Edge10 issue 231, February 22, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

ARREST OF TONYBOY Floirendo laments‘abuse of power, arrogance’

BUILT TO LAST. Workers lower the metal cylinder which will be used in the concreting works for the deep foundation of San Rafael bridge in Ma-a, Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

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EP. ANTONIO “Tonyboy” R. FLOIRENDO JR. of Davao del Norte’s Second Congressional District said that the hasty filing of graft charges against him before the Sandiganbayan and the subsequent issuance of the warrant of arrest in connection with the Bucor-Tadeco deal is a clear sign of the existence of abuse of power and arrogance on the part of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Floirendo , who is member of the House Committees

on Justice and on Mindanao Affairs, made this remark

in an of�icial statement he made upon learning of the issuance of arrest warrant on the Sandiganbayan case.

“The hasty �iling of graft charges against me before the Sandiganbayan and the subsequent issuance of the warrant of arrest in connection with the Bucor-Tadeco deal is a clear sign of the existence of abuse of power and arrogance on the part of the Speaker,” the statement indicated.

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Council discusses IRR for seniors’benefits

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By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

he Davao City Council has started the committee meetings for the crafting of the death bene�its for the senior citizens’ Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

In a statement, Coun-

cilor Victorio Advincula Jr., chair of the committee on social programs, said the death bene�its are separate from the hospitalization assistance that the Lingap para sa Mahirap offers.

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Homegrown taste served Buffet Style

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

MUTUAL CONCERNS. President Rodrigo Duterte discusses matters with Ambassador John Negroponte and other US-Philippines Society officials who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday night. Joining the President are Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Budget

Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, Department of Interior and Local Government Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

NOT EXPANDED Solon says Tadeco land fixed at 5,000 has D

avao del Norte First District Rep. Antonio R. Floirendo belied the claim made by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Justice and Good Governance during a recent legislative inquiry placing the Davao Prisons and Penal Farm (DAPECOL) under contract with the Tagum Agricultural Development Co., Inc. (TADECO) at 9,000 hectares.

Short of saying that the committee failed to do research, Floreindo said the contract covered only

5,303.15 hectares, no more or less.

Floirendo said a 2013 survey arrived at the �igure

after deducting the areas allotted to the Correctional Institution for Women, National Fibers Corp., Elementary School, Davao Prisons and Penal Farm, Elementary School, Davao Prisons and Penal Farm (DPPF), national highways, and riverways.

As a consequence of this revelation, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, a critic of the Floirendo family, ordered the resurvey of the Dapecol lands cultivation as banana plantation by TADECO.

Interviewed over the local GMA7 TV stations, Floirendo clari�ied that TADECO’s comprehensive joint venture agreement (JVA) with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), which has jurisdition over Dapecol lands, has been in effect only in relation to 5,303.15 hectares.

The lawmaker reminded the House that in 2012 the Committee on Agrarian Reform, by virtue of House Resolution No. 1481, already

yesterday about what he said. Well, I have no problem about it, just continue, continue the �ight),” he added.

And while feeling elated as term extension is equated with trust and con�idence of the Chief Executive, Dela Rosa said he is also saddened as his retirement plans were put again on hold.

“Una, masaya na medyo malungkot kaunti (First, I am happy but I am also a bit sad). Masaya in the sense (na) andyan pa rin yung trust and con�idence ni

Presidente sa atin na patuloy tayong nagtatrabaho and masaya rin ako na patuloy yung aking pagseserbisyo sa ating bansa, tuloy pa rin (Happy in the sense that I still enjoy the President›s trust and con�idence and that I continue to work and serve the country). On the other hand, medyo malungkot konti dahil nasira yung mga plano sa retirement dahil merong akong mga plano para sa aking pamilya kung ano gagawin namin (I am a bit said because I have to

shelve again my plans for retirement. I already have plans for my family when I retire),» the PNP chief emphasized.

Dela Rosa was supposed to retire last Jan. 21 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 but his term was extended by Duterte by three months or until this coming April 24.

The Chief Executive decided to extend Dela Rosa’s term as PNP chief in a bid to beef up reforms in the police force. (PNA)

PDEA wrapping up cases vs. narcopols

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

he Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is now in the process of adjudicating 87 narco-politicians who are in the list of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino bared there is an inter-agency tasked force that is making revalidation process for legal actions against these erring elected of�icials.

“I am giving four months to the interagency task force that was created last January

2017 to revalidate these narco-politicians, “ he said.

He said among these of�icials are vice mayors, congressmen, board members and a vice governor. Aquino however, did not reveal the places of these elected of�icials.

The PDEA chief said he already ordered the PDEA legal service to study what case would be �iled against these of�icials.

He said there will be four case-folders each of these

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All systems go for Bato happy, sad on term extension TESDA enrolment

W

hile expressing surprise over the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend his term for a little longer, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Tuesday said that he will continue to do his job well.

“Extension? Nagulat nga ako nung lumabas yung balita kahapon na sinabi daw niya (President Duterte).

Well, walang problema sa akin, continue lang (I was surprised to hear the news

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By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is all set for its enrolment day on February 27 and 28 in the Davao Region, simultaneous with all regions nationwide.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has given his directives that everyone who wants to undergo free skills and training programs will be accomodated,” said Mafel Joan Negrido Mafale, information of�icer TESDA XI

during the AFP-PNP Southern Mindanao Press Corps Media Brie�ing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

The two-day enrollment will be held at Almendras Gym for Davao City, Panabo Gym for Davao Del Norte, all municipal gyms in Compostella Valley and Baywalk Grounds in Mati City for Davao Oriental.

She said that it doesn’t

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Federalism seen to give more power to provinces

T

UPBEAT. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ComVal senior trade and industry development specialist Patrick Kim Evangelio (right), together with administrative staff Jade Nirk Diong of ComVal’s Tourism and Investments Office, discusses the details of the upcoming Compostela Valley Business and Investment Conference 2018 set on March

5 in Nabunturan which will feature the promotion of the province’s aquaculture, banana, cacao, tourism and green mining. Evangelio also said during the National Information Convention 2018 held at SMX Convention Center in Lanang that 500 participants are expected to attend the event. Lean Daval Jr

HALF BELIEVERS 51 % Dabawenyos say city is prepared for disaster

By ANGIE SAVERON

O

nly 617 people or 51 percent out of the 1,200 Dabawenyos believe that the City Government of Davao has the ability to respond to disasters.

But 49% of those interviewed are not impressed with the city government’s emergency preparations, citing their experiences during �lood and �ire.

The University of Mindanao-based Institute of Popular Opinion said the above

summary emerged from a January 31 to February 8 survey conducted to get the public pulse on the city’s emergency preparedness.

Based on the survey, 306 people or 26 percent responded ‘No, City is not prepared’; 247 or 21 percent are

Use of lead safe paints proposed

undecided and 30 or 3 three percent did not respond to the survey.

“We tried to really look into the sentiments of the public relating to the many disasters and calamities that befall in the city and it came out that only 51 percent are con�ident that the city was prepared for disaster,” Prof.

Adrian M. Tamayo told the AFP-PNP press brie�ing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

Despite having a centralized Public Safety Command center (PSSCC) for distress calls for police assistance, �ire, ambulance through 911 lines, four in every 15 Dabawenyos believed that the City is not capable in responding to disaster while three in every 15 Dabawenyos cannot decide on the capability of the city.

Asked on what kind of disaster that the city is not

HALF,P10

echnical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong has called on national and local leaders local to support federalism or else they will push for a revolutionary government to achieve federal state.

Mamondiong issued the call during a dialogue with Muslim leaders and IPs at Venuz Park View Hotel in Baguio City recently.

Echoing the call of President Rodrigo Duterte, the TESDA chief said that federalism will give more power to the provinces through the so-called bottoms-up decision-making and no-nonsense leadership.

“The most outstanding feature of a federal government is that the regions will keep most of their income,”

said Mamondiong, a Muslim and Maranao leader, who heads the 1.5 million members of the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee (MRRD NECC).

In the current set-up, there is unfair distribution of funds between the local government and the national government, the President said.

Duterte has said that local government units remit all of their income to the national government and receive an Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), about 40 percent of the taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

It would be recalled that when Duterte was mayor of Davao City for 22 years, his experience as a local gov-

enator Pan�ilo Lacson on Tuesday said the recent remarks made by President Rodrigo Duterte saying that the Philippines could be a province of China was obviously made in jest and should not be taken seriously.

Duterte’s remarks were made Monday during the 20th founding anniversary celebration of the Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. held in Manila Hotel during a light moment in his speech.

Among the noted guests in the gathering was Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua.

“Obviously it was a joke.

After that, sinabi naman niya (he said) ‘I assert our sovereign rights over the islands na kino-contest (which

are being contested),” Lacson said in an ambush interview.

When asked if there should be anything to worry over President’s Duterte joking about Philippine sovereignty, the Philippine Military Academy alumnus (Batch ‘71) and former chief of the Philippine National Police answered “none.”

“Wala. Di ako worried doon (Nothing. I am not worried about it),” Lacson said.

In his speech Monday, Duterte repeatedly asserted that the Philippines is undoubtedly the owner of the disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea that is also claimed by China.

“Itong claim sa (South)

FEDERALISM,P10

Lacson: RP as China province just a joke S

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

member of the Davao City Council has proposed for the use of lead-containing paints in the city to prevent children’s exposure from the toxic chemical.

