Edge10 issue90 August 6-7 2017

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 90 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

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Serving a seamless society

DISTINCT NUANCE. A Maranao Ustadz paints a panulong, an important component of Maranao traditional house called ‘torogan’, at Magsaysay Park’s Kadayawan village in Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

TOP CULPRIT Careless driving seen cause of most accidents EDGEDAVAO Sports

By JIMMY K. LAKING

DEPLETED R GILAS Fajardo loss could further dampen short-handed Gilas

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eckless driving, and not for any other reason, remains to be the chief cause of most road accidents in Davao City, according to Supt. Ernesto Castillo, chief of the Davao City police of�ice’ traf�ic group.

Castillo told the AFPPNP press conference on Wednesday that reckless or careless driving by motorists has been the number one culprit behind road

accidents, citing a total of 4,225 road accidents over the past several months.

Breaking the �igure down, he said most accidents are committed by owners of private vehicles, followed by motorcycles, with the rest attributed to taxi drivers.

Castillo’s revelation appears to con�irm general observation in the Davao region that while most vehicles are road worthy, reck-

less driving (oftentimes described as human error) is to blame for a spate of road accidents involving passengers vans that have led to unnecessary loss of lives and properties.

Overall however, traf�ic Incidents for the �irst half of the year decreased by 44.15 percent to 4325 from January until June this year compared to 7,744 from the same period this year.

Castillo said his of�ice

data showed a signi�icant reduction of 3,419 or to equivalent to 44.15 percent in the road incidents city wide.

He attributed this to the stringent implementation of traf�ic laws by the traf�ic of�icers.

In 2017, the �igure included a total of 307 minor injuries and 70 serious injuries.

The data also recorded

TOPCULPRIT, 10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 90 •SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

BOOSTER. President Duterte visits the Tactical Command Post of the Joint Special Operations Task Force Trident at Barangay Kilala in Marawi City on Fridayafternoon to boost the morale of the soldiers. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

DND lauds civil sector Sara lauded by conservation Aid for Marawi rehab group for junking Mega proj.

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efense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana said that while the government will do everything to expedite the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City, they are grateful for whatever assistance the private sector and civil society organizations could extend in this endeavor.

In his message read to various stakeholders who gathered during Friday’s “Bangon Marawi” forum at the Conrad Grand Hotel in Pasay City, Lorenzana urged “our partners to

reach out to government through Task Force ‘Bangon Marawi’ so that our efforts can be properly coordinated and managed and our assistance to communities will be properly delivered”.

“I would like to assure our countrymen from Marawi City and other affected communities that their needs are being addressed with utmost consideration of their faith and culture. We will do our best to speed things up,” he said in the

DND, 10

Free tuition in SUCs a blessing: RC prelates

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Catholic bishop has called President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing into law of the bill that would provide free tuition in state universities and colleges (SUCs) a “blessing” to many less fortunate Filipinos.

“The president did his best. What he signed is a blessing, very bene�icial to all, especially to the poor and our overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs),” Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos said.

The chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Com-

mission on Migrant and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) noted that it would ease the burden of Filipinos working abroad so they could send their children to school.

“Our OFWs are willing to endure separation from their families, endure hardships and unfair treatments just for the betterment of their loved ones. They go abroad with the intention to send their children to school, sustain them in their studies and build houses. This free tertiary education in state colleges and universities is

FREE, 10

Says welfare of constituents & environment paramount

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n international ocean conservation and advocacy organization lauded City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for junking the joint venture agreement with Mega Harbour Port and Development Corporation for the construction of a 200-hectare coastal reclamation project.

In a letter to Duterte dated August 2, Oceana-Philippines vice president Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos said they commended the mayor’s decision to junk the deal signed by her father, then mayor and now President Rodrigo R. Duterte, with the company.

“Oceana commends your

inspiring leadership in ensuring a safe and sustainable present and future for your constituents and beyond and terminating the joint venture agreement for the proposed reclamation project in Davao City,” she said.

She said making an assessment of the situation at hand and coming up with a decision that “takes into consideration the welfare of both your constituents and the environment are both admirable and much-needed in this era of consequences where the resiliency of our natural life support systems and the people is a top priority.”

She said the oceans are already facing several threats from human activities, such as over�ishing, destructive �ishing practices, illegal �ishing, illegal dumping, seabed mineral extraction, noise pollution, habitat destruction plus unsustainable and destructive development programs.

She said the organization was highly encouraged that more sustainable initiatives to protect and conserve the seas are being put into practice under the leadership of Duterte.

She said they agree with the mayor that the way to answer the call of economic growth should be through

implementation of highly sustainable projects, both commercially and environmentally.

Last July 25, Duterte said her decision came ”after weighing out the intentions of the project against its commercial viability, legal and social implications, and the project’s possible effects to the environment.”

“I assure you, all Dabawenyos, that in coming up with this decision, the paramount consideration has been your welfare and the future of Davao City,” she said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

resident Rodrigo Duterte has distributed G-shock military watches and other goods as well as inspired the troops in the front line in Marawi City, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) announced Saturday.

Duterte arrived 30 minutes past 4:00 p.m. Friday and “entered the main battle area and visited the soldiers and policemen �ighting in Marawi City” amid a heavy downpour.

“Even the heavy rain

could not stop the Commander-in-Chief in visiting his troops in the front line yesterday (Friday, August 4),” the Westmincom said.

His visit came days after the troops successfully gained control of strategic structures previously occupied by the ISIS-inspired Maute group.

He was welcomed by Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief; Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, Joint Task Force Marawi commander; Maj. Gen. Dani-

lo Pamonag, Special Operations Command chief; Brig.

Gen. Ramiro Rey, Joint Task Force Ranao commander; and other ground commanders.

In his message to the troops, President Duterte said he wanted them to stay alive and “practice caution until the end of the war.”

“Malapit na itong matapos, konting tiis nalang. Just make sure na buhay kayo pag natapos itong gyera na ito,” the President told around 300 soldiers and

policemen who excitedly listened to him.

President met with ground commanders who are in the main battle area, “to show them that he is, all the way, with them in this �ight.”

The President also pledged to put up a PhP50-billion trust fund for the soldier’s and policemen’s dependents.

He added that scholarship grants will also be accorded to the children of uniformed men.(PNA)

Duterte visits troops in Marawi battle area P

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 90 •SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

Aguirre orders NBI to probe slay of ex-media man, brod

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ustice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Friday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the killing of Michael D. Marasigan, a former media man who was killed by two gunmen riding in tandem in San Juan City Thursday night.

Aguirre issued Department Order No. 515 directing NBI Director Dante Gierran to conduct a probe and case build-up on the killing of Marasigan and his brother, Christopher, who was with him inside the vehicle when the gunmen �ired at them.

“I have signed a Department Order instructing the NBI to conduct a parallel investigation into the Aug. 3, 2017 gun attack that killed former media man, Michael D.

Marasigan and his brother, businessman Christopher D. Marasigan in San Juan City,” Aguirre said upon being informed of the incident.

Marasigan, worked as a communication consultant in Department of Finance.

“Aside from catching the perpetrators, we want to know the real motives behind the attack on the victims. Is it because of Michael Marasigan’s work as a media personality?

Is it because of his previous employment with the Department of Finance?

As the designated head of President Duterte’s Task Force on Media Security, I am duty-bound to order this probe to get to the bottom of the attack. Our goal is to prevent similar attacks in the future. We

AGUIRRE 10

Law raising verus erring hospitals, doctors signed

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a bill imposing stricter penalties on medical facilities and practitioners who refuse to treat patients in emergency or serious medical conditions without a deposit.

Republic Act. No. 10932, which was signed by the President on August 3, amends Batas Pambansa Bilang 702, also known as “An Act Prohibiting the Demand of Deposits or Advance Payments for the Con�inement or Treatment of Patients in Hospitals and Medical Clinics in Certain Cases,” as amended by Republic Act. No. 8344.

The Act prohibits any of�icial, medical practitioner or employee of a medical facility to request, solicit, demand or accept deposit or any form of advance payment as a prerequisite for administering treatment in serious or emergency cases.

RA 10932 de�ines an “emergency” as a condition or state of a patient wherein there is immediate danger and where delay in initial support and treatment may cause loss of life or cause permanent disability to the patient; or in the case of a pregnant woman, permanent injury or loss of her unborn child, or would result in non-in-

LAW 10

BACK TO SCHOOL. Muslim girls walk from their homes to a community Madrasah school in Brgy. 23-C Mini-forest, Quezon Blvd., Davao City on Saturday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

5.9 magnitude quake hits Sarangani prov.

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magnitude 5.9 earthquake rocked Sarangani province and its neighboring areas on Saturday morning but no casualty or damage has been reported.

A report released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake occurred at about 8:30 a.m., with the epicenter traced 8 km. northwest of the coastal town of Malapatan, Sarangani.

It was tectonic in origin or due to the movement

of tectonic plates, and its depth was measured at 74 km.

Sera�in Ramos, Sarangani provincial information of�icer, said there was no tsunami alert issued for the coastal areas of the province as a result of the quake, which was felt at Intensity 5 in the area.

Citing an advisory from the Sarangani Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Of�ice , he said they have not yet received any report on related damages.

He said the municipal DRRM of�ices of Malapatan, Glan and Alabel are still conducting �ield assessments in line with the incident.

Phivolcs said the temblor was also felt at Intensity 5 in the municipalities of Malapatan and Alabel in Sarangani, and in this city.

