Edge10 issue 240, March 7, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 240 • WENESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

IN PLAIN SIGHT. A traffic enforcer jaywalks as he crosses the street while his fellow enforcer riding a motorcycle counter flows along Bolton Street on Tuesday. Are Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) enforcers exempted from the city’s traffic ordinances? Lean Daval Jr

ALCOHOL BAN

Now imposed in Davao City parks

By ANGIE SAVERON

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orget about drinking in parks. The Sobriety Ordinance of Davao City was approved on its third and final reading on Tuesday. The ordinance will take effect after its publication.

Councilor Maria Belen Acosta, councilor of district one said that with this ordinance there will be legal basis for the rules implemented in parks that prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

“If you disturbed the peace of other people, then you should be responsible for it, you should be accountable for it,” said Acosta on Tuesday at the Sangguniang Panglunsod.

This ordinance’s general

provision states that the consumption of alcoholic beverage in public streets, sidewalks, public parks, playgrounds and other public areas is prohibited. The consumption of the same drinks aboard any motor vehicle found or parked within the prohibited areas also constitutes a violation of the ordinance.

Acosta said that the difference of this ordinance to the liquor ban ordinance is that the liquor ban ordinance only

prohibits the buying and selling of liquor at a speci�ic hours whereas the Sobriety Ordinance is in effect all the time.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages or intoxicating beverages in public streets, sidewalks, public parks and playgrounds are prohibited other public areas such as private areas generally open to the public such as parking areas, green spaces, gardens, playgrounds and uninhabited private places without the permission of the owner such as beaches, empty lots, abandoned house or building is also prohibited.

“It’s better to have a legal basis so that those people who are violating this will be given

consequences instead of just reprimanding them. This was experienced by our barangay especially our barangay tanod” she said.

Exempted from the ordinance are customers of any establishment whose business is authorized or permitted by the City Government to use a portion or part of the stress, sidewalk or public park; Special occasions or festivities that shall be authorized or permitted by the City Government or the Barangay Concerned.

The barangay is authorized by the city to issue a special permit to any person or entity that shall conduct special events within their baran-

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Public warned on rabies threat

By JUDIE VEGA

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ith the month of March named National Rabies Awareness month, the Department of Health in the Davao region has urged the

public to be aware of rabies’ implication and the preventive measures when bitten by an animal.

Mary Divene Hilario,

PYAGSUGPATAN:

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Horizon over Compostela Valley

A1

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 240 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018

BASIC COURTESY. President Rodrigo Duterte greets Health Secretary Francisco Duque III prior to the start of the 23rd Cabinet Meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Monday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Funds awaited for T Agdao market rehab

MILF’s Murad: Senate’s BBL‘generally acceptable’

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he budget for the second rehabilitation of Agdao Public Market is still not available.

According to Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. chairman for the games and amusements and government enterprise and privatization, the project was supposed to commence last year but the initial budget of P200Million was deemed not enough both by the Department of Agriculture and the City Planning Of�ice.

The DA and CPO agreed to an amount of P740 million for the entire renovation of the Agdao Public Market which will be done on a three phase construction. There is no speci�ic date but Ibuyan said the construction will be this year.

year with Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio saying it was okay to have a memorandum of agreement. The mayor wanted that since the budget comes from the DA, it should be the DPWH that should implement it,” Ibuyan told the Pulong Pulong ni Pulong on Tuesday at the Councilor’s Lounge.

He said that the budget is from the DA and as per suggestion of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio the national agency that will implement this proj-

ect is Department of Public Works and Highways. He said that the lady mayor want’s the budget to be ready before proceeding to the construction.

He said that they are considering the vendors’ concerns such as displacement during the construction. It was agreed upon that the construction will be done by phase in order to cater the vendor’s concerns.

Some parts of the proposed three story building will

he chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Monday said Senate Bill 1717, the substitute bill to the four versions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) earlier �iled, is “generally acceptable” to them.

“Generally, SB 1717 is already acceptable to the MILF… it is acceptable to us,” Murad told ANC’s Early Edition host Christian Esguerra.

Filed on February 28 by the Senate Committee on Local Governments after a series of public hearings, consultations and technical working group meetings, SB 1717 aims to create a Bangsamoro that will be parliamentary in form, with a Chief Minister as head of gov-

ernment, two deputy Chief Ministers, a Cabinet, and a Parliament of at least 80 members.

The bill, now up for plenary debates with the Senate eyeing passage before Congress takes a break from March 24 to May 13, replaced the four proposed Bangsamoro laws earlier �iled, including the version submitted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), the body tasked to draft the BBL, composed of 11 representatives nominated by the MILF and 10 by government (GPH).

The Senate proposes �iscal autonomy for the Bangsamoro, a major problem in the past and present autonomous regions in the Moro-dominated areas.

(MINDANEWS)

House panel okays DOH in search of missing TB cases pro-child safety bill “The P200 million was supposedly turned over last

FUNDS,P12

By JUDIE VEGA

T

he Department of Health has vowed to further strengthen the government’s campaign on tuberculosis prevention, underscoring the importance of treatment and of �inding the missing TB cases.

Health Regional Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program head Evelyn Gelito, Health Regional Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program head said on Monday that TB is caused by bacteria

called mycobacterium tuberculosis that most often affect the lungs. It is spread from person to person through the air. Symptoms are cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss for many months.

Gelito said that they have not yet completed the data last year; initial numbers show just a very slight decrease 4.5 percent noted as of February last year’s record as compared to 2016 record.

DOH-Davao data showed

that there were 12,890 tuberculosis cases noted as of February 2017, while 2016 has 13,501 cases.

“The 26, 341TB cases of February 2017 to 2016 record were mostly males age ranges 30 to 50 years old and 1,488 cases were children, “she said.

She said they have started encouraging the public to help in the prevention through programs and engagement both public and private of�ices to become aware in order to elimi-

nate TB in the region.

Gelito said symptoms of the TB are coughing for more than a week, sudden loss of weight and energy, poor appetite, fever, and night sweating, to immediately consult a physician once these symptoms manifest “We can attribute this number of cases to the program of the Department of Health, which means a lot of people are becoming aware

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T

he House Appropriations Committee chaired

by Davao City 1st district Rep. Karlo Nograles has greenlit the funding provision of a proposed law that would mandate parents to keep closer watch on children, especially during ungodly hours of the day.

Gaining the Appropriations panel’s nod was the currently unnumbered substitute bill to House Bill (HB) No.894, titled “An Act prohibiting unchaperoned children from roaming, loitering or sleeping outside their abode during

unsafe hours, prescribing penalties for their parents or guardians.”

Nograles said the measure, which was authored by Quezon 4th district Rep. Angelina Tan, was previously approved by the Committee on the Welfare of Children.

“The bill seeks to ensure the protection of our kids from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development,” he underscored.

Once enacted, the bill will

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 240 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Inflation spike traced to higher global prices

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ormer finance officials and economists from the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) have pointed to higher oil prices in the world market and the increase in food prices that were the result of weather-related developments as the main factors behind the inflation spike in January 2018.

365 DAYS WITH PRIME PHILIPPINES DAVAO. Gearing up for their second year in Davao City, the leading commercial real estate firm in the country hosted their 1st year anniversary luncheon last March 2, 2018 at Bondi & Bourke together with their clients and friends.