Councilor Pilar C. Braga �iled resolution to enact an ordinance requiring the use of lead safe paints in construction, maintenance and renovation projects and activities in the city.

Braga said the mandatory use of lead safe paints in the city, in support of the national government’s policy and program to eliminate lead paint, will prevent chil-

dren’s exposure to lead via leaded paints as well as reduce occupational exposures to such paints.

“Lead paint is universally recognized as a source of signi�icant childhood lead exposure, and that exposure to lead mainly through ingestion and inhalation can cause lifelong and permanent injury to human health, especially to the most vulnerable groups such as the developing fetuses, young children, women of bearing age, and workers of all ages,” she said.

According to the World Health Organization, she said

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SIPA TIME. Students spend their noon break playing ‘sipa’ at Rizal Park in Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

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EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Largest batch of repatriated OFWs from Kuwait in PH

A

NATURAL RESOURCE. Workers load sand extracted from the riverbed of Davao River onto a vehicle before it will be delivered to establishments selling sand and gravel. Lean Daval Jr

t least 600 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) from Kuwait came home in one batch Wednesday morning, the largest recorded repatriation carried out in a single day, said the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The repatriated are those who availed themselves of the amnesty program of the Kuwaiti government.

The latest batch brings to 1,796 the total number of Filipino workers who have asked to be repatriated after availing the amnesty program provided by the Kuwaiti government.

“If I am not mistaken, our repatriation today could be among the largest if not the largest to be carried out in a single day in a non-con�lict situation,” Ambassador to Kuwait Renato Villa said in a statement Tuesday.

The envoy, who was involved in numerous repatria-

NFA seeks legislated buffer stocking of rice

Diokno lauds RP’s T economic blueprint In US-Philippines Society Economic Policy Forum “Our vision is to have an economy that not only grows, but also distributes wealth across all sectors of society, particularly the poor and the marginalized,” Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno emphasized as he presented pertinent details of the administration’s economic plan at the US-Philippines Society Economic Policy Forum, held on February 20, 2018 at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati.

Secretary Diokno stressed that this government is committed to the pursuit of real change, and given so, all economic policies are anchored towards the goal of inclusive development.

“In line with our commitment to promote rapid, sustained and inclusive growth, we aim to achieve GDP growth of 7 to 8 percent in the medium-term, and reduce poverty to 14 percent

from 21.6 percent in 2015.

By the time we step down, we envision the Philippine economy to be in upper-middle income territory,” Sec. Diokno discussed.

In order to achieve these lofty goals, the country currently embarks on an expansionary �iscal policy where the �iscal de�icit was increased from 2 to 3 percent of GDP. This was put in place so as to provide the government with more �iscal space.

Additionally, the country’s borrowings will have an 8020 mix, in favor of domestic borrowing.

“This �inancing mix is

designed to minimize our exposure to foreign exchange �luctuations and enable us to better manage our debts,” Sec. Diokno explained.

“Despite the de�icit trajectory, our budget strategy is sound, appropriate, and sustainable. The debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to contract from 42.1% in 2017 to 37.9% in 2022,” he added.

The Budget Chief also presented the two spending priorities of the administration: infrastructure and human capital development.

He noted important numbers with regards to in-

the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), during an economic brie�ing Tuesday.

Neri said the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law is a “very important element” of his growth assumption this year.

TRAIN is the �irst package of the government’s comprehensive tax reform program (CTRP) which is seen to

generate additional revenue to fund the country’s investment requirements.

“We expect it to be successful in many ways,” Neri said, as he also looks forward to continuing improvement in tax administration.

He said the country’s in�lation rate, however, rose last month resulting from the implementation of the

tax reform law.

“Tax cut (under TRAIN law is) seen to compensate for price increase. Additional disposable income allows consumers to decide where to spend it,” he added.

The government targets the economy accelerating 7 to 8 percent from 2018 to 2022, after last year’s growth of 6.7 percent. (PNA)

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GDP growth seen at 6.8% in 2018

A

n economist expects the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by 6.8 percent this year, fueled by rising infrastructure investments and the implementation of the tax reform law.

“The golden age spending could �inally kick in, we expect growth close to 7 percent this year,” said Emilio Neri Jr., lead economist at

tion efforts in the Middle East, said the only other large-scale repatriation that he could think of was the repatriation of around 700 Filipinos from con�lict-torn Libya in 2014.

The 610 workers departed from Kuwait at 4 p.m.

Tuesday and arrived in Manila at 9:05 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Manila International Airport Authority.

As per Villa, the 430 passengers were on board the mercy �light sent by Cebu Paci�ic while the remaining 180 took the Philippine Airlines.

Meanwhile, among the repatriated Filipinos were 68 mothers and children and 12 wards rescued by the Embassy.

The Embassy said it has processed 3,801 travel documents for workers since the amnesty period began. It expects more than 2,000 more to be repatriated in the next few days. (PNA)

he National Food Authority is pushing for a guaranteed buffer stocking through legislation to ful�ill its mandate of ensuring national food security and stabilization.

NFA administrator Jason Aquino made the call on Tuesday during the House committee on agriculture and food’s hearing on the current rice supply and stock in the country.

Aquino said the agency’s inventory of NFA rice is running low, with the remaining

supply expected to last until May. The NFA’s policymaking council approved the additional importation of 250,000 metric tons of rice that is set to arrive in June.

The NFA is tasked to maintain the required 15day buffer stock level for food security and stabilization of supply and prices in the market.

“With limited stocks, we cannot effectively ful�ill our mandate,” Aquino said. (PNA)

Samurai bond to fund rehab of RP property

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art of the proceeds of the Philippine government’s planned USD500-700 million Samurai bond issuance this 2018 will be used to �inance the rehabilitation of the stateowned asset in Nanpeidai, Shibuya in Japan.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said funding the reconstruction of the government’s around 2,500-square meter property in Shibuya is really one of the factors for the planned yen-denominated securities issuance.

“It’s more like a commercial deal so there is partial payback from your savings and from the fact that we can rent it out as chancery,” he told reporters Tuesday.

Earlier, the Finance chief discounted the sale of the said property, citing a proposal to just rent it out

to Philippine embassy employees in that country.

Aside from using the property as housing site for embassy staffers, a social hall is also being considered to be constructed in the site.

National Treasurer Rosalia De Leon said they have not determined how much would be used for the property’s rehabilitation but said she expects to have the value before the end of the year.

“That amount would still have to be calculated based on the development plan,” she said.

Part of the proceeds of the planned Samurai bond issuance would also be used to pay existing yen-denominated debt, which would mature in 2020, she said.

The country usually issues Samurai bond with a tenor of 10 years, she added. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

ECONOMY 5

Phil. gov’t tops GDP allocation for infra T he Philippine government under President Rodrigo Duterte has allocated a bigger portion of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for infrastructure spending, compared with the average of the past six administrations in the last 50 years.

“We are pouring in 5.4 percent in comparison to just 2.6 percent of the average of the past six administrations in the last 50 years,” said Build, Build, Build team chairperson Anna Mae You Lamentillo during the National Information Convention (NIC) in Davao City on Monday.

Lamentillo said the administration would spend PHP8.4 trillion in infrastructure in its six-year term, and this would be �inanced 80 percent by local borrowings.

In his 10-point socioeconomic agenda, Duterte aims to reduce Philippine poverty

from 21.6 percent in 2015 to 13-15 percent by 2022.

Lamentilla said �inancing the speedy establishment of infrastructure and development of industries that would ease up the people’s lives and boost economic growth is one of the big changes the government is making.

Among the life-changing infrastructure projects the administration hopes to make real is the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, which is aimed at decongesting EDSA traf�ic, especially on rush hours.

The Build, Build, Build Portal lists down high impact projects envisioned to raise the economy’s productive capacity by creating jobs, increasing incomes, and strengthen the investment climate leading to sustained inclusive growth.

“It is a real-time tool

INDIAN CONNECTION. President Rodrigo Duterte administers the oath of the newly-inducted Board of Directors of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phil.), Inc. at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Mayor asks SK province NIA wants irrigation infra in Palawan fast-tracked to expand courses in RP

T

he National Irrigation Administration signed an agreement here Tuesday with local government of�icials, seeking their help to fast-track the implementation of irrigation projects.

NIA administrator Ricardo Visaya signed the covenant with Palawan 3rd District Rep. Gil Acosta, Palawan Police Provincial Of�ice (PPO) Senior Superintendent Gabriel Lopez, representatives from the city and provincial governments, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and municipal mayors at a hotel in this city.

Prior to the signing, he said the covenant means NIA and the local government of�icials agree to work together to speed up the implementation

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of government irrigation projects in the province for small farmers.

“Implementation of all government projects in the provinces should not be delayed. It is a marching order from President Rodrigo Duterte that all be completed on time for the bene�it of our farmers,” said Visaya.

He added that it was also to help resolve common problems being faced by government projects, like issues in rights of way, peace and order situation, indigenous peoples (IP) in ancestral domains, and con�licts of water users, among others.

Visaya also acknowledged that when he took over as NIA administrator last year, he was surprised to learn

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C

ity Mayor Joseph Evangelista has recommended to the provincial government of Gangwon of South Korea to expand more of their training courses in the fields of education, health, and nutrition for developing countries in Asia-Pacific, including the Philippines.