It was recorded at Intensity 4 in Digos City, Davao del Sur and Kiamba, Sarangani; and Intensity 3 in Davao City and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

The agency said it ex-

Dominguez calls on lawmen to go after press aide’s killers

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TREASURE HUNT. Young boys use plastic strainer to filter coins and other valuable items from the sand at the beachfront near Magsaysay Park in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr

pects further aftershocks in connection with the quake.

In late April, three persons, including a pregnant woman, were injured while several government buildings, houses and other private structures were damaged in parts of Sarangani and this city due to a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit the area.

The quake’s epicenter was recorded at 53 km. southwest of Sarangani town in Davao Occidental.

(AVE/PNA)

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has expressed shock and deep sadness over the death of Michael D. Marasigan, his communications consultant who was killed by two gunmen riding in tandem in San Juan City Thursday night.

Marasigan’s brother, Christopher, who was with him inside the vehicle when the gunmen �ired at them, also died in the incident.

“I am both saddened and shocked,” Dominguez said. “My deepest condolences go to the family of Mike and that of his brother, Christopher.”

“I have known Mike for over 30 years,” Dominguez said. “I and his peers held him in very high regard for his skills and thorough professionalism.”

“Mike, who always had

a kind word to everyone he meets, was a highly respected journalist and public relations man. As my communications consultant, he was always prompt, thorough and very good at what he did, which was to assist the DOF in relaying its key messages and programs to the public,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez called on law enforcement authorities to �ind and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law the perpetrators behind the killing.

Marasigan was formerly editor of Businessday and pioneered one of the country’s �irst digitized newspapers—BusinessWorld Online, becoming its �irst online chief editor. He was also an independent producer for the Living Asia channel and the creator ofourphilippines.tv.

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 90 •SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

DPRK foreign minister leaves for ASEAN meeting in Manila

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inister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Ri Yong-ho, left here Saturday morning for the Philippines to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum.

The �ive-member delegation will return to Pyongyang on Aug. 10 after attending the meeting in Manila at the weekend, and wrapping up a visit to the Philippines, according to DPRK of�icials.

The forum will also be attended by foreign ministers of ASEAN countries, as well as those of China, Japan,

South Korea, Russia and the United States.

Foreign ministers of the six-party talks sponsored by China to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula will thus all be present in Manila for the meeting.

Vice Foreign Minister of the DPRK Choe Hui Chol visited the Philippines last week in preparation for the visit.

The ASEAN regional forum is focused on security dialogue in Asia and draws ASEAN members and dialogue partners to discuss security issues of the Asia-Paci�ic region. (Xinhua)

Maritime trade blooms despite territorial rows

ALL IN ONE. A street hawker peddles various merchandise to motorists at the junction of E. Quirino Avenue and Jacinto extension in Davao City on Saturday.

Lean Daval

Mindanao billed as PH Halal production center Due to established links with EAGA countries

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indanao is seen to take the lead in pushing the Halal development agenda on a national level following the signing of the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act last week.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 10817, also known as the “Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016” was signed on July 26, 2017 by all the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board Members led by Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez. Under the act, the Halal Export Board members will undertake joint and harmonized efforts in ensuring the global competitiveness of the country’s Halal products.

According to the Mindanao Development Authority,

which is also a member of the Philippine Halal Export Board, Mindanao is in a strategic position to be the Halal production hub of the country given its established links with sub-regional groups, including the Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia and Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

President Rodrigo Duterte has previously expressed his commitment to promote BIMP-EAGA seeing it as one of the platforms to accelerate Mindanao’s development and integration in the ASEAN economic community.

“This a huge feat for us who are pushing for Halal industry development. In fact, our neighbors from the sub-region can serve as our big brothers in terms of Halal development, and we can take advantage of our closer and renewed ties with them

to learn from their respective best practices,” said MinDA Chairman Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, who also sits as the Philippine Signing Minister for BIMP-EAGA. Alonto added that Mindanao has the potential to be a top producer of major Halal food products especially poultry and livestock given that the island-region is bird �lu and foot and mouth disease-free.

“As the major food supplier of the country and the island region that is home to the country’s largest Muslim population, Mindanao is certainly a step ahead in terms of Halal development,” Alonto said.

Apart from the BIMP-EAGA, MinDA is also looking into tapping the growing Islamic economies as another viable market for Mindanao’s Halal products. In 2016, Min-

DA partnered with key industry players for the conduct of the International Halal Conference, which provided industry players a perspective on how research and development can help in the promotion of the local Halal industry.

A similar guidance is also emphasized in the recently signed IRR, which adopts measures to make Halal exports are more competitive through research and development, quality assurance measures, and value adding mechanisms, among others.

The Halal Export Board is chaired by DTI, with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, Department of Health, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and MinDA as members.

ISIS-connected Maute Group continues in Marawi City in Mindanao.

“We’re assured by NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Of�ice) (chief) Gen. (Oscar) Albayalde that there are enough security measures around the PICC area, particularly Conrad, PICC and So�itel,” PCOO Assistant Secretary Kris Ablan told journalists Friday.

Events for the 50th ASEAN foreign ministers meeting

are being held in Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and So�itel Philippine Manila in the City of Manila while the media center is housed in Conrad Hotel in Pasay City.

“Even before (the) Marawi (City �ighting) we already had an agreement with the Philippine National Police on security measures surrounding Conrad (Hotel),” Ablan said.

The PCOO of�icial de-

clined to the number of policemen stationed in these venues and said that organizers did not ask for additional police personnel.

“Any additional security from the PNP is from their own initiative,” he said.

“There should be no concerns for those attending the ASEAN meetings for security. We are being protected by the Philippine National Police,” he added.

(Joann Santiago/PNA)

Safety of ASEAN delegates assured

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Palace executive on Friday assured the security of local and foreign delegates and media practitioners covering the 50th ASEAN foreign ministers meeting and related meetings from Aug. 2-8, 2017.

Concerns about the security of those attending the event have been raised following reports that members of terrorist groups are now in Metro Manila, especially as military operations against

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lobal trade through the South China Sea totaled USD28 trillion from 2008 to 2016, with annual value rising from USD2.61 trillion in 2008 to USD3.37 trillion in 2016, a leading US think tank said in a report on Friday.

The data came from a team led by Bonnie Glaser of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

In pursuit of an accurate estimation, the team constructed a new dataset for South China Sea trade using common shipping routes, automatic identi�ication system data, and bilateral trade �lows.

The new research �inds that an estimated USD3.37 trillion in trade passed through the South China Sea in 2016. “These estimates represent a sizeable proportion of international trade, constituting between 21 percent of global trade in

2016,” the research said.

According to the report, more than 64 percent of China’s maritime trade transited the waterway in 2016, while nearly 42 percent of that of Japan’s passed through the South China Sea in the same year. The United States was less reliant on the South China Sea, with just more than 14 percent of its maritime trade passing through the waterway.

From 2009 to 2016, trade though the waterway increased in six years out of eight, said the report. In other words, the territorial disputes in the South China Sea in recent years did not stop maritime trade from booming.

“Given the signi�icance of the South China Sea for Chinese trade, Beijing may be more inclined to take steps to preserve the free �low of trade,” said the report. (Xinhua)

Gold falls as dollar rallies over strong labor report

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old futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell for the third straight day as strong labor data released on Friday boosted the US dollar.

The most active gold contract for December delivery went down USD9.8, or 0.77 percent, to settle at USD1,264.60 per oz.

Gold futures settled lower as the US dollar jumped after a report from the Labor Department showed stronger-than-expected job creation last month.

Total non-farm payroll employment increased by 209,000 in July, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 4.3 percent, according to the report.

Employment increased mainly in food services, professional and business services, and health care, the report added.

The strong labor data may

also encourage the Federal Reserve to go on with another interest rate hike later this year, said some analysts.

As a result, the US dollar index rebounded by 0.83 percent to 93.57 as of 1734 GMT after days of decline. The index is a measure of the dollar against a basket of other major currencies. When the dollar goes up, gold futures will fall.

Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average continued to rise. It increased 46.62 points, or 0.21 percent, to 22,072.72 as of 1744 GMT, putting additional pressure on gold. When equities post gains, the gold futures usually fall, as investors are not necessarily seeking safe haven.

As for other precious metals, silver for September delivery fell 37.8 cents, or 2.27 percent, to close at USD16.252 per oz. Platinum for October went up USD4.4, or 0.46 percent, to settle at USD969 per oz. (Xinhua)

6 ECONOMY Apex Mining bolts Chamber of Mines A

pex Mining Co., Inc., a regular member of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), has bolted the group.

Apex Mining president and chief executive of�icer Walter Brown , in a disclosure with the Philippine Stocks Exchange (PSE)on Thursday, expressed the �irm’s “disappointment and frustration” to the group’s response to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to the local mining industry to clean up its acts.

“I do not agree that we should blame the illegal smallscale miners when the mining industry is put to task for perceived destruction of the environment,” Brown said.

He stressed that the mining industry is currently subject to intense scrutiny, and the COMP needs to regulate its members

who are not complying with the existing mining rules and regulations.

“If we don’t clean up our ranks, all the good will go down the same drain with the bad, when the industry is taxed to death, as the President has warned,” the executive noted.

In his State of the Nation Address this year, President Duterte has warned all mining operations and contractors to refrain from destructing watersheds, forests, and watersheds.

