Edge10 issue 238, March 4-5, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

P 15.00 • 24 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

CLEAN-UP. A Bantay Dagat team member from Brgy. 27-C Leon Garcia in Davao City collects the trash along the beachfront near Sta. Ana Port on Saturday. Brgy. 27-C’s Bantay Dagat team conducts coastal clean up every Saturday to help get rid of the garbage on the barangay’s beachfronts. Lean Daval Jr

ALVAREZ HIT Speaker removed funds for Davao Norte: AGR

By JIMMY K. LAKING

G

ov. Anthony G. Del Rosario on Friday accused House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez of masterminding the removal of an estimated P500 million funds allotted in the national budget for the concreting of roads in Davao del Norte.

“If he is normal and not vindictive, he (Alvarez) should not have removed the funds for the sake of public service,” Del Rosario, told the provincial Liga ng mga Barangays at the Apo View Hotel.

“But on his instructions, this was removed alongside with those that were meant for Ilocos Norte and Zamboanga del Sur,” said the governor who is also known for his nickname “AGR.” He said the province of Davao del

Norte has more than 800 kilometers of road that still need to be paved.

AGR said that in addition, five municipalities of Davao del Norte were excluded from the budget of the DPWH in terms of infrastructure projects.

“This is the first time it happened,” he said.

At the same time, the governor slammed the House Speaker for not honoring his word to meet with Rep. Antonio “Tonyboy”

Floirendo Jr. in a bid to settle their differences “for the sake of the people of Davao del Norte.”

The governor took the occasion to reveal that his father, former governor Rodolfo Del Rosario, and Tagum Catholic Bishop Wilfredo Manlapaz flew to Manila to facilitate the meeting between Floirendo and Alvarez as arranged by a third party on February 8.

This was preceded by talks through a third party wherein both Floirendo and Alvarez separately indicated their desire to reconcile for the sake of unity.

“But at the scheduled time and place where the bishop and the former governor were waiting, a messenger of Alvarez showed

up to deliver a message that the Speaker could not make it because he was supposedly in Agusan,”he said. “Yet the week before this meeting, the speaker confirmed he would show up.”

‘Way batasan,’ Del Rosario said. “He has no manners.”

He recalled that it was Tonyboy Floirendo who had been providing financial support to Alvarez when he ran for congressman in the first district during the 2016 election.

“I witnessed him coming almost weekly to ask Tonyboy for funds,” he said.

“And as far as I can recall, Tonyboy never turned him down.”

“It struck me that one

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Police secures Lamdag Parada

By ANGIE SAVERON

A

round 200 police personnel were deployed yesterday to secure the Lamdag Parada event which is one of the activities in line with the celebration of the 81st Araw Ng Dabaw.

Lamdag Parada is a drum & bugle corps completion and star float parade. This activity is one of the events that was cancelled during Pasko Fiesta

A1

due to untoward incidents that occurred in December 2017.

According to Davao City Police Office spokesperson Police S/Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan, the number of police personnel will depend on the event.

“The number of police personnel deployed will depend on the activi-

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Supporting

SEMEs across

Mindanao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

SPRUCING UP. Workers commissioned by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 11 apply paint on a pedestrian lane atop the newly laid asphalt along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City on Saturday.

Lean Daval Jr

TESDA course eyed for forest guards

By JUDIE VEGA

T

he Philippine Eagle Foundation is drafting a forest guard training course accredited by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, together with its partner agencies to properly train and equip 200 volunteer indigenous forest guards.

Jayson Ibañez, research and conservation director of PEF said during the Connect Health and Science Media Forum on Friday at

SM Lanang Davao City that the creation of the “forest guarding program” will be handled by the TESDA. “The proposed skills

program will provide a better life for IPs in the uplands apart from providing them effective ways of environmental conservation,” Ibañez said.

Ibañez said the foundation’s priorities are those forest guards who are already engaged by the City Government especially those that have clean track records as a sort of reward or incentive for their hard

work “We choose to prioritize IPs because as they have limited opportunities, It is our desire to provide practical benefits, more longterm, systematic and sustainable means for our IPs, “He added.

Ibañez said that already drafting a copy of training standards, subject for evaluation and approval of TES-

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PNP thrilled over US replicating‘Tokhang’ T he Philippine National Police is very much thrilled with reports indicating that United States President Donald Trump wants to emulate the anti-drug policies of China, Singapore, and the Philippines.

“This is welcome news. Kami naman ay natutuwa dahil syempre nare-recognize ng US government yung effort ng ating pamahalaan laban sa ipinagbabawal na droga (We are glad that the US government recognizes our government’s efforts against illegal drugs),» PNP

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with the complaint filed by the former questioning the implementation of the controversial dengue immunization program before the May 2016 polls.

“Yes. Hearings have been set on March 8 (Drs. Francis Cruz and Clarito Cairo, Jr. and VACC), March 9 (Department of Health

(DOH) officials) and March 15 (Aquino, former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and former DOH Secretary Janette Garin),” lawyer Manuelito Luna said in a viber message.

In separate summons issued last month, the poll body’s Law Department, has directed Aquino, the

former Department of Budget and Management chief and the former DOH head to appear and submit their counter-affidavits on March 15 at 10 am before the poll body.

“You are hereby directed to appear and submit your counter-affidavit and

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Senate: Shut violators, not whole of Boracay

Comelec summons Aquino O over immunization program ANILA -- A lawyer of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) confirmed on Saturday that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has subpoenaed former President Benigno Aquino III and several other former and current government officials in connection

spokesperson, Chief Supt.

John Bulalacao, said late Friday.

Bulalacao said this would inspire police officers to exert more efforts in pursuing the campaign against illegal drugs without sacrificing and violating any human right.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in his speech at the opening ceremony of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines SWAT Challenge at the Ma-a Firing Range in Davao City on March 1, called out the American me-

nly violating establishments should be closed and not the entire island of Boracay.

This was the recommendation made during a four-hour joint Senate public hearing held in Boracay on Friday afternoon.

Senator Cynthia Villar, head of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said the recommendation will be submitted to President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

The public hearing led

by Villar was jointly conducted with chairs of various committees namely Senators Nancy Binay of tourism, Loren Legarda of finance, Juan Miguel Zubiri of trade and commerce, and Joel Villanueva of labor.

The hearing was conducted to shed light on the issues faced by the world-renown island following the pronouncement made by Duterte in February to close the entire island if environmental problems

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

SC’s acting chief justice comes from Mindanao

S

enior Associate Justice Antonio Tirol Carpio has taken over as Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court starting March 1, the date of effectivity of the “indefinite leave” filed

by Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, who is facing impeachment by Congress.

This is the second time Carpio, chair of the Second Division and of the Senate Electoral Tribunal, is serving as Acting Chief Justice.

The first was in 2012 when he assumed the post vacated by the impeached Renato Corona, from May 29, 2012 until Sereno, Corona’s successor, was appointed on August 24 that same year. Sereno, the country’s first woman Chief Justice, also has Mindanawon roots: she was born in Manila but her father was from Siasi, Sulu. Her husband is from Davao City.

Carpio was sworn in as member of the Supreme Court on October 26, 2001, his 52nd birthday. He is set to retire next year when he reaches 70.

Under the Duterte administration, Carpio has been among the dissenting voices in the Supreme Court. He voted against the Marcos burial in 2016, last year argued that martial law should have been declared only in Marawi City and not in all of Mindanao’s

27 provinces and 33 cities, and dissented as well in the extension of martial law.

He has also been very vocal on the issue of the West Philippine Sea and the Duterte administration’s policy towards China. Only last week, he told CNN Philippines that China’s continued militarization there is a national threat.

“If the present administration is sleeping on their job, it’s our duty to wake them up and to tell them to protect our sovereign rights,” he said.

“Once we lose our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, we can never get it back… China will never return it,” Carpio added.

According to his profile posted on the SC website, Carpio, shortly after his appointment in 2001, launched for the judiciary the Supreme Court e-library, the first full-text searchable and retrievable on-line law library in the Philippines and among the first in Asia.

The profile noted that Carpio has penned at least “836 full-blown decisions, leaving no backlog in his docket, a feat rarely attained by a Supreme Court magistrate.”

Carpio finished elementary and high school at the Ateneo de Davao University,

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NOVELTY. A mall goer checks the details of a ‘Digong’ cake made by one of the exhibitors of the three-day 2018 Bakery Fair-Davao, the 10th International Exhibition on Bakery, Confectionery, and Foodser-

vice Equipment and Supplies of Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI), at the event’s exhibit area at SMX Convention Center on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

‘Hot’ logs seized in North Cotabato E

nvironment officials on Friday confiscated more than 5,000 board feet of illegally cut logs in Magpet, North Cotabato.

Magpet municipal environment and natural resources officer, Erly Roque Baudi, said civilians had

alerted the local government about the impending transport of illegally cut forest products in Sitio In-

tik, Barangay Binay, and he quickly formed a team to check the information.

“We were met by freshly cut forest logs and lumber, which is illegal under local and national laws,” Baudi told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a phone

interview.

He said the MENRO team came to the village without any police or military escort because of the possible presence of communist rebels in the village.

In their investigation,

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4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

Mindanao tribal women seek help of Manila nuns ‘Pink Sisters’ assure displaced women of prayers and sacrifice A group of tribal women displaced by conflict in the southern Philippines has sought help and prayers from cloistered nuns in Manila known as the “Pink Sisters” due to the color of their habits.

In a rare opportunity, the women from Mindanao were granted access to meet the nuns of the Sister-Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration.

