George Falgui, Cesar Nallos and Hermie Galzote were all present during the session. Angcao replaced Lt. Col. Felix Ronnie B. Babac last January. The 73rd IB covers the whole areas of Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental and four municipalities in Sarangani Province - Glan, Malapatan, Alabel and Malungon. (Ener T. Toguin for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

RP condemns terrorist attack in Egypt church

T

HE Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said the Philippines strongly condemned the terrorist attacks on Palm Sunday (April 9) in Egypt.

The first blast happened at St. George Church in the Nile Delta town of Tanta, where at least 27 people were killed and 78 others wounded.

The second explosion, which Egypt’s Interior Ministry said was caused by a suicide bomber who tried to storm St. Mark’s Cathedral in the coastal city of Alexandria, leaving at least 17 dead, and 48

injured.

The attack came just after Pope Tawadros II, leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, finished services.

“Such heinous acts of violence have no place in today’s world. We condole with the Egyptian Government and the families of the victims and continue to stand with Egypt and the international community in the fight against terrorism,” the DFA press statement said.

Acting DFA spokesman and Assistant Secretary Robespierre

Bolivar said in a text message that based on the report of our Embassy in Cairo, no Filipino casualty in the twin incident.

Reports claimed that at least three police officers were killed in the St. Mark’s attack, the ministry told The Associated Press.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks via its Aamaq media agency, following the group’s recent video vowing to step up attacks against Christians, who the group describes as “infidels” empowering the West against Muslims. (PNA)

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

TWIN THRILLER T Bornea twins banner GAB Convention’s Davao card

HE fighting Bornea twins – Jake and Jade – of General Santos City, Philippines will headline an exciting showcase highlighting the 3rd GAB Philippine Boxing Convention on May 12 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Lanang, Davao City.

Jake (11-2-0, 5 KOs) of Sanman-Amoy Boxing Stable will be fighting Renerio “Amazing” Arizala (13-6-1, 5 KOs) of the Jonathan Pe-

nalos a Boxing Stable from Mandaluyong City for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Inter-Continental Super Flyweight title.

T w i n brother Jade (7-0, 4 KOs), on

FIGHTING TWINS. Jake (right) and Jade (left) Bornea.

the other hand, will be facing former Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) light flyweight champion Jetly Purisima (2122-4, 6 KOs) of Gensan in the undercard.

The boxing event, which is organized by the Games and Amusements Board will be witnessed by the boxing promoters, managers and ring officials of the Philippines.

“It is a great time to showcase the talents of the Bornea twins,” said Jim Claude Manangquil, CEO of Sanman Promotions.

Jake, 21, has already beaten Arizala by a unanimous decision in his first title defense of his WBO Asia Pacific Youth flyweight title last April 2, 2016 at the Oval Plaza in Genesan.

“I will not take him lightly and I’m expexting a better Arizala this time” said Jake BorneaJake, however, is coming from a 7th technical knockout loss from the hands of undefeated Andrew Selby in their battle for the IBF Inter-Continental flyweight title held November 18 at the Wembley Arena in Wembley, London, United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Jade is fresh from capturing the IBF Youth super flyweight crown via a unanimous decision against Raul Yu of Cebu last February 26 at the Lagao Gym in Gensan.

MWP leads Lakers in what could his farewell game

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ETTA World Peace turned back the clock in his possible swan song in Los Angeles to lead the Lakers to victory and dealing the fifth straight loss of the New Orleans Pelicans, 108-96, on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) at the Staples Center.

World Peace did most of his damage on offense in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of his team-high 18 points including three triples, to lead the Lakers

in pulling away to its fifth win in a row in what could possibly be his final home game as a Laker The 17-year vet hasn’t made any retirement plans, but displayed a thrilling outing that had the Staples Center crowd and his teammates cheering and chanting his name as he scored all his points after the break.

The Lakers led by as much as 17 before the Pelicans managed to come as close as 10 the

rest of the way.

Jordan Clarkson and Brandon Ingram tallied 15 points apiece for the Lakers, who are assured of the third worst record in the league despite a late season resurgence.

This means more pingpong balls for them in the NBA Draft lottery, but will lose their firstround selection to Philadelphia if they don’t end up with any of the top three picks in the upcoming draft.

Lebron resting strained right calf L DOUBLE TEAMED. Francis Gabriel Escandor of Ateneo de Davao University attracts the double team from the defense of Assumption College of Davao during the 4th SBP-Escandor Cup Inter-HIgh School basketball tournament at the Gold Star Gym on Sunday, April 9.