The FEF said January’s in�lation rate of 4 percent cannot be attributed to the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN), which has builtin safeguards such as unconditional cash transfer (UCT) program to mitigate the price pressures induced by the adjusted excise tax rates under this law.

The January year-on-year in�lation rate was within the overall target of 2 to 4 percent set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for 2018.

According to FEF, the signi�icant economic reforms and �iscal consolidation implemented over the years have given monetary of�icials and the BSP effective tools to anticipate and ease the in�lationary impact of the TRAIN. “We, the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) agree with the government that the recently enacted TRAIN has not caused in�lation to rise in January 2018,” the FEF said in a statement read by its executive director Susan

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PEZA brings in P3.6T investments in 23 years

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hilippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito Plaza reported Monday that the agency approved a total of PHP3.61 trillion investments in the past 23 years.

Plaza stressed that aside from bringing in investments to economic zones nationwide, job generation in PEZA zones reached 1.4 billion.

In terms of export, PEZA companies’ shared USD706 billion to the total export revenues of the country from 1995 to 2017.

For the same period, PEZA remittances to the national government reached PHP19 billion.

The PEZA chief also noted that apart from contributing to the national coffers, the agency’s expenses do not come from the government’s budget.

“We are self-suf�icient,” she said.

On the other note, importation of PEZA companies increased in 2017 to USD39.18 billion or around PHP2 trillion from USD30.90 billion in 2016.

Plaza said this might be an effect of the uncertainties brought by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

She added that �irms might be anticipating the scrapping of zero-rated value added tax (VAT) for local purchases of locators under the TRAIN, hence they increased their importation activity.

However, it was clari�ied that the zero-rated VAT perks for locators will continue and is not included in the vetoed provision by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Meanwhile, local purchases of PEZA �irms in 2017

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EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 240 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018

DFA eyes to increase its passport processing load

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he Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is eyeing to increase its passport processing capacity to meet the rising demand for Philippine passports During the House probe on slow passport processing on Tuesday, DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said the demand for passports “shot up” after the validity of Philippine passports was extended to 10 years from the previous �ive years.

“When we took over, the demand shot up. So in 2016 alone to 2017, (the demand for passports surged to) 600,000. Medyo nag-click talaga yung 10-year passport (The 10-year passport really became a hit),» Cayetano said.

Cayetano noted that the APO Production Unit, Inc., the state-owned contractor that

produces the passport, was able to print up to 28,000 passports but the consular of�ices were only able to process around 14,000 daily.

He said the agency aims to establish more of�ices to increase the daily processing capacity to 31,000 passports daily.

“We are now doing around 18,000 locally. With the new of�ices, we can do up to 30,000 to 31,000 a day,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano said the DFA has also taken other measures to address the passport delays including the removal of 1,200 appointment slots previously reserved daily for travel agencies, the restriction of DFA employees’ access and referral to the courtesy lane, cancellation of bogus appointments, and overbooking of appointments. (PNA)

NEDA presses measures to curb inflation impact

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easures to curb in�lation and cushion its impact on the poor are urgently needed, the National Economic and Development Authority said, as the in�lation rate for February 2018 reached the upper band of the government’s target.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that February 2018 in�lation was at 3.9 percent, with faster increases in the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (4.8%), transport (5.8%), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (16.9%), furnishing, household equipment, and routine maintenance of the house (2.5%), restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services (2.5%), and clothing and footwear (2.0%).

While still within the 2.0-4.0 percent target of the

government, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said that the government should remain vigilant and prepared to implement measures that will mitigate the upside risks to in�lation.

“The transitory impact of the TRAIN Law and the continued depreciation of the Philippine peso will mainly in�luence price movements in the coming months, and we must ensure that mitigating measures should be in place”, the NEDA of�icial said.

Pernia said government must pay closer attention to the poor. He said there is a need to expand the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and to fast-track the distribution of unconditional cash transfer (UCT) from the TRAIN. (NEDA)

WORRYING TREND. A pump attendant refills a motorcycle with fuel at a gasoline station on Tuesday. Oil companies implemented another round of oil price hikes on Tuesday, the second in two weeks. Lean Daval Jr

US News-World Report: PH best for investment T

he Philippines was ranked as the top destination for investments, according to US News and World Report.

In its study, US News ranked the best countries to invest in by using the World Bank Group report measuring the country’s performance on entrepreneurship, economic stability, favorable tax environment, innovation, skilled labor, technological expertise, dynamism, and corruption.

The report cited qualities

of the Philippines making it attractive to investors, which include its 100-million population, English-speaking people, an economy supported by overseas Filipinos’ remittances, and �lourishing tourism industry.

Aside from the Philippines, four other member states of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) were in

the top 10 countries to invest in based on US News’ study.

These include Indonesia at rank two, Malaysia at rank four, Singapore at rank �ive, and Thailand at rank eight.

Completing the top 10 countries for investors to invest in based on the report, Poland was ranked third; Australia, ranked 6th; Spain, 7th; India, 9th; and Oman, 10th.

Czech Republic, Finland, Uruguay, Turkey, Ireland, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Brazil, France, and Chile made up ranks 11 to 20, re-

he government needs to further strengthen implementation of its initiatives aimed at boosting farm productivity and income of agrarian reform bene�iciaries, according to a study of think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

Authored by Blanquita Pantoja, Flordeliza Sanchez and Joanne Alvarez, researchers and research associate at the University of the Philippines Los Baños’ College of Public Affairs and Development, the study assessed the two government initiatives agribusiness venture arrangements (AVAs) and sugarcane block farming (SBF) for the modernization of agriculture.

Both the AVAs and SBF are land consolidation modalities wherein farms may be owned individually or collectively, but farm operations are done collectively through a cooperative or agrarian reform bene�iciaries organization (ARBO).

The study recommended that AVAs and SBF arrangements should be encouraged but the government has to provide a policy environment for Philippine exports crops to be competitive.

It cited different cases of AVAs and SBFs studied indicating that land consolidation can be successful if the elements of the whole supply chain is present in the arrangement.

“Initially, there should be capital to ensure that appropriate production inputs are applied at the right amount and time. Land which is a factor of production is also necessary together with security of tenure. No investor will enter into an agreement if the farmer or cooperative does not have a �irm hold over the rights on the land,” it noted.

The study further said labor, farm machinery, irrigation, post-production/processing facilities, market facilities and infrastructure should be also

provided.

“Besides a sure market, a stable and optimal price is also essential to ensure pro�itability,” it added. “Besides these, government assistance should be extended, and the policy environment should be supportive of the AVAs and SBF.” To strengthen the implementation of these initiatives, the study underscored the importance of providing credit and access to inputs, institutional support and markets, and pricing and policy support.

While the government does not have control on the prices of three of the country’s biggest export crops --banana, pineapple, and sugarcane, the study noted it can provide the necessary policy support.

“Government intervention such as lobbying for lower tariff rates of banana and pineapple is needed. With the lowering of tariffs, the Philippines’ share in the global market will

spectively.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Charito Plaza welcomed the report noting that the developments in the economy make the country attractive to investors.

The Board of Investment, the country’s leading investment promotion agency, likewise reported that its investment approvals surged by 402 percent in the �irst two months of the year to PHP132 billion from PHP26 billion in the previous year. (PNA) expectedly rise which will positively redound on the AVAs,” it added.