Evangelista, a graduate in 2010 of a course in Sustainable Urban Management at the International Urban Training Center (IUTC) in Gangwon Province, last week spoke before global leaders and IUTC alumni from eight countries in Asia-Paci�ic at

M

percent; and followed by Services, 0.58 percent; Property, 0.50 percent; and Holding Firms, 0.37 percent.

On the other hand, Financials lost 1.09 percent and Industrial, 0.02 percent.

Volume for the day reached 3.47 billion shares amounting to PHP7.8 billion.

Losers led gainers at 116 to 95 while 53 shares were unchanged.

The peso’s dip was stopped by investors’ decision to take advantage of the high spot level for the greenback, enabling the local unit to close at an improved level of 52.24 from Monday’s 52.34 �inish.

It opened the day little changed at 52.28 from 52.30 a

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Gangwon-do, the site of this year’s Winter Olympics which closes on February 25.

It was established by the provincial government of Gangwon-do and the UN-HABITAT to strengthen the urbanization capacities of the cities of developing countries in the Asia-Paci�ic region.

One of the cities that availed themselves of several IUTC courses since 2010 is Kidapawan City. It provided at least three training courses on solid waste management and eco-tourism development to leaders and members of the

be done, as pollution continues to plague the country.

“Judging from the volume of plastic and other wastes that end up in our rivers, lakes, and seas, we have not done enough,” Cimatu said.

The National Solid Waste Management Commission said the country generates about 36 tons of waste daily.

Metro Manila is the country’s top waste-generating region and produces nearly 8,300 tons of waste per day or about three million tons of waste per year, the commission said.

Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, refers to solid waste as “all discarded household, commercial waste, non-hazardous institutional and industrial waste, street sweepings, construction debris, agricultural waste, and other non-hazardous/non-toxic solid

waste.”

A planned amendment to RA 9003 seeks to raise product stewardship among manufacturers nationwide to help minimize pollution from plastic packaging materials.

Senate environment committee head Sen. Cynthia Villar believes RA 9003 must include provisions on extended producer responsibility (EPR), a stewardship-promoting solid waste management approach, which makes manufacturers responsible for their goods even after selling these.

“That’s part of amendments I’m planning for RA 9003,” she said at last month’s 2018 Zero Waste Month celebration and 4th Eco-Waste Management Summit in Metro Manila.

The EPR would include manufacturers’ recovery of sold goods’ discarded plastic packaging materials, so there

would be less solid waste and pollution in the country, Villar noted.

Cimatu hailed the conduct of the second PES from Feb. 20 to 22 this year.

“I commend the organizers of this noble undertaking for their resolve to hold this event,” he said, referring to DENR and environment group Green Convergence.

PES showcases breakthroughs and advancements in environmental protection and sustainable development.

Through PES, various sectors can share views on common challenges, collaborate on solutions, and replicate success stories.

“Mainstreaming Innovation for Sustainable Development” is the 2018 theme of PES, a biennial event.

Green Convergence president Dr. Angelina Galang said this year’s PES focuses on local

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Producers must pay for share in pollution: Cimatu

PSEi sustains rise on bargain E hunting; PHL peso recovers ANILA -- Bargain hunting continued in the Philippine stock market Tuesday, lifting the main equities index while investors’ decision to unload dollar holdings resulted in the peso’s recovery.

PSEi gained 0.14 percent, or 12.48 points, to 8,722.70 points, which a trader pointed to continued bargain hunting as investors look for fresh leads following the holiday in the US. The broader All Shares managed to post gains also after it rose 0.13 percent, or 6.59 points, to 5,129.79 points.

Most of the sectoral indices ended with gains, led by the Mining and Oil, 0.89

High I Hotel in Jeongseon, Korea.

He led the Philippine delegation during the IUTC Asia-Paci�ic Economic Cooperation Forum and Global Leaders Convention held last week in South Korea.

As an IUTC alumnus, he

said the courses being offered by the IUTC were “very practical” and “highly applicable” to developing cities like Kidapawan, the capital of North Cotabato. “[I know that] hundreds of IUTC alumni now in different countries make a difference in the lives of their countrymen… all because of [the training from] IUTC,” he said.

The IUTC, according to its webpage, is the world’s only local government-led international training institution of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT) located in

nvironment Secretary Roy Cimatu sees the need for a law that would make manufacturers pay up for their share in polluting the environment.

“Perhaps we must consider enacting laws that will make manufacturers pay at least part of the cost of cleaning up the non-biodegradable packaging that they use,” Cimatu said at the 2nd Philippine Environment Summit (PES) in Cebu City on Tuesday.

He raised the urgency for such a move, noting all sectors must help address the pollution problem nationwide.

In 2017, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) helped 321 local government units properly close and rehabilitate open and controlled dumps around Manila Bay, he said.

But he said more needs to

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6 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Death benefits guidelines to Davao elderly out soon

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Soldiers survey the battle ruins in what used to be the commercial district of Marawi City on Tuesday, 20 February 2018. Moro civil society leaders who concluded their Peace Summit in Mindanao State

University on Tuesday described the amount of force used against the Islamic State-inspired militants who attacked the city last year as an overkill. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

he Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City has started conducting committee meetings for the crafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the death bene�its for the senior citizens.

Councilor Victorio Advincula Jr., chair of the committee on social programs, said the death bene�its would be apart from the hospitalization assistance that the Lingap para sa Mahirap system of the city offers.

“What we are doing now is we are creating a system that will be used (as a guideline) for the death bene�its of senior citizens,” Advincula said.

He said the committee wanted that only non-pensioner senior citizens can

avail of the assistance.

The deceased must also not have a burial or service plan.

“We want to make sure that only those who really need the help of the city will be accommodated, those who have the capacity to pay for their funeral or burial services, I ask them that we better give it to those who really need it,” Advincula said.

The Of�ice of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) will conduct the screening of potential bene�iciaries before endorsing them to the of�ice of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte.

The relatives of qualifying senior citizens could then proceed to the City Treasurer’s Of�ice to collect their check, which amounts to P5 , 000. CIO

24 firearms seized Drug facility in Malagos from MILF rebels

to be completed in May C A

300-bed capacity drug rehabilitation facility for “severe cases” located in Barangay Malagos, 36 kilometers away from the Davao City proper, is targeted for completion and opening this coming May. Health Undersecretary Roger P. Tong-An said the facility will cater to all drug dependents and drug sur-

renderees screened as “severe” in Region XI. “Doon natin dadalhin yung severe cases that

needs rehabilitation for at least six months,” Tong-An said.

He said they Department of Health is now preparing for the staff under the leadership of DOH Regional director. He said the facility, which is being constructed through a grant from an NGO, will be run by the DOH. Tong-An said the Mala-

gos rehab center is one part of 10 grants extended all over the country. He said in Mindanao there are three grants (one in Malagos for Region 11, one in General Santos, one in Sarangani Province and one in Bukidnon. The Bukidnon facilitiy is the biggest housing a total of 700 beds. The other centers are located in Luzon

al Leaders Convention held last week in South Korea.

As an IUTC alumnus, he said the courses being offered by the IUTC were “very practical” and “highly applicable” to developing cities like Kidapawan, the capital of North Cotabato. “[I know that] hundreds of IUTC alumni now in different countries make a difference in the lives of their countrymen… all because of [the training from] IUTC,” he said.

The IUTC, according to its webpage, is the world’s only local government-led international training institution of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT) located in Gangwon-do, the site of this year’s Winter Olympics which closes on February 25.

It was established by the provincial government of Gangwon-do and the UN-HABITAT to strengthen the urbanization capacities of the cities of developing countries in the Asia-Paci�ic region.

One of the cities that availed of several IUTC courses since 2010 is Kidapawan City. It provided at least three training courses on solid waste management and eco-tourism development to leaders and members of the indigenous communities, tourism workers, and local government of�icials in the city.

It also provided a lumad village in Barangay Balabag, Kidapawan solar power for their houses.

In his speech, Evangelista asked IUTC and UN-HABITAT to expand

their training modules and curriculum to include courses in health, education, and nutrition, “in the context of sustainable urban management and local economic activation.”

He urged IUTC to continue to “touch lives” and help make this earth a “better place to live in” through the courses they offered to people in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, and Mongolia.

“We all know that Gangwon Province is a champion in these programs.

[I believe that] a healthy mind and a healthy body is the best resource a community must posses to ensure sustained development and inclusive growth for all of

DRUG,P11

Mayor asks Korean province to expand training courses in PH

K

IDAPAWAN CITY – City Mayor Joseph Evangelista has recommended to the provincial government of Gangwon of South Korea to expand more of their training courses in the �ields of education, health, and nutrition for developing countries in Asia-Paci�ic, including the Philippines.

Evangelista, a graduate in 2010 of a course in Sustainable Urban Management at the International Urban Training Center (IUTC) in Gangwon Province, last week spoke before global leaders and IUTC alumni from eight countries in Asia-Paci�ic at High I Hotel in Jeongseon, Korea.

He led the Philippine delegation during the IUTC Asia-Paci�ic Economic Cooperation Forum and Glob-

MAYOR,P11

OTABATO CITY — Troops from the 40TH Infantry Battalion con�iscated 24 high-powered �irearms from Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels at a checkpoint in Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao.

Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao said the incident took place on Tuesday, Feb. 20, in Barangay Melib.

He said the soldiers found the �irearms hidden beneath a yellow Bongo-Mazda type truck.

“When our troops checked the legality of the �irearms, it turned out they have no pertinent legal authority to carry such weapons,” he said in a statement.

Commander Orly Gampung of the MILF 106th Base Command led the group of rebels.

Eighteen M16 rif�les, �ive M14 rif�les and one M16 with an attached M203 grenade launcher were con�iscated from them.

The rebels submitted themselves to the soldiers and explained they were sent to help ease the tension brewing in nearby Ampatuan and Datu Abudullah Sangki towns between their comrades caused by land disputes covering a banana plantation.

As part of the cease�ire agreement between government and the MILF, the military referred the incident to Coordinating Committee for the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) for its action.

On Wednesday the con�iscated �irearms were returned to the MILF. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)

Month-long anti-human trafficking drive set in CDO

C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY-The paralegal group Balaod Mindanaw will hold a month-long anti-human traf�icking drive next month in this city.

Kicking off the campaign will be a photo exhibit at Centrio Mall from March 6 to 7 and an advocacy concert at Limketkai Atrium the day after on March 8, said Balaod Mindanaw Executive Director Ritz Lee Santos III. Santos said the campaign aims to promote the prevention of human traf�icking through the provision of legal awareness and education to high school

students, out-of-school youth, parents, teachers and other stakeholders on human rights and laws on human traf�icking.

The organization is also planning to intensify and broaden its awareness campaign strategies through a video making contest, an extemporaneous speech contest and jingle contest.

The video making contest alone will be participated by 52 schools.

“Human traf�icking is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights that involves various acts of exploitation for pro�it,” he said. PNA)

7 PROPERTY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Aeon Towers introduces new condo living concept

A

s the population of real estate keeps growing in urban cities, settlers now become curious on where and what place could be a good investment they would love to live in. Many of them ended up deciding to get a condo unit instead of the usual house and lot because of a lot of perks when you get one in the city.

Despite the fact that people are too busy these days, people would still desire comfort and convenience, such as but not limited to: Location and Accessibility. With the increasing number of car drivers in Davao city,travelling takes so much time and it drains energy away.

However, if you are one of the lucky people who got a condo unit in Aeon Towers, then this is not much of a problem for you. Aeon Towers is located at JP Laurel Baja-

da—the Central Business District of the city. Getting to and from the mall, hospital or from work would not be a hassle job.

Security and Safety.

There is no need to worry about your safety in Aeon Towers as security systems are fully functioning 24/7, plus you can control everything that is in your unit by getting the SmartHome Technology system in the building. This won’t be a creepy stalker’s haven for that reason.

Surrounded by En-

tertainment spots and Nightlife. After work plans are possible for a resident in Aeon Towers.

There are malls, pubs and clubs nearby that would certainly be your type of go-to places on Fridays.

Actually, you can just get in the lift and reach 32nd �loor to chill and drink your favorite cocktail drink at the Skydeck.

Less Maintenance.

Aside from �ixing your bed, washing dishes and vacuuming the entire unit, you got nothing else to clean and �ix out- side. That is what people would love to hear. Living in a condominium means not having a lawn to mow or a garden to water everyday.

Shared Communal Bene�its and Amenities.

The best part is that you may enjoy everything

that is inside the building. The pool areas where you can enjoy sun kisses with your kids, the gym for the �itness enthusiasts, the library for the bookworms, the kiddy playroom, the spa for your desired relaxation, the function rooms for

your special events and of course everything on the top �loor. Not to mention the restaurants and a retail store where you can do all your shopping.

Above all, there is the peace of mind that Aeon Towers delivers what it promises to its residents.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

EDITORIAL

R

Rights and responsibilty

appler reporter Pia Ranada’s treatment of a Malacanang security guard and her demeanor during the press brie�ing with Presidential spokesman Sec. Harry Roque speak ill of how media must conduct themselves.

The lady reporter badgered the lowly soldier guarding the Malacanang gate why she is not allowed to get inside the National Executive Building. Her seeming arrogance likewise reverberated around the press room with Sec. Roque explaining to her extensively why she was barred and her status around the press corp.

You see, the problem with Ms Ranada is that she obviously went overboard with her privilege as a member of the media. It was understandable that the guards at the gate would simply follow orders from their superior and would not offer any explanation as they are not even authorized to do so. Ms Ranada could have called up somebody she knew--Sec. Mar-

EDGEDAVAO

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tin Andanar or Sec. Roque--to ask why, But she badgered the guard to the point of trying to �ish a violent response from the latter in order to get to the stream of the headlines. She failed.

The guard just went away avoiding the lady reporter.

In the press brie�ing, she took up her case with Sec. Roque in a tone of voice that’s bereft of respect and courtesy expected of a media person soliciting answers to questions of general importance. Hers was a personal issue she wanted to buld up into a huge matter like making a mountain of a molehill.

Ranada should realize that her media privilege, including the freedom of the press she is clothing herself with, is not absolute. It comes with relative responsibility. You do not just brandish your press card like the rest of the world owe you an answer or an explanation.

People have rights as well equally important as press freedom itself. Respect, afterall, begets respect.

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

the national association of newspapers

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

9

We now watch the numbers more closely (part 2)

T

he Social Weather Stations surveys on crime since 1989 aim to hold a mirror up to of�icial crime statistics, often reporting data that is higher than government statistics.

Nonetheless, as we wrote in our last column, the SWS survey data af�irm the nunbers being given us by government, reporting, for instance, that crime rates against property are lower than even the previous record low register ed in 2015.

Other statistics reported by SWS are interesting: “the resulting 2017 average of 0.7% victimized by physical

I

f someone tells you about biotechnology, what comes to your mind immediately? Any of the following: Dolly the cloned sheep, genetically modi�ied organisms (GMOs), or golden rice – or all of them.

If that’s what you think of, you’re absolutely right: these are all examples of biotechnology.

But what about beer-brewing, crop breeding, wine, cheese, and vinegar? These processes and products – some of which have been around for thousands of years – are also examples of biotechnology.

The making of “patis,” soy sauce, “nata de coco,” and even composting in your backyard is also a biotechnological process.

Antibiotic penicillin, insulin for the treatment of diabetes, and vaccines for measles, hepatitis B and rabies are all products of biotechnology, too.

Merriam-Webster de�ines biotechnology as “the manipulation (as through genetic engineering) of living organisms or their components to produce useful usually commercial products (as pest resistant crops, new bacterial strains, or novel pharmaceuticals).”

Although it has been with us since time immemorial – the “manna” mentioned in the Old Testament is also a product of biotechnology – the term (often abbreviated as “biotech”) now generally refers to gene engineering technology that revolutionized the biological science starting with Cohen and Boyer’s

violence is lower than the 0.8% annual average in 2016, and similar to the 0.7% annual average in 2015.

This sums up to 7.6% (est. 1.7 million) of families reporting victimization by any of the common crimes. This is 1.5 points above the 6.1% (est. 1.4 million) in September 2017, and the highest since the 11.4% in June 2016.

However, due to the record-low 3.7% quarterly victimization rate in June 2017, the resulting annual average victimization by any of the common crimes for 2017 was a record-low 6.1%.

This is 2.1 points below the

MY TWO CENTS’ John Carlo B. Tria

8.2% annual average in 2016, and 0.7 point below the previous record-low annual average of 6.8% in 2015.

Reading these results its dif�icult to say that crime went up, after the end of the Aquino administration.

Curiously, though, the late year rise in these volumes correspond to about the time the war on drugs was handed over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency from the Philippine National Police, prompting double edged fears from many quarters, with some fearing more killings, and others fear-

ing more drugs in the streets.

Nonetheless, what is clear is that since 2016, more Filipinos are paying more attention on i.portant numbers that gauge the socioeconomic health of the country.

Like GDP �igures, crime statistics are closely watched, more than ever. It will pay to read up more closely on these �igures and what they mean so that we better understand why this happens, so that our views are illuminated, rather than misled. for reactions:facebook.com/ johntriapage

this randomness of insertion as being totally unacceptable.

What they don’t point out is that in nature genes jump all over the place within living organisms. Look at some of the plants in your garden, especially those with variegated leaves; they may well be the result of jumping genes.

Among the traits introduced to plants involve herbicide tolerance and resistance to pests.

Scientists are doing these to improve the productivity of a crop (corn, eggplant, rice, and cotton) and decrease dependency on chemical pesticides and herbicides.

These traits mainly bene�it few, particularly seed companies and farmers. It is in this regard that most critics seem to be antagonized. They see big corporations making fat pro�its and no gain for themselves.

Another bone of contention is the safeness of GM products.

Are they really safe to eat? As Dr. Romeo Quijano puts it: “What you eat can kill you, particularly if it is genetically modi�ied food.”

Although there is no direct evidence but “there is a correlation,” Quijano surmised. “If allergic reaction is severe enough,” he said, “a person could die.”

But in the real sense, there is no safe food actually but only safe use of food. All foods we put into our mouth have both advantages and disadvantages.

Eggs, for instance. It may good for you but it may not be good for others.

When a new food, not derived by genetic engineering, is introduced into the market.

