Edge10 issue 235, February 28, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

ALL SET. A Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 employee prepares the printed final list of voters at Comelec 11 office on Tuesday as the agency gears up for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon issued a warning that President Duterte’s allies in the

House of Representatives are plotting to postpone the polls as a first step to extending their terms which was strongly disputed by the palace. Lean Daval Jr

BOUNDARY FOR FISHING Fisher folks want 20-kilometer limit to improve catch

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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member of the Davao City Council has appealed to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to allow the city’s fisher folks to fish until 20 kilometers from the shoreline.

The appeal was contained in a resolution Councilor Baluran Conrado C. Baluran passed during the Tuesday’s city council session in a bid to improve the catch of local �ishermen and

their situation.

“If we continue to ignore the battle cry of our municipal �isher folks, then it is not possible that one day, we only have to realize that we have been deprived of the

very jewels right before our eyes” Baluran said.

Baluran said based on latest report by the National Statistical Coordination Board, the poverty incidence of our �ishermen in coastal towns including Davao City is at 41.1 perent or an average earning of P178 a day.

“We are moved by the recent survey that says ‘Filipino �isher folks, among the poorest in the country’. It is

BOUNDARY,P10

Araw ng Davao celeb to kick off Thursday

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he celebration for the 81st Araw ng Davao will of�icially start on Thursday, March 1.

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte will lead the formal opening of the festivity, which will begin with the Misa Pasalamat at the

San Pedro Cathedral.

It would be followed by the Pasiugdang Pagsaulog (Initial Celebrations) at the Rizal Park at 6 o’clock in the evening, where dances and music performances by the Sta. Ana National High

ARAW,P10

A1

A social call to

Sisters Society

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

GUN-HANDY. President Rodrigo Duterte fires a few rounds from the .45, .40 and 9mm caliber pistols as he leads the ceremonial shoot during the inauguration of the Armscor Shooting Range Davao Branch in Davao City on Monday. Also in the photo is Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Demolition permit F for NCCC mall issued

Roque wishes De Lima lifetime tenure in prison

D

AVAO CITY (MindaNews / 27 Feb) – The ill-fated 14-yearold NCCC Mall Davao is up for demolition after the City Building Official (CBO) approved the mall management’s application for a permit on February 20, nearly two months since the fire incident on December 23, 2017.

The �ire, caused by an electrical short circuit at the ceiling on the third �loor, left 38 people dead after they were trapped on the fourth �loor. The 37 victims were call center agents of Survey

Sampling International (SSI), while the other one was a key custodian of the mall.

It took �ire�ighters more than a day to put out the �ire.

CBO of�icer-in-charge Cirinia Grace L. Catubig told

MindaNews on Tuesday the permit requires the mall management to complete the demolition within a period of 30 days from the starting date.

The mall applied for demolition last February 2 and paid the city a permit fee worth P187,854, she said.

However, Catubig said she has no knowledge about the schedule of the demolition because they leave it up to the mall management to decide when after being issued with a permit but they are required to inform the

city government at least �ive days before they would start the demolition.

Catubig said they suggested that the building be demolished immediately as it might pose some risks and to prevent people from illegally barging into the building to scavenge for scraps.

The permit stated the demolition would commence only after the “building has been vacated and all utility lines such as electric, gas, telephone and water installations have been disconnected.”

our days after greeting Senator Leila de Lima on her �irst year in jail, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday wished the detained lawmaker a lifetime in jail.

Roque made this reaction after De Lima issued a statement saying Roque has bartered his reputation and dignity for political gain.

“As I said, happy anniversary on your �irst year of detention. May you spend the rest of your life in jail,” Roque said in a news brief-

ing.

De Lima is facing charges on illegal drugs and had been detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame since Feb. 24, 2017.

Roque said De Lima is “a living symbol that the Philippines has become a narco-state with her election in of�ice funded by drugs.”

“Senator De Lima’s incarceration shows that the criminal justice system in

ROQUE,P11

Green building ordinance OK’ d March 1 as‘Araw ng Dabaw’pushed DEMOLITION,P10

By JUDIE VEGA

By ANGIE SAVERON

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o u n c i l o r Melchor «Jay» Quitain Jr plans to pass a resolution to urge the Philippine Congress to re-examine the Republic Act No. 7551, An Act Declaring March 16 of Every Year as Araw ng Davao, a Special Nonworking Public Holiday in Davao City.

He said that based on his research on the enacted resolutions since the year 1960, he found out that sometime in mid-1970s during the

fourth or �ifth city council whose city mayor was Elias Lopez, the city passed an ordinance declaring March 1 as the Araw ng Davao which was interchangeably used with the word foundation day.

“My aim really is not to pass an ordinance to overturn the republic act, I just want to make a resolution urging the congress of the Philippines to re-examine the republic act and probably

they will agree with the �indings of my committee that the Araw ng Davao should be March One,” said Quitain Jr, Davao City Councilor, during the Pulong Pulong ni Pulong press conference at the Councilor’s Lounge on February 27, Tuesday.

He said that all the report regarding this matter will be presented to the city council on the next session of the council which will be on March 6, 2018.

He said the republic act will prevail compared to the ordinance passed by the late Mayor Elias Lopez.

Quitain said that he heard from the City Tourism that tourists often asked why Araw ng Davao is celebrated on March 16 contrary to what is stated on the city plaque.

“I will still seek the approval of my peers in the city

MARCH,P11

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ouncilor Diosdado Mahipus’ proposed Green Building Ordinance of Davao City was approved on third and �inal reading by the City Council last Tuesday.

The ordinance, proposed under committee on environment and natural resources chaired by Councilor Mahipus, seeks to ensure environmental sustainability of buildings and reduce its negative impact to health and environment.

Based on the draft of the ordinance, that green build-

ing is the practice of adopting sustainable features and measures in the design, construction, and operation of buildings.

The ordinance aims to improve building performance in the aspects of energy ef�iciency, water ef�iciency, materials and waste management, site sustainability, and indoor environmental quality.

A table of energy ef�iciency measures, table of water ef�iciency measures, material

GREEN,P11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Pulse Tech launches new fuel additive

By ANGIE SAVERON

P

hoenix Petroleum’s upgraded fuel is now powered with Phoenix PULSE Technology.

It was launched on February 14 in time for Valentine’s Day as it aimed to bring pulse-racing excitement to Filipino drivers by giving more life to their everyday drive.

DOING IT THE RIGHT WAY. A young girl, together with the other beneficiaries of Colgate Philippine Anti-Activity Campaign in partnership with the Department of Education and Caloocan City, participates in

the tooth-brushing activity during the campaign’s launching at Bueno Park Clubhouse in Caloocan City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

In the statement of Phoenix Petroleum, the technology is called PULSE because the word pulse connotes life and excitement, which is exactly what this fuel additive can do to the vehicles.

It can help give more life to the driver’s everyday drive by ensuring that your car remains energized through its cleaning and protection bene�its.

Phoenix PULSE Technology is a fuel additive with advanced cleaning and protection properties for enhanced power and acceleration.

According to Phoenix Philippines that they wanted to level up their fuel products for this generation’s drivers, the reason why they come up with Phoenix PULSE Technology.

The improved formulation will add value to every peso fueled up at Phoenix.

The technology was developed by world-class fuel experts using the cutting-edge fuel technology- exclusively for Phoenix Petroleum. This innovation puts their fuel products of the

PULSE,P10

President determined to build‘strong’ security forces

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he administration is focused on strengthening the country’s military and police forces, President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday, February 26.

In his speech during the inauguration of a shooting range here, President Duterte reiterated his commitment to further enhance the armed capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to avert any future threats and challenges to national security.

“I wish to announce now that I want to build a strong Armed Forces and a strong police bago ako mag-alis sa aking opisina (before I leave my of�ice),” Duterte said during the opening of the newest shooting range of Armscor in Barangay Catitipan.

“They will have the priority in the purchase.

Well, of course, we want to have the infrastructure but what would it do good to us if we are a weak nation?

Kaya-kayanin ka lang. (You will be treated as a pushover.),” he added.

In line with the continuing modernization program of the government, Duterte announced that the Philippines would be receiving some 5,000 �irearms from a “friendly country” in the coming days.

“I am not at liberty to divulge it but in the next few days we will have about 5,000 more shipment coming from a friendly country,” he said.

He noted that the government is trying to acquire

PRESIDENT,P10

4NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

LGU board to probe ‘defective’corn seeds T

WORDS OF ENDEARMENT. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 director Mercedita Jabagat delivers her welcome speech and inspirational message before guests and awardees during

he committee on agriculture of the Pangasinan provincial board will investigate supposed certi�ied corn seeds sold to farmers in certain towns that were defective and which cobs yielded just a few grains.

The investigation stemmed from the privilege speech of second district board member Raul Sison on Monday, informing that farmers from his district who bought the certi�ied corn seed variety DEKALB 6999s were complaining that the corn plants yielded only few grains in their cobs.

He said farmers from Urbiztondo, Mangatarem, Basista and even San Carlos City came to him, saying that the DEKALB 6999s they bought from Monsanto Philippines,

licensee of the corn seed variety, at PHP4,650 did not yield good result and left them with nothing to harvest.

The corn farmers told Sison the incident was like a calamity that struck them as they spent an average of PHP55,000 in cultivating one-hectare of corn land that was spent for tractor rental and labor as well as in drying grains of corn.

The farmers want a refund of their money from the company. Others want to claim for damages, he added.

Invited by the board in its next week’s season are some complainants - farmers, some barangay captains, the provincial agriculturists, municipal agriculturists of Urbioztondo, Mangatarem and

erate with the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.

“Constructive engagement in a multilateral context is badly needed in our world today,” Cayetano said. “We need to engage and act and not merely name and shame.”

The Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs has been frowned upon by some international organizations.

