Edge10 issue 237, March 2-3, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

SHOTS. President Rodrigo Duterte fires a few shots from a high-powered gun as he attends the opening ceremony of the National Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) Challenge at the Team Davao Inc. Pistol and Rifle Range in Davao City on Thursday. SAP Bong Go

‘95% READY FOR CRISIS’ ‘Bato’says local police need to coordinate more L

aw enforcement agencies in Davao city are 95 percent ready to cope with crisis situations but still need to strengthen their coordination, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa voiced the assessment with reporters after the staging of “Southern Storm,” an anti-terrorism and crisis management drill at the Abreeza Mall Davao.

He admitted that coordination was their “weakest link” but assured there is no

letup in their preparation for any terror attack similar to the Marawi siege where government forces engaged Islamic State-inspired militants for �ive months.

Dela Rosa, director of the Davao City Police Of�ice from 2012 to 2013, said law

enforcers here are trained, prepared, and equipped to respond to any crisis situation but staging a simulation exercise (Simex) was necessary to strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies, city and barangay of�icials.

“Ginawa ang Simex na ito, dahil nakita nating yung weakest link natin is coordination, ginawa ang Simex para coordinated lahat – interoperability ma-establish (We did the Simex because our weakest link is coor-

95%,P10

Bigger budget allotted for Araw ng Davao

By JUDIE VEGA

T

he city government of Davao has allocated a total budget of P14M for the staging of the 81th Araw ng Davao, an increase of 17 percent from last

year’s P12M budget.

Orly Escarilla, spokesperson of Araw ng Davao 2018 said on Thursday during

BIGGER,P10

A1

The return of the Tzar

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

MILESTONE. Bakery Fair chair Bien Enrico Ah (center), Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. president Peter Fung (6th from right), and Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre (5th from left) lead the cutting of ribbon to mark the opening of 2018 Bakery Fair-Davao at SMX Convention Center in Lanang on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

First Bakery fair T unfolds in Davao

Ilocos schools told: no lavish graduation rites

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he first Bakery Fair Davao commenced on March 1, 2018 at SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang Premier.

The three day event was organized by the Filipino-Chinese Association, Inc. (FCBAI) as its 10th International Exhibit on Bakery, Confectionary and Food Service Equipment and Supplies.

According to Bien Enrico Ah president of FCBAI, half of the events were shown at the Bakery Fair 2017 at the World Trade Center Manila. He said that the major exhibitors last year are here in Davao.

This event offers free technical seminar and

product presentation from FCBAI’s exhibitors. A total of 76 local and foreign exhibitors are in the Bake Fair.

The organizers are expecting 5,000 people to come to the event.

He said that they are here in Davao because they wanted to bring the knowledge, the technology to the Dabawenyos.

He chose Davao in answer to inquiries as to when will the group hold a fair in Mindanao. He also found out that the airfare going to Manila from Davao is ex-

pensive and he thought that the participant has to �ind a place to stay and they are not familiar with the place “ It was shoot down three times but I was �irm with my decision and as I’ve said the exhibitors are at my back even the director said no I was very bullish in coming here to Davao with or without them I could just change the name, my exhibitors are there,” Ah said.

Ah was able to convince majority of the FCBAI’s board of directors to conduct the Bakery Fair here in Davao City for which he was very thankful.

Majority of the exhibitors are supported the idea of having the bake fair

in Davao. During the �irst booking 75 percent of them signed up some of them are �irst timers some of them are not.

He said he bought seven engineers from Manila and from Cebu t support the Davao Contractors in constructing the booths for the exhibitors.

“It took us four days for the ingress and three days for the show and the nightmare was we only had 16 hours to pull out everything. This is something we as an organizer have to ready the technical team, to plan but I would say as what the management and the security guards have said

information about Davao’s history, as well as Dabawenyo culture. It will also help cultivate their appreciation of the local heritage and arts at an early age.

Orly Escarilla, the of�icial spokesperson of this year’s Araw ng Davao celebration, said around 300 to 400 elementary students will be the target audience of the Dabawenyo Ako! activities .

Dabawenyo Ako! includes activities such as

storytelling for Grades 2 to 3 pupils inside their classroom by licensed tour guides.

“The stories, which are told through powerpoint presentations, focus on the history of Davao hero Datu Bago,” Escarilla said.

He also added that there will be a walking tour of the photo exhibition of Davao’s “Then and Now.” which will target Grades 4 to 6 pupils.

The activity will be con-

ducted in 11 elementary schools all over the city, including Marilog Central ES (March 2), Matina Pangi Central ES (March 5), Baguio Central ES (March 6), Tugbok Central ES-SPED Center (March 7), Don Juan dela Cruz ES (March 8 ) , New Matina ES (March 9), A. Pichon ES (March 12), Sto. Niño ES (March 13), Teo�ilo V. Fernandez ES (March 14) and Jose L. Porras ES (March 15). CIO

FIRST,P10

Dabawenyo Ako! lectures underway

D

abawenyo Ako!, a series of interactive learning lectures with tours on Davao and being a Dabawenyo was launched Thursday morning at the Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School covered court.

Themed “Luyo sa ngalang Dabawenyo — kaniadto ug sa kasamtangan sa dakbayan sa Dabaw,” the activity aims to educate grade school children with basic

he Department of Education’s (DepEd) of�ice in Ilocos Norte has reminded teachers and parents to observe simplicity in celebrating moving up or graduation ceremonies this end of school year 2 ‎ 017-2018.

DepEd Order No. 25 series of 2017, which prescribes guidelines on closing exercises, has scheduled end of school year rites between April 2 and April 6.

On Thursday, Schools Division Supt. Vilma Eda reiterated to all concerned schools in the province the policy on avoiding excessive spending during graduation rites, including the use of extravagant attire, extraor-

dinary venue, or using the occasion as a political forum.

“Graduation exercises should be simple but meaningful. So, we are appealing to all parents. We know well that there are those who can afford but there are also those who cannot,” said Eda, citing it is more important to focus on teaching values to children, such as simplicity and frugality.

Based on the DepEd memo, all expenses related to the activity shall be charged to the school’s maintenance and other operating expenses, and not on contributions or solicitations from donors.

ILOCOS,P10

US terror tag cause to hit Maute : PNP

T

he United States’ decision to declare the Maute Group as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” (SDGT) only highlighted the Philippine government’s efforts to neutralize the terror group, the spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said late Wednesday.

“That is good news for us at magkakaroon tayo ng (and we will have) more reasons (to) go after this group,» Chief Supt. John Bulalacao said when sought for comment on the matter.

The declaration will also greatly impact the group’s capability to raise funds as its sources could be monitored by foreign and local

authorities, he added.

Earlier, the US Department of State designated ISIS Philippines, ISIS West Africa, and ISIS Bangladesh as “SDGTs” under Section 1 (b) of Executive Order 13224 as “Foreign Terrorist Organizations”, pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Also tagged as SDGTs were ISIS-Somalia, Jund al-Khilafah-Tunisia, ISISEgypt, and the Maute Group.

With this development, American nationals have been prohibited from transacting with these groups while their properties or holdings in the US have been blocked. (PNA)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Bid to arm ROTC grads nothing new: DND chief

T

here is nothing new with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s announcement that he is willing to arm Reserve Of�icers Training Corps (ROTC) graduates and other reservists should terrorism worsen in the Philippines.

“Other countries do it, like Switzerland (and) Israel. They have a small standing armed force backed by a huge reserve force that continually trains with the active force,” Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Del�in Lorenzana said Thursday.

Lorenzana said they were looking at the possibility of each region having a reserve unit, consisting of

retired military of�icers and ROTC graduates with a core group of active duty of�icers and enlisted personnel.

“Their cadres (of�icers and enlisted personnel) will be active military. They will have their Regional HQ with armories where they will keep their individual �irearms. They can use these �irearms during training,” he said.

And should these formations be used in combat, peacekeeping and disaster response missions “will have of�icial orders calling them for limited active duty, like we did with the Lanao del Norte Reserve Battalion during the Marawi Siege”, Lorenzana said. (PNA)

NEW BEGINNING. President Rodrigo Duterte leads the unveiling of the Bahay Pag-Asa Phase 2 Housing Marker at Brgy. Mipaga in Marawi City on Wednesday afternoon. Joining the President are Philippine

Army Commander Lieutenant General Rolando Bautista and Tarlac Heritage Foundation, Inc. Co-founder Dr. Isabel Suntay. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Vigilance urged to prevent fires City Hall adopting

By ANGIE SAVERON

“Ligtas na Pilipinas ang ating Hangad at Pag-iingat sa Sunog ay sa Sarili Ipatupad, ” this is the call of the Bureau of Fire Protection to Dabawenyos for the month of March, also known as Fire Prevention Month.

“This is the call of the BFP to the Dabawenyos to really be careful and be vigilant to prevent �ire incidents,” said SSUPT Wilberto Rico Neil A. Kwan Tiu, Regional Director, Region 11 during the kick-off ceremony of �ire prevention month at the Davao City �ire district of�ice on Wednesday.

The month of March is considered as the Fire Prevention month because of

the proclamation number 115-A signed by then president Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Kwan Tiu said that March signals the start of summer although even this has changed with climate change.

He said that based on the data on 2016 there were 1424 �ire incidents and on 2017 there were only 760, last year had a lower number of �ire incidents however this incidents are more costly because of the burning of several facilities of Davao-based Lapanday Foods Corporation and the NCCC mall �ire which costs billions.

“We are trying to reduce

VIGILANCE,P10

flexible work hours

By JUDIE VEGA

T

he city government of Davao will be implementing a flexible work schedule or ‘flexi-time’ for all its employees due to the heavy traffic situation in the city.

The City Information Of�ice on Thursday said that the �lexi-time scheme refers to an alternative work agreement other than the employees’ prescribed work schedule, but will still follow the 8-hour mandatory working period per day for �ive days a week.

The CIO said the work schedule was spelled out in a memorandum issued by City Administrator Zuleika Lopez.

In issuing the memorandum, Lopez said that the traf�ic congestion has affected a number of employees, particularly their stress

EXCESS WATER TO GOOD USE. A firefighter waters the plants using the excess water from a fire exercise, which is part of Southern Storm, held at Abreeza mall on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

level, which compromises productivity with work.

“The �lexi-time scheme will grant government employees the opportunity to render service at their most conducive time with respect to the traf�ic situation at present,” Lopez said.

The adoption of the �lexi-time schedule is in accordance with the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 14 issued in 1989, which says that “Flexible Working Hours may be allowed subject to

the discretion of the head of agency, provided that the forty (40) hours work week shall not be reduced.”

Lopez said under the scheme, government of�ices will open beyond the 8-5 working hours and clients can still be entertained.

Under the proposed �lexi-time schedule guidelines, an employee may choose his or her reporting time from the following: Scheme 1: from 7 am. to 4 pm; Scheme 2: from 7:30

o protect the youth from criminal and immoral social in�luences, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Palawan will deliberate an ordinance that seeks to impose “discipline hours”.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board member Marivic Roxas, the proposed ordinance’s author, said the “discipline hours” would be imposed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on youths below 18 years old.

Citing the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Roxas said Wednesday the welfare of Palawan’s youth has to be given attention because of their future role in society.

“We need to protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and overall welfare, as well as their future participation in nation build-

ing. That is why we thought of passing this ordinance,” she said.

Roxas said that due to technology, the youth’s exposure to adverse in�luences is high, such as the use of prohibited drugs, and gambling.

“At night time, they are prone to accidents and crimes perpetrated by unscrupulous individuals. The discipline hours can help set them on the right path,” she said.

Roxas said her proposed ordinance also gives emphasis to the participation of parents or guardians, who would be answerable in case their minors get involved in crimes or accidents.

The ordinance has been referred to the Committee on Rules and Law of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. (PNA)

CITY,P10

Palawan set to enact ‘discipline hours’edict T

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

Use of bio-plastic bags in GSC nixed

T ICING. A pastry chef decorates the cupcakes with buttercream frosting during the first day of Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association Inc.’s (FCBAI’s) 2018 Bakery Fair-Davao at SMX Convention Center in Lanang on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

he local government has granted the request of business leaders here to extend or delay further the full implementation of the Plastic Bags and Styrofoam Use Ordinance.