Meanwhile, Apex Mining is among the 13 mines which passed the mining audit during the term of former Department of Environment and Natural Resources secretary Gina Lopez.

COMP has not yet issue a statement after Apex Mining withdraws from the group. (Kris M. Crismundo/PNA)

Free tuition fee in SUCs to begin by AY 2018-19

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udget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Republic Act (RA) 10931, the law providing free tuition fee to students enrolled in state colleges and universities (SUCs), will be implemented starting school year 2018-19.

The law was signed President Rodrigo R. Duterte on August 3, 2017, ”The law is forward looking.

It cannot be applied retroactively. Hence, in the immediate term we’re talking of academic year 2018-19; strictly speaking, the �irst semester of AY (academic year) 2018-19,” Diokno said in an SMS message.

Before the proposed measure was signed into law, Diokno voiced his concerns, primarily on the fund that will be used for this program given that the needed budget is big because there are about 114 SUCs around the country.

On Friday, the Budget and Management chief said this was his “immediate concern.” ”There should be no expan-

sion in student population,” he said, noting that this would be the basis for budget allocation.

Under the proposed PHP3.767 trillion national budget for 2018, the Department of Education will have PHP613.1 billion allocation, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), PHP13.5 billion, and SUCs, PHP64.6 billion.

Proposed budget for government assistance and subsidies for students and teachers amounts to PHP39.3 billion from this year’s PHP35.8 billion while about PHP4.8 billion was allocated for bene�iciaries of CHED’s Tulong Dunong Program.

“Of course, there will be changes in the President’s 2018 budget which has some PHP166 billion in various types of scholarships. I will head the committee that will prepare the IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations),” Diokno added.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed RA 10931 on August 3, 2017. (Joann Santiago/PNA)

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FINISHING TOUCHES. Construction laborers work on the facade of a high-rise condominium building along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City on Saturday. Real estate business in the city is expected to continue its upswing

in the coming years despite the extension of martialdring law until end ofHouse. the Sellers attend to prospective homebuyers the Open year. Lean Daval Jr

NEDA presents Davao’s thrusts In Singapore business mission

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aria Lourdes D. Lim, Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority and concurrent Vice-Chairperson of the Regional Development Council, presented Davao Region’s Development Thrusts and Directions during the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) Mission in Davao City.

The SBF is the organization that represents Singapore’s business community in bilateral, regional multilateral settings for the purpose of trade expansion, investments and networking.

A team composed of 20 Singaporean business leaders, is on a four-day business mission to the Philippines: Manila and Davao City from August 1 - 4, 2017.

The mission aims to equip participants with a better understanding of the business climate and investment opportunities in the Philippines, particularly in Davao City.

The Davao City leg of the mission was organized by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. on August 2, 2017 in Davao City.

Director Lim, in her presentation, highlighted Davao Region’s vision to lay the foundation for inclusive growth, a high-trust society and a globally competitive knowledge economy as stipulated in the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP), 2017-2022.

“Davao Region adopted a spatial strategy of national dispersion through

regional agglomeration as espoused in the National Spatial Strategy (NSS).

The key is to strengthen regional development by directing growth to key centers throughout the country that serve as drivers of economic growth,” Director Lim said. She said that the idea is to decongest Metro Manila and develop regional and sub-regional centers; improve linkages among settlements and key production areas by connecting rural areas to growth centers; and reducing risks of communities to the threats of disasters.

Director Lim also highlighted the Region’s objectives of creating a more vibrant economy and a business-friendly environment through agro-indus-

trial development, massive investments in logistics and infrastructure, improving the business support environment and reducing the cost of business, capacitating the Region’s human resource pool to support the industries, and promoting technology adoption among the priority industries.

Other resource persons during the event were Director Belenda Q. Ambi of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) XI, Mr. Gil Dureza of the Board of Investments (BOI)-Mindanao, Mr. Lemuel G. Ortonio of the Davao City Investment and Promotions Center (DCIPC), and Ms. Heidi Villanueva of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

entral Visayas on Friday launched its development blueprint that aims to distribute economic growth among its municipalities through connectivity.

Its Regional Development Plan 2017–2022 said the region would work towards linking major urban centers, key production areas and market centers.

“This will promote economic integration, reduce poverty and increase opportunities for human development across provinces,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a statement.

He noted that part of

the region’s Spatial Development Strategy is the construction and upgrading of arterial roads, the integration of transportation systems, and the development of secondary and major ports.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has identi�ied infrastructure �lagship projects for the region, including the New Cebu International Container Port, New Bohol Airport in Panglao Island, Cebu-Bohol Link Bridge, Bohol-Leyte Link Bridge, Cebu-Negros Link Bridge and the Bohol Northeast Basin Multipurpose Project.

The RDP likewise

identi�ied Metro Cebu as the region’s metropolitan center and Metro Tagbilaran (Bohol) as its regional center in its proposed network of urban centers.

Sub-regional centers included Bogo-San Remigio (Cebu), Toledo City-Balamban (Cebu), Metro Dumaguete (Negros Oriental) and Tubigon (Bohol).

NEDA Regional Director Efren Carreon said the region had the highest growth momentum among all regions in the last regional plan period of 2011–2016, with a gross regional domestic product (GRDP) average growth rate of 7.5 percent, higher than the National

Capital Region’s.

By 2022, the region aims to reach a GRDP growth rate of 8.3 to 8.8 percent, reduce poverty incidence among families to 17.6 percent, and cut the unemployment rate to 3 to 4 percent.

“For the next six years, Central Visayas will continue to be a major growth center in the country by making the most of our strategic location and diverse sources of growth,” said Carreon.

He identi�ied tourism, information technology, business process outsourcing, manufacturing, and construction as growth drivers of the region. (LDV/PNA)

2017 inflation still CVisayas aims to sustain growth via connectivity benign: Central Bank C B angko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said domestic in�lation remains benign or nonthreatening despite the slight uptick last July to 2.8 percent from the previous month’s 2.7 percent.

“The July in�lation reading con�irms our assessment of continuing benign in�lation conditions,” he told journalists in a Viber message Friday.

“We’re on track to comfortably meeting our 2017-2018 in�lation target,” he added, referring to the central bank’s 2 percent to 4 percent target for this year until 2020.

The in�lation level last July brought the year-to-date average to 3.1 percent. The year-ago

level is lower at 1.9 percent.

Its increase last month was due to faster in�lation of utility rates and of the transportation sub-index.

Last June, BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) cut the central bank’s average in�lation forecast for this year to 3.1 percent from 3.4 percent on account of the expected lower path of in�lation, robust domestic economic growth, liquidity and credit conditions that remain supportive of growth, and improving global economic prospects.

For 2018, the central bank’s average in�lation forecast is lower at 3 percent. (Joann S. Villanueva/PNA)

EDGE DAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 90 •SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

Matina Enclaves recognizes top sellers, realties, brokers Sellers attend to prospective homebuyers dring the Open House.

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

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scandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) once again paid tribute to top performing sellers and realty affiliates of its maiden venture Matina Enclaves project.

The Open House was themed “Colorful Investment” and was held June 28 at the Matina Enclaves Showroom.

The top performing Sellers for the month of July are led by topnotcher Dollybeth Rempalagos of Realty Options Inc. In second place was Shiena Mae Furog of Furog Realty, while Lilibeth Antiola of Mega Pacific Realty was third.

Rounding up the top 12 are Arthur Aldeano of Leuterio Realty, Carmen Uy of Visitacion Realty, Hedelyn Hong Li of Ortiz Realty, Danilo Calizo of RCJH Realty, Arnold Nolasco of Leuterio Realty, Josefina Lu of Leuterio Realty, Dorothy De Leon of Allea Realty, Iris Grace Guerra of Infinity Land Realty, and Tita Juezan of Ablas Realty.

The month’s top 10 Realties and Brokers are Realty Options Inc. - Celestial Villacaol (first), Furog Realty - Charity Furog (second), Mega Pacific Realty - Gil Chua (third).

The rest of the top 10 are Leuterio Realty - An-

thony Leuterio, Visitacion Realty - Lalaine Visitacion, Ortiz Realty - Maria Theresa Ortiz, RCJH Realty - Romero Hierro, Allea Realty - Lea Walker, Infinity Land Realty, Ablas Realty - Letecia Ablas.

Matina Enclaves project head Gerald Ket Garces presided over the recognition rites and gave credit to the sales partners of Esdevco for another productive sales performance.

“Thank you for your untiring effort and dedication to bring Matina Enclaves as fulfillment to the dreams of those who are looking for their dream home,” Garces told the topnotchers.

The Matina Enclaves Building B/1

Homebuyers and sellers were treated to a sumptuous lunch.

The entrance gate

The Matina Enclaves Showroom

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

T

A blessing to the poor

here’s a reason to celebrate big time over the signing of the law providing free education. That means over a million students in public tertiary and vocational schools nationwide will have full access to tertiary education without having to worry about matriculation.

This too would mean a huge relief on the burden of parents who work here or abroad in order to send their children to school.

Republic Act 10931 or “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act,” which Congress rati�ied in May and was transmitted to the Of�ice of the President on July 5, gives full tuition subsidy for students in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges, and state-run technical-vocational schools. The law also covers other charges, namely “library fees, computer fees, laboratory fees, school ID fees, athletic fees, admission fees, development fees, guidance fees, handbook fees, entrance fees, registration fees, medical and

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dental fees, cultural and other similar or related fees.”