The three export crops have been covered under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Through AVAs, ARBs, who were awarded with lands planted with high-value crops such as banana and pineapple, can implement an agribusiness venture with private investors to make farming more economically viable for them.

To provide institutional support, the study said “it may be more practical and feasible” for the Department of Agriculture (DA) or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to create a section within its organization that will look into the concerns of banana and pineapple industries.

Creating a new government entity that would address the needs of these industries is costly and tedious, it added. (PNA)

Gov’t must firm u p steps to raise farm output-PIDs Due process in eviction El Nido violators assured T

T

he local of�ice of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources here has said the eviction of establishments in El Nido with easement and other environmental law violations would not take effect without due process.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice (PENRO) chief Felizardo Cayatoc said this on Tuesday morning after DENR Regional Director Natividad Bernardo recently announced that violation notices would be served within the week to 99 percent of establishments in eight El Nido barangays found violating environmental laws.

The impending move was announced after the task force it created had already concluded the inspection of 294 establishments in Barangays

Corong-Corong, Buena Suerte, Maligaya, Masagaba, Ville Libertad, Bucana, Pasadena, and Bebeladan.

“Actually, they will undergo due process. Although there’s a statement that had been told that 32 establishments will be evicted, their eviction will not be outright because there’s a process that needs to be observed,” Cayatoc said.

He said structures that have extended or are extending toward the easement and salvage zones would be sent letters to tell them their violations, and to ask them if they would sign waivers to self-demolish.

“Establishments that have environmental compliance certi�icates (ECC) or failed to comply with their previous commitments will be invited to a technical conference, where

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 240 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018

ECONOMY 5

AboitizPower gives electrical supplies for Marawi rehab

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n support to the rehabilitation efforts to rebuild the war-stricken Marawi City, Davao Light and Power Co. and the Cotabato Light and Power Co., both subsidiaries of the Aboitiz Power Corp., together with the Aboitiz Foundation donated Php 3.1M and Php 600k, respectively, worth of electrical supplies last February 21, 2018 to the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative Inc..

Davao Light Vice-President for Engineering Mark Valencia represented the electric utilities during the ceremonial turnover held at the Task Force Bangon Marawi Field Of�ice, Mahogany Hills in Iligan City.

“We hope that through this donation, we will be able to help hasten the power restoration works in Marawi City.

It was indeed a humble opportunity for us to extend help to rebuild Marawi” said Engr. Valencia.

Also present during the turn over were the Secretary General of Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Usec. Falconi V. Millar, Chairman of Task Force Bangon Marawi Sec. Eduardo D. del Rosario, NEA Acting Director Ramon Carlos O. Florese, Paralegal of LASURECO Omikhalsom Maruhom, Executive Secretary of LASURECO Atty. Mhyra Jane M. Abbas and VP for Government Relations of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Christopher M. Camba.

The electric supplies donated include distribution transformers, poles, wires and other electrical hardware.

Ultimately, Davao Light and Cotabato Light will continue to help in the advancement of the communities where it serves and where it is needed.

(Aboitz)

China set to promote Asia-Pacific free trade

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hina is committed to promoting economic globalization and protecting free trade on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Speaking during the �irst session of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of People on March 5, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said People’s Republic of China is all set to speed up efforts to build the Free Trade Area (FTA) of the Asia-Paci�ic, and the East Asia Economic Community.

“We are ready to work with all relevant parties to advanced multilateral trade negotiations, and will work for the early conclusion of negotiations on the RCEP, as well as protecting free trade, Li said. “China calls for trade disputes to be settled through discussion as equals, opposes trade protectionism, and will resolutely safeguard its

lawful rights.”

The China-led RCEP is a proposed FTA among the 10 ASEAN countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and the six states that ASEAN has existing FTAs -- Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand.

Li noted that China has opened its doors wider to the world, where it has played a powerful role in their own development, and it presents important opportunities for the rest of the world.

He said China has moved forward with international cooperation on production capacity; high-speed rail, nuclear power, and other types of Chinese equipment have entered international markets. (PNA)

AT THEIR DOORSTEPS. Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre announces that the passport on wheels will be in Davao City on March 16 to 17 to cater the needs of Dabawenyos who want to renew their passports or

apply for new one. Alejandre made the announcement in his privilege speech during Tuesday’s regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Lean Daval Jr

DavOr set to develop $27-B industrial park

Groundbreaking in Banaybanay on March 21

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he provincial government of Davao Oriental, in a determined effort to push for economic development of the province, is ready to launch what promises to be the biggest industrial park in the Davao Region this month.

The Davao Oriental Industrial Park, a public-private partnership between the province and a company called Pionaire Finance Limited and its partners, will be launched in formal groundbreaking ceremony in the municipality of Banaybanay, where the park will be located on March 21.

The groundbreaking rite will be preceded by a business conference a day earlier, on Tuesday, March 20, at the grand ballroom of Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City, of�icials of the province headed by Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang and Pionaire Finance Limited and Partners will discuss details of

the PPP which will reportedly involve investments estimated to be US$ 27 billion.

A press conference is scheduled to follow.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be held in the covered court of Barangay Maputi, Banaybanay at 9 o’clock in the morning of March 21.

According to Ms Karen Lou Deloso, Davao Oriental supervising administrative of�icer, the industrial park will initially cover some 1,500 hectares to be declared as economic free trade zone located between Barangay Maputi and Baran-

gay Piso in Banaybanay within a �ive-mile of coastline.

SAO Deloso said industries being eyed to be put up here include the following: 1. 2700 MW LNG Combined Cycle Power plant 2. LNG Storage and Receiving terminal 3. LPG storage and Receiving terminal 4. Regasi�ication Facility 5. 400,000 Barrels Stream per day Crude Oil Re�inery 6. 10 Million MT Storage Tanks and Terminal for Crude oil, Petrochemical/ Petroleum

this is higher by 10 to 15 percent compared to the India’s non-working holiday cost.

“While we do not have data on the effect of paid holidays on their industries, we should recognize the severe impact that additional paid holidays will have on other large sectors of the economy including manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and tourism.

JFC-PBG added that for day workers, this would mean they lose a day of pay on holidays when they have no work.

Three bills are pending in the Senate creating new non-working holidays including Iglesia ni Cristo Founding Anniversary every Jan.27, Indigenous People’s Day every Aug.9, and declaring Dec.25 to Jan.1 as special non-working holidays.

Eight bills are also in the

House of Representatives waiting for declaration of more non-working holidays. These are: Feasts of the Lord, Chinese New Year, Araw ng Kasambahay every Jan.18, commemoration of the fallen 44 Special Action Force every Jan.25, National Women’s Day every March 5, National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Day every July 17, Indigenous People’s Day every Oct.9, and making Dec.25 to Jan.1 as special non-working holiday.

Last year, Congress enacted into law the bill declaring Dec.8 as a new special non-working holiday to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

“When we appeared at the committee hearing on the proposed December 8 NWH (non-working holiday), we were

assured that the Senate position was to oppose all proposals for new NWHs,” the business groups’ letter to Escudero said.

As a result, the upper house approved the Senate Bill 1270 declaring the last Monday of January as National Bible Day as a special working holiday.

“We commend the actions of the Senate to pass legislation that recognized the faith of Filipinos without placing any �inancial burden on employers by adding another paid holiday,” the JFC-PBG said.