The local law bans the use of plastic bags and styrofoam package containers by city business establishments.

In line with the request approval, the city government has also allowed the continued use of biodegradable plastics in stores and malls before resorting to use of paper bags.

Mayor Ronnel Rivera on

T

he head of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) in Davao City is set to meet with officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in Manila on Friday to negotiate for a higher government subsidy for jeepney operators who will be affected once the implementation of the High Priority Bus System (HPBS) goes full throttle.

Ivan Cortez said in an interview on Tuesday that the city will try to ask if the DOTr can work on increasing the subsidy to P110,000 from P80,000 per unit turned over for the “scrap-

page” program since the City Government will not avail itself of the national government’s jeepney modernization program.

The DOTr agreed to exclude the city government

hilippine monetary of�icials forecast domestic rate of price increases to range between 4 and 4.8 percent in February 2018.

“Higher electricity rates and food prices, along with the full pass-through of higher excise taxes on petroleum products and sugar sweetened beverages, could lead to upward price pressures for the month of February, “ the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), citing its Department of Economic Research (DER), said in a statement Thursday.

In the �irst month this year, in�lation rose to 4 percent from month-ago’s 3.3

percent due to faster rise of the heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages to 4.5 percent from the previous month’s 3.5 percent and the double-digit rate of the alcoholic beverages and tobacco index to 12.3 percent from 6.4 percent last December.

Core in�lation, which excludes volatile food and oil, registered at 3.9 percent, faster than the 3 percent last December and 2.5 percent in January last year.

With the in�lation uptick last January, central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board revised upwards its average in�lation forecast for this year to 4.34 percent

from the jeepney modernization and back its plan to push through with the bus system project instead, Cortez said.

“The DOTr likes the plan of Mayor [Sara Duterte].

They just want to straighten out the social package program because what we are proposing does not �it to what they offer,” he said.

If parties would agree on the social package scheme, Cortez said the DOTr would make a recommendation to the National Economic Development Authority-Investment Co-

ordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) that would process the loan package for the HPBS from the Asian Development Bank.

“Given the directive to hasten the infrastructure projects, I don’t think they (DOTr) will delay it. For as long as all papers are ready for evaluation, they will take action,” he said.

Once the ADB loan is approved, Cortez said they expect the initial implementation phase to commence by 2019. This will include acquisition of road-right-

from 3.4 percent last December.

The 2019 forecast was hiked to 3.49 percent from 3.23 percent last December.

Earlier, BSP Monetary Policy Sub-Sector (MPSS) Managing Director Francisco G. Dakila Jr. said the adjustment in the central bank’s average in�lation forecasts for the two-year period was made after the Board included the impact of the implementation of the �irst package of tax reform starting January 1 this year.

“In the December 14 meeting (of the MB), the impact of tax reform was not included in the baseline

forecast. Now that TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) law has been passed, the baseline assessment includes the TRAIN impact,” he said.

He added that the MB, in his policy meeting last December, considered the impact of the proposed tax reform program as an upside risk to the rate of price increases.

TRAIN’s �irst package cut workers’ income tax rate but its impact on state revenues will be countered by the increase and introduction of excise taxes for fuel and sugar-sweetened beverages, among others. (PNA)

HIGHER,P10

USE,P11

Expansion of OFW ban to other countries eyed

Higher subsidy sought T for city PUJ operators Once bus system is implemented citywide

Tuesday has issued the implementing rules and regulations for the extension of the plastic bags and styrofoam use ordinance.

The city government has started implementing the ordinance in January this year but traders and store owners have asked to delay its implementation.

On the other hand, many storeowners have started complying with the ordinance to avoid being penalized by the city government.

But mall owners and other dry goods stores continued to use plastics in serv-

he government is looking to expand the ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly the household service workers (HSWs), to other nations in the Middle East, unless host countries can assure the protection of the rights and welfare of Filipino workers.

According to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the widened deployment ban may be considered to countries with known rampant cases of maltreatment and abuse of OFWs. “For example, in Saudi, it is a common malpractice that the employer trades or switches their worker to other employers. That’s what they call the kafala

system and it is always for consideration,” he said.

“We will impose the same restrictions (like in Kuwait) and will consider deployment ban if strengthened protection of our OFWs was not assured,” Bello added.

He said that the prohibition of the kafala practice was also being pushed by the government to be included in the agreement being negotiated with Kuwait.

Under the kafala or sponsorship system, the Arab sponsor-employer has the entire control over the mobility of the migrant worker.

“An OFW, for instance, cannot quit work or transfer jobs without �irst obtain-

EXPANSION,P10

PH secures P4.25B Japan loan to fund road project

T BSP: Inflation to hit 4-4.8% in February P

he Philippines has secured a 9.399-billion yen loan (PHP4.25 billion) from the Japanese government to fund the construction of the third phase of the arterial road project aimed at alleviating traf�ic congestion in Bulacan province and Metro Manila.

Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on behalf of the Philippines, and Susumu Ito, the chief representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on behalf of Japan, signed Wednesday the loan agreement for the project.

The DOF said the Philippines would provide counterpart funding of around 1.476 billion yen (PHP1 billion) for the project costing 10.87 billion yen (or about PHP5.26 billion).

“We continue to support the Philippines’ Build, Build, Build Program through this project, and we’re con�ident that once constructed, this bypass road will help create new growth centers outside Metro Manila and enhance mobility of many Filipinos,” said Ito. The Arterial Road Bypass Project (ARBP), also known as the Plaridel Bypass, is a 24.61-kilometer arterial road that will link the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Balagtas, Bulacan with the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway, also called Maharlika Highway, in San Rafael, Bulacan.

Phase 3 of the project involves upgrading and expanding the existing bypass road from two lanes to a

PH,P11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

DOLE sues for more time to stop‘endo’ A

‘ARAW’ OPENING. A vendor roams around San Pedro Square in Davao City where a large number of people gather to witness last Thursday’s opening of the Araw ng Davao. Lean Daval Jr

n of�icial of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has appealed to labor groups for more patience, saying they are exerting all efforts to end contractualization.

“I appeal to the labor groups to have little patience as DOLE is doing everything possible to end contractualization of labor,” Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod, head of DOLE’s Labor Relations cluster, said in a statement issued Wednesday.

Maglunsod said that the department was working with the Senate to pass a bill that would end contractualization.

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has called on the Congress to tread carefully and learn from the Philippine experience in the devolution of the national government’s health and agriculture functions to the local government units (LGUs) in crafting a basic law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Dominguez said at a recent hearing in the House of Representatives that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) should “be open to changes” to allow Bangsamoro autonomy “to evolve by abandoning its mistakes and strengthening its positive aspects.”

“We recommend

that lawmakers should look at past experiences in devolving certain basic services to learn from them and take into consideration these lessons when crafting the BBL,” said Dominguez at the joint public hearing on the BBL led by the House committee on local government.

Local government committee chairman Rep. Pedro Acharon chaired this joint hearing conducted with the House committee on Muslim affairs and the Special House committee on peace, reconciliation and unity.

“Devolving power is a process. It requires some hard thinking. It requires time to build capacities, grow institutions and evolve appropriate civic cultures. When it comes to reinventing the institutions of governance, haste may sometimes make waste,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez, who was invited to the hearing as a resource person on the

crafting of the BBL, said treading carefully on implementing the BBL and being open to changes as the system evolves “is much better than having a rigid system with a lot of gray areas.”

He said the end goal of devolution or autonomy should be “to bring economic development to the people of the area covered by this arrangement.”

“Let us make sure that the law enacted for the purpose of establishing a Bangsamoro entity is designed precisely to make economic progress more feasible for its de�ined area,” Dominguez said.

brings together language and review centres, immigration and consultancy �irms, and education agents to provide support to potential test takers for living, studying, or working abroad through IELTS. The Cebu leg is scheduled on 10 March at Cebu Parklane Hotel, while the Davao run will be on 17 March at the Grand Regal Hotel.

The programme in-

cludes free workshop sessions by a British Council IELTS expert on the four components of IELTS (which are listening, reading, writing and speaking).

Previous IELTS test takers will also be sharing about how they prepared for the test and how they were able to achieve their desired scores. Participants may also register for a free IELTS Pretest, which are practice tests administered under

exam conditions.

The British Council is also giving away one-way Emirates ticket bound to the UK as part of its promo – participants who book their IELTS test on the day of the event earns a raf�le entry for the one-way Emirates ticket. Other prizes include IELTS preparation books, exclusive IELTS Study Pack and a free voucher for the IELTS Exceed Writing Workshop.

HOUSE,P11

British Council IELTS Fair moves to Cebu, Davao after Manila leg

T

he British Council IELTS Fair will be moving to Cebu and Davao this March after its �irst run in Manila last 24 February.

Now on its third year, the IELTS Fair provides a unique opportunity for IELTS test takers to be equipped with test-taking tips and techniques to help them achieve their desired scores.

The event, themed ‘IELTS Gets You There’,

DOLE,P11

Economists say TRAIN little to do with inflation

House urged to use LGC O as guide in BBL crafting

To learn from devolution mistakes F

He said Senator Joel Villanueva, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, assured them that he would expedite the passage of the measure.

Maglunsod denied the allegation of Partidong Manggagawa (PM) that the department has attempted to delay the signing of an executive order (EO) on putting a stop to contractualization.

He said President Rodrigo R. Duterte had told labor groups earlier this month that he would have his legal advisers study the EO proposed by the groups and that they could not expect the legal team to review it

f�icials of National Economic Development Authority, Department of Finance, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the country’s leading economists attending the meeting of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Sen. Win Gatchalian, were in consensus that several factors have pushed in�lation up in January, and the tax reform that has recently taken effect has little to do with it.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia noted that based on the agency’s calculations, only 0.7 percent (at most) of in�lation for 2018 is attributable to the effects of the Tax Reform for Acceleration

and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

At the Senate hearing, the DOF said among these factors are the increase in the prices of crude oil in the international market and the drop in the exchange rate. NEDA, on the other hand, took note of the rise in the price of rice which accounts for around 22 percent of the consumers’ basket.

“We have to closely monitor the buffer system of rice to ensure that there is no considerable spike in the price of rice,” Pernia said.

NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon also attributed the increase in

ECONOMISTS,P11

SM Investments posts P32.9-B net income

C

onglomerate SM Investments Corp. on Wednesday said its net pro�it surged by 6 percent in 2017, led by robust earnings of its property and banking businesses.

SM told the local bourse its net income reached PHP32.9 billion last year from PHP31.2 billion the previous year.

Consolidated revenues rose 9 percent to PHP396.1 billion from PHP363.4 billion last year.

“Our core businesses continued to deliver strong results in 2017 with recurring net income growth of 9 percent, driven by overall growth in the economy and our nationwide expansion plans. Our property and specialty retail businesses delivered particularly strong results,” said SM President Frederic C. DyBuncio.

Property accounted for

40 percent of total earnings, with banks comprising 38 percent and retail 22 percent.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc., SM’s property holding �irm, posted a recurring net income growth of 16 percent last year to PHP27.6 billion from PHP23.8 billion of prior year, driven by the increase in rental revenue from malls as well as the strong sales take-up of housing units.

At yearend, SM Prime has 67 shopping malls in the Philippines and seven in China.

The residential group, led by SM Development Corp. (SMDC), posted consolidated revenues of PHP30 billion, up 18 percent from PHP25.4 billion in 2016.

The rest of SM Prime’s businesses registered revenue growth of 32 percent to PHP7.9 billion from PHP6 billion.(PNA)

6 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

Measles claims two in Zamboanga City Z AMBOANGA CITY -Two children were reported to have died due to suspected cases of measles in this city.

This was learned through the conduct of the door-to-door catch-up immunization for Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR).

The City Health Of�ice launched the MMR catchup immunization in a bid to eliminate if not lessen the number of measles cases following the declaration of an outbreak of the disease.

