Edge10 issue92 August 9 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

CEREMONIAL LIGHTING. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (center), Indonesian Consul General Berlian Napitupulu (left) and Saiful Nizam Wahib, Charge D’ Affairs Consul General of Malaysia lead the ceremonial lighting of the ASEAN lantern held at City Hall on Tuesday night.

Lean Daval Jr

CHR SLAMMED

For seeming bias towards criminals EDGEDAVAO Sports S

BATTLE AT THE BOARDS Kadayawan FIDE-Rated Rapid chessfest Aug. 12-13

SPORTS P16

everal lawmakers at the House of Representatives have expressed dismay at the way the Commission on Human Rights has been performing its role as a human rights body.

The lawmakers denounced the seeming bias of the CHR in investigating human rights cases during the hearing on the agency’s proposed budget for 2018 conducted Monday by the House Committee on Appropriations chaired by Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles.

During the hearing, lawmakers lamented how the CHR, led by its chairman Jose Luis Gascon, has been quick

to denounce alleged human rights violations committed by the law enforcement agencies but is noticeably quiet on the human rights abuses perpetrated by criminals or terrorists.

Kabayan Partylist Rep. Harry Roque noted that the CHR has been very vocal about the alleged human rights violations of the current Duterte administration, but not on the human rights abuses reportedly committed during the Aquino administration.

He said that while the CHR and the mandate of promoting and protecting human rights should be apolitical, he

warned that the CHR would be perceived by the public to be a political tool against the government of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The CHR choose only to criticize the human rights record of the current administration and they remain silent on the human rights record of the past dispensation,” Roque, a human rights lawyer said.

“I’m afraid that unless the CHR actually take steps to end impunity as far as the previous administration is concerned, it is not just the President who will perceive CHR as becoming a very political entity being used against this current ad-

ministration, but the common people as well,” Roque said.

He also pointed out that adding to that perception is the fact that Gascon is a card-bearing member of the Liberal Party and its former director-general.

Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat told the CHR that should denounce the violations whether they are committed by the State or not.

He noted that the CHR failed to condemn the perpetrators of the Zamboanga siege, Maguindanao massacre, Mamasapano carnage, Marawi attack, beheading of soldiers, and even kidnapping.(PNA)

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

ALLIES STILL. President Duterte meets with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Malacañan Palace on Monday night. Joining the US Secretary of State is US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Muslim clerics to issue ‘fatwa’versus terrorism

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lamas or Muslim clerics based in the province of Lanao del Sur, where Marawi City is situated,, are mobilizing to convene a national Ulama conference to issue a fatwa or Islamic ruling against terrorism.

Uamilodin Sharif, deputy mufti of the provincial Darul Ifta of Lanao, on Tuesday said the main objective of the conference is for the Ulama across the country to have a fatwa against terrorism amid the ongoing armed conflict in Marawi

City.

“Terrorism is one of the major problems the country is facing. Yes, it is true that there are already two existing fatwas issued by the regional Darul Ifta of Armm and from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front . Our purpose here is to bring to the national level or the scope of the Fatwa. That’s why we are convening a national conference on this,” he said.

“We want to widen the scope of the fatwa to cover all areas in the country so

MUSLIM, 10

Comelec chair advised to take leave of absence

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n election watchdog urged Commission on Elections chairman Juan Andres Bautista to take a leave of absence following allegations of having unexplained wealth worth P1 billion by his wife Patricia Paz. “By taking a leave of absence, Bautista will not be able to use his position at the COMELEC to influence the outcome of the probe, which we maintain should not just be limited to the issue of ill-gotten wealth,” said Kontra Daya convener Danilo Arao in a statement.

“Transcending the seemingly salacious and scandalous, it is imperative that any investigation of Bautista include issues surrounding the

conduct of the 2016 elections under Bautista’s watch, as in the case of the leakage of personal information of voters,” he further stated.

Arao believed that the allegation “is worth investigating, especially in the performance of his job not just at the COMELEC but also at the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG).”

He added, “Much as the media and the public are tempted to look at other details of his personal life, it is our hope that we don’t lose sight of the bigger issue of alleged corruption, conflict of interest and abuse of power while in office.”

When asked if the poll

COMELEC, 10

Jaywalking ordinance temporarily deferred

By ANGIE SAVERON

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he City Transport and Traffic Management Office of Davao city will put on hold the implementation of the Anti- Jay walking ordinance in deference to the Kadayawan festivity.

However, traffic ordinances such as illegal parking will still be implemented.

Joel Santos, strategic intelligence assistant of the

CTTMO said the sheer number of people participating in the festivity makes it impractical to implement the anti-jay walking ordinance.

Despite this, Santos said the CTTMO has expressed hope that the people will abide by traffic rules and regulations.

500 traffic personnel will also be deployed on the Kadayan festival to ensure the traffic manage-

ment in this festivity. These traffic enforcers will be deployed in Toril, Calinan, Matina Down town and Panacan area. They will be assisted by 150 volunteers who will aid the CTTMO in managing the traffic.

this month.

“We are still hoping our arrivals will increase after Kadayawan and that this will go on until December. So, that’s why we are asking the help of Dabawenyos… Ask your friends to come here kahit walang kadayawan (even if there is no Kadayawan) just to be here in Davao, and experience what we have here,” she said.

The increase in tourist arrivals in the first half was attributed to the launch of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in January at the SMX Convention Center Davao, she said.

Tecson said accommodation facilities have so far recorded an 85-percent occupancy rate within the duration of the month-long Kadayawan Festival despite the martial law declaration.

The city’s big and small hotels, pension houses and inns have a combined total of 10,000 rooms, she said.

“If you want a brand new experience, come to Davao and experience what martial law is Mindanao style,” she said.

Department of Tourism 11 director Roberto Alabado said the Kadayawan Festival is part of the regional ef-

Santos is discouraging the people to use their own vehicle during the kadayawan festival since there will be road closures.

Hence, there is a possibility that they will not fully enjoy the celebration because of heavy traffic.

The information dissemination is one of the steps taken by the CTTMO to inform the people about the safety measures during the Kadayawan.

He also said that the resolution with regard the route closure is still waiting for approval.

Davao tourist arrivals dipped by 19% in June

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he number of tourist arrivals in the city in June this year went down to 123,343, or a decrease of 19 percent compared to 152,678 tourists registered during the same period last year.

But City Tourism Office head Generose Tecson said the city recorded a total of 930,136 visitors for the first half this year, surpassing by 3.6 percent the number of visitors recorded during the same period last year with 896,983 visitors.

She said she remains confident that the arrivals will pick up starting

fort to showcase the culture of the city’s 11 recognized tribes – Bagobo-Kalata, Bagobo-tagabawa, Matigsalug, Ata Manobo, Ovu Manobo of the Lumad, Sama, Kagan, Maguindanao, Iranun, Maranao, and Tausug.

Alabado said the Kadayawan highlights lumad culture that has survived despite colonization.

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

He said that if “there is

DAVAO, 10

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

AFP: No notice yet of US airstrike plan for Marawi

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he head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said the Philippines has yet to receive a formal notice from the United States of its reported plan to conduct airstrikes in the besieged Marawi City and noted that such proposal, if any, has to undergo a process.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said only when the Philippines is actually invaded by «another state actor» can direct military action involving US forces be allowed.

“Direct military actions may only be allowed during actual invasion of the Philippines by another state actor,” he said. “We at the AFP is yet to receive any formal

notice or offer for such air capability deployment.”

He said the existing Mutual Defense Treaty with the US stipulates that only technical assistance and training may be allowed under the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board.

Año expressed appreciation over US’ desire to help in the ongoing fight against terrorists in the southern Mindanao city but also emphasized that it has to undergo a process. “And a covenant must be had between the Commanders-in-Chief of both nations before that option my be adopted,” he said.

“We appreciate Penta-

HERE THEY COME. Huge deliveries of “The King of Fruits” Durian begin to flood Davao markets in anticipation of the Kadayawan festivities next week. Lean

AFP, 10 Daval Jr.

Starkey to hold hearing P Aid screening for free

Duterte is guest of honor at PNP 116th anniversary

By ANGIE SAVERON

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he Starkey hearing foundation will be conducting its free hearing aid screening here in Davao city on August 13 - 15, 2017 at Almedras gym Davao City.

Second district councilor April Marie Dayap said this is the first time Starkey Hearing foundation will conduct this activity in the city.

This US based foundation will be giving out hearing aid screening, free hearing aid and battery supply for life for free. There is no age qualification in this

activity however children and elderly people will be given priority with a total of 1,200 people expected to benefit from this project.

“As of today, there are approximately 300-400 people who are on the list, so there are still slots available for many people,” Dayap said.

As its counterpart, the city government of Davao will be accommodating the Starkey team while the visitors will take care of the food and the venue.

The participants on the list will be receiving a

schedule via phone call.

This is to make sure they will be included in the 400 participants that will be accommodated in each day of the activity. Walk-in participants and participants from other regions are also welcome to join the activity.

Part of the signed Memorandum of Agreement by the city government and Starkey, there will be a point -person under the city health office that will be in-charge of all the concerns with regard this project. First phase of this proj-

ect which will be on August 13-15, 2017 is the screening test. Dayap claimed that this is necessary because not everyone is qualified to wear hearing aid. The second phase will be on the first week of December.

William Austin the owner of Starkey Foundation and his team will be coming to Davao to distribute the customized hearing aid.

Dayap said Starkey Hearing Foundation has been conducting this activity in different parts of the country for the past five years.

res. Rodrigo Duterte will be guest of honor in the 116th founding anniversary celebration of the Philippine National Police at Camp Crame on Wednesday.

The visit is expected to boost the morale of the 190,00-strong police force.

PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said Duterte will be provided with a full-dress parade and review ceremony as he issues policy directives and marching orders to the police force.

The event, to be held at the PNP Grandstand, has a theme “Buhay ng Pulis Handang Ibuwis Para sa Katahimikan at Kaayusan ng Bayan”.

As a highlight, Department of Interior and Local Government offi-

DUTERTE, 10

Lacson urges DBM to prove If 2018 budget is pork-free

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VITAL PIECE. Ironworkers carry a round bar which will be used to form a reinforcement cage for the rehabilitation of Ma-a Bridge along Carlos P. Garcia Highway in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

cer-in-charge Catalino Cuy and PNP head Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, will assist Duterte in the presentation of awards to PNP units and personnel for outstanding achievements in the police service.

Other unit awards are: Best Police Regional Office - Police Regional Office (PRO) 1 headed by Regional Director Chief Supt.

Charlo Collado Best Police Provincial Office- Sorsogon Police Provincial Office, PRO 5 headed by Senior Supt.