Cloistered nuns intentionally separate them-

WILDLIFE CONCERN. Jayson Ibañez, Research and Conservation Director of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, talks about upcoming activities in line with the United Nations World Wildlife Week. He said upcoming exhibitions, lectures, and contests in the city aim to stir the youth’s interest in biodiversity and encourage appreciation for Davao

region’s rich and unique wildlife. Seated next to him is SFO2 Ramil Gillado, Davao City Fire and Arson Investigator of the Bureau of Fire Protection, who talked about Fire Prevention Month. Both are guests in SM Lanang Premier’s Connect media forum last March 2. Contributed Photo

PEF hosts United Nations wild life week celebration

By ANGIE SAVERON

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he Philippine Eagle Foundation is hosting the first United Nations Wild Life Week Celebration in Davao City. The weeklong celebration commenced on March 3, Saturday.

“This is essentially a part of the global celebration or commemoration of the signed anniversary of CITES or Convention

on International Trade for Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora,” said Jason Ibañez, research and conservation director of

POEA vows crackdown on illegal recruiters abroad

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ANILA — Filipino nationals engaged in illegal recruitment and human trafficking outside the country can be reached and prosecuted by the long arm of Philippine law, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration chief warned.

POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia said there are ways by which the Philippine government can force illegal recruiters and human traffickers operating outside the country to get back to Manila to face criminal charges.

“Even if offenders hide in remote parts of the world, the government can ask for their extradition to face charges in the country,” he said at the Global Online Conference of Overseas Filipinos held at PTTC in Pasay

city by the Alliance of Overseas Filipinos (AOFC) , a Hong Kong-based NGO. STRADCOM Corp., Pagcor, PLDT and Maynilad sponsored the conference shown live and watched by more than 22,000 overseas Filipinos in Hong Kong, Singapore and other countries in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America.

Jeffrey Valdez, vice consul at the Philippine embassy in Moscow, said up to 90 to 95 percent of about 5,000 Filipino domestics are working illegally today in Russia since there are no work visas for foreign helpers in that country.

Olalia said illegal recruiters can be charged with criminal offenses for illegal recruitment, estafa for exorbitant charges on jobseekers and human trafficking. (PR)

the Philippine Eagle Foundation during the Connect Science, Health and Wellness press conference at Sm Lanang Premier on Friday.

He said this is this is the main international law that regulates wild life trade which is one of the threats to the unique global wildlife biodiversity.

“We thought that this

will be a good platform to enhance public awareness especially among the youth about our rich wild life within the Davao Region,” he said.

The first day of the weeklong celebration was called UN World Wildlife Day with Student Essay Writing and Wildlife Quiz

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selves from the outside world to focus on prayer.

Eufemia Culliamat, spokeswoman of the tribal group Kasalo, said they surrendered their struggle for peace and justice in their tribal lands to God. “Your prayers are our strength to withstand the great challenges ahead of us,” Culliamat told a group of 20 nuns during the meeting on Feb. 28.

The tribal group included two children of tribal leaders killed for opposing mining operations.

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UN envoy not persona non grata in RP: palace

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ANILA – Malacanang does not consider United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Agnes Callamard ‘persona non grata’ despite its opposition for her to investigate the Philippines’drug war.

In a press briefing in Tarlac Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque maintained though that Callamard has no more credibility to investigate since she has concluded that the Philippines’ war on drugs would worsen the problem.

Callamard made the comment when she visited the Philippines in May 2017 at the invitation of a group critical of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“Why would she be welcomed to investigate here when she had already made (a) conclusion without investigation? That’s why she is not welcome. She should go to other countries that

will accept her,” Roque said.

Roque, a presidential adviser on human rights, even gave Callamard a failing mark on her credibility as special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

“Pero itong si Callamard po kung bibigyan mo ng grado pagdating doon sa puwede ba siyang pagkatiwalaan, bagsak! Singko, singko ang grade! Hindi po siya pinagkakatiwalaan; at dagok po iyan hindi lang sa kaniyang propesyunal na standing, sa kaniyang pagkatao na rin (If I give Callamard a grade on whether she can be trusted, she failed! Five, her grade is five.

She cannot be trusted, and that’s a blow not only to her professional standing but to her personality as well),” he said.

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FOR WANT OF ALTERNATIVE. A young girl washes her clothes on the muddy water at a coastal community in Brgy. 23-C Isla Verde in Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

5 ECONOMY

Biz sector optimism dips due to oil prices B

THE HIGHER THE BETTER. Mindanao Development Secretary Datu Hj. Abul Khayr D. Alonto during the Mindanao Affairs Committee Meeting on Mindanao Budget appealed to the lawmakers to increase

the budget allocation to achieve the economic growth and poverty reduction targets for the island-region. MinDA

usiness optimism in the Phlippines during the first quarter of 2018 has dropped due to the usual deceleration of business activities in the start of the year and upticks in oil prices last January, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas survey showed.

BSP Business Expectation Survey for the first quarter this year showed an index of 39.5 percent from 43.3 percent in the previous quarte.

This trend, however, is normal, BSP data showed.

In 2017, the first quarter index stood at 39.4 percent, down from 39.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said prices of Dubai crude oil last January rose from around USD64.36 per barrel at the start of the month to as much as USD67.06 by the end of it.

“That was of course reflected in the domestic pric-

es of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel. LPG prices also went up at a less significant amount,” he said.

The survey, done last January 8 to February 22, also cited stiffer competition and transitory impact of the tax reform as additional reasons for their less optimistic business confidence.

The BSP said business sentiment in the country this quarter is similar to that in the US, Canada, China, Hong Kong, and South Korea.

Amid this development, business sentiment per sector was mixed, with outlook of the industry and construction rising contrary to those of wholesale and retail trade and services.

Outlook of the construction sector improved to 35.1 percent from quarter-ago’s 20.1 percent and the industry sector’s rose to 32.3 percent from 30.4 percent in the previous quarter. (PNA)

Davao City updates DOF cites necessity for development plan flexible exchange rate T

he City Planning and Development Office revealed it is almost through with the review of the 1996-2021 Comprehensive Development Plan this year.

CPDO head Ivan Cortez said in an interview on Tuesday that his office is waiting for the comments and suggestions from various sectors it consulted to further improve the draft of the CDP that will guide the city government in crafting development and investment policies and projects from 2018 to 2022.

He said they needed to update the 1996-2021 CDP, the basis for choosing projects, because “we are overtaken by events already,” rendering some of the projects listed in the plan obsolete while other necessary projects may not have been in the plan yet.

Five priority sectors consulted were infrastruc-

ture, economics, environment, governance, and social sector that provide inputs what programs and projects they want the City Government to focus on, Cortez said.

“The suggestions on programs and projects do not come from the city government. We just facilitated the discussions and consultations so that when there are projects that are not included in the CDP, they can’t blame 100 percent the government because they were consulted,” he said.

The CDP is the basis for

the crafting of the Local Development Investment Plan, effective within the threeyear term of Mayor Sara Duterte.

Among the biggest infrastructure projects in the 1996-2021 CDP that have been taking shape recently are the UP Mindanao Sports Complex and P34.5-billion Coastal Road Project, Cortez said.

He added that they would contemplate on the visions of the old CDP and work on improving its gaps in the implementation of the new CDP. (MindaNews)

ect, PHP211.43-billion Malolos-Clark Railway Project, PHP9.89-billion Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project, PHP8.02-billion Maritime Safety Capability Project, and PHP5.26-billion Arterial Road Bypass Project-Phase III. Of the six projects with total cost of around PHP715 billion, five are related to transportation while one is related to flood management.

“Our focus on the transportation sector is part of the bigger mission to decongest Metro Manila, and bring development to the regions, which is em-

bedded in our National Spatial Strategy,” NEDA Director-General and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a statement.

In view of the Japan International Cooperation Agency study’s estimated PHP3.5 billion cost of traffic in Metro Manila, Pernia said the government is implementing measures to ease traffic congestion in the mega cities of the country.

“This estimated economic loss in daily traffic is massive, and we must act fast. We are looking at this problem in a comprehensive way. We recognize that transportation is the

enabler and driver of socioeconomic development, that is why we have the National Transport Policy (NTP) approved by the NEDA Board,” Pernia said.

The NTP aims to unify all transport-related projects in the country. It synchronizes decisions and investments of all transport-related agencies and better coordinate such efforts between the national and local levels.

Aside from the six new projects that will be financed by Japan, seven new projects will be funded with assistance from other ODA partners.

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he Department of Finance cited the need for a flexible exchange rate to ensure that market players easily adjust to economic developments.

This was stressed by the DOF in its economic bulletin that cited the latest movement of the local unit.

Movement of the exchange rate “should not be taken as a sign of structural weakness in the economy,” it said.

“In an environment where macroeconomic fundamentals are sound -real GDP (gross domestic

product) growth is higher than six percent, inflation is within projected levels, international reserves are in excess of eight months of imports of goods and services, BOP (balance of payment) and fiscal deficits are financeable and the debt ratios are declining, it is best that the exchange rate should move flexibly so that economic players are able to adjust promptly to market dynamics, thus sustaining economic growth,” it said.

In recent weeks, the peso

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s 2017 NEDA approves 13 infra projects Holcim’ profit down 65%

T

he National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved 13 infrastructure projects worth PHP1.02 trillion, including Metro Manila’s first ever subway and five other projects that will be implemented with Japanese support.

The NEDA said Japan official development assistance (ODA) will help fund six projects, which include the PHP356.97-billion Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1, co-financing of the commuter line of PHP299.4-billion Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Commuter and South Longhaul Proj-

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H

olcim Philippines Inc. booked a 65-percent drop in profit in 2017 as cement demand declined amid sluggish growth of the construction industry and tighter competition.

Holcim told the local bourse its net income reached PHP2.4 billion last year compared with PHP6.9 billion in 2016.

It said prices were impacted as competition further tightened with the influx of imported cement, causing revenues to decline year-on-year by 13.9 percent to PHP34.7 billion in 2017.