“Instead of creating more NWHs through legislation, national competitiveness can be protected by making clear both Executive and Legislative branches will only support new working holidays and are opposed to new NWHs,” the business organizations said. (PNA)

Manufacturing recovers to a double-digit growth Local, foreign biz groups nix more non-working holidays

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anufacturing output for the beginning of 2018 recovered from a series of declines in the last months of 2017, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

In the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) for manufacturing grew by 21.9 percent in January 2018, higher than the 14.9 percent in the previous year and a reversal from the 9.2 percent decline the last month.

The Value of Production Index (VaPI), likewise increased by 20.4 percent. The expansion led the three-month moving average growth rate of both indexes back to positive territory at

1.1 and 0.4 percent, respectively.

“Manufacturing output is expected to sustain growth in 2018 on the back of robust consumer demand, higher government consumption, and continued gains in investments. The sustained momentum in global trade growth will also provide additional boost to manufacturing growth, particularly export-oriented sectors,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said.

He explained that the growth of manufacturing was due to expansions in petroleum products, construction-related products, some export-oriented products, and food manufacturing. These offset the declines in wood products, tobacco, transport equipment, and rubber and plastic products. (NEDA)

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ANILA -- The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines-Philippine Business Groups (JFC-PBG) opposed the legislation of more non-working holidays, saying the increasing number of non-working holidays will affect the country’s competitiveness.

In a letter to Senate Chairperson on Committee on Education, Arts and Culture Francis Escudero, the JFC-PBG expressed concern on additional non-working holidays based on pending legislation in the Congress.

The foreign and local business groups cited that the cost of every non-working holiday to the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is around PHP750 million in extra expenses for overtime.

The JFC-PBG noted that

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EDGEDAVAO

6 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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Sick man no more

or a long while, the Philippines has been known by the ignominous tag “the sick man of Asia.” Fortunately, that may have changed by now.

The Philippines has just been ranked on top of the list in the “Best Country to Invest In” from the recent Best Countries 2018 report, a comprehensive ranking released by US News & World Report in cooperation with Y&R’s BAV Group and the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Under the Best Country to Invest In category, the Philippines earned the top score among 80 countries and that dubious tag due to its disappointing economic performance in comparison to its Asian neighbors could be a thing of the past and replaced with a fresh air of optimism and opportunities. The country’s vibrant economic outlook is bound to erase that humiliating distinction. The ranking was generated from the input of more than 6,000 “business decision makers,” who scored their perceptions of each country regarding eight attributes: “corrupt, dynamic, economically stable, entrepreneurial, favorable tax environment, innovative, skilled labor force and technological expertise.”

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 240 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018

The positive response by the international community to the economic performance of the country and the reforms and policies of the administration under President Rodrigo Duterte could �inally erase the stigma of the poor economic performace of the country due to the history of corruption and failed strategies.

With the government focusing on boosting the economy by accelerating infrastructure, it has neccessarily armed itself with the driving force to energize the country’s investment climate. The “Build, Build, Build” infrastracture army that the Duterte administration has anchored its ambitious infrastructure program has been cited by respected economic ratings �irms Like Fitch Ratings, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in forecasting a bullish Philippine economy for 2018 and 2019.

Both Fitch Ratings and ADB gave the Philippines upgraded ratings recently and raised its Philippine GDP forecast for 2018 from 6.7 percent to 6.8 percent.

The reviews and ratings are testament to the prevailing changes in the economic landscape of the Philippines which, given sustained budget and aggressive infrastructure spending, could turn forecasts into actual gains.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

the national association of newspapers

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

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

EDGEDAVAO

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tudying the genesis of Davao newspaper is an interesting �ield that has yet to be explored and researched extensively. Especially for students taking Mass Communication and Journalism courses, the study must go beyond Tomas Pinpin, the father of Philippine printing who published in 1637 the country’s �irst newsletter titled Sucesos Felices (Fortunate Events).

Historically, Davao City has produced many engaging publishers and journalists, including broadcasters, who would become political stars in their own right. Names like Davao lawmakers Artemio Loyola, and Jesus Dureza, Davao del Norte governor Verulo C. Boiser, Davao City mayor Za�iro L. Respicio, broadcaster-brothers Alfredo and Antonio Vergara, Davao City councilors Zacarias Solon, Danilo Dayanghirang, and Jesus Zozobrado, and Davao del Sur vice-governor Bienvenida Saceda, to name a few.

Founded in 1917, El Eco de Davao (The Voice of Davao)—most likely inspired by El Eco de Vigan, the country’s �irst provincial newspaper, and other Manila publications bearing the iconic ‘El Eco’ masthead before the American regime--was funded by Spanish lawyer Joaquin Rodriguez, who was appointed de facto Davao governor by Gen. John ‘Blackjack’ Pershing in 1913. It may well be considered as Davao region’s �irst

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f you are told that the food you are going to eat contain genetically-modi�ied organisms (GMOs), will you eat it?

You may answer it negatively as Western press consider GMOs as Frankenstein food. This horrendous description came from a Mary Shelly novel that tells the story of a young scientist who creates a grotesque but sapient creature in an unorthodox scienti�ic experiment.

In other words, foods that contain GMOs are not safe to eat. But such claim is preposterous. The World Health Organization (WHO), the authority directing and coordinating health within the United Nations system, has pointed out: “No effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of GM foods by the general population in the countries where they have been approved.”

This is even true to Bt talong, an eggplant that is spliced with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). “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.

But that’s going ahead of the story.

Eggplant is one of the most popular fruit vegetables among Filipinos. Unfortunately, the crop is susceptible to pests, particularly eggplant fruit and shoot borer

VOL. 10 ISSUE 240 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

A brief history of Davao papers

newspaper in the absence of any contender.

(Atty. Rodriguez’s grandson and namesake would later marry Sonja Habana, daughter of Antonio Habana Jr., the son of Capiz congressman Antonio Sr. who was married to the �irst cousin of post-war president Manuel Acuña Roxas.)

A year later, another newspaper, El Sur (The South) followed suit; this was published by the Davao Publishing Co., Inc. in 1918. Year later, another local paper, Maguindanao, was born. Edited by pre-war critic and later Davao governor Celestino Chavez (1922-25), it was the voice of dissent and public outrage. Cesar M. Sotto, who became Commonwealth-era assemblyman (193941), took over as second editor.

Contrary to claims, Mindanao Times, formerly known as the Davao Times under its Japanese owners, is not the oldest newspaper in Southern Philippines. It adopted its present name only in 1946, �ive years before Mindanao Mirror, then a weekly, was established by Dean Demetrio Flaviano and wife Anita. The contemporary of these iconic papers was the defunct Mindanao Mail founded by Emilio Abarico, father of the late Davao City press secretary Angelo Abarico.

Founded by Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) missionary Gerard Mongeau, the �irst bishop of Cotabato, the Mindanao Cross came out with its maiden issue on Feb. 6,

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa 1948, making it as the oldest Catholic publication in Mindanao. This is far older than The Sentinel, which released its �irst issue in January 1952 in Manila. On August 23, 1952, The Sentinel came out with its local edition renamed as Davao Sentinel. In 1973, it was independently published as Ang Taboan (The Marketplace) by the archdiocese of Davao and ten years later adopted the new name The Catholic Herald, to highlight its denominational a�iliation.