Ateneo defeated ACD for its fourth win in five games. Lean Daval Jr.

EBRON James will sit out Cleveland’s regular-season finale, resting a strained right calf in preparation for the playoffs.

James did not play in Monday’s loss at Miami and general manager David Griffin confirmed Tuesday the three-time NBA champion will also miss Wednesday’s game against Toronto.

The 32-year-old James has not played in the last regular-season game since 2007. He logged 47 minutes in Sunday’s overtime loss at Atlanta. James is attempting to reach the Finals for the seventh straight time.

The Cavaliers have prioritized health and rest over getting the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The defending champions also sat All-Star guard Kyrie Irving against the Heat. He’s been bothered by soreness in his surgically repaired left knee.

Cleveland is also without center Tristan Thompson, who has a sprained right thumb.

RESTING. Lebron James will miss out the finale of the regular season to rest an injury.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

NOT TAKING LIGHTLY Reyes not taking chances on SEABA campaign

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NDRAY Blatche will be on board when Gilas PIlipinas tries to win the Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Championship in Manila.

Gilas coach Chot Reyes justified the move to include naturalized player Blatche in the national team roster for the May 12-18 meet, saying the Filipinos can no longer take for granted its Southeast Asian neighbors as far as the sport is concerned.

Not a few fans reacted negatively to the news that 6-foot10 Blatche will be coming over to suit up for Gilas in the qualifier of the Fiba Asia Cup this August in Beirut, Lebanon.

“We can’t take them lightly anymore,” said Reyes. “As I said, lahat tinitignan natin as serious competition. There’s no room for error in this tour-

nament.”

Reyes cited the case of the Philippines’ return to the Fiba World Cup in Spain, where Gilas nearly stunned cage powers such as Croatia, Argentina, Greece, and Puerto Rico despite not competing in the world stage for 36 years.

“Ang logical comparison diyan is yung Greece or Argentina na hindi kinakabahan sa atin. Ngayon naninigurado na ba sila sa atin? Hindi di ba?

“So that’s the same situation.”

Reyes also explained Southeast Asian teams such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia are now employing the use of naturalized players.

“We’re competitive against

them (world powers) because we have Andray Blatche kaya hindi na sila nakakasiguro sa atin,” Reyes said. “So ganun din ang tingin nila sa kabila (Southeast Asia) against us.”

And lest it be forgotten, Reyes recalled how Marcus Douthit - the naturalized player replaced

by Blatche - played for Gilas during the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore, and yet the team was given a big scare by Indonesia in the gold medal match.

“We can’t discount them,” said Reyes of the opposition,

ON BOARD. Andray Blatche will be in tow for Gilas Pilipinas in SEABA, a tournament the country used to suit up amateur and collegiate standouts. noting the Thais and Indons have already been practicing as teams for almost six months now.

“They already have a team, they’re already practicing.

Tayo we’re still in the process of selecting (the players).”

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive di-

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Knicks.

Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas appears in the top 15 in jersey sales for the first time at No. 14 and Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo made the jump from No. 14 last season to No. 9.

Westbrook’s career-best No. 4 ranking coincides with the MVP race, and the Oklahoma City averaging a triple-double this season.

Bulls forward Jimmy Butler makes his highest appearance on the list at No. 8.

BEST SELLING. Steph Curry’s jersey is still the most sought-after.

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“Besides, we can’t afford to lose in front of our basketball-loving countrymen.

SBP president Al Panlilio added there’s no excuse for Gilas to lose.

“SEABA is very critical because it’s the first tournament,” he said. “We have to win it. No ifs, no buts.”

GSW no. 30 is NBA best Under Armour selling jersey anew SEA 3x3 hoops set

TEPHEN Curry has the best-selling jersey in the NBA for the second consecutive year.

The league announced Tuesday that NBAStore.com sales show the Golden State Warriors’ two-time league MVP leading LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving for the most popular jersey this season.

The NBA also said the Warriors have the best-selling merchandise as a franchise this season, ahead of the Cavaliers, Bulls, Lakers and

HEN I joined Edge Davao-The Business Paper, one veteran newsman was telling us that the new business paper won’t last. I just shrugged it off for I perfectly understand that putting up a new paper in the market won’t be as easy and enjoyable as walking at the Peoples’ Park.