Another aspect of the law is that it also provides subsidies or stipend for poor students and establishes a student loan program.

Without the tuition fee to worry about, poor families will have equal opportunity now for their children to get a diploma or a certi�icate and ensure a better future. Pinoy culture has it that education is always treated as the best legacy parents can leave to their children.

Even Catholic bishops hailed the landmark law calling it a “blessing”. This despite some of Catholic denominations who run schools will be affected with the expected migration of students to SUCs. But that should be the least of their worries.

As it will take a little more time, perhaps a year, before the law can be fully implemented, the government should now be prepared to sustain the necessary budget to get this rolling not only on its initial phase of implementation but in the years to come.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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EDGEDAVAO

A

ccording to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), it only has six historical markers in Davao region. Putting up markers, though, is not the exclusive domain of the agency. Local government units and societies also produce signs as tribute to historical individuals, institutions, and events.

In southern Mindanao, the most notable NHCP landmarks include those at Davao City hall, Santa Ana port, the Bonifacio Monument, the Japanese memorial at Mintal, Davao Penal Colony, and the iconic San Salvador del Mundo Church at Caraga, Davao Oriental.

The city hall marker, written in Pilipino, reminds any visitor that the seat of government was built in 1926, adding that President Manuel L. Quezon signed under Commonwealth Act No. 51, which created the charter of the city, on 16 October 1936. It was Secretary Elpidio Quirino who led the inauguration held in front of the edi�ice on 1 March 1937.

The sign also states that the city hall, the administrative center of Davao in southern Mindanao during the American rule, was destroyed in 1945 during the war but was rebuilt two years later following the original design and plan.

The Santa Ana port marker simply states the pier was the landing site of the �irst Japanese farm workers, who arrived in My 1903 and helped developed

L

ast March, it was reported that the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in Davao region was increasing.

According to the regional of�ice of the Department of Health (DOH), about 100 people died of TB and most of them were from Davao City.

It was indeed alarming, so to speak.

But last July, a glimmer of hope was reported. From January to July this year, TB cases in the region have decreased by 50%. That’s a good news, indeed!

Last year, the region had 13,330 TB cases from January to July, reported Dr. Hansel Amoguis, the manager of the health department’s TB program. In comparison, only 6,000 cases has been reported from January to July this year.

Since time immemorial, TB has been a public health threat. As early as 460 BC, Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician, identi�ied TB as a widespread and highly fatal disease. At that time, no one knew what caused TB and how to treat it. TB spread uncontrollably killing most of its victims.

Although it is a disease of the past, TB is still taking its toll. In the Philippines, it is the number six leading cause of death among Filipinos, according to Dr. Willie T. Ong, who writes a regular column for Philippine Star.

At least 60% of those who die of TB occur among the productive age group of 15-64 years old, DOH reports.

Some P8 billion is lost annually from sickness and deaths due to TB, records

VOL. 10 ISSUE 90• SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Markers as historical reminders the region’s abaca industry.

Another marker that cites Japanese historical involvement is the Ohta Kyozaburo indicator at Mintal. It states that Ohta was born in February 1876 at Hyogo, Japan, established the Ohta Development Co., the �irst Japanese abaca plantation, on 3 May 1907; founded Mintal Plantation Co., Riverside Plantation Co., Talomo River Plantation Co. and Guianga Plantation Co., helped cultivate Japanese business in Davao, and died in Kyoto, Japan on 31 Octuber 1917.

Among the national heroes honored with stone busts in Davao, only Andres Bonifacio has a historical marker.

The sign says the hero and revolutionary was born in Tondo, Manila on 30 November 1863, joined Masonry and La Liga Filipina in 1892, and founded on 7 July 1892 the Kataastaasan Kagalanggalang na Katipunan ng Mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK), a secret society with a chief aim to unite the Filipinos under a free country through a revolution.

Moreover, the inscription says, Bonifacio led the start of a widespread uprising against the Spaniards in August 1896, and invaded the powder magazine at San Juan del Monte on 30 August 1896. He was killed at Maragondon, Cavite, on 10 May 1897, and is known as the supremo of the Ktipunan and the father of the Revolution.

The marker at the Caraga church, meanwhile, simply states that the old

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa structure was built in 1877 by Fr. Pablo Pastells, S.J., with the help of Fr. Juan Terricabras, S.J. using wood, corals, and stone. After its completion, it became the parish of San Salvador del Mundo in 1884.

The church became the mission center of the Jesuits in founding towns and spreading the Gospel in eastern Mindanao during the Spanish times.

The house of worship was later turned over to the Foreign Mission of Quebec in 1939; to the Maryknoll Missionaries in 1961; to the Diocese of Tagum in 1978; and to the Dioccese of Mati in 1984.

The wordings of the Davao Penal Colony marker are easier to read. It

states that the colony was founded on 21 January 1932 under Act 3732 of the Philippine Legislature on a site reserved

by Proclamation No. 414 issued by Governor General Dwight F. Davis on 7 October 1931.

Dapecol, as it is commonly known, is �irst penal colony founded under the administration of a Director of Prisons, Lt. Col. Paulino Santos, the �irst Filipino Director of Prisons, and Pablo J. Noroña, the �irst superintendent and later Assistant Director of Prisons.

The marker also states the of�icials and inmates of the colony were transferred by Japanese forces to Iwahig Penal Colony 8 November 1942; it served as evacuation center for Davao City residents during the early part of Word War II; used as concentration camp for American prisoners of war; and was reopened only on 2 August 1946.

Two of the non-NHCP markers are The Fort of Davao and The Battle of Ising.

The Davao fort pointer is found inside a children’s playground at Mabini-Quezon junction. Its inscription says the site is where the forti�ication of Datu Bago, which prevented the advance of the forces of Spanish invader Jose Oyanguren from moving upstream, was built.

Accordingly, the Spanish authorities torn down the fort and replaced it with a stronger structure that housed an armory and power magazine. Later, the building was converted into a tribunal

(town hall) and prison before it was demolished to give way to the rise of a Casa de Gobierno in an area where Camp Domingo Leonor now stands.

The Battle of Ising, in contrast, can be seen along the national highway of Carmen, Davao del Norte. The marker states that in November 1944, the Filipino guerrillas beloging to the 10th Infantry regiment of the 107th Division 10th Military District, Mindanao, drove the Japanese under the 100th Infantry Division from Hijo, Liboganon, Bincungan and Tuganay Rivers.

By May 1945, the three battalions of over 1,500 men under the 130th Infantry took over an enemy defense perimeter by seizing a network of pillboxes, trenches, land mines, mortars, machine guns, sniper watchtower and an air�ield. Over 2,000 enemy soldiers were entrenched over a 35-km stretch that reached as far south of the national highway towards Davao, southeast of the Davao Gulf in Maco and Kingking, and southwest along Tibal-og road.

From May 3-10, 1945, the sign reads, the 130th Infantry under Maj. Saturnino R. Silva Sr., attacked the Japanese garrison, stopped the enemy from occupying northern Davao and Agusan and prevented them from escaping via the Davao-Agusan road, which forced the Imperial Army to retreat to the hills.

The engagement cost hundreds of lives from both sides.

TB.”

tually becomes sick and can spread the disease,” the manual said.

More than half the time, activation of dormant MTB happens within the �irst 2 years, but it may not occur for a very long time. “Doctors do not always know why the dormant bacteria become active, but if often occurs when the person’s immune system becomes impaired – for example, from very advanced age, the use of corticosteroids, or AIDS,” the Merck manual said.

“People with HIV are many times more likely to be infected by TB,” Miranda wrote. “TB is the leading cause of death among people with HIV.” HIV stands for human immunode�iciency virus, the microorganism that causes Acquired Immune De�iciency Syndrome (AIDS).

The MTB usually attack the lungs, but it can also attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. A person with TB may demonstrate some or all of the following: persistent cough for at least two weeks; signi�icant weight loss, with or without loss of appetite; fever and night sweats (persistent low grade fever of more than a month); chest pains (breathlessness) or back pains; and, hemoptysis (blood-tinged sputum).

“Symptoms depend on the organ affected,” says Dr. Ong. “TB of the spine causes severe back pain, while TB of the kidneys can cause bloody urine. Hence, TB should be checked and treated as early as possible.”

Waging war on TB

show.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization has identi�ied the Philippines as one of the countries in the world with “a high burden of this disease.” Currently, an estimated 200,000 to 600,000 Filipinos have active TB. “This is alarming since each person with active TB can spread the disease to 10 other Filipinos each year,” deplores Dr. Ong, who is an internist-cardiologist and author of several health books.

Multiply the number of Filipinos with active TB by 10, and you get the idea of how big the health problem is. “Just imagine how much TB is being spread yearly,” Dr. Ong points out.

“Hence, if someone in the household has been diagnosed with TB, all the other members of the household should get tested for TB, too.”

An estimated 80% of Filipinos have latent TB, according to Dr. Ong. “In this condition, we already have the TB infection in our bodies, but the TB is still in the inactive state,” he explains. “Hence, we feel no symptoms and we are not contagious to other people.”

In industrialized countries like the United States, they treat people with latent TB with medicines. “But we can’t help it because we are born in the Philippines,” Dr. Ong says. “We just need to observe a healthy lifestyle, or else the TB infection might get reactivated.”