Commercially, only early post-war papers Mindanao Times and Mindanao Mirror have survived after their founders had died or ventured into other business. In Decem-

ber 1978, San Pedro Express surfaced as a newsmagazine edited by who’s who in Davao literature but later joined mainstream community papers; it also came out with a short-lived weekly magazine.

People’s Daily Forum, meanwhile, started in 1979 as Davao Forum and later evolved as Mindanao Forum before it became a daily publication in 1983.

Sun-Star Daily, one of four daily papers in Davao City, started as Ang Peryodiko, then Davao Peryodiko, but was later renamed after a Cebu company took over it. And who would forget the iconic Davao Star and its controversial publisher Jose Santes, a feisty World War II veteran?

Brie�ly, The Fiscalizer created a stir when it came out in February 1990, carrying its much-ballyhooed ‘Sexcapade’ column (which this author created).

Fiscal constraints forced itspublisher, Jesus Pauliño, to shift from daily tabloid to weekly, then later to monthly. In August 1993, the Mindanao Gazette, published by Ben Diansay, was launched as daily but, again, funding issues hounded it along the years, forcing it to publish weekly with hugely decreased circulation.

Other community papers and magazines that entered the competitive world of newspaper publishing are Edge Davao

(published by Antonio Ajero), Southern Post (Pablito Salinas), Mindanao Post (Elena Baron), Prime (Salvador del Rosario), Southern Philippines Chronicle (Pat Tubat), Mindanao Journal (Sera�in Ledesma), Mindanao Business Reporter (Angelo Abarico), Barangay Balita (City Government of Davao) Mindanao Free Press (Isidro Sandoval), Fourth Estate News ( Jose Pascual), and Mindanao Punch (Bong Saberon).

Moreover, the list of newspapers also includes Star Superbalita (sister publication of Sun-Star Davao), Mindanao Standard (Dorita Flaviano), Mindanao Today (Senforiano Alterado), Davao Tribune (Cesar Villamor), Mindanao Pulse (Elmer Yaun), Trends and Time (Dennis Denora), Paci�ic Tribune (Tagum City), and Mati Tribune (Mati City).

And who can forget the now-online publications such as Durian Post (Roger Balanza), Mindanao Insider (Virgilio Bermudez), and internet newcomer Davao Today (Webworks Multimedia ventures, Inc.)? The local magazine landscape has also seen the rise of hometown publications like Pag-asa (Carol Arguillas), Dimensions (Willie Rola), M Life and Living in Mindanao (Cr8ve Minds, Inc.), Madayaw (sister publication of San Pedro Express), and Mindanao (MindaNews).

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.

The development of Bt talong was spearheaded by the Institute of Plant Breeding (IBP) at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB). Bt talong has undergone extensive and rigorous research with particular attention paid to risk procedures and assessments to ensure its safety and utility.

Research commended in 2003 in the laboratory and contained experiment was done from 2007 to 2009 under the supervision of the National Biosafety Committee of the Philippines. From 2010 to 2012, �ield trials were conducted in Laguna, Pangasinan, Camarines Sur and North Cotabato.

According to Dr. Cynthia T. Hedreyda, of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology in UP Diliman, the development of Bt talong “involves exactly the same procedures, the same principle… by previously approved and currently used genetically modi�ied corn, cotton and soybean, which are already planted worldwide and approved in the country.”

Thanks to Bt talong, it is now possible to produce no toxin-laden eggplants. Based

on �ield trials conducted by IPB scientists in barangays Paitan and Sta. Maria in Pangasinan, it was found that EFSB can be stamped out by up to 100%.

During the dry season, the �ields were infested heavily by the FSB moth. The IPB scientists did not use any lepidopteran (moth)-speci�ic insecticide during the three trials – both or the Bt talong and the non-Bt talong.

All throughout three trials, the superior ef�icacy of Bt eggplant in stopping by virtually 100% infestation of FSB was observed in the three eggplant varieties tested. “These results demonstrate that Bt eggplant provide outstanding control of EFSB and can dramatically reduce the need for conventional insecticides,” said Dr. Hautea, who headed the study.

In contrast, the non-Bt eggplant suffered 41.58% FSB-damaged shoots, 93.08% damaged fruits, and 16.15 larvae per plot per harvest.

And even when moth’s eggs were found in the Bt talong fruits, the eggs did not survive to form viable fruit-boring insects.

“Commercial production of Bt eggplant has great potential to reduce yield losses to EFSB while dramatically reducing the reliance of growers on synthetic insecticides, reducing risks to the environment, to worker’s health, and to the consumer,” the IBP scientists concluded.

No Frankenstein food

(EFSB). “The worm of the insect bore tunnels in the fruit, rendering them un�it for consumption,” said Dr. Emil Q. Javier, former secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

This pest does not only kill the plants but also renders the fruits inedible and non-marketable. So pernicious is the pest that farmers have to throw away 50% to 70% of their harvest.

Now, to get rid of the income-sapping pest, farmers have to spray the plants with chemical pesticides. When infestation is so bad, they have to spray them with chemicals every other day. There are those who even dipped each hanging eggplant fruit into a container full of chemicals.

Are there other ways of beating the pest? Sure, there are; to name a few: 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 alternatives 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.

But there’s a better way that is not only environment-friendly but also feasible economically. And that is to introduce Bt, a common soil bacterium, into the vegetable crop.

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

Bt reportedly produces a protein that paralyzes the larvae of some harmful insects, including EFSB. “When ingested by the larvae of the target insect, the Bt protein is activated in the gut’s alkaline condition and punctures the mid-gut leaving the insect unable to eat. The insect dies within a few days,” explains Dr. Desiree Hautea of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).

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. Emiliana Bernardo, an entomologist or a scientist who studies insects. In 1901,

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EDGEDAVAO

PYAGSUGPATAN: Horizon over Compostela Valley

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO NINE YEARS AGO, in 2009, a landslide truck the once vibrant community of Masara in Maco, Compostela Valley (more popularly known as ComVal).

Two years later, another tragedy happened when super typhoon Pablo wreaked havoc over the province leaving thousands dead.

“These tragedies may have us shaken us but it failed to break our unity,” said Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy during the launching of “Pyagsugpatan,” a coffee table book of the fourth province of Davao Region. “Together, we built homes for those victimized by the disasters. We created communities that help them cope up with the pain of losing their loved ones and everything they worked hard for.”

These tragedies were part of the 116-page colorful book.

“We want to remember of what had happened before and where we are now,” Gov. Uy said. “A few years after these tragedies, no remnant of these disasters can be found. Instead, what we have are hope and the determination to move forward.”

All you need to know about the province are included in the book. “Pyagsugpatan features all that Compostela Valley can offer – from its rich history of struggle, hope and resilience, its diverse population, its beautiful places to all its attempts to make the lives of its people better,” the youthful governor said in the book’s message.

The coffee table book is his way of commemorating the province’s founding anniversary. The title was taken from the word used by Mandaya, Mansaka and Dibabawon which refers to the horizon, “the apparent line where the sky, the sea and the land meets.”

It is the place where the “langit” (heavens), the “lupa” and the “ugsuban” (underworld) meet. “The story of ‘pyagsugpatan’ remains relevant in Compostela Valley, not only because it features a rich parcel of the indigenous thought; but because just like the ‘pyagsugpatan,’ Compostela Valley remains to be the meeting place of different people, cultures and outlooks,” Gov. Uy pointed out in his speech.