In his remark, Cayetano underscored that President Rodrigo R. Duterte launched the campaign “to save lives, to preserve families, to protect communities and stop the country from sliding into a narco state.”

“As a sovereign nation, we deserve respect and even support for our right to life and liberty, our sovereign right to self determination, to make our people safe and secure from all threats, terrorism, corruption and criminality,” he said.

On calls for the Philippines to submit itself to investigation, Cayetano said Manila is prepared HUMAN,P11

ANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s Consultative Committee (Con-com), which is tasked to review the 1987 Constitution, voted on Tuesday to adopt a presidential federal form government as among the constitutional revisions.

A total of nine members present voted in favor of the federal-presidential system, which was proposed by Concom member Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. Aside from Pimentel, those who voted for a federal-presidential form were Con-com chairman and former chief justice Reynato

Puno, Antonio Arellano, Virgilio Bautista, Roan Libarios, former Associate Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura, Randolph Parcasio, former Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes, and Laurence Wacnang.

Con-com member Ranhilio Aquino was the sole member to vote for a parliamentary form. He also presented the parliamentary system proposal before the panel.

There were eight who voted for a hybrid or mixed form of federal government, proposed by De La Salle University Political Science Department Dean Julio Teehankee. This model has features

ISSUE AT STAKE. Muslim men bow in reverence during an afternoon prayer at a mosque in Brgy. 23-C Mini-forest, Quimpo Blvd., Davao City on Monday. Muslim leaders in Mindanao warned of massive conflict

between Muslims especially in the Middle East if the planned internationalization of Islam’s two most holy mosques, Maccah and Medina in Saudi Arabia, by Iran and Qatar will push through. Lean Daval Jr

DSWD’s 67th Founding Anniversary Awards Ceremony at the Apo View Hotel on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

Con-com votes to adopt federal-presidential form

Human rights record open for scrutiny, PH tells UNHRC M M

ANILA -- The Philippine government on Tuesday told the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) it is ready to have its human rights record scrutinized but reiterated its appeal to get all sides, and not just the critics who, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), have “politicized and even weaponized the issue.”

During the High Level Segment of the 37th Session of the UNHRC, DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano stressed

the government has always cooperated with the institution. This after the country had been called upon to coop-

CLI to launch two residential projects

L

isted property �irm Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) is further expanding its footprint in Visayas by launching this week two residential projects that will offer a combined 1,615 units.

CLI’s 1,072-unit residential condominium development, MesaVirre Garden Residences, will be introduced to the market on Monday in the Bacolod City growth area.

It targets particularly employees in the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) and overseas workers.

Later this week, it will also introduce Casa Mira Coast comprising 543 economic townhouse units in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, easily accessible to Dumaguete City, which is now also an IT-BPM destination and growth cen-

LGU,P11

CON-COM,P11

ter.

“We’re seeing a lot of economic growth in the South and where there is growth, demand for housing follows especially among the emerging middle class. We are now replicating our housing successes in Cebu in other cities in the Visayas with relative ease given our strong relationships in the area and keen understanding of the market,” CLI president and chief executive of�icer Jose Soberano III said in a statement to the local bourse.

A recent study by leading real estate services �irm Leechiu Property Consultants indicates that the IT-BPM industry appears to be expanding from Metro Manila to Cebu, other Visayan capitals led by Bacolod, and other

CLI,P11

EDGEDAVAO

5 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Student-entreprenuers shine in Ilocos trade fair

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tudents of Ilocos Norte Agricultural College (INAC) in the rural village of San Isidro, Pasuquin town opted to hold a unique trade fair showcasing their significant accomplishments instead of a junior-senior (JS) prom.

Under the shade of trees of the school compound where an array of booths are exhibited, Grade 7 students of the Special Agri-Science Class show off their portable hydroponics project, utilizing recycled plastic galoons, Styrofoam cups and a rice husk.

With the use of snap solu-

tion, 14-year-old Edward Pilar explained that the hydroponics technic is easy to apply as plants can also be grown in soil-less container.

“This is our school project and we can make use of it too in our homes. In a few days, we will start harvesting our own pechay,” said Pilar in Ilokano language as he beams with smile.

Another booth also features Food Technology students selling fruit candies, cookies, cakes, papaya pickles, calamansi jelly, leche flan, and fish sauce among others.

Amanda Domingsil said they enjoy cooking and selling their own products to fellow students and teachers.

While watching the students sell their own products which include bread and pastry, food and beverage items, ornamental plants, fruits and vegetables, electronics, furniture items, livestock and poultry among others, DepEd Superintendent Vilma Eda has lauded the students of INAC for organizing the trade fair instead of holding a JS prom like most students do in urban areas. (PNA)

low-cost deposits and fee-income,” it said.

Core businesses lending and deposit-taking as well as well as fee-based income drove the bank’s earnings last year.

BDO said customers loans went up by 18 percent to PHP1.8 trillion while total deposits rose by 11 percent to PHP2.1 trillion.

In particular, low-cost savings and current account (CASA), which account for 73 percent of the total, ticked-up by 12 percent.

With these output, the bank posted a 25 percent increase in net interest income

to PHP81.8 billion.

During the same period, non-interest income went up by 13 percent to PHP47.2 billion, boosted by the 30 percent rise in fee-based income to PHP28.9 billion.

Last year, the bank’s insurance premiums increased by 23 percent to PHP9.9 billion and this, the disclosure said, “compensated for the expected 20 per cent decline in trading and forex gains to PHP3.9 billion given the challenging market conditions.”

“Overall, gross operating income advanced by 20 per cent to PHP129 billion,” it said. (PNA)

BDO posts 7% hike in 2017 net income

S UPBEAT. Phoenix Petroleum Philippines vice president for external affairs lawyer Raymond Zorrilla proudly announces that the company’s net profit last year was P1.4 billion and it is currently battling for third position in the country’s oil industry. Zorrilla also discussed during a news conference for

the 10th Phoenix Open at Sundays Modern Home Cookingon Monday other company updates and its upgraded fuels powered by PULSE technology, a fuel additive with advanced cleaning and protection properties. Lean Daval Jr

y-led BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) on Monday reported a seven percent jump in net income in 2017 to PHP28.1 billion, boosted by growth across all business segments.

In a disclosure with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the bank said improvements in all its businesses matched the �inancial institution’s earnings guidance for last year.

“Excluding consolidation effects of the life insurance business, however, this represented a strong 15 percent jump in core earnings on the back of solid growth in loans,

Mindanao corners bulk D of ‘Build, Build, Build’ After decades of neglect, island gets P23B for infra

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fter decades of neglect, Mindanao is now in the “front and center” of the government’s infrastructure buildup under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program, with several bigticket projects to be either rolled out or completed this year to link the island’s outlying communities to the urban mainstream, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. In the Zamboanga Peninsula alone, Dominguez said the government has allocated P23 billion this year for road construction and improvement projects.

Dominguez said here that funding from the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, the �irst package under the Duterte administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), will help support this unprecedented infrastructure

buildup for Mindanao and the rest of the country, as well as bankroll the government’s increased spending on social services.

“For many years, the people of Mindanao complained of neglect by Imperial Manila…The many decades of neglect will end now. This island of great promise will be in the front and center of the massive infrastructure program being rolled out by the Duterte administration,” said

Dominguez at the Zamboanga City Hall grounds during the 81st Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga celebration.

This celebration marks the day Zamboanga became a chartered city on Feb. 26, 1937. Zamboanga City is one of the Philippines’ oldest chartered cities.

Dominguez, who was born here and traces his family’s roots to this city, declared during the celebration that the big-ticket infrastructure projects being rolled out in Mindanao by the government will “bring the entire island to the mainstream of national progress.”

He pointed out that President Duterte, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez all hail from Mindanao, while the current composition of the Cabinet “have a lot of working experience in the region.”

“So today is the time for

Mindanao,” Dominguez said.

He said such unprecedented public investments for Mindanao will fast-track development in the South as infrastructure has the “best multiplier effect” on the economy.

With infrastructure spending reaching P8.4 trillion over the next �ive years, Dominguez said gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate will expand to 7 percent or better and poverty incidence will fall to only 14 percent by 2022. “‘Build, Build, Build’ will help stimulate economic activity in all provinces, without exception,” Dominguez said.

He cited as heroes the citizens who pay their taxes “promptly and in full” for making possible “an economic renaissance for our country.”

“Thanks to the support of

MINDANAO,P11

Residents of Brgy. 76-A graduate in Davao Light’s Project B.E.S.T. avao Light and Power Co., Inc. welcomed 17 new certi�ied electricians from Brgy. 76-A, Davao City after completing the Project Basic Electrician Skills Training or B.E.S.T. of the electric utility.

Davao Light’s Project B.E.S.T., which is in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) XI, is a community-based training that aims to provide opportunity for bene�iciaries especially the outof-school youth to become TESDA certi�ied electricians and prepare them for livelihood. The project also aims to create a pool of certi�ied electricians in barangays

whom they can easily call for their electrical or wiring needs.

“In exchange of the free training, all you need to do is to be the best that you can be. That’s already enough for us. You prove to the community that you can be the best because we strongly believe in the potential that you all have.

Congratulations to all of you and thank you to the Aboitiz Group, TESDA and the barangay for making this happen.” said Congressman Jericho “Koko” Jonas B. Nograles in his speech during the commencement day held at the SIR Phase 1 Covered Court in Brgy. 76-A, Davao City last February 15, 2018.

6 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Road loop to lure visitors to Comval’s destinations T

NPA presence bars entry of investors in Comval

By JUDIE VEGA

T

he Provincial government of Compostela Valley is setting up a “one adventure in one loop” consisting of a 65-kilometer road project that would bring tourists within 30 minutes to the tourist destinations in the province.

Christine T. Dompor, senior tourism operations of�icer of Compostela Valley, said on Monday that the province is setting aside about P100 million for the project that is expected to be completed in the next two years.