Ronald Cabral Best City Police Office - Iligan City Police Station, PRO 10 headed by Senior Supt. Leony Roy Ga Best City Police Station- Vigan City Police Sta-

enator Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday asked the Department of Budget and Management and the House of Representatives to prove that the proposed P3.767-trillion 2018 national budget is free from pork barrel allocations.

Lacson made this call noting that for him, it was hard to believe that the proposed budget is free from pork for several reasons.

He asked the DBM and the House to explain the big lump sums in several agencies like Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Agriculture (DA) among others.

The senator said that he also wanted to know

why legislators in both houses of Congress are being asked to submit lists of their projects just before the period of amendments of the appropriations bill or even before that.

Another issue he had with the proposed budget was that there were billboards in some jurisdictions/districts where some congressmen boldly claim that the ongoing projects are theirs.

Finally, he wanted the DBM and House to explain the PHP8.3 billion that the Senate discovered and realigned to fund the free tuition of students in state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the 2017 General Appropriations Act. Last year, the Senate removed some PHP8.3 billion in pork barrel allo-

LACSON, 10

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 92 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

Widening of energy base pressed at Asia Dialogue

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epartment of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi called for the widening of energy base with efficient and reliable power sources.

In his keynote address at the opening of the three-day Asia Cooperation Dialogue in Panglao, Bohol Tuesday, Cusi said the strategy can help nations secure their energy needs while addressing the challenges of climate change and energy affordability.

“We have a diversified energy mix, with nearly 24 percent of our power being sourced from renewable sources. And this diversified mix has proven to be competitive and sustainable,” Cusi said.

To achieve security and sustainability requires a three-pronged approach driven by three I’s: incentives, investments and innovation, according to Cusi.

“Governments must be willing to provide the necessary support for players who want to bring fresh energy solutions and thus, make electricity rates affordable to consumers,” Cusi said.

He also said, “All players must be willing to invest in new technologies that not only increases reliability, but reduces emissions.”

“Innovation is the key driver that we need in order to achieve security and sustainability. Governments

must develop a regulatory environment that supports our innovators and researchers,” he added.

With the three I’s approach, Cusi said, “Asia can produce its own visionary problem solvers. We must be resilient and stay the course.”

Meanwhile, the Energy Chief shared the country’s solution to the hurdles faced by energy investors in Asia in the form of red tape and long waiting times.

As a solution, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 30 that classifies energy projects amounting to at least USD70 million as projects of national significance, according to Cusi. EO 30 also streamlines permitting process of all government agencies under the Energy Investment Coordinating Council (EICC).

Under the EO, concerned government agencies must act on a proposal within 30 days. Otherwise, the proposal is deemed approved.

“Speed is of the essence here and we are determined to see that we pull in the best investments and build our projects on time to deliver on our domestic plan,” Cusi said.

“But it is not just enough to focus internally. It is also important to promote closer cooperation among our countries. Our diversity is our strength,” he added. (PNA)

EITI roadshow to push For whole transparency

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ow do local government units spend the fees they collect from mining companies? How can the public have an overview of the LGUs’ projects?

Since President Rodrigo Duterte is firm in promoting transparency, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez noted that only full transparency can build trust among stakeholders.

He added that with full transparency, the public can be assured that businesses are run with integrity.

With this, the Department of Finance (DOF) is holding the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) roadshow this month. The roadshow includes consultation workshops and multi-stakeholder forum.

Carrying the theme, “Extracting Value in Transparency: A Forum on Promoting Local Development through Sustained Disclosure and Dialogue”, this roadshow aims to inform the mining stakeholders on the developments in the country’s implementation of EITI’s global transparency standards in managing mineral resources.

Apart from the

multi-stakeholder forum, the roadshow will have a workshop on the enhanced Environment and Natural Resource Data Management Tool (ENRDMT), an online reporting tool for LGUs. The online reporting tool will showcase the LGUs’ projects, and disclosures on how they spend their budget or the money they have collected from the mining industry.

The DOF on Monday said this tool is yet to be tested. Thus, consultation workshops are really essential for the agency to determine the views of different sectors, including the indigenous people.

“DOF is also overseeing the Philippines’ validation as an EITI-implementing country.

During this validation process, we review the country’s progress and impact in implementing EITI’s international transparency standards in governance of the extractive sector,” said DOF Assistant Secretary Teresa Habitan.

For this month, the roadshow is scheduled in Manila, Baguio, Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Butuan and Davao.

INFORMAL JOB. A roaming foot and hand cleaner attends to a customer at the Centennial Park along San Pedro Street on Tuesday morning. Informal workers abound in city parks attracting customers for a quick job that’s cheaper than going to salons. Lean Daval Jr.

Monetary Board member pushes cashless transactions

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onetary Board Member Felipe M. Medalla on Monday urged banking partners and stakeholders in Calabarzon and Mimaropa regions to promote cashless transactions as he thanked their support in policy formulation and government efforts in maintaining price and financial stability.

Calabarzon region comprises the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon while Mimaropa is composed of the island provinces of Mindoro Oriental and Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

Medalla guested at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipi-

nas’ (BSP) 2017 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch at the Paseo Premiere Hotel, Greenfield City here to honor BSP’s partners.

“Arm-in-arm we are ready to face today’s challenges, the visions we share from past to present flourished the dynamics of our revolving and growing partnership and enable us to achieve what we could otherwise have not achieved,” Medalla said as he expressed confidence given the various banking stakeholders’ continuing support.

Adopting the celebration’s theme “Transforming Shared Visions into Dynam-

ic Partnership,” BSP feted the central bank partners for their contributions in the policy formulation and advocacies particularly on the three Central Banking operations, among them, to maintain price and financial stability, and an efficient payment and settlements system.

Medalla explained that although cash payment is still “king” in our country, with the growing demand of the electronic banking and payments system “We will go into that direction - where, like in other countries people use less cash and use their phones in paying, even ambulant vendors,” he said.

A former Dean of the University of the Philippines (UP) School of Economics and Director General of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Medalla assessed that “this is what keeps BSP thinking” and call on the government and private partners to help in terms of requirements and regulations.

He added that this would goad people to use institutions and companies that are under the regulation and influence of the BSP citing the country’s foreign exchange trading where people do business with foreign exchange dealers not falling under BSP’s control but offer lighter rules and requirements. (PNA)

cation under the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, said the purpose of the event was to tap bloggers and their online reach to enhance the knowledge and awareness on ASEAN and spread the information to people.

The said event aims to promote the benefits of ASEAN’s development across different platforms, particularly using new media, to disseminate information on ASEAN consolidation, solidarity, diversity, and unity.

“Bloggers have access to media and can be a community spokesperson. But of course, in the delivery of information, bloggers are required to be responsible morally and ethically. They can become agents of change

and bring people to a better direction,” said Widiastuti.

“With the ability to filter, search, and retransmit information with their own characteristics, bloggers have the ability to translate government language into a language that is easily understood by the public,” Widiastuti added.

Widiastuti also highlighted the bloggers’ role to play in combatting the rise of fake news or hoaxes.

“I believe that bloggers have an important role in fighting hoaxes because usually, the content written in blogs are personal and honest, based on personal experiences,” Widiastuti said.

“Before generating a content, bloggers need to analyze, read a lot of sources and

include the news source. This will make the news traceable to the truth. Through his blog, bloggers have a vast opportunity in offsetting the hoax news,” Widiastuti added.

Among ASEAN’s people-centered initiatives for this year include the ASEAN Youth Interfaith Camp, Youth Ambassador, ASEAN Photo Contest & ASEAN Vloggers Contest, and Young Social Preneurs Program, among others.

The ASEAN Blogger Phase 1 from August 7 to 11, 2017 gathered bloggers from the 10 ASEAN member states, a representative from the ASEAN Secretariat, and officials and officers from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. PNA

Bloggers asked to raise awareness on ASEAN

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n a bid to boost its online presence and create greater awareness to the public, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has tapped bloggers from different member-states to spread its key initiatives and programs within the region.

The ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) on Tuesday formally launched the ASEAN Blogger Phase I at the Aston Kuta Hotel & Residence in Bali, Indonesia, which coincides with the grand commemorative celebration of ASEAN’s 50th anniversary held in Manila, Philippines.

In an opening speech read by a representative, Rosarita Niken Widiastuti, Director General of Information and Public Communi-

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

PH hosts celebration of ASEAN anniversary

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he Philippines, as chair of this year’s ASEAN Summit, is holding the grand celebration of the 50th anniversary of the regional bloc.

The grand celebration opened Tuesday morning at the Philippine International Convention Center and attended by ASEAN foreign ministers and their spouses, as well as ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh and her wife.Secretary of Foreign Affairs and AMM Chair Alan Peter Cayetano at ASEAN50 Grand Celebration.

BARELY ENOUGH. A store worker piles up thousands of fresh chicken eggs delivered to their stall at Bankerohan Public Market from a poultry farm located at the outskirt of Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

Bloggers asked to raise awareness about ASEAN I

n a bid to boost its online presence and create greater awareness to the public, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has tapped bloggers from different member-states to spread its key initiatives and programs within the region.

The ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) on Tuesday formally launched the ASEAN Blogger Phase I at the Aston Kuta Hotel & Residence in Bali, Indonesia, which coincides with the grand commemorative celebration of ASEAN’s 50th anniversary held in Manila, Philippines.

In an opening speech read by a representative, Rosarita Niken Widiastuti, Director General of Information and Public Communication under the Indonesian

Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, said the purpose of the event was to tap bloggers and their online reach to enhance the knowledge and awareness on ASEAN and spread the information to people.

The said event aims to promote the benefits of ASEAN’s development across different platforms, particularly using new media, to disseminate information on ASEAN consolidation, solidarity, diversity, and unity.

“Bloggers have access to media and can be a community spokesperson. But of course, in the delivery of information, bloggers are required to be responsible morally and ethically.

They can become agents of change and bring people to

a better direction,” said Widiastuti.

“With the ability to filter, search, and retransmit information with their own characteristics, bloggers have the ability to translate government language into a language that is easily understood by the public,” Widiastuti added.

Widiastuti also highlighted the bloggers’ role to play in combatting the rise of fake news or hoaxes.

“I believe that bloggers have an important role in fighting hoaxes because usually, the content written in blogs are personal and honest, based on personal experiences,” Widiastuti said.

“Before generating a content, bloggers need to analyze, read a lot of sourc-

es and include the news source. This will make the news traceable to the truth.

Through his blog, bloggers have a vast opportunity in offsetting the hoax news,” Widiastuti added.

Among ASEAN’s people-centered initiatives for this year include the ASEAN Youth Interfaith Camp, Youth Ambassador, ASEAN Photo Contest & ASEAN Vloggers Contest, and Young Social Preneurs Program, among others.