There is no hoopla even if there was no tests being conducted.

But such is not the case when it comes to GM-foods. They are treated as if they are toxins!

What most people don’t know that GM-derived foods are subjected to a battery of toxicological tests. The European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation on GMOs speci�ically observed that “biotechnology, and in particular GMOs, are not per se more risky than conventional plant breeding technologies.”

Now is the time for Filipinos to rally for the planting of biotech crops. “As citizens of this country, I think it is our duty to help spread the truth about things that have the potential to make cheap and safe food available to our people and to inform them of things that endanger their health and welfare,” said former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. during the opening of the 12th National Biotech Week at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management two years ago.

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

There’s something about biotech

demonstration of DNA cloning in their Stanford lab in 1973.

In the Philippines, agricultural biotechnology is recognized by the government as one of the potent tools to attain food security and sustainable agriculture.

In addition, biotech is seen as an instrument that promote health and food/environmental safety among Filipinos.

Among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines is the �irst country to initiate a biotech regulatory system with the issuance of Executive Order No. 430 in 1990, which established the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines.

“The Philippines is a regional biotechnology leader and a model for science-based genetically engineering regulatory policy,” the United States Department of Agriculture pointed out.

Biotech corn has been on sale in the country since 2003 with less than 50,000 hectares planted to it all over the country.

By 2014, the hectare went up to around 700,000, or about 54% of the total 1.3 million hectares planted to corn.

Our country was poised to be the �irst ASEAN member to commercialize locally developed Bt crops had it not been for a 2012 court decision postponing approval of the already completed biotech eggplant �ield trials.

According to experts, further delays in commercializing Philippine biotech crops are expect-

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

ed to erode the country’s biotech regional leadership status, and in general terms, may dampen the long-term competitiveness of Philippine agriculture.

Instead of helping science, some newspapers, television reports and radio commentaries try to downgrade the importance of biotech. Newspapers, for instance, have these headlines screaming: “Filipinos may soon eat Frankenstein foods,” “Beware of genetic pollution!” and “Genetically modi�ied foods reap a harvest of fears.”

Opponents – mostly composed of non-government organizations, ideological and religious groups – focus their discussions on GMO, an organism, plant, or animal that contain a gene introduced or inserted through genetic engineering techniques instead of the plant receiving it through the traditional pollination.

Oftentimes, opponents cite

10NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

sonnel we might be providing flood experts in places where there are no floods Most of the respondents who consider that the city is not ready for disaster are mostly from district one and two with a combine percentage of 81 percent. For every 50 Dabawenyos who believe that the city is not ready for disaster, 21 of them are found in district one and 20 are found in district two and nine are located in district three.

When the respondents were asked about their observation of the competencies of the first responders survey reveals that in

every 100- Dabawenyos, 42 believed that skills are adequate and responders are competent, 34 believed otherwise; 22 cannot decide on the skills set and competencies of the respondents and two did not provide an answer.

The same opinion was observed when Dabawenyos were asked of their impression on the adequacy of the equipment used in emergencies; in every 100 Dabawenyos, 42 are confident that equipment are adequate, and upto-date; 35 believed the opposite and a combined 23 percent are uncertain.

“there is no known level of lead exposure that is considered safe,” and that “children are particulary vulnerable to the neurotoxic (damage to nerves) effects of lead, and even relatively low levels of exposure can cause serious and, in some cases, irreversible neurological damage.”

Braga said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued Administrative Order 2013-24, or the Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds, in line with Republic Act 6969, which states the phaseout of paints containing lead.

“The DENR A.O. 2013-24 has established a three year phaseout period from 2013-2016 for lead-containing paints used for architectural, decorative and household (ADH) applications, and a six-year phase-out period from 2013-2019 for lead-containing paints used for industrial applications,” she said.

Braga said the manufacture, distribution, sale and use of lead-containing ADH paints that are commonly used for homes, schools, day care centers, parks and playgrounds, as well as toys and children’s products, including children’s furniture and indoor and outdoor play equipment, among others, is no longer allowed following the completion of the three year phase-out period on 31 December 2016.

She said a provision in the Philippine Constitution said the state, “shall protect and promote the right to health” and “protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology. Also, the Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991 emphasiezed the empowerment of the local government units to enact ordinances which “promote health and safety’ and “enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology.

ernment official in Mindanao has given him the insight to propose federalism. “Nothing short of federalism will bring peace to Mindanao.”

Other Duterte supporters are pushing for a revolutionary government to hasten federal set-up

in the country.

Duterte has said that he would only declare a revolutionary government if the country was in trouble. But he said that he would not stop his supporters from pushing a revolutionary government. (TESDA)

USE... FROM 3

LEST WE FORGET. A streamer printed with an image of President Rodrigo Duterte and his latest popular phrase is installed at an overpass along McArthur highway in Matina, Davao City on Wednesday. Similar

ARREST... FROM 1 “ While I welcome the hastily filed complaint, I would like to point out that this transgression on the part of the Speaker is not only political but a veiled attempt at grabbing the deal for his business and personal interest,” Floirendo declared, saying that “all things considered, the filing of the case will reveal that the more than three-decade old Bucor-Tadeco deal, which benefits thousands of inmates and their families and has provided livelihood to thousands of residents and workers, is valid and legal.”

Ready to face case “ This does not come as a surprise because no less than the

Speaker of the House of Representatives had made this public even before the warrant was issued,” he said, adding “I am ready to face this case as this will give the opportunity to clear my name. “ “My only hope is for the Speaker to insulate the courts from his established brand of maneuvering and undue influence,” Floirendo said.

Despite such setback, he said “I maintain my faith in our justice system because I have not done anything wrong.”

Rep. Floirendo said “In the end, I am confident that I will prevail because the truth is on my side.”

“What we are doing now is we are creating a system that will be used (as a guideline) for the death bene�its of senior citizens,” he said. Advincula said the committee wanted that only non-pensioner senior citizens can avail of the assistance.

He also said the deceased must not have a burial or service plan.

“We want to make sure that only those who really need the help of the city will be accommodated, those who have the

capacity to pay for their funeral or burial services, I ask them that we better give it to those who really need it,” Advincula said.

The Of�ice of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) will conduct the screening of potential bene�iciaries before endorsing them to the of�ice of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte.

Relatives of qualifying senior citizens could then proceed to the City Treasurer’s Of�ice to collect their check, which amounts to P5,000.

conducted hearings on the actual Dapecol lands under Tadeco’s supervision, which led to the conduct of ground veri�ication survey at the insistence of landless claimants.

As a result, on May 19, 2013 a survey plant was released, and it carried the con�irmaatory signature of Elsa Gutierrez, head of the claimants, and her assistant.

Rep. Floirendo explained that the �igure of 5,303.15 hectares under Tadeco’s cultivation was arrived at after deducting

the areas used for the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW), NAFCO (National Fibers Corp.) Elementary School, Davao Prisons and Penal Farm (DPPF), national highways, and riverways.

“I remember years back,” the congressman said, “na maraming table surveys na hindi nababawasan ang sa rivers and roads. I guess [the discrepancy] came from there. But this [2013] is the latest one... and this was done by Congress.”

erring politicians which will

come from PDEA, Philippine Na-

COUNCIL... FROM 1

NOT... FROM 2

PDEA... FROM 2

streamers can also be seen installed at other overpasses around the city. Lean Daval Jr tional Police (PNP), Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA). Aquino said the task force is conducting monthly meetings for update and consolidation of the President Duterte list. “We consolidate and update then we will return the list to Malañang for them to have �inal list,” he said.

He said last December 2016 there were 3, 000 government of�icials bared by the President who were involved in illegal drug

activities but now it increases to 6, 000. “After a month we need to update it again because a lot of reports are coming in.So, we need to have contunued validation before they will be included on the President’s list,” he said.

However, Aquino said President Duterte is still the one who is authorized to delist or add people on the drugs watchlist . “He is also the one who could order us to �ile a case against a certain narco-politician because we in the PDEA are just a recommendatory body,” he said.

matter whether the interested applicant is a rebel returnee, Muslim and Indigenous People (IP). “The President said that we won’t wait for them, we will go to them and convince them that it is much better to be armed not with a weapon but with skills,” she added.

The TESDA courses are supported by the Department of Labor and Employment whose role is to provide jobs for graduates of TESDA courses.

She said that if there will be graduates of TESDA program with National Competencies (NC) certi�icates will be assisted to apply for jobs.

“If they still lack the skills required to be employed on the spot then that’s when the TESDA will come in to help them,” she said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines will also have its part on this activity because TESDA in

ensuring the safety of the people during the two day event.

Applicants must bring National Statistics Of�ice certi�ied birth certi�icates. TESDA will no longer accept local civil registrar issued birth certi�icate.

She said that they also welcome those Over-seas Filipino Worker (OFW) especially those from Kuwait to enroll.

“The President has likewise directed us that all OFWs especially those from Kuwait will be prioritized to be given free skills training. When we say free skills training this does not only pertain to tuition fees but also free assessment fees, free food and mobility allowances as well as or rebel returnee, our Muslim brothers and sisters and the IPs we wil give them allowances and starter tool kits,” she said.

She that TESDA will see to it that whatever they need will be provided.

prepared to respond to, 26 percent mentioned earthquake, 15 said flood, 14% said fire, 12% said tsunami, 12% said typhoon and typhoon surge, followed by landslide, tornado, twister and volcanic eruption.