TB may belong to the past, but it is still with us until now. “Tuberculosis rose

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

slowly, silently, seeping into the homes of millions, like an ageless miasma,” writes Dr. Frank Ryan, author of Tuberculosis: The Greatest Story Never Told. “Once arrived, TB stayed – a stealthy predator.”

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the microorganism that causes TB, divides every 16 to 20 hours, an extremely slow rate compared with other bacteria, which usually divide in less than an hour.

MTB is transmitted almost entirely by the aerial route. “When infected individual coughs, sneezes, or spits, infectious particles are released into the air,” writes Dr. Maya Santos in her column which appeared in Vital Signs, a monthly health publication. “Anyone who inhales these particles is at risk of contracting

One of the reasons why TB still remains in the Philippines is due to poverty. “Studies show that there is a strong association between TB and poverty,” wrote Donn Miranda of Health Action Information Network (HAIN). Dr. Santos added: “Transmission is enhanced in overcrowded and poorly ventilated places.”

It is no wonder why the prevalence of TB inside jails and prisons in the Philippines is up to �ive times higher than among the general population.

With most infectious diseases, a person becomes sick right after the microorganisms enters the body. But such is not the case of TB. “Except for very young children, few people become sick immediately after MTB enter their body (called primary infection),” explained The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “Many MTB that enter the lungs are immediately killed by the body’s defenses.

“Those that survived are captured inside white blood cells called macrophages,” the Merck manual said. “The captured bacteria can remain alive inside these cells in a dormant state for many years, walled off inside tiny scars (latent infection).”

In 90-95% of cases, MTB never cause any further problem, but in about 5-10% of infected people they start to multiply (active disease). “It is in this active phase that an infected person ac-

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 90 •SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

TOPCULPRIT.. FROM 1 31 fatalities and a total of 1840 damage to properties with a total of 2, 231 overall injured persons.

With the implementation of both Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traf�ic code and RA 109113 or the anti- distracted driving act, the TG recorded a total of seven persons apprehended for using mobile phones while onboard

their vehicles.

Along with ADDA, they also implemented RA1066 or the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015 with traf�ic of�icers apprehending 11 violators.

Castillo said that the low number of apprehensions was due to the increase of awareness of motorist in Davao City.

(30)

message that was read

by Of�ice of Civil Defense deputy administrator for administration, Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima.

“We are one nation and we stand together during the bad time(s), and more so, during the trying times that test our resolve as a nation. No one will be left behind as we embark on this great endeavor to revive and rekindle affected communities and enable them to rejoin in the progressive advance of our beloved country, the Philippines.”

Consultations with the local government and Muslim community leaders are ongoing to ensure

that rehabilitation efforts are aimed at inclusivity, ensure the adequacy, suitability and acceptability of the rehabilitation plans and the support systems, he said.

“Various committees under Task Force ‘Bangon Marawi’ are already working hard to attend to the complex requirements of post-con�lict rehab and recovery. Transition shelters are being considered now along with the support infrastructure, like schools and markets, to facilitate the eventual return to normalcy of the way of life of our beloved Maranaws,” the defense chief said.(PNA)

a great help to our OFWs,” Santos said.

“We at CBCP-EMCI appreciate and are thankful for the kind gestures of our president.”

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo likewise said that providing free education to poor Filipinos would enable them to rise out of poverty.

“I hope the details are all right because in itself, it is good that students have free tuition in state colleges and universities.

Education leads many out of poverty,” he said.

San Jose Bishop Roberto Mallari noted that many will bene�it from the new law. “(This) is actually good, thinking that investing on human capital through education is a constitutional mandate. However, this may have an implication in the enrollment outcomes in Catholic colleges and universities and other private schools in the long run,” he said.(PNA)

want our NBI to explore all angles,” Aguirre added.

Marasigan was a former editor of Business Day and pioneered one of the country’s �irst digitized newspapers -BusinessWorld Online, becoming its �irst online chief editor. He was also an independent producer for the Living Asia channel

and the creator of ourphilippines.tv.

For his part, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has called on law enforcement authorities to �ind and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law the perpetrators behind the killing of Marasigan, his communications consultant.(PNA)

stitutional delivery.

Meanwhile, a “serious case” refers to a condition of a patient characterized by gravity or danger that, when left unattended, may cause loss of life or cause permanent disability to the patient, or in the case of a pregnant woman, may cause permanent injury or loss of her unborn child.

Any of�icial, medical practitioner or employee

of a hospital or medical clinic who violates the provision of this act shall, upon conviction by �inal judgment, be punished by imprisonment of not less than six months and one day but not more than two years and four months, or a �ine of not less than PHP100,000, but not more than PHP300,000.00 or both, at the discretion of the court. (PNA)

DND.. FROM 2

FREE.. FROM 2

AGUIRRE.. FROM 4

LAW.. FROM 4

PLAYGROUND AT LOW TIDE. Young children take advantage of the low tide to play at the muddy and filthy beachfront near their community in Brgy. 23-C Isla Verde in Davao City on Saturday morning. Lean Daval Jr

Kabacan police seize 200 illegal motorcyles

P

olice impounded at least 200 motorcycles and 30 tricycles and pedicabs during the “Oplan Lambat Bitag Sasakyan” in Kabacan town in North Cotabato on Friday.

Chief Inspector Bryan Placer, Kabacan municipal police station chief, said most of the vehicles lacked documents such as of�icial receipts, certi�icates of registration and franchise permits.

Several drivers who were �lagged down during the operation either carried no li-

censes or showed expired licenses, Placer said.

He said they will investigate if the vehicles had been stolen or modi�ied.

Most stolen vehicles, reports said, had been brought to nearby Pikit town or in Datu Paglas and other towns of Maguindanao province where they underwent “alterations” and “modi�ications” before they are sold to clients.

The Oplan Lambat in Kabacan was the second since last week, the Cotabato Police

Provincial Of�ice (CPPO) said.

The CPPO reported that on Monday at least 150 motorcycles were impounded at the Pikit municipal police station during the operation.

Of the number, two motorcycles were brought to the Highway Patrol Group in Kidapawan City after authorities found out their ORs and CRs were issued using the ‘manual system, the CPPO said.

It alleged that many motorcycles are being used in transporting illegal drugs

from Kabacan to nearby areas of the province.

It said the town is a “transshipment” point of drugs allegedly coming from Cotabato City and Maguindanao.

The highway check, which ran from 6 a.m. to 12noon, was based on the directive of acting police provincial director, Senior Supt. Emmanuel Peralta to rid the province of illegal drugs and help curb theft of motorcycles and other crimes. (Malu Cadelina Manar/MindaNews)

for the fast set up of the shelters,” Gov. Hataman said. “This is also the ARMM’s counterpart for the rehabilitation program in the sub-cluster on housing,” he added.

Following the creation of Task Force Bangon Marawi by President Rodrigo Duterte, Governor Hataman established an internal task force to ensure proper coordination and implementation of programs and projects in Marawi City when the current crisis is over. Of�icial data from the DENRARMM showed Marawi has a total land area of 8,407 hectares.

TFBM executive director and concurrent National Defense undersecretary Cesar Yano said the local government of Marawi City must submit immediately the list of families who want to stay in permanent homes and those who prefer to stay

in temporary shelters while the recovery and rehabilitation of the city are ongoing.

“As soon as possible, we need to have a location for temporary and permanent shelters for displaced residents in Marawi City,” USec. Yano added.

Chairperson Eduardo del Rosario of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council said the government will provide shelter units that are culturally and socially acceptable.

“Para po sa temporary at permanent shelters, uunahin po natin yung mga residenteng walang bahay, walang lupa, yung wala talagang mauuwian,” Chairman del Rosario said. “We will develop a township with social services, schools, health centers, and mosques,” he added.

After the TFBM meet-

ing, the national, regional and local of�icials visited the 11-hectare temporary transitional shelters in Barangay Sagonsongan that will serve as a temporary resettlement for displaced residents of Marawi. The shelter units, to be completed within a month, would accommodate at least 1,200 families.

“The main purpose of building transition shelters is to decongest evacuation centers and to provide them with more conducive areas,” Gov. Hataman said.

The township will have a madrasah, kitchen area and wash room in houses, market, mosque, water supply, and a multi-purpose hall.

The construction of the temporary shelters is part of the task force’s recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation program for the city. (Bureau of Public Information)

ARMM to survey lands in Marawi

A

s part of Task Force Bangon Marawi’s (TFBM) recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation program, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, through its Department of Environment and Natural Resources, will survey the lands in Marawi City in line with the establishment of additional temporary and permanent shelters.

During TFBM’s meeting with regional, provincial and national government of�icials in Marawi on August 2, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman has committed to help the task force in conducting a comprehensive survey of lands in Marawi City to determine the political boundaries of local government units and the properties of private owners.

“We assure help in the land surveys in Marawi

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 90 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

EVENT

s e c u d o r t n i Abreeza n o i h s a f t Augus offerings

EDGEDAVAO

THIS KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL SEASON, indigenous culture, homegrown craftsmanship, and boundless creativity take center stage with a slew of fashion events set to conquer Davao.

On August 1, the Abreeza Fashion Forum unveiled three upcoming design-themed events that not just serve as platforms to promote the talents of local and regional fashion designers, but also highlight the cultural contributions of indigenous communities.

Present to discuss these projects were Davao Fashion Design Council (DFDC) president Aztec Barba and secretary Emi Englis and Kadayawan Festival Director Gatchi Gatchalian.