“The road corridor, based on the plan of the provincial government, would expand from the Davao-Butuan National Highway and Mawab junction in the municipality of Mawab to the highlands of the municipali-

ties of Maco, Maragusan, and Pantukan,” she said.

Dompor said that the projects include the paving of the roads leading to Salvosa Falls in Pantukan; the Bongkilaton road leading to the Mandaya village, Pansan Falls, Bongkilaton cave and Tagbubunlas Falls in Barangay Ngan, in the municipality of Compostela; the Magsaysay road leading to Aqualime Mountain Resort in Barangay Magsaysay; the road in Mainit of Nabunturan leading to the

Mainit protected landscape; and the Linda road leading to the eco-park in Barangay Linda, both in Nabunturan; the roads leading to Awao falls in Monkayo, Mahayahay cave inside the Camp Manuel Yan Sr. ecomilitary park in Mawab; the roads leading to the waterfalls of Miyaya, Pyalitan; the raf�lesia site in Mapawa, Maaragusan; and the Mampising road leading to the Marine Centre in Barangay Tagnanan in Mabini, as well as the road access to Lake Leonard in New Leyte, Maco.

“Once completed, it would be easy to access the tourist destinations. In the entire loop, you can see tourist destinations like the waterfalls, Lake Leonard, Raf�lesia in Maragusan, cold spring and volcano,” Dom-

por said.

Dompor said the project is intended to advocate wellness for the tourists as the sites like the cold and hot springs would help improve the health of the travelers.

“Aside from springs, we offer healthy foods and juices, which are fresh from the farms, would also be served to the tourists,” Dompor said.

Dompor said that based on the plan of the provincial government is developing the Amakan Crater, Raf�lesia site, Miyaya Falls, Pyalitan Falls, Tagbibinta Falls, Marangig Falls, Mainit Sulfuric Waterfall Hotspring, Lake Leonard and Salvosa Falls.

She added that a 70-seater bus operated by the government that would transport the tourists to the destinations of the province.

he peace and order situation in Compostela Valley has made businesses wary of investing in the province, an of�icial of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 said Monday.

In an interview, DTI-ComVal provincial director Lawyer Siegfred M. Balleque said the province needs to improve its peace and order situation if it wants to become a prime investment destination in Davao Region and realize its full economic potential.

“In Comval, there is NPA problem. That’s one of the challenges that we hope the government will solve. Peace and order is one of the factors that are being considered by the investor,” he said.

Balleque added investors would want to make sure to sustain their businesses and recover investments but added the insurgency problem in the province would make them wary of entering the province.

But he said they continue to promote the province’s

potentials such as agri-business, tourism, aquaculture and “green mining” through the staging of a biennial Comval Business and Investment Conference (Biz-Con).

He said around 350 investors and sellers are expected to participate in BizCon on March 5, a gathering of industry players that share common interests, exchange new information and experiences. It also serves as a strategic avenue to learn best practices.

This year’s conference will highlight aquaculture, banana, cacao, coffee, tourism, and green mining.

Themed “Enriching the growing business and investment opportunities in Comval,” Balleque said the program is “an investment promotions strategy of the province primarily to promote potential investment areas that are gaining ground and are continuously providing jobs and income for the community.” (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

ever. The perfect scenic view was simply a bonus.

On November 1, our kind of commemorating the All Saints’ Day, we had day-long road trip from Davao City to Koronadal City, Tupi, Polomolok and lastly to General Santos City where I stayed for the rest of my travels. On my 8th day in Mindanao, we went to a beach resort in the famous Gumasa in Glan, Sarangani Province. The beach is actually quite impressive because of its white powder-like sand that is genuinely affordable for those on a budget.

On the following day, our activity was not for the faint-hearted. Aside from being the highest zipline in Southeast Asia, it actually made your heart beat faster. The Seven Falls zipline in

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato was an adrenaline-pumping ride of a lifetime for those, like me, who has a fear of heights. It comprises of a 700-meter ride passing two falls and another 400-meter ride over a deep ravine. The following day, we braved the forests of Tboli and headed to Lake Holon, once dubbed as the cleanest freshwater body in the Philippines.

Getting there with a crying sky was not a piece of cake but once you arrive there, it was worth your thousand steps. We tasted the fresh tilapia from the lake offered by the locals and our dinner was just a blast. For our last day, the tuna capital of the Philippines, General Santos City, was on the list. It is the largest producer of sashimi-

Charming Mindanao under Martial Law

Breathtaking ride at Southeast Asia’s highest zipline, in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

CONTRIBUTED BY WENDY R. CUEVAS (LAGUNA)

B

eing a traveller, completing the 81 provinces that comprise the Philippines is pretty much of an accomplishment.

Now pegged at 7,641 islands from the original 7,107, you even �ind it hard where to start exploring the breathtaking destinations in the country. Well, in my case, it was a bit easier since I reside in Luzon. So far, most local and foreign tourists prefer to go to various destinations in Luzon and the Visayas, instead of Mindanao. There are many reasons, but foremost among them is security issue. There are terror threats in some areas

in Mindanao. Some destinations are con�lict-ridden and, in fact, the entire island of Mindanao is placed under Martial Law until the end of 2018. All these impressions make a typical tourist afraid of exploring equally beautiful places of the country’s second largest island. But Mindanao is huge that it is such a disgrace that the whole island is stained by the stigma attached to few provinces.

I encountered some lively people to set a unique adventure to discover Mindanao and share its beauty to the rest of the world. One of them is Jill Jasmine Mana-

ay-Gramo, my newly found friend from Gen. Santos City, whom I met in Manila.

I am very fortunate to meet her because she opened the door for me to easily explore the “Land of Promise”. The original plan was just to climb Mt. Apo, but I decided to extend my stay there for few more days since I found myself very fascinated with the place. Jill managed to establish an ideal itinerary within a very short time frame.

We arrived at Davao International airport late at night of 26th of October last year. Getting in hotel is not hard, unlike in Manila,

because of the courteous and respectful taxi drivers.

I personally felt secured all along. Since we arrived a day early in Davao, we reserved a whole day for a city tour.

We went to People’s Park, Crocodile Farm, Chinese Temple and capped the day with dinner at the famous Davao Night Market. Early morning of 28th of October, we started our four (4)-day trek to Mt Apo. Climbing the highest mountain in the Philippines via Boulder Face was not that easy but through the resilient spirits of the people I was with, it turned out to be my �inest, greatest and the best hike

CHARMING,P11

Trying out the T’boli costume and it made me feel like a totally new person. I loved everything about the dress.

7 PROPERTY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Matina Enclaves’ Arcadia to be launched in Q1

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

D

on’t look now but the city’s premier sports, wellness and recreation center will open its doors no sooner.

The Matina Enclaves recently announced that it will be launching its new development soon-the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center--within the �irst quarter of the year.

“We are happy to announce that

the Arcadia is set for completion by the �irst quarter. We will make the announcement once the �iner details of the construction are through,” said Gerald Kent Garces, project head of the Matina Enlaves, the prime real estate project of

Davao-based developer Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco).

Once completed, the state-of-the-art facility will serve clients and residents with a wide complement of �itness equipment and facilities.

Swimming enthusiasts will �ind home in the new lapping pool while basketball gymrats will have a homecourt of their own. Other facilities include boxing, and biliards.

Arcadia will also have restaurant,

function rooms, and coffee Shop to complement one’s �itness needs or to simply catch up with friends or talk business on the side.

The three-level active lifestyle center is

expected to change the health and wellness landscape in Davao. It is located right across the Matina Enclaves complex and right next to the Davao City Golf Club in Ecoland, Quimpo Boulevard.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

A

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Tall order

fter the succesful hosting of the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet, Davao City is now gearing up for a double next year--re-host the DAVRAA and then host the Palarong Pambansa.

The city is looking at winning the bid for the Palarong Pambansa after the regional of�ice of the Department of Education (Deped) handed over the hosting of the DAVRAA 2019 back to the city with no takers from other cities or provinces in the region.

It is not easy to host a regional sports event and having hurdled the initial test was already a major achievement for Davao City. Re-doing it next year should be easier than the �irst time.

However, when you do both the regional and national games with just about two months of interval is going to be a tall order.

First, the budget will be a major issue as it will entail a huge

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cost. Hosting the Palaro will be like hosting an event �ive times bigger than DAVRAA. There’s around 15,000 to 20,000 people converging here for the event. However, the cost may be considered an investment to boost sports tourism and draw more big ticket events in the future like the Southeast Asian Games.

Second, there’s the venue fatigue factor. With just two months in between the two events, the playing venues and accommodation may not have ample time for repairs and recovery. This is crucial as the venues need to be in tip top shape for the Palarong Pambansa. When Davao del Norte hosted the Palaro in 2015, they passed the hosting of the DAVRAA to Mati City instead so they could fully concentrate on the Palarong Pambansa. Preparing for the Palaro takes a full year or more.

While Davao City has the capability of doing both one after the other, it is best that it ‘conserve’ its energy and resources for the big one.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Mindanao is now “front and center”

M

any have already opined that Davao and Mindanao is the new capital of the Philippines, the “seat of power” and “cradle of new leadership.” These plaudits are well deserved, since the Davao region in particular has boasted of economic growth and low unemployment rates that surpass the country’s average for several years.

On the business front, the recent Davao investment conference and Davao trade Expo in 2017 attracted the largest turnout of any business event in the city, breaking attendance and income records for the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCII). Last years Mindanao Business Conference in Cagayan de Oro also drew a record audience.

In both Cagayan de Oro and Davao cities, long shelved road projects such as

T

o avoid a repeat of the many deaths of Pinoy OFWs, DOLE should totally ban the placement of Pinay DHs to Arab and Muslim countries in the Mideast.