I never told the founders about it because to me, that talk was non-sense.

You see, I joined this paper as one of its pioneers, not because then Associate Editor Greg Deligero is a friend but because I believe in the vision of Antonio M. Ajero, who at that time just came out from retirement as publisher of another paper.

Candidly speaking, I don’t know much then of GM Olive D. Velasco, only to know in the years that I spent at the Edge Davao newsroom, that she is one hell of a loving person,

rector Sonny Barrios is one hundred percent behind his coach, saying Reyes will take an even bigger blame if Gilas will lose the championship.

“Mas mahirap kung matalo tayo, tapos ang sisisihin din ng tao si coach Chot, E di mas maganda yung manigurado ka na,” he stressed.

Why I joined Edge Davao specially to manong Tony.

That kind of friendship is rare and it is a gift.

With manong Tony as our editor in chief, the late Ramon Maxey as editorial consultant, Greg as associate editor, of course there are bumps along the road. Manong Tony is a passionate journalist. I guess, we journalists, young and old, have been always been passionate on almost everything.

I first met manong Tony through the late Ferdie “Batman” Lintuan, our first president of the Davao Sportswriters Association. I had the privilege of introducing him to the DSA officers and members when he was our guest speaker, many moons ago and from then on, I have come to admire him. You see, despite his enormous talent, he has remained humble and generous up to this very day.

Ma’am Olive, on the oth-

CLEAN SLATE

By MOSES P. BILLACURA er hand, I’ve seen, has never cracked under pressure in the trying times of the paper, especially when manong Tony was not on his best mood running the editorial department and stressed by financial constraints.

But that is how newspapers start. Manong Tony and ma’am Olive used to share one office space a decade ago. Today, the second floor is purely for editorial and the ground floor entirely for the

advertising department.

The entire advertising department today used to be the printing area where you can enjoy the aroma of a freshly printed paper and have a chitchat first with Zaldy Nemenzo, our reliable printing guy before you start writing upstairs.

Who would know that one day, I wake up, this paper is now nine years old and our partner printing department, Zion Accuprint is now 10 years old.

By the way, my apologies for not telling our loyal readers on my long absence, things just happen so quickly but I’m back. You see, I got an offer I cannot refuse.

Back to Edge, manong Tony’s mind, actually works, 24 hours a day. Can’t blame him, Edge Davao was then a baby. Him, being a father and a grandfather, knows perfectly how to take care of the pa-

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OME of the best 3x3 youth teams locally will take part in the Under Armour 3x3 Southeast Asia Tournament Philippine leg later this month.

The two-tourney series will take place in Cebu at the Cebu City Sports Club and Ayala Center Cebu on April 2223 and at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig on April 28-30.

The UA 3x3 Southeast Asia Tournament is open to all U-18 male and female basketballers.

Upon registration, the teams will get UA apparel and will be entitled to a 25 percent discount on all UA basketball shoes.

The champion teams will get about Php 36,000 and will get a chance to represent the Philippines in the FIBA 3x3 U18 Asia Cup on May 26-28 in Cyberjaya, Malaysia.

Teams can register online at ua3x3.com.

In-store registration is also open at all Under Armour stores until Wednesday. (PNA)

per like family.

On occasions, we sleep at the newsroom and by morning, I get a free breakfast. Those nights we spent at the newsroom made me witness of how dedicated and serious this fine gentleman in journalism. This gentleman is synonymous to success!

The best part, actually were the discussions in the newsroom which were very, very educational, some of it were revelations.

I know it was stressful in the early years, luckily, our GM Olive was one hell of a talented and resourceful manager. She takes care of the money! Lo and behold, we were paid on time!

It takes a lot of courage, determination and skills to run a newspaper. It is no joke as prices of ink, newsprint and printing equipment continue to increase, each year.

We are just fortunate too that our loyal advertisers and friends have made a longtime commitment of support to manong Tony and ma’am Olive. We are just the beneficiaries of that.

Ate Chay, our Director of Sales, actually wanted me to stay a little bit and join the celebrations. I wish I could but someday, I must.

You see, I’m just so proud of what Edge Davao and Zion Accuprint have become all these years.

To me, Edge Davao-The Business Paper is an extension of my family.

Sometimes, you go astray but eventually, you just simply go back home and receive a warm embrace from the founders, our journalism parents, of this dynamic company.

Happy anniversary Edge Davao!

Cheers!

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 15, 2017