The first of these events is the forthcoming second run of the Fashion Weekend Davao, envisioned to be Davao and Mindanao’s premier annual fashion event and lifestyle platform, which will take place on August 4 to 6 at Abreeza Mall’s Activity Center. Launched in 2016 by the DFDC, this year’s installment will consist of an exhibit by world-renowned Davao furniture and jewelry designer Ann Pamintuan along with garments by the DFDC interpreting her works from August 4 to 6; a design summit that will tackle industry professionalism, ethical practices, design education, and style forecasts on August 5 from 10am to 5pm; and a fashion show that will parade garments inspired by the 11 Kadayawan tribes of Davao by members of the DFDC, the Ann Pamintuan-themed pieces displayed at the exhibit, a “Kadayawan Faces” showcase featuring makeup brand Artistry, and high street fashion from Abreeza Mall’s own luxe brands on August 6, 5pm.

Also presented at the Abreeza Fashion Forum was Habi Kadayawan, a project of the Kadayawan Executive Committee together with

the DFDC which aims to illustrate the rich heritage of the 11 Kadayawan tribes—Sama, Maguindanaon, Iranun, Ata, Klata-Guiangan, Tausug, Kalagan, Ovu-Manuvo, Tagabawa, Matigsalug, and Maranao—through a fashion accessory design competition. In this competition, 13 finalists made up of both professional designers and aspiring design enthusiasts vie to win the first prize of P100,000, the second prize of P50,000, the third prize of P30,000, and the honourable mention awards of P5,000 each. The finalists graced the Abreeza Fashion Forum; namely, Bea Angela Abrigo, Carmaela Alcantara, Andi Amora, Sharen Arriola, Junnie Artajo, Lissete Castillo, Lala Chua, Maan Chua, Arwin Meriales, Mai Ongkiko, Yvette Celis Punzalan, Goldie Siglos, and Renee Francesca Sinfuego.

Finally, the Matigsalug Indigenous Crafts Project Branding Launch was announced to take place on August 11 at the Mindanao Trade Expo at Abreeza Mall. This project, which seeks to build a comprehensive crafts livelihood program for the members of the Matigsalug Council of Elders Marilog District Davao City, Inc., is spearheaded by AboitizPower subsidiary Therma South, Inc. and the Department of Trade and Industry with the involvement of TADECO, Yvette Bags and Beads Collection, Great Gifts, and Maria Vinecrafts.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332.

Stay updated by liking www.facebook. com/AbreezaMall and following @ abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram. PR

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 90• SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

Yamaha Grand Prix returns to Davao

YAMAHA MOTOR PHILIPPINES INC. returned to Davao City to hold its Yamaha Grand Prix competition. After being away for 2 years, the brand was ecstatic to be back in the region and so were their supporters. Everyone was eager to witness racing action that has been away for some time. It’s been a while since the roar of a Yamaha engine

was heard and a display of talent by their local heroes was theirs to indulge in.

It was a hot day on the track but the competition was sizzling from the start. Preparations began at dawn as every rider geared for the long day ahead going up against the best that Mindanao has to offer.

The competition had plenty of action with

plenty of challenges for the riders. The track tested the capabilities of the participants with some having tough breaks and costly errors that led to a loss. This gave unprecedented opportunities as well for those who overcame a major setback to recover and regain their bearings. The race also came with emotional triumphs and come from behind victories.

After all, this is what the Yamaha Grand Prix is all about, opportunities in every corner.

The winners of this Mindanao Leg are now qualified for the Grand Finals which will be held at the Quirino Grand Stand on September 10 where the members of Yamaha Team Pilipinas will be brought together after spectacle of a race. PR

EDGEDAVAO KORONADAL PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

MVT Bridges Philippines, Purok Malakas, General Santos City for more Information Please contact Cellphone Number 09460154748. Look for Shane S. Liquit Marketing Consultant

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

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EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

MX3 captivates Batangas and Cebu

MX3 successfully in tandem with Kapuso’s back-to-back Mall Shows in Cebu last July 15, 2017 and in Batangas last July 23, 2017.

Cebuanos and Batangeños were awakened as the casts of Mulawin VS Ravena namely, Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali, Kiko Estrada, Bea Binene and Derrick Monasterio rendered them with breathtaking performances. Meanwhile in South Luzon during the culmination of Batangas’ Sublian Festival, the Kapuso network intensified the heat by adding up the casts of My Love from the Star namely, Gil Cuerva, Migo Adecer and Jackie Rice.

From Luzon to Visayas MX3 energized the crowd with unlimited flow of free MX3 Coffeemix and MX3 samples which doesn’t only promote wellness but also to refire their spirits with Christian tracks that came with it. 20 lively players who participated in the game called MX3 Sakit Ko, I-arte Mo brought home gift packs that they can share to their loved ones. The game always rejuvinates and excites the people who came to see the show.

What a joy to have shared life, wellness and of course MX3 products to our fellows. Such a delightful time with the lovely Cebuanos and Batangeños! PR

INdulge! A3

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 90• SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 90 •SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

Four villages declared as Drug-Cleared

F

our more barangays in the province have officially been declared as drug-cleared communities through the intensified efforts of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) and partners from the Philippine National Police and the Municipal and Barangay Local Government Units.

The villages of Sibahay and San Jose in Boston town, Campawan in Baganga town, and San Antonio in Caraga town, were declared drugcleared during the Signing and Declaration of Drug-Cleared Barangays on August 1 and 2.

Having accomplished the parameters set by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), these villages are among the second batch of barangays declared as drug-cleared following two villages in Tarragona town.

A total of 14 drug reformists from Barangay Sibahay, 35 in San Jose, 8 in Campawan, and 17 in San Antonio, have joined the program on the declaration and signing of drug-cleared barangays, vowing their full cooperation to the province’s fight against illegal drugs.

These drug reformists will undergo a rehabilitation pro-

Davao Oriental to observe ASEAN landmark lighting

T

he Province of Davao Oriental will join the historic lighting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) landmarks on August 8.

Davao Oriental is among the 50 chosen ASEAN historical sites in the country, and among the only two sites chosen in Region XI together with Davao City, to participate in the simultaneous nationwide event that will mark the ASEAN’s grand 50th Anniversary celebration.

The province will hold its landmark lighting activity at the Mount Hamiguitan World Heritage Park in San Isidro town, the entrance to the celebrated Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary.

Having been inscribed as the Philippine’s sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, the Mount Hamiguitan was also declared as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2016, making the site more significant as the venue for the symbolic landmark lighting event.

The program will kick off with a mass and will be followed by a short program that will feature the singing of the ASEAN hymn and the raising of the flags of the ASEAN ten-member states. A ceremonial lighting of a six-footer lantern will ensue at 7 in the evening which will become the event’s highlight.

Guests from the consulate of Malaysia and Indonesia are expected to grace the highly anticipated event.

Bearing the theme “Under One Light, We Are One ASEAN”, there will be a main event that will be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines aside from the simultaneous landmark lighting programs in all participating LGUs. The Philippine Government, who takes the helm of the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2017, is encouraging all LGUs, through the Department of Interior and Local Government, “to take part in this once-ina-lifetime milestone as an opportunity to showcase what Filipinos can offer best, through unleashing bright spots in entertainment, tourism and economic industry, talent and culture”.

The said activity is also being touted to contribute in raising people’s awareness and appreciation of the significance and the benefits of being a member of the ASEAN. The nationwide event is spearheaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the ASEAN 2017 National Organizing Council, and participating government agencies. PIO

gram initiated by the Provincial Government called Lihok NLD (Nagkakaisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental) which pools programs and resources of concerned government agencies and other stakeholders to provide holistic interventions and assistance for recovering drug dependents. This assistance that will be offered to them will range from livelihood, trainings, and psychological treatment, among many others, focusing on the aftercare, transformation, and reintegration support.

PADAC Action Officer and Provincial Administrator Art Ben-

jie Bulaong said that the Provincial Government envisions that through the province’s Lihok NLD, drug reformists can serve as the mouthpiece of the government in its campaign to increase the public’s awareness on the ills of drugs and to entice their peers who are still into drugs to surrender to the authorities.

Ensuring sustainability of the program, these drug reformists, while undertaking Community-Based Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation will be monitored through a random drug testing, said the Philippine Drug Enforce-

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

PAT A. LUBATON Mortgagee, EJF-REM CASE NO. 16,351-17 -versusMAYBELLE B. MADOLORA Mortgagor/s.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against MAYBELLE B. MADOLORA, with postal address at 727 1A Jacinto St., Barangay 32-D, and/ or at Lot 25 Block 9, Dumoy, Talomo, Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of June 3, 2017, amounts to Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php 550,000.00) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges, plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff of Regional Trial Court, Davao City; will sell at public auction on August 31, 2017 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/or Manager’s Check and in Philippine Currency, the real property with all its improvements found thereon particularly described below, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2016005230 “A parcel of land (Lot 25, Block 9, of the Consolidation Plan (LRC) Pcs-16224, xxx), situated in the Barrio of Dumoy, Davao City, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED NINETY FIVE (195) SQUARE METERS, more or less.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on September 28, 2017 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above- described real property and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, July 21, 2017.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROV’L SHERIFF: (Sgd.) IRVIN PAUL L.

CUBELO

Sheriff IV Noted by: (Sgd.) ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER Clerk of Court V OIC - Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (Edge July 31, Aug. 7 & 14)

ment Agency (PDEA) Action Officer in the province at the same time Chairman of the Davao Oriental Provincial Oversight Committee, Rey D. Pavillar.