Jackie Lim, Tumaga barangay chair, on Wednesday revealed the two children who died of measles aged three months and two years old were from Masuhud Drive in her barangay.

Lim said the children who belonged to indigent families died of measles while con�ined in the hospital.

Lim said she accompanied the health personnel undertaking the door-todoor MMR immunization to convince the parents who refused to allow their children to be immunized.

She said the parents were apprehensive brought about by the Dengvaxia scare.

Corazon Pagotaisidro, City Health Of�ice’ immunization program coordinator, earlier told the Philippine News Agency that they aim to immunize at least 121,000 children with MMR vaccines during the catch-up immunization.

Pagotaisidro said to be

MEASLES,P11

Ex-rebels from Sarangani seek audience with PRRD

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ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Fifteen former communist rebels who surrendered to the government in Sarangani province will be �lown to Malacañang soon to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte.

The rebels who turned in their ri�les to the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion and 1002nd Infantry Brigade on Tuesday will be airlifted to Manila to form part of the third batch of surrenderees to have an audience with the President.

The returnees belonged to the New People’s Army

Guerilla Front Committee 75 in Sarangani.

Lt. Colonel Marion Angcao, 73rd IB chief, said rebels who surrendered with guns were considered by the Army as sincere in their desire to rejoin the mainstream society.

“If they surrender with their �irearms, at least we can say they are sincere,” Angcao said, adding that those with guns would receive remuneration from the government depending on the valuation of the weapons.

Sarangani Governor

EX-REBELS,P11

Maguindanao execs warned vs corruption in 4Ps implementation

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AMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- A ranking of�icial of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-ARMM) has warned local executives involved in irregularities in the distribution of cash assistance to indigents in this province that the law will de�initely run after them.

Speaking during the 4th round of Local Government Unit Assembly on Social Welfare Protection that focused on the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for the province of Maguindanao on Wednesday, DSWD-ARMM Secretary Laisa Alamia said the local government of�icials from mayors down to barangays, including workers of DSWD, should not bene-

�it from the 4Ps program.

The assembly was called a month after Alamia found out that some elected of�icials, mayors included, were involved in getting “cuts” out of the government fund assistance to indigent residents of ARMM in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

“Cuts” refer to corruption where local of�icials are receiving part of the fund assistance intended for the poor.

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division hosted the gathering because the military will help monitor distribution of funds as well as monitor the performance of elected local of�icials.

Alamia, a lawyer, discussed the objectives of convening all local government unit (LGU) of�icials

MAGUINDANAO,P13

CLEANERGY IS ON THE WAY! The Upper Amusig weir is one of the four weirs of Hedcor’s Manolo Fortich Hydro project in the province of Bukidnon. In run-of-river power generation, a weir is a small structure built on the river bed to divert water to the powerhouse. It is the first step of harnessing water needed for power generation. The force of the water propels the turbines in a rapid manner generating energy.

The same water then goes back to the river in a much cleaner state through an outlet called tailrace. Currently, eight electric cooperatives in the island have partnered with Hedcor Bukidnon, namely ZAMSURECO 1 and 2, ZANECO, BUSECO, MOELCI I, SIARELCO, SURSECO I, and SOCOTECO 2 aiding their shift towards a more balanced mix of energy sources.

Comval holds ‘Provincial Health Summit 2018’

By REY M. ANTIBO

C

ompostela Valley Province--“We need to improve the access of people to our health facilities through enhancing the availability of transportation especially in the province’s geographically isolated and disadvantaged area” this was part of the message of Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy during the conduct of the 1st Provincial Health Summit 2018 held at Big 8 Corporate Hotel, Tagum City on February 27, 2018 with the theme “One Comval, One Vision: Healthy Comvaleños.”

The activity is part of the governor’s Provincial Leadership and Governance Program (PLGP) that aimed to emphasize priorities, objectives, and health developments in the Pro-

vincial Local Investment Plan for Health (LIPH) and showcases the best practices of the municipalities and highlights the existing health situation of the province.

The program is facilitated through the Provincial Health Of�ice (PHO) in line with its vision for a healthy and productive Comvalenyos, better quality of life and its mission in ensuring committed, competent, gender and culture sensitive health care providers for the people.

During the program, a group discussion among stakeholders and health development partners to come up with the direction towards the “Duterte’s Health Sector Agenda” for sustainable goals was also held.

“There is a need to change general attitudes and perceptions towards healthcare. We need to

strengthen our health communication system to thwart generalizations, misconceptions, and misrepresentations of healthcare,” said Gov. Uy. The governor also explained that “we don’t lack social workers in our hospitals. In fact, I am proud that we are one of the provinces who employ liaison of�icers (social workers) in our hospitals (Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital, Davao Regional Medical Center-Tagum City). However, there is a need to strengthen awareness of people towards the existence of aid and assistance to make the option to go to hospitals attractive.”

groups, led by the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and Kahugpungan sa mga Lumad sa Halayong Habagatang Mindanao (KALUHAMIN) staged protest rallies on Monday in front of the South Cotabato provincial capitol to protest coal mining in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato and the alleged massacre of nine Indigenous Peoples (IPs) at sitio Bonlangon, Barangay Ned, also in Lake Sebu.

Fuentes said while she recognized the rights of

every citizen to peacefully assemble and hold peaceful protest rallies, children should be spared. The governor said militant groups could no longer muster adult protesters so they use minors.

“There are criminal liabilities but I do not have to threaten them (that) I will �ile charges (because) the people know minors are being used,” Fuentes added.

The militant groups accused Fuentes of shutting down 33 IP schools in the province.

“The number is exaggerated,” she said.

Fuentes explained that only one Lumad school in the province, particularly in Barangay Lamafus, Banga town, was ordered closed for two reasons – it was not accredited by the Department of Education and the students were not from the province but from Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani.

Speaking for the protesters, Sonia Eugenio of Bayan SOCCSKSARGEN, said the rally was meant to

COMVAL,P11

Spare kids from protest rallies: SoCot governor

K

ORONADAL CITY -Children should be spared from protest rallies.

In a strongly worded statement, South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes said the protest rally organizers were putting the children at risk.

“It is clearly a violation of human rights of children and minors,” Fuentes said.

“They should be in school and not on streets joining protests on issues that they could hardly understand at this time.”

About 50 militant

SPARE,P11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

SUBURBIA RISING 7

2 drug suspects die for resisting arrest in SoCot

G

RICE STRAWS. In the rural area of Bansalan, Davao del Sur, this is the typical scenario after rice harvesting. The rice straws are filled up while others take the harvested rice filled in sacks by using horses.

There are also those who try to salvage some palay from discarded rice straws. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- For trading shots with police during an anti-drug operation in Polomolok, South Cotabato, two drug personalities were killed during a shootout on Wednesday, police said.

Chief Inspector Aldrin Gonzales, speaking for the Philippine National Police - Region 12 (PNP-12), said 16 other suspected drug peddlers were arrested during simultaneous “One Time Big Time” anti-drug operations in �ive villages of Polomolok.

“They �ired at our law enforcers who returned �ire, critically wounding the two suspects,” Gonzales said of the two slain suspects who were rushed to the hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.

Gonzales identi�ied the fatalities as Ruben Porsuelo and Bobong Jamelo, residents of Barangay Magsaysay, Polomolok town.

Gonzales said joint PNP-12, South Cotabato provincial police, local drug enforcement units, and elements from the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion served 34 search warrants in the villages of Poblacion, Rubber, Lumakil, Magsaysay and Silway 8, all in Polomolok, during the operation.

He said the raid was coordinated with village and town of�icials. At least seven �irearms and grenades, camou�laged uniforms, shabu substance, and other drug paraphernalia were recovered from the arrested suspects.

LIGAN CITY--President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the groundbreaking ceremony of a housing program for police and military personnel in the town of Baloi, Lanao del Norte on Wednesday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police housing program under the National Housing Authority (NHA) will consist of 1,000 houses within a 210,000 square-meter property in Brgy. Maria Cristina, said NHA general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. Escalada said the housing units would occupy around 140,000 square meters, and the rest of the property would be utilized

for a multi-purpose covered court, as well as play and green areas.

Each unit will sit on an 80 square-meter lot with a �loor area of 60 square-meter. It would be equipped with a living room, dining room, toilet and bath, a family area and two bedrooms, Escalada said.

Escalada said each unit would cost around PHP950,000 and would bene�it AFP and PNP personnel within Region 10 and nearby provinces.

Minus the PHP70,000 subsidy that President Duterte has already committed for each bene�iciary, the NHA of�icial said recipients would be paying a low

PRRD inaugurates housing projects for servicemen, IDPs in Lanao Norte

‘Lukewarm’ prosecution I of drug cases in Cotabato C

OTABATO CITY –The local chief executive here has criticized the seemingly “lukewarm” prosecution in court of illegal drug offenders in the city, asserting it may embolden criminals to further commit wrongdoings.

2,P14

During Wednesday’s quarterly meeting of the Cotabato City Peace and Order Council (CCPOC) here, Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi lauded the good performance of law enforcement unit for a job well in the �ield but mentioned a so-called “dis-connectivity” in the implementation of the �ive pillars of the criminal justice system in the city.

“We are all aware of the justice system in the Philippines. These are law enforcement, prosecution, the courts, the penal system and

the community itself, Guiani-Sayadi said, adding that she is particularly critical to the second pillar, which is prosecution, for dis-connectivity on the criminal justice system here.

“There have been a number of incidents wherein the criminal cases �iled by our law enforcers before the City Prosecutor’s Of�ice (CPO) are expeditiously dismissed and disposed,” the mayor said, adding that ”I say ‘expeditiously’ because the dismissal and disposition of the cases were faster than the time it took for the

law enforcer to implement the arrest of the criminal.”

She said the main reason of the CPO in dismissing the case is technicality.

With this, the mayor has called on the Department of Justice to act on correcting loopholes in the prosecution of drug-related cases to avoid obstruction in the conviction of offenders.

“In this regard, I am calling to all, not only the law enforcers, not only the victims of these criminals, but everybody to immediately act so as to correct this dis-connectivity in our criminal justice system before things would be too late for us,” Guiani-Sayadi said.

The CPO is yet to issue a statement on the mayor’s CCPO speech.

This developed as the city mayor formally accepted on same event the as-

AMBOANGA CITY -The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team of the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Mobile Company (ZDNPMC) emerged champion in the recently-held 1st Police Regional Of�ice-9 (PRO-9) SWAT Challenge.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, PRO-9 information of�icer, on Tuesday said the ZDNPMC garnered a total of 1,650 statistical points in the �ive stages course of �ire in the

two-day challenge.

The ZDNPMC was composed of Senior Insp. Gregorio Joel Bungulan; SPO1 Ernesto Bulajao Jr.; PO3 Kitch Ivan Gesulga; PO2 Dino Latawan; PO2 Armand Moncida; PO2 Jose Alfred Bait-it; PO2 Carl Edward Panoril; PO1 Dover Troy Aleta; PO1 Eric Panangitan; and, PO1 Mark Medard Balingit.

Galvez said the �ive stages course of �ire were the following: Stage 1, Basic; Stage 2, Close Quarter Bat-

tle; Stage 3, Bus Assault; Stage 4, Obstacle; and, Stage 5, Pistol.

The other participating teams were ranked as follows: Zamboanga Del Sur Provincial Mobile Company, 2nd place; Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company, 3rd place; Regional Mobile Forces Battalion, 4th place; Dipolog City Police Station, 5th place; and, Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Mobile Company, 6th place Galvez said the two-day

signment of 117 neophyte cops as part of their instruction under the Field Training Program.

The Police Regional Of�ice -12 would deploy the new batch of policemen, all with the rank of Police Of�icer 1, to various parts of Maguindanao and this city during the duration of their 5-6 month Field Training Of�icer (FTO) course.

Sr. Supt. Rolly Octavio, city police director, said the FTOs assigned here would actively participate in curbing criminalities, particularly on the war against illegal drugs.

Police records and that from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) indicated 2, 704 drug suspects in Central Mindanao, some 400 of whom are from

competition was held from February 24 to 25 at the Execom Shooting Range and Regional Mobile Forces Company Firing Range in Camp Col. Romeo Abendan, this city.

The two-day SWAT shooting competition was of�iciated by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Match Of�icers supervised by the Philippine Shooters and Match Of�icers Confederation (PSMOC).

LUKEWARM,P14

Zambo Norte wins SWAT team challenge Z ZAMBO,P14

PRRD,P14

2 big-time drug suspects arrested in Maguindanao

C

OTABATO CITY -- Chief Supt. Graciano Mijares, police regional director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), has lauded the joint government forces for the arrest of two big-time illegal drug peddlers in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, on Wednesday night.

Joint personnel from the Sultan Kudarat police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-ARMM) and elements of the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion conducted drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Simuay that led to the arrest of illegal drug suspects Rolly, 28; and Jomar, 20,; both surnamed Ali and residents of Barangay Darapanan, also in Sultan Kudarat.

Citing reports from the Sultan Kudarat police of�ice, Mijares said law enforcers

recovered 14 heat-sealed shabu with an estimated market value of PHP50,000; shabu paraphernalia and marked money.

“The police in ARMM will continue to hunt down illegal drug personalities because we wanted to save their lives and the lives of civilians who they peddle prohibited drugs,” Mijares said.

The two, who are believed to belong to a large illegal drug syndicate operating in Sultan Kudarat town, are now detained and facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The suspects were among the more than 400 drug personalities currently under police watch in Maguindanao.

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8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

EDITORIAL

A

Sasa port modernization

study made by college researchers of the Ateneo de Davao University last year, if not earlier, indicated that the government, particularly the Philippine Ports Authority, stands to lose billions of pesos in unearned taxes if it continues to neglect to modernize the Sasa port in Davao City.

The study, funded by the university, ended with a recommendation for government to make a move in the direction of improving the port which is decidedly better situated than the privately-operated ports in other parts of the city and the region.

Actually, there was a plan of the national government to modernize the Sasa port during the dying days of the past Aquino administration.

However, it did not push through because Dabawenyos vehemently opposed it due to its bloated budget suspected to be designed to raise funds for the candidates of the Liberal Party, the administration party in the then forthcoming 2016 presidential elections.

The oppositors led by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. were particularly incensed by what they believed to be grossly overpriced cost of the modernization project – from P4 billion as estimated by Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to more than P18 billion by the Department of Transportation and Communication

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(DOTC), whose secretary happened to be the president of the administration party. The controversial project was eventually shelved as it was overtaken by the 2016 election campaign.

Ideally under the new dispensation headed by President Duterte who hates corruption to the bones, the scuttled project could be revived with a much lower and reasonable cost. Unfortunately, it is not listed among the big-ticket projects lined up by the government under its Build, Build, Build massive infrastructure program. Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said so during a dialogue with members of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Mindanao here in Davao City last month.

It is widely held by Dabawenyos that a modernized government-operated Sasa port is a must for the Davao region, which has always been an export-import oriented economy since time immemorial.

If Dabawenyos, especially businessmen and entrepreneurs, believe so, they must present a strong clamor for the revival of the scuttled port modernization project. Somebody should start a serious effort to lobby for the project with the Duterte government now, while there is time.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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EDGEDAVAO

T

he clock is ticking.

The impeachment hearings against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno at the House of Representatives are taking a toll on the nerves of many sectors. Not only are they being talked about in coffee and barber shops, they are also sometimes being talked of by even the bus crews and passengers.

I give it that Filipinos today are becoming more and more news-oriented compared to their counterparts some ten to 15 years ago.

CJ Sereno is now on a wellness leave, prodded earlier by the result of the en banc session where news reports said she was confronted by her fellow magistrates to surrender and resign.

To a layman, however one tries to interpret it, this wellness leave is a euphemism for a sick leave or a vacation leave.

But let us grant CJ Sere-

S

moking is strictly prohibited in Davao City. But still, there are people who smoke in outlawed places. Last year, 11,1000 people were reportedly apprehended by the Davao City Police Of�ice because they have violated the anti-smoking ordinance.

These people really never learned their lesson well. Stopping smoking is not only good for their wealth, it is also good for their health. The truth is that one out of every two long-term smokers will ultimately be killed by tobacco.

That’s according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations agency that has decided to focus and resources on tobacco use, to try to prevent at least of the predicted deaths, and to prevent hundreds of millions to more in the decades to come after 2030.

Well, the truth is that four million people around the world die every year from tobacco-related diseases. If current trends continue, WHO estimates that the toll will rise to 10 million by 2030 – one death every three seconds!

From 1950 to 2000, tobacco killed more than 60 million people in developed countries alone – more than those who died in World War II. “Tobacco is fast becoming a greater cause of death and disability than any single disease,” WHO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Just a matter of time no this, considering that she is on an uphill battle to stave off an impending ouster move via a constitutionally-provided legal process as all impeachable of�icers are subjected to.

As more and more evidences are presented by interested parties in the impeachment hearings, the likelihood is that the plenary in the HOR will pick to impeach the Chief Justice when the issue goes to a vote.

Add to this the public perception that Sereno has committed violations that are impeachable in nature is growing.

The SALN issue, which is giving the Sereno camp a big headache, has educated the people that this government document cannot be tinkered like it were just a negligible matter.

While she has publicly announced she is not resigning, the mounting pressure and the meticulous detailed litany of her “sins”

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba might be too much to bear in the ensuing days.

The BIR has discovered about Sereno’s tax arrears arising out of her earnings from the PIATCO airport case and may yet help pin down the Chief Justice, if her lawyers cannot disprove it.

If one looks back to the Coro-

na impeachment days when former Pres. Noynoy Aquino himself made his displeasure known, history could be repeating itself.

When Aquino 3rd appointed Sereno Chief Justice, she surpassed several much senior associate justices, including the most senior among them, AJ Antonio Carpio.

The lady Chief Justice could use her wellness break to meditate and ponder, pray and spend quiet times with God. Away from the madding crowd, it will help her see the problem clearly, consult her family and close relatives and decide on the best solution.

For me, I would consider this situation more of a spiritual dilemma than anything the circumstances present.

Lewis Dunning said: “What life means to us is determined not so much by what life brings to us as by the attitude we bring to life, not so much by what happens to us as by our reaction to what happens.”

This is not coincidental to the trauma the Chief Justice is going through.

Her attitude to life will either save her from the humiliating impeachment process or plunge her into the depths of the unknown.

Her positive response to earthly challenges will determine her spirituality.

History is replete with stories of bravery and cowardice, of tragedy and romance, of the likes of Romeo and Juliet, of leaders and heroes like Lincoln, Churchill and Meir.

Public of�icials who are confronted by these seemingly overwhelming challenges cannot shirk from history.

They either make it or they are broken. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) 2 Cor.5:7. “We live by faith, not by sight.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

The study showed that 11% of boys started drinking by age 15 while only 3% of girls do so at such early age. What is alarming is that more than half of all the boys who smoke also drink or use drugs. “Eight six percent of boys who smoke also drink or use drugs,” the study disclosed.

If you haven’t started smoking yet, don’t try to try smoking.

The reason: tobacco products are highly addictive. “Because tobacco products are carefully designed to undermine efforts to quit using them, quitting is not simply a matter of choice for the majority of tobacco users. Instead, it involves a struggle to overcome an addiction,” WHO says.

Tobacco use typically is woven into everyday life, and can be physiologically, psychologically, and socially reinforcing. “Many factors combine with tobacco’s addictive capacity to make quitting dif�icult, including media depictions and cultural and societal acceptance of tobacco use,” WHO says.

Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, former WHO director-general, understands the situation well.

“Giving up smoking is not easy,” she said. “We know that nicotine is powerfully addictive, and all of us know people who have tried

to give up smoking, only to �ind themselves drawn back to it a few months later.”

It doesn’t mean, however, that you cannot quit smoking. It takes more than courage and will.

“Quitting tobacco at any point in life provides both immediate bene�its and substantial long-term bene�its to health,” WHO reminds.

“No amount of tobacco use is safe.

“Abstinence from tobacco products and freedom from exposure to second-hand smoke are necessary for maximizing health and minimizing risk,” the UN health agency says. “Effective treatment for tobacco dependence can signi�icantly improve overall public health within only a few years.”

Tobacco not only kills people, it also saps national treasuries. A World Bank study, “The Economic Costs and Bene�its of Investing in Tobacco,” has estimated that the use of tobacco results in a global net loss of US$200 billion per year, with half of these losses occurring in the developing world.

“The devil is in the detail,” WHO says. “Tobacco has large, direct and intangible costs associated with it – costs that often not taken into account when tobacco’s virtues are extolled.

When there’s smoke

deplores.

Why so many deaths, you may wonder. “Tobacco is a known or probable cause of some 25 different diseases,” the UN health agency reminds. Among the major diseases tobacco bring to people who smoke are lung cancer, bronchitis and emphysema.

Tobacco consumption has been explicitly linked to high incidence and gravity of cardiac disease.

If you don’t smoke, don’t ever dare going out with people who smoke or to be in their company.

Other people’s tobacco smoke contains essentially all of the same carcinogens and toxic agents that are inhaled by the smoker.

“Other people’s tobacco smoke is harmful to non-smokers because it causes lung cancer and other diseases, and aggravates allergies and asthma,” WHO points out.

Women who smoke, beware – especially if you are pregnant. “Maternal smoking is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, lower birthweight of babies and inhibited child development,” WHO says.

You haven’t heard anything yet.

“Parental smoking,” WHO says, “is also a factor in sudden infant death syndrome and is associated with higher rates of respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis, colds and pneumonia in children.”

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

Now, you heard it. Let’s get serious. In the past, it’s only men who smoke, but these women smoke, too!

Statistics show the real picture.

“At the beginning of the 1990s, 47% of men and 12% of women were smokers. In developing countries, it was estimated that 48% of men and 7% of women were smokers, while in developed countries, 42% of men and 24% of women were smokers,” according to WHO. Tobacco use among adolescents remains stubbornly persistent. In the Philippines, boys generally begin smoking at younger ages than girls, according to a study conducted by the East West Center (EWC) in Hawaii.

10 NEWS 95%... FROM 1

dination, we did the Simex so that we can become more coordinated and interoperability can be established),” he said.

At least 10 government agencies participated in the exercises to “ensure a whole-of-nation approach in responding to crisis.”

The Special Operations Unit of PNP Aviation Security Group and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines simulated their response to a “hijacked” aircraft filled with actors as passengers, pilots and crew at Davao City International Airport.

There was also a simulated scenario on bombing incident, response to active shooter, hostage taking, dragnet operations, lockdown protocol, border security, counterinsurgency operations, and crisis management by the city with the Task Force Davao, Public Safety and Security Command Center, Davao Central 911, and barangays in different locations.

A fire drill took place at the Abreeza Mall. It may be recalled that the four-story NCCC Mall Davao burned on December 23, 2017 killing 38 workers.

The Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and the PNP Maritime Group conducted an exercise on maritime interdiction operation at the Davao Gulf.

“So far, from my end, the way I observe the proceedings, I was very much satisfied. This was very comprehensive all possible manmade disaster that can happen in Davao were all covered. Ang kulang na lang ay (what’s left is) natural calamity,” Dela Rosa said.

PNP Deputy Director General for Operations Camilo Pancratius Cascolan said there is a need to test the interoperability of the PNP with other government agencies, private sectors, and stakeholders to address the threats of terrorism and related emergencies to ensure that every personnel will know what to do under such circumstances.

“We do the simulation exercises for us to know our weaknesses and, at the same time, use our strength,” he said.

No more Marawi-like siege Dela Rosa said the Islamic State-inspired militants could no longer launch another assault similar to the Marawi siege after suffering a heavy blow.

During the drill at the Abreeza Mall, he told reporters that they have received information that the remaining members of the Maute Group have been recruiting members “but based on our assessment they cannot launch a Marawi Citylike siege.”

But he added they would still

need to prepare to prevent a repeat of the Marawi siege, which erupted on May 23 last year.

Last October 16, after nearly five months of combat operations, the military killed Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, the so-called emir of the ISIS in Southeast Asia, along with Omar Maute.

A day later, President Rodrigo R. Duterte declared Marawi liberated from the influence of the Maute Group. But it was only on October 23 that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced the termination of combat operations in the besieged city.

As the President’s hometown, it’s possible that the city will become a target of terror attacks, said Davao City police director Alexander Tagum.

“After the Marawi attack and persistent threat coming form southern Philippine terrorists and knowing Davao City is the home of our President, we look upon it na hindi impossible na target nila ang Davao (it’s not impossible that they will target Davao),” he said.

“That’s the reason why they (PNP) picked Davao as the first Simex area to practice similar incident na kinakatakunan natin (we fear) for us to be prepared in the future,” he added.

Tagum urged residents to report to authorities any suspicious individuals so that the police can take appropriate actions.

Simex in Metro Manila Dela Rosa said Southern Storm will be done in Metro Manila next month to prepare all law enforcement agencies and city and barangay officials to efficiently handle a crisis situation such as a terror attack.

He said they chose to hold the first simulation exercises in the city because “we know the threat here in the key cities of Mindanao,” adding, the Maute Group wanted to retaliate after suffering a setback in Marawi.

He said they are validating reports about the presence of 40 foreign terrorists in the country but they presume these are local fighters who went abroad and have returned.

“Mabuti umuwi dito para manahimik na lang dahil pagod sa Syria, Iraq, hindi mag create ng gulo kung mag create ng gulo that’s a very difficult situation (It’s good if they returned here to find peace because they have become tired in Syria and Iraq, not to create trouble.

If they create trouble, then that’s a very difficult situation),” he said.

He said they will “act fast” once the alleged foreign terrorists are located. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

the I-Speak media forum that the 14M includes a total budget of 4M of the Pasko Fiesta-postponed event, a bigger budget compared to last year.

“This budget will be used to fund 21 of�icial activities of the Araw ng Davao 2018,” he said.

He said a big part of the budget will cover the expenses for the �ive activities lined up for the Mutya ng Davao: screening, selection of top 15, press presentation, talent night and the coronation night Among the major activities of the 81st Araw ng Davao are the Mutya ng Davao 2018, Sports Fes-

tival (March 1-31), Datu Pasidungog (March 12), Parada Davaoeño (March 16), and the Araw ng Davao Street Party (March 17).

Escarilla expects that the heads of the different events in line with the celebration will stick to the budget after it has been thoroughly discussed.

“As much as possible we have to live within our means. That is the budget that would cover all the activities that we are expecting to take place,” Escarilla said.

He added that the preparations for the Araw ng Davao is already at 95 percent for the Araw ng Davao 2018.

sponsors are BusinessWorld Publishing, Rolls Royce, TV5, Philippine Standard, Boeing, Under Armour, Eton Properties and Asia Brewery.

CHAMPIONSHIP: Canlubang 150, Luisita 146, Del Monte 132

FOUNDERS: Cebu Country Club 140, Alabang 138, Orchard 136, Camp John Hay 135, Manila 134, Wack Wack 131, Veterans Team B 131, Valley Golf 127, Apo Golf 126, Pueblo de Oro 125, Manila

BIGGER... FROM 1

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

KEEPING IN SHAPE. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) trainees traverse along J.P. Laurel Venue in Davao On Thursday as they participate in an early morning jog. Lean Daval Jr Southwoods 124, Negros Occidental 123, Eagleridge 122, Guinhilaran 122, Camp Evangelista 117, Team Metgut 112, Riviera Golf 108, Zamboanga 106, PGA Qatar 101 AVIATOR: Villamor Airbase 125, Sarangani 124, Negros Occidental B 115, Team Coral Ocean Point 114, Bay Area Golf 112, Filam Hawaii 111, Alta Vista 108, Lanang 104, Par 2000 103, Davao City Golf 103, Leyte 100, Socal Redhawk 100, Honolulu 99, Club Intramuros Senior 99, Iloilo 99, Baguio 90, MSU Marawi 87, UP Tee Jots 81, Pinoy Vancouver A 80, Guam Seniors 73, Cotabato 73, Brotherhood Sharp 72 SPORTSWRITER: Veterans A 111, Rancho Palos Verdes 108, Melbourne Pinoy 107, Forest Hills 106, Taotaomona Guam 105, Club Filipino Inc de Cebu 103, San Juanico 102, Bacolod 101, Paoay 95, Sienna Plantation 94, South Cotabato

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90, Van City 89, Dirab 88, Iligan 87, SF Maharlika 84, Alamdea Bago 2 84, Fort Bonifacio 80, SF Crystal Springs 78, Parbreakers 77, San Francisco East Bay 77, Seattle 70, Vancouver Golf Assoc of BC 60, SF Peninsula GA Intl 55, Pinoy Vancouver B 5 FRIENDSHIP: Club 1872 LA 115, Bay City 115, South Bay 111, Fil-Oz Sydney 110, Eastridge 108, Canphil 107, Bennett Valley 100, Winners Circle 98, Guam Seals 98, Mt Malindang 97, SFO Alliance of Golfers 94, Mabuhay Golf of SFO 90, Lumbia 90, Filcansa 89, Richmond Range 89, PGA British Columbia 88, Fil-am Fairfield 88, Travelers 86, Moffet Field 83, Tri-City 83, Philam Golf of Central Florida 83, Fil-Am SFO 80, Filam New Jersey 80, Guam Compadres 71, West Covina Warriors 65, Pittsburg Filam 65, Skywest Golf 64

between the electrical engineers profession and the BFP. Another is the sub-standard electrical appliances and electrical wiring.

“This is taken into consideration because the longer the establishment is present the number of appliance in the establishment increases that is why there is an abuse, the design of their electric line is only �it for few electrical appliances that is why there is a need to re-wire,” he said.

He reminds the public that

70 percent of the function of BFP is focused on the prevention of �ire and 30 percent focus on the respond to �ire incidents and other emergency. He said that if the public wishes to have their electrical wiring re-wired or they would like to install electrical wirings in their houses or establishment they should ensure that the electrician who will be do the job is accredited and approved by Davao Light and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

am to 4:30 pm; Scheme 3: from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and; Scheme 4: from 9 am to 6 pm.

Those who want to avail themselves of any of the

scheme – especially those assigned in areas far from their residences - should get a recommendation from their heads of of�ices.

Belching Ordinance of the city.

Cortez said a separate assistance will be provided to drivers to cushion the impact of the bus system on them, “but nothing is de�inite, the legal team of national agencies involved will look into ways how it will be legally possible to extend assistance to affected stakeholders.”

He said the city estimated 10,000 workers would be employed in the HPBS, a number more than enough to absorb all 7,000 drivers who risk losing their livelihood.

However, he said drivers who want to be employed as bus drivers must undergo and pass the training to be conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Others may �ind it hard to drive a bus,” he said, adding they are working on including TESDA in the program. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews) for the amendment or enhancement of existing bilateral labor agreements with Arab countries in order to ensure further protection of OFWs. “If there is an existing bilateral labor agreement but there are still rampant cases of maltreatment, then maybe we need to amend the agreement. The minimum demand of our President is that we will only deploy in countries where our workers are properly and effectively protected,” he added. (PNA)

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that this is one of the most organized show ,” he said.

The seminar was held in the the afternoon starting with the Bakery Management Forum which was discussed by Roy Chung of the U.S Wheat Associates, Singapore.

This was followed by the Sweet naturally California Raisin Creations whose speaker is Master Baker and Pastry Chef Audrey Tan from Raisin Administrative Committee.

Followed by Bakery Café Collections

whose speaker is Chef Danilo Basilio from Globa; Pacific Distribution Network Corporation. Session four is about the Heritage (Product of USA) Nutrilicious California Produce whose speaker is Chef Wolen Supera; from Heritage TPH Ventures Inc. and the last session is about the Us Dehydrated Potatoes as your winning baking ingredient whose speaker is Chef Editha Singian from Dane International Commodities Inc.

The contribution for the annual yearbook, if any, should also be on a voluntary basis.

This year’s DepEd graduation rites carry the theme, “Mag-aaral ng K to 12: Handa sa Hamon ng Buhay (K to 12 Learners: Ready to Face Life’s Challenges)”, which highlights the role of the K to 12 Basic Edu-

cation Program in harnessing the skills and competencies of Filipino learners.

Meanwhile, non-academic projects, such as attendance to field trips, film showing, and junior-senior promenade, should not be imposed as requirements for graduation or completion. (PNA)

of-way; construction of bus stops, bus depots, and terminals; and retro�itting of intersections.

The full implementation of HPBS may take place by 2020 or 2021, he said.

Cortez said the HPBS requires three to six operators and local bus operators are welcome to bid for as long as they meet the speci�ications of the bus system, including the number of �leet.

He said they plan to build three bus terminals at the city’s three entry-exit points – Toril, Panacan, and one along Bukidnon-Davao Highway – so that passengers entering the city will ride the bus system to lessen the number of vehicles plying within the city.

He said the operators may not opt to turn over their jeepneys to government and may still choose to continue using their units as private vehicles but they must ensure to comply with the Anti-Smoke

that number for this 2018 and we are hoping we can reduce it,” he said.

Kwan Tiu said that the low number of fire incident can be attributes to the BFP’s advocacy in promoting fire safety.

“I believe this is one aspect that we can reduce the fire incidents and how effective our campaign on fire safety. We always study on this, in fact we are making a research about it,” he said He said that they are gathering data in order to have a good and

effective campaign wherein we will address the causes of fire, the common origin of fire and the areas where there is a high number of fire the BFP will go there to implement their linguhang babala para iwas disgrasya campaign.

This campaign takes into consideration of the time, location and cause of fire in order to prevent fire.

He said that the common cause of fire is electrical in nature this was previously known as electrical short circuit because it causes confusion

ing the consent of his employer, which practically places the OFW at the mercy of his employer,” the DOLE chief explained.

A team headed by Labor Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad is currently in the Middle East to further assess the condition of Filipino workers and provide immediate response and assistance to their needs, as well as to recommend actions to deal with their situation.

Bello said that the report of the team would be a reliable basis

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EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

The return of the

DURIANBURG’S FASHION SCENE has evolved in leaps and bounds through the years. As fashionistas get bombarded by almost limitless fashion choices from local retailers to the international brands, one this is certain though, that is the fashion aesthetic of Davao’s own fashion tzar Alfonso “Boy” Guinoo.

A a part of the Marco Polo Davao’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, the hotel at the heart of Davao staged “Badu”, a fashion and trunk show by Alfonso Guinoo last February 17 at the Cafe Marco.

Although officially, by his own words, “retired” a few years back, it may seem that nothing will stop the original purveyor of Mindanao couture from coming out with even more dazzling Mindanao-forward designs.

“Marco Polo Davao has been embracing the Mindanao culture since it opened in 1998. And we are honored to be the partner of Davao’s fashion tzar, Alfonso “Boy” Guinoo in his 68th year in the fashion industry,” said Marco Polo Davao General Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin.

The collection featured the indigenous craftsmanship and hand woven fabrics of the lumads in Mindanao taken with a hip and modern twist. Elaborately beaded jackets and vests were paired with denim for a more contemporary look. Tribal patterns were made more hip by mixing and matching with modern silhouettes and cuts. Every piece was a feast for the eyes.

Boy Guinoo’s cross-cultural collection was paired with fabulous KitSilver Jewelry by international jeweler Mila Imson.

Congratulations to Tito Boy and the Marco Polo Davao on highlighting the beauty and diversity of Davao and Mindanao.

TZAR

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JCI Cotabato:

Reaching Out to the Society

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO IT WAS NEVER ABOUT FAME OR POPULARITY, it was about helping others go beyond their comfort zone. It was about embracing the uncertainty of life that motivates the self to accept that there truly is no finality in life.

Only a legacy that will live on.

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines has been a most active organization in the country and the world over. Known as JCI, it is a worldwide membership-based non-profit organization of young active citizen ages 18 to 40. From both prime extremities, JCI aims for global recognition in terms of leadership.

JCI in the Philippines has been spearheading advocacies

and community services that has helped more individuals all throughout the years. From community based livelihood programs to skills development activities to wellness and selfgrowth trainings, JCI urges individuals to hone their innate talents and skills in order to make informed decisions and take action.

1949, Cotabato City. Davao Jaycees Ramon Morada introduced JCI in the city. Eventually, an organization was born and was formally presented on August 13,1949 by then National President Ramon del Rosario in Davao City.

Fast forward to today, JCI Cotabato’s cultivation produced citizens that developed, honed and cultivated their leadership abilities (on a global scale) that has, in turn,greatly

influenced their social life and that of others. With this, JCI Cotabato, through the initiative of 2018 President-elect Monaliza Lidasan-Abdul, aims to adhere to an organization that is moving towards creating sustainable impact for all.

That is, moving beyond social classes and getting involved on a bigger, global scale.

Since her term, LidasanAbdul has had programs and activities that focused on having a progressive impact to those who are involved and the society per se. For February, a Charity Garage Sale was held from February 15 to 22, 2018. Generally, the garage sale paved the way for more people to know about JCI, JCI Cotabato and ways they could further the organization’s cause.

Proceeds from the garage sale helped fund the chapter’s existing projects and community services.

“For 2018, JCI Cotabato is looking at trainings and com-

munity services aimed at motivating the self to be a motivation for others. This is our way of reaching out.”, JCI Cotabato Chapter President Monaliza Lidasan-Abdul said.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Phenomenal Diva launches first single for 2018

Jessa Zaragoza remakes “Ikakasal Ka Na” THE PHENOMENAL DIVA Jessa Zaragoza finally made the much-awaited remake of her hit song, the heartbreaking “Ikakasal Ka Na,” which was recently launched digitally in a worldwide release as her first major offering under Star Music this year.

“When I first sang ‘Ikakasal Ka Na,’ I just sang it because it was beautiful. But now, when I sang this new version, I gave it my heart and soul,” revealed Jessa.

With fresh, new arreglo, the OPM hitmaker’s “Ikakasal Ka Na” was also launched on air through MOR 101.9. Its original version was included in Jessa’s 2000 album entitled “Ibigay Mo Na,” with words and

music by Alex Catedrilla.

Star Music’s audio content head, Jonathan Manalo, led the song’s main vocal arrangement and over-all music production. He shared that since Jessa is celebrating her 20th anniversary in the industry simultaneous with the 30th showbiz anniversary of her husband Dingdong Avanzado, now is the perfect time to revisit some of her biggest OPM hits.

“What a great time to celebrate Jessa’s (and Dingdong’s) legacy. We wanted to revisit their hits that made them OPM legends,” he said.

Jonathan also revealed that Jessa’s experience and feelings will be more felt in the remake single. “You will hear in the latest version what Jessa is today, with more depth, artistry on her

song interpretation,” he added.

The revival version of “Ikakasal Ka Na” is arranged

by Paulo Zarate, mixed and mastered by Boggie Manipon, and with violins by Jerome Nuñez.

This latest single is now available for download in leading digital stores. It is also part of Jessa’s “20/30 Commemorative Anniversary Album” with Dingdong, launched recently.

For more details on Jessa’s “Ikakasal Ka Na” single and her upcoming shows, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/ starrecordsphil, Twitter. com/starrecordsph and Instagram.com/Starmusicph.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

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SKY launches new sports, lifestyle, and news channels

SKY SUBSCRIBERS now have new reasons to stay glued on TV as it adds new channels across the sports, news, and lifestyle genres to its line-up including LIGA, Fight Sports HD, EDGEsport HD, TLC HD, and Euronews.

Select SKYcable and SKYdirect subscribers will get access to three new sports channels including Liga, which airs the ASEAN Basketball League, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, among others.

Other channels include Fight Sports HD, a 24/7 live sports network that airs epic boxing bouts on “MEGA Fights;” and EDGEsport HD, the home of the Festival International Des Sports Extremes (FISE) World Series, which brings together top athletes in the most popular action sports such as skateboarding, BMX, mountain biking, wakeboarding and inline skating among others.

Meanwhile, the popular lifestyle channel

TLC HD that houses hit shows like “Cake Boss,” “Say Yes to the Dress,” and “The Kings,” will also be added to the lineup of select plans, as well as worldwide news channel, Euronews, that offers a comprehensive perspective on current events by putting to light diverse viewpoints on issues.

Fight Sports HD, EDGEsport HD, TLC HD and Euronews are available in selected plans to SKYcable subscribers in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, Liga is available nationwide in standard and high definition in selected SKYcable plans, in One SKY Premium and Lite plans, and all SKYdirect plans.

For more details, visit mysky.com.ph.

Art is MADE Public in SM Lanang Premier THE 2018 METROBANK ART & DESIGN EXCELLENCE (MADE) makes a stopover in Davao City on March 1-3 in SM Lanang Premier.

A series of art exhibits, workshops, and lectures will bring art closer to the community through an initative by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and its partners: Art MADE Public.

One of the highlights of Art MADE Public is an exhibition of Masjid (mosque) architecture. A lecture by Dr. Gerard Lico, project director of the MET Rehabilitation and Conservation Project, will also invite the audience to learn more about the jewels of Philippine Islamic Faith.

Multi-media artist Abdulmari Toym Imao, Jr. will also talk about Shaping Culture through Installation Art. His decades of experience in art (sculpture and painting) brings in valuable insights on art and society.

Immerse into a journey of art and culture and discover it all in Art MADE Public.

For updates, follow @SMLanangPremier and @MetrobankArtAndDesignExcellence in social media.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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ing its clients pending appeal at the city mayor’s office.

“The mayor has allowed the extension but it was unclear until when,” a staff member of the city mayor’s office said.

In an interview, Rivera confirmed the latest appeal of business leaders in the city. The mayor said business leaders told him they still have stocks of biodegradable plastic bags and sought extension until the stocks were all used.

“But for those who have no more inventory of plastic bags should comply with the ordinance,” he told reporters here.

In approving the request of traders, the mayor has deputized personnel to conduct inventory of plastic bags in malls and big stores.

“Once all these inventory of plastic bags in malls (were used), then we will fully implement the ordinance to the letter,” Rivera said.

The city government is continuing its citywide information and awareness campaign to increase awareness and compliance to the local law by all citizens.

Alfredo Garcia, a resident of Lagao this city, said he regularly brings his eco-bag every time he

goes to the market since buying one every marketing day would be expensive.

“I bought one and continue to use it to date,” Garcia said.

Salvacion Canaway, a roadside eatery owner who regularly goes to the city market to buy stuffs for her food business, said she had plenty of eco-bags acquired for the purpose.

“I am uncertain if marketgoers carrying goods in plastics are to be penalized or not, I am just making sure I avoid penalties,” Canaway said.

The ordinance, approved last year, prohibits retail establishments from providing plastic carryout bags to their customers at the point of sale to transport items.

Reusable bags, recyclable paper bags and compostable or biodegradable bags, including biodegradable plastic bags, are allowed alternatives.

Any individual or business establishment found violating any of the prohibited acts will be fined amounting to P5, 000 and or revocation of business permit to operate and/ or one year imprisonment at the discretion of the court. (PNA)

four-lane carriageway national road.

Its first component was completed in November 2012, while the second phase is nearing completion and is expected to be inaugurated in May this year. Both phases were also financed by JICA. For his part, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director-General and

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said “with continued Japanese support, we are once again expecting a fast and sure implementation of the third Phase of the ARBP.” In 2017 alone, Pernia said the NEDA Board approved five major infrastructure projects, including the ARBP III, to be implemented with Japanese support. (PNA)

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Based on 2016 data, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) had the lowest Gross National Income among the country’s regions. The per capita Gross Regional Domestic Product in the National Capital Region (NCR) was the country’s highest at ₱431,783 and that of ARMM was the lowest at only ₱27,345 in current prices.

In 2016, the NCR’s economy grew by 7.5 percent, while the ARMM’s expanded by only 0.3 percent in real terms.

ARMM’s per-capita GRDP was a measly six percent of NCR’s, according to Dominguez.

“Reinvigorating the economy in the autonomous region is necessary to ensure the success of the BBL,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez recalled that when he was secretary of the Department of Agriculture, he and Health Secretary Alfredo Bengzon had strongly opposed the devolution of the functions of their respective departments under the Local Government Code (LGC), and while they lost the debate, the country’s experience has shown that this move had hardly improved the public health status in the regions and failed to boost agricultural production.

“I hope that mixed outcomes of our experience with devolution will enlighten discussion on the Bangsamoro Basic Law. The first lesson, I suppose, is that it does take time to evolve new institutions of local governance into place,” he said.

He told lawmakers that “we need time to build capacity for the autonomous region. Time is necessary to build the credibility at governance, win a suitable credit rating and demonstrate a capacity for exercising fiscal discipline.”

The finance chief had said during an earlier Senate hearing on the BBL that he fully agrees

with the suggestion of former Supreme Court Associate Justice Adolf Azcuna that the federal system should be piloted first in areas that are already cut out for this kind of government setup rather than rush at doing it nationally, to determine “what mistakes are made before we do it on a national scale.”

Dominguez had advised senators to take into account the end goal of attaining economic self-sufficiency and sustainable development for the proposed Bangsamoro region to ensure fiscal autonomy and lasting peace in crafting the BBL. He said that like the rest of the country, the fundamental requirements of sustained growth such as hard infrastructure, new communications technologies and efficient administrative systems should also apply in the creation of the Bangsamoro autonomous region.

Any proposed funding scheme for the Bangsamoro region should be “programmatic, transparent, performance-based and phased” to conform with the criteria of modern governance and win broad public support for the BBL, Dominguez noted.

Dominguez said fiscal provisions in the BBL, which, for instance, allow the Bangsamoro government to issue bonds along with other revenue-generating measures, would not succeed unless the autonomous region first achieves fiscal discipline.

“Surely, the envisioned autonomous regional entity cannot borrow money at cheaper rates than the national government. Our national government has enjoyed improved credit ratings because, for over three decades, we exercised fiscal discipline even if this required absorbing political costs,” said Dominguez when he reiterated this point during the House hearing.

“For the same reasons, the

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 11

FEEDING CATTLE. With the surge of fastfoods and restaurants in the region, a lot of farmers are now raising cattle in their backyards. To make these animals grow faster, they have to be fed with grasses and other leguminous crops. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio envisioned autonomous regional government could not float bonds at spreads tighter than if the national government floated these. If the autonomous region could not finance itself at better terms than the national government, how will it support itself?” Dominguez stressed.

He expressed his full support

for the formation of a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, which, he said, would enable the achievement of a more substantial autonomy arrangement that meets the expectation of the Islamic community in Mindanao” and is “a major step towards achieving sustainable prosperity for all communities in Mindanao.” (DOF)

overnight.

“They have to have a little patience as the President is doing his best to address the problems of la-

bor contractualization,” Maglunsod said, adding that the House of Representatives had just passed a bill to end contractualization. (PNA)

the prices of food commodities such as corn and meat to typhoons that hit the country in December last year.

“Part of the reason for the recent in�lation is expectations that the tax reform will indeed increase prices. These in�lationary expectations can be tempered by further increasing the supply of goods and services. This can be done by encouraging more investments or for existing �irms to expand production. For these, the second round of tax reform, or TRAIN 2, is critical. This should

be accompanied by the passage of the ease of doing business law,” Edillon said.

“It is also possible that certain merchants have taken advantage of the situation by raising the prices of their goods prematurely.

It was so easy to point a �inger at TRAIN,” Pernia pointed out.

With the active lead of the Department of Trade and Industry, the government should be forceful in going after businesses manipulating the prices of goods to the disadvantage of the public, Pernia added. (NEDA)

immunized during the catch-up immunization, which was from February 19 to March 23, were children aged six to 59 months old.

She said the immunization was part of the pro-active measures to address the measles outbreak in

this city.

Measles is a highly communicable viral illness transmitted through direct contact with nasal or throat secretion of infected person or by articles freshly soiled with nose and throat secretion. (PNA)

Steve Chiongbian Solon said the returnees would receive financial aid through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) so they could live normal lives with decent sources of income.

Apart from the financial aid, Solon said the local government would also provide free education to returnees or their children who wanted to pursue education.

Earlier, two NPAs from Guerilla Front 71 Far South Mindanao Region surrendered to the 73rd IB in Alabel town, Sarangani, after rebel leaders ordered them to harass fellow Indigenous Peoples in Malapatan town.

Angcao said Dondon Tumbo, 19 of Sito Lower Kilotong, Barangay Pag-asa, Alabel, Sarangani and Martin Mangayong, 40, resident of Sitio Akbual, Barangay Upper Suyan, Malapatan, Sarangani, turned in their M-16 Armalite rifle and AK 47 assault rifle to 73rd IB. “I surrender because I do not obey unlawful order,” Tumbo told soldiers. “Our leaders want us to harass our fellow Lumads in the community,” he added.

“I am old and I am tired of running away from government forces,” Mangayong said. “Besides, I do not want to harm my fellow lumad.”

Angcao said they would con-

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tinue to intensify their security operations, Community Support Programs (CSP), information gathering and collaboration to stakeholders to thwart the atrocities planned by the NPAs. Meanwhile, Col. Roberto Ancan, 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander, said that with the active participation of the LGU’s and stakeholders in the peace and

order campaign, they expect more NPA rebels to go back to the folds of law along with their firearms.

“Those rebels who remain loyal to their ideology will be dealt with accordingly,” Angcan said, adding that his unit would continue to intensify its security operation to protect and secure the people in its area of responsibility.

(PNA)

and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of 4Ps. “It has been found out that DSWD-ARMM that Maguindanao has received the highest number of complaints involving the 4Ps anomalies before our office on the barangay level,” Alamia said.

She presented the “no fraud” policy implemented by DSWD national, the importance of 4Ps and the “do’s and don’ts,” stressing repeatedly on stopping corruption.

The LGU officials and other stakeholders, meanwhile, lauded Alamia for her firm stand in eradicating irregularities in 4Ps’ implementation.

She said officials who would be caught involved in fraudulent activities, during and after the payouts to the beneficiaries, would be ousted from their respective posts and could even face criminal charges with the assistance of law enforcement authorities.

To reinforce this, the agency has already started coordinating with Smart Telecommunications Co. to setup the Infocast Messaging System.

The system, once operational, will enable 4Ps beneficiaries and others to send their concerns to DSWD-ARMM regarding 4Ps. DSWD-ARMM is also coordinating with other agencies such as the National Bureau of Investiga-

tion, the Commission on Elections, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in counterchecking and evaluating the list of 4Ps members. Aside from LGU officials, regional officials of Department of Education and Health were also presented for they form part of the task force.

“We thought of the LGU assembly as the best way to talk and appeal to you. This serves as a warning. Magtulungan po tayo na ayusin ang problema na ito (Let us help each other in resolving this problem),” Alamia said.

DSWD-ARMM has also coordinated with the Darul Ifta, the local Islamic consultative body, to provide religious guidance on the program’s implementation.

Alamia said that helping the needy in the community is not just a responsibility as public servants but also as Muslims. The military would be involved in the monitoring in accordance with Mindanao Martial Law Instruction Order No. 01 to monitor and check LGUs to ensure projects and programs of the government are properly implemented and delivered.

Alamia also warned her fellow workers in the DSWD-ARMM that those found guilty of corruption involving the 4Ps implementation will be dealt with accordingly.

(PNA)

Meanwhile, during the program there are also breakout sessions and workshop for the participants divided into five groups. The Service Delivery Network led by Dr. Lady Jedfeliz Molleno- Cluster Head, Health Facility Development Unit, DOH RO XI; Maternal Health led by Dr. Raquel Montejo represented by Ms. Fairuz Dinalo – Head, Family Health Cluster; Malnutrition led by Ma. Teresa L. Ungson, DMPA, Regional Director, National Nutrition Council RO XI; HIV/AIDS

led by Dr. Arnel R. Florendo City Health Officer, Tagum City; and War on Drugs led by Mr. Raymundo J. Pajarito- Asst. PG Department Head-PPDO. On the other hand, after the workshop the presentation of the strategies formulated during the breakout sessions was also conducted and followed by the signing of Pledge of Commitment by the participants. ( Rey Antibo, ID Comval)

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12 GAME CHANGER

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

Meet Harry D. Morris, marine biologist

TEXT and PHOTOS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

H

arry D. Morris needs no introduction. A national rugby player, he is known among most Filipinos as a member of the famed Philippine Volcanoes.

But what most Filipinos don’t know about him is that Morris is actually a marine biologist. He graduated in 2006 with honors degree in marine and freshwater biology (yes, he is not only all muscles but also with brain) from University of Essex in England.

“I still have yet to complete my PhD as I focused on my athletic career for over 11 years now,” he admits. “But I will definitely be completing it once my projects are up and running.”

Filipinos can relate with him also as his mother is a Filipina, the former Pilar Dionson. “My mother’s family had a rice milling business and a store. Her father was also a farmer,” Morris reveals in an exclusive interview.

His father is a British national named Toby Morris. “He is a farmer in United Kingdom but was working as a oceanic surveyor when he met my mom, who was then studying,” Morris says.

The union is blessed with five children. Harry is the eldest; he also has a brother who, is also rugby player and a graduate in Sports Science. He has three sisters: the eldest is a nurse who graduated from United Kingdom. The middle one has Masters of Engineering while the youngest is studying classics in

Liverpool.

“I’m immensely proud of my family,” he says. “Our mom’s goal was to make us successful in our studies, which most Filipino mothers want of their kids.”

Morris was born in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental but he grew up in United Kingdom. “I flew back and forth a lot when I was still young,” he says, “but at age 6, I settled in Wales to start school.”

As a marine biologist, he is involved with the Trinity Project of the Hijo Resources Corporation in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Hijo’s 177-hectare banana plantation, 92-hectare coconut plantation and 60-hectare forest is facing Davao Gulf,“one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world,” to quote the words of World Wildlife Fund.

Davao Gulf may look stunning on the surface but actually it is in deep trouble. “I could see that the coastline (where Hijo’s beach resort is located) was in a state of decline for a long time,” Morris observes. “The sediment had buried everything and was too dynamic to allow seagrasses to take root. The coastline area had retreated by over 100 meters with a loss of 20 hectares or more over the last decade.”

The 60-hectare forest, home to hundredsofwildpigsandPhilippine

monkeys roaming freely around, is also being threatened. “The sea was beginning to intrude into the century-old rainforest, and even though the water showed superb clarity during calm days, any windy period would cause visibility to drop to less than two meters,” Morris reports.

The Trinity Project started in November 2016. In the beginning, it covered only 200 square meters of the area near the corporation’s beach resort. Today, it has expanded to 120 hectares: 20 hectares of mangrove forest, 80 hectares of seagrass meadows and 20 hectares of coral reef habitat.

“After we have completed the 4-kilometer coastline,” he points out, “we will expand the project to neighboring coastline areas.”

But that’s going ahead of the story. How will he accomplish it? “First, we will rehabilitate the damaged coastline,” he says. “Then, we will improve the biological diversity that inhabit this part of the Davao Gulf.”

Morris believes that by rehabilitating the coastline, all three ecosystems – referring to mangrove forest, seagrass meadows and coral reefs – can again do their original functions. The restored coral reef structures will help break and disrupt wave energy below the surface. The seagrass meadow, on the other hand, will buffer the wave energy against the sediment and slow down the movement of the water. Finally, the mangroves will dissipate the wave energy with their prop roots, pneumatophores and

trunks before the waves reaches the shore.

Unlike seaweeds, seagrasses are vascular plants – they have a network of veins to move nutrients and dissolved gases around the plant. “The seagrass meadow will not only produce hundreds of thousands of liters of oxygen daily; it will also provide a habitat for spawning fish and their young, crustaceans, mollusks, and sea cucumbers,” Morris says. “Their roots and rhizomes will bind the sand and mud, improve the clarity of the water, as well as encouraging accretion rates of sediments that will benefit any nearby corals aside from building and maintaining beaches.”

On the other hand, mangroves are very important to marine life. “Mangrove forests strengthens the survival rate of fish during their developmental periods, allowing higher numbers of fish to reach sexual maturity and spawn higher numbers. Crustacean populations will boom and attract larger predators to the site, as well as playing an important role in the breakdown of organic material, being occasional detritus feeders.”

Finally, the coral reefs, which the World Conservation Union describes as “essential life-support systems” necessary for human survival, can become habitat for various marine species. “The coral reefs are the optimum environment in the tropical coastal ecosystem, allowing a huge diversity of aquatic life to live and breed in,” Morris says.

“The Trinity Project is actually

my design and creation, in partnership with a select few people who possess the same mindset,” Morris says. “I have always wanted to make a real difference in what I do and I strongly believe that this project can flourish and last for generations, long after any of our lifetimes.”

Morris foresees that the restored coastal ecosystems will continuously get stronger and more and more stable in the coming years. “I believe this can be perfected and replicated all over the Philippines,” he says, adding that it will not only benefit the Philippines but also other areas located within the Coral Triangle.

The Coral Triangle – so named because of its distinct triangular shape, is a region in Asia that includes the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.

Not far from Hijo’s Banana Beach, Morris has already placed 20 artificial reefs – known as “bom-

mies” – which were constructed from recyclable scrap metal and porous stones. “At the end of March this year, we will allow our guests to have a snorkeling experience underwater using a long-hose scuba system,” Morris says. “There is no certification needed and the guests can walk on the seabed amongst the reef structures at a depth of less than 5 meters. They can interact with the fish and sea-life there whilst experiencing first-hand how the Trinity project is developing.”

Davao Gulf needs to be restored to its former self. After all, it is Southern Mindanao’s fishing ground. “Davao Gulf is a critical resource supporting the economies of six coastal cities and 18 coastal municipalities,” says the Davao Gulf Management Council, composed of all local government units surrounding the gulf.

With the initiatives introduced

by Morris, there is a possibility of saving the Davao Gulf from annihilation!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

MAGUINDANAO... FROM 6

oppose the coal mining project in the province that they said was anti-poor and would destroy the environment and IPs ancestral lands as well as the series of military operations against IPs in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu.

She said the governor refused to have the IP children complete education “because she wants the IPs to focus only to T’nalak weaving instead of going to school.”

Fuentes passionately denied the allegations. “That’s unbeliev-

able,” she said.

Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion commander, denied that the slain IPs in South Cotabato who were communist rebels were massacred. (PNA)

Mayor Inday breaks bread with street sweepers, garbage collectors

I

n a rare occasion, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio broke bread with the street sweepers and garbage collectors who keep the city streets clean all day.

It was her way of thanking them and other personnel of the City Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice (CENRO) for doing all the dirty job during the city’s successful hosting of Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet from February 18 to 23.

Duterte-Carpio said the DAVRAA would not have been successful without the help of the CENRO personnel.

The city mayor ate with them in a boodle �ight at the People’s Park on Wednesday lunch. They ate rice, chicken barbeque and roasted beef put on banana leaf.

Duterte-Carpio said she would have given them a gift certi�icate. “Pero wala na ta gift certi�icate (But we no longer have gift certi�icates),” she said.

So, she said she thought of just sharing roasted beef and promised to give gift certi�icates in December as Christmas presents.

Before the start of the program, a street sweeper, who begged off to give her name, was excited to share food

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

with the mayor.

The mayor also gamely posed for photos or sel�ie with the workers after the boodle �ight.

CENRO is one of the few city government of�ices which maintains many workers.

The street sweepers work in three shifts – 4 a.m to 9 a.m; 9 a.m to 4 p.m, and 4 p.m to 9 p.m.

CENRO also maintain garbage collectors on shifting hours.

Aside from CENRO, Duterte-Carpio will also treat other groups for their help during the DAVRAA. Among them are the Davao City police, Task Force Davao, and other of�ices.

She said the city would need their services in the coming months like Davao City’s founding anniversary, Ironman, and the Kadayawan sa Dabaw.