Most of those who believed that the city is not ready for disaster are found in districts 1 and 2,with a combined 82%. These areas one or another have had experiences with flooding and fire.

“It came as a surprise because most of the Dabawenyos are saying that we are not really ready for earthquakes, 26 in every 100 Dabawenyos say that we are not ready for earthquakes,” Tamayo said.

He said that perhaps it is more of the effectiveness and efficiency in responding to this disaster.

The IPO recommends that revisit on the strategic deployments of the resources as well as the per-

ALL... FROM 2

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FEDERALISM... FROM 3

CINEMA GUIDE

INdulge!

FOOD

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

Homegrown taste served

BUFFET STYLE

NOTHING SAYS PINOY MORE than our colourful and flavourful dishes. And nothing is more Pinoy than munching on them nibbles on a daily basis. For one, our dishes are way too flavourful and full bodied than of those I have tasted. Yup, that’s my unapologetic and unbashful bias opinion of our food. And yes, I will always, always trade freshly cooked rice and isdang tuyo with spiced coco vinegar for anything in a snap.

As we come to celebrate Araw ng Dabaw, let us get a taste of the festivities through the many delectable homegrown restaurants and cafes in the city.

Serving more than just food, our homegrown realm of dining places go beyond the food that they serve. They extend Filipino hospitality beyond measures.

Treating everyone as family — wherever part of the archipelago you may come from.

One most notable dining place in the city is Buffet Palace.

For a time, it has been known for its buffet during lunch and dinner. Nowadays, Buffet Palace, like its sister company

Probinsya, serves breakfast buffet for the early risers. The only restaurant serving breakfast buffet at the south side of the city, this is a perfect venue for people who have early appointments, meetings or even those trying to catch an early flight.

Their buffet is simple. Unapologetically simple yet bursting with flavours. The spread is not as complicated as you’d expect. I mean, Filipino breakfast is a mixture of everything you can find in one’s pantry, right? From sauteed vegetables to fried fish, expect a variety of flavour combinations when eating Filipino food.

On the menu are breakfast staples we have grown to love and crave for.

I mean, freshly cooked tocino is comfort at its best.

Right? Paired with sinangang na kanin with garlic bits, fried eggs, fresh ensaladang ampalaya with spiced native white vinegar and a cup of brewed coffee will have you reminiscing along memory lane in a snap. Oh and not to forget, it comes with bottomless drinks.

Halo-halo in the morning?

Go ahead and create your own medley of toppings. That’s not all. Pinoy food is also about our kakanin. The rustic taste of good old sweet kakanin is truly

something that should not be missed. The color, the texture and not to mention, the taste is early an indicative of our culture. And yes, every region has a staple and at Buffet Palace, they have the Mindanao faves on full display.

Not many appreciate a buffet early in the morning. But did you know, the many choices we have at home or elsewhere is

as good as a buffet without us knowing? At Buffet Palace, you need not adjust your palate and guess the dishes available. At Buffet Palace, it is your palate that will dictate what to have next.

Are you an early riser? Buffet Palace’s all Filipino breakfast buffet which is available from 7am to 10am daily is perfect for anyone craving for pinoy fla-

vours in the morning. Personally, I like it. It’s an inexpensive way to get any day started and a definite way to bond with the family or friends. And for someone who loves kakanin, their buffet selection is just right.

For my latest food finds, follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and Facebook @theroyalchefeats. Happy eating, royalistas!

EDGEDAVAO

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EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

A ROYAL WELCOME

For the Year of the Dog

THE ROYAL MANDAYA HOTEL welcomed the Year of the Dog on the evening of February 16 with fanfare and excitement as the hotel hosted an exciting traditional lion dance at its lobby as well as around the hotel premises.

Aside from the performance by the Kim Ling Kungfu Lion-Dragon Dance Troupe, dinners at the Royal mandaya Hotel’s Kamayo Cafe were treated to a traditional Chinese dance by the Sinagila Dance Artists.

Since the new year is all about luck and prosperity, guests were given a chance to write and hang their good wishes onto the hotel’s fortune wall, with some lucky wishes coming true immediately that evening as two lucky diners went home with gift certificates for lunch or dinner for two at the Kamayo Cafe and one winner of an overnight stay at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

The evening was truly a royal treat to welcome the Year of the Dog. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

LACSON... FROM 3

China Sea, talagang atin ‘yan, (This claim in the South China Sea, that is absolutely ours) insofar as the Republic of the Philippines is concerned. I am ready, almost ready, to put my presidency, my career as President, my life and honor. Akin ‘yan (That is mine). I’ve stated it in black and blue,” he said.

“In front of the Ambassador,

I’d tell you, we will insist. But what would be the components of our demands and our insistence? Well, we can only be diplomatic. We can only be talking on friendly and civilized terms,” Duterte said.

The President said he would also insist on the Philippine Rise “because that is ours, period.”

(PNA)

frastructure and social services budget, “For FY 2018, infrastructure spending is pegged at P1.06 trillion, equivalent to 6.1% of GDP and is higher by 24.5% compared to the 2017 budget.” The annual infrastructure spending will be increased, reaching as much as 7.3 percent of GDP in 2022.

“The Social Services sector (education, health care, social protection, among other things)

continues to get the lion’s share in the FY 2018 National Budget with P1.42 trillion, a 37.8% share in the overall budget”, Sec. Diokno added.

The Budget Secretary also mentioned that the major infrastructure projects lined up for 2018 are the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), the Clark International Airport Expansion Project, and the Mindanao Railway Project. (DBM)

“Jojo” Diaz (25-0, 13 KOs) and Victor “Vickingo” Terrazas (38W-4L-2D, 21KOs).

Also pitted are Vergil Ortiz (8W-0L, 8KOs) and

Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez (15W-3L-0D, 11KOs) for the vacant NABF Junior super lightweight title. (PNA/ LDR)

where projects are monitored and tracked, with relevant information made available to everyone,” Lamentillo said of the Build, Build, Build portal, where private contractors could see government projects they might be interested in joining.

Other infrastructure projects underway are the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway Project, which will decongest the McArthur Highway; the Central

Luzon Link Expressway Phase 1, which will connect Tarlac to Cabanatuan; the Central Luzon Link Expressway Phase 2, which will connect San Jose to Nueva Ecjia; the Plaridel Bypass Road Project Phase 1, which will accommodate travelers heading to Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos, and San Rafael, Bulacan; the North Luzon East Expressway, which will allow a scenic view of North East Luzon. (PNA)

that numerous irrigation projects across the country were not completed on time, making small farmers suffer.

“When I took over, I learned there were so many projects whose implementations were delayed. They should have been completed on time with expected quality. If they’re delayed, they will be costly on the part of the government, and services that were supposed to be received on time becomes a problem,” added Visaya.

He warned that local executives who will cause delays or even block projects can face sanctions

like what happened in Mindanao when one tried to stop an irrigation project.

Farmers, he stated, who are tilling below eight hectares of land have nothing to pay.

“If you’re a farmer who is tilling less than eight hectares, you can benefit from the irrigation project without paying anything. If you’re farming more than the size of land, that means you can afford to pay,” he said.

Small farmers can save PHP4,000 to PHP5,000 per hectare per cropping, according to him. (PNA)

day ago and traded between 52.16 and 52.31, resulting in an average of 52.23.

Volume of trade reached USD977.8 million, down

from USD1.025 billion a day ago.

The currency pair is seen to trade between 52.10 and 52.30 Wednesday. (PNA)

DIOKNO... FROM 4

ZABBO... FROM 15 PHIL... FROM 5

NIA... FROM 5

PSEI... FROM 5

MAYOR... FROM 5

indigenous communities, tourism workers, and local government officials in the city.

It also provided a lumad village in Barangay Balabag, Kidapawan solar power for their houses.

In his speech, Evangelista asked IUTC and UN-HABITAT to expand their training modules and curriculum to include courses in health, education, and nutrition,

“in the context of sustainable urban management and local economic activation.”

He urged IUTC to continue to “touch lives” and help make this earth a “better place to live in” through the courses they offered to people in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, and Mongolia.

DRIVING THE CARABAO. Carabaos, the beast of burden of farmers, can do so many things in rural areas. They plow the field, they produce milk, and help the weeds out of the farm. In some instances,

they can be used to haul agricultural products or can be utilized as “vehicle.” Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

“We all know that Gangwon Province is a champion in these programs. [I believe that] a healthy mind and a healthy body is the best resource a community must posses to ensure sustained development and inclusive growth for all of us,” he stressed.

Aside from Evangelista, the

Philippine delegation to the forum included three medical doctors from North Cotabato and Albay provinces; representatives from the media, tourism council, and local water utility in Kidapawan City; and a government employee from Malinao, Albay. (MindaNews)

Echiverri said ICAD is now focusing on the preventive side and protect those whoa re being influenced to drugs.

“Ang aming effort ay hindi lang puro enforcement ICAD now is focusing on the preventive side meaning hindi lang puro huli and rehab. So the preventive measures should be stronger. Japan for thatr

matter has given more funds for prevention rather than law enforcement and rehab kasi ang goal namin in the years to come wala na dapat i-rehab at wala na dapat addicts,” he said.