Holcim Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Sapna Sood said the company had launched projects to strengthen customer focus, improve the efficiency of plant and logistics operations, manage costs and offer more innovative building solutions.

The company started a PHP3-billion project in the third quarter of 2017 to raise its cement production capacity by two million metric tons in preparation for the projected rise in demand as government ramps up infrastructure spending across the country. (PNA)

6ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

Estate, gaming firm posts record profit L TENANTS NO MORE. Farmer Paciano Mitra, 78 and wife Nenita, 76, of Barangay Limao, Calauan, Laguna, tenants for 50 years, finally received their transfer certificates of title (TCTs) in a ceremony held on

Wednesday, February 28 at the provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. DAR Photo

eisure estate and gaming firm Belle Corp. posted a record profit last year mainly driven by by gaming earnings.

Belle told the local bourse Friday that its profit rose 13 percent to PHP3.5 billion last year from PHP3.1 billion in 2016.

Its consolidated revenues reached PHP8 billion, up 27 percent from PHP6.3 billion the previous year.

Through its subsidiary Premium Leisure Corp.

(PLC), Belle reported a 59-percent increase in its share of gaming earnings from City of Dreams Manila, rising to PHP2.6 bil-

lion from PHP1.6 billion.

Its real estate business also contributed to its banner year with PHP3.1 billion in revenues, up 10 percent from PHP2.8 billion in 2016.

Of this, PHP2.3 billion came from Belle’s lease to Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation (Melco) of the land and buildings comprising City of Dreams Manila; while PHP823 million was from real estate sales and property management activities at its Tagaytay Highlands and Tagaytay Midlands residential and leisure complexes. (PNA)

Uniqlo says RP’s Duterte admin ends tenancy economy growing

of 78-year old Laguna farmer J

A

fter 50 years as tenant, agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) Paciano Mitra, 78 of Barangay Limao, Calauan, Laguna finally received his transfer certificates of title (TCTs) in a ceremony held on Wednesday, February 28 at the provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Mitra was accompanied by his wife, Nenita, 76 during the distribution ceremony as they thanked DAR under the leadership of Secretary John R. Castriciones and the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the release of their land titles.

“I’ve been farming for 50 years yet I do not own the land,” Mitra, speaking in local dialect, said in an interview after the ceremony.

The distribution was led by Usec. Karlo S. Bello of Field Operations Office (FOO) of DAR together

with Director Leomides R. Villareal of the Public Assistance and Media Relations Service (PAMRS), DAR Region IV-A Director Luis B. Bueno, Jr., DAR Region IV-A Assistant Director Priscilla E. Ong, and Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Elizabeth Z. Villapando.

A total of 79 ARBs received their respective land titles during the ceremony that covered around 101.5825 hectares of agricultural lands in the city of Calamba and towns of Calauan, Liliw, Lumban, Magdalena, Pakil, Paete, and Sta. Maria.

“We give importance to every land title distribution activity that we undertake. This is very important to the lives of our farmers,” Bello emphasized in his message to the ARBs. He also lauded the efforts of DAR officials and employees in the province of Laguna.

Among those who received their land titles were Arsenia B. Ojinal, 78 and her daughter, Rosa Ojinal Yongco, 49 years of age and a mother of five.

Both Arsenia and Rosa, residents of Barangay Imok, Calauan, Laguna, are widows. (PNA)

projects to be implemented, through the investment with Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and other multilateral development banks.

At present, the EU has an ongoing development assistance worth EUR260 million to the Philippines, focused on civil society, capacity building, technical assistance, and electrification programs.

For the period of 2014 to 2020, the EU has allocated a total of EUR325 million or PHP20.79 billion to the Philippines. Its last component, a EUR170-million worth development aid, is still up for signature.

To recall, President Rodrigo Duterte had rejected the assistance from the bloc, citing its meddling with the country’s internal affairs.

With the Partnership

and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) recently enforced after ratification, Marservisi is optimistic the two parties can sit down and discuss what needs adjustment on development talks.

During a meeting with high-ranking officials from the Philippine government, he said the issue of human rights was not discussed.

“No, we didn’t discuss this, we discussed energy, Mindanao, and the mutual interest that we have in the region and what are the common interest in doing cooperation in the Philippines,” he said.

Marservisi said development projects “can go on as it is”, given the current stage the EU is in, when it comes to implementing assistance on energy.

“It is precisely on this

we are advancing in order to finalize the text and to make it even clear in the light of the recently adopted PCA,” he explained. “To find the right way to be coherent in this new agreement... we are now finalizing texts.”

In a symposium on Friday, Marservisi also joined National Economic and Development Administration (NEDA) Secretary Ernesto Pernia and executives from the Department of Energy to discuss cooperation in providing power to small businesses in off-grid areas through stand-alone solar energy.

The solar-powered small businesses will be piloted in Davao and Bohol, before replication in other off-grid sites throughout the country.

The solar power options

EU allots P10.9-B aid for Mindanao

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ANILA -- Development assistance worth EUR170 million or PHP10.88 billion for Mindanao and energy projects all over the Philippines will be up for negotiation with the Philippine government, an executive from the European Union (EU) said.

“We have an ongoing commitment of EUR260 million, some of them are actually contracted for implementation,” said Stefano Marservisi, European Commission Director General for International Cooperation and Development, who also revealed the bloc had agreed to modify future financial contracts with the Duterte administration.

Marservisi said the EUR170 million is fixed but may increase by around EUR30 million up to EUR50 million, depending on the

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apanese clothing brand Uniqlo says the Philippine economy is growing as it unveiled its 2018 Spring/Summer collection Thursday afternoon in Makati City.

Floral designs, boyfriend jeans, new design collaborations are just among those that the customers can look forward to from this new collection.

Masayoshi Nakamura, Uniqlo Philippines chief operating officer, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that Uniqlo sees a huge potential in the Philippine market.

“The (Philippine) economy is growing. Fashion mindset is also changing among Filipino customers,” he continued.

As Uniqlo continuously

develops its products, Nakamura said the company plans to expand further in the Philippines to cater to the customers’ needs. “We can adjust to the Filipino customers’ demands,” he noted.

Every item that Uniqlo sells is the same item being offered in all its branches globally, according to Nakamura. He added the company keeps on innovating its products and communicates its selling points to the customers.Nakamura told PNA he noticed that in the Philippines, high-income earners seem to have the same philosophy when it comes to clothing. “Simple clothes are okay with them as long as the quality and design are good,” he said. (PNA)

Business sector sentiment for Q1 slips on higher oil prices

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ANILA – Business optimism in the Phlippines during the first quarter of 2018 has dropped due to the usual deceleration of business activities in the start of the year and upticks in oil prices last January, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) survey showed.

BSP Business Expectation Survey (BES) for the first quarter this year showed an index of 39.5 percent from 43.3 percent in the previous quarter.

This trend, however, is normal, BSP data showed.

In 2017, the first quarter index stood at 39.4 percent, down from 39.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said prices of Dubai crude oil last January rose from around USD64.36 per barrel at the

start of the month to as much as USD67.06 by the end of it.

“That was of course reflected in the domestic prices of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel. LPG prices also went up at a less significant amount,” he said.

The survey, done last January 8 to February 22, also cited stiffer competition and transitory impact of the tax reform as additional reasons for their less optimistic business confidence.

The BSP said business sentiment in the country this quarter is similar to that in the US, Canada, China, Hong Kong, and South Korea.

Amid this development, business sentiment per sector was mixed, with outlook of the industry and construction rising contrary to those of wholesale and retail trade and services. (PNA)

7 SUBURBIA RISING

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

Farmers’kids urged to avail of agri scholarship program

Z

AMBOANGA CITY -Children and relatives of farmers are urged to avail of the government scholarship program to earn a degree in agriculture for free.

Melba Wee, Department of Agriculture (DA) assistant regional director for research policy, planning and regulatory, made the call following observations that children of farmers barely finish college studies.

Wee told the Philippine News Agency that they can avail of the scholarship program through agency’s Agriculture Credit Enhancement Fund (ACEF).

“This scholarship program has been there for years but there are only few or no takers at all,” Wee said as she urged parents to “encourage your children to study agriculture.”

Wee said through ACEF, each of the scholars is entitled to PHP2,000 monthly allowance and PHP1,000

book allowance per semester aside from studying with free tuition fee.

She said children of farmers can also enroll in agricultural allied courses such as agri-business, veterinary medicine, agronomy and others for free.

“Studying agriculture course doesn’t mean you will only study on how to cultivate crops. There are also allied courses that you can choose,” she said.

She said for those who are interested to avail of the scholarship program they can visit the DA office near them.

Meanwhile, she said that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has also scholarship program for the children of fisher folks.

BFAR is an attached agency of DA that is responsible for the development, improvement, management and conservation of the countries fisheries and aquatic resources. (PNA)

ARMM, Marawi to build P115-M infra projects M

arawi City (March 2, 2018) – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the City Government of Marawi will construct P115-million worth of infrastructure projects starting this month as part of the city’s rehabilitation program.

Two groundbreaking ceremonies were held here on Thursday, March 1, for the P90-million Integrated Market, Food and Transport Terminal at Buadi Sacayo in Marawi and the P25-million rehabilitation of City Hall and City Health Center.

C

OLUMBIO, Sultan Kudarat -- Two communists, including a rebel sub-commander, surrendered to police authorities here following a week-long negotiation, police said.

Chief Inspector Aldrin Gonzales, speaking for police in Central Mindanao region, said Beong “Ka Tukay” Dalumatan, 45, and his brother Ruben, 41, both members of the New People’s Army Guerilla Front 72 Far South Mindanao Region, surrendered on Friday to Columbio municipal

police office.

Gonzales said the two have standing warrants of arrest for murder and robbery.