Why? Because it appears that Arab and Muslim culture assumes that foreign domestic helpers they hire become their slaves. This has been proven by the string of horrendous physical abuses suffered by Filipino women who work as “kasambahay” in various ME countries.

The kilometric tales of woe told by many returning DHs make my blood boil because our women are arguably the most ef�icient OFWs, especially in the �ield of homemaking and child and maternal care.

Unfortunately, the harrowing case of Joanna Demafelis of Iloilo, who died due to physical abuse and torture and whose corpse was stored in a freezer to

coastal roads designed in the 2000s to decongest the city have �inally received their funding, and have begun or are nearing completion.

To follow will be the long awaited expansion of their airports to allow more regional �lights from ASEAN. The Mindanao railway and Davao port expansion are long awaited and may yet see commencement within 2018. The new Zamboanga airport will also be prioritized to decongest the city’s core by spurring economic activity on the large airport area.

All these concrete infrastructure projects shows that after decades of neglect, Mindanao is now in the “front and center” of the government’s infrastructure buildup under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

With more to come in

Inclusion (TRAIN) law, the �irst package under the Duterte administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), will help support this unprecedented infrastructure buildup for Mindanao and the rest of the country, as well as bankroll the government’s increased spending on social services.

He said such unprecedented public investments for Mindanao will fast-track MY TWO CENTS’ development in the South as infrastructure has the John Carlo B. Tria “best multiplier effect” on the economy. True, as it almore areas. In a statement, lows all types of business to Finance Secretary Carlos create ef�iciencies in supply Dominguez announced that and distribution that allows the Zamboanga Peninsula them to lower costs and get government has allocated their products to market in a P23 billion this year for road fast and ef�icient manner. construction and improveThis infrastructure ment projects. spending alone will reach Dominguez said that P8.4 trillion over the next funding from the Tax Re- �ive years, pushing gross form for Acceleration and domestic product (GDP)

growth rate will expand to 7 percent or better. This is also expected to, in effect, lower poverty incidence to 14 percent by 2022.

Today, Indonesia is at 15% while we are at 2223%. We have a long way to go, but infrastructure will drive growth numbers up and poverty �igures down as they did for Malaysia and Thailand, which �irst had their own “build build build” in the early 2000s.

While all these strike a hopeful chord among many in Mindanao, what remains to be done is up to us, for the Philippine public to be vigilant in monitoring the progress of these projects against delays and anomalies, by taking videos of project sites and posting them on social media. Now is the time.

For reactions: www.facebook.com/johntriapage

avoid detection, is the best testimony that our “kababayans” are not safe. They are literally treated very lowly like animals and slaves of yore.

Many more past abuses in the hands of Arab and Muslim employers have been previously recorded and narrated. But none paralleled what Demafelis underwent.

I say that DOLE should henceforth selectively deploy only semi-skilled, skilled and professional OFWs who signi�icantly have helped raise the standards and quality of our labor force.

Filipino women who want to augment the family income are better off staying at home, take care of their children and just let their husbands shoulder the burden of �inding work abroad if he so desires.

There is less of a family problem this way, don’t you think so?

After all, what use is the money earned in a foreign

This is not correct.

If a family can sacri�ice sending abroad its father or mother or sister or brother because of higher than the minimum wage offered despite unwarranted threats, dangers and risks, why should not the family instead focus on pooling their efforts together so that there is no need to worry about the physical situation of an absent relative who goes abroad for “greener” pastures?

I know of a single mom from Pangasinan who gave up her low salaried teaching job in exchange for a higher income overseas.

After ten years, she realized that the bigger income she was earning failed to compensate her long physical absence from her family.

Returning to her hometown, she eagerly went into business and engaged in retail ‘bangus’ (milk�ish) business which eventually �lourished. She is now an estab-

lished businesswoman and was awarded “Entrepreneur of the Year” several years ago.

Filipinos should not be sucked into the overwhelming prospects of getting rich while working abroad. There is no guarantee that like the other OFW who made it before him, the same fortune will befall on the next guy.

Sadly, the mournful cries of Joanna’s parents, relatives and friends will not bring her back to life.

As we write this piece, hundreds more OFWs are availing of the amnesty offered by ME countries and are now being repatriated safely to the waiting arms of their welcoming families.

There is no place like home. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

Prov.28:2. “When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Home is where the heart is

URBAN STREETGAZER Dario G. Pampanga, PhD

country if like Demafelis, your beloved DH relative returns home in a cof�in?

Pres. Duterte has expressed his fatherly concern about countless OFWs who cry for help when they are subjected to inhuman treatment by their Mid-East employers.

Besides, Filipinos are wont into biting – hook, line and sinker – the common reasoning that there are no jobs that can be found locally.

10NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018 that the city will host.

Ungab said Mayor Sara Duterte is working hard for the completion of the sports facilities in the city.

“Silent worker si Mayor Sara and we are closely working together for the successful hosting of the Palarong Pambansa at the new Sports Complex in the third district (Mayor Sara is a silent worker and we are closely working together for the successful hosting of Palarong Pambansa at the new Sports Complex in the third district),” he said.

Earlier, Department of Education (DepEd) 11 regional director

lawyer Alberto Escobarte said he is confident that the hosting Palarong Pambansa next year will be awarded to the city.

Escobarte said the city has enough playing venues which is an advantage for the said event and the modern sports facility UP Min is set to commence early next year.

On February 28, the city government will formally submit their bid to DepEd national office for the hosting of Palarong Pambansa.

City Sports Division Office head Michael Denton Aportadera said the city is ready for the hosting since once the sporting facilities are in place.

bigger players in the oil industry.

The car owner will have three benefits from this technology first it avoids fuel filter blockage for diesel-powered vehicles, second it removes deposits from fuel injectors, valves and piston surfaces and third it provide engine protection

The technology allows the furl to run smoothly in the vehicle’s engine and burn it efficiently, resulting to enhanced power and acceleration. With more power and more acceleration, the owner can experience a smoother and a worry free drive, be it in the city or out of town.

firearms from countries other than the United States to be able to equip the military and police with the necessary weapons to quell the threat of terrorism such as the Marawi siege.

“We will survive and we will win these pocket wars. And we will be a great nation someday,” he stressed.

The President likewise raised the possibility of arming the military reservists and graduates of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) to combat terrorism.

“But if things get worse, I will allow the mobilization and the maybe purchase of the ROTC and those guys who have had military training and I will allow you to use, bear the high-caliber firearms,” he said.

“You attempt to attack a city, then we are prepared and I’m sure we are capable of doing it,” he said adding that he would strengthen the government force by adding thousands of troops.

Meanwhile, President Duterte insisted that the campaign against illegal drugs would continue despite the International Criminal Court’s decision (ICC) to conduct a preliminary examination.

“It will not stop the war against drugs. ICC or no ICC, it will proceed and it would last until the day --- of the last day of my term,” the Chief Executive said.

He underscored that discontinuing the war on illegal drugs would “compromise” the future generation.

“So dito sa panahon natin, tapusin na lang natin ‘to. (Let’s finish this within my term.) So I have three more years plus. And maybe at the end of my term, we would have --- not really get rid of everything because that’s impossible but bring it to the barest minimum,” he said.

The President reiterated that he has no plan to perpetuate himself in power and his only ambition is to serve his country with utmost dignity and pride.

“Wala man akong ambisyon except to serve my country, make it a good place for all of us, comfortable, and when my time comes, I will go. No problem. No ambition to stay any bit longer,” he said.

Prior to his speech, the Chief Executive showed his shooting skills as he fired several rounds at the newly opened firing range.

PND

It added that the demolition will be undertaken in accordance with Rule XV on “Protection and Safety Requirements for construction and demolition of building/ structure” of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the

Presidential Decree (PD) 1096, or the National Building Code of the Philippines.

The combined �loor area of the four-story building is 60,568 square meters, Catubig said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

PULSE... FROM 3

EASY DOES IT. Badjao children gamely pose for the camera and flash peace sign while they are playing at their community in Brgy. 23-C Isla Verde on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

BOUNDARY... FROM 1

with a heavy heart to ponder that in spite of our abundant marine resources our fishermen remain to be the underprivileged regardless their significant contribution to our economy,” he said.

He said Republic Act No. 8550 as amended by Republic Act No 10654 Section 4 No. 64-66 otherwise known as Fisheries Code of the Philippines states in part that small fisher folks are only allowed to catch fish within the boundaries of Municipal Waters which is 15 kilometer from shoreline.

“The declining number of fish catch within the municipal waters over the years have adversely affected our fisher folk who are left below the poverty line, which oftentimes resulted them into drastic measures such as sailing farther beyond the law provides,” he said.

But, Baluran said what leads to the problems for this sector is the encroachment and illegal intrusion of commercial fishing vessels in the municipal waters which is supposedly reserved for small fisher folks.

“Oftentimes, these problem re-

mains to be unresolved,” he said. He said, out of desperation, fisher folks go beyond he allowable fishing grounds to catch fish just enough to sustain their family daily needs.

“Worst scenarios, many of them we apprehended by BFAR and were given board letter for corresponding penalty,” he said. “I am aware of the Latin maxim Dura Lex Sed Lex” which mean the law is harsh but it is the law. But I am appealing out of compassion and mercy to our concerned agencies to look into this primordial concern,” he said.

He said fishermen are the ones who are responsible for the fish being sold to the market for consumption. Baluran said the alone needs more or less 60 tons of fish deliveries every day to meet up its daily consumption and presently, this demand is far way to reality. He said in September 12, last year, he already requested the concerned offices to urge tuna suppliers to increase their daily allocation in the city from 3.5 tons to 20 tons of tuna for city wet markets for the benefits of the consuming public.

School Performing Arts Guild and various Davao artists will be showcased.

The official list of Araw ng Davao events will also be announced during the opening pro-

gram.