He said the PDEA is coming up with more policies on how DepEd and CHED and shools can teach the ill effects of drugs to the youth. AMA

initiatives anchored on the triple bottom line (TBL) concept that takes into account people, planet, and profit to achieve business sustainability and profitability.

Profit should not be business’ sole concern, she said.

To be sustainable, she said,

a business must also consider its social responsibility and environmental impact.

She said sustainable business operations do not deplete natural resources and instead enable present and future generations to avail of their goods and services. (PNA)

us,” he stressed.

Aside from Evangelista, the Philippine delegation to the forum included three medical doctors from North Cotabato and Albay

provinces; representatives from the media, tourism council, and local water utility in Kidapawan City; and a government employee from Malinao, Albay. (MindaNews)

and Visayas.

DOH is part of the Inter-agency Commitee on Anti-illegal Drugs (ICAD) to suppress the drug problem in the country. Tong-An said the DOH will come in after the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted the anti-drug operation “Tokhang” in certain barangay through Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), which is considered as the first line of defense against the proliferation of prohibited drugs in the community. Tong-An said the DOH’s nurses, psychologists and trained physicians together with the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) will screen those drug dependents that voluntarily surrendered.

“According to WHO admission of drug surrenderees are 95% within the community based at ito yung aggawin ng BADAC or ADAC titipunin sila at darating ang DOH that will screen whether their cases are mild moderate or severe. We will just treat them as an ordinary disease and we will just manage them. ,” he said.

He said those who were screened as “mild” or “moderate” will be rehabilitate in the community based center while those who were screened “severe” will be admitted to a rehab center.

Tong-An said in between the

community based and rehab center they will be piloting recovery clininc or halfway houses wherein drug dependents will be given livelihood programs via various government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Commission on Higher Education.

“Before they will be released to the community meron na silang pangkabuhayan and at the same time through TESDA and CHED dropouts will receive diploma paglabas sa halfway house going to the community,” he said.

He said the community integration will be handled by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) chair Secretary Catalino S. Cuy said it is not enough to just rehab the drug dependents as it is also important to re-integrate them to the community to make them useful and productive member of society.

“Re-integraton and rehabilitation should go together. In rehabilitation they are being prepared for their re-integration in to the society,” Mr. Cuy said.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary for External and Legislative Affairs Ricojudge Janvier M.

Championships in Italy this April”.

Those who will compete in the Junior and Cadet World Fencing Championships are Catantan, Esteban, Matienzo, Tranquilan, Felipe, Tan, Perez, Miggy Bautista (men’s epee), Jaymi delos Santos (women’s epee), Carla Arreza (women’s sabre) and Daniel Britanico (men’s saber). Canlas and Vizcayo will accompany the athletes.

An estimated 1,250 athletes from 120 countries are joining the World Championships set on April 1 to 19 at the Cattolica Canter in Verona, Italy.

Meanwhile, the Dubai-based Khaleej Times has reported on Monday that more than 800 fencers are expected to join the tournament for cadet (Under 16) and junior (Under 19) athletes.

(PNA)

Compostela Valley Gold with one gold, two silvers and a bronze.

The Island Garden City of Samal Waves got one gold, silver and bronze while Panabo City Maganates got five silvers and two bronzes and the Davao Oriental Sunrisers got one silver and three bronzes.

Department of Education 11

(DepEd 11) spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said the winners will undergo rigid training to prepare them for the Palarong Pambansa 2018 which will be held in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Atillo said the DepEd 11 is hopeful that the Davao Eagles will improve on its seventh place finish last year.

join Peterson in the front of�ice in some capacity.

Cho was hired as GM in 2011 and assumed day-to-day responsibilities of the basketball operations department in 2014. ‘’I will always be grateful for my experience with the franchise,’’ Cho said.

Cho and the Hornets have struggled with building a consistent winner.

He was responsible for drafting All-Star point guard Kemba Walker in 2011, but the team’s inability to get the No. 1 pick in the 2012 draft after a 7-59 season proved to be a backbreaker. Instead of getting perennial All-Star center Anthony Davis, the Hornets settled for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with the No. 2 pick, a signi�icant dropoff in talent.

PRODUCERS... FROM 5

DRUG... FROM 6

MAYOR... FROM 6 PH... FROM 14

DAVAO... FROM 15

HORNETS... FROM 15

EDGEDAVAO

12 BIGGER PICTURE

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Fish catch in serious decline

TEXT AND PHOTOS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

F

ish catch in the Philippines, whose coastal zone is a rich source of fish and aquatic products, are in a serious decline.

The country was Asia’s second largest tuna exporter – after Indonesia. In 2010, it was the Western and Central Paci�ic’s seventh best tuna generator.

Most of the 106,449 metric tons of prime tuna that year were shipped to the United States, United Kingdom and Germany.

But in recent years, tuna caught in the waters of Mindoro, Ilocos Norte, Negros and Sarangani has been falling. “Unless we closely manage and protect remaining populations, our tuna industry might collapse,” said a statement from the World Wide Fund for Nature – Philippines urged.

Rapid population growth plus government neglect in preserving the life-sustaining coastal ecosystem since the postwar years had been cited as the main culprits of the depletion of �ish resources in the country.

The Philippines is currently home to more than 100 million Filipinos. By the end of 2018, based on the Philippine Census of Population in 2015, the total number will balloon to 107.19 million, according to the Commission on Population (Popcom).

“That means we will be adding 4,965 Filipinos a day, or 206 every hour in 2018,” explained Juan Antonio Perez III, Popcom executive director.

Meanwhile, the coastal zones of the country encompass approximately 17,000 kilometers of coastline. It includes: mangrove forests, tidal �lats, estuaries, island ecosystems, coral reefs and beaches.

Vanishing mangroves In 1980, the Philippines was among 10 countries with the largest mangrove areas in Asia.

At that time, it had 146,000 hectares of mangrove forests.

By 1988, however, the area went down to 38,000 hectares.

The country had some 500,000 hectares of mangroves in 1920.

“All over the country, whatever coastal province you visit, you see the same plight – desolate stretches of shoreline completely stripped of mangrove cover and now totally exposed to the pounding of ocean’s waves,” said a Filipino environmentalist.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported that most of the remaining vegetated mangrove areas in the country today are second-growth, containing other than the original species.

Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim, director of DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau, says its agency has identi�ied 42 species of mangroves in the country.

None of them are facing extinction yet. But the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is considering of putting 11 out of 70 mangrove species assessed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

“Mangroves form one of the most important tropical habitats that support many species, and their loss can affect marine and terrestrial biodiversity much more widely,” pointed out Beth Polidoro, who led the �irst-ever global assessment on the conservation status of mangroves.

Mangroves are very important to marine life, says Dr. Rafael Guerrero III, former director of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development. They serve as sanctuaries and feeding grounds for �ish that nibble on detritus (fallen and decaying leaves) trapped in the vegetation, and on the bark and leaves of living trees. “(Mangroves) are important feeding sites for many commercially important �ish

species (mullet, tilapia, eel, and especially milk�ish), shrimps, prawns, mollusks, crabs, and sea cucumbers,” a World Bank report on environment adds.

“Fry that gather in mangrove areas are very important for aquaculture.”

Coral reefs on the brink On land, the ecosystem that supports the greatest number of plant and animal species is the rainforest. In the sea, it’s the coral reef. But unlike their counterparts, coral reefs have not been given much importance by people since they could not be seen.

“When trees are cut and human beings are affected as a result of �lash�loods, people rallied against deforestation,” explained Dr. Bernhard Riegel, associate director of the National Coral Reef Institute in the United States. “But like forests, coral reefs are also suffering the same magnitude of destruction.”

“One of the greatest natural treasures, (coral reefs) are habitats for rare species, including some 488 species of corals, 971 species of benthic algae, and 2,000 species of �ish,” explains Dr. Miguel D. Fortes, a professor at the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines. “A single reef may contain 3,000 species of corals, �ish, and shell�ish.”

Studies have shown that a single reef can support as many as 3,000 species of marine life.

As �ishing grounds, they are thought to be 10 to 100 times as productive per unit area as the open sea.

The Philippines has the distinction of being home to more than 400 of the 700 coral reefs known to man. Unfortunately, most of these reefs are in a sad state of destruction. Unless something is done soon to stop their destruction, �ish production may to collapse.

It seems to be happening in Davao City already. But no one seems to feel it yet. In the past, Bago Aplaya used to be a haven

of �ish in the city. “When I was still younger,” 53-year-old Ronnie Estrera recalled, “we used to catch a lot of �ish. But it’s the case anymore today.”

“We are running out of �ish and running out of time. For a country known for marine biodiversity, there are very few �ish left to catch,” Vince Cinches, Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, was quoted as saying.

Neglected seagrasses Seagrasses receive little attention like coral reefs. But like mangroves, they act as buffer to winds and provide habitats and shelter for many invertebrates and �ishes. They also serve as �ilter to sewage, reducing the effects of pollution on coral reefs and mangroves.

Seagrasses are said to be the “last frontier” of the country’s basic marine needs. Unfortunately, they are being destroyed at a very alarming rate.