The two, Gonzales said, were from Sitio Mauno, Barangay Maligaya, Columbio, and turned over one M-14 rifle, two cal. 357 pistols, an M-30 Garand rifle, and ammunition.

They are now housed at the Columbio police station while police officials are studying whether they will qualify for the government amnesty program.

(PNA)

AMBOANGA CITY -- Government security forces arrested a member of a crime syndicate in the province of Lanao del Norte, the military reported Saturday.

Brig. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, identified the suspect as Roger Sagarino, a hired killer and dealer of illegal drugs.

Murillo said Sagarino, who was arrested in Barangay Raw-an, Lala, Lanao del Norte at about 11:45 a.m.

Thursday, was also involved in numerous robbery cases.

He said Sagarino and his brother, Charly, are associated with the Kuratong Baleleng gang of Ozamiz City, a syndicate involved

in robbery, smuggling, kidnapping, murder, extortion, drugs, illegal gambling and other illicit activities.

Murillo said Charly is currently detained at the municipal jail of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. He said Sagarino is also associated with the Labang group, particularly Mariano Labang, who was slain in a police operation; Tatong Labang, who is at large for being the principal suspect in the killing of Edgar Paculaba, barangay councilor of Lipawan, Dumingag; and Boboy Labang, who is also at large after being implicated in cases of killings.

He said Sagarino was taken to Lala Municipal Police Station for documentation. (PNA)

Troops arrest crime syndicate member Z

Bubong, Lanao del Sur in February that will open additional economic activities in the town and in the entire first district of the province since these areas have no formal marketplace.

Meanwhile, the Marawi city hall and the city health center will undergo rehabilitation since the two structures also sustained minor damage because of the battle. The ARMM will also provide an additional P15 million for the procurement of hospital facilities and equipment. (Bureau of Public Information)

nance parameters.

The MoA is for the implementation of the 2018 Regular Infra-Projects of the ARMM. Sec. Loong emphasized the role of the LGUs in the success of the implementation of such projects. The joint undertaking of the DPWH-ARMM and the LGUs is one of the steps of the regional government to comply with the President’s goal of implementing efficiently and within standards all 2018 infrastructure projects.

The budget for each LGU is as follows: Lanao District I: · Province of Lanao del Sur – P388 million; · Piagapo – P33.95 million; · Wao – P58.2 million; · Taraka – P63.05 million;

· Poona Bayabao – P43.65 million; · Masiu – P19.4 million; · Bubong – P4.95 million; · Ditsaan Ramain – P9.70 million; and · Mulondo – P19.4 million.

Lanao District II: · Ganassi – P85.3 million; · Calanogas – P19.4 million; · Madalum – P38.8 million; · Balindong – P16.49 million; · Butig – P33.95 million; and · Kapatagan – P37.38 million.

Butig Mayor Dimnatang Pansar said a 2.5-kilometer road will be built in his town to speed up economic

development specifically in the agricultural sector.

“Our municipality is primarily an agricultural town, the movement of the farmers and the delivery of products to the market will be easier by connecting farmlands,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Hataman asked the local chief executives to immediately start the road projects and complete those projects before December. “Nakikiusap kami sa inyo na simulan niyo na dahil baka abutan tayo ng Disyembre, baka hindi matapos ang proyekto,” Gov. Hataman said.

He was referring to the Department of Budget and Management’s circular order that would revert back to the national treasury funds allocated for proj-

ARMM inks agreement with Lanao del Sur LGUs

C NPA leader, brod surrender to police in Sultan Kudarat

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and Marawi City Mayor Atty. Majul Gandamra led the groundbreaking ceremonies. Gov. Hataman said the projects are part of the regional government’s rehabilitation efforts for Marawi City.

The integrated market, food and transport terminal will sit in more than one hectare land, and will house 200 market stalls. Mayor Gandamra expressed confidence the city’s economy will rebound after it suffered heavy losses due to the siege.

“Definitely it will help the people of Marawi restore the economic operations dahil sa nangyari dito, bumagsak talaga ang ekonomiya,” Mayor Gandamra said. Initially, the regional government has started building a wet and dry market in

otabato City (March 2, 2018) – The Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with 15 local government units (LGUs) in Lanao del Sur covering infrastructure projects targeted for completion by the end of this year.

In a ceremony held at Lanao del Sur’s provincial capitol on Thursday, March 1, DPWH-ARMM Secretary Don Loong said most of the beneficiary towns are awardees of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Seal of Good Local Governance, a recognition given to LGUs that performed well in terms of good gover-

FARMM,P16

8 SCIENCE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

Much ado about Bt talong

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

f someone tells you about biotechnology, what comes to your mind immediately?

Any of the following: Dolly the cloned sheep, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or golden rice – or all of them.

If that’s what you think of, you’re absolutely right: these are all examples of biotechnology. But what about beer-brewing, crop breeding, wine, cheese, and vinegar? These processes and products – some of which have been around for thousands of years – are also examples of biotechnology.

The making of “patis,” soy sauce, “nata de coco,” and even composting in your backyard is also a biotechnological process. Antibiotic penicillin, insulin for the treatment of diabetes, and vaccines for measles, hepatitis B and rabies are all products of biotechnology, too.

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

Although it has been with us since time immemorial – the “manna” mentioned in the Old Testament is also a product of biotechnology – the term (often abbreviated as “biotech”) now generally refers to gene engineering technology that revolutionized the biological science since 1973.

“Biotechnology is one of the tools necessary in helping farmers grow more food on less land,” said Dr. Randy Hautea, the global coordinator of Laguna-based International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA). “However, the promises of biotech crops can only be unlocked if farmers are able to buy and plant these crops, following a scientific approach to regulatory reviews and approvals.”

In the Philippines, the only agricultural crop that is genetically-modified is the biotech corn. From 702,000 hectares planted to the crop in 2015, it went up to 812,000 hectares in 2016.

The increase was due to favorable weather conditions, and high local

demand for livestock and feed stocks.

Another in the offing is the golden rice, which may soon be grown. This beta-carotene biofortified genetically modified rice was developed by International Rice Research Institute and field trials were done in collaboration with the Philippine Rice Institute.

But what most Filipino farmers are waiting to plant in their farms is the Bt talong, an eggplant that is spliced with “Bacillus thuringiensis” (Bt). A common soil bacterium, Bt produces a protein that paralyzes the larvae of some harmful insects.

One pest that causes so much damage on eggplants is the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB). It feeds almost exclusively on eggplant. An entire crop can be lost from EFSB infestation. “The worm of the insect bore tunnels in the fruit, rendering them unfit for consumption,” said Dr. Emil Q. Javier, former secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Some studies have shown that 51-73% of the crop is lost when there isnocontrolofanyformisdone. There is also no known genetic resistance to EFSB in cultivated and wild eggplants.

“The insects are concealed in the shoots and fruits and are difficult to reach,” Dr. Javier explained. “Thus, in order to protect their crops, farmers spray their plants almost every other day with insecticides.”

Edgar C. Talasan is a vegetable farmer from barangay Imalutao in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. He said in his 15 years of vegetable farming, in every eggplant cropping cycle, he sprayed at least twice a week. For every 1,000 eggplant hills, he used 0.5 kilogram of Lannate, two bottles (250 mL) of Prevathon, two bottles (250 mL) of Alika, one liter of Karate, one kilogram of Daconil, and 0.5 liter of Selecron.

Dr. Emiliana Bernardo, an entomologist or a scientist who studies insects, said the current methods

used by some eggplant growers in controlling the EFSB are unacceptable.

She added that the practice is also unhealthytoconsumers,farmers,andthe environment.

She reported that studies conducted in major eggplant producing provinces found that almost all farmers use chemical insecticides and that some even dip the unharvested eggplant fruits in a mix of chemicals just to ensure that harvests are marketable.

But there are also farmers who don’t use chemicals to destroy the pest.

They do so by doing any of the following: manual removal of infested shoots, crop rotation, intercropping, using nylon net barriers, trapping of the male using pheromones, applied either singly or in an integrated manner. But all these are “labor-intensive and generally ineffective,” to quote the words of Dr. Asuncion K. Raymundo and Dr. Rita P. Laude, who conducted some studies on eggplant.

One possible solution to the problem is to introduce Bt into the vegetable crop. The Institute of Plant Breeding at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB) spearheaded the development of Bt talong.

“Bt talong was developed by genetically engineering a gene from the bacteria so that the GM eggplants now produce a protein that defends it against insect attacks,” explained Dr. Michael Purugganan, a Filipino plant geneticist who is the Dean of Science at the New York University.

Bt is present in the Philippine soil and had been in use for years without any harmful effects. As it comes from the earth itself, Bt is very natural, according to Dr. Bernardo. In 1901, Bt was discovered to have an insecticidal property. By 1950s, it became a wellknown biological insecticide.

In her landmark novel, “Silent Spring,” Rachel Carson recommended Bt as a biological pesticide because it has much less environment impact than conventional chemical pesticides.

Research on Bt talong commenced in 2003 in the UPLB laboratory. From 2007 to 2009, a contained experiment was conducted under the supervision of the National Biosafety Committee of the Philippines. From 2010 to 2012, field trials were done

in Laguna, Pangasinan, Camarines Sur, and North Cotabato.

A field trial was also conducted at UP Mindanao in Davao City. But on December 13, 2010, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio ordered the uprooting of around 1,800 hills of Bt talong in an experimental station inside the campus. “(Based) on the report of the Davao (City Agriculture Office),” said the mayor’s cease and desist order, “you have only complied with three of 15 conditions that enables you to engage in such field testing.”

That was a big blow to Bt talong.

But the biggest let down came on May 17, 2013 when the Supreme Court (SC) decided to permanently halt the field testing of Bt talong based on the petition filed by Greenpeace Philippines and Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura.