Wednesday’s boodle �ight has the help of the Pilipinong may Puso Foundation of Wen Velasco.

Pilipinong may Puso Foundation has been a partner of the city government in some of its projects like the ongoing housing project in Tugbok District. It is a housing project for poor Davaoeños and the rebel returnees. (Lilian C. Mellejor/ PNA)

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of

Account Executives (3) Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate • Male/Female • With pleasing personality • With salary + commision

Collector/Driver Qualifications: • College Graduate • Male

MAYOR,P10

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

14 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

Sereno: Indefinite leave doesn’t mean resignation

M

RAISING TILAPIA IN LAKE SEBU. Tilapia farming has considerably contributed to the country’s food security and employment generation. In Lake Sebu, raising tilapia in cages is one of the municipality’s income generating projects. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

LUKEWARM... FROM 7

Maguindanao.

“After validation though, we are currently concentrating on 85 dug suspects in Maguindanao and 10 from Cotabato City,” Asnawi Salik, PDEA-ARMM acting spokesperson, said in his CCPO report.

Although not part of ARMM, the PDEA-ARMM includes this city in its area of jurisdiction. The ARMM comprises the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Basilan and Lanao del Sur. (PNA)

Arrested were Jojo Jamero, Haide Sanchez, Juvy Olano, Sarikin Motalib, Basit Gulam, Michael Cahumnas, Baher Mudzol, Uti Uttu, Abdulraham Diawe,

Eddie Norcos, Ryan Bisaya, Hussein Cabanith, Ramond Macalina Sr., Minda Partoza, Abdurashid Marangit and a minor.

(PNA)

amortization cost of PHP5,700 per month for 25 years.

The housing units will be delivered to the beneficiaries by December next year.

On the same day, meanwhile, Duterte also flew to Marawi City to lead the inauguration of the Bahay Pagasa Phase 2 in Brgy. Mipaga.

The Bahay Pag-asa is an immediate shelter and accommodation housing complex for internally-displaced persons (IDPs) , featuring

60 single-detached houses with individual kitchen, toilet and bath facilities.

Sitting on a one-hectare lot, the military-led housing project is equipped with basic community-living amenities such as deep well, water storage facilities, electric power connection, a community center, sports facilities, children’s playroom and a learning center, parking lots and even a community garden. (PNA)

“We will continue to hunt you down, it is better for you and your families if you peacefully surrender and do away with il-

legal activities,” Mijares advised other drug personalities who continue their illegal activities.

(PNA)

Meanwhile, Galvez said the ZDNPMC, as the winner, would represent the PRO-9 in the upcom-

ing Chief, PNP National SWAT Challenge in Maa, Davao City on March 1 to 3, this year. (PNA)

second spot with 124 points.

Cebu Country Club topped the Founders Division strik-

ing 140 points with George Hong leading the way with 48 points.

Edward Trinidad, Boxing Division Chief Dioscoro Bautista, Medical Chief Dr. Radentor Viernes and lawyer Benitez from Manila.

They will be assisted by the GAB Davao Field Of�ice under Of�icer-in-Charge Datu Fahd Sinsuat.

Also attending are the of�icers and members of the Mindanao Professional Boxing Association (Minproba) led by its president Engr. Jilson Basang and the Mindanao Professional Ring Of�icials Association (MinPROA) headed by its president Brembot Dulalas.

2... FROM 7

PRRD... FROM 7

2 BIG-TIME... FROM 7 ZAMBO... FROM 7 APO... FROM 15

GAB... FROM 15

PRRD‘war remark’on PH Rise not directed at China

M

ANILA -- Malacanang on Thursday clari�ied that President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that incursions in the Philippine Rise would trigger war was not directed at China.

“China has already recognized that we have sovereign rights over the area,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said in a press statement.

Duterte on Wednesday said countries seeking to conduct experiments and research as well as �ishing in Philippine Rise should get his permission.

“Otherwise, no. I will not allow �ishing, I will not…magkagiyera tayo (we will go to war),” the President said in his speech at the inauguration of a housing project for residents of war-torn Marawi City.

During Thursday’s opening ceremonies of the National Special Weapon and Tactics Challenge in Davao City, Duterte said he was not angry when he said incursions in the Philippine Rise would trigger war.

“I was not really angry.

I do not use the word war,” Duterte clari�ied.

The President, however, said he would not allow “any country” to explore in Philippine Rise without the government’s go signal.

He said the Philippines has no sophisticated arms like cruise missile but warned to “not mess up with us because we will not allow it.”

Duterte said he already sent a battalion of government troops to protect the Philippine Rise. (PNA)

ANILA -- Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Thursday said that while she agreed to go on inde�inite leave, it does not mean that she is quitting her post.

“I have not resigned and I will not resign. This inde�inite leave is not a resignation. I will devote my time to the preparation of my Senate defense and work on the cases in my docket,” the Chief Justice said in a statement read by lawyer Jojo Lacanilao, one of her spokespersons, in a press conference in Quezon City.

Sereno issued the statement after the 13 Associate Justices of the Supreme Court (SC) issued a statement to clear the confusion created by the Chief Justice’s spokespersons, who earlier said the latter is only taking a wellness leave and not an inde�inite leave.

“It is unfortunate that my plan of making use of an already approved wellness leave in relation to an inde�inite leave was inaccurately conveyed for which I apologized,” the statement further reads.

The top magistrate clari�ied that her inde�inite leave is bound by the appropriate administrative rules of the court.

“I had to qualify my leave according to the provisions of Rule 7, Section 6(c) of the Internal Rules of the Supreme Court ‘(c) Members who are on wellness leave or who are on vacation or sick leave, for at least 15 continuous calendar days shall be exempt from raf�le. xxx’ and the Resolution dated January 23, 2018 (A.M. No. 07-1102-SC) on the matter of my approved wellness leave,”

she said.

Sereno had initially scheduled her annual wellness leave, as approved by the en banc, from March 12 to 23, but opted to advance it to March 1 to 15 to give her suf�icient time to prepare for her legal defense in the looming impeachment trial.

In the same press conference, Lacanilao apologized on behalf of the Chief Justice’s spokespersons to the SC and the House Committee on Justice for the confusion created by his previous announcement.

“We were working on information available to us at the time we were engaged and asked questions by the press. The developments and discussions on what transpired during the en banc on Tuesday were not privy to us,” Lacanilao explained.

“Therefore, there was no malice on anyone of us to confuse, mislead or obfuscate what were fast developing events in the Supreme Court,” he added.

Sereno said she would use her leave of absence to prepare her legal defense in her impeachment case, which is expected to reach the Senate anytime soon.

Sereno is facing impeachment trial for alleged culpable violation of the Constitution, corruption, other high crimes and betrayal of public trust.

The complaint was �iled by lawyer Larry Gadon who claimed that Sereno did not declare in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) the “exorbitant lawyer’s fees” of USD745,000 or PHP37 million which she received from the Philippine government. (PNA)

LOOK MA, NO HELMET! Despite the implementation of no helmet law, there are still who try to defy the ordinance – just like these people going to Panabo City. What is even more interesting is that the girl at the back was still texting. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

DAVAO GOLFERS. Davao City Golf Club’s Bong Basilla (left) and councilor Jimmy Dureza (right) in action during the first round of the 71st PAL Seniors Interclub golf tournament at the Bacolod City Golf and Country Club in Marapara, Bacolod City on Thursday. Photos by Boy Lim and Tommy Inigo

Apo, DCGC, Lanang struggle on opening day

By ARMANDO B. FENQUITO JR.

B

ACOLOD CITY--It was a rather slow start for three Davao City’s golf squads on the first day of the 71st PAL Seniors Interclub Golf Tournament here.

Apo Golf and Country Club, Davao City Golf Club and Lanang Golf and Country Club �inished way

outside the top 5 in their respective divisions. Apo was ninth in the Founders Division while Lanang and

Davao City Golf Club went 8th and 9th in the Aviators Division.

Apo scored 126 points with veteran Socrates Cadayona �iring 47 points while Celso Villegas added 42 and Valerio Pasquil had 37 points. The 35 points of Lucio Hori�illa did not count in the four-to-play-three-to-

count format.

Lanang, on the other hand, opened its campaign with 104 points taking the eighth spot while the Davao City Golf Club tied for ninth spot with 103 points. Both teams played at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Marapara.

The shorthanded La-

GAB to hold boxing dialogue in Davao

T

he Games and Amusements Board (GAB) will hold a dialogue with boxing stakeholders across Mindanao on March 6 at the Grand Meng Seng Hotel here.

The meeting will start at 1 p.m. according to GAB Commissioner Mar Masanguid, a former barangay captain of R. Castillo in Davao City.

“We will hold dialogues to our stakeholders to know their concerns and problems for the development of boxing,” said Masanguid, who accompanied undisputed IBF World super �lyweight champion

Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas to a courtesy call on Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio last Feb. 23.

“We should not stop in helping our stakeholders especially our promoters,” said Masanguid.

“Kasi kung walang promotion, wala din tayong boxers na made-develop (Because if there is no promotion, we will also not be able to develop boxers),” said Masanguid, also founding president of the Solid Duterte Supporters Group ‘D Original Nationwide.

GAB, the government agency

tasked to handle all professional sports, also conducted separate dialogues around the country including Davao last year.

Among the topics to be discussed are Ratings Criteria, Amendments to Boxing Rules, License Renewal System, GAB-DOH Memorandum of Agreement and Boxing Gym inspection.

Aside from Masanguid, also expected to grace the discussions are GAB Chairman Abraham Kahlil “Baham” Mitra, Commissioner

GAB,P14

nang played with only three men led by Paul Anthony Dakudao who hit 39 points followed by Andrew Pineda with 39 and Roberto Dakudao with 29.

Davao City Golf Club was led Jose Daigdigan with 36 points followed by Elmer Basilia with 34 points, and Councilor Jimmy Dure-

za with 33 points. The 29 points of Willy de Leon did not count.

Villamor Airbase Golf club took the driver seat in the Aviators Division with 125 points led by Souk Koo ‘Bryan’ Lee hitting 43 points while the Saranggani Golf and Country took the

APO,P14

ROS boots out Beermen

ONE ON ONE. ROS forward Raymond Almazan drives against SMB behemoth Junmar Fajardo.

R

ain Or Shine finally secured a seat in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals after stunning San Miguel, 95-80, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Wednesday night.

The Elasto Painters outscored the Beermen, 35-18, in the payoff period to pull away for good.

Beau Belga led ROS, which can secure the fourth seed in the

next round with a win against Ginebra on Friday night, with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and five steals.

Jewel Ponferada added 17 points, three rebounds, and one block off the bench.

Junemar Fajardo brought his fine showing for Gilas over the weekend to SMB, making 19 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. (PNA)

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 237 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 2-3, 2018

OFF TO BIG START

Rancho Palos Verdes jumps to no. 2 in PAL Seniors Interclub

RPV SWINGERS. (Left to right) Rady Cadiongan, Joe Tesado, Jun Serado and Adam Dizon of Rancho Palos Verdes. Tommy Inigo

By ARMANDO B. FENQUITO JR.

B

ACOLOD CITY-- Rancho Palos Verdes jumped to a big start in the 71st Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub golf tournament taking the overnight second spot in the Sportswriters Division on Thursday.

Playing on the late flight at the tricky Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in

Marapara, the RPV parbusters scored 108 points to position themselves in second place,

only three points behind the leading Veterans Golf Club, in this biggest club tournament in

the country.

Randy Cadiongan led the RPV with 39 points followed by Eugenio Serado with 37 points and Josue Tesado with 32 while the 32 points of Abraham Dizon did not count on the fourto-play-three-to-count scoring

format.

Veterans Golf Club took the early lead with 111 points behind the 39 of Sam Jumaquio, 37 of Jun Bucago, and the 35 of Ruben Baya. The 32 of Tomas Henry Vargas did not tally.

Melbourne Pinoy Golf

(107) finished the day in third while Forest Hills (106) and Taotaomona Guam (105) are in 4th and 5th places.

The tournament is backed up by Primax Broadcasting, RMN and Fox, while major

OFF,P10