But more importantly, the story of the ‘pyagsugpatan’ – which can be translated as “sumpay” in Bisaya and “dugtong” in Tagalog – has always emphasized unity and the coming together. “Our story reflects the pyagsugpatan,” he said, adding that the book “attempts to document the horizon we successfully surmounted and the horizons we are yet to overcome.”

The book’s preface explained the reason why it has to be published: “Produced out of the desire to record meaningful stories of the past, present and future of Compostela Val-

ley Province, this coffee table book… draws the unheard chronicles of the people, showcases the unnoticed sceneries, and narrates the unpublished initiatives of the government in empowering the lives of the Comvalenyos.”

The book is divided into four parts: past, people, places and progress. “The book reminds us of how we have become as people, how we have moved since nomadic times, and what have we done to make ComVal a better place,” the preface stated. “Our history is our real treasure more than all the resources ComVal is blessed

with.”

When people talk about ComVal, they also talk about gold, for which the province is known for: “In search of gold, influx of businessmen came to Masara, Diwalwal and different places within the province,” Gov. Uy pointed out.

But more than the gold, there are also treasures over the fields.

“Our province is open for everyone who wishes to venture in agribusiness most especially in coffee, cacao, banana, and aquaculture,” Gov. Uy said.

Not to be outdone are their treasures of underexplored if not undiscovered destinations.

Just to name a few: Lake Leonard, Amakan Crater, and the waterfalls (Marangig, Tagbibinta, Miyaya and Pyalitan and Salvosa). In one of its hidden mountains, the exotic “Rafflesia mira” thrives.

But the real treasures are actually its people, particularly the lumads (natives): Mansaka, Mandaya, Kalagan, Dibabawon, Manobo and the Mangguangan. “The tale of the lumad may have changed its tenor and direction (these days), but it is definitely far from over,” the book said.

After twenty years, the province is on its way to become a big player in the region. Aptly, its name maybe change to: Davao de Oro. But despite the looming

change of its name, the province continues to etch a name for its self, thanks to its people and the bond that keeps them together. As Gov. Uy said in his speech during the launching: “We are people rich in both cultural and natural resources.

Our experiences taught us that no typhoon is strong enough to break us. Our past revealed that with unity, we will surmount every horizon.”

There were several people who were involved in the book.

The main photographers were Hermann Candelaria and Leo Ano-os (both also did the book layout and design along with Marc Kervy Lim), Albert Dayao, Bryan Jimenez and Marvel Lasaca.

The following also contributed some photos: Bong Carmilotes, Jose Lemuel Gabato, Stephen Lim, Dandie Llaban, Milton Medina, the local government unit of Nabunturan and the APEX Mining Corporation.

The texts were written by Keisha Halili (who also did some copy editing), Prof. Emmanuel “Pads” S. Nabayra, Allin Joy Camile and Arriane Dacalos. The last two were also part of the project management team together with Gov. Uy himself and Fe Maestre.

This author also did copy editing and was one of the consultants along with Prof. Nabayra.

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#GlobeWanderland 2018 to host homegrown artists from different genres

THIS YEAR’S WANDERLAND MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL, powered by Globe Telecom, promises to give fans a fully day of great music, art, and company with an impressive lineup featuring Kodaline, Jhene, Aiko, FKJ, Daniel Caesar, Lauv, and Bag Riders.

Not to be outdone, the local artists comprising some of the country’s best musicians across different genres are also here to prove that they can rock as hard as the foreign acts.

Meet the local acts set to wow the crowd at Wanderland 2018 on March 10, 2018 at the Filinvest City Event Grounds, Alabang: If you’re into sultry R&B for the weekend, you’ll love Jess Connelly.

Jess Connelly is an indie artist who got her start in 2015 by releasing music on SoundCloud. The following year, she released her debut album How I Love, which put her on Spotify’s Artists to Watch for 2017. She quickly rose to fame with her soulful voice and R&B melodies, which stood out in songs like “Mine” and “Wait.”

Connelly has performed in gigs around the Philippines and Asia, opening for Macklemore and performing in the Wonderfruit Festival in Thailand.

Looking for extra inspiration or a quick pickme-up? Enjoy rap tunes from QUEST. Jose Villanueva III,

popularly known as Quest, is a singer, rapper, and songwriter who’s known for singing “Sige Lang,” the theme song of the basketball team Gilas Pilipinas in 2012.

The song is part of the album Life of a Champion, which was awarded Album of the Year at the Awit Awards. In 2010, QUEST also won Best Urban Music Video for “Back to Love” at the MYX Music Awards.

If you’re into funky, disco tracks for dancing with friends, you’ll love IV OF SPADES. IV OF SPADES is one of the most recognizable local bands with their color-coordinated and ‘70s-inspired aesthetic.

While the band may be in the spotlight now, IV OF SPADES actually started in 2014, with members Zild Benitez, Badjao de Castro, Blaster Silonga, and Unique Salonga.

Their first major gig was in 2015 when they joined Wanderband, Wanderland’s competition to find the next independent artist to perform at the festival. They did not win, but they released their

song “Hey Barbara” and played at the Scout Music Fest, which helped boost their popularity. Now, the band is known for their funky sound as much as their eye-catching style.

Make road trips with friends even more fun with chill folk songs from Ben&Ben. Ben&Ben is an indie folk band made up of twin brothers Paolo and

Miguel Guico, and later on, Poch Baretto, Jam Villanueva, Agnes Reoma, Patricia Lasaten, Toni Muñoz, Andrew de Pano, and Keifer Cabugao. The brothers started as The Benjamins and wrote “Tinatangi,” which was performed by legendary singers Bayang Barrios and Cooky Chua and won second runner up at the PhilPop Music Festival in

2016. Ben&Ben’s self-titled album was launched at a sold-out concert, with performances from Barrios and Chua, along with other big-name musicians like Bullet Dumas, Johnoy Danao, and Noel Cabangon.

Unwind from hectic work days with soulful tracks from Asch.

Asch—made up of Asch Catabona, Ben Ayes, Justin Ratilla, and Luke Abadiano—describes itself as an “electronic soul project curated to share head bobbing tunes.” It’s an accurate description as their music is a soulful blend of R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop. They have played at some of the biggest gigs around Manila, performing songs like “IDK,” “Mobius,” and “Ashes to Ashes.” They

will soon launch their debut album Mobius with a live horns section.

Looking for some fresh sounds to add to your playlist? Give these two Wanderland Wanderbattle winners, Basically Saturday Night and Carousel Casualties, a spin!

Basically Saturday Night is made up of Migie Garcia, Junoy Manalo, Faisal Tabusalla, Arvin Dale, and Jairus Paul, rocked Wanderbattle with their groovy sounds, even bringing a fan club that took over half the venue. It’s no surprise: their songs “El Poder” and “Chemical Love” are crowd favorites.

During the finals, Carousel Casualties wowed the crowd with a rousing medley of Khalid songs, getting the audience to sing along to “Location” and “Young, Dumb, and Broke.” The band is also known for their head bopping originals like “San Junipero,” “Safety,” and “Leona.”

These seven artists performing at the next Wanderland Music and Arts Festival prove that there’s plenty to love in the local scene!

For more information, visit the website at go.globe.com.ph/Wanderland.html or follow the official Globe Facebook page or @enjoyGlobe on Twitter.