The ASEAN Blogger Phase 1 from August 7 to 11, 2017 gathered bloggers from the 10 ASEAN member states, a representative from the ASEAN Secretariat, and officials and officers from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. PNA

the existing airport in Barangay Baliwasan is no longer viable for future expansions, thus, the need for a new airport location.

A new airport location is also necessary due to the increasing air traffic and accelerating growth of this city in the Western Mindanao Development Corridor, being one of the country’s primary gateways to the Association of Southeast Asian (Asean) countries.

Earlier, the city government asked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to study the detailed engineering and funding source for the transfer of the airport,

which is being pushed the past two decades.

In April, the DOTr commissioned a private contractor to conduct the fourth “Feasibility Study and Master Plan Study for the Development of the ZIA.” At present, there are about three feasibility studies (FS) commissioned by the government for the new airport since 1992.

The transfer of the airport from its current location to barangays Mercedes and Talabaan in the east coast has been pushed since 1996, following the development of the Master Development Plan of this city.

For years, the Region-

al Development Council (RDC) has been endorsing the new airport project to the national government as a priority.

It was learned that at least 250 hectares of the proposed site for the new airport are owned by private individuals and corporations.

The ZIA Master Plan project was prepared since 1992 by a consortium of Singaporean Consulting firms.

In 2006, the then Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) commissioned a pre-feasibility study that also recommended the transfer of the airport.

(DWTW/

Construction of P9 Billion Zambo airport pressed

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he long-awaited construction of a new airport in this city has been endorsed as a priority project to the national government for funding, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Tuesday.

“A new Zamboanga International Airport project costing P9.87 billion has already been endorsed as priority to the national government by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda),” Salazar said.

Salazar said the endorsement was made by the Mindanao Development Authority (Minda), citing a study that showed

President Rodrigo Duterte is the keynote speaker for the event.

The opening of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN’s grand celebration coincides with the closing ceremony of ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ (AMM) Meeting and Related Meetings.

In his opening statement, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano emphasized ASEAN’s achievement of ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. (PNA)

Mindanao solons back Marawi rehab budget

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ext year’s national budget should include funds for the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

This was the consensus of several Mindanaoan lawmakers as the Lower House has started its deliberations for next year’s national budget.

President Rodrigo Duterte first divulged the proposed P3.767 trillion national budget for 2018 during his second State of the Nation Address last July 24.

Dubbed as “The Budget that Reforms and Transforms”, it seeks to allocate the lion share of the budget to educatio—at P691.1 billion.

Rep. Juliette Uy, of the Misamis Oriental’s 2nd district, said she hopes a bigger chunk of that amount would be set aside to rebuild school buildings that were damaged in the ongoing fighting between the government forces and armed extremists in Marawi.

The Mindanao bloc at the House, Rep. Uy said, have agreed to give emphasis on the education sector so portions of it could be used in rebuilding school buildings and classrooms destroyed in the Marawi conflict.

“Although we did not promise, but we will try out best to help, especially in the allocation of the budget [for the construction of Marawi].

We, the Mindanaoan legislators, will fight for its approval,” Uy said.

Deputy House Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez, of the 2nd district of South Cotabato, disclosed that on top of the budget for education, portions of the 2018 will be allocated to fund rebuilding efforts in Marawi.

Specific budgetary requirements may be laid out later after thorough assessment of the damage, Rep. Hernandez said, pointing out that the conflict is still ongoing.

Leyte town gears for inflow of investments

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ands for commercial spaces and other businesses are being made available in this town to answer the rising demands from increasing number of investors in the commercial and residential sectors.

Palo town Mayor Remedios Petilla on Monday admitted the town is growing at a fast pace these recent years and that they are running out of area to offer to would-be investors.

However, lots for commercial spaces and other business are being made available along the newly opened West Bypass Road traversing through some inland villages of the town, he said. The road opens another alternative highway for motorists and transportation particularly those going to the west side of the province.

“For now, this area provides the need for available lots for interested investors, who are inquiring where they can possibly set up businesses,” Petilla said on Monday.

More economic activities are noted at the Government Center,

which houses several regional government officers, and in the nearby Pawing and Guindapunan villages where commercial businesses have opened over the past years.

Lining the primary highway along Pawing and Guindapunan areas are fast food chains, groceries, gasoline stations, and other local businesses.

Petilla said, all lots here, particularly those along the carlines, are now either sold or already occupied.

Anticipating for the town’s growth, Petilla added that the local government is likely to concentrate the commercial boom to the town’s outskirts and other alternative area to preserve its old “poblacion” or the town’s commercial district.

Palo, with a population of 70,052 , is a home to historical sites and its town proper houses old religious sites and residential homes worthy of preservation.

Palo is also the seat of the Roman Catholic archdiocese. The town is only 14 kilometers from the city.

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NEW CAPITOL. The employees of the provincial government of Davao Occidental led by Governor Claude Bautista attend the first flag raising ceremony held at the newly-built P22 million capitol building in Malita, Davao Occidental on Tuesday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

DavOcc inaugurates new Capitol he Provincial Government of Davao Occidental recently inaugurated its new provincial capitol building in Malita town Tuesday.

Led by Governor Claude Bautista and Vice Governor Franklin Bautista, the em-

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ployees and officials held their first ever flag raising activity in the newly constructed P22 million building.

The province of Davao Occidental was created thru Republic Act 10360 and adopted by its people on October 28, 2013.

Since its creation, the provincial government has been holding office in the municipal town hall of Malita, hometown of the Bautistas.

Gov. Bautista said that with their new but temporary provincial capitol, they hope to deliver better ser-

vices to their constituents.

The relatively small capitol building houses all provincial agencies with the exemption of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Governor Bautista said they however plan to transfer to the Provincial Capitol

round 6,000 Senior High School (SHS) students here have received free career guidance and other related education services as part of the three-day Gensan Edukasyon Fair 2017.

The fair, which opened at the KCC Mall Convention Center on Monday, is part of a national campaign for SHS spearheaded by innovative social enterprise site Edukasyon.ph and supported by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Annalie Edday, Edukasyon. ph partnerships manager, said Tuesday the initiative aims to guide SHS students in the city in choosing their future careers, colleges and universities, and enable them to access possible scholarship opportunities.

Through a series of interactive lectures and exhibits, she said they expect to provide students with a better perspective of the educational tracks that best fits their talents and interest as well as career and

business opportunities.

During the opening sessions, she said students were able to interact with top “entrepreneurs, innovators and creative thinkers” who succeeded in their chosen careers.

These included former Sarangani governor Miguel Rene Dominguez, who is now vice president of the Saragani Agricultural Company Inc., and Gino Canlas, who serves as the application/web specialist and growth manager of Edukasyon. ph.

She said Dominguez challenged students to choose careers that will not only benefit them or their families but local communities as well.

Canlas shared how he started his online business at age 19 and retired upon reaching 30 after earning around P200 million in various ventures.

“The students were able to talk to them and asked some questions about their experiences,” Edday said.

For the next two days of

the fair, she said participating students will have a “full immersion” to the Edukasyon.ph portal.

She said they will get full access at a list of courses offered by colleges and universities in the country and a list of around 4,000 scholarship offers.

As of Tuesday morning, she said some 1,609 students have already registered with their website and 1,410 of them have made inquiries.

The DepEd city division has listed a total of 18,273 SHS students in various public and private schools in the city.

Edday said registered users will get automatic notifications through their Facebook newsfeeds regarding calls for scholarship applications and other related information.

At the end of the end of the fair, she said they expect the participating students to have a full understanding of the tracks and strands that are available and they could pursue.

“We will sustain our inter-

action with them through our website and provide them with career guidance tips through online resources,” she said.

In the next two months, Edday said they will hold similar fairs in the cities of Davao, Zamboanga and Tagum.

Aside from DepEd, the initiative is supported by the city government, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, Smart Communication, Alsons Power Group, RD Foundation, KCC Veranza, PLDT and various institutions.

Edukasyon.ph is a social enterprise in the education technology sector, with a mission of democratizing access to higher education and helping students make better-informed choices that will allow them to achieve their dream career.

Its website is considered as among the top resource for students in the Philippines looking for higher education opportunities locally and abroad.(PNA)

Complex in Barangay Lais few years from now.

The 30-hectare provincial complex is donated by Danding Cojuancgo and the San Miguel Corporation who has reportedly invested a lot in the young province.

The Bautistas are known

supporters of the Cojuangcos who own substantial shares in SMC. Vice Governor Franklin Bautista said that among the huge investments in their province are the coal-fired power plant and the banana plantation.

he city council here reiterated its calls on Tuesday to stop “illegal” operations in the entire city of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)-backed Small Town Lottery or STL. City Councilor Franklin Gacal Jr., chair of the council’s committee on games and amusements, said all STL outlets in the city should be closed down immediately as these have been operating without proper authority from the local government.

He said the city police should enforce the stoppage of the STL and the closure of its outlets as it is considered an “illegal gambling operation.”

The council passed a resolution last month directing acting city police director, Sr. Supt. Romeo Ruel Berango, “to order the stoppage of the operation of STL” in the city.

But Berango did not impkement the directive due to the pending legal issues on the

matter and the issuance of official opinion from the Philippine National Police’s legal affairs division.

He said they were told by PCSO representatives that STL’ operations are covered by national laws and its authorized local franchise, Trento Gaming Corporation, is not required to secure any permit from the city.

STL has been operating in the city for several months already through outlets managed

by Trento.

But Gacal, who is a lawyer, noted that there is “no legal issue” on the matter as the city government has not even required the STL outlets in the area to secure business permits.

He said the city’s charter, Republic Act (RA) 9649, explicitly requires the PCSO and other concerned entities to seek the city council’s concurrence before it can operate any type of gaming in the city. (PNA)

6k SHS studes get career, education services Stop‘illegal’STL ops, Gensan council urges A T

7 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

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Davao City Water District and Philippine Women’s College sign the agreement for the Adopt-a-Site project. DCWD headed by general manager Engr. Edwin V. Regalado and PWC headed by Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Community Extension Dr. Eufrosina P. Mines (5th and 6th from L) pose for posterity.

TESDA, FFCCCII forge link for skills mapping

DCWD, PWC ink MOA T for Adopt-a-Site project

D

avao City Water District enlisted the support of Philippine Women’s College (PWC) as the 57th adopter of DCWD’s Adopt-a-Site project in Malagos Watershed. The memorandum of agreement formalizing this partnership was signed on July 31, 2017.

Present during the signing ceremony were DCWD and PWC officers headed by general manag-

er Engr. Edwin V. Regalado and officer-in-charge of the Office of the Community Extension Dr. Eufrosina P. Mines, respectively.

Under the agreement, PWC will rehabilitate one hectare of land in Malagos Watershed through planting and maintenance activities supervised by DCWD. This role is geared toward DCWD’s strategy of reforestation of open lands or brush lands with suitable

forest and fruit tree species. To date, a total of 80.5 hectares in Malagos Watershed has been adopted by various government and private entities.

Aside from its Adopta-Site projects, DCWD also conducts regular community-based water quality monitoring in barangays within the watershed to engage the local government units and Indigenous Peoples organizations in

ensuring the safety of water resources. Resource mapping workshops and orientations on the importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene are also incorporated in the water quality monitoring programs, the most recent of which were conducted in May and June 2017 in Brgy. Manuel Guianga, Brgy. Tambobong, and Brgy. Tungkalan. (Winston C. Ajero)

he Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. have forged partnership for skills mapping -- a way to identify an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, and identifying the most needed skills in a place/area.

The partnership also aims to provide better technical education and more training programs, especially to the poor.

“We expect that this partnership will help boost the skills and industry exposure of our local labor force,” said TESDA Director General Guil-

nspired by their hard work, Hedcor continues to back 12 outstanding junior high school students of the beneficiary schools in Davao del Sur in their quest to reach their dream of reciprocating their parents efforts and sacrifices.

These students from Kapatagan National High School and Federico Yap National High School will continue to receive financial incentives from Hedcor for remaining on top in their classes.

Hedcor, who aspires for an inclusive growth between the company and its host communities, makes sure that these future builders are inspirited to build a better future.

“I thank Hedcor for their unending support and compassion to us who have little but also have big dreams. This financial assistance will really help me especially now that both of my parents do not have sustaining jobs,” said 9th Grader Anjelina Canomay.

Indeed, these students are proving that they can help their parents even as students.

Ramil Alcantara, the president of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of KPNHS and the father of one of the recipients of the financial assistance, in tears, said: “Wow, you are an answered prayer. I was just praying to God to help us with our financial problems, and I was really wondering where to get enough money for my

daughter’s allowance, and here you are. Thank you for being a blessing to others.”

In Davao City and Davao del Sur, Hedcor has given financial assistance to a total of 37 deserving high school students of host communities since 2008.

This program aims to prepare public high school students for a college scholarship, in which 2 of the 27 Hedcor college scholars already graduated. (Hedcor)

will be the festival’s opening film.

Cinema Rehiyon is a flagship project of the cinema committee of the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, which showcases the best regional films across the country.

This year’s staging, which will be hosted by the Nabunturan Municipal Tourism Council, Inc. (MTCNI) and the Local Government Unit of Nabunturan will screen 12 full

length films and 98 short films.

Other notable independent regional films include the best picture awardees of different film festivals these are; Ned’s Project (2016) by Lem Lorca in CineFilipino; 2 Cool 2 b 4gotten (2016) by Petersen Vargas in Cinema One Originals 2016; Sunday Beauty Queen (2016) by Baby Ruth Villarama in Metro Manila Film Festival; and Tu Pug Imatoy (2016) by Arbi Barbarona in Sinag Maynila Film Festival

2017.

Cinema One Originals Best Documentary Film Forbidden Memory (2016) by Teng Mangansakan, Lily (2016) by Keith Deligero and Patay na si Hesus (2016) by Victor Villanueva will also be shown during the festival Also featured is Dabawenyo filmmaker Bagane Fiola’s Baboy Halas (2016) which won the Netpac jury prize in the 2016 QCinema International Film Festival. (PIA/RG Alama)

ing Mamondiong.

Mamondiong signed a memorandum of agreement together with FFCCCII president, Domingo Yap, in Binondo.

FFCCCII is a Chinese community that aims to strengthen the ties between Filipinos and Chinese people.

TESDA told the Philippine News Agency that FFCCCII has been a partner of TESDA for a long time.

With the agency’s new project with the FFCCCII, TESDA is hopeful that this will uplift the socio-economic status of the Filipino workforce by providing them with technical skills education.

(PNA)

Dabawenyos pressed Hedcor continues support to DavSur’s HS students to help endorse Davao I

T

he City Tourism Operations Office is urging Dabawenyos to promote their hometown to tourists as the city is reeling from the impact of the martial law declaration.

CTOO head Gene Rose Tecson said that promoting Davao City will not benefit the office but will be for the good of the city.

Tecson says she is hoping the city can equal last year’s tourist arrivals during the Kadayawan Festivities, which was recorded at around 165,000 visitors.

“We would be jumping for joy if this year’s Kadayawan surpasses the visitor arrivals of last year.” Tecson said guesting at this Monday’s Kapehan sa SM at SM City Annex Activity Center.

She said the martial law declaration and subsequent extension ate

into the 22% increase of tourist arrivals set in the first quarter of the year which was primarily due to the ASEAN activity held in the city.

Tourism and the hotel sector was hard hit by martial law. Data from the Davao City Investment and Promotions Center showed 78 functions or events cancellation and an unrealized profit of P20.9 million (As of June 6, 2017) because of martial law fears.

Tecson said they are now launching the promotional activities for Kadayawan. “By now billboards would have been set up nationwide.”

The City’s Tourism chief said.

This year’s Kadayawan is touted to be one of the largest and grandest held to show that everything is still normal in Davao City. (PIA/RG Alama)

Acclaimed indie films to be shown on cinema R9 in Nabunturan

S

everal acclaimed independent films in the country will be shown during the 9th Cinema Rehiyon which will be hosted by the town of Nabunturan in Compostela Valley Province this August 22-27.

Zamboanga filmmaker Sheron Dayoc’s full-length film “Women of the Weeping River.”

Which won the 40th Gawad Urian Best Picture trophy and the QCinema International Film Festival Best film award

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

T

Tip of the iceberg

he brewing drama between Commission on Elections chairman Andres Bautista and his estranged wife Patricia is like a thick plot out of the movies.

But this one could even be thicker than any storywriter could create.

Looking at the forward and backward linkages of the personalities involved, it looks like the revelation on Bautista’s alleged billions is just the tip of the iceberg. There is more to the undivulged wealth than meets the eye.

The Comelec is not among the top government agencies where corruption is rampant and by way of its functions, it did not seem to be involved in megabuck transactions as to have an elections chief get that much kickbacks, if they are proven to be.

Bautista’s linkages to personalities in government and business could lead to answers to burning questions on this secret wealth. For one, it should not end where Bautista could be impeached for non-disclosure of his real

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worth in his Satement of Assets and Liabilities (SALN). It necessarily goes out to his affiliation with the bank owners and fellow government personalities.

An extensive probe on Bautista’s wealth should unearth some revelations and perhaps, if we are lucky, live to see the day where massive corruption and illegal transactions in government involving big fishes are exposed.

Those involved with the Bautista puzzle should start fearing for their positions and careers.

It is unfortunate that an unhappy marriage will have to be the key to unearth this huge mess. But there is always a reason for everything and Bautista’s wife must have mustered enough courage to come up with this revelation even at the cost of the whole family inevitably subjected to a major embarassment.

It should not end here. The search for answers and the remaining pieces of the puzzle must continue.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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

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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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Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer Cellphone number: 09169558559 / 09085486859 Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com

EDGEDAVAO

A

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

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

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

I

t is sold as a lifestyle, as the taste of freedom and sophistication. Children, sometimes as young as nine, are lured into the tobacco habit by aggressive advertising and marketing. Every hour, ten Filipinos die due to a tobacco-related disease. Most of today’s smokers started before they were eighteen.

“Tobacco advertisements talk to us from our streets, films, radios, television sets and sports events.

Everywhere our children and we turn, there is something or someone telling you to smoke,” deplored Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, former director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO).

A recent survey of Filipino adult smokers found 99.8 percent cited tobacco advertisements as one factor for initiating smoking. Movie stars, especially those from Hollywood, have helped, too. Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn were closely identified with their smoker persona and some of their most famous portraits and roles have involved a thick mist of cigarette smoke.

The United Nations health agency has nothing against tobacco advertisements as long as these direct toward adults. “What makes all this unacceptable and treacherous is that this dangerous and addictive product is sold to youth and adolescents as an assertion of their

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92• WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

Davao’s cotton industry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Curiously, nothing came out positively of these encouraging developments.

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

Two years thereafter, Cotton USA, a popular garment brand, came out with its grand plant to grow 5% in the country. The idea here is for products to be produced locally and carry indigenous labels. USA Cotton was first introduced its products to garment manufacturers and consumers in the country in 1994.

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

A 2015 report that appeared in Rappler.com underscored the major setback the Philippine cotton industry has been confronting: “Although the Philippines has a favorable soil and climate to grow cotton, the local industry has been enduring a major setback because of several socio-economic and technical factors, such as the cotton bollworm issue.

Bollworm is any larva or moth that attacks the fruiting bodies of certain crops, especially cotton. Thus genetically-engineered Bt cotton was introduced to reduce the use of synthetic insecticides in fighting such pest.”

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

The Initiative defines ‘better cotton’ as a crop that adopts a six-point agenda, namely: to minimize the harmful impact of crop protection practices, use water efficiently and care for the availability of water, care for the health of the soil, conserve natural habitats, care for and preserve the quality of the fibre, and promote decent work.

ing, poisoning myself, killing myself slowly. Not so slowly maybe. I have all kinds of pains I don’t want to know about and I know that’s what they’re from. But when I don’t smoke I scarcely feel as if I’m living.

I don’t feel as if I’m living unless I’m killing myself.”

And so it came to pass that two Martians were sent to planet Earth on a mission. When they returned home, they submitted this report to the committee: “The Earth people have an odd practice. They light a fire at the end of a poisonous substance and then suck the smoke into their body. This results in much sickness and even death. The habit is also very expensive. Strange, those Earth people!”

The children must know the evils of smoking – and the government must help. “Protecting children and youth from tobacco is a battle with a well-financed and supremely well-organized adversary,” said Dr. Derek Yach, who was once in-charge with WHO’s Tobacco Free Initiative.

“If we expect young people to resist tobacco use, it is essential that we provide governments with meaningful, effective alternatives to becoming accessories to tobacco promotion.”

Are there people whom today’s youth can emulate? Frankly speaking, there are few movie stars who don’t smoke at all. To name a few: Sean Penn, Pierce Brosnan, Ted Dan-

son, Jeremy London, Esai Morales, and supermodel Christy Turlington. These people are speaking out against smoking.

Children who haven’t tried smoking yet must be told not to touch any cigarette. Not starting the habit is easier than quitting smoking. Listen to the story of Benjamin, a 45-year-old former chain smoker who started the habit when he was still a teenager: “I quit smoking several years ago, but I still live with the effects of being a one-time nicotine addict. The most sinister one is the knowledge that I can slide back to being a smoker just like that. The addiction is that strong.”

If you have seen the movie, The War of the Roses, there was this particular scene in which the character played Danny DeVito smashed the glass case with a cigarette and smoked it, thus ending his days as a non-smoker.

“I’ve never come close to having that kind of experience, but I can imagine that happening to me if I let my guard down,” Benjamin said. “And how going back to smoking make me feel so defeated. They don’t happen too often nowadays.

But there was a time when I’d actually have dreams in which I’d gone back to smoking. I’d usually wake up feeling panicked which quickly turns to a feeling of relief that it was just a dream.”

The rise of teen smoking

freedom to choose,” Dr. Brundtland pointed out.

A survey conducted by the Department of Health showed that Filipino children as young as five years old are already starting to smoke.

On the other hand, the National Youth Commission recently reported that two out of every five Filipino teenagers took up smoking in 2011.

Filipinos start smoking at a young age. An editor-in-chief of a weekly magazine admitted that he started smoking when he was only 14. Until now, he is still hook with the habit. “If I don’t quit smoking, I would probably get lung cancer,” he said. “But I won’t quit smoking.”

Every year, 87,600 Filipinos die of smoking-related ailments that include lung cancer and chronic lung diseases. “(Smoking) is essentially a man-induced disaster that is causing more deaths than all the fatalities due to natural calamities, vehicular accidents, rebellion and all other disasters, either natural or man-caused,” reiterates Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, one of the country’s top cardiologists.

In a country where laws abound, there are no national laws prohibiting minors from buying cigarettes.

In fact, many vendors of cigarettes are children. Studies show that as many as 40 percent of adolescents boys smoke.

“The majority of adults who

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

smoke cigarettes begin smoking during adolescence,” notes The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

“If an adolescent reaches the age of 18 to 19 years without becoming a smoker, it is highly unlikely that he will become a smoker as an adult.

Factors that increase the likelihood of an adolescent smoking are having parents who smoke, peers who smoke, and poor self-esteem.”

Smoking is dangerous to your health, so goes the warning. But smokers can’t just quit because they are addicted to it. Listen to the words of Russell Hoban: “What a weird thing smoking is and I can’t stop it,” he wrote. “I feel cozy, have a sense of well-being when I’m smok-

9

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

MUSLIM... FROM 2 that all Muslims should be aware of our fight against terrorism. Radicalism does not reflect to the true teachings of Islam. That’s our objective,” he added.

As early as 2015, the Darul Ifta of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has declared that “terrorism and mischief cannot be accepted as synonyms for Jihad or one of struggle’s methods because our religion commands us to be compassionate to all beings in the land.”

“The basic purpose of Islam is to preserve the religion, the self, the mind, the property and the dignity of all persons,” the fatwa reads.

A same fatwa was issued by the Ulamas during a summit held in Cotabato City in May, where they declared that “it is haram (forbidden and unlawful) to use Islam to justify or legitimize violent extremism and terrorism.”

The Ulamas also challenged themselves “to re-educate (their) constituents to rediscover Islamic faith for justice, compassion, harmony and peace.”

“It is imperative upon us all

to cooperate and collaborate with the stakeholders in preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism in its many forms and manifestations,” the declaration said.

In a parallel move, the MILF’s Bangsamoro Dar Al-Ifta had issued a Shariah ruling (Fatwa) “on the need to fight violent extremism on the land and promotion of division among the Muslims, as compliance with the injunction of the Quran and the Prophetic Tradition.”

The Ulamas earlier condemned the brazen attack of the Islamic State-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf in Marawi City.

The fighting, which started days before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on May 23, has been ongoing for more than two months with no end in sight.

Sharif said they have met in Iligan City with the top officials of the military and the local government of the province of Lanao del Sur for a dialogue and to look for other possible ways that they can contribute to reduce the incidents of violence.(PNA)

body did not accede to the call, Arao said whatever the outcome of the probe will be questionable.

“The result of the probe would be put in question as Bautista will be vulnerable to accusations of interference. Of course, the COMELEC as an institution would suffer in terms of mo-

rale and whatever remains of its credibility, no thanks to how Bautista has mismanaged the 2016 polls,” he added.

Bautista already denied the allegation, saying he welcomes any investigation that will be conducted in connection with the claims of his former wife.

one bad news, then we have to provide 10 good news so that we can balance things out.”

Festival activities include the Kadayawan Village and Bantawan – Cultural Show on August 14 to 20; Hiyas sa Kadayawan Talent Competition on August 15 and coronation on August 18; Habi Kadayawan on August 15; Kaondayawan (Food and Music) on August

17 to 20; Subang Sinugdanan and Panagtagbo (River Float Parade); Dula Kadayawan (tribal games) and Mugna Kadayawan (Doodle Competition) on August 18; Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan, SayawKadayawan and Tunog Kadayawan on August 19; Pamulak sa Kadayawan and Pitik Kadayawan on August 20. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

gon’s reported desire to help the Philippines in the fight against Daesh-inspired Maute Group because terrorism is a global menace that the community of nations must unite to fight against,” Año said.

A US news network reported the Pen-

tagon is considering a plan that would allow the US military to conduct air strikes in Marawi City. Fighting in Marawi City started when government forces tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS “emir” Isnilon Hapilon last May 23

cations from the DPWH to fund the free tuition in SUCs this year.

Lacson, meanwhile, urged the DBM and House to “be honest” to the people and to them-

selves.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, however, maintained that there are no pork barrel allocations in the proposed 2018 budget. (PNA

MUSLIM... FROM 2

AFP... FROM 3

LACSON... FROM 3

BOYS WILL BE BOYS. A young boy arranges spinning tops as he plays with his peers after their classes at a community in Brgy. 23-C Isla Verde, Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

DUTERTE... FROM 3

tion, PRO 1, commanded

by Supt. Marlo Castillo, Jr. Best Municipal Police Station- San Jose Municipal Police Station, San Jose De Buenavista, headed by Chief Insp. Juvy Cordero Best Regional Public Safety Battalion - Regional Public Safety Battalion 12 commanded by Supt. Michael Lebanan Best Provincial Public Safety Company- Bukidnon Provincial Public Safety Company, PRO 10 headed by Supt. Gervacio Balmaceda, Jr. Best City Public Safety Company - Davao City Public Safety Company, PRO 11, Supt. Ireneo Caburnay Best National Operational Support Unit- Maritime Group headed by Director, Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales Best National Administrative Support Unit- Information Management Technology Management Service headed headed Chief Supt. Edwin Jose Nemenzo Best Women and Children Protection Desk - Regional Women and Children Protection Desk, PRO 7 led Chief Insp. Marilou Cuizon Best Regional Police Human Rights Desk - Regional Police Human Rights Desk, PRO 7, led Supt. Maribel Getigan Best Police Strategy Management Unit - Regional Police Strategy Management Unit, PRO 13 headed by Senior Supt. Gimili Macaraeg Special Unit Awards will be presented to the Counter-Intelligence Task Force under Senior Supt. Jose Chiquito Malayo for outstanding performance in counter-intelligence operations.

While for accounting of illegal drug personalities, three regional directors will receive awards namely Director Oscar Albayalde (National Capital Region Police Office), Chief Supt.

Aaron Aquino (PRO 3), and

Chief Supt. Ma OR Aplasca (PRO 4A).

Also, Duterte will lead of giving awards to this year’s individual awardees: Senior Supt. Jonnel C. Estomo (Chief, Management Division, Directorate for Controllership) - Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) for Administration Senior Supt. Rene P. Pamuspusan (Executive Officer, Directorate for Operations) - Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) for Operation Chief Insp. Ford B. Sudaypan (Chief, Strategy Review Scorecard, SAF) - Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) for Administration Chief Insp. Ritchie J. Yandug(Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Manolo Fortich MPS, PRO 10) - Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) for Operation SPO4 Francisco L. Alfeche (Municipal Executive Senior Police Officer (MESPO), Malapatan MPS, PRO 12) - Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) for Administration SPO2 Harold V. Nicolas (Intelligence PNCO, PRO 1) - Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) for Operation PO1 Juan Carlos C. Ventura (PIO, PRO 1) - Best Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) for Administration PO2 Jhan Lay P. Apostol (Investigator PNCO, PRO 1) - Best Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) for Operation NUP Grace W. Abalde (Admin Officer V, PRO 10) - Best Non-Uniformed Personnel (NUP)for Supervisory level · NUP Sheena Lyn B. Montiero (Communication Development Officer 1, Police Community Relations Group) - Best Non-Uniformed Person-

nel (NUP) for Non-Supervisory level Chief Insp. Jovie E. Espenido (OIC, Ozamis City Police Station, PRO 10) Individual Award for AntiIllegal Drugs Operation Senior Supt. Rolando B. Anduyan (Deputy Regional Director for Operations, PRO – ARMM) - Individual Award for Crisis Management in Marawi City.

Duterte will also present Special Individual Awards to PNP personnel cited for their roles in law enforcement operations

on Marawi City. They are: Supt. Rex Arvin T. Malimban - Deputy Chief, Logistics Management Division, PNP-SAF Supt. Lambert A. Suerte - Commanding Officer, Rapid Deployment Battalion (RDB), PNP-SAF SPO1 Erwin V. Garalde - Company Executive Senior Police Officer, 84th SAC, RDB, PNP-SAF SPO1 Jethro L. Amengan - Senior Counter Terrorist Operative (CTO) and Extended Range Support Team (ERST), 83rd Coy, RDB, PNP-SAF. (PNA)

OSSCO Davao to open this week

T

he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI is set to open its One Stop Service Center for OFWs (OSSCO) on Friday.

Pursuant to the marching order of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, OSSCO is a government facility that houses frontline services to make them more accessible to Filipinos who are currently working or planning to work overseas.

Aside from shortening the time to process their documents, the one-stop shop is also aimed at reducing the expenses of OFWs since the services of concerned government agencies can already be availed of in just one location.

The operationalization of OSSCO in Davao Region was made possible through the Department’s partnership and generosity of the DSG and Sons, Incorporated headed by its president James Gaisano and the Local Government Unit of Davao City together with the OSSCO assigned frontline agencies.

OSSCO agencies include Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Department of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Professional Regulation Commission, Home Development Mutual Fund, Philippine Health lnsurance Corporation, Social Security System, Philippine Statistics Authority, Bureau of Immigration, National Bureau lnvestigation, Commission on Higher Education, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of lnternal Revenue.

The opening ceremony will be graced by DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III together with heads of the OSSCO Agencies.

A signing of the memorandum of understanding among the agencies will also be held during the event.

OSSCO Davao is located at the 5th floor of Gaisano Mall of Davao, J.P. Laurel Avenue and will operate from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 7 pm.

(DOLE-XI)

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

STYLE

EDGEDAVAO

DRESS YOUR

BABY BUMP A WOMAN’S BODY changes so rapidly during pregnancy and this somehow leaves expectant moms feeling a bit unconfident and unsure about their appearance --- especially with some people reminding you, while stating the obvious, that your tummy has indeed grown and you’ve added more flesh to your frame. Aside from support from family and friends, some, like me, also get a boost of confidence by dressing the baby bump which also helps maintain a positive mood.

Being fashionable and modish throughout a pregnancy is a personal choice and is not as imperative as easing into what’s comfortable for you.

Each body is different and your wardrobe choices should reflect your personal style and what makes you relaxed and cool, inside out.

For me, I have always opted for regular clothes over maternity wear --- keeping it practical and conservative especially with the thought (and hope) that I will not stay in my pregnancy size long after childbirth. As I enter the final homestretch, I have realized that I may have to shift to real maternity clothes to give my stomach a little more room to breathe. My only hesitation was the kind of designs and variety available in stores, which, I perceived, do not fit my individual style.

To my surprise, there are more options available nowadays that flatter any kind of shape --- casual-chic and smart ensembles that can make any pregnant women look and feel more comfortable, confident, empowered and attuned to our profile. There are those that you can mix and match with accessories, cover-ups and comfy flats. My current picks include a few basics such as maternity pants and leggings, halter and high-low tops, dresses with flared sleeves and hemlines (to

keep the attention off my growing belly), flirty and snug skirts, a few button down pieces and boyfriend shirts.

Most of these, I would pair with white sneakers, dainty flats and baubles.

If you’re an online shopper, you may want to check out Elin, a clothing line offering primarily maternity and nursing wear. I have grown fond of this brand because of their “investment” pieces that are versatile and uniquely inclusive --- designed to live long beyond pregnancy and even be worn by people who are not pregnant at all.

They have easy and breathable stylish tops, dresses, bottoms, and cover-ups which can be worn by moms at different stages in life. Their design aesthetics lean more on clean lines and classic-contemporary pieces which do not necessary have “maternity or nursing wear” screaming upfront. They even have a dedicated line of tops and dresses for breastfeeding moms, with hidden access to make nursing convenient, fuss-free and manageable at any time. Each collection is made of breathable cotton and rayon, which makes each piece so comfortable to wear even in our tropical setting.

Check out all styles available on www.elin.ph. You can also follow elin_ph on Instagram to see how real moms dress their baby bump.

Photos courtesy of Elin.PH and Camille King

EDGEDAVAO

A2INdulge!

EVENT

A space for

EVERY JUAN KNOWN FOR PROVIDING GREAT VALUE hotel rooms for travel savvy Juans, Go Hotels truly lives up to their slogan of “Providing a place for every Juan.” But did you know that some Go Hotel branches go beyond just providing hotel rooms and are, in fact, addresses where one can hold memorable events and meetings? One such Go

Hotel is Go Hotels Lanang Davao.

Aside from clean and comfy rooms fitted with super showers, free wifi and LED cable TV, Go Hotels Lanang also has a function room located at its second floor. The aptly named Kadayawan function room is a flexible events venue that can accommodate anywhere from intimate banquets to 200 persons when

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

set with a classroom layout. The size of the space is just right for meetings, corporate conventions or family parties.

Food served at the Kadayawan function room is courtesy of Go Hotel Lanang Davao’s partner restaurant, Sunday’s, which offers various Filipino comfort food ranging rom pizza, to sandwiches, to full and hearty entrees, and dessert, all customised to the needs of clients.

For more information on Go Hotels as well as Go Hotel Lanang Davao’s Kadayawan function room, you may call them at +63 (82) 2974411 or 2974413 or visit them at www.gohotels.ph.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92• WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92• WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

GMA Network welcomes My Korean Jagiya stars GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon met with the Korean actors of the upcoming primetime series My Korean Jagiya during a courtesy call held last Friday (August 4) at GMA Network Center.

David Kim, Michelle Oh, Jerry Lee and Alexander Lee were warmly

welcomed by Atty. Gozon together with GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz and My Korean Jagiya’s Program Manager Redgynn S. Alba.

Atty. Gozon said he is very proud of the concept of My Korean Jagiya since the cast will be a com-

bination of Kapuso and South Korean actors, “I think this is the first time it’s being done. You know Koreans really produce very good TV programs.

This is our chance to show our Filipino viewers what our station also can do if we are partnering with the best of the producers in the TV industry.”

My Korean Jagiya is an original series of GMA Network which is top-

billed by Philippine TV’s Sweetheart Heart Evangelista-Escudero. She will be paired for the very first time with Alexander who is a professional actor in Korea and former member of the boy band UKiss.

Under the helm of award-winning director Mark Reyes, My Korean Jagiya is set to air on August 21 on GMA Telebabad. PR

EDGEDAVAO

A4INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92• WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

11 ENVIRONMENT EDGE DAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

Rise of e-cars challenges the world’s thirst for oil I

n the early years of US oil production in the late 19th century, gasoline was considered a useless byproduct of kerosene that would be burnt off or dumped in rivers.

That changed when the first mass-produced automobiles hit the road.

But just over a century later, the symbiotic relationship between oil and cars which transformed society is beginning to fray.

Recent announcements by the UK and France of plans to ban sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 have amplified two critical questions for the petroleum industry: will electric vehicles (EVs) cause oil demand to decline and, if so, when?

Executives at the world’s biggest oil companies have offered some answers — sceptics would call them guesses — in recent days, after revealing generally strong second-quarter results which raised optimism about near-term prospects even as doubts grow about the long term.

Ben van Beurden, chief executive of Royal Dutch Shell, made no attempt to disguise the challenge facing “Big Oil”. Companies must become more discriminating about which oilfields to develop, he said, with only the most low-cost and productive likely to remain competitive.

“We have to have projects that are resilient in a world where demand has

peaked and will be declining,” he said. “When will this happen? We do not know. But will it happen?

We are certain.”

Mr van Beurden said “peak demand” could come as soon as the late 2020s in the most bullish scenarios for EV uptake.

But that would require “much more aggressive” policy action on climate change and faster innovation in battery technology than seen so far.

Many in the oil industry think the transition will take longer. ExxonMobil expects oil demand to keep growing into the 2040s, albeit at a slowing pace.

Which of these scenarios turns out to be correct will be determined by many factors but the future of the car is most important. Passenger vehicles accounted for 26 per cent of global oil demand in 2015, more than aviation, shipping and petrochemicals combined, according to the International Energy Agency.

UK and French plans to phase out petrol and diesel cars over the next two decades have added to policy momentum behind EVs. At least as important is increased commitment from carmakers.

Volvo said last month that all new models would be electric or hybrid from 2019. Tesla, meanwhile, stepped up efforts to break into the mass market with the launch last month of its much-hyped Model 3, billed as the company’s first affordable

EV with prices starting at $35,000.

Yet it will not be Teslas in Britain and France that determine the fate of the oil industry. While crude demand is forecast to fall by almost 12 per cent between 2015 and 2040 in wealthy OECD countries, it is expected to grow by 19 per cent in non-OECD countries, according to the IEA. By the end of that period, 60 per cent of demand will come from outside the OECD. Mr van Beurden said that the internal combustion engine would prove more durable in the developing world, where car ownership was growing strongest.

“We still have less advanced economies which cannot simply make that switch [to EVs] because they do not have the electrical infrastructure and . . . the wealth to do so.”

Bob Dudley, chief executive of BP, said that, while the rise of EVs was “inevitable”, conventional cars would continue to dominate for decades. “We’ve forecast that 100m electric vehicles will be on the road by 2035. Even if you doubled that to 200m, there would still be 2bn conventional vehicles on the road,” he said.

Mr Dudley’s forecast is similar to one last month from Goldman Sachs, which foresaw EVs growing from 0.2 per cent of vehicles on the road in 2016 to 5 per cent in 2030.

Declining oil demand

from cars is also likely to be offset by growth in aviation and heavy freight transportation, which are harder to switch to alternative fuels. Petrochemicals will be another enduring source of demand.

“Even when legacy fuels begin to lose market share, history tells us that absolute demand for them continues to rise,” said Amin Nasser, chief executive of Saudi Aramco, last month, citing growth in coal throughout the 20th century even as its share of the global energy mix declined.

But some analysts think this benign view is badly mistaken. Far from holding back EVs, the developing world could become an accelerant if China and India make good on their industrial ambitions in battery technology.

China is already the

world’s biggest EV market, and its companies are beginning to dominate battery manufacturing in a way to that has led analysts to point to similarities with how they drove down the cost of solar panels.

Kingsmill Bond, analyst at Trusted Sources, a research company, predicts a “tipping point” early in the 2020s as EVs reach cost parity with conventional vehicles.

“The rise of the EV is yet another indicator of the systemic change in energy markets, and an early warning for oil investors,” he said.

These widely divergent forecasts of gentle or wrenching change are confronting oil companies with a strategic dilemma.

Should they focus on maximising returns from their sunset businesses in the way that

tobacco companies have continued to profit from a declining market? Or should they make the big, risky investments needed to transition towards renewable energy?

The global oil majors are still in the early stages of addressing those questions. Shell has the most obvious bias towards the latter strategy so far, with plans to spend up to $1bn a year on alternative energy. That remains a tiny fraction of overall capital expenditure but Mr van Beurden said that Shell would be ready to move faster if needed.

“Every year we invest between $25bn and $30bn. We are a $280bn company so every decade we build a new Shell all over again and that gives us a lot of flexibility to adapt,” he said.

“We are not some sort of sitting duck that has nowhere to go.”

EDGEDAVAO

12 HEALTH

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

Photos from the net

Ten steps to a healthier heart

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

he heart is a hollow muscular organ that is located in the center of the chest.

“The heart’s only function is to pump blood,” says The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs, where oxygen is added to the blood and carbon dioxide is removed from it. The left side pumps blood to the rest of the body, where oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues and waste products are transferred to the blood for removal by other organs (such as the lungs and kidneys).”

Gender wise, men are more prone to heart disease than women. “Based on statistics, men also die earlier than women,” notes Dr. Willie T. Ong, author of How to Live Longer: Practical Health Tips from a Heart Doctor. “Our life expectancy is on the average 5 years shorter than females.”

The reasons for this are two-fold: genetics and lifestyle. “It has long been known that being a male is a risk factor for heart disease,” Dr. Ong explains.

“This is especially true if one or both of your parents have heart disease.”

Some experts attribute the difference between men and women to behavioral and cultural factors. “Men are expected to work more and thus have to handle more stress and pressure,” says Dr. Ong. “They are also responsible for earning for the whole family. Young men are being groomed by society to be ‘macho’ and to hide their emotions.”

In addition, more men

smoke, drink alcohol and abuse drugs than women.

“Men also have greater fear of doctors than women, thus they see a doctor when it’s too late already,” Dr. Ong says.

Whether you are a man or woman, there are 10 things you can do to make your heart healthier. That’s according to Dr. Michael F. Roizen. In an article which appeared in Reader’s Digest, he wrote: “Even if you follow just the first seven tips (and don’t smoke, of course), you’ll reduce by as much as 90% compared to a typical person your age!”

Walk, don’t run.

“Walking a half hour a day decreases the risk of having a heart attack by about 30%,” Dr. Roizen wrote. “I’ve found if you succeed at walking daily, you can also succeed at doing other things to improve your health. If you skip, you’ll start compromising your health in other ways too.”

Aside from walking, Dr. Roizen that aside from walking, you have to call someone. “Calling someone every day is crucial; that’s the real commitment,” he explained. “Find a person who’s supportive and will not nag but will call if you haven’t called her. And by the way, it usually is a ‘her.’

Men tend to be lousy at this!”

Know your blood pressure and keep it low.

“Your blood pressure number may be even more important than your cholesterol,” Dr. Roizen said. “Do whatever it takes to get it down to 110/75.” And you can accomplish this by getting a little exercise and losing some belly fat.

“The omentum is what hangs over the stomach,” he wrote. “The fat that’s stored there feeds the kidney, liver and other vital organs. But when you gain weight, you add fat inside the relatively rigid ‘kidney capsule.’ This fat pushes on the kidney and more blood pressure is needed to drive blood through.

So it releases hormones that cause increased blood pressure. When you lose a little of that fat, you blood pressure goes down really fast.”

Go nuts! Nuts contain unsaturated fatty acids and other nutrients. They are a great snack food as nuts are inexpensive, easy to store and easy to pack when you’re on the go. “People who eat nuts as part of a hearthealthy diet can lower the low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol level in their blood,” points out the Mayo Clinic. “High LDL is one of the primary causes of heart disease.”

Eating nuts -- especially those that are raw, fresh, and unsalted -- “may reduce your risk of developing blood clots that can cause a fatal heart attack,” the Mayo Clinic adds. “Nuts also appear to improve the health of the lining of your arteries.”

Learn your HDL number. HDL -- high-density lipoprotein -- is the exact opposite of LDL. If you have to lower your blood pressure, in HDL you have to raise it -- up to 50. “For women, some believe in high HDL is more important than a lower LDL,” Dr. Roizen wrote. “We have no idea why, but study after study shows that the higher the number, the

better.”

Choose tomato sauce over other ketchups. Eating tomato ketchup every day can significantly help your heart, according to a research done by Finnish scientists. Those who volunteered for the study added a few dollops of ketchup to their breakfast, lunch and tea, or drank a few glasses of tomato juice, saw their LDL levels drop significantly in the space of just three weeks.

“The changes we saw can be regarded as significant, considering that the time period was only three weeks and all the volunteers had normal cholesterol levels to start with,” the researchers wrote in their finding, which was published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Dr. Roizen suggested eating 10 tablespoons of tomato sauce a week. “Tomato sauce is loaded with blood-pressure-slashing potassium,” he wrote.

Floss your teeth regularly.

“Flossing once a day reaches the 35% of the mouth that can’t be reached by brushing alone and is vital protection against swollen, red and bleeding gums that can later lead to periodontal disease,” wrote Angela Downdon in an article which appeared in London’s Express.

According to researchers from the Bristol University, bacteria can enter the bloodstream via sore gums and deposit a clot-forming protein that raises heart disease risk.

A link between gum and heart problems has long been recognized but it has always been unclear if poor oral health was

simply a marker of other heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and being a smoker.

“Now it seems regular flossing may directly reduce cardiovascular risk,” says Dr. Payman Langroudi, a dentist with Enlighten Smiles (www.enlightensmiles.com).

Minimize your intake of saturated fat and trans fat. “Eat no more than 20 grams of saturated fat a day ad as little trans fat as possible,” Dr. Roizen said.

The reason: “Saturated fats and trans fat lead to inflammation in the arteries. One cinnamon roll may have seven grams of saturated fat. A 113-gram slice of roast pork tenderloin has about four grams.

Trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils), found in many processed and baked foods, are probably at least as bad as saturated fats, and may a little worse.”

Watch your sugar intake. Getting too much added sugar in your diet could significantly increase your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, according to a study published in JAMA: Internal Medicine.

Added sugars are sugars and syrups that are added to foods or beverages when they’re processed or prepared. They include: sugar-sweetened beverages, grain-based desserts, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, candy, ready-to-eat cereals and yeast breads, but not naturally occurring sugar, such as in fruits and fruit juices. They have long been cited for contributing to obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Drink wine or beer.

Drinking two glasses of red wine a day can prevent heart attacks, according to Dr. William McCrea, an English cardiologist at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

In a research he conducted, he found that that the antioxidant properties of the red wine have reduced the risk of a second heart attack in his patients by half – and the risk of a stroke by 20 per cent. The wine, he said, prevents clots from developing inside the arteries, raises good cholesterol, and it causes dilatation of the arteries.

If you can’t afford wine, you may opt to drink beer. In fact, beer has overtaken red wine as the best daily habit to help avoid having a heart attack, according to research. The secret is thought to lie in the high levels of vitamin B6 found in beer which prevent the build-up of a harmful chemical in the body, homocysteine, known to cause heart disease.

“Drinking up to three quarters of a pint of beer a day -- the equivalent of 40 ml of alcohol -- was found to increase B6 in blood plasma by 30%,” wrote Beezy Marsh in an article published in London’s Daily Mail.

Eat fruits and vegetables. “Nine servings of colorful fruits and vegetables a day,” Dr. Roizon suggested. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber – and they’re low in calories.

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables may help you control your weight and blood pressure -thus making your heart healthy, too.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 13

Ex-guv reaps graft raps for P4.8M fertilizer deal

T

he Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) has filed graft charges before the Sandiganbayan against former Romblon Gov. Eleandro Madrona and six others in connection with the alleged anomalous procurement of PHP4.8-million liquid organic fertilizer in 2004.

In its complaint, the Ombudsman alleged that Madrona took advantage of his post when he acted with “manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence” in awarding a PP4.8-million contract to Feshan Philippines

(Feshan) for the purchase of 3,333 bottles of Bio Nature fertilizer.

The Ombudsman added that Madrona and his co-accused in the case gave “unwarranted benefits, privilege and advantage” to Feshan since the contract did not go through a public bidding, a violation of the government’s rules on procurement.

The other respondents in the case were former provincial officials Geishler Fiedacan Fabri, Ruby Fababeir, Joel Angcaco Sy, Anthony Rugas and Oscar Placito Galos.

(PTR/PNA)

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AND PARTITION OF THE LATE NOE FELIX ABRIO-BANGOY WITH WAIVER Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late NOE FELIX ABRIO BANGOY has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate and Partition with Waiver executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.299; Page No.60; Book No. 39; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC CAESAR E. BARCENAS

Aug. 3, 9 & 16, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte shares a light moment with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Malacañan Palace on August 7, 2017. Simeon Celi Jr. /PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

14 PROPERTY Aeon Towers just the beginning of FTC’s venture EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

W

e’ve only just began.

That sounds like the promising words from the homegrown firm that is about to finish what will be Mindanao’s tallest building.

FTC Group of Companies, developer of Aeon Towers, a majestic architectural masterpiece that’s bound to become the tallest skyscraper in Mindanao, is looking to more projects ahead.

However, first things first.

Aeon Towers is on its final touches and should be ready for turnover early next year.

“Aeon Towers is our pet project and our barometer for future endeavors. At the rate we are going, it looks promising,” said FTC Group of Compa-

nies president Ian Y. Cruz.

FTC’s venture into real estate development has become one of the high points in the influx of global investments into Davao City under the administration of then City Mayor and now President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

With all of Aeon Towers’ units nearly close to being sold out FTC, is poised to prepare for its next steps in the flourishing real property market in the city.

Proof of the success of Aeon Towers is the recent signing of a landmark deal with a global investment firm Altus Hospitality South Inc. in February.

The deal made between

more value to the fact that this is the first time such a high level tournament will be held in this part of the continent. Having both Iraq and Syria back at the top level after years of absence underscores the resurgence of West Asia basketball, and we should see both sides provide memorable moments in these games.

5. New naturalized players!

No FIBA Asia Cup will be complete without some marquee naturalized players making an impact, and this year’s edition has more than a few names to watch out for. Perhaps foremost among them is Qatar’s international journeyman Sammy Monroe, who looks to lead Al Annabi back to glory. US NCAA products Kevin Ware (Jordan) and Christian Standhardinger (Philippines) are also seeing action along with NBA Summer League veteran, Norvel Pelle and Macedonia-born Ivan Todorovic, who will man the middle for Lebanon and Syria respectively.

6. Last hurrah?

Yes, we will see a lot of new faces this year, but the flipside is we will also probably bid farewell to a good number of our hardcourt idols, too. Seasoned campaigners like David Andersen (Australia), Gabe Norwood (Philippines), Mohd Yousuf Mohammed (Qatar), Micheal Madanly (Syria) and Fadi El Khatib (Lebanon) are all in their mid—to-late thirties, and they will most certainly be left out of the national squad the next time the Asia Cup comes along, which will be in 2021. Let’s take this chance to see these icons one last time!

7. Han Dejun arrives!

For quite some time, the gargantuan Han Dejun has been one of China’s best centers, but he was always one of the final cuts of past national teams due either to injury or the country’s having just so many quality big men.

Now, however, he has a chance to shine, especially with resident centers like Yi Jianlian, Zhou Qi

FIBA... FROM 16

FTC Group of Companies and Altus Hospitality South, Inc., a joint venture hospitality investment company between Altus Capital Corporation and Private Equity capital (via a fund from Singapore) involves the bulk purchase by the company of units at Aeon Towers, a new mixed-used residential and commercial tower, which at 33 floors is set to become the tallest skyscraper in Mindanao.

“We welcome the influx of this new investment coming to Davao City via Aeon Towers.

This only solidifies the fact of growing investor confidence for Davao City in general and in Aeon Towers in particular,” said Cruz.

The young CEO also at-

tributed the rosy investor climate to the administration of President Duterte, past Mayor of Davao for 22 years.

The investment company is managed by Altus Capital Partners, an affiliate of the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation.

With this new investment pouring in, Aeon Towers is set to operate a 144-Hotel and 144-serviced apartment along with a 197-room high-end residential condominium. It will also have over 2,000 square meters of prime retail space, and with over 1,000 square meters grand ballroom, the largest in Davao.

Aeon Towers is FTC Group’s initial venture into

real estate development, with several projects already lined up in the pipeline for 2018 and beyond.

Altus Managing Director Pavan C. Gidwani said: “We are excited to partner with FTC Group of Companies in this landmark development for Davao. We admire the integrity and vision the family has set-out to build and serve the community they have grown up with. It is an opportune time to be in Davao, and with this investment, Altus has secured a foothold to provide hospitality assets in the south of the country.

The Fund Director Jason Chen said: “We are proud to support the development and

growth of FTC Group of Companies. The Aeon project gives us a footprint in Davao, an exciting gateway to this part of the region, which has long history in trade and commerce.

We see great opportunities in secondary cities, especially with businesses that will serve the wave of firms and individuals, both foreign and domestic that are looking to set up shop here.

The retail, hotel and service apartments of Aeon Towers are expected to be opened to the public by June 2018.

Aeon Towers is designed

by Syndicated Architects, Far East Associates with Ian Campbell and Associates as project and construction manager.

UNDERMANNED. The Philippines will rely on gutsy players Jayson Castro, Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo as it battles archrival China in the opener of the FIBA Asia Cup today. and Wang Zhelin not around. We could be seeing the dawn of the Han dynasty for China this year.

8. Oh SeKeun’s comeback!

The last time we saw Oh SeKeun at this level was way back in 2011. He missed the 2013 and 2015 editions because of injury, but he seems to be at the pink of health this year. His size, skill-set and experience will be integral to Korea’s mission of regaining lost glory, and if he can put up

solid numbers, Korea may just crack the top 4 after missing out in Changsha-Hunan two years ago.

9. Terrific Teens!

We mentioned some Asian icons who are in the homestretch of their international careers, but we also have a handful of terrific teenagers who are just starting on their own journeys.

A trio of 19-year-olds - Hu Jinqiu of China, Isaac Letoa of New Zea-

land and Khalel Khori of Syria are debuting here in Beirut, but the youngest player we will see is India’s very own Baladhaneshwar Poiyamozhi, who was a scoring machine at the last Asian U16 and U18 competitions.

10. First of its kind!

The name may be familiar to Asian hoop nuts, but don’t let that fool you - this is the first ever Asia Cup of its kind!

The addition of Australia and

New Zealand, the change in tournament format, the fact that this will happen every four years (instead of two) and the reputation of hosts Lebanon as a basketball hotbed make the Asia Cup 2017 an historic and memorable affair. There is no doubt that this is the biggest and deepest field ever assembled, and the champions will reign undisputed until 2021!

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 92 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

PSC backs judoka Watanabe I

n a bid to give the country its first gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the government through the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has comm i t te d to give i t s all-out support to ace judoka Kiyomi Watanabe.

PSC chair William “Butch” Ramirez, in a press conference on Monday, told sports writers that it will sustain its financial backing to Watanabe, who is consistently giving honors in judo. Ramirez led other government sports officials in presenting Watanabe and the sports body’s support.

OLYMPIC HOPEFUL. Ace judoka Kiyomi Watanabe (right) of the Philippines in action.

T

ough luck!

Andre Blatche, the NBAer from the Brooklyn Nets touted to spearhead our basketball cause in the international arena, is not with the RP team for the FIBA Asia joust.

Before the official platoon was named, Blatche has relayed his sentiments with Coach Chot Reyes via a tweet on his FB page, expressing his regrets. For reasons known only to him, the message seemed to indicate that he fears for his life playing in Lebanon.

Of course, we all known that Lebanon is not a country friendly to Americans. It is a hotbed for conflicts involving Middle East issues.

Blatche is a fearsome 6’11” natural center who was naturalized by legislation for the sole purpose of strengthening the center position on a defensive mode. Basketball fans who know their sport have seen that our small size and altitude give Philippine squads difficult time tangling with taller opponents China, Iran, Jordan including South

Ramirez emphasized the sacrifices and honors given by Watanabe, who started playing judo at the age of 11, shall serve as an inspiration to other Olympic hopefuls to dedicate their passion in sports for flag and country.

Born to Filipino mother (Irene) from Mandaue, Cebu, the 21-year old Watanabe’s recent sterling performances include the gold medal last July in the Asian Judo Open in Taipei; bronze in the Paris Grand Slam 2017 and and silver medal in the 2017 European Judo Open Women in Austria.

“I am dedicating these medals to my fellow Filipino youth and

Gilas without Blatche

Korea, Taipei and Japan.

It’s a pity the men behind the build-up of Gilas may have not seen this development coming. I don’t know if Blatche was on an exclusive contract with Gilas but on occasions that the Philippine squad has not international commitment, top management has allowed him to play in other professional leagues, specifically China.

So, how do you think Gilas will fare in Lebanon?

Let’s cut out the sloganeering about the Pinoys having the heart and the courage to face stiff opposition. Every team that takes part in the FIBA Asia are armed with the same mentality: to win and win courageously.

In lieu of Blatche, Christian Standardinger (pardon me, I’m having a hard time recalling his long name) is suiting up as Coach Chot’s import. A Fil-German, he is quite impressive with the performance he showed at the Jones Cup, rebounding, scoring, defending and even issuing assists.

My deduction is that had

SPORTS KEN

By RED C. LUMBA Blatche much earlier signified his inability to go to Lebanon, this Fil-German probably could have been issued a dual citizenship and Gilas could have recruited a new import that Reyes could choose.

I mean remedial measures could have been adopted

by SBP instead of enduring the uneasiness and insecurity the Gilas coaching staff is feeling today.

Unlike the Jones Cup where competition is at the club level, the FIBA Asia rewards the winner with a slot to the Olympics.

Which is why China, Iran, South Korea, Lebanon, Jor-

to my parents , especially to my mother and to the millions of Filipino mothers, whose sacrifices are worth emulating,” Watanabe said in Japanese dialect as translated by her mother who accompanied her during the presentation. Also present was local judo federation president Dave Carter.

“Discipline and practice,” these are Watanabe’s powerful words, when asked by this writer on her advice to budding talents who want to follow her footsteps or equal her achievements.

“In sports, winning is not all that it takes. Humility and character are very important in human development,” Watanabe emphasized.

Watanabe, a third year college student, taking up Sports Science at the Wasadi University in Tokyo, added that proper nutrition and strength conditioning play a vital role in sports development.

She will be defending her title in the middleweight category match (judo) in the forthcoming 29thSoutheast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur this month. She highlighted the 1-0-2 (gold-silver-bronze) output for judo in the 2015 edition of the biennial games held in Singapore.

Aside from Watanabe, the sixman Philippine judokas include Kohei Kohagura, Keisei Nakano and Shugen Nakano in the men’s team, while Sydney Sy and Mariya Takahasi represent the distaff side.

(PNA)

dan and other aspiring competitors are bringing in their best players.

Guys, have we not learned a lesson from the days of the Northern Cement Corp squad supported wholly by Danding Cojuangco?

I was an insider during the early 80’s when American recruits like Dennis Still, Jeff Moore and Chip Engelland were brought in alongside the late highly esteemed mentor Ron Jacobs.

The three dudes were not experienced NBA cagers but were then still amateurs. They were exclusively enlisted and suited up only for the RP team.

Did you know that NCC, beefed up by young stalwarts from the collegiate ranks like Samboy Lim, Allan Caidic, Jong Uichico, Hector Calma, Peter Aguilar et al defeated the Americans, represented by Villanova University, a former NCAA champion in the finals?

Still took charge in rebounding, Moore in defense and Engelland, an excellent sniper, scored three pointers.

Calma was the ball carrier, Caidic the shooting guard and Lim the small forward, ably supported their American firepower.

Oh boy, you the basketball fanatic, should have seen this spectacular match up.

In the eighties, I think Chot Reyes then was still a young impressionable aspiring hoopster in highschool.

Sayang. With the likes of June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo already having international experience, Blatche’ inclusion in the line-up might induce a big difference. Oh yes, add to this roster the irrepressible high leaping, shot blocking Kobe Paras.

For now, say your positive prayers that all will be well with your favorite Gilas. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) 2 Cor. 2:14: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 92 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

BATTLE AT THE BOARDS Kadayawan FIDE-Rated Rapid chessfest Aug. 12-13

PWD BET. Veteran internationalist Henry Lopez (right) will be a strong bet among PWD players.

BY ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

T

he first ever Kadayawan FIDE-Rated Rapid Chess Open will be staged on August 12-13 at the Eskina inside the sprawling Lanang Business Park.

Organizer James Infiesto said the two-day multi-division tournament sponsored by the City Government of Davao will dangle a whopping P20,000 and trophy to the champion. The second placer will go home with P10,000 and a trophy while the third placer will get P5,000 and trophy.

The rest of the Top 10 will receive P2,500 and trophy for fourth, P1,500 and trophy for fifth and P1,000 and medals for the 6th to 10th placers.

Special awards will be given to Top Kiddie Player for players aged 12 years old and below where P1,000

and a medal goes to the first placer P750 and medal for second placer and P500 and medal for third placer.

The Top Junior Player (aged 20 years old and below) will get P1,500 and medal for first, P1,000 and medal for second and P500 and medal for third. The Top Female Player division will likewise offer the same prizes.

The other special awards are Top PWD -P1,000 and medal, Top Senior -- P1,000 and medal, Top Employee -- P1,000 and medal, Top Executive -P1,000 and medal.

Time Control is set at 15 mins 10 secs inc per player. The tournament will be a seven-round Swiss System format with FIDE Laws of Chess governing.

Registration fee is set at P300.

FIBA Asia Cup underway

B

EIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - In several hours, the biggest basketball tournament in Asia will kick off, and we will see many of the continent’s best and brightest slug it out to be Asian basketball kings.

What are the most interesting storylines to follow in first ever FIBA Asia Cup of its kind?

FIBA.com gives you 10 reasons to follow all the amazing action in Beirut.

1. The Boomers and Tall Blacks!

Maybe the biggest change of all is the inclusion of Oceania powerhouse teams Australia and New Zealand into the fold.

Despite not having some of their biggest names, both the Boomers and Tall Blacks remain heavy favorites to finish on the podium in their Asia Cup debut.

Needless to say, their collective size and depth increase the level of competition at the Asia Cup quite considerably.

2. Satnam Singh returns!

NBA Draftee Satnam Singh Bhamara finally returns to the Indian national team to see action at the highest level of Asian basketball. The hulking 2.18m center last played for the Young Cagers in the 2013 edition, and his presence here will surely make the SABA champions a lot more imposing.

3. Rising stars to watch!

With many iconic players already hanging up their international kits, a new wave of rising stars is expected to take over our highlight reels. Iraqi big man Mohammed Al-Khafaji is one such star-in-the-making along with two-time SBL MVP Chou Yi-Hsiang of Chinese Taipei. Japanese collegiate superstar Yudai Baba will certainly turn some heads, and the same can be said of Australia’s 24-year-old wingman Mitch Norton.

4. Iraq and Syria are back!

West Asia is well-represented at the Asia Cup, and that adds

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