The highlights of this year’s month-long celebration include the Datu Bago Awards (March 13) Pasidungog (March 12), Parada Davaoeño (March 16), Araw ng

ARAW... FROM 1

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

Davao Street Party (March 17) and the Mutya ng Davao pageant (March 15).

The celebration will also include activities that were scheduled but postponed during the Pasko Fiesta celebration last year, such as the Lamdag sa Parada (March 3), Koro sa Araw ng Davao (March 11), and Davao Unplugged Battle of the Bands (March 18). CIO The celebration for the 81st Araw ng Davao will officially start on Thursday, March 1.

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte will lead the formal opening of the festivity, which will begin with the Misa Pasalamat at the San Pedro Cathedral.

It would be followed by the Pasiugdang Pagsaulog (Initial Celebrations) at the Rizal Park at 6 o’clock in the evening, where dances and music performances by

the Sta. Ana National High School Performing Arts Guild and various Davao artists will be showcased.

The official list of Araw ng Davao events will also be announced during the opening program.

The highlights of this year’s month-long celebration include the Datu Bago Awards (March 13) Pasidungog (March 12), Parada Davaoeño (March 16), Araw ng Davao Street Party (March 17) and the Mutya ng Davao pageant (March 15).

The celebration will also include activities that were scheduled but postponed during the Pasko Fiesta celebration last year, such as the Lamdag sa Parada (March 3), Koro sa Araw ng Davao (March 11), and Davao Unplugged Battle of the Bands (March 18).

CIO

Ungab said.

Ungab said the track and field oval and the main stadium will be completed in May this year.

“Ang track and field oval matapos na by May. Ang stadium installation of chairs na lang kulang matapos na rin cguro by May (The track and filed oval will be done by May. The stadium, only the installation of chair which could be also finished by May),” he said.

He said the construction of the indoor sports facitlity is already

completed and they are just waiting for the intallation of electricity and water.

However, he said the construction of the swimming pool has yet to commence since the bidding process is still ongoing.

Ungab said the construction of the Olympic-sized swimming pool will be made within 300 days or about 10 months.

But, he assured that by January next year, all of the facilities will be ready for the big sporting events

UP... FROM 16

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

PRESIDENT... FROM 3

DEMOLITION... FROM 2

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LONGINITO AMBO who died on January 11, 2003 at Pundaguitan, Governor Generoso, Davao City, Philippines has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.233; PageNo.47; Book No.156 Series of 2018, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LILIA SENADJAN GARCIA who died on November 21, 1999 at Ricardo Limso Medical Center, Inc., V. Ilustre St., Davao City, Philippines has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.262; PageNo.53; Book No.156 Series of 2018, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FELY SINADJAN GAVARRA who died on July 29, 2006 at San Pedro Hospital, Davao City, Philippines has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.261; PageNo.53; Book No.156 Series of 2018, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN

2/28, 3/7,14

2/28, 3/7,14

2/28, 3/7,14

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

STYLE

AS ONE ENTERS Trisha Seng’s airy, mod-chic studio, the inviting racks and flattering lighting greet you upon arrival.

The young Davao-based designer is in her element, chatting with clients and helping them to their sizes this bright and early Saturday morning.

Milling around her are her equally chic sisters and it suddenly feels like a couple of girls in their bedroom swapping stories and dresses. This is fashion-savvy territory and one can’t help but pay a social call as Trisha and her sisters launch their retail brand, aptly named Sisters Society.

Anyone who is acquainted with the Seng sisters - Stephanie, Shauna, Stacey, Trisha and Tanya - will not be all that surprised that they decided to foray into clothes. At an early age, their mother Susan began nurturing their love for fashion by curating their closets with both timeless and trendy pieces. Their dad played the role of critic and together they raised five independent-minded girls with varying eyes for fashion.

Their varying style preferences, body shapes and personalities however are only second to the undeniable bond they share that has led to what they call their greatest collaboration to date.

23-year old Trisha would be the sibling to seriously pursue fashion. She took it up as her major in college and went on to take short courses at the University of the Arts, Central St. Martins in London, the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court, London Embroidery Studio and Instituto di Moda Burgo in Milan, Italy.

Now back in her hometown and having set up shop for her made-to-order clients, she will likewise be chiefly responsible for constructing her stylish sisterhood’s ideas from paper to fabric. They have envisioned a brand that reflects their personal styles as well as one that can be worn by girls who are unafraid to make a statement.

Their first collection, informally dubbed Color Pop, throws a nod to current trends but in true Seng fashion, has expertly been tailored to make the coolest of introductions.

There are but a handful of pieces in limited quantities and they all jump out in terms of

She’s Electric dress in citrus makes for one sexy tart of an ensemble.

A social call to

Sisters Society Their Vermillion pants is calling to you.

The sensational sisters behind Sisters Society - (left to right, standing) Shauna Yap, Trisha Seng, Tanya Seng; (left to right, seated) Stephanie Ong and Stacey Seng.

Stephanie Ong and your writer. punchiness and fun wearable styles. These are not clothes for the girl who doesn’t love to stand out yet they are the perfect ones for the more sartorially conservative to try to muster more confidence. They encourage dress-up and going out after - pastimes to be enjoyed arm in arm not surprisingly, with your closest of sisters. The preppy-made-elegant Mondrian coordinated sets and their pencil-cut stunner called She’s Electric in energetically charged citrus and cobalt are standout pieces to be had.

They have a bevy of navel-grazing tops that invite the contrast of being worn with higher waisted bottoms. Finally, with the makings of a brand that is destined for a cult following, they include buttery-soft tees stamped with their SS moniker

for all girls to enjoy tucked into their ripped jeans or dressier pleated skirts. Price-wise, they sell at a sweet spot of around P1,000 to P4,500 considering the design process and careful construction.

Sisters Society shows a lot of thoughtfulness for a new brand.

You see it in the trimmings and how everything comes together - all you would come to expect from these fashion-worldly siblings whose influences range from Kinsfolk to kitschy Japanese and Korean fashion magazines, their penchant for bold lip colors and their tastes for well-made accessories. They are the stars of their own lookbook and in their own play of styling and words give us a glimpse of how well-rounded the five of them make their brand. Their initial offering really shows

how they mean to honour the global sisterhood of like-minded fashion fans who adore adding versatile pieces to their closets. Now, wouldn’t you say this is a kinship for absolute keeps?

Follow Sisters Society on In-

stagram at @shopsisters.society. For inquiries, send a Direct Message or email shopsisters. society@gmail.com. For information on Trisha Seng Apparel and Design Studio, send an SMS or Viber 0917-7288310.

A2INdulge!

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Talk about travel on social media:

AirAsia launches RedTalks

TRAVEL IS ABOUT FINDING UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES and meaningful connections and AirAsia, the world’s best low cost carrier, has teamed up yet again with multi-awarded TV host, producer, entrepreneur, blogger, and UNICEF Special Advocate, Daphne OsenaPaez, for the second season of RedTalks, a series of travel webisodes (web episodes) that premiered in AirAsia’s Facebook page last year.

The season two of AirAsia’s RedTalks with Daphne was officially launched at a press gathering held at the Twilight Roof Deck of Bai Hotel in Cebu with AirAsia Philippines Chairperson Maan Hontiveros, AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador and AirAsia Foundation’s Executive Director Mun Ching Yap. “AirAsia is a sociable and innovative brand and we embrace social media not only to engage our fans but also to inspire and connect with our guests. With RedTalks, we are bringing back the era of talk TV and magazine shows to online audience with a refreshing approach using a platform that has become so effective and popular” shared AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador.

AirAsia RedTalks host Daphne Oseria-Paez said, “The quality of stories and the online engagement we got last year when RedTalks was launched have been overwhelming. For this new season, we aim to raise the level of discussion and cover a wide range of topics to engage our audience and inspire them to have meaningful connections.”

Media and bloggers from Cebu, Davao and Manila got an exclusive peek of the show’s pilot episode titled “Sweet Connections” at the press launch.

Daphne travels to Davao with Chef JP Anglo who has been regarded as one of the new generation “rock star chefs” because of his flair for creating edgy dishes with strong local Filipino identity. They talked about creating something fresh and new using the award-winning Malagos

chocolates. The new dish, which I am excited to taste in the near future, will be included it in AirAsia’s Santan in-flight menu.

The second episode is about empowering women, a subject matter that AirAsia has been championing through the airline’s former CEO and now serving as chairperson, Maan Hontiveros. Before Maan assumed the responsibility of establishing AirAsia operation in the Philippines in 2011, she was a staunch advocate of performing arts and the environment, a broadcast journalist, and a civic leader who has been hailed by the Filipina Women’s Network as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World (Global FWN100)TM - Builder award category in 2014.

Maan’s story of disrupting the ordinary to create value in the lives of women and marginalized groups was presented in a lively discussion during the press launch hosted by radio DJ Tracy Abad-Prado.

The third episode of RedTalks will feature David Foster and AirAsia’s collaboration to find the best and tap into a diverse pool of talented, skilled, and creative individuals in the Asean region. Human Trafficking being a serious global issue has reached the Asean shores at an alarming rate. In episode four of RedTalks, AirAsia Foundation tackles the issue head on in raising awareness and training airline personnel across the region and beyond to combat trafficking.

In the fifth episode, Daphne goes to Bali, Indonesia to take part in the much celebrated food festival in Ubud and interacts with farmpreneurs to learn about upscaling farmers through innovation. Economic Officer of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia A. Arief Adnan was also at the event to promote the Bali experience.

Cambodian Living Arts (CLA), a non-profit organisation based in Phnom Penh, has been facilitating the transformation of Cambodia through the arts by providing arts education, capacity building of arts leaders, and opportunities for emerging artists to generate income and create a sustainable environment for the arts. CLA’s success story takes the center stage in the

sixth and final episode of RedTalks. Daphne delves into the partnership between the AirAsia Foundation and CLA and how their collaboration brings life and breath to a dying art form.