“The testing or introduction of Bt talong into the Philippines, by its nature and intent, is a grave and present danger to (and an assault on) the Filipinos’ constitutional right to a balanced ecology, because in any book and by any yardstick, it is an ecologically unbalancing event or phenomenon,” reads the SC decision.

According to Dr. Eufemio Rasco, Jr., an academician at the National Academy of Science and Technology, the decision was based on the “precautionary principle.” It stated: “Where there are potential adverse effects (of a technology), lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing appropriate measures to prevent environmental degradation.”

While the petitioners were “overjoyed on the decision” of the SC, Dr. Javier believed the real losers are the poor farmers themselves and the consuming public. “Our small farmers are deprived of modern means of raising productivity, competitiveness and incomes,” he wrote. “They are denied potential sustainable farming technologies that can substantially reduce the need for harmful pesticides to protect their crops.

“Big losers are well are the lowwage-income consumers who are ultimately penalized with high food prices and excessive pesticide residues in the food they eat,” Dr. Javier went on.

Fortunately, on July 26, 2016, the

SC en banc unanimous reversed its previous ruling. The SC decision further stated that since no commercial propagation of Bt talong took place and research activities never went beyond the field trial phase, “any future threat to the public to a healthful and balanced ecology is more imagined than real.”

All’s well, end’s well, so goes a saying. “With the field trials of Bt talong already completed, confirming the efficacy of the technology against the fruit and shoot borer and its safety towards beneficial and non-target insects, and with the unanimous ruling of the SC reversing its earlier decision against field tests, immediate commercial release should be considered by its developer,” suggested Dr. Panfilo G. De Guzman, an associate scientist at ISAAA. Meanwhile, a new study showed that Bt talong could bring health cost savings of P9.33 million yearly from its nearly pesticide-free use. It does not benefit only the health of consumers but also of farmers, beneficial insects, farm animals, and birds.

Researcher Sergio R. Francisco has estimated savings in a survey of long exposed to pesticide spraying against the highly-infesting EFSB in his study, “Health and Environmental Impacts of Bt Eggplant.”

The study was based on the perception of 100 eggplant farmers from Batangas, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, and Quezon who sprayed their eggplant. These farmers have a long experience of farming from 9.96 to 18.04 years.

In a press statement, it was disclosed that the benefit to human health from health cost savings in growing Bt talong is equivalent to P2.49 million yearly as risk from illnesses is avoided. For farm animals, the projected benefit per year is at P2.12 million.

For beneficial insects, the envi-

ronmental benefit is valued at P2.45 million yearly and for bird species, P2.27 million – as these are saved from death, thereby contributing to biodiversity enhancement.

But the big question is: Is the Bt protein found in Bt talong safe to non-target organisms? On tests conducted on dogs, guinea pigs, rats, fish, frogs, and even birds, the Bt protein was found not to have any harmful effects, according to Extension Toxicology Network, a pesticide information project of several US universities.

“The specificity of Bt for its target insects is one of the characteristics that make it an ideal method of biologicalpestcontrol,”saidabriefingpaper published ISAAA. “The specificity rests on the fact that the toxicity of the Bt protein is receptor-mediated. This means that for an insect to be affected by the Bt protein, it must have specific receptor sites in its gut where the proteins can bind. Fortunately, humans and majority of beneficial insects do not have these receptors.”

According to Dr. Bernardo, cooking the Bt talong can completely denatured the Bt protein. “It is non-detectable in any cooked food therefore there is no human exposure to Bt proteins i n eating cooked Bt crops,” she said.

10 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

H

Vendetta politics

ouse Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has been accused by Davao del Norte governor Anthony Del Rosario for removing P500 million of development funds that should have gone to the province.

According to Governor Del Rosario, Alvarez is out for vengeful politics. Del Rosario ran under the Liberal Party banner while Alvarez was with President Duterte’s PDP. But that is not just the story. Del Rosario is related to Rep. Tonyboy Floirendo who is at odds with Alvarez. Both were erstwhile buddies with the Floirendo publicly known for having supported financially Alvarez’s campaign.

Had the funds not removed, it would have helped finish for the province of Davao del Norte over 800 ki-

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

lometers of road that still need to be paved. Five municipalities of Davao del Norte were also reportedly excluded from the budget of the DPWH in terms of infrastructure projects, according to the governor. There were also occasions where Gov. Del Rosario was not invited to government inaugurations in the province where Alvarez was the one leading the turnover.

What is happening in Davao del Norte is classic traditional politics where vendetta is the prevalent mood.

This type of politics only lead to a situation where the real losers are the constituents and not the politicians themselves.

It’s a very old, rotten system that still exists in the minds and hearts of some incorrigible politicians.

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS 11

Who’ll cook the last skipjack in Davao City?

T

he title above could mean an exaggeration of the future effect of the demand and supply situation of fishery products in Davao city.

Of course, it would be unbelievable because skipjacks are very much available on fish counters in Bangkerohan and Agdao markets almost every day, including satellite markets in the city.

Also, there are a lot of fish supplies coming from General Santos city, Bislig in Surigao and other sources through the fish traders delivering fish to city public markets and supermarkets. That’s why the suggestion in the title is utterly unimaginable! Well, let’s get down to business now.

First, let’s go down to the basic situation in the city scene. For the past 20 years or more, the projected fish production in Davao city has been pretty flat. The fish produce in 1996 was 2,412 metric tons while 2,644 in 2021. It barely moved upwards. The city’s CDP 1996-2021 has annotated that the figures were arrived at using a constant average annual growth rate. Perhaps, the statistician was keenly aware that mother fish will have fish eggs in constant number and fishermen will catch fish in constant rate. Nice try.

It was estimated further that there

P

lato talked about the True, the Good, and the Beautiful.

It has not evolved to the Posttrue, the Good and the Beautiful precisely because post-truth is not good nor beautiful.

Post-truth caters to the utilitarian and selfish parts of ourselves, wherein what we want, feel and believe become the truth.

We reshape the truth to a version of it so that we can accommodate our agenda. With post-truth, truth becomes irrelevant. Objective reality is less important than the appeal to sentiments, emotion, and personal belief. The thing is, post-truth is not deemed outright a lie because it may be couched in sophisticated language that can appeal to us. And this is what warps who we are as human persons, when we are not cognizant of existing reality because we are too caught up in making our own reality to suit our purposes. This is

will be fish shortage of 72,260 metric tons by 2021 based on average one-person-yearly consumption of 32.6 kg with projected population of 2.3 million. This means that a little over 81,104 persons (give and take) will benefit from the total fish produce of the city, while the rest of the 2.2 million persons (more or less) will have no fish on their dining table for the rest of 2021. Don’t fret yet, guys!

Of course, the city has been afloat and will stay afloat for a very long time in terms of fish supply despite persistent annual production deficit of over 95%. However, this supply gap is partially alleviated by the benevolence of profit-motivated fish traders who source their fish from Gen. Santos city, from nearby Samal, Sta. Cruz, and as far as Bislig in Surigao, etc.

Comes now the ‘willingness to pay’ principle. Sure, there is supply and the demand is huge. Yes, supply is available but is the price affordable to many ordinary Davaoeños? Are they willing to pay the price for fresh and high-quality fish? Maybe, maybe not.

For those in the middle to upper class in the society, of course they can afford; but what about those below middle class and downwards, can they? Of course, they can still buy the likes of binasnigan,

URBAN STREETGAZER Dario G. Pampanga, PhD

tamban, bodboron, and other low quality fish (kung naa pa’y nabilin bisag kadto na lang nga isda nga dugay na naligo sa ice og pula na ang mata).

It is a fact that our marine resources is dwindling. The city’s Davao Gulf Management Technical Secretariat has reported in the 90s that mangroves, coral reefs, and other coastal resources are under constant threat by natural and human degradation. It was also reported that corals and sea grass beds are heavily damaged, mangrove communities destroyed, and of course, fishery resources depleted. Other causes that contribute to the decreasing fish

produce from Davao Gulf are coastal conversion into tourism, beach resorts, foreshore leases for industrial use, water pollution from industrial wastes, and illegal fishing. Please, the ill effects of climate change should be significantly imputed in projecting fish production.

Perhaps, it would be prudent also for the DENR to conscientiously coordinate with the city government before any application for foreshore lease agreement (FLA) is signed and approved. More often, the DENR acts on FLAs without the participation of the local government. In the same manner that the DENR should inform the city government of foreshore leases that are to expire for local government consideration.

Although foreshore leasing is an exclusive function of the DENR, they should be seriously concern on its impact to the coastal environment and the community. DENR should not act superior and arbitrary over the local government just because they have the congressional mandate. Instead, they should be more respectful to the local community and sensitive to the welfare of the people; it is the local chief executive who builds a community to become livable and sustainable place to live.

Like it or not, fish and fishery products from outside sources will continue to dwindle through the years as the economy and population of these source-places continue to grow and the demand increasing (for example Gen. Santos City). It is also inevitable that fish traders sourcing from afar will eventually try to follow the natural law of economics. The growing population in middle class cities in the north (Tagum city, etc.) and south (Digos city) of Davao will become the preferred destinations of fish traders. It would be to the traders’ advantage in terms of cost, time and resources. This means less produce from Davao Gulf, less supply from outside source… less fish in the market… prices soar sky high… and high profit for traders… perhaps most ordinary citizens of Davao city will just share the remaining tamban, bolinao and binasnigan (kung maapas pa ang presyo og kung naa pa’y nabilin).

Finally, the city’s CDP 1996-2021 has “projected that fish production shall not be sufficient to supplement the nutritional requirement of the city’s population until the year 2021.” Of course, being the case, who then will cook the last skipjack that would come from Davao Gulf? (dpampanga@yahoo.com)

but I actually have a furry creature that meaows and that I love petting. There is a correspondence, a corresponding existence in reality.

But we go one step further, and operate with a coherence theory of truth. How do the truths “hang together”, or create a holistic picture, and cohere with who we are as human persons thrown into this world. We are thrown into the world that is already there, that operates with fixed laws of science and nature. No matter how much we believe that the ball thrown into the air will not fall back to the ground, it will still fall back to the ground as mandated by the law of gravity. The way we do our science and operate in the world hinges on a mind-independent reality. No matter our cognitive activities, no matter how much we will or believe something. There is a reality different and apart from the maneuverings

of people. No matter how much DOH and Sanofi declare that the Dengvaxia vaccine is safe and has passed regulatory requirements, the fact of the matter is that children injected with the vaccine have died from the very disease they’re supposed to be vaccinated from. Such Reality is bound in space and time and follows the laws of science. Such reality can be tested and verified. This is the reality from which truth springs forth. Truth belongs to a higher order than reality in the sense that human processing, thought, and language already come to play in working with reality. Without such recognition of reality, there can be no truth, no matter how we lobby and do foot stamping.

There may be post-truth, with all its pragmatic and utilitarian justifications, but there will be no truth that elevates humanity to what is good and beautiful.

Post-Truth, Not Good Nor Beautiful

especially prevalent in social media wherein we create versions of ourselves to project a certain image, or we create a version of the truth wherein Mt. Mayon has magically transferred to Naga. A consultant who used to work at the Palace asserted that Mocha Uson is just a whipping girl of the President. She commits these stupidities to rile up the people so that public attention is diverted while the government is trying to execute its grand plan without the critical eye of the public. These machinations are all part of posttruth.

Post-truth and fake news are subject to the whims and caprices, to the changing feelings of the powers that be or at least those who want to be in power or want some form of power. Hence, the very apt but dismissive line, It’s the power, stupid.

Contemporary analytic philos-

CATNIP

Vida Mia Valverde opher, Michael Devitt, has a book entitled Realism and Truth. By the title alone, we see that realism and truth are related but also distinct.

Devitt espouses a correspondence theory of truth which holds that what we assert as true corresponds with reality. If I assert that I have a cat, they are not only words

INdulge!

EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

Supporting SEMEs across Mindanao

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO SE L F-E M PL OY E D MICRO-ENTREPRENEURS (SEMEs) will now have the opportunity to expand their businesses with the help of BPI Direct BanKo.

With its directive to promote financial inclusion and easy access to affordable loan products for SEMEs in the region, BPI BanKo offers the BanKo NegosyoKo Loan that allows SEMEs additional resources for expansion or additional capital for their businesses.

BPI Direct BanKo (BanKo), a subsidiary of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) that focuses on microfinance, opened a new branch at Valencia City, Bukidnon last February 27,2018. Expanding its presence in Mindanao, BanKo aims to help and propel economic growth by supporting the region’s numerous micro and small entrepreneurs.

According to latest data from the Department of Trade and Industry, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) make up 99.57 percent of the country’s total number of business establishments. Of which, about 20 percent are micro-enterprises in Mindanao.

“SEMEs represent the majority of the businesses in the country, but they are usually not eligible for commercial banks’ traditional loan products or are too big for traditional microfinance institutions.

Nonetheless, they regularly need credit to sustain and grow their micro-enterprises while meeting their family’s needs.

We tailor our services particularly for these types of entrepreneurs, whose contributions promote and sustain inclusive growth,” BPI Direct BanKo Chairman Joseph Albert Gotuaco said.

Seeing the need to address a particular concern, BanKo came up with a formidable solution that greatly affects the growth of a business: obtaining credit loan from a bank.

Since launching in July 2017, it has already released Php190 million worth of loans to 2,800 clients in Mindanao alone.

“The number of businesses in the region continues to rise, and more infrastructure development projects are being implemented to attract more investments. These are perfect ingredients to the success

Expanding its presence in Mindanao, BanKo aims to help and propel economic growth by supporting the region’s numerous micro and small entrepreneurs. of Mindanao’s economy, and we are honored and excited to be part of the development by supporting the self-employed micro-entrepreneurs (SEMEs) in the region,” BanKo Chairman Gotuaco added.

With its business model, it is their clients comfort that they are after. Instead of the clients leaving their businesses to tend to requirements, BanKo brings BanKo to them. And compared to commercial banks, their requirements are more flexible and requires minimal documentation — such as a Barangay permit or certificate.

“We provide loans that they can afford. Through this, we are able to help them realise their financial capabilities”, BanKO Head of Loans Rodolfo

Mabiasen Jr. said.

Customers can apply for a BPI Direct BanKo’s NegosyoKo loan for as low as PhP25,000 and as high as PhP300,000, which can be released within seven banking days upon submission of all the requirements.

“BPI Direct BanKo’s operating model and products address SEMEs’ unique needs and circumstances. We go to their places of business and engage them through our financial advisers known as BanKomares or BanKopares, who have deep community knowledge and presence and also act as loan officers,” Jerome Minglana, President of BPI Direct BanKo emphasized.

These BanKomares and BanKopares are not only fi-

nancial advisers but more so, guides in managing their business finances. And the BanKomares and BanKopares are all locals of the city thus enabling a more comfortable establishment of rapport and relationship between clients and BanKo in general.

Minglana further added, “BPI Direct BanKo gives importance to locals in helping us cater to more SEMEs in the region.”

Nationwide, BPI Direct BanKo has already served over 10,000 SEMEs and released a total of PhP550 million in loans. It is targeting to expand up to 200 branches nationwide this year to serve 20,000 more SEMEs. BPI BanKo in Valencia, Bukidnon is their 103rd nationwide and 19th in the whole of Mindanao. For 2018, they intend to open 14 more branches in Mindanao.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

Art for everyone THE 2018 METROBANK ART & DESIGN EXCELLENCE (MADE) was recently launched in Davao City last March 1 to 3 at the Atrium of SM Lanang Premier.

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

This year, the exhibition presents Masjid/ Mosque Architecture: Jewels of Philippine Islamic Faith – an exhibit that features over 30 mosques, showing the anatomy of Islamic architecture and their aesthetic principles.

This exhibition is made interactive through accompanying lectures: Dr. Gerard Lico, project director of the MET Rehabilitation and Conservation Project, talks about the jewels of Philippine Islamic Faith; while multi-media artist Abdulmari Toym Imao, Jr. talks about Shaping Culture through Installation Art. Discussions led by both brings in valuable insights on art and society.

Art MADE Public is a nationwide travelling exhibition that aims to spread awareness on Philippine art and design by bringing the experience of art appreciation to various public spaces. Immerse into a journey of art and culture and discover it all in Art MADE Public.

Art MADE Public is also the contribution of Metrobank Foundation, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, The Manila Metropolitan Theater, United Architects of the Philippines, and of SM Supermalls to the celebration of the Philippine National Arts Month held every February of the year.

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

UP AND ABOUT

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ now available for pre-order with Globe!

GEARING UP for the most anticipated unveiling of the latest devices in the first quarter of the new year, Globe Telecom opens its pre-orders of Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, the newest flagship phones from one of the biggest tech companies in the world.

The country’s leading telco allows its customers to be one of the first to get the newest Samsung phones, powered by the best postpaid plans from Globe. Get ThePLAN that can be customized to keep up with your evolving digital needs and lets you create the life you want.

With ThePLAN 1499, bring home the Galaxy S9 with larger than life data of 8GB for more bingewatching moments on the go. Stay connected with family and friends using the unlimited texts to all networks, and unlimited calls to Globe/TM. Plus, enjoy premium freebies

including a three-month membership with Spotify Premium, as well as a six-month subscription to Netflix. Yours for only P2,499 (ThePLAN 1499 + P1,000/month cashout)!

The latest Samsung devices come free with ThePLATINUM Plan 4999.

Platinum customers get the Globe Priority Network that keeps mobile experience at its optimal level, enjoy All-Month Data Surfing that allows them to surf, watch, listen and play to their heart’s content, and access to Thea, Platinum Virtual Concierge, which answers Globe-related concerns or help with hotel reser-

vations and restaurant bookings.

With striking smartphone photography innovations like the dual aperture and slow-mo features, a top-notch screen-to-body ratio, and new fun tools like the AR emoji and photo language translation, Samsung continues to change the way we use our smartphones. Whether you choose the 5.8-inch Galaxy S9 or the 6.2-inch Galaxy S9+, get the best mobile experience with ThePLAN from Globe.

To pre-order, visit globe.com.ph/GalaxyS9.

For re-contracting customers, call (02) 730-1300.

Learn more about Globe postpaid plans at globe.com.ph/postpaid/theplan. Follow us on Facebook or visit the Globe website at globe. com.ph.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

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A4 INdulge!

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KORONADAL PARTNER KORONADAL PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS ESTABLISHMENTS

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16 NEWS ALVAREZ... FROM 1

who had barely the funds to run for Congress in 2016 can suddenly spend P22 million for a week-long birthday celebration this January,” he added.

He said that before 2016, he personally does not know anything about Alvarez. “It was only when he kept asking for funds from Tonyboy that I got to know him.”

He said the House Speaker has also been excluding him from

provincial events such as that the February 17 ground breaking ceremonies of a mini-hospital funded by the Department of Health in San Isidro municipality, when the Speaker instructed hospital officials not to invite the governor.

“He showed up only to accuse me of anomalies on DPWH projects,” he said. “I discovered later that several PDP-Laban mayors have been actually seen lining up the DPWH.”

ducted because we cannot leave other areas like our static posts.

There are also police personnel assigned to secure the public areas like Roxas St and our malls. There were additional police personnel added in all places of convergence,” she said during an interview on Saturday at DCPO. She said that for the entire duration of the celebration, they will deploy 4,000 police personnel.

This includes the augmentation of the Police Regional Office XI, civilian volunteers like the barangay tanods aside from the police auxiliary.

She said they will be giving more attention to street crimes like theft, snatching and riots knowing that there will be more people in the city because of the celebration.

“There will be people who will take advantage knowing there is a high number of people attending the activities in the city like street

concerts so we are paying close attention to snatching and riots,” she said.

She encourages the public to exercise vigilance especially with their personal belongings. She said that the public should refrain from showing their jewelries, high tech gadgets in order not to entice the criminals to take action.

She also urged the public to immediately report suspicious person or activity in the surrounding.

“If you notice suspicious people or if you have information that someone is planning to disturb the peace and order here in the city during the celebration of Araw ng Dabaw you report it immediately to 911 or the nearest police station in your area,” Gaspan said.

She said that all information will be taken seriously and will undergo validation.

obtained his AB Economics degree at the Ateneo de Manila University and Law at the University of the

Philippines where he graduated Cum Laude and was the class Valedictorian.

POLICE... FROM 1

SC’S... FROM 3

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

CAPITAL and LEVERAGE LENDING COMPANY, INC., (Formerly Capital & Leverage Finance Corp.,) represented by WILFREDO C. ACTUB, JR., Mortgagee, - versus -

EJF-REM CASE NO. 16,674-18

SPS. WELLY J. ENICUELA & MARYNEL D. ENICUELA, Mortgagor/s.

X-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against SPS. WELLY J. ENICUELA & MARYNEL D. ENICUELA, with postal address at BLK. 36, LOT 31, EMILY HOMES CABANTIAN, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of February 2, 2018, have an updated balance of ONE MILLION NINE HUNDRED NINETY EIGHT THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE PESOS (Php=1,998,565.00), Philippine Currency, including accumulated interest and penalties, filing fees, Attorney’s fees and other legal fees; the undersigned Sheriff IV of Regional Trial Court, Davao City; will sell at public auction on MARCH 22, 2018 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit;

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-354275

“A parcel of land xxx (Lot 31, Blk. 36, xxx, Pcs-11-0021190,) xxx, situated at Cabantian, Davao City, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TEN (110) SQUARE METERS, more or less.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on APRIL 19, 2018 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above- described real property and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, February 21, 2017.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROV’L SHERIFF:

Noted by:

(Sgd.) NICOLAS L. SUMAPIG Sheriff IV

(Sgd.) ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER Clerk of Court V OIC - Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff

(Edge Feb. 26, Mar. 5 and 12, 2018)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

He placed sixth in the 1975 Bar Examinations.

Campus writer Carpio was also a campus writer. He was editor in chief of The Guidon, the school paper of the ADMU, Managing Editor of the Philippine Collegian while in UP and chair of the Editorial Board of the Philippine Law Journal.

After passing the bar, Carpio went into private practice and founded the Carpio Villaraza and

Cruz Law firm.

He served as Professorial Lecturer at UP Law from 1983 until 1992 when President Fidel Ramos appointed him Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, with cabinet rank.

“As such he worked for major reforms in telecommunications, shipping, civil aviation, and insurance industries,” it said.

Carpio also served as member of the UP Board of Regents from 1993 to 1998. (MindaNews)

MENRO officials found out that the logs were owned by a certain Jerry Dapan who claimed he has permits to cut down trees, especially

durian trees.

It turned out, however, that Dapan’s permit does not include “Lawaan” trees. (PNA)

DA and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples that they target to be completed within the year and to launch by 2019 with Davao City as the location of the pilot training.

“PEF will only serve as facilitators of the program but the evaluation and approval of regulation measures will be with NCIP and Tesda,” Ibañez said.

Under the proposed program, IP forest guards will undergo a more systematic, competent, and a longer period of training and workshops in relation to environmental conservation such as the proper conduct of patrols, wildlife observations and others.

Once approved and accredited

by Tesda, Ibañez said it will be implemented to the pilot batch composed of IP forest guards who are already working for the city government of

Davao.

“Graduates of the program will also be given a National Certificate and Certificate of Competency, as of now the 200 volunteers receive a monthly allowance of P2,000 from the City Government. ” he said.

Ibañez added that they have an existing 3-5 days training for their volunteer forest guards, however, the part of the proposed Forest Guard Tesda course enables graduates to find employment once they complete the course.

This includes Davao City Water District as watershed facility personnel, renewable energy companies, and even local government units and non-government organizations.

Ibañez said the NCIP officials and the IPs gave the proposal a positive response and underscored that “they are very excited.”

other supporting documents or affidavits, of your witness/es, if any at the Law Department, Commission on Elections, 8th Floor Palacio del Gobernador, Intramuros, Manila on 15 March, 2018 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning before Atty. Erwin S. Villarin, Atty. Abigail Claire F. Carbero-Llacuna and Atty. Nancy R. Hadap-Villanueva,” according to the summons provided by Luna.

The other respondents namely: DOH Undersecretaries Carol Tanio, Gerardo Bayugo, Lilibeth David, and Mario Villaverde; Assistant Secretaries Lyndon Lee Suy and Nestor Santiago; Director Laureano Cruz, Director Joyce Ducusin, Director Mar Wynn Bello were likewise, directed to file their counter-affidavits before the Law Department on March 8, 2018 at 10 am. (PNA)

dia for criticizing his war on drugs, when the latter’s own government seems to be mirroring the Duterte administration’s “Tokhang” operations.

“Tingnan mo America, tinitira

si Bato. Ngayon sino naga-Tokhang? Sila (Look at America, they’re targeting PNP chief Bato dela Rosa.

Now who’s conducting Tokhang?

It’s them [American government]),” Duterte said. (PNA)

here will not be solved within six months.

Villar said that those establishments not compliant with the law should be “punished”.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, who reported during the

hearing, said that at least 842 establishments in Boracay have environmental violations.

Cimatu said of the nine wetlands on the island, five of which were encroached by businesses.

(PNA)

Bowl as their activity at SM Ecoland.

The celebration will feature a charismatic wildlife species exhibit at SM Lanang Premier at the SM Cinema hall. The exhibit will show pictures of wildlife Mindanaons, species that can only be found here in Mindanao and the Philippines which will run until March 9.

Simultaneously there will be a practitioner’s talks as well exhibits at Arrupe Hall, Martin Building Ateneo de Davao University.

Ibañez said that they have invited more or less 200 high school students and also undergraduate students to hear talks about wildlife conservation.

As part of wildlife conservation the ECOTENEO will be hosting the “Zero-Waste Youth Forum” and

Student Talks where in the undergraduate students and the master students talking to the youth anything about biodiversity.

The culmination of this event will be the Philippine Eagle Center Malagos in a Youth Leadership Training among Ateneo De Davao high school students and undergraduates. The intention is for them to become conservation keyboard wariors, they would inform their fellow youth through social media about biodiversity conservation.

The celebration is also looking at our rich biodiversity in the mountains of the Davao Region. He said that this celebration is the urban and suburban based education campaign, they also have specific education system in the uplands but the approach is quite different.

HOT... FROM 3

TESDA... FROM 2

COMELEC... FROM 2

PNP... FROM 2

SENATE... FROM 2 PEF... FROM 4

MINDANAO... FROM 4

Sheina Campos, daughter of a slain tribal leader called Dionel Campos, was “grateful to know that there are people who give their entire life to pray for other people.”

Campos was killed in the town of Lianga, in Surigao del Sur province, in 2015 by paramilitaries who accused him and his community of helping communist rebels.

Last year, Philippine Presi-

dent Rodrigo Duterte threatened to bomb tribal schools in the area.

The president alleged rebels were using them.

Several families have since fled their villages for fear the military will launch an attack.

Human rights group Karapatan has already documented 34 tribal people killings since July 2016 when Duterte came to power. (UCAN)

ects that do not meet completion deadlines. With a MoA between DPWH-ARMM and the LGUs, the governor believes infrastructure

projects will be properly executed and completion will be within schedule. (Bureau of Public Information)

we have a stronger lineup tomorrow,” Hechanova said.

Eddie Bagtas will lead Luisita’s final round cast. The others are Jingy Tuason, Rodel Mangulabnan and Benjie Sumulong.

They will be up against Abe Rosal, Damasus Wong, Rolly Viray and Zaldy Villa.

Meanwhile, Rancho Palos

Verdes surged on top of the Sportswriters division after posting 123 points at Binitin for a three-day total of 351.

Overnight leader Veterans Golf Club now trails Rancho by 24 after struggling with just 97, allowing TaoTaomona Guam to inch to within four following a 105-point output.

ARMM... FROM 7

CANLUBANG... FROM 19

UN... FROM 4

Roque had earlier said that if the UN would send a special rapporteur, “it must be someone credible, someone who is an authority in the field that they seek to investigate and must be objective and unbiased”.

On Duterte’s order to policemen not to cooperate with the UN rapporteur, Roque said the President might be referring to Callamard.

“So maybe if there is another special rapporteur, they can (cooperate),” he said. (PNA)

DOF... FROM 5

registered another depreciation and touched the 52-level to a greenback as investors expect more hikes in the Federal Reserve’s key rates, which in turn, boosted the US dollar.

The bulletin, however, stressed that the local unit’s movement is in line with its peers in the region as it maintains the economy’s competitiveness and sustains its strong expansion.