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UP AND ABOUT

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AirAsia’s Red Hot Seat Sale is back!

AIRASIA is giving away seats from as low as P17 in its first major promotional seat sale of the year.

AirAsia’s Red Hot seat sale from as low as P17.00 all-in promo fares are available for booking today until March 11 for travel period from September 3, 2018 to May 28, 2019 to destinations to/from Manila, Clark, Cebu, Davao, Tacloban,

Boracay, Palawan, Kalibo, Tagbilaran/Bohol and Iloilo. Promo seats to international destinations to/from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Taipei, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Jakarta, Bali, Ho Chi Minh, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and

Bangkok are also up for grabs at airasia.com and available on AirAsia’s mobile app on iPhone and Android devices, as well as mobile site at mobile.airasia.com.

Philippines AirAsia CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, “We are officially welcoming the summer with Red Hot Sale. Now is the perfect opportunity to connect from many places in the Philippines, across ASEAN, North Asia and beyond conveniently as we continuously add new routes and increase frequencies into our network.”

AirAsia has earlier announced it will fly daily from Manila to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, starting April 22 as part of the airline’s commitment as a truly Asean carrier.

“AirAsia is a product of Asean and we are so proud to be part of this region we call home. We are thrilled to add Manila - Bangkok into our ever growing network following the launch of

Manila - Jakarta and Manila - Bali last January and Manila – Ho Chi Minh last November. We want to bring the people across the Asean region closer together and further expand our Asean footprint to serve more and more communities.”

Comendador added.

AirAsia also offers several inter-Asean flights to Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore from Manila and Cebu in the Philippines.

AirAsia is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, India, and Japan, servicing a network stretching across all Asean countries and beyond. The only airline group that fly direct to all ten Asean countries.

Keep updated with AirAsia’s latest promotion and activities via twitter (@AirAsiaFilipino), Facebook (facebook.com/ AirAsiaPH) and on Instagram (@AirAsiaFilipino)

CELEBRATE WOMEN’S MONTH AT THE SM STORE! On all Wednesdays of March, women shoppers with SMAC or SM Prestige Card get +10% OFF on all items with a minimum P2,000 single-receipt purchase. Plus, get an additional 10% rebate with BDO Shopmore Mastercard for a minimum P10,000 single-receipt installment purchase. From March 1-31, get up to 50% OFF on select Parisian, SM Woman, SM Beauty and SM Accessories.

PLUS: Enjoy SMAC Payday Double Points on March 15 & 31! Visit The SM Store Lanang Premier for more details!

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 240 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018

Koronadal’s Best

Villa Amor Hotel

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

MINDANAO’S VAST LAND AREA is waiting to be explored. From all corners, Mindanao’s resources are as prevalent as ever. Not to mention the yearning of visitors and locals to further enhance those that are already there.

True enough, the influx of visitors in the area urged the entrepreneurs to cater to an increasing need: a place to stay.

Heeding such call, Villa Amor Hotel opened its doors to the people of Koronadal last April 14, 2015. Since day one, Villa Amor has exuded quality over and above the other hotels and inn’s in the city. This is the very reason why they are considered Koronadal’s best.

Formerly named Marvella Plaza Hotel, it was previously owned by the Uy family. Years after, businessman Ronald ‘Jo’ Villamor acquired ownership and eventually opted to change the name. Since then, it has been known as Villa Amor Hotel. Villamor is from the Province of Davao.

Villa Amor Hotel has seven branches operating all over Davao and one in South Cotabato.

Definitely not the last, the hotel represents of a rich and diverse culture prevalent in their staff.

Most of which are ilonggo locals who has been with them since the beginning.

From a simple hotel, it now has an in-house restaurant, a quaint coffee shop and swimming pool perfect for any celebrations. From weddings, receptions, parties, baptism to even training and seminars, you need not worry about anything when celebrating with them. In fact, Government training and forums are often held at Villa Amor Hotel because of their spacious area that can accommodate more than enough participants — even

those from outside Koronadal.

Each room is fully furnished and maintains cleanliness that is expected of hospitality establishments. Rooms are air conditioned and equipped with the necessities you will need for a comfortable stay. Not just that, their room rates are inexpensive and very affordable. Unlike that of the others.

Despite the inexpensive room rates, Villa Amor Hotel delivers good quality service that their clients appreciate.

From the moment you arrive up until you bid them your goodbye’s, you are guaranteed the comfort you truly deserve.

Villa Amor Hotel is located at General Santos drive, Koronadal, South Cotabato. For inquiries, 083 228 1728 or 083 887 1580 or 0925 6789349

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gay parks, plazas, gyms or streets.

For any special permits issued by the barangay, the Barangay Council shall be authorized to impose processing fee in accordance to The Local Government Code of 1991.

Events utilizing City owned or maintained establishments, parks, plaza gym, or streets shall obtain their permits from the City Mayor’s Office.

“There are times that we have official events like, Araw ng Davao, Kadayawan or Araw ng Barangay (personal parties are not included) For example, there is an event that requires a bigger space and thee public areas will be occupied like gyms or roads this is okay as long as the City Mayor or barangay Captain approves it, and only if it is an official event not for personal purposes,” she said.

Acosta said that once it is an official event then it is presumed that there is a peace and order committee, there are people monitoring the event, there are peace keeping force.

The first offense penalty will be a fine amounting to P 3,000 second offence will be a fine of P5,000 and/ or imprisonment of three months at the discretion of the court and third and final offense there will be

a fine of amounting to P5,000 and/ or imprisonment of one year at the discretion of the court.

The penalty clause states if the minors are caught violating the ordinance, they shall be dealt with accordance with the Juvenile Justice Law. “It could be better if we could have a heavier penalty but the local government code has a ceiling for the penalties you cannot go above P5,000,” she said.

She made it clear that if the person is drinking within his or her private property then it is okay for as long as they cannot disturb other people who are not into drinking alcoholic beverages.

Acosta said that the harassments caused by the drunkards to the women who pass by the public areas which at the same time became the venue of those people’s drinking session will have a psychological effect on its victims which later on will manifest.

“It is better to provide a safe environment for our family member whether it is a male of female especially for the women so that they will not be harassed, ” she said.

She said that with this ordinance the people can freely use the public places without any anxiety.

Health Regional Rabies Prevention and Control Program head said on Monday that it is important to know that 99.9% of those infected with rabies die.

“Although not all animal bite cases evolve into rabies, it is better that we report the case immediately so that we know for sure,” Hilario said.

She added that in the event when one is been bitten by an animal, the wound must be washed immediately with soap and that the victim must proceed to the nearest animal bite center for treatment.

This first aid measure, Bautista said, could eradicate 50 per cent of the virus and may lessen the chance of rabies.

In 2017, Davao region has recorded a total of nine due to rabies.

She said the record is relatively lower compared to the 13 deaths reported in 2016.

An estimated number of

58,581 bite cases are already recorded in the region, commonly dog bite cases, she said.

Hilario said that rabies should not be taken for granted since it is still a threat when you are infected with rabies through dog, or cat, or other livestock bite.

“Dogs have the highest animal bite incidents, that’s why pet lovers and owners should be responsible and have their pets injected with anti-rabies vaccine,” Hilario said.

She added that public should not letting their pet dogs loiter without supervision, and to regularly have them vaccinated.

Hilario said that DOH-Davao is doing its best to reach t o their goal of vaccinating at least 70 percent of the dog and cat population in the region.

“We really encourage owners to vaccinate their pets to ensure safety. We aim for the Philippines to be rabies-free by 2020,” she added.

Veterans was third with 429, Bacolod Golf fourth with 428, and Iligan Golf and Taotaomona Guam

which tied for fifth with 416 apiece.

The Friendship bracket was won by South Bay of LA which to-

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EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

talled 437, following a 104-point effort at Binitin. Scoring on the final day were Ronald Rojas 49, Rene Flores 41 and Nilo Liwag 28.

Club 1872 LA finished second with 430, Fil-Oz Sydney third with 409, Canphil Golf Association fourth with 394 and Phil Am Golf of Central Florida fifth with 386.

This year’s Interclub’s Plati-

num sponsors this year are RMN and Manila Times, while major sponsors are Mastercard, The Philippine Manila Standard, Rolls Royce, Bombardier, TV5, Primax, BusinessWorld, Crossover and Fox. Other sponsors include Boeing, PAGCOR, Belmonte Hotel, Eton Properties and Asia Brewery, Inc.

old and below went to Hareve Sumatra who bested second placer Jasper Jay Erum and third placer Hur Papas.

Exiquila Apao won the women’s title over Samantha Umayan

and Melangelie Bariquit.

The tournament is organized by the city government of Davao and sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines with IA James Infiesto as arbiter.

Bulan during a recent hearing conducted by the Senate economic affairs committee.

Bulan told senators at the hearing that “FEF believes the TRAIN has safeguards in place to mitigate any inflationary effects, which as estimated by the Department of Finance to result to a 0.7 percentage-point increase in inflation for 2018 with food prices rising by .03 percentage points and transportation by 0.1 percentage points.”

The correct view on TRAIN, the FEF said, is to look at

it as a revenue-generating instrument that will enable the government to spend more on infrastructure, education, health and other social services, which would, in turn, “have a positive impact to the country’s medium- to longterm growth path—and this lifts the poor out of poverty.”

According to FEF, the higher food prices in January were the result of the increases in the cost of fish and vegetables that were affected by weather-related incidents and the lean season for the fishing industry. (DOF)

products 7. Petrochemical Plants 8. Chemical Industrial park 9. Cement Plant 10. Steel Plant 11. WaterGen Manufacturing 12. International Port and Cargo Terminal 13. Light Industry 14. Textile Park 15. Mechanical Park 16. Electronic and Construction Materials

17. Agribusiness Park 18. Logistic and Commercial Park 19. Manufacturing Facilities for Prefabricated homes “We believe that this project is fully aligned with the national government’s Build, Build, Build agenda and its vision of enhancing economic governance, investing in sustainable growth and competitiveness and integration,” said Deloso who is also the provincial

be airconditioned like the of�ices of the City Community Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice and City Economic Enterprise within the building.

“The main purpose of the rehabilitation is purely for the public market but considering the usage of the building since it is big then might as well use the other areas of the proposed new Agdao Public Market building,” Ibuyan Jr said.

In Davao City there are 13 public markets namely Agdao public market , Bunawan public market, Paquibato public market, Bangkerohan public market, Toril public market, Matina public market,Tibungco public market, Mintal public market, Calinan public market, Bagiuo public market, Marilog public market, Bunawan public market, Panacan public market, Sasa Km 11 public market.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 240 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018 He said that other developments will be done to these public markets after the rehabilitation of Agdao Public Market.

He said that the prior commitment by the DA to give P50 million

budget to the other public areas were transferred to the Agdao public market because other public markets has issues that needs to be settled before going into the renovation such as land ownerships and other land .

reached PHP296 billion.

Plaza said that the country might lose the billion-peso local purchases from PEZA locators if the zero-rated VAT will be scrapped from incentives menu under the second

package of the tax reform program Instead of buying from local suppliers, PEZA firms might import their raw materials which some could be tariff-free or with lower duties.(PNA)

at always consult doctors for early symptoms,” Gelito said.

She added that person with those symptoms, have nothing to be afraid of since tuberculosis is treatable.

DOH Region 11 will be hosting the World Tuberculosis Day, which will be on March 24, with the theme: “Wanted: Leaders for a TB-Free

World,” Gelito said health workers are focusing on building assurance to end TB. “The focus of the program is to find the missing TB cases, which means we are requesting those who have coughs for over a week already to have themselves check-up in nearby centers/hospitals,” Gelito said.

make it unlawful for parents and guardians to, knowingly or by insuf�icient control, allow children to loiter, roam around, or sleep in any public place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., without justi�iable reason.

“It is absolutely necessary for parents to have their children chaperoned during these hours to shield them from dangers such as crime. As we are all aware, the Duterte administration has launched a no-nonsense campaign against criminality; we can do our share in this effort by ensuring that our kids are always out of harm’s way.”

The original measure penned

by Tan covers minors individuals below 18 years old.

As per the substitute bill, erring parents/ guardians together with their child will be made to undergo counseling or other intervention programs upon violation of the Act. For the third and succeeding offenses, the parents or guardians will be slapped with a maximum �ine of P1,000 and/or ordered to ful�ill community service for �ive to 10 days.

Exempted from this prohibition are children who are accom-

panied by a parent or guardian; are out of their homes for reasons related with education, employment, or of�icial activities sponsored by the government, school, or civic organizations; or are involved in any emergency.

Nograles noted that the bill goes to great lengths to ensure that Filipino youngsters aren’t subjected to any type of abuse.

“It prohibits law enforcement of�icers from exhibiting behavior that tend to traumatize children such as use of vulgar words, sexual harassment or abuse, displaying instruments of intimidation, or in�licting violence or unnecessary force on the child,” he said.

Nograles said that the country’s barangay captains are mandated to implement the Act. Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in consultation with the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, Commission on the Welfare of the Children (CWC), National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is ordered to promulgate its implementing rules and regulations.

they will be asked to explain why they did not obey the terms and

conditions of their issuances among others,” he said. (PNA)

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

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

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

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 240 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

LANANG BOYS. Lanang Golf and Country Club, though no longer existent, continues to play in the annual PAL Interclub golf tournament. In the recent Seniors Interclub, Lanang finished 6th in the Aviator Division with Bong Belen (left) and Dennis Salvador (right) anchoring the team’s campaign. Tommy Inigo

NM Florendo rules B Araw Rapid chessfest

Sugar Barons eye sweep

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

N

ational Master Joey Albert Florendo topped the 2018 Araw ng Davao FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament over the weekend at the Damosa Market Basket.

The 8th-ranked Florendo, who carries a 2229 ELO rating, amassed 7 points in the 8-round rapid format to win the title of the tournament organized by the city

government of Davao as part of the sporting highlights of the annual festival.

Florendo actually tied with Jhonnel Balquin at 7 points but

won via tiebreak. Harrison Maamo, top-ranked NM Rustom Tolentino, Aglipay Oberio and Gino Angelo Asuncion finished with identical 6.5 points to place third to sixth.

Rounding up the top 10 are NM Levi Mercado, Antonio Chavez Jr., Anthony Mosqueda and Paolo Prado with 6 points apiece.

Big guns NM Cedric Magno and FIDE Master Nelson Mariano

III finