Edge10 issue 222, February 9-10, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222• FRIDAY-SATURDAY FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

RAISING UP THE ANTE. Jericho Go, senior vice president and head of business development and leasing group of Megaworld, says the property giant is gearing up to transform the Davao Park District into a smart development as the company embarks on developing iTownships across its properties in the Philippines.

Go made a walk through with members of the media at the company’s 11-hectare mixed-use development property in Lanang, Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

FUTURE PERFECT

Megaworld transforms Davao project into iTownship

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roperty giant Megaworld is currently transforming its first township project in Davao City – the Davao Park District -- into a smart development through iTownships model, which is the first in Mindanao.

Now classi�ied as iTownship, the 11-hectare Davao Park District will have space-age amenities and cutting edge features

such as �iber optic-ready infrastructure, designated bike lanes and bike rental systems, LED-powered signages and digital walls, cre-

INDULDGE A1

D’BONE COLLECTOR MUSEUM REOPENS ITS DOORS

ative pedestrian crosswalks and urban art installations, LED and solar-powered streetlamps, vertical open spaces and gardens, green and art roo�ings, public and street WIFI access, electric car charging stations, and a Township Operations Center with 24/7 security and safety monitoring, among others.

“Our goal is to future proof this township which means there will be features and facilities within the township that maximize smart innovations, use of internet , and digital lifestyle,” said Jericho P. Go, senior vice president and head of business development and leas-

FUTURE,P10

Festive Chinese New Year bared

BY ANGIE SAVERON

T

he Chinese Lunar New Year celebration will be more festive compared to previous celebrations.

China Town Development Council public relation of�icer Jasper Huang said that this year’s celebration will see more activities and more participants.

He said that the organizer for this year’s celebration is Dan Salvania of Salvo Events.

“We are inviting everyone to join, because Chinese New Year is something that the Chinese and Filipinos celebrate,” Huang said during the Ispeak media forum

held at the City Hall on February 8, Thursday.

He said the event will be attended by the Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte- Carpio and city councilors of Davao City.

The countdown for the Chinese Lunar New Year will be on February 15 and will be held at Rizal Park 5:30 in the afternoon all the way to the Chinese New Year on the 16th of February.

“We choose Rizal Park again as the venue of our celebration which was also the venue of the celebration before because

FESTIVE,P10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

COMMON CONCERNS. President Rodrigo Duterte discusses matters with Ambassador of Kuwait to the Philippines Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh who met with the President at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday night.

Also in the photo is Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Tight security DOT unveils new for DAVRAA tourism come-ons

BY ANGIE SAVERON

BY JUDIE VEGA

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he Department of Tourism Region XI is promoting farm and faithbased tourism program in a bid to entice sector-specific foreign and domestic tourists.

Tourism Assistant Secretary Eden Josephine David said that farm tourism is not only about the farm produce but more importantly about the experience in the farm.

“Farm tourism aimed to showcase the best crops of the country, while faith-based tourism planned to attract visitors interested in the Philippines’ religious diversity,” she said.

David said that the practice of attracting visitors and tourist to farm areas serves educational and recreational purposes.

“The initial farm tour projects for Davao City fruits, focusing on durian, pomelo, banana and cacao with the support to local tourism and business groups.

She added that through this tours program, which is

being spearheaded by DOT’s Farm Tourism Sector, they are also helping the cacao farmers.

“One of the packages unveiled was the “City Chocolate Tour Overload” developed by Cacao Industry Development Association in Mindanao Inc. and Visit Davao Consortium, t an educational tour that highlights the transformation

But there is a trip in the offing to Kuwait,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace brie�ing.

Duterte and the Kuwaiti envoy held a closed door meeting on Wednesday amid issues involving the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Kuwait.

“I don’t know the agenda because only the President

met with the ambassador.

No one was allowed in the room,” Roque said.

“I could only surmise that the invitation was made during the bilateral meeting.

I guess Kuwait wants to assure the President that our Filipino nationals are protected in Kuwait and to see for himself,” he added.

The President had ear-

lier ordered a temporary suspension of the OFWs deployment in the Gulf state following the deaths of OFWs there.

Duterte had even said he might ask all Filipinos in Kuwait to go back to MNL if another OFW dies in Kuwait.

“One more incident about a woman, a Filipina

T

he Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) is ready for the upcoming Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) to be held here in Davao City on February 17-23, 2018.

“We already have a security plan for this which includes the target hardening measures to strengthen the security in DAVRAA vital installations, facilities

and equipment,” said DCPO Spokesperson Senior Inspector Teresita Gaspan during the Ispeak media forum held at Davao City Hall on February 8, Thursday.

She said that they have cooperated with the inter-operability of the arm services who will help the DCPO in implementing the strict security.

They will also utilize the force

TIGHT,P10

LTFRB orders 20% Duterte likely to visit Kuwait discount for PWDs

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resident Rodrigo Duterte may likely visit Kuwait soon following his recent meeting with Kuwaiti Ambassador to the Philippines Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh, Malacanang said Thursday.

“Since the President mentioned it, then I can make con�irmation although I was told that I should not.

DOT,P10

DUTERTE,P10

T

he Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has ordered public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators to grant a 20 percent discount to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

LTFRB Memo Circular 2‎ 018-004 states that PWDs can avail themselves of discounted fares so long as they present documents, such as an identi�ication card issued

by the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons or local government of�icials.

They may also avail themselves of the full 20 percent fare discount from transportation network vehicle services, such as Uber and Grab, as well as taxi services regardless of the number of services.

Fare discount for PWDs is a bene�it guaranteed by the

LTFRB,P10

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Body to run RP Rise exploration pressed F ollowing Malacañang’s pronouncement regarding the exploration of Philippine Rise (formerly known as Benham Rise), Senator Sonny Angara on Thursday called for the swift passage of his bill creating a lead agency that would oversee the conduct of scienti�ic research and exploration of the undersea plateau.

The lawmaker said the lead agency would not only oversee the conduct of exploration of Philippine Rise but would also help secure the rights of the Philippines over the resource-rich area situated off the coast off Aurora, his home province.

“Mas mapapadali at mas magkakaroon ng koordinasyon sa pananaliksik ng Benham Rise kung may pangunahing ahensya na re-

sponsable dito. Higit sa lahat, mas masisiguro nito na mga Pilipino ang makikinabang sa mga benepisyo mula rito (The creation of an agency will ease coordination of research missions in Benham Rise.

Furthermore, this will ensure that Filipinos will bene�it from these activities),” he said.

“We should accelerate its development to optimize its full potential to be a rich source of alternative energy, marine resources, and as a possible tourism destination.

This will spur economic activity in the area that will create jobs, especially for the locals,” Angara said.

The Philippine Rise is touted to have vast natural gas deposits and mineral resources, and is a natural breeding ground and habitat

resident Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday, Feb. 7, met former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Malacañan, assuring that his administration will take care of them and provide them shelter, jobs, livelihood, and education for their children.

In his speech, Duterte said it is a good decision for them to return to the fold of the law instead of �ighting and dying for a �lawed cause.

He said communism is no longer relevant as major former communist powers like the Soviet Union and China embraced capitalism and became successful.

In terms of free education for the children of rebel returnees, the President said the bright ones may opt to apply for government scholarship, noting that he is willing to send them to the country’s top universities.

He also said it is not too late for the former rebels to improve their lives.

The President advised them to acquire skills from TESDA such as dressmaking for women and carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills for men.

His government, he said, is encouraging outside investments, particularly from Chi-

BODY,P10

PRRD assures former NPAs of jobs, training P

PRRD,P10

LINED UP. China Town Development Council public relations officer Jasper Huang talks about the lined up activities and programs for the celebration of Chinese New Year to start on February 15. Huang has

promised during I-Speak media forum at City Hall on Thursday that this year’s celebration will be more festive than the previous years.

Lean Daval Jr

Data analytics firm in grand launching

BY JUDIE VEGA

M

ainStat Data Analytics will host its Grand Launching for data analytics in Davao City at February 12, 1pm at Las Casitas Hotel McArthur Highway, Matina Davao City to serve as an avenue to formally introduce the company to the public.

Alan Lloyd Libre, chief operating of�icer of MainStat said that the event aims to �ill

the gap of Davao business for accessible data analytics.

According to Libre the

data analytics �irm concentrates into six areas: research and survey design, data mining, analysis and presentation, data science, project management, impact evaluation and capacity building. “ MainStat Data Analytics offers practical and advance data mining, analysis and presentation mythologies

New Year and the staging of the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) games are already in place. Gaspan made the statement during I-Speak media forum at City Hall on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

DATA,P10

Tourism still a‘strong pillar’of PH-Israel ties

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ASSURANCE. Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Sr. Ins’ Maria Teresita Gaspan says they will implement tight security measures and security plans for the upcoming celebration of Chinese

that would help business in yielding various business intelligence insight like market segment, “ he said.

He said that through the uses of research and survey design, a business establishment can address bottlenecks like providing a framework for on-point use of limited re-

ith more Filipinos visiting the Holy Land last year, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ef�ie Ben Matityau said tourism proved to be a “strong pillar” of Philippine-Israel bilateral relationship.

“Israel is the promised land and the land of many promises which create the foundation for a steady growth in tourism,” he said in a statement Tuesday.

“This year, we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the friendship treaty between our two countries, and tourism stands as a strong pillar of our growing ties and people-to-people exchanges,” he added.

Data from Israel’s Ministry of Tourism showed that around 23,500 Filipinos travelled to Israel in 2017,

a 61 percent increase from 14,600 in 2016.

Matityau expressed high hopes that more Filipinos would travel to Israel in 2018.

Hassan Madah, tourism director for India and Philippines, said based on the 2017 tourism report the number exceeded their full-year target of 20,000 Filipino tourists travelling to Israel.

“We surpassed our target of 20,000 Filipinos travelling to Israel and towards the end the year and we reached 23,500 -- a 61 percent increase from 2016,” he pointed out.

“More Israeli players entered the market, and the added good connectivity �lying from Manila to Israel via Turkish Airlines and Cathay Paci�ic helped us in the growth of tourist arrivals,” he

TOURISM,P11

4NEWS

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

Palace to Joma:‘If you want war, we’re ready to go to war’

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ANILA -- “If you want war, we’re ready to go to war.”

This was the statement made by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque a day after President Rodrigo R. Duterte blasted Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison for his remark that the New People’s Army (NPA) was still capable of launching attacks that could kill one soldier a day.

In response, Duterte, in meeting with NPA rebel returnees in Malacañang Wednesday, said that he could have �ive NPA rebels killed for every soldier killed.

Duterte’s speech before the NPA rebel returnees was delivered in the Visayan dialect.

Asked to clarify Duterte’s statement, Roque said the President warned Sison not

MOTORCYCLE LOGGING. In the past, carabao logging was practiced by small-scale farmers who engaged in cutting tropical forests. These days, in some parts of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, people

resort to motorcycle logging, in which a motor can carry as much as 100 tons of cut logs into the nearby town. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

PRRD: ‘You say I’m a dictator? I am really a dictator’

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efore a crowd of New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderers in Malacanang Wednesday night, an obviously irked President Rodrigo Duterte said he feels insulted by allegations he is a puppet of the United States because he does not even want to talk to Americans but admits he is a dictator, claiming it is necessary.

Muingon mo’g diktador?

Diktador gyud ko. Kay hindi ko mag-diktador, p__t__na, walang mangyayari sa bayan na ‘to. Tinuod (You say I’m a dictator? I’m really a dictator.

Because if I will not be a dictator (expletive), nothing will happen in this country. That’s

true), Duterte told 217 NPA surrenderers �lown in from Mindanao, in a speech delivered in Cebuano, the �irst 87 minutes of it aired live over state-owned PTV4 before he asked the TV crew to stop �ilming.

“Og di ko mag-diktador

kana style nako ron, walay mahitabo sa atong nasod” (If I don’t act like a dictator, like my style now, nothing will happen in this country), he stressed.

“Kinahanglan. Tutal pinili man ko ninyo. Ngano di man ninyo ko sundon?” (It is necessary. After all, you voted for me. Why will you not obey me?), Duterte said.

The New People’s Army (NPA), he said, can never win in its war against government, reiterating his Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is well-equipped with airplanes that could drop bombs, among others.

“Ingnan ko bombahan ko nang inyong p__t_nang eskwelahan. Ana dayon sila ‘Ah Duterte diktador, pasista, mao kini, mao kana, U.S. Tang_na, insulto. Kanus-a pa ang nagpa-under sa Amerikano?”

(I said I will bomb your (expletive) school. They said ‘Ah Duterte, dictator, fascist, US. (Expletive). That’s an insult.

Since when have I allowed myself to be under the Americans?) he asked.

“Enforce the fear” “Equalize the terror” or “enforce the fear” has been Duterte’s governance style since he was elected mayor of

PRRD,P11

and 1.2 kilometers from the Task Force Davao checkpoint in Sitio Licanan, Barangay Lasang.

TF Davao said the bag was apparently thrown there.

Traf�ic returned to normal at around 7:30, it said.

The improvised explosive device (IED) was made of PVC pipe, detonating cord, blasting cap and ammonium nitrate fuel oil or fertilizer mixed with diesel fuel.

“These materials are also used for dynamite �ishing al-

though NPAs (New People’s Army) use the same,” Task Force Davao said.

Col Nolasco Mempin, Task Force Davao commander said the improvised grenade was not detonated since it needed to be ignited �irst before it will explode.

He said an investigation is ongoing to identify the person who left the bag.

Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, Deputy TF Davao Commander, told MindaNews the area was cordoned off as pre-

cautionary measure.

“Dinalhan namin ng K9 and the snif�ing dogs sat near the bag, an indication of probable explosives content,” he said.

The swift response of authorities in Lasang was lauded by residents.

The recovery of the IED came as the city is preparing for “Southern Storm Drills,” a series of anti-terror exercises that will be implemented nationwide but piloted in this

UNATTENDED,P11

PALACE,P11

Major infra projects to address unemployment: Malacañan

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ANILA -- Malacanang on Thursday expressed optimism that unemployment will be addressed as the Duterte administration starts to roll out major infrastructure projects under its ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program.

“We are con�ident, because of the Build, Build, Build program of the government,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press brie�ing.

Roque made this remark following reports that more than 6,000 employees in the National Capital Region were expected to lose their jobs amid plans by more than 400 companies to terminate workers.

Coca-Cola FEMSA was reportedly laying off an undisclosed number of employees due to “evolving regulatory environment, our operational ef�iciency, and,

consequent performance in the market.”

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), on the other hand, has reportedly received notices in January from more than 400 companies that they will be terminating more than 6,000 employees.

Roque said “unprecedented locators and foreign investors” that had registered with the Board of Investments (BOI) would address unemployment.

“And of course, we have also record �igures as far as manufacturing output of the country is concerned,” Roque said.

He announced to the media that the country’s manufacturing sector continues to be one of the top performing sectors for 2017.

“Manufacture has been experiencing high growth

MAJOR,P11

Comelec to print add’l 18-M ballots for May 14 village polls

Unattended bag yields IED as Davao City M prepares for anti-terror drills on Feb. 28 D avao City — Motorists passing by Lasang were asked to turn around early Thursday morning while authorities attended to a bag that yielded an improvised grenade.

A press release from Task Force Davao said civilians reported to the Task Force Davao’s Explosives and Ordnance Disposal and K9 Team in Lasang at around 6:30 a.m. about the unattended bag, some 50 meters from the footbridge going to Davao City

to threaten the government.

“I think the message is, ‘You don’t threaten us Joma Sison,” Roque said in a Palace brie�ing.

“We are the state, if we haven’t eradicated you, it’s because we opted not to eradicate you as Filipinos. But if you want war, we’re ready to go to war,” he added.

Roque said that Duterte wanted Sison to know that there were enough government resources to retaliate should the NPA launch attacks.

“Nandiyan ang resources ng gobyerno at hindi dapat tinatakot ang gobyerno na parang mas malaki pa ang kakahayan nila manaig sa isang digmaan. Handa ang buong sandatahan kung gusto nila ng digmaan (The resources of the government are there and he should not threaten the

ANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to print an additional 18 million ballots for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls on May 14.

Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez noted that the ballots are for new registrants and for Mindanao voters.

“The bulk of preparation is in the printing of ballots for the additional registrants during the November 2017 registration,” he said.

Jimenez added that they are looking to start the ballot printing on February 15, noting that the process will take 20 days.

“Approval of the printing details is still pending in the commission en banc,” he said.

The poll body would be using the 59,578,346 of�icial ballots that were printed last year for the National Capital Region (NCR), Luzon, and Visayas Regions.

The date of the polls on of�icial ballots in the said regions would be October 23, 2017 while those for Mindanao would bear May 14, 2018 as the date of the elections.

The poll body earlier said it was already 85 percent prepared to conduct the forthcoming electoral exercises.

(PNA)

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

DTI, PLDT partner to digitize business

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he Go Negosyo center of the Department of Trade and Industry and PLDT Enterprise partner to launch “A Growing Collaboration for the Filipino”, on February 12, 2018 at the Isabela Ballroom B & C, Makati Shangri-la Hotel.

The event will promote the use of digital tools that will enable entrepreneurs to have a wider reach through a nationwide marketplace, providing wider market access for MSMEs across the country.

The event will also launch PLDT’s PayMaya, the �irst prepaid online payment app that enables the �inancially underserved to pay

online without a credit card.

Demonstrating how PayMaya works is a Go Lokal! pop up exhibit during the event where guests can buy Go Lokal! products via PayMaya.

Go Lokal! is a retail concept store which showcases high quality, innovative Philippine products designed, crafted and manufactured by the country’s MSMEs. The GoLokal!ConceptStore@DTI is located at the Ground�loor, Trade and Industry Bldg, 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. For more information on Go Lokal! and its store outlets, please visit golokal. dti.gov.ph.

NFA admits rice supply cut sold in Davao market

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he National Food Authority on Wednesday admitted to have limited the selling of NFA rice in Davao City markets due to low inventory.

NFA Davao City Manager Leonila Selpa bared that their warehouses only have 35,929 bags of rice as of Wednesday that would be enough to last until the next delivery of stocks.

“In our inventory, our stocks are dwindling,” she said.

Selpa said the NFA was implementing the �ixed scheme of distribution every week unlike before that even during the low supply season they could give many sacks of rice to the retailers depending on their capitalization.

She said the NFA gives 40 bags to some institutional agencies, the major market retailers with 30 bags while 20 bags for the minor retailers. Retailers outside of the market are given 10 bags and the Bigasan sa Parokya Out-

let or church-based retailers are now given also 10 bags.

In Davao City, there are 210 total accredited retailers, 131 of them are outside the market, 66 retailers in the market while 13 are churchbased retailers.

“We are trying to stretch it so that the NFA rice is still visible and accessible in the markets to serve the poorest of the poor,” she said.

Selpa, however, clari�ied that there was no rice shortage in the city since there was still NFA rice available in the markets.

“There are other regions already stopped selling NFA rice because of low inventory,” she said.

Selpa said the NFA also wanted to retain buffer stocks that would be used for an emergency in case of calamity.

“We give priority to relief operations and supplemental feeding programs,” she said. (PNA)

n iconic tower paying tribute to Filipino soldiers will soon rise in Bonifacio Global City.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will be building the Icone Tower, which will be located at 11th Avenue corner 11th Drive of BGC in Taguig City.

The tower is envisioned to be an iconic edi�ice in the BGC, a former Philippine Army camp that has transformed into a progressive �inancial district after the BCDA sold the military land in 1995.

The BCDA signed a joint venture with Arup and Hen-

ning Larsen Architects for the detailed architecture and engineering design of the Icone Tower.

The Icone Tower is planned to be a 40-storey building, with areas dedicated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-BCDA’s largest stakeholder-as well as premium of�ice spaces and retail spaces.

The property will have a total of 7,275-square-meter space.

The BCDA is currently looking for development partners for the Icone Tower. The project is targeted to be completed by end-2021. (PNA)

5 ECONOMY

BIG PLANS. Megaworld senior vice president and head of business development and leasing group Jericho Go (right), together with senior assistant vice president and head of public relations and media affairs Harold Geronimo, provides details of the company’s plan to transform the Davao Park District into a smart development and be

classified as iTownship as it will integrate digital technology, design innovations and connectivity. Go and Geronimo interacted with the media during a news conference at Park Inn by Radisson Davao on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

Alibaba’s fintech sought for OFWs To lower remittance costs F

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has broached the possibility of tapping Alibaba’s fintech (financial technology) solutions through its related company Ant Financial to lower remittance costs for the Philippines’ over 10 million migrant workers and offer them other online-based banking and financial management services.

Dominguez said Ant Financial’s low-cost mobile payment technology that has helped China attain �inancial inclusion for its small homebased enterprises can be tapped to help OFWs send money back home and pru-

dently manage their �inances.

The Overseas Filipinos Bankbased in Manila can be the launching pad for this online payment platform, Dominguez said.

OFB was launched last month by President Duter-

te--in keeping with his 2016 campaign promise--to cater to the �inancial needs of not only OFWs but other foreign-based Filpinos as well.

“There are over 10 million Filipinos working abroad, Ant Financial’s technology is helpful for them. The technology can help them manage their cash, their earnings wisely,” said Dominguez during the second day of the Alibaba Business School’s New Economy workshop held at its campus here for visiting Philippine government of�icials and representatives from the business sector.

The workshop was orga-

nized following the invitation last year of Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma for Dominguez and other Philippine of�icials to learn more about Alibaba’s digital infrastructure for e-commerce.

Eric Jing, the CEO of the Ant Financial Services Group, said his company would be more than willing to partner with the Philippines to bring inclusive �inancial services to OFWs and as well as other individuals and Small- and Medium-sized enterprises.

“We are excited to partner with you. Together we can launch a variety of services for

“After talking with MVP (Manuel V. Pangilinan) yesterday, PLDT will return the CURE frequencies at absolutely no cost, that can now be awarded to the New Major Telco Player (NMTP), as per instruction of PRRD,” Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) of�icer in charge Undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr. said in a social media post Wednesday.

PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan earlier said the third major telco player should pay at least PHP3 billion for the 3G frequency turned over by its unit Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprise (CURE) to the government.

PLDT surrendered the 3G frequency of CURE to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in 2012 as one of the conditions set by

the government for its acquisition of Sun Cellular from the Gokongwei Group.

The NTC earlier planned to hold an auction for the 3G license of CURE but was unable to bid it out due to issues in determining the cost recovery amount.

The 3G frequency surrendered by CURE would be part of the spectrum to be assigned to a new telco player.

BCDA to build iconic tower for RP soldiers A PLDT to surrender frequencies to govt

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elecommunications giant PLDT Inc. has agreed to surrender one of its frequencies at no cost to the government for them to be allocated to a potential third major player in the local telecommunications industry.

The decision by the telco �irm comes after President Rodrigo Duterte said the frequencies for the entry of a new major telco player should be awarded for free.

ALIBABA,P11

PLDT,P12

6 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

Clark posts record increases for 2017

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PICKING UP. Call center agents attend to customers’ call at a business process outsourcing (BPO) company in Davao City. The BPO industry is starting to pick up its pace after it slowed down late last year due to

the threats of President Donald Trump to bring back to the USA jobs outsourced abroad. Lean Daval Jr

lark Freeport continues to be one of Asia’s leading economic centers as shown by its unprecedented gains in investments, revenues, employment and other signi�icant achievements in 2017.

CDC president and CEO Noel F. Manankil, in his report to the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Board of Directors, on Wednesday said that the accomplishments of Clark Freeport for the past year bring about a robust economic impact to the local communities, Central Luzon region, and the country.

Manankil has attributed Clark’s gains to the sound business climate of the Duterte administration.

He also thanked Clark locators, workers, and other stakeholders, the contiguous communities and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the parent company of CDC, for

their support.

Manankil cited that the number of locator-�irms at CDC at the close of 2017 totaled 949, up by 6 percent from 895 in 2016.

Most of the locator-�irms are in the ICT, service, and developers industry at 362, representing 38 percent of the total number.

The report also said that for the same period, the number of employees inside the Freeport had reached 107,997, an increase by more than 14,227 from a year-ago level.

The industrial and manufacturing industry has the most number of employees at 48,476 or 45 percent in the distribution.

Manankil also said that the state-owned �irm attained a gross revenue of PHP1.96 billion for the year 2017, a 20 percent growth compared to the 2016 �igure of PHP1.64 billion.(PNA)

ANILA -- Dutch �irm Mulgrave Corp. BV has increased its stake in one of the country’s top drugstores, Rose Pharmacy.

The Board of Investments (BOI) approved the Dutch �irm’s plan to raise its ownership in Cebu-based Rose Pharmacy from 49 percent to 51 percent.

“This re�lects the sustained con�idence of foreign investors in the country’s economy,” Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said in a press statement Thursday.

Rodolfo said Mulgrave was also considering increasing its investments here, as well as making ad-

ditional acquisition and expansion of retail outlets in the future.

Rose Pharmacy currently has 252 drugstores nationwide.

He added the company is bullish in the Philippines on the back of strong demand in the market.

“The BOI is seeing increasing interest of foreign investors in the Philippines to access the expanding domestic market,” Rodolfo said.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that foreign direct investment (FDI) in�lows from January to October 2017 grew by 20.5 percent to USD7.9 billion from USD6.5 billion in the same

firm hikes stake in Davao, Hawaii eye Dutch Cebu’s Rose Pharmacy joint biz ventures M

B

usiness executives in Davao City and their counterparts from Hawaii held exploratory talks for possible joint ventures, following the signing of a sisterhood pact between the city and Country of Kaua’i on Monday, a business leader said Wednesday.

Arturo Milan, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. president told MindaNews that the business executives’ meeting centered on the areas of agriculture, energy, and tourism.

The three-page sister city agreement signed by Mayor Sara Duterte with County of Kaua’i mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. aims to promote

mutually bene�icial cooperation and deeper understanding through an exchange of ideas in the �ields of tourism and culture, agriculture, and trade and commerce.

Both parties agreed to exchange tourism practices and cultural preservation; share methods used to attract and maintain tourist interest, including the pro-

motion and preservation of their respective cultures; promote respective sister city and support easy access.

On agriculture, the parties would endeavor to share and exchange ideas on agricultural enhancement systems and programs since both areas “are blessed with spectacular natural panoramas and lush vegetation.”

Both parties may provide an exchange in the necessary machines, crops, and products that are lacking within their partnered city.

Both will also maintain open communication in terms of potential business ventures, investment, and

product trade.

Milan described the new partnerships as a strong indication that the city is now being considered as a safe and secure place and attractive destination for investments.

“I have high hopes that there will be more foreign businessmen coming to Davao City to explore business opportunities in the coming days,” he added.

Mayor Sara Duterte said the city is a “friend to everyone” and that it welcomes opportunities to establish and boost linkages that strengthen relationship with

DUTCH,P12

RP, Turkey mull possible venture for Marawi rehab Filipinos prefer house and lot, but condo inquiries up

M

ANILA -- Online marketplace for properties Lamudi Philippines revealed that most Filipinos are looking for house and lot properties, but inquiries on residential condominiums are increasing.

In a press brie�ing Thursday, Lamudi Philippines Chief Executive Of�icer Bhavna Suresh said 59 percent of its property searches in 2017 were house and lots.

Almost half of house and lot searches were looking for properties with a value of PHP5 million and below;

35 percent were looking for house and lot priced up to PHP20 million; 13 percent were searching for properties amounting to up to PHP150 million; and 4 percent were searching for house and lots with a value of more than PHP150 million.

However, Suresh noted that the share on searches for house and lots declined from the past years, which was about 70 percent.

She said searches for other types of property were rising, particularly for con-

dominiums, accounting for 14 percent of searches in Lamudi last year.

About 12 percent of searches in Lamudi were raw land or lots, while apartments shared 11 percent to the total searches in 2017.

Suresh said 15 million users who visited Lamudi’s website last year spent 2.7 million hours searching for properties online.

She added that Lamudi had seen a large increase in the number of visits to its platform in 2017, which signalled a rise in Filipinos’

DAVAO,P12

acceptance of property technology or PropTech.

“More developers, brokers, and owners are now breaking the brick and mortar barrier to cross over to the click and discover business environment,” said Suresh.

Last year, Lamudi Philippines had a total of 100,000 active listings from residential condominiums, house and lots, apartments, commercial spaces, raw lots, and foreclosed properties across the country.

FILIPINOS,P12

T

he Philippine and Turkish governments have discussed a possible partnership to support the rehabilitation in Marawi City.

The discussion took place during the �irst Joint Committee on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation (JCTEC) between the Philippines and Turkey in Ankara, Turkey.

The JTEC meet was from Feb. 5 to 6.

In a statement Wednesday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Turkey could assist the Philippines in efforts to revive the

former war zone Marawi, as the majority of the population of Turkey are Muslims.

Turkey can provide assistance on rolling out Islamic �inancing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the clashes between government troops and terror group Maute. The clashes lasted for �ive months last year.

The Philippines and Turkey likewise aim to pursue a study identifying which industries can be put up in Mindanao, with the help of the businesses from both

RP,P12

7 SUBURBIA RISING

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

Lobregat vows to defend Zamboanga’s stand on BBL

Z

AMBOANGA CITY -- Rep. Celso Lobregat on Thursday announced he will stand �irm in the interest of this city over the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Lobregat made the announcement as the Senate’s sub-committee on BBL chaired by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri is set to conduct a public consultation at 2 p.m. on Friday (Feb. 9, 2018) at the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College (ZCSPC) gymnasium.

Lobregat said he would take the opportunity to inform Zubiri’s committee about the strong and determined stance of the Zamboangeños on the BBL.

“Rest assured I will be there until the very end, �ighting for Zamboanga City’s interest, standing �irm for what is best for Mindanao, defending the constitution and protecting the republic. I am for peace, I am not anti-peace but I am not for appeasement at the expense of the Republic,” Lobregat said.

Lobregat urged the general public to rally behind him and the local of�icials “in expressing our strong manifestation of non-inclusion in the proposed Bangsamoro territories”.

He said since there were still contested provisions which were being objected in the recently concluded BBL

LOBREGAT,P12

South Cotabato allots P237M for priority infra

G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The provincial government of South Cotabato has allotted some P237.68 million for the implementation of priority infrastructure projects this year.

Vicente Ayongao, acting head of the Provincial Engineer’s Of�ice (PEO), said Thursday these comprised 24 projects that were set for funding and implementation under the province’s 20 percent Local Development Fund (LDF) for 2018.

He said 17 of the projects involved the upgrading of road networks, two each for construction of multipurpose buildings and water systems, one each for the construction of a ly-

ing-in clinic and curve gym, and the fabrication of drilling equipment for indigenous dikes.

The PEO’s construction and maintenance division was currently preparing the programs of work of the projects, he said.

“We’re targeting to complete these requirements early to fast track their full implementation,” he said in a media forum.

Ayongao said the implementation of 25 LDF-funded projects worth P72,694,880 were also ongoing as of end January.

He said these comprised of horizontal and vertical structures that were approved under the 2017 infrastructure program. (PNA)

NPAs, sympathizers surrender in Bukidnon

C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The government’s relentless anti-insurgency campaign in Northern Mindanao had resulted to the surrender of at least 130 members and sympathizers of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Bukidnon province, the military said Thursday.

Among those who surrendered were two active combatants, 35 members of the Militia ng Bayan, and 93 civilian supporters of the NPA, said Capt.

Norman Tagros, spokesperson for the Philippine Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, a unit of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID).

The surrenderees also brought along themselves 34 assorted firearms and an improvised explosive device, Capt.

Tagros said.

Tagros said the rebels and their sympathizers surrendered to the First Special Forces Battalion in Sumilao town, in Bukidnon, on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018.

Bukidnon has been known as one of the region’s flashpoints that has a significant presence of NPA fighters and mass-based supporters, especially in the hinterlands of Mount Kitanglad, Mount Kalatungan and the Calabugao valley areas.

The province has at least four guerrilla fronts or fighting units that operate within those mountains. The Communist insurgents are also known to be operating in some parts of the Caraga Region.

The surrender, Tagros said, was the product of the military’s sustained “community support programs” as well as its combat operations against the rebels.

Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, the brigade commander, called the surrenderees as a “significant moment” that greatly contributes to the government’s “bid to finally attain peace in our communities here in Bukidnon.” (Jigger J. Jerusalem/PNA)

FARM EXPOSURE. The third year journalism students of Ateneo de Davao University recently visited the Banana Beach Resort in Tagum City, Davao del Norte were they learned how the seedlings of Cavendish banana are grown. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

Floods displace 26 GSC families

G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- A total of 26 families were displaced after flashfloods swept several riverside communities here on Wednesday afternoon.

Agripino Dacera Jr., head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Of�ice, said portions of the critical Makar River and other nearby tributaries here swelled at past 4 p.m. following heavy rains in the upland areas of nearby South Cotabato province.

He said huge volume of �loodwaters submerged communities situated near the banks of the Makar River, which traverses several barangays.

“As we all know, we are the

catchment area whenever it rains there, especially on the side towards the city,” he said.

Dacera said there were no reported injuries or casualties as a result of the �loods but there were noted damages to properties and �lood control structures.

He said these included the motorcycle of Barangay Fatima and several houses near the banks of the Makar River in Barangay Labangal.

Aside from Barangays Fatima and Labangal, there also

reported �looding in portion of Barangay Calumpang due to the swelling of the Puting Bato Creek.

The evacuees, all from Purok Balunto in Labangal, are currently taking temporary shelter at the barangay gymnasium.

Aside from the damaged houses, residents reported that the �loods destroyed a gabion dike in the area.

Lorelei Pacquiao, Labangal barangay chair, said they have provided initial relief assistance to the affected residents.

She said they are currently assessing the situation in the areas ravaged by the �loods that are considered danger zones.

“The areas near the danger zones should be restricted to dwelling as we can’t predict our

weather. The �looding there has persisted these past years and it’s been a big problem for us,” she said.

Meantime, in South Cotabato, the provincial government has assisted some 150 families who were affected by �lash�loods in the past several days.

Milagros Rivera, head of the Provincial Diaster Risk Reduction and Management Of�ice, said they provided relief assistance to 48 families in Barangay Poblacion in Polomolok and 102 families in Barangay Panay in Sto. Nino.

She said nine houses and a �lood control structure were destroyed in Polomolok, leaving an estimated damage of P200,000.

(FKA/PNA)

al economic activities in the town and in the entire �irst district of Lanao del Sur since these areas have no formal marketplace. “It will mainly cater to displaced residents of Marawi City who have sought refuge in the town,” Gov. Hataman added.

About 2,722 families, or more than 13,000 individuals, have sought refuge in Marawi City’s adjacent town of Bubong since �ighting in the Islamic city started in May 2017.

Gov. Hataman has attended numerous consultation dialogues with the displaced individuals to hear grievances from the grassroots. The consultations, Gov. Hataman said, will help in making a “well-informed decision” for the projects and assistance that will

facilitate in uplifting the lives of displaced Marawi residents.

The IDP-organized Sowara O Miamagoyag, representing more than 12,000 households which evacuated to towns of Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Oriental, and to the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro, has been active in promoting the welfare of its members.

Sittie Joharah Pacalindo-Mamacotao, 27, a leader of the group from Brgy. Marinaut, Marawi City, said displaced residents should be supported on their immediate needs of recovery to enable digni�ied survival. “We want to become their representatives to amplify their voice,” Mamacotao said.

The group also recom-

mended reparation and compensation for property damage; livelihood; recovery and access to employment; shelter; participatory, transparent and accountable planning of Marawi rehabilitation, and land dispute resolutions.

“Naniniwala ako na makakabangon ang mga Maranaw kapag natulungan sila ng maayos,” Gov. Hataman told the IDP leaders. The regional government has P150 million in un-programmed funds reserved for projects and programs that would help in rebuilding Marawi City.

The regional government and the provincial government of Lanao del Sur will jointly build an integrated public market and rehabilitate

13,000 IDPs to benefit from market to be constructed by ARMM gov’t M

arawi City – More than 13,000 individuals displaced by the Marawi siege stand to bene�it from a public market to be constructed by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in Bubong, Lanao del Sur this year.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the wet and dry market was led by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, along with other of�icials, in Bubong, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, February 8. The public market, worth P30 million, will sit on a one-and-a-half hectare of land and will house 100 stalls.

The market is expected to be completed in 240 days.

Gov. Hataman said the construction of the public market will open addition-

13,000,P12

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

EDITORIAL

D

‘Clean Tourist City’ award

avao City has been selected as recipient of the 1st Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Clean Tourist City Award during the Asean Tourism Forum at the Shangri-La Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand on January 26.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio formally received the award from new Davao Tourism Regional Director Antonio Fernando Blanco. The cities of Pasig in Metro Manila and San Carlos in Negros Occidental received a similar award.

According to the City Information Of�ice, the city was chosen for conforming with the criteria and requirements set by the Asean Clean Tourist City Standard (ACTCS), which include a solid Environment Management Program, Cleanliness, Waste Management, Awareness-building about Environmental Protection and Cleanliness, Green Spaces, Health Safety, Urban Safety and Security, Tourism Infrastructure and Facilities.

Chinkie Golle, executive director of the Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (IDIS), who took part in the initial assessment of the city’s government’s solid waste management, said the overall evaluation for the local government unit’s tourism destinations was positive. She said the city is doing its best to ensure that cleanliness of tourist destinations are well-maintained.

However, she said “the award comes with a challenge for the city to im-

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prove its waste management,” adding that the increase in the volume of tourists will also result in an increase on the volume of waste we produce.”

Last November, the Environmental Management Bureau con�irmed that the sanitary land�ill in Tugbok District has been spilling out leachate that spilled dangerously into Matina Pangi river.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice said actions have been taken to address the spillage, and that at least P42 million has been allotted to rehabilitate the sanitary land�ill.

The city has also allotted P100 million to purchase a lot where it can develop a new land�ill facility.

It was noted that the city has crafted policies designed to keep its remaining environmental frontiers intact and rehabilitate those that have been damaged.

The ACTCS is aimed at promoting and encouraging cities in ASEAN member countries with a tool that will improve the quality of tourism, not only by increasing their marketing competitiveness but also improve the situation of local residents by providing them livelihood to alleviate poverty.

Let’s congratulate ourselves for this added feather on the cap, but let us accept the challenge of seeing to it that we always protect our environment from overuse and abuse.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09101864939 Tel: (088) 852-4894

EDGEDAVAO

I

t puzzles me no end that every time I walk that particular stretch in Agdao almost every day on my way to work, I get to encounter garbage of all types.

And once in a while, I can spot neighbors actually burning garbage (to include plastics) just as the sun rises from the east.

I had seen worse. The worst methinks was that of dump trucks unloading mixed wastes near the edge of a row of tombs along Lingayen Gulf. And as I stood nearby, the seawaters washed part of the heap of dump to the sea, revealing tombs covered by garbage.

In that side street in Agdao, the sight of a dead cat or rat is not uncommon. Animal dung abound. But the most common sights are empty plastic bottles or plastic bags filled with mixed garbage abandoned along the canals.

Strangely, these disappear every time heavy rains pour,

F

or people looking for high-value estates, Acacia, a patch of land surrounded by Elpidio Quirino (formerly Tomas Claudio) Street to the north, Cayetano Bangoy (erstwhile Ponciano Reyes) Street to the northwest, Ramon Magsaysay (then Don Jose Oyanguren) Street to the west, and J.P. Laurel Street on the east, has always been a top target.

Blue-chip investors find the property not only strategic but it a prime lot that can complete with the best land assets that can be found at Davao City’s central business district.

Acacia, a 2.7-hectare property originally claimed by the Villa-Abrille clan, was so named for the line of trees (Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr.) grown in the area.

For decades, it has been host to informal settlers who, in recent years, were allowed by the court to occupy certain portions of the estate after the property was claimed on record by a certain Moro Bagwis.

The court turned down the claims of Lim Juna, who became Francisco Villa-Abrille after his conversion to Catholicism, because he was Chinese, making him ineligible to own lands.

But more than just being a contentious piece of land, Acacia, decades ago, was host to strip of nightclubs with a his-

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Shepherding R.A. 9003: Sara’s ticket to immortality but these are replaced time and again probably by the same people who throw their garbage every which way it is convenient. Out of sight; out of mind.

What is preventing this city from implementing properly the mandate of Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management)?

I think the answer lies with the very people that are tasked to implement the law, the DENR as supervisory agency and the LGUs (the city or the municipality that are supposed to provide the means) and the barangays (who are supposed to implement segregation at source).

The system of waste management that RA 9003 mandates is simply beyond the text-book knowledge of DENR environment specialists.

Hence, their interpretation of the law as in most cases is limited to concrete or engineering structures. Composting as one of best practices is

REVERSE PUNCH Jimmy K. Laking beyond their understanding.

The same can be said of city or municipal executives whose expertise lay in various fields. But they can be convinced to implement it properly if their environment officers have what it takes to implement it or if they are capable of thinking out of the box in ensuring that the engineered sanitary landfill lives out its projected lifespan. If

not, the ESL will always degenerate into an open dump as what has happened to the city’s ESL in New Carmen or elsewhere. And with the ESL turning into an open dump, the ability to control leachate is ineffective at best and paltry at worst. Water (to include leachate) always finds its own level and it is the only explanation why leachate spilled into the Matina Pangi river.

Methane gas is also certain to accumulate and it is my bet that if someone would throw a torch into the dump, it will ignite as what happened to the ESL-turned-dumpsite of La Trinidad, Benguet. So instead of helping mitigate climate change, the mismanaged ESL is in fact abetting it, how sad.

With Mayor Sara’s decision to seek reelection, now is the time for her to shepherd the proper implementation of Republic Act 9003 for a number of compelling reasons.

First, it is the right thing to do considering the city’s decision to put up another ESL. Second, solid waste is 60% biodegradable and its right place is in the compost receptacle. Third, this city’s biodegradable waste comes from a variety of sources (market, households, establishments to include poultry farms and piggeries) which translates into high-grade compost and could be the catalyst for plantations to go organic.

Fourth, Davao City is President Duterte’s hometown. So if Davao City can do it right in so far as RA 9003 is concerned, there is no reason why the rest of the Philippines would not follow.

RA 9003, implemented properly in Davao City, is Mayor Sara’s contribution to good governance, to climate change alleviation and to environmental protection. It is her one ticket to immortality.

(30)

Acacia, decades earlier, was within a stone’s throw from the iconic Jones Circle, which was at the convergence of Claveria (C.M. Recto), Oyanguren, Laurel and Jacinto Streets. The rotunda’s location was complemented by the Rizal Monument (now replaced with Bonifacio’s statue) at the junction of Claveria and Magallanes (A. Pichon Sr.) Streets.

The choice to have the area informally called Acacia was largely due to the canopy it provides. Nearly all thoroughfares in the town had queues of acacia with shades to persons on foot. Even at the premises of San Pedro Church and the Osmeña Park and Sangguniang Panlungsod (former property of the church), fullgrown acacias were favorite afternoon rendezvous.

Known also as the wattles, the acacia, Wikipedia explains, “is a large genus of shrubs and trees in the subfamily Mimosoideae of the pea family Fabaceae. Initially it comprised a group of plant species native to Africa and Australia, with the first species A. nilotica described by Linnaeus,” adding: “Controversy erupted in the early 2000s when it became evident that the genus as it stood was not monophyletic, and that several divergent lineages

needed to be placed in separate genera.

It turned out that one lineage comprising over 900 species mainly native to Australia was not closely related to the mainly African lineage that contained A. nilotica — the first and type species. This meant that the Australian lineage (by far the most prolific in number of species) would need to be renamed.

“Botanist Les Pedley named this group Racosperma, which was inconsistently adopted. Australian botanists proposed that this would be more disruptive than setting a different type species (A. penninervis) and allowing this large number of species to remain Acacia, resulting in the two African lineages being renamed Vachellia and Senegalia, and the two New World lineages renamed Acaciella and Mariosousa. This was officially adopted, but many botanists from Africa and elsewhere disagreed that this was necessary.

“A number of species have been introduced to various parts of the world, and two million hectares of commercial plantations have been established. The heterogeneous group varies considerably in habit, from mat-like subshrubs to canopy trees in forest.”

A strip known as Acacia

tory of occasional brawls. Few of these nocturnal haunts, which also served as prostitution fronts, were owned by policemen. Among the popular beer gardens of the day were Volare (formerly Yaro), El Cairo, Paradise, and Romar’s.

Volare, which means ‘I will fly’ in Spanish, is an obvious pun for the hospitality women in the beerhouse who were cynically called ‘babaeng mababang lipad’ (low-flying girls). El Cairo, facetiously, was a takeoff from that Egyptian city famous for its belly dancers. Paradise connotes happiness for men while cavorting women under subdued lights. Romar’s was a corruption of the first syllables of the couple who owned the establishment.

Indirectly, the brawl that made the beer houses at Acacia notorious gave rise to the sprouting of new nocturnal lounges, which promised peaceful enjoyment to patrons. In a span of few years, drinking pubs offering partial nudity started showing up along Claveria Street. Two of the favorite hangouts were El Madrid and Alibangbang.

Up until now, Acacia is still associated with other engagements and enterprises that define the place. Aside from a Catholic chapel that has survived the test of time, the area, with its dilapidated road, is host

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa to a handful of eateries, makeshift boarding houses, internet café, wet market, playground, public conveyance terminals, shops, and afternoon food grills.

The playground, though not well-maintained but concretely fenced, is home to the usual fiesta events, basketball tournaments, and barangay gatherings.

In areas traversed by streets, the property is host to a gas station, barber shop, herbal corner, American surplus store, bank, cobbler, and small stalls offering a miscellany of articles.

10NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

better to be vigilant.

Around 50 Police Tourist will be available inside the malls and hotels and there is also police assistance desk that are ready to cater their needs.

“Our Police will be visible, they can approach our police most especially those visitors who are not from Davao and are not familiar of the area.

They will be assisted by our police,” she said.

being raped there, I’m going to stop, I’m going to ban,” Duterte said in his speech before leaving for his trip to India last month.

There are more than 250,000 Filipinos in Kuwait, many of them work as domestic helpers. (PNA)

law, according to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

“We are asking all PUV operators, from jeepneys to taxis, to grant discounts to PWDs,” Tugade said in a statement Thursday.

Violators shall be slapped with a PHP5,000 �ine for the �irst offense, and PHP10,000 for the second offense plus a six-month suspension of their

Certi�icate of Public Convenience.

For the third and �inal offense, operators would have their franchises cancelled or revoked.

The memo circular was issued in compliance with Republic Act No. 10754 or “An Act Expanding the Bene�its and Privileges of Persons with Disability”. (PNA)

for several marine species.

On Wednesday, Malacanang announced that while President Rodrigo R. Duterte has declared that only Filipinos can now conduct scientific research in the area, foreign entities can still reapply for licenses for future research.

Under Angara’s Senate Bill 312, a Benham Rise Development Authority (BRDA)

would be created “to promote and facilitate the exploration and study of Benham Rise”.

The BRDA will act as the of�icial and permanent lead agency of the government in coordinating the formulation and implementation of policies, programs and strategic direction for the sustainable development of Benham Rise.

(PNA)

na, to create jobs locally.

He said massive investments in infrastructure development during his administration will require a lot of skilled workers and the former rebels could seize this opportunity.

Duterte meanwhile said the country’s agriculture sector could develop further, as he stressed the potential of Mindanao for agricultural development as it is typhoon-free and with fertile soil.

He vowed to provide tractors to cooperatives to be put up by the former rebels, adding that communities where they are located will be prioritized.

Duterte also promised to provide them security, which is a major concern of the rebel returnees.

The President said that for them to have a grasp on the successes of capitalism, he will send female former rebels to Hong Kong and China.

This, he said, is to counter the ideology being professed

by Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison.

The former rebels, mostly uneducated and poor, came from different parts of Eastern Mindanao. The Armed Forces of the Philippines has lined up some 683 former rebels to tour them in Manila.

The 215 former rebels met by the President Wednesday were the �irst batch who arrived in Villamor Air Base Tuesday on board two C-130s from Davao City.

This is part of the President’s promise to welcome them in Malacañan during a meeting in December last year in Panacan in Davao City.

The AFP’s goal in facilitating the tours is to give the rebel returnees a new perspective in life and orient them in peace building and nationalism.

Aside from a Palace tour and meeting with the President, the former rebels visited the Rizal Park and Intramuros as part of their historical and heritage trip. (PND)

source.

“We move them closer to a strategic decision based on their existing data,” Libre said.

He added that MainStat gives consultancy on business process improvement, planning, and monitoring and evaluation “We deliver basic and ad-

vanced tools in measuring impact of an event. This includes qualifiying the real extent of reach, challenges in knowledge, skills and attitude,” Libre said.

Libre said that they will initiate good business acumen as contribution to the booming business sectoer of highly urbanized Davao.

DUTERTE... FROM 2 LTFRB... FROM 2

CHINA TOWN PROJECTS. Steve Arquiza of China Town Development Council gives updates on the organization’s proposed projects such as the establishing of mini parks and putting up a Chinese street food night market. Arquiza bared the group’s upcoming programs during I-Speak media forum at City Hall on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

FUTURE... FROM 1

ing group in a press conference yesterday at Park Inn by Radisson Davao.

The of�ice towers in the township will house modern facilities, highlighting features that put safety and security as priority. Currently, they have their team deployed to study what other things they can integrate into the Davao Park District as part as their technology and state-of-the-art development.

The 14-story Davao Finance Center targeted for completing within the �irst half of 2018 will also feature nine elevators with one designated exclusively for the parking �loors. It will have its own automatic �ire suppression system, �ire detection and alarm systems (FDAS) dedicated �ire water storage tank, three �ire exits with �ire-rated pressurized doors for smoke-proofing as well as state-of-the-art, 24/7 CCTV and communications system.

An iconic clock tower will be connected to the �inance center which will house some retail spaces.

“We really planned for this (clock tower) to be iconic but more importantly this symbolizes that Davao has come of age and this is our time and our turn, tayo naman ang magpasikat, Davao naman ang pansinin nila and we want to emphasize that this is a dawning of a new age for Davao and we will �inally have a worldclass integrated city through the iTownships model,” Go said.

The adjustment in the design (from the original design)

is part of Megaworld’s aim to make Davao associated with something modern, intelligent, and advanced.

“ITownship if I have to summarize it is integrated by fusing local �lavors into it through live, work, play. We want to bring new development so that Davao is now known as more modern, better equipped, and more advanced.

It is also intelligent as we are putting in WIFI, this district has conduits laid down so you won’t need telephone companies to put in manhole,” he said.

Harold C. Geronimo, senior assistant vice president and head of public relations and media affairs, said aside from being a iTownship, Davao Park District would become a very known development.

“It will have sculptures, bronze statues, that is something that will give it character but I will not give details yet because we want to surprise the Dabawenyos,” he said.

“We want to make sure that this township model will resonate to all Dabawenyos and to all Filipinos all over the world that Davao’s time has �inally come. Being part of Davao is what we feel makes the project unique and if you look at the building I don’t think you will see any kind of building that is like this. Like glass to glass from ground �loor to top �loor,” Go said.

“The Davao District Park will become the township of the future and we envision it to become the �irst smart township in Mindanao,” Go said. AMA

there is a good response from the Dabawenyos and the organizers added more gimmick for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

He said that during the countdown, a blizzard machine will produce snow, the �irst in Davao City.

The usual activity like

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feeding of porridge and giving away of Nian Gao commonly known as “tikoy” is still part of the celebration.

“For the event there will be food stalls, there will be Chinese food for sale and there are new activities that we still cannot divulge to the public, there will be a lot of surprises,” he added Steve Arqyuiza, member of the China Town Development Council said that Chinese schools will also be participating by performing Chinese themed performances.

Meanwhile, the Davao City Police Of�ice spokesperson, Police Senior Inspector Teresita Gaspan said that the security details for the upcoming Chinese New Year are in place.

“Our security plan for

the Chinese New Year is already prepared, we are doing this yearly but for this yearly we have prepared more than the standard security plan,” Gaspan said.

She said that the security details are heightened because the Mindanao is still under the Martial Law, therefore the public will expect strict inspections on their bags. She reminds the public that bringing of �ire arms and bladed weapons are prohibited.

She assures the public that there are security details in all places of engagement in the duration of event.

“There is a contingency plan and we will be augmented by the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB),” she said.

of the cacao fruit into a chocolate,“ she said.

Davaid said that DOT will focus on developing faith tours for Muslims, non-Catholic Christians and even in-

digenous faiths where faith tourism programs sought to develop the Philippine tourism product “from the pilgrim’s eye.”

multipliers like Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATS), Police Auxiliary.

Community Public Awareness and Support and intensi�ication of timely information gathering is also included in their security plan.

“There will be a maximum deployment of personnel, though I cannot give you the exact number of police force personnel and there will be additional police deployment from the Police Regional Of�ice XI to maintain peace during DAVRAA,” she said.

She said the augmentation will also help them prevent any criminal activities that will affect city and to secure the public safety es-

pecially the athletes and delegates.

The participants will be secured from airports up to their billeting areas. She said that there will be police personnel in those areas.

“From airport upon their arrival there will be police in the area and also in their billeting area and in the places where the games will be held,” she said.

She advised the athletes and delegates to exercise vigilance to avoid untoward incidents and if possible they should not display their gadgets or jewelries so that they will not be taken advantage.

She said that the police will be visible in all areas but it is also

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EDGEDAVAO

ARTS AND CULTURE

D’BONE COLLECTOR

MUSEUM REOPENS ITS DOORS

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO “THE WHOLE MISSION OF THE MUSEUM IS TO EDUCATE,” says Darrell D. Blatchley, an American who lives in Davao almost half his life that he now speaks Bisaya well. “Our goal is that these animals will be ambassadors for the living.”

Blatchley is not speaking about live animals but their skeletons and bones.

And the museum he is referring to is D’Bone Collector Museum, of which he is the president and the chief executive officer.

During the recent reopening of the museum, he reported that the Philippines Travel Tourism Awards has singled out it as the second most unique museum in the Philippines. Among the top 5 museums in the country, D’Bone Collector Museum was the only museum from Mindanao to be included in the list.

In his speech, he said that the idea of coming such a museum came while he and his family was visiting the United States more a decade ago.

They went inside a store and saw a collection of different complete bones of animals.

Mary, his wife, was awed with what she saw.

But the hitch was: it was a gun store. “They were selling guns to kill those animals,” Darrell says with a sneer.

D’Bone Collector Museum is the exact oppo-

site. Darrell established the museum to educate people who come to the museum. “For me, bones are the ultimate learning tool,” he explains. “So much can still be learned upon death. It tells you the life of the animal; whether it had a good life (healthy bones) or a hard one (cracked and deformed bones).”

Speaking like a true environmentalist and son of a preacher, he adds, “God cares for His animals and we humans should take care of His creations. But the most important thing is still our fellow beings. The museum merely teaches us to be good stewards of what is around us.”

Darrell works in tandem with the local government units and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. “Together, we teach guests and visitors that these animals are found not just in the Philippines but also in other parts of the world.”

When the museum was opened to the public for the first time in 2012, there were only 150 spec-

imens displayed. Last year, more than 3,000 specimens were contained in the museum.

So much so that it named as having “the largest collection of its kind for Southeast Asia.”

With the re-opening, visitors can expect to see more than 5,000 specimens, including bones and footprints of dinosaurs. “We are continuing to push the quality of our museum higher to raise the education level and environment awareness,” Darrell points out.

As a matter of fact, the museum is one of the leaders when it comes to bone preservation. “We have cleaned and assembled more whales and dolphin skeletons and other animals than any other facility in the Philippines,” Darrell says.

It’s only in this local

museum that you can see the largest whale skeleton in the country (at 41 feet long). It also has the smallest species of whales, the dwarf sperm whale. Also on display is the only complete skeleton of Hotouli baked whale.

Bones and skeletons of snakes, tarsier, marine turtles, various fish species, different sizes of the shark mouths, birds, dogs, horses, and sheep abound.

A lot of animals found in the museum are rarely seen. “That for me is sad,” Darrell says. “It is because of human neglect, waste, carelessness, over harvesting, or greed that they are now endangered.

I want people to know this fact before these species will be gone forever.”

He can do this through awareness campaign.

“You don’t have to stop a whaling ship to save one of these animals,” he explains. “Just by properly throwing away your garbage, you can save one.

It takes only two steps to the garbage can or doing nothing by throwing the plastic bag on the ground. By not buying that endangered parrot which the poacher has for sale outside the mall is another. Little things like these that when you add them altogether can make a huge difference.”

True to his words, he doesn’t buy live or dead animals, especially those from the Philippines, for his museum. “For one, it is illegal,” he says. “For another, most of the animals are endangered. If I buy them alive, then it encourages more ‘deaths’ of these animals.”

D’Bone Collector Mu-

seum is one of a kind in the Philippines. In fact, it can be compared to one of those museums found at the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C. in the United States.

So unique is the museum that four months after it opened to the public in 2012, the Mindanao Associations of Mindanao named it as the Best Museum in Mindanao. The Trip Advisor named the museum as the number one for all places to visit in Davao and ranked No. 5 among all places to visit in Mindanao.

In 2015, Darrell became the only nonFilipino to receive the prestigious Datu Bago Award among that year’s recipients. The awardees were recognized for their “outstanding, exemplary and selfless contribution to the growth and development of Davao City through its greatest resources, its people and for their invaluable contribution to the preservation of the Dabawenyo culture heritage.”

“It’s a very high honor,” Darrell says of his Datu Bago Award. “Even if I was not given the award, I will still be doing what I do. But it helps when people and organization recognize the value of what you have done and that it was and is for the greater good. All the heartaches are worth it.”

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UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

Love and a lot more this Valentine’s at Abreeza Mall

LOVE IS ALL AROUND at Abreeza Mall!

From February 10 to 18, Abreeza Mall brings you fresh ideas and exciting events to prove that Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples, because love happens in many ways.

Serving up swoonworthy ballads at the Activity Center on February 10, 6pm is OPM’s R&B queen, Kyla. The multiawarded singer-songwriter will get viewers in the mood for romantic love with a free concert that will showcase the R&B, soul, and jazz sound she is well-loved for.

To make your Valentine’s Day celebration even more meaningful, Abreeza Mall calls on your love for others and invites you to take part in the annual Lingkod Kapamilya Bloodletting Activity in partnership with the ABS-CBN Regional Network on February 14, 10am at the Activity Center.

From February 10 to 18, Abreeza Mall brings

back the Museum of Love, a vignette exhibition that highlights love in its many forms—be it between lovers, family, or friends—through memorabilia shared by members of the local community. Abreeza Mall first launched the Museum of Love in February 2014 with members of sociocivic organization Hijos de Davao lending their special belongings to fill shoppers’ hearts with warmth and fondness.

What makes this year’s edition of the Museum of Love even more special is it will include contributions by Abreeza Mall’s Facebook followers, made possible through an online contest prior to the exhibit where followers submitted photos of their

personal tokens of love.

Coinciding with the week-long love rush is the Chinese New Year 2018 celebration. From February 10 to 18, customers will learn about their fates in the coming Year of the Dog at the GF Fashion

Hallway, and on February 16, they get to witness a traditional lion and dragon dance.

Lastly, travelers can indulge their love for discovering the world at the 9th Davao Mega Travel Sale by the Davao Travel Agencies Association from February 16 to 18 at the Activity Center, where great offers on domestic and international tickets and tours await those whose wanderlust calls.

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

ENTERTAINMENT

Impostora finale promises to be intense and explosive GMA’S HIGH-RATING AFTERNOON PRIME SOAP IMPOSTORA CONCLUDES ITS RUN TODAY..

This remake of the successful TV series has truly become a part of the Filipino viewers’ everyday lives as they got hooked on the characters of Nimfa, an ugly street vendor who willingly undergoes surgery and complete facial reconstruction to pretend to be Rosette, a wealthy and beautiful but unhappily married wife seeking to escape her husband.

Kapuso leading lady Kris Bernal expressed her gratitude to the Kapuso fans who tuned in and supported the series since day one.

“I’m really happy kasi hindi bumitaw ‘yung mga tao. Patuloy pa rin nilang tinututukan ‘yung Impostora. Kumbaga, ang tagal tagal na nung show namin at kahit may bagong katapat, nakatutok pa rin

sila sa amin tuwing hapon kaya masaya talaga kaming lahat.”

Kris is glad that people loved her portrayal of dual roles of Nimfa and Rosette and all her sacrifices paid off.

“Aside from Little Nanay, Impostora is one of my favourite shows because it made me realize that I can do kontrabida roles because I was stuck with being sweet,

and parang laging inaapi, so kahit sa sarili ko nagulat ako na I can do more pa pala. And it’s very different from Little Nanay as well.

So talagang na-challenge ako na switching from one character na may intellectual disability to talagang matapang na kontrabida. So ibang klase.”

Meanwhile, Rafael Rosell has nothing but praises for his leading lady. “Bilib na bilib ako sa husay niyang umarte at ang tibay ng katawan niya lalo na kapag tuluytuloy ang mga eksenang ginagawa niya bilang Nimfa at Rosette. Sana muli kaming magkasama sa isang project ni Kris.”

As the series comes to an end, will Rosette’s evil plans prevail? Is there a happy ending waiting for Nimfa and Homer?

Catch the finale of Impostora this Friday after Ika-6 Na Utos on GMA Afternoon Prime.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

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A4 INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

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said.

Madah noted that the tourism of�ice in Manila was stepping up marketing efforts to encourage more Filipinos to travel to Israel this year.

At present, Philippine

passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to Israel up to 90 days.

Overall, the embassy said “2017 was a historic turning point for incoming tourism to Israel”. (PNA)

Davao City in 1988 (he served seven terms, interrupted only by one term at the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2001 and another term as vice mayor from 2010 to 2013).

At the Christmas party with the Davao media on December 15 last year, Duterte recalled how he took over a city that was just recovering from the daily killings under the Marcos dictatorship, that he dealt with the NPA �irst by coming up with a modus vivendi with them to spare the city, then the criminals whom he warned should leave the city or he would kill them.

“My resolve was not really to play it safe. My resolve was to just equalize the terror that was being perpetrated upon people,” he said.

Citing Machiavelli, Duterte told MindaNews at the Presidential Guest House in Panacan on January 12 that “it is not enough that they love you, you must be feared so that you will be obeyed.”

He struck terror while he was mayor, warning kidnappers, drug pushers rapists and other criminals to leave the city or they would be killed.

His bloody war against illegal drugs and criminality in the city landed him on the pages of Time Magazine in 2002 as “The Punisher.”

Duterte also enforced fear while on the campaign trail, warning he would dump criminals into Manila Bay to fatten the �ish there, was unfazed by criticisms that he was behind the killing of around a thousand suspected drug pushers and other criminals in Davao City, challenging critics to �ile charges against him.

“When you destroy, you kill” “When I was a mayor, I said ‘destroy the drug industry, do not destroy my city.’ Do not deprive us of our young daughters, our children because I will kill you. When you destroy, you kill,” he told MindaNews on January 12.

But he denied ordering murder. “I did not say that you kill him even if he is innocent.

That would be the most stupid thing that I can even think of to utter in public. I have to be strong because at this time in our national life, respect for the law seems to be not there anymore. So you have to enforce the fear. Eh wala nang nagrerespeto. Everybody was into it, nobody was minding how many persons or how many lives they will destroy in the process. So they just bullsh_ted everything so I came into the picture and I said

I’m building a city, do not f_ck with it, do not destroy it because I need money to build a city.

I am not a policeman, I am not a soldier, I am a mayor and am building a city.”

Duterte has not lost an election since he joined the electoral arena in 1988 after serving as OIC Vice Mayor from 1986 to 1987. Before that he was a government prosecutor.

He says the people’s support to him and his family is largely due to “good governance,” and that this was the reason why he did not �ile his certi�icate of candidacy for President until his daughter Sara agreed to be the substitute candidate for mayor.

Sara won the mayoralty but tendered her resignation on July 1, Day 1 of the Duterte administration.

Duterte did not accept her resignation. “Mapahiya ako kasi sabi ko hindi ako magtakbo ng .. Presidente na ang tao na maiwan ko dito .. sayang ang ilang taong piñatay ko, ilang taong kinatay ko para lang maganito ang Davao. Ilang taong sinipa ko, sinampal ko para, tapos masira? Gusto ko yung tao pareho sa akin hawakan talaga niya.

(It would have been a shame because I said I would not run for President unless I am sure who would be left behind.. it would have been a waste of lives, of those people I killed, I slaughtered just so Davao City would be like this. How many people did I kick, slap, and I will allow the city to be destroyed? I want somebody who would focus on our gains),” Duterte said.

“It is not enough that – Machiavelli- it is not enough that they love you, you must be feared so that you will be obeyed. Yan ang problema sa politika natin. Ngayon kung hindi sila matakot, na matakot lang man sila kang Duterte, lalo na kang Inday (Sara) kasi nangbugbog” (especially Sara),” Duterte added, referring to how his daughter, who was then city mayor, punched a sheriff in 2011 over a demolition incident.

Martial law While visiting Russia, Duterte declared martial law over Mindanao’s 27 provinces and 33 cities on May 23, 2017, some eight hours after the clashes in Marawi City between government forces and the Maute Group and its allies started. He cut short his trip.

Before May 23, Duterte had been warning for several months that he would declare martial law but when he �inally, he did not consult his Defense Secretary Del�in

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EDGEDAVAO

Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon and Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Gen. Eduardo Año even as all of them were in the same hotel where he was billeted.

“We were in Moscow, but the President declared martial law without asking me or General Año or Esperon…,” Lorenzana told the National

Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Continuing Education 2017.

Martial law has been extended twice, �irst in July last year until yearend 2017 and on December 13, Congress again granted Duterte’s request to extend anew, this time until December 31, 2018. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

city on February 28.

Mayor Sara Duterte urged Dabawenyos to be patient and to prepare themselves for “Southern Storm Drills.”

“I encourage the participation of the barangays and the public, medyo taasan nila ang ilahang pasensya,” the City Information Of�ice quoted the mayor as saying. the “little inconvenience on the part of the public during the simulation will save lives in the future.”

The mayor said the simultaneous exercises “will require a lockdown of the city and the members of our communities need to be informed.”

She stressed the importance of emergency preparation in the city, especially in respnoding to disasters and terror attacks.

“I am asking for your patience because the public will greatly bene�it if we are

well-prepared – whether it is for incidents considered as acts of God or by people with bad intentions since I do not want casualties,” she said.

“The D-day for the anti-terrorism drill is on February 28,” Senior Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan, spokesperson of the Davao City police, said at the iSpeak Media Forum at City Hall. She said “the drills will also address weaknesses in the event of a terror attack and other emergencies.

Gaspan said the schedules of the simulation exercises have been disseminated to the barangay of�icials and will be taken up during the next meeting of the City Peace and Order Council.

The drills will include simulated scenarios like “bomb explosions, �ire incidents, hostage situations, and active shooting,” the City Information Of�ice said. (MindaNews)

government as if they have better ability to win a war. The military is ready if he wants to wage a war),” Roque said.

In meeting rebel returnees, Duterte said it was a good decision for them to return to the fold of the law instead of �ighting and dying for a �lawed cause.

Duterte, meanwhile, assured them that his administration will provide them

shelter, jobs, livelihood, and education for their children.

He also said that he planned to send female former rebels to Hong Kong and China for them to have a grasp on the successes of capitalism to counter Sison’s ideology.

This is part of Duterte’s promise to welcome them in Malacañang during a meeting in December last year in Panacan in Davao City. (PNA)

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over the last seven years averaging greater than 7 percent. In 2017 it grew an average of 8.6 percent,” Roque said.

The BOI, he said, had recorded a 95-percent increase in improved investments in the manufacturing sector amounting to PHP96 billion in 2017 as compared to PHP49.259 billion in 2016 and 256 percent higher than the PHP27 billion recorded in 2015.

“With the increase in infrastructure projects in the public and private sectors this year, BOIs exposed for growth and economic activities outside Metro Manila, will have the needed support as well as the governments build, build, build program,” Roque said.

According to the Department of Finance (DOF), the Build, Build, Build program

is designed to modernize the country’s infrastructure backbone by rolling out 75 �lagship projects worth USD36 billion in investments.

Roque also announced that the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) has entered in an agreement with the Asian Development Bank to be the PNOC’s transaction adviser for the country’s �irst lique�ied national gas (LNG) facility in Batangas worth USD2 billion.

He said the PNOC had received eight unsolicited proposals for the project and ADB would assist the PNOC in choosing its partner upon evaluation of the unsolicited proposals.

The LNG will have a capacity of 7 million metric tons yearly or twice the current domestic consumption of natural gas. (PNA)

the OFWs,” said Jing during the open forum following his lecture on how Ant Financial had used digital technology to help attain �inancial inclusion for China’s small businesses and bring the world equal opportunities.

In his lecture, Jing said Ant Financial was able to reach out to 40 million of�line small and medium enterprises in China to help them access �inancial services at low costs while ensuring that they are protected and secured in conducting online transactions.

Bill Wang, head of the Alibaba Group’s All-Countryside Business Unit, said Ant Financial’s �intech services can also bene�it rural-based entrepreneurs and help farmers and village-based enterprises gain access to low-interest credit and ex-

pand their links to competitive markets.

“By partnering with the (Chinese) government, Alibaba has enabled more of these (rural) consumers to build their own businesses and participate in the global marketplace,” Wang said.

As part of the workshop, the Philippine delegation led by Dominguez also visited the Hema Store here to demonstrate Alibaba’s “New Retail” model that leverages technology and consumer insights to seamlessly integrate online and of�line commerce.

They also visited the Hangzhou Subway where commuters do not need to bring cash or subway cards to ride the trains, but only need to swipe their smartphones to get in and out of the station gates. (DOF)

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LIFE IS A BEACH. With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is blessed with beautiful beaches and shores. In Davao City, beaches abound.

And for those who really want to away from the madding crowd, they can always go to Island Garden City of Samal. Those who are interested on surfing and skimboarding, they can go to Dahican Beach in Mati City. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

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EDGEDAVAO

In a Palace press briefing Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said Duterte wanted to stick with the deadline of the entry of a new telco player by March as he rejected the request of the DICT for an extension to at least May, due to lack of sufficient time to file bidding documents for prospective third telco players.

Roque noted that the President was displeased with the fact that the frequencies surrendered

by CURE were needed to be bought back by the government in order to

be allocated to a third major telco player.

The department released a memorandum stipulating that any prospective third telco player should have a significant financial investment for five years, a valid congressional franchise, must not be a subsidiary affiliate, or has any corporate or financial interest with PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom and has a written and binding commitment from a foreign venture company. (PNA)

different cities.

“It is our responsibility to make sure that we become open to different cultures so that we can have wide perspective on how we can improve our service to the community,” she said.

Both parties signed the agree-

ment almost a year after a trade mission of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii led by Carvalho visited Davao and extended a friendship certificate to signify their interest in establishing a sisterhood relationship with the city.

(MINDANEWS)

Salle, which opted to bring in a lineup consisting of its Team B players as the squad is undergoing a transition phase.

Box Scores: HTC 75-Diamante 21, Salas 20, Dialogo 10, Poral 9, Omalde

5, Cortez 4, Cosip 4, Takabil 2, Bacalso 0, Garcia 0, Akad 0 La Salle 69-Yang 21, Yongco 16, Alcala 14, Lapena 7, Tan 5, Cu 5, Thadeo 1, Herrera 0 Quarterscores: 12-15, 30-26, 48-52, 75-69 (PNA)

During the SEA Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Lehnert teamed up with

Fil-American Denise Dy, while Iglupas was paired with Albert “AJ” Lim Jr.

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HOT SPRING. What makes the Mainit Sulfuric Hot Spring in the town of Maco, Compostela Valley is the mini waterfall with a height of five meters.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

Patrimonio debuted in the Fed Cup in 2011, winning all her 11 singles matches. She also won 15 doubles matches, including eight with Capadocia.

Capadocia has played in the Fed Cup in 2012, 2013 and 2014. She has a 7-1 win-loss record in the singles and a 9-1 card in the doubles.

Former national player Czarina Mae Arevalo is the team captain of the Philippines, which is aiming to return to Group 1. She has played 32 ties during her eight-year stint with the Fed Cup squad.

The Philippines was relegated to Group 2 after losing all four of its ties at the Group

1 competition held in Astana, Kazakhstan last year.

Also scheduled to play on Thursday are New Zealand against Uzbekistan (Pool A).

Paci�ic Oceania against Malaysia (Pool C) and Oman against Iran (Pool C).

Paci�ic Oceania leads Pool C with two wins, while Malaysia and Oman have identical 1-1 records.

The winners of each pool will face each other (A1 vs C1 and B1 vs D1) with the winners to be promoted to Group 1 in 2019.

The Fed Cup is the world’s biggest annual women’s team competition. (PNA)

A total of 1.1 billion sq. meters of property spaces were listed on Lamudi’s platform in 2017.

In terms of sources of properties, majority or about 18 percent of supplies were in Quezon City, followed by Makati City with 12 percent.

Other top supplies of property listings in Lamudi include Parañaque, Pasig, Taguig, and Manila.

In terms of demand, a big chunk still came from Quezon City and Makati City, with 15 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

Suresh added that Lamudi also noticed a hike in searches outside Metro Manila, such as the cities of Davao and Cebu.

There were emerging cities in the provinces, among them Iloilo, Bacolod, General Santos, and Cagayan de Oro, where property searches online were picking up, according to the chief of Lamudi Philippines.

“We see more demand for both residential and commercial properties in the next several years as the economy grows further,” Suresh said. (PNA)

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Hot water coming out from active interior of the mountain is about 45 degrees. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

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period in 2016.

Net equity placements in October last year also surged to USD1.53 billion from USD60 million in the same month in 2016.

The central bank noted that additional equity went to sectors of power, manufacturing, construction, and wholesale and retail trade.

Under Republic Act No. 8762, or the Retail Trade Lib-

eralization Act, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the BOI, shall pre-qualify all foreign retailers before they conduct their businesses in the country.

Retail trade is one of the sectors that the government targets to further liberalize by lowering the minimum paid-up capital to attract more foreign retail investors.

(PNA)

countries that will create more jobs in the region, particularly in Marawi.

Moreover, the dialogue between the Philippine and

Turkish governments covers strengthening trade, investment promotions, and agriculture. (PNA)

the terminal at the Greater Marawi Area in Marawi City this year costing P90 million.

The national government-led Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) has allocated a P10-billion fund for the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

The fund can be accessed by government of�ices for any

project through proposals.

The ARMM government has sent a proposal to the TFBM for the construction of 500 permanent houses with complete facilities such as kitchen, solar panel for electricity, and water sources. (Bureau of Public Information)

sub-committee deliberations in CongresswhereLobregatwasamember, “then those gray areas should be clarified”.

He also said that the assurance of the Senate sub-committee on

BBL and the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) was not also enough to justify that this city was not included in the proposed Bangsamoro territories.(PNA)

RP... FROM 6

13,000... FROM 7

LOBREGAT... FROM 7

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

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is in need of

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must renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior the Auction Scheduled stated below. If not renewed or redeemed it will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00a.m.

Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang SAN PEDRO RSY, AGDAO RSY, G-MALL

DIAMOND BY:RSY, TAGUM DIAMOND PALACE, maga-subasta sa tanan nga nag expired sa bulan sa NOBYEMBRE, 2017. Ang tariang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga alas 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES SAN PEDRO RSY Send your application letter and resume to: Ella P. Tingzon HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City Or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

AGDAO RSY

GMALL DIAMOND BY:RSY

TAGUM DIAMOND PALACE

AUCTION DATE

TEL. NOS.

FEBRUARY 14, 2018

227-2465

FEBRUARY 14, 2018

FEBRUARY 14, 2018

FEBRUARY 14, 2018

321-4480

282-2951

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14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

Harden scores 41 as Rockets beat Heat M

IAMI (AP) -- James Harden and Chris Paul finished off the Miami Heat.

‘’We got two assassins out there,’’ Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said.

Harden scored 41 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Miami Heat 109-101 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight victory and 10th in 11 games.

Paul added 24 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds for the Rockets. ‘’We just hooped,’’ Paul said. ‘’Me and Coach was talking about it. I think that’s what I came here for. That’s what we talked about this summer. We can play off of each other and you’ve still got something in the tank at the end of the game.

That’s a good feeling to see down the stretch in the fourth quarter, we’re still fresh.’’

Harden eclipsed the 40-point mark for the eighth time this season.

He was 13 of 25 from the �ield, going 5 of 12 from 3-point, and hit 10 of 12 free frees. He also had six assists and rebounds. ‘’Just having the opportunity to play with

another great player - I played with some great players, some really good players, but probably nobody the caliber of James,’’ Paul said. ‘’You try not to get caught up in watching what he’s doing, but it’s special.

The scary thing is he can keep getting better.’’

Josh Richardson, who scored 30 points for the Heat, drew the assignment of guarding Harden most of the night. ‘’James is one of the best guards in the world and I mean he knows how to get fouled, he knows how to score, he knows how to playmake for his teammates,’’ Richardson said. ‘’The game just seems to come very easy to him. It seems like he has the game slowed down a lot more than pretty much anybody. So just watching him play, I give him a lot of props.

He’s a tough guard.’’

Harden scored 13 points in the fourth quarter while Paul added seven and the Heat were unable to get any closer than 94-90 with �ive minutes left. ‘’James and Chris

at the end found some extra juice and just �inished it off,’’ D’Antoni said.

The Rockets wrapped up a 4-0 road trip with a win on the second night of a back-to-back with starters Trevor Ariza and Ryan Anderson, and key reserve Eric Gordon out with injuries. ‘’Huge win for us,’’ Harden said. ‘’An easy game with two starters out, Eric was out, we

could have easily just have chalked it up, but we haven’t done that all year. So this just shows us we’re getting better. We still have a long way to go obviously, but we’re taking the right steps in the right direction.

Goran Dragic also had 30 points for Miami.

The Heat have a �ivegame losing streak, their longest slide of the season.

‘’We’re not looking for moral victories at all,’’ Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said. ‘’We feel that we’re a very good basketball team and we’re not as far off as people think right now. We’ve been in 10 straight of these (close) games, but we haven’t been able to get over the hump in many of them.’’

Clint Capela added 13 points for the Rockets, who are 24-1 when

Harden, Paul, and Capela play.

Harden scored 16 points in the opening quarter to help the Rockets take a 35-24 lead.

The Rockets led by as many as 17 points in the �irst half at 53-36, but Dragic scored Miami’s �inal 10 points of the half to help cut it to 61-57 lead at the break.

BIG NIGHT. James Harden fired 41 in the Rockets win.

Alab survives Mono 86-84 R enaldo Balkman scored the go-ahead basket as Alab Pilipinas held off Mono Vampire, 86-84, in their ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) match-up at the Baliwag Star Arena in Baliwag on Wednesday night.

Balkman received a pass from fellow world import Justin Brownlee for the layup against the outstretched arms of beanpole Samuel Deguara to put Alab for good and preserve the win despite losing a late �ive-point cushion.

Alab was up, 84-79, with 2:24 to go, but Jason Brickman scored on a tough one-

hander with 56.9 seconds to go and Mike Singletary buried a left corner triple following a missed Brownlee trey with 19.2 seconds remaining to tie the game at 84-all.

Brownlee, however, found Balkman underneath off a pick-and-roll who converted the lay-in with 3.8 seconds remaining for the 86-84 cushion.

Singletary tried to steal the win for Mono Vampire from the same spot where he drained the equalizing trey, but Brownlee blocked his long bomb attempt to save the game for Alab.

Balkman �inished with

31 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, �ive steals, and one block for Alab, which scored its sixth straight win and moved up to third place in the standings at 9-4.

Brownlee came close to a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, �ive blocks, and four steals.

Deguara had 21 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks for Mono Vampire, but he had eight turnovers while the Thai squad dropped to fourth at 9-5.

Meanwhile, in Foshan, China, Anthony Tucker tallied a triple-double as Nanhai got back at Saigon with a 94-79

rout.

Tucker �inished with 20 markers, 12 dimes, and 11 rebounds along with a steal for the Kung Fu, who avenged their �irst loss of the season at the hands of the Heat.

Mikh McKinney and Justin Howard each tallied 23 points for Nanhai, which solidi�ied its hold of second place at 8-2, a half-game behind league-leading Eastern.

Maxie Esho �ired 29 points, 17 rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and one steal for Saigon, which lost for the fourth time in the last GO AHEAD. Renaldo Balkman of Alab Pilipinas scores on a layup. �ive games and slipped to 5-6.

(PNA)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

LBJ sinks buzzer beater C

LEVELAND (AP) -- One second.

One shot. One player.

For one night, LeBron James made all of Cleveland’s problems disappear.

James dropped in a fade-away jumper over Jimmy Butler’s outstretched hand as the buzzer sounded in overtime, giving the Cavaliers a cleansing 140-138 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

Moments after blocking Butler’s potential game-winning shot with 1.3 seconds left, James caught a long inbounds pass from Jeff Green, created some space from Butler near the foul line and sank a shot that ended Cleveland’s eight-game losing streak on national television. ‘’Once I caught it, I just trusted everything I’ve done in my career,’’ James said.

The Quicken Loans Arena crowd erupted and James was mobbed by teammates as the struggling Cavs, who have won just seven of their last 20 games, �inally had something to celebrate after weeks of tension and turmoil in a season slowly slipping away.

But as he has done so many times, James delivered one of those moments that have de�ined him. ‘’The way we’ve been playing, we needed that,’’ said Cavs coach Tyronn Lue, who was back on the bench after

falling ill Tuesday night in Orlando. ‘’He was very special.’’

James �inished with 37 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds in 48 minutes. The three-time NBA champion also passed Zydrunas Ilgauskas (5,904) on Cleveland’s career rebounds list.

B u t ler scored 35, and K a rl -A n t h o ny To w n s had 30 for the T imb e r wolves, who were in position to win in OT before James came to Cleveland’s rescue.

With the score tied 138-all, Butler drove the left side and had a step on rookie Cedi Osman before pulling up for a short shot.

However, James, who had missed a 3-pointer that would have won it in regulation, came from the weak side to reject it and set up the dramatic �inish. ‘’I didn’t see him,’’ Butler said. ‘’That’s part of the game.’’

The Cavs had lost their eight previous network broadcast appearances this season, prompting James to say last week following a lopsided loss to Houston that he and his teammates should be dropped from any more

ANILA -- The Philippines hopes to advance to the next round when it faces Singapore on Thursday in the Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group 2 tie at the Bahrain Tennis Federation hard courts.

The Philippines and Singapore, which both defeated Kyrgyzstan in the Pool B round-robin, will square off at 10 a.m. (3 p.m. Manila time).

The tie is played over best-ofthree matches (two singles

and one doubles).

The winner between the Philippines and Singapore will meet the winner in Pool D composed of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and host Bahrain.

Anna Clarice Patrimonio in action during the opening day of the Fed Cup competition in Bahrain on Tuesday.

(Contributed Photo) Indonesia has a 2-0 winloss slate after beating Bahrain (3-0) and Pakistan (3-0). It will

WINNING JUMPER. Cleveland star Lebron James shoots over Minnesota forward Jimmy Butler.

telecasts.

Finally, they were primed for prime time.

However, James wasn’t ready to lift his self-imposed TV ban. ‘’It was a good win, but our record still stinks on national television,’’ said James, who scored nine points and assisted on Cleveland’s other basket in overtime. ‘’We’ve got a couple coming up, so we’ll try to change that.’’

J.R. Smith added 20 points and Isaiah Thomas had 13 and seven assists in one of his best games in weeks.

Towns made all six of his 3-point attempts and Minnesota

drained a season-high 19 3-pointers, but the Timberwolves were unable to stop James when it mattered most. ‘’One second in the game, it’s a tough play and he made a hell of a shot,’’ Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau said. ‘’You don’t want to foul him, and I thought KAT (Towns) had great pressure on the ball. LeBron was in command of the game offensively and handling the basketball.

LeBron can read the game better than anyone in the league.’’

LONG-RANGE RECORD Cleveland made 21 3-pointers as the

face Sri Lanka on Thursday.

The Filipinos enjoy a 6-1 win-loss record over the Singaporeans.

The last time they met was in the 2016 promotional �inal playoff in Thailand, where the Philippines swept the two singles ( Khim Iglupas defeated Charmaine Shi Yi Sheah, 6-2, 6-4, while Filipino-German Katharina Lehnert won over Stephanie Tan, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4) in their best-of-three match.

Sheah, Tan, Lynelle En

Tong Lim and newcomer Tammy Tan make up the Singaporean team, which �inished seventh last year after losing to Paci�ic Oceania in the positional playoffs.

Carrying the �ight for Team Philippines are 2017 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games singles silver medalist Anna Clarice Patrimonio, Marian Jade Capadocia, Lehnert and Iglupas.

clubs combined to hit an NBA-record 40. The previous mark was 39 set by Golden State and Dallas on March 25, 2016.

REBOUND RECORD In passing Ilgauskas, James is now Cleveland’s leader in points, rebounds and assists.

He joins Michael Jordan and Kevin Garnett as the only players to lead their respective franchises in all three categories. ‘’Jordan and KG, so it’s a pretty cool thing,’’ James said. ‘’I’m blessed and I’ve been fortunate enough to play this game at a high level for a long time.’’

TRADE TIME

With the NBA trade deadline set for 3 p.m.

Thursday, the Cavs are looking for a deal. The team has been hesitant to part with the �irstround draft pick it acquired last summer in the Kyrie Irving trade, but Cleveland may have no choice in order to add a quality player capable of pushing the club back into title contention.

SWEET HOME CHICAGO Butler will play in Chicago on Friday for the �irst time since being traded to Minnesota in June. He was the Bulls’ �irst-round draft pick in 2011 and played six seasons in Chicago.

PH favored over Singapore in Fed Cup tiff HTC shocks La Salle at start of PCCL Elite 8 M M PH,P12

ANILA -- The Holy Trinity College of General Santos made a statement right at the very start of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) quarter�inals, stunning La Salle, 75-69, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Thursday afternoon.

The Wildcats went on a tear in the �inal quarter, out-

scoring the Green Archers, 27-17, to steal the win.

Joseph Diamante led HTC with 21 points, six rebounds, one assist, and three blocks, while Leomark Salas added 20 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.

Antonio Yang �ired 21 markers, eight boards, three dimes, and one swipe for La

HTC,P12

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 222 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018