“In spite of the ecological and economic value of seagrasses, between 30% to 50% of the seagrass beds have been lost due to industrial development, ports, and recreation in the last 50 years,” deplored Dr. Lim. Dr. Miguel D. Fortes, the country’s foremost expert on seagrasses, echoed the same

concern. “Despite their high biodiversity and abundance, seagrass habitats are still poorly understood in our country,” he said. “Hence, it appears only marginally useful when, in fact, the ecosystem plays signi�icant economic and ecological roles.”

The Philippines has 18 species of seagrasses thriving along its coasts. This makes the Philippines as having the second highest species of seagrasses around the world. Western Australia leads — with more than 30 species of seagrasses.

Seagrasses provide food and shelter for many organisms, and are a nursery ground for commercially important prawn and �ish species. The high primary production rates of seagrasses are closely linked to the high production rates of associated �isheries.

Among the diversi�ied species found in the seagrass beds are �ishes, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, crabs, scallops, mussels and snails. Shrimps spend the early stages of their lives in seagrass areas. Large animals like sea cow (dugong) and green sea turtles graze extensively in seagrass beds.

Seahorses, a tourist attraction and of medicinal value, reside in seagrass beds. A study

done in �ive seagrass sites in the country identi�ied a total of 1,384 individuals and 55 species from 25 �ish families.

Climate change Aside from the destruction of the primary �ishery sanctuaries of coastal ecosystem, climate change has also been cited by �ishery experts as another important factor affecting �isheries. “The level of impacts varies widely and depends on attributes of the species as well as on their regional speci�icity,” said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Changes in ocean circulation, the UN-sponsored body explained, may lead to the loss of certain populations or the establishment of new ones.

“Warming impacts on the abundance of commercially important species can be either positive or negative for the same species, depending on the region,” the IPCC said in a statement.

Some sea �isheries will collapse as the world warms, while others boom, according to the IPCC. Some species are most likely to move polewards as waters warm.

Where have all our �ishes gone?

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

NEWS 13

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14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

DOMINATION Durians lead halfway through DAVRAA

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

H

ost Davao City Durians surged ahead of the medal standings at the halfway mark of the 2018 Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet.

As of 12:00 noon on Wednesday, the Durians have amassed 38 gold medals, 28 slivers and 16 bronzes. The hosts added 14 gold medals in athletics alone to stay way ahead of the �ield.

Tagum City Tagumpay was a distant second with 12 golds, seven silvers and 12 bronzes while Digos City Trekkers are at third with seven golds, six silvers and eight bronzes. Powerhouse Davao del Norte Pioneers could only manage �ive golds, six silvers and three bronzes after three days and are bunched at fourth spot.

Davao del Sur sits at �ifth place with �ive golds, �ive sil-

vers and three bronzes, followed by Davao Occidental with three golds, two silver and four bronzes, Panabo City Banana Magnates (7th) one gold, 11 silvers and 10 bronzes while Compostela Valley Gold (8th) got one gold, six silvers and nine bronzes.

Davao Oriental Sunrisers are at ninth spot with one gold, two silvers and eight bronzes while Mati City Eagles are in 10th place with one gold, one silver and three bronzes. Island Garde City of Samal Waves wound up the rear at 11th with one gold, one silver and one bronze.

DAVRAA. Some of the intense athletics action in the ongoing 2018 DAVRAA meet at the UM Sports Complex. Lean Daval Jr.

PH fencers see action in Dubai S outheast Asian Games medalist Samantha Kyle Catantan will spearhead the country’s campaign in the Asian Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships which will be held from February 24 to March 4 at the Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Catantan, 17, won the silver in the women’s individual foil event in Malaysia last year. The University of the East (UE) player also

bagged her second straight Most Valuable Player award after leading the juniors team to its seventh consecutive title in the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Maxine Isabel Esteban, a bronze medalist the 2017 SEAG, is also going to Dubai along with fellow foil players Maricar Matienzo and Anica Abaquin.

The other members of the fencing team are Sammuel Tran-

quilan, Prince John Felipe, Lance Tan, Jolo Viceo, Zachary Ang, Trino Montinola and Lorenzo Mercado (men’s foil); Reynaldo Perez (men’s epee); Nicole Apacible (women’s sabre); Sandro Sia, Enrico Suplico, Rafael Jimenez and and Polo Llagas (men’s sabre).

Tranquilan and Felipe are also members of the UE fencing team.

Tranquilan bagged the MVP for steering the men’s team to its sixth straight title, while Felipe pock-

eted his second straight MVP trophy after the juniors team nailed its eighth straight crown.

“Hopefully, we can win medals for the country and also, we may avoid injuries,” said the 19-yearold Tranquilan in an interview on Wednesday. He is a member of the team composed of Nathaniel Perez, Michael Nicanor and Jancel Concepcion, that won the silver medal in the men’s team foil event during the 18th ASEAN University

Games in Singapore two years ago.

Rolando Canlas, head of the coaching staff composed of Almario Vizcayno, Ramil Endriano and Edward Daliva, said the fencing delegation would leave on Thursday for Dubai.

“The tournament in Dubai is part of our Asian Games preparations,” said Canlas, also head coach of UE. “Our fencers are also scheduled to compete in the World

PH,P11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

GEARING UP. Local golfers are high in preparations fr the forthcoming PAL Interclub golf tournament to be held in Bacolod City from February 28-March 11. Jing Gavino (left) of Rancho Palos Verdes and Glenn Yap (right) of Apo Golf and Country Club are among those in constant practice for the biggest team golfest in the country. Boy Lim

Zambo fighter ready for US fight M

indanaoan fighter Rey “Technician” Perez of Simbungan, Zamboanga del Norte feels comfortable with his weight for his next upcoming fight on February 22 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.

“Because the 135 lbs. is really my �ighting weight and I’m �it on this to �ight,” said Perez in an online interview with the Philippine News Agency.

Perez is facing the Mexican-American knockout artist Christian “Chimpa” Gonzales (18W-1L-0D, 15 KOs) for eight rounds.

“I’m now only one pound over (136 lbs.) with still three days left before

the �ight,” said Perez in Filipino. He previously lost his �irst outing under the RED International Boxing of new manager Rey “Cacoi” Rodis II. Perez trained under Mexican coach Lee Espinosa with Filipino assistant Jules Tagalog at the Maywood and Casillas Gym in Los Angeles.

The 27-year old Perez, however, previously

dropped a unanimous decision to undefeated Lamont Roach last November 30 at the MGM National Harbor.

Perez was only 131 ½ lbs. when he fought Roach (130 ½ lbs.).

“But this time I think I have a bigger chance to win because it will be different now since I’ll be �ighting already in the 135 lbs.,” said Perez, a native of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Gonzales, however, is coming from two back-toback victories after he was knocked out by another Filipino Romero “Ruthless” Duno in the 2nd round last March 10 at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles in their battle for the vacant WBC Youth Inter-continen-

tal lightweight title.

The 22-year old Gonzales of Buena Park, California �irst stopped compatriot Daniel Perales via a 2nd round knockout last August 10 at Belasco Theater before scored a unanimous decision over Gamaliel Diaz on October 6 at the same venue.

The Perez-Gonzales �ight is promoted by Oscar De La Hoya of the Golden Boy Promotions and will be shown on USA ESPN2 and web ESPN3.com.

It is in the undercard of the WBO NABO featherweight championship �ight between unbeaten Joseph

ZABBO,P11

THE TECHNICIAN. Rey Perez of Zamboanga del Norte.

Davao bets bag 14 athletics golds Hornets fire GM

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

imes have changed.

Traditionally one of its weakest events owing to lack of standard facilities back home, athletics has become a medal pit for the Davao City Durians who dominated the �irst two days of hostilities in the ongoing Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet.

Based on partial medal tally on Tuesday, the Durians have bagged 14 gold

medals, eight silvers and six bronzes in different individual athletic events.

The Davao bets dominated the 800-meter secondary girls, 400-meter hurdles elementary girls, discuss throw secondary girls, triple jump elementary boys and girls as well as secondary boys.

The Davao City tracksters also reigned in1000-meter secondary girls, 100-meter elementary

boys and girls, as well as secondary girls and 100-meter hurdle elementary girls.

They also took the gold for the long jump elementary boys and secondary boys and Shot put secondary girls.

Davao was followed by Digos City Trekkers with eight golds, �ive silvers and seven bronzes.

The Davao del Norte Pioneers was in third spot with six golds, eight silvers

and three bronzes followed

by Davao Occidental Slashers who got three golds, two silvers and �ive bronzes.

Tagum City Tagumpay earned the �ifth spot with three golds, two silvers and two bronzes followed by Mati City Eagles with two golds and two silvers.

Davao del Sur Cobras took the seventh spot with one gold, four silvers and bronzes which followed

DAVAO,P11

T

he struggling Hornets have shaken up their front of�ice, �iring general manager Rich Cho on Tuesday. ‘’Rich worked tirelessly on behalf of our team and instituted a number of management tools that have bene�ited our organization,’’ Hornets owner Michael Jordan said in a release. ‘’We are deeply committed to our fans and to the city of Charlotte to provide a consistent winner on the court. The

search will now begin for our next head of basketball operations who will help us achieve that goal.’’

Charlotte is 24-33 and on the verge of failing to reach the playoffs for the second straight season.

Jordan’s college teammate Buzz Peterson was hired last year as the team’s assistant general manager is a potential replacement. Former Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak could be another candidate to

HORNETS,P11

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 231 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018