Mayor Arturo Monday, Baganga MADAC Chairman, said that he is eyeing for a sustainable livelihood program that will keep the people occupied. He challenged all reformists and all local stakeholders to maintain their barangay as drug cleared area through an intensified information dissemination campaign on the ill effects of drugs, stressing that the PNP and the PDEA alone cannot do the

job without the cooperation of all stakeholders in all levels.

Boston Mayor Rebbeco Rosit and Caraga Mayor Alicia Mori also signified their support to the national and provincial government’s anti-drug campaign.

Under the leadership of Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, the Anti-Drug Abuse Councils in the Municipal, City and Barangay level are now beefing up their efforts to rid all 183 barangays of the province from drugs, in line with the national government’s bid to to completely eradicate illegal drugs in the communities. By Riza M. Golez

12 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 90 •SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

Climate Change Consequences: Health hitches TEXT AND PHOTOS BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(Second of Three Parts)

“As climate change alters rainfall patterns and brings deadly, intensified and frequent calamities, it will affect public health.”

Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change

A

s global temperature continues to rise due to climate change so are diseases.

“Climate change endangers human health,” declares Dr. Margaret Chan, former director-general of the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO).

“Without effective action, climate change is going to be larger and more dif�icult to deal with than we thought,” said Dr. Chris Field, who was a coordinating lead author of the report issued by the Nobel-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Health scientists pointed out that should earth’s thermostat continues to rise, human health problems will also become more frequent and severe.

“The warming of the planet will be gradual, but the effects of extreme weather events will be abrupt and acutely felt,” said Dr. Chan.

“Both trends can affect some of the most fundamental determinants of health: air, water, food, shelter and freedom from disease.”

Dr. Paul Epstein, in a recent study entitled Human Health and Climate Change, said that a warming climate, compounded by widespread ecological changes, may be stimulating wide-scale changes in disease patterns.

According to him, climate change could have an impact on health in three major ways by: (1) creating conditions conducive to outbreaks of infectious diseases; increasing the po-

tential for transmissions of vector-borne diseases and the exposure of millions of people to new diseases and health risks; and hindering the future control of disease.

A fact sheet released by the United Nations health agency pointed out this fact: “Climatic conditions strongly affect water-borne diseases and diseases transmitted through insects, snails or other cold-blooded animals.”

Take the case of dengue fever, most common mosquito-borne viral disease of human beings. Before 1970, only nine countries had experienced severe dengue epidemics. The disease is now endemic in more than 100 countries, with Southeast Asia and the Western Paci�ic regions as among the most seriously affected. According to WHO, there may be 50–100 million dengue infections worldwide every year.

Diseases that used to be controlled are now back. In 2011, 158 000 people from around the world – mostly children under the age of �ive – died of measles. “More than 95% of measles deaths occur in low-income countries with weak health infrastructures,” WHO deplored.

In the Philippines, measles is back in the news because of the astounding number of new cases. In fact, the Department of Health declared measles outbreaks in �ive cities in Metro Manila.

Weather-related problems like �loods, drought, too much water, and water scarcity are most likely to bring

health problems, too.

In recent years, �loods have been increasing in frequency and intensity.

“Floods contaminate freshwater supplies, heighten the risk of water-borne diseases, and create breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes. They also cause drownings and physical injuries, damage homes and disrupt the supply of medical and health services,” the WHO fact sheet said.

“Increasingly variable rainfall patterns are likely to affect the supply of fresh water,” the WHO fact sheet said. “A lack of safe water can compromise hygiene and increase the risk of diarrhoeal disease, which kills 2.2 million people every year.”

In extreme cases, water scarcity leads to drought and famine. “By the 2090s, climate change is likely to widen the area affected by drought, double the frequency of extreme droughts and increase their average duration six-fold,” the UN health agency added.

Climate change also means disaster. WHO estimated some 600, 000 deaths occurred worldwide as a result of weather-related natural disasters in the 1990s; some 95% of these were in poor countries.

Another effect of climate is sea level rise. “Rising sea levels and increasingly extreme weather events will destroy homes, medical facilities and other essential services,” the WHO said. “More than half of the world’s popu-

lation lives within 60 kilometers of the sea. People may be forced to move, which in turn heightens the risk of a range of health effects, from mental disorders to communicable diseases.”

Dr. Epstein predicts that “wide swings in weather patterns may become the norm, as sea surfaces and deeper waters continue to absorb and circulate the heat accumulating in the troposphere.

At the same time, abrupt changes in climate –hopefully small enough to provide a warning and without widespread disruption – may be in store.’”

In conclusion, he pleads: “We cannot afford to continue ‘business-as-usual’! Changing course will not be easy, but it is necessary. There are costs associated with acting now to slow global warming.

However, in terms of future health care, productivity, international trade, tourism, and insurance costs, the savings could be huge.”

For her part, Senator Loren Legarda said: “The state of our health as human beings is under threat but it is not a death sentence – yet.

We are alive and able to address the climate crisis. We can no longer deny the link between climate change and public health. As scientists, doctors and health workers act double time to limit the spread of weather-related diseases, we must do our share by addressing the factors that contribute to the spread of these diseases,” Legarda concluded. – (To be concluded)

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Branch 93 Quezon City L. G. ATKIMSON IMPORT-EXPORT, 04058-CV INC. - versus JOSELITO C. OASAN AND OASAN INDUSTRIES & TRADING CORPORATION,

R-QZN-13Plaintiff,

Defendants,

X------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF SALE ON EXECUTION OF REAL PROPERTY

WHEREAS, by virtue of the Writ of Execution issued by the Hon. Regional Trial Court, Branch 93, dated August 23, 2016 in the above-entitled case, levy was made by the undersigned Sheriff IV, Office of the Clerk of CourtRegional Trial Court, Davao City on March 30, 2017, thru the Register of Deeds of Davao City, on the rights, interests and participation of the defendant Joselito C. Oasan, doing business under the name and style of OASAN INDUSTRIES AND TRADING CORPORATION on the real properties more particularly described as follows: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2010001982 Lot 596-A-8-B, Psd-11-020251

“A parcel of land (Lot 596-A-8-B, Psd-11-020251, being a portion of Lot 596-A-B (LRC) Psd-87940), situated in the barrio of Bunawan, City of Davao; Island of Mindanao, xxx Containing an area of EIGHT HUNDRED (800), SQUARE METERS, more or less.”

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2010001058

“A parcel of land (Lot 20, Blk. 7 of the consolidation subdivision plan (LRC) Pcs-10706 (Sheet 1), being a portion of the consolidation of lots 1672, 3783, 3784 & 4173, all of Davao Cadestre, L.R.C Cad Record No. 317), situated in the Barrio of Catalunan Pequeno, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of FOUR HUNDRED NINE (409) SQUARE METERS, more or less.”

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of said Writ of Execution and in accordance with Rule 39, Section 19, of the Rules of Court, undersigned Sheriff will sell at public auction to the highest bidder, for CASH and in Philippine Currency, on August 24, 2017, at 10:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter at the Lobby of Aquino Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, the rights, interests and participation of the defendant in the above-described real properties in order to satisfy said Writ of Execution, together with interests, costs, sheriff ’s fee and expenses of sale.

Davao City, Philippines, 2017.

SERGIO LEONARDO J. TUPAS Sheriff IV

VOL. 10 ISSUE 90 •SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE13

Davao Oriental takes part in ASEAN Landmark Lighting T

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gives a warm welcome to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari during a meeting at the Malacañan Palace on August 3, 2017. Details of the meeting were not

disclosed. Misuari’s last meeting with the President, also in Malacanang, was on July 18. Ace Morandante/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of

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

he Province of Davao Oriental will join the historic lighting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) landmarks on August 8.

Davao Oriental is among the 50 chosen ASEAN historical sites in the country, and among the only two sites chosen in Region XI together with Davao City, to participate in the simultaneous nationwide event that will mark the ASEAN’s grand 50th Anniversary celebration.

The province will hold its landmark lighting activity at the Mount Hamiguitan World Heritage Park in San Isidro town, the entrance to the celebrated Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary.

Having been inscribed as the Philippine’s sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, the Mount Hamiguitan was also declared as an ASEAN

Heritage Park in 2016, making the site more significant as the venue for the symbolic landmark lighting event.

The program will kick off with a mass and will be followed by a short program that will feature the singing of the ASEAN hymn and the raising of the flags of the ASEAN ten-member states. A ceremonial lighting of a six-footer lantern will ensue at 7 in the evening which will become the event’s highlight.

Guests from the consulate of Malaysia and Indonesia are expected to grace the highly anticipated event.

Bearing the theme “Under One Light, We Are One ASEAN”, there will be a main event that will be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines aside from the simultaneous landmark lighting programs in all participating LGUs.

The Philippine Government, who takes the helm of the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2017, is encouraging all LGUs, through the Department of Interior and Local Government, “to take part in this once-ina-lifetime milestone as an opportunity to showcase what Filipinos can offer best, through unleashing bright spots in entertainment, tourism and economic industry, talent and culture”.