The latest season of AirAsia’s RedTalks aired last February 27 at 7:00 PM on AirAsia’s Facebook page watch out for the upcoming episodes by liking AirAsia’s Facebook page.

AirAsia’s RedTalks is brought to you by AirAsia Foundation, AirAsia Big Loyalty, and Rokki.

Follow Daphne’s journey using #AirAsiaRedTalks. Keep updated with AirAsia’s latest promotion and activities via twitter (@AirAsiaFilipino), Facebook (tacebook.com/AirAsiaPH) and on Instagram (@AirAsiaFilipino).

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Lazada announces grand winner of the brand-new Isuzu mu-X CALL IT LUCK OR DESTINY but for the Iloilo-based government employee Melen Botin, it’s her faith that brought her to win the brand-new Isuzu mu-X at Lazada’s Online Revolution Sale during the grand raffle draw last January 14.

The Online Revolution Sale, which started in 2012, is considered as the biggest online shopping event in Southeast Asia, attracted over 150 million users due to its massive volume of products from

home improvements, apparels and fashion accessories, health and beauty products, gadgets and electronics, among others.

To make the shopping more exciting, Lazada has partnered with leading

diesel commercial vehicle manufacturer Isuzu, to give shoppers a chance to win a brand-new Havana Brown Isuzu mu-X LS-A automatic transmission with Blue Power technology.

From millions of users who purchased from Lazada, Botin—a mother from Jaro Iloilo City—was declared as the grand winner of the Online Revolution Sale after she bought a planner, shampoo and flip flops worth P2,000, which served as her main ticket entry in the electronic raffle.

Present during the awarding ceremony were Ray Alimurung, Commercial Business Head for Retaial and Brands of Lazada Philippines; Joseph Bautista, Division Head of Marketing Isuzu Phils. Corp., Yasuhiko Oyama, Vice President for Sales Isuzu Phils. Corp.; and Online Revolution grand prize winner Melen Botin.

The official turnover of the Isuzu mu-X unit was held at Lazada warehouse located in Santa Rosa, Laguna last February 14.

“We are celebrating

with the winner (Botin) as she won the grand prize of Lazada’s Online Revolution. We are happy to partner with Lazada to give their shoppers an opportunity to own their dream vehicle. We are also confident that the Isuzu mu-X will serve as a reliable vehicle,” said Yasuhiko Oyama, Vice President for Sales of Isuzu

Phils. Corp.

“More than being the grand winner, it’s the value of the vehicle that’s worth rewarding. The Isuzu mu-X is certainly the perfect SUV that provides great fuel economy, flexibility and versatility to their family,” he added.

The Online Revolution Sale has been the yearly campaign of Lazada al-

lowing their online shoppers to experience an amazing deals and huge discounts from different leading brands.

“Online shopping has already reshaped the ecommerce industry. Internet changed the way we go shopping from virtual non-existent to a real marketplace even on car buying,” Oyama said.

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

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EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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MARCH... FROM 2

council if they will agree with me, to urge congress that the Republic Act should be correspondingly be appealed or amended to declare March 1 as Araw ng Davao” he said.

He said there is nothing wrong celebrating the Araw ng Davao in

the 16th of March, it could still be the official celebration but for he just want to set the record straight in the history books of Davao because for him history is very important and it cannot be changed because it has been recorded.

efficiency measures, IEQ measures and table of site sustainability measures per building type have been provided in the ordinance.

Mahipus, said that a green building technology is the setting up of structures using environmentally-sound mechanism that makes the building cost-efficient in the use of power water as well as improve its lifespan.

The proposed ordinance, seeks to prescribe additional mandatory measures that have been pre-determined through detailed analysis to achieve savings in energy and water efficiency, materials and waste efficiency, indoor environmental quality and site sustainability with total floor areas greater than 20,000 square

meters, office buildings with total floor areas greater than 10,000 square meters, educational buildings with total area greater than 5,000 square meters, retail buildings with total floor area greater than 15,000 square meters, hotel buildings, hospital buildings, and government offices.

According to the proposal, green building requirements shall apply entirely to new buildings and prior to the construction of a building developers must secure certificates for their building design and construction. Violators of the ordinance will be penalized between P500 and P5,000 or imprisonment of two months to one year, or both at the discretion of the court.

the Philippines is alive, effective and working,” Roque said in a statement issued Saturday.

“Senator De Lima has been detained because of drug charges. She is the mother of all drug lords by allowing the illegal

drug trade to proliferate inside the National Bilibid Prison when she was the Department of Justice Secretary,” he added.

De Lima had denied involvement in illegal drug trades. (PNA)

Basista as well as local distributors of DEKALB 6999s.

Sison asked: “Where will the farmers get money to pay for the loans that they have obtained for planting corn since their product did not get good result?”

Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya told newsmen that a parallel investigation is now being conducted by her of�ice with regard the incident as she called

all the affected farmers to her of�ice to discuss the matter.

She admitted that it is only this year that DEKALB 6999s certi�ied corn seeds came out, adding that the previous certi�ied corn seeds from Monsanto Philippines turned good yields.

She said in the old variety, the town of Urbiztondo was harvesting seven metric tons of corn per season. (PNA)

of both presidential and parliamentary forms.

Those who voted for a hybrid form were Arthur Aguilar, Eddie Alih, Ali Balindong, Ferdinand Bocobo, Susan Ordinario, Rodolfo Robles, Edmund Tayao, and Julio Teehankee.

Under the committee’s rules, the votes should reach the majority votes of the members present, which is 10 votes.

A run-off vote was hence conducted, which involves Concom members voting by raising their hands.

Eleven voted for a presidential form while seven voted for a

hybrid or mixed form.

Alih and Balindong changed their votes from hybrid to presidential while Aquino changed his vote from parliamentary to hybrid.

The deliberations lasted for eight hours which started 10 a.m. Tuesday.

‘Familiar’ system Votes for a presidential and hybrid forms were nearly tied before Puno, the last member to vote, announced in his speech that he was for a presidential form as he had “reservations” for the two other forms proposed.

(PNA)

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EDGEDAVAO

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but noted it is imperative that all UN special rapporteurs strictly observe the special procedures code of conduct and methods of work and avoid politicizing the issue.

“When she culls evidence only for what might support her prejudgment, he or she loses the moral high ground and is stripped of any credibility. All we ask for is fairness,” he said.

Referring to Agnes Callamard, UN Special Rapporteur on Summary Execution and Extrajudicial Killing assigned to probe the anti-drug pro-

gram, Cayetano asked the UN not to send someone who had already prejudged the administration.

“There are 7.5 billion people in the world; send anyone except one who has already prejudged us, and who, by any measure, cannot be considered independent and more so, objective,” he said.

“How will the honorable members of this Council convince countries to work with it if there is a perception of prejudice and prejudgment?” he asked. (PNA)

parts of the country.

Soberano said the company is in a unique position to meet real estate demand in the Visayas and Mindanao regions where it is focused.

“We’re set to roll out a total of 16 projects this year,” he said, “With more agreements now under negotiation. It is de�initely the right time to further develop real estate in VisMin where there is real demand.”

CLI offers a range of residential developments from topend residential condominiums, to mid-market, economic and socialised housing. It has also diversi�ied from residentials to mixed-use development and hotels.

Residentials account for 67 percent of its total sales value; commercial-of�ice developments, 22 percent; and hotels, 11 percent. (PNA)

grade tuna in the country.

Travelling around Mindanao under Martial Law is not horrifying at all. It is far different from the war-torn places often reported by the mainstream media. I am not exaggerating because if it is not safe, I would not be able to write this article and share my superlative, incomparable adventure. I was awed by the unexpected gentleness, the positivity of the place and fascinated by

its raw beauty, the kindness and hospitality of the people dwelling there that would consistently remind you that I have been in one of the greatest places in the world.

This April, I am journeying again around Davao, Surigao, Agusan, Bukidnon and South Cotabato, and I will be happy to share again with you my story, as an outsider, of how I got charmed by Mindanao.

and other future activities.

“The budget for this 3-leg tournament in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao is 12M, but all the income will be given to Phoenix Foundation,” Atty. Raymond Zorrilla, VP for External Affairs, Business Development and Security said.

A number of 200 swingers are expected to be part of this milestone year of Phoenix Open.

There will be amateurs from manila and south east asian golfers.

Phoenix had also tied up with the World Amateur Championships Golf Tournament that the champs of the three tournaments will get a chance to have their scored qualified and represent in Malaysia.

This event is powered by Phoenix PULSE Technology which is launched last February 14, and presented by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., Luzviminda Engineering and Pioneer Insurance,

also co-presented by Mechatrends Contractors Corp. and Tata Motors. Cooperators of this event are Measurement & Controls Technology Inc., Seadove Maritime Services Inc. Major Sponsors are Credit Suisse, The Coffee Bean Tea and Leaf and Trans-Overseas Industrial Corp.

Gold sponsors are Banana Telecommunications, Inc., Phil Asia Logistics Inc., Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Inc., and FSC Metal Corp. Silver sponsors are Visayan Surety & Insurance Corp., Development Bank of the Philippines, Kewlsolutions Limited Co., Mithras Securtiy Agency, Philippine Global Communications, Inc., Simpson’s Philippines, Inc., Multinational Foundation, Inc., and United Overseas Bank.

For more information, please contact Ms. Liloh Evangelista at 0917-362-0880 or email at phoenix.opengolf@phoenixfuels.ph.

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NEWS 11 WILL... FROM 15

combination to penetrate his challenger’s forti�ication in the �irst few rounds. This exhausted Reveco and when he was slamed with a piercing right punch to the face near the end of the sixth round it was clear that the Argentine was agonizing. He wobbled as he went back to his corner.

The one-minute rest period was not enough for Reveco to delete the cobwebs on his head. Nietes charged on him at the start of the seventh round and exploded with a right hand that badly hurt him. Nietes then pounced him with three damaging body shots and a powerful left hand to the head to send him down to the canvas.

Reveco stood up to beat referee Eddie Hernandez Sr.’s count, but his corner threw in the towel to save him from further punishment and Hernandez stopped the �ight at 53 seconds

of the seventh canto.

“When I watched him going to his seat, he was groggy, and I wanted to �inish him the next round,” said Nietes referring to Reveco’s reaction.

Nietes’ record improves to 41 wins, one loss, and 4 draws with 23 KOs, while Reveco falls to 39 wins and four defeats, including 19 KOs. “I’m happy because I had a sensational knockout,” exclaimed a joyous Nietes after the KO win. “I think it was a perfect 10.” When asked on what’s next, the champ replied, “Anybody. I just want to �ight the big names out there. Whichever champion is going to come forward, I want the �ight.”

“I knew it was a huge �ight.

I prepared hard. I know people are always rooting for a knockout. It’s a good thing, I’m very happy,” he commented on his initial �ight on HBO.

exploit it if ever that kind of matchup happened again. ... The opportunity presented itself so I was already prepared for it and I took advantage,’’ Mbah a Moute said.

The Jazz seemed determined to limit Harden and run the Rocket’s top shooters off the 3-point line but Mbah a Moute exploited the open shots and lanes to the basket to keep the Jazz at bay.

Mbah a Moute went 7-for-7 and Chris Paul added 15 points for the streaking Rockets, who trailed by as many as 15 in the first half. ‘’That was a big grind-out game for us. We got here and didn’t know what guys were going to be out, so it was just next-manup,’’ Paul said. ‘’We expect Luc to take and make those shots. We trust each other.’’

Coming in, it was a matchup of two of the hottest teams in the NBA. The Jazz had won 12 of 13 games but couldn’t find easy baskets against the Rockets scram-

bling defense.

Gobert scored 17 and Donovan Mitchell had 16 to lead the Jazz, who were 7-of29 from 3-point range - including the Jazz rookie who was 1-of-9. ‘’We just weren’t together,’’ Mitchell said. ‘’Unforced errors -- I had eight turnovers out of 22. That’s damn near half. Just mental mistakes.’’

Rockets missed 15 of their �irst 17 3-pointers themselves but the cold spell didn’t last as Trevor Ariza hit back-to-back long balls to give the Rockets their �irst lead of the second half at 59-57. Sti�ling defense helped stretch that to a 77-65 advantage early in the �inal period with Harden on the bench for much of a 14-2 run.

When Mitchell drove for a dunk with 4:30 left in the second quarter, the Jazz took their largest lead at 44-29.

our taxpayers, we are now ready to implement some of the strategic infrastructure projects that will benefit Mindanao’s economy. These projects will link the outlying communities to the mainstream of national wealth creation,” Dominguez said.

In the Zamboanga Peninsula alone, Dominguez said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has a total of 754 road projects in the pipeline amounting to P23 billion for 2018.

Of these projects, 102 are road construction and improvement projects for Zamboanga City worth a total of P1.16 billion,

which include the 36-kilometer By-pass Road Project that is targeted to be completed this year.

Once completed, the road will serve as an alternative route for business from the neighboring cities of Dipolog and Pagadian plus municipalities in the Peninsula transporting goods to the Zamboanga Freeport Zone in Labuan, Zamboanga City. The bypass road will reduce the travel time from one hour to 30 minutes from east to west of Zamboanga City and vice versa.

Dominguez told local officials present at the gathering to keep him informed on the progress of this project. (DOF)

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EDGEDAVAO

12 AGRITRENDS

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

The grass that feeds Filipinos Fourth of Five Parts

TEXT and PHOTOS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

E

very night, an average Filipino joins at least 3.7 billion other people who go to sleep still hungry. Their hunger, however, is not the growling, aching kind that most people experience when they have not eaten a meal.

Rather, the hunger is somewhat silent and insidiously stunting their bodies and brains, weakening their immune systems, and sapping their energy. The prospects for living productive lives is questionable.

This hidden hunger – as most nutritionists called it – is called malnutrition and it contributes to killing an estimated 40,000 people every day!

“We’re still losing one generation after another to malnutrition and this just shouldn’t be happening anymore,” deplored Dr. Howard Bouis, a senior research fellow at the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute.

“One more rice, please.”

That call, which rings at dining time in almost all restaurants and kitchenettes all over the country, sums up the eating habits of the typical Filipino to whom eating is a matter of �illing up.

Since most people can’t �ill up with ulam (viand), they �ill up with rice.

A study research done in 2009 to 2010 and conducted by South- east Asian Regional Center

(SEARCA) commissioned by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PRRI) said that Filipinos eat an average of 119 kilograms of rice annually. Another research found that Filipinos consume about 4-5 cups of cooked rice per day.

Nutritionists claim rice contains carbohydrates, protein, minerals, vitamins, and �iber. Most of the white rice available in the supermarket is enriched, which means it is supplemented with iron, niacin, and thiamine. But most of these added nutrients are lost if rice is washed before cooking or drained afterward.

Brown rice, with its healthful bran layers, contains all these nutrients naturally, plus �iber, oil and vitamin E. It is

also low in sodium and

fat, with no cholesterol.

Since rice is consumed in great amounts, the cereal is a good vehicle for solving the malnutrition problem in the Philippines. And this can be done by food forti�ication.

According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), food forti�ication is “the addition of one or more essential nutrients to a food, whether or not it is normally contained in the food, for the purpose of preventing or correcting a

ics, the signi�icant function of iron is to carry oxygen in the hemoglobin or red blood cells throughout the body so cells can produce energy. Thus, it enhances body strength, activates brain performance, and boosts body resistance against sickness. Iron also helps eliminate carbon dioxide from the body.

However, the recommended level of iron in the body is classi�ied by gender and age.

Males aging from 14 to 18 are recommended with 11 milli-

demonstrated de�iciency in one or more nutrients in the population of speci�ic population groups in which a risk of nutrient de�iciency has been i d e n t i - �ied.”

One of the nutrients identi-

grams, and aged 19 and above must have 8 milligrams daily intake. The daily intakes for females aged 14 to 18, 19 to 50, and 51 and above must have 15 milligrams, 18 milligrams, and 8 milligrams, respectively. This indicates that females need more iron than males.

A person who does not get enough iron from his diet will have a lower hemoglobin level. “If this condition is prolonged, one will be suffering from iron de�iciency anemia or IDA,” warns FNRI, a line agency of DOST. IDA develops when body stores of iron drop too low to support normal red blood cell production. “In the Philippines, IDA is very serious across population groups,” FNRI says, adding it is most common among newly-born babies (from 6-11 months old) and pregnant women.

Among children, the consequences of IDA include poor

“The impact of hidden hunger on people’s health is very real. It can result in more frequent and severe illness and complications during pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, and childhood.” – International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

�ied as lacking in Filipino diet is iron. “Iron is one of the most important minerals in t h e body,” a press release issued by the Department of Scie n c e and Technology (DOST) explained.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietet-

scholastic performance due to poor cognition, low attention span, and frequent attacks of illness due to lowered immune response.

Low and poor productivity due to easy fatigability are what adults experience when they have IDA. Pregnant women with IDA, on the other hand, may suffer from stillbirths, miscarriages and hemorrhage, or worst, death of the baby.

In a recent National Nutrition Survey, it was found that the Philippines has national iron-de�iciency prevalence rate of 11%. Another nutritional survey suggested that about 50% of the iron intake, even among high-income households, comes from the cereals, particularly rice and corn.

Balancing cereal-based diets with vegetables and animal products is one approach used in some developing countries to address malnutrition problems. But results were frustrating. Vegetables and animal products are expensive, and seasonal, subject to spoilage because of limited storage and transport facilities.

In 2000, the government signed the Food Forti�ication Law or Republic Act No. 8976.

It stipulates mandatory forti�ication of staples like rice with iron and voluntary forti�ication of processed foods with iron, vitamin A and/or iodine.

In 2004, the National Food Authority (NFA) forti�ied rice with iron. “NFA led the implementation of the law and has imported iron premix rice (IPR) forti�ied with ferrous sulfate using coating technology from the United States as no locally produced IPR was available at that time,” said a brie�ing paper on iron-forti�ied rice (IFR).

The IFR was distributed to already “identi�ied nutritionally-at-risk areas” through Food

for Schools Program. Unfortunately, the NFA forti�ied rice was less accepted by consumers due to the dark yellow-colored iron premix in rice and the darkening color of cooked rice. In 2010, NFA stopped the importation of IPR and is now committed to utilizing locally-produced IPR. For its part, FNRI developed IPR made from rice �lour blended with iron – with micronized dispersible ferric pyrophosphate as forti�icant – using extrusion technology, which proved to be stable for one-year storage with iron content still retained.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information said ferric pyrophosphate is “a water-insoluble iron compound used to fortify infant cereals and chocolate drink powders.”

In a study conducted among school children in a public school in Pasig, it was found that there was “a very signi�icant decline in anemia prevalence from 100% to 33%.” The IFR was rated as “liked moderately” to “liked very much.”

The ancient Indian name for rice, dhanya, meaning “sustainer of the human race,” indicates its age-old importance.

In Java, where it is the gift of the goddess Dewi Siri, people believe that rice has a soul and may be spoken to as a relative.

An old Chinese relief for aching bones, stomach upsets and colds was toasted brown rice and minced ginger root simmered in wine, tied in cloth and rubbed on the joints, stomach or chest.

“Grain upon grain, fresh and delightful as frost, a dazzling jewel, to what can I compare this treasure,” wrote Chinese poet Yang Ji. -- (To be concluded)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

NEWS 13

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14 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

7 Datu Bagu awardees for 2018 named

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he public announcement of the seven Datu Bago Awardees for this this year was made by Councilor Pilar Braga during the regular session of the City Council on February 27, Tuesday.

Beethoven Sur

Belen Laud

Dr. Aland David Mizell

Norma Javellana

Ricardo Obenza Jr

Br. Carlito Gaspar

Nieto Vitto

The Datu Bago Award is awarded to individuals who have contributed to the development of the city of Davao with exemplary competence and dedication. This person best serves as a model of excellence and an aspiration to the residents of Davao city.

Awarding ceremony will be held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on March 13, Tuesday.

The awardees are Bro. Carlito Gaspar who is a missionary, theologian, anthropologist and a writer. He champions the cause of preservation of the Lumad culture and is a staunch peace advocate through interfaith dialogues.

He is also a historian and he continues to study and write about Davao City and its people, culture and experiences.

Norma T. Javellana was selected as an awardee because of her advocacy in protecting the environment particularly her tireless effort for the protection of the Shrine Hills.

She is also an advocate of green open spaces, watershed protection and other environment concern.

Belen C Laud has made a mark in the cooperative movement having served in various capacities in about

nine cooperatives as an outstanding leader as consultant, accredited mediator and conciliator, cooperative auditor and a formidable lecturer.

Fr. Aland David Mizell is an American social scientist who spent more than a decade of his life here in Davao City serving the disadvantaged and the marginalized through scholarship he gave o poor students; alternative schooling t inmates in Ma-a jail. He also organizes soccer games for the poor children if Isla Verde. He also organizes foreign exchange programs for both faculty and students to student abroad for free.

Ricardo N. Obenza Jr. He is an environmentalist, a teacher and an artist. His untiring advocacy with art led to his collaboration with the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Kinaiyahan Foundation, the PNP , schools and other agencies. He initiated tree planting in Calinan and Marilog watershed. He always makes art that blend perfectly with environment and nature. He gained international exposure after having been featured in the Wochi Kochi Magazine of the Japan Foundation when Prabda Yoon wrote about him.

Beethoven N. Sur’s advocacy is centered in the

Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA). The PCGA is a non-government volunteer organization, the counterpart of the Organic Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). He served as commodore and District Director of the Southern Mindanao Command. His sterling leadership as district director has paved the way to promote environmental protection; assuring safety of life and property at sea. His humanitarian and outreach programs to name a few are annual coastal clean-up scholarship, relief goods during calamities, mangrove and reef growing. The PCGA has been a partner of the City Government during Calamities and disaster and in the City disaster preparedness.

Nieto L. Vitto is the champion of special children or differently-abled children through his Special Education Program for the graduate School of University of Southern Philipines (USEP).

He initiated the sports for the disabled thus enabling our special children to enjoy sports to promote healing and well-being. He is an educator who blazed the trial for Special Education for which he received several awards nationally and internationally.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

P1M, Harley, cars in Phoenix Open

PHOENIX OPEN. Phoenix Petroleum Philippines corporate, affairs manager Beethoven Sur (right), together with vice president for external affairs lawyer Raymond Zorrilla (center) and tournament organizer Liloh Evangelista, discusses the details of the upcoming 10th Phoenix Open during a news conference at Sundays Modern Home Cooking on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

L

ucky ace scorers of the 10th Phoenix Open Golf Tournament are out to win a whopping P1 million, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, two Tata Manza cars and P100,000 worth of Phoenix Petroleum fuels and lubricants.

The windfall of prizes are but a few things making the 10th edition of the tournament a mega gol�ing event on March 17, 2018 at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club.

This will just be the �irst of the 3-leg tournament,

which will happen nationwide this year.

Team, Partner and individual winners will each receive a Royal Selangor Pewter Plate and Phoenix Petroleum cards. The champs will also bring home a limited edition Phoenix

signature golf bags. Every player will also get a chance to win prizes in the fairway challenges and in the raf�le draw during the awarding ceremony on the same day.

Registration will start on March 1 at the following outlets: Rancho Palos

magine this. Longest reigning Filipino champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes versus Dabawenyo world champ Jerwin Ancajas.

It’s a dream �ight nobody wants to happen for the simple reason that Pinoys want to keep both Nietes and Ancajas as champions.

However, the possibility is there after Nietes himself said he might move up to the 115-lb division where Ancajas is the reigning titleholder of the IBF. When asked if he is ready to �ight the IBF super�lyweight champion from Panabo City, Nietes answered, “Right now, my stablemate Jonas Sultan is the mandatory to �ight Jer-

win Ancajas. So right now I’m not looking at Ancajas.”

“Whatever’s out there.

Right now, I want to �ight the big names out there. If there’s a huge �ight at 112, I’ll stay at 112. If there’s a uni�ication bout at 112. But if the big names are at super �lyweight, I’ll move up to 115,” declared the ALA Gym world titlist.“[I want to �ight] Chocolatito and whomever wins between Sor Rungvisai and Estrada.” Rungvisai went on to win that �ight.

Nietes did not fail the hordes of his American �ight fans who witnessed Super�ly 2 with a very impressive stoppage of his Argentinean challenger Juan Carlos Reveco in the 7th round of

his IBF �lyweight title defense at the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood, California.

Nietes used a method-

Verdes Golf and Country Club, Apo Golf and Country Club, Dencio’s Kamayan at SM City Davao and at Phoenix Mega station located at Lanang, Davao City.

The fee will be P7,500 per player to qualify in the team, partner and individual categories with the inclusion of a JBL Trip communication audio system by Harman Kardon, an Under Armour shirt and cap and

a Phoenix golf umbrella which will be given to the registered player during the tournament day.

“Everyone will not go home empty handed after this event,” Liloh Evangelista, Tournament Organizer stated.

The ceremonial tee off will be at 9:30 in the morning headed by the Davao Rockstar Dennis Uy and Pioneer Insurance’s CEO.

The Phoenix Open is a fundraising event which is just one of the activities of Phoenix Corporate Social Responsibility headed

by Mr. Beethoven Sur who is also an awardee of this year’s Datu Bago Awards.

This will be for the bene�it of the Phoenix Philippines Foundation and its projects on education, environment, health and safety, outreach

P1M,P11

Rockets nail Will Nietes fight Ancajas? 13th straight W I ical technique and established an early advantage over Reveco, using his 1-2

WILL,P11

DOMINATING. IBF flyweight champion Donnie Nietes of the Philippines punishes Juan Carlos Reveco of Mexico en route to a KO win.

S

ALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Time and again in the fourth quarter, Luc Mbah a Moute saw 7-foot-1 Rudy Gobert guarding him on the perimeter.

His eyes lit up.

After all, he had a feeling this might happen and the Rockets forward took advantage. ‘’I just slowed down and took what the defense gave me,’’ Mbah a Moute said. ‘’It’s always fun to make them pay for a mismatch and make shots.’’

Mbah a Moute scored 15 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter and James Harden had 26 points to lift the

Houston Rockets to their 13th straight win, 96-85 over the Utah Jazz on Monday night.

Playing the second side of a back-to-back set at high altitude, nothing seemed to come easy for the Rockets but the Jazz committed 22 turnovers, many of them unforced, to ease the pressure.

Mbah a Moute saw Denver center Nikola Jokic guard him for a while on Sunday night admitted it threw him off. Against the Jazz, he was ready. ‘’I watched the tapes this morning and saw how I could

ROCKET,P11

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 235 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

CLOSE SHAVE Team Duterte-CMO bounces back, nips IBP 64-63 O

ne hailmary shot and an endgame blunder.

That’s what it took for Team Duterte-CMO to avert a second straight loss to rival IBP. The Duterte-CMO Execs went through the eye of the needle before hacking out a 64-63 squeaker over the Lawyers in Game 3 of their 2018 basketball friendly series on Friday night at the Genesis 88 Gym. Team Duterte banked on a wild crucial game winning shot and IBP’s last second blunder at the stripe to pull away with a tight win and retake the series upperhand, 2-1.

Armand Dioso had the chance to win the game for IBP after he was fouled off to a time out with three ticks left.

But the IBP ace gunner missed the two pivotal free throws. The second attempt went short that left all the players from both teams scrambled for the ball as the time expires.

Duterte-CMO top scorer Sec. Christopher “Bong” Go unloaded a ‘quietly ef�icient’ 28 points to lead the charge for Team Duterte.

The sweet-shooting special assistant to President Rodrigo Duterte hit a total of four triples capped off with a crucial trey that gave Team Duterte the lead, 62-61, with 45 seconds left in the game.

Joel Aberilla chipped in 11 baskets as Eugene Labor who nailed the go ahead basket, 64-63, with 4 seconds remaining in the game, had seven.

Dioso top scored for IBP with 15 as Ongkiko made 11.

The game was close all throughout marked with several lead changes and deadlock.

Team Duterte just came out with much resolve in besting IBP in nail biting �inish.

The win enabled Team Duterte, which won Game 1, to bounce back quickly from last game’s heartbreaking loss.

Team Duterte defeated IBP 18th times in 24 games including last years series.

Last years series went 16-1 for Team Duterte with four games ended to a draw.

ONE ON ONE. Sec. Bong Go goes one on one in this file photo. He fired 28 points to lead Duterte-CMO on Friday's 64-63 win against IBP.

UP sports facilities ready for 2019 Palaro C

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. onstruction of the sports facilities inside the University of Philippines Mindanao in Davao City is expected to be completed soon and should be ready for major sports

events next year.

This was bared by former 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab in an online interview.

“Pwede na pareho sa DAVRAA

(Davao Regional Athletic Association) ug sa Palarong Pambansa 2019 (This can be used on both DAVRAA and Palarong Pambansa in 2019),”

UP,P10