It traced the peso’s depreciation to correction after strengthening in the past years. (PNA)

NEDA... FROM 5

These seven projects approved by the NEDA Board are the PHP37.76-billion Metro Manila Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)-EDSA; PHP25.26-billion Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project; PHP23.45-billion Metro Manila Flood Management Project Phase 1; PHP20.31-billion Safe Philippines Project, Phase 1; PHP9.19-billion New Cebu International Container Port; PHP7.92-billion Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility; and PHP5.97-billion Priority Bridges under the Pasig River, Marikina River and Manggahan Flood Bridges Construction Project (Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantaleon Bridges). (PNA)

EU... FROM 6

for small businesses are based on a feasibility study conducted late 2017 in three off-grid communities in Davao and Bohol by the EU-supported Access to Sustainable Energy Programme. (PNA)

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Conversion of Individual Certificate of Public Convenience into a Cooperative Franchise with Extension of Validity and Consolidation of Cases to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-CC-PJ-2018-2-015 (2012-XI-00546/2003-XI-00331) (2003-XI-01210/2002-XI-00924) (2014-XI-00765/2003-XI-01040) (2002-XI-01543) (with Extension of Validity)

CATAGRANDE TRANSPORT SERVICE COOPERATIVE (CATRANSCO)/ GENEVIEVE S. GARNADO, DIOSDADO P. MADELO, IMELDA R. ARAI, ROSALINA B. ARNAIZ, ROMEO A. TORREVILLAS, FELICIDAD/NESTOR, Petitioners. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner are grantees of Certificate of Public Convenience issued in Case Nos. 2012XI-00546, 2003-XI-00331, 2003-XI-01210, 2002-XI-00924, 2014-XI-00765, 2003-XI01040 & 2002-XI-01543 authorizing the operation of a PUJ Ordinary Regular service for the transportation of passengers and freight along the line: CATALUNAN GRANDE and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of a total of SEVEN (7) units, which certificates are still valid and subsisting up to February 23, 2018, March 8, 2018, October 5, 2018, January 31, 2021, January 26, 2020, June 30, 2018 & August 5, 2022, respectively. In the petition filed on February 23, 2018, petitioners Genevieve S. Garnado, Diosdado P. Madelo, Imelda R. Arai, Rosalinda B. Arnaiz, Romeo A. Torrevillas, Nestor/Felicidad Navasca and Fernando A. Camotes request for authority to convert their individual Certificates of Public Convenience into a cooperative franchise under CATAGRANDE TRANSPORT SERVICE COOPERATIVE (CATRANSCO) with the use of the same number of units to operate along the same route previously authorized as well as to consolidate the Certificates of Public Convenience under One (1) Certificate. In the same petition, petitioners likewise request to extend the validity of the said certificate.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 20, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ , Regional Director, this 26th day of February 2018 at Davao City.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV

Petitioner, CATRANSCO Counsel, Atty. Albert G. Yenco

VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

SURGING... FROM 19

that 24-point lead into Sunday’s final round confident that it can pull off its first Sportswriters Division title in the prestigous tournament.

Veterans was led by Leon Bucago with 41 points follwed by Simeom Jumaquio with 32 and Ruben Baya with 28 while the 24 points of Tomas Henry Vargas did not include in the tally.

Taotaomona Guam stayed in third placeafter with 323 while the Bacolod Golf is now in the 4th spot and Iligan Golf and Country Club now took the 5th place with 320.

Meanwhile , Davao City Golf Club ranked fourth

P

NEWS 17

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

submitting an aggregate 127 points for their total 336 this despite the team only played with three swingers. Benhur Villarosa led the team hitting 50 points followed by Napoleon Manajero with 39 and Isagani Gascal with 38.

Lanang Golf Club took the 12th spot hitting 106 points on their day 3 contributing to their 304 total points. Dennis Salvador led the team with 38 points followed by Roberto Plana with 35 and Bong Belen with 35 while the 29 points of Te Belen was not counted.

Both teams are playing unde Aviator Division which Villamore Airbase

Golf Club toped with 359 total points.

Also, Apo Golf and Country Club ranked 14th in the Founders Division hitting 117 points on the third day contributing to their 361 total points. Modesto Catillo led the team with 42 points follwed by Rufino Cabang 39 and Faisal Samanodi 36 while the 34 points of Lucio Horfilla was not counted.

The tournament is backed up by Primax Broadcasting, RMN and Fox, while major sponsors are BusinessWorld Publishing, Rolls Royce, TV5, Philippine Standard, Boeing, Under Armour, Eton Properties and Asia Brewery.

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

Public Announcement

lease be informed that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is RECALLING all public announcements relative to the resumption of acceptance of new Small Town Lottery (STL) applications until further notice except for Camarines Sur and Bo-

hol which shall accept applications until March 23, 2018.

For clarifications you may call the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Branch Operations at telephone no.

706-7571 or email at stl-smg@pcso.gov. ph.

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

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

NEWS 19

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Palos Verdes swingers seize lead from Villamor

By ARMANDO FENEQUITO JR.

B

ACOLOD CITY-- Rancho Palos Verdes (RPV) tok over the Sportswriters Division lead after the third round of the 71st Philippine Airlines Interclub on Saturday.

With the round shifting to the rolling layout of Bacolod Golf and Country Club, the Cabantian-based divotdiggers took the driver seat submitting an aggregate 123 points for a 351 total after three days of

the biggest club event in the country.

RPV went past twoday leader Villamor which managed to score 101 following a fourpoint deduction with a costly infraction for a 327 total.

Noe Taojo and Josue Teasado led RPV’s third day army with 42 points each while getting plenty of support from veteran campaigner Eugenio Serado who contributed 39 points.

The 38 points of Day 1 top producer Randy Cadiongan did not count on t h e fourt o playthreeto - c o u n t scoring format.

Ta o j o is leading the team for two consecutive days while Cadiongan led RPV during the opening day.

RPV will take

FSURGING,P16

BLASTING OUT. Noe Taojo of Rancho Palos Verdes blasts out of the fairway bunker at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club on the thrd round of action in the 71st PAL Interclub Seniors tournament on Saturday. Boy Lim

Canlubang retakes lead by 7 points

B

ACOLOD CITY – Canlubang primed itself for a 10th championship after seizing a seven-point lead over defending champion Luisita Saturday in the 32nd Philippine Seniors Interclub golf team tournament.

No one broke 50 points on a day Binitin course turned out to be a tough customer, but the Sugar Barons salvaged 140 points behind the 48 of Dr. Pem Rosal.

Rosal, playing the Interclub for the first time after spending the last 30 years in the United States, did not make a single birdie, but managed to avoid the double bogeys that hurt most of the players.

With Abe Avena and Mari Hechanova

Randy Cadiongan and Jun Serado of RPV line up their putt. Boy Lim

T

he changing of the guard in the Philippine Olympic Committee leadership is a whiff of fresh air.

This is not just a figure of speech.

I will tell you that Ricky Vargas, chief honcho of the Alliance of Boxing Associations of the Philippines who is now the newly-elected POC president, will find his job very difficult and strenuous considering that the man he replaced had been at the helm for nearly 15 years.

Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, the equestrian president, had been the longest serving POC chief having been installed in 2003 yet.

Even if Vargas received a whopping majority (24-15) in the second polls ordered by the RTC, he will need to re-install a new consciousness within to set his directions correctly.

Foremost of which is to rectify

adding 47 and 45, respectively, Canlubang posted 140 points that raised its total to 433 points.

Dave Hernandez, one of three Canlubang players who played Binitin twice, did not count with 44, his birdie-less round hurt by a pickup on the sixth hole.

After returning with 149 points Friday, Luisita slumped to 131 points, a score that raised doubts on its ability to defend its title.

Raffy Garcia, who had 50 points Friday, struggled with 45, Benjie Sumulong scored 44 and Chito Laureta rounded up scoring for Luisita with 42.

EdmundYee,Luisita’stopscoreratMarapara Thursday with 50, had a forgettable 39.

Del Monte, the third team in the championship division, had a total of 41 points after submitting 136. Scoring for the Mindanao-based squad were Ramon Velez 48, Antonio Arancon 44 and Erning Apas 44.

The three teams return to Marapara on Sunday for the final round with both Canlubang and Luisita exuding confidence.

“It is not a safe lead, but it’s nice to carry that to Marapara,” said Canlubang mainstay Rolly Viray.

Luisita captain Jeric Hechanova remains optimistic.

“No excuses. Our team played bad but fortunately, there’s one more day to go. I feel

FCANLUBANG,P16

Vargas will have his hands full the provision in the POC Charter regarding the definitive meaning of “active participation” of presidents and heads of national sports associations (NSAs) in the POC general assembly deliberations.

This was the provision in the POC constitution and by-laws that technically disqualified Vargas (and his running mate Cong. Bambol Tolentino) from running in the elections in November 2016 because he had not been personally and physically attending general assembly meetings.

Legal interpretation of this provision had been a very contentious issue as the POC charter empowered only the general assembly to decide the meaning and interpretation of this provision.

What is morally imperative now is for Vargas to propose amending the POC constitution by reverting to

SPORTS KEN Fred C. Lumba its original form.

I had engaged many of the POC chiefs regarding various concerns it was facing vis a viz its relations with the Philippine Sports Commission during my more than 30 years of

sports coverage at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex where the POC and the NSAs continue to hold court.

I had been enlightened and tutored by the late Surigao Governor Jose Sering whose wise steering of the sports body spelled well during his two terms where the performance of Filipino athletes passed with flying colors.

This, despite the measly financial assistance it received from the government compared to the boon the POC and the NSAs are getting from the PSC today.

I expect Vargas, as a protégé of business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, to encourage the NSAs to use their creativity in looking for private sources of funding instead of completely relying on government dole-outs that have transformed them into mendicants.

If the reader wants to know

exactly just how much taxpayers’ money the PSC has expended since its birth in 1990, just multiply the years by the average amount of P400M it is getting as annual funding from the General Appropriations Act and there is the total picture.

Since Vargas is a corporate executive, his managerial expertise will come to the fore in comparison to the bureaucratic manner the POC has been run under the previous regime.

I am reminded of what George Santayana, a Spanish-born American essayist, philosopher and poet, said: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) James 4:2.

“You do not have, because you do not ask God.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 238 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 4-5, 2018