The said activity is also being touted to contribute in raising people’s awareness and appreciation of the significance and the benefits of being a member of the ASEAN. The nationwide event is spearheaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the ASEAN 2017 National Organizing Council, and participating government agencies. PIO

14 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 90 •SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

Secretary Emmanuel Piñol addresses as well as listens to various concerns confronting the country’s mango industry during the Mindanao Mango Stakeholders’ Forum held in Davao City. (Photo by Che D. Palicte DA-11)

Hope for declining mango industry S

ecretary Emmanuel Piñol expressed his optimism to the revitalization of the country’s declining mango production.

Speaking during the “Mindanao Mango Stakeholders’ Forum”, Piñol urged mango farmers to improve productivity through technology application, financing, and marketing.

He noted that the production of the Philippine Mango has plummeted from over 1.5-million metric tons in previous years to only a little over 800,000-metric tons last year.

Based on the data of Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the decrease in the production of mango from 2006 to 2016 was noted.

From 5.35 metric tons per

hectare yield in 2006, mango production dropped to 4.33 metric tons per hectare yield in 2016.

There is also a slight increase in the number of hectares planted to mango in the country on the same period – from 171,710 hectares in 2006 to 187,839 hectares in 2016.

He stressed that while price of mango is fluctuating, improved productivity

and increased in yield could still boost farmers income.

“I want to address this problem because we have taken for granted the God-given gift which is the Philippine mango,” Piñol said adding that, through the forum he will personally know what support Department of Agriculture (DA) can provide to the mango industry and its stakeholders.

In an interview, Piñol stressed, “You talk to anybody and they will tell you that the best mango in the world is the Philippine mango.”

The secretary also proposed to identify a farm in every province which would serve as a learning center for modern farming techniques in mango production.

The forum aims to craft

a five-year roadmap for the Philippine Mango Development that will quickly address the needs of the industry and make the growth more inclusive for small farmers to benefit.

It was organized by DAHigh Value Crops Development Program XI (DA-HVCDP) in cooperation with Philippine Mango Industry Foundation Inc. (Che D. Palicte DA-11)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 90 •SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

DEPLETED GILAS

Fajardo loss further dampens short-handed Gilas INJURED. Gilas center Jumar Fajardo suffered a strained calf four days into the FIBA Asia Cup.

T

he Philippines will be going to the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup without two of its best big men.

No Andray Blatche. No Junmar Fajardo.

This is what happened recently. When some sportswriters asked Fajardo on why he was walking gingerly on his way out of the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday night, the soft-spoken slotman replied, “Hindi ko alam eh. Parang cramps eh.”

As it turned out, however, it was not just cramps.

Fajardo was revealed to have suffered a strained calf in the Beermen’s game against the TNT KaTropa.

According to SMB governor Robert Non, the doctor advised the 6-foot-10 giant to take a rest, which could mean he will miss Gilas’ campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup in Beirut next week.

Non, however, clarified that Fajardo will still join the national team to Lebanon.

Fajardo did not suit up for the Beermen in their Friday night clash against sister squad Star Hotshots also at “The Big Dome”.

The National team is already without naturalized center Blatche who begged off for security reasons.

The 6-11 Blatche, who has been one of the best in FIBA Asia the past couple of years, will not join the team in Beirut, and his spot will be filled by Filipino-German big man Christian Standhardinger, who will also play for the Philippines at the Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia right after the Asia Cup. The Philippines are in the same group as China, Qatar and Iraq, and they are considered the “Group of Death” at the Asia Cup, which will be played from 8-20 August. Gilas Pilipinas will open their campaign against the team that defeated in the FIBA Asia Championship 2015 Final, China.

China aims to rule Asia Cup with giant frontline

B

EIJING - The Chinese may not be bringing their deepest or most talent-laden squad, but they sure are bringing maybe the most imposing team to the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 in Beirut.

The Chinese will make their way to the Lebanese capital with a veritable walking Great Wall that has certainly made it its mission to rule over the entire field.

Coach Du Feng will have at his disposal a lineup with an average height of 2.01m, which is the tallest in the whole competition.

Leading the way are a trio of centers standing at least 2.10m each: national team newcomer Han Dejun, FIBA Asia veteran Li Muhao and teenage Hu Jinqiu.

Dejun is one to watch as he is considered the “Shaquille O’Neal of China.” At 2.15m and 136kgs, it’s no wonder that’s the case. Muhao was a third-string center 2 years ago on China’s champion team, but he will definitely have a bigger part to play here.

Jinqiu is perhaps the most interesting prospect, though, as he is being compared to Yi Jianlian and may eventually join compatriot Zhou Qi in the NBA.

Aside from Muhao, there are three other holdovers from the Chinese team that beat the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Championship 2015 Final: shooter Li Gen, siwngman Zhou Peng and All-Star Five guard Guo Ailun. All three will play major roles for China this year, but Guo is the one who expected to surface as this team’s vocal leader and barometer.

Guo is this team’s main floor general and their best perimeter threat. He put up around 11 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal per game in 2015 and famously outplayed one of Asia’s finest, Jayson Castro, in the Final.

Guo’s steady play at the point guard position is exactly what China need to complement their size, and if he can muster that same kind of magic in Beirut, the defending champions should be in excellent shape.

Khan accuses wife of affair with another boxer

A

Li Muhao of China during the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha, China. (FIBA. com photo)

mir Khan hasn’t fought since his sixth round knockout loss to Canelo Alvarez last May. But it appears that the former junior welterweight champion has another fight on his hands outside of the boxing ring. The 30-yearold took to Twitter to announce that he will be splitting from his wife of four years, Faryal.

So me and the wife Faryal have agreed to split. I’m currently in Dubai. Wish her all the best.

— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) August 4, 2017 While it is unfortunate to hear that Khan’s marriage fell apart, the next tweet turned his situation into a full blown soap opera that may be better suited for reality television when he accused his soon-to-be ex of cheating with heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

Faryal moved on quick. Always mentioned to me how much she wanted to be with another guy, from all people an-

other boxer @anthonyfjoshua — Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) August 4, 2017 Lol moved up in the weight classes lol. Trust me I ain’t the jealous type. No need to send me pictures of the men your talking to #disgusted — Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) August 4, 2017 Left my family and friends for this Faryal. I’m not hurt but another fighter. I’m making it public. You getting the divorce #Golddigger — Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) August 4, 2017 Mans like Joshua can have my left overs!

— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) August 4, 2017 Anthony Joshua responded to Khan’s accusations by first posting a clip of Shaggy’s video “It Wasn’t Me” and following it with a tweet that suggests he isn’t at fault for Khan’s marital issues.

Bantz aside, I hope you guys can resolve your situation or

this is a hack as we have never even met! Plus I like my women BBW #ItWasntMe — Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) August 4, 2017 There was speculation that Khan’s Twitter account was hacked, but the boxer released a video stating that everything was real and he will be leaving his wife.

“It is real,” Khan said. “Obviously, me and Faryal have both decided to move on — well, I’ve decided to walk away. Nothing has been hacked.”

Faryal posted a series of replies, but has since deleted those tweets. She accused Khan of being a cheater and suggested that the boxer is seeking attention because his boxing career hasn’t gone well the past year.

“I’m not the one who’s been in the papers every month with my pants down cheater!” she posted while also suggesting that Khan is at fault for their marriage falling apart.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

HARD LUCK Gilas goes

to Asia Cup sans Blatche, Fajardo

VOL. 10 ISSUE 90 •SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 6-7, 2017 Brgy. Bago Aplaya makes artificial reefs with DCWD Through Davao City Water District’s Artificial Reefs Making Contest in Brgy. Bago Aplaya, five artificial reefs were completed and submitted for the first round of judging on July 28, 2017. Each reef represented the participating purok’s concept of an effective man-made structure that will enhance fish habitat.

Participants were Purok 13-Seaside, Purok 14-Saavedra, Purok 17-Bliss, Purok 19-Balai, and Purok 21-D’Garden.

Judging the artificial reefs based on functionality (25%) and concept and originality (10%) were Raul C. Millana, head of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); Aimee C. Evora, Marine Protected Area (MPA) coordinator of the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO); and Dominic Jone C. Cabactulan of the Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management Section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

DCWD has been working closely with these agencies in their capacity as members of Davao City Coastal Resource Management-Technical Working Group which has the collective expertise and jurisdiction over MPAs in the city to ensure proper construction of artificial reefs and identification of strategic installation site.

Site survey and GPS mapping and orientation on artificial reefs making were earlier conducted in May 2017.

A community Zumba was also organized as part of DCWD’s year round 2Big Campaign of collecting discarded plastic bottles to be recycled into chairs for upland schools. Around 200 residents participated and traded their plastic bottles for freebies bearing water conservation and environment protection messages.

On behalf of DCWD management, official spokesperson Atty. Bernardo D. Delima Jr. thanked Brgy. Capt.

Cristito B. Lazaro who also graced the activity for hosting DCWD’s community-based endeavors as well as the partner agencies. DCWD also thanked the Office of the City Mayor for its support and for the free lugaw.

The five purok participants received consolation prizes and DCWD customized IEC materials. Winners will be named and awarded in October 2017 after the conduct of an underwater survey during the second round of judging to determine the points for environmental compatibility and durability (35%) and stability (30%).

The artificial reefs will be installed underwater in August 2017. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

 SEE PAGE, 15

Brgy. Bago Aplaya makes artificial reefs with Davao City Water District. (L pic) Residents turn over their discarded plastic bottles in support to DCWD’s 2Big Campaign of recycling waste plastics into school chairs as participants from Purok 19-Balai gets help in hauling their entry for the judging program on July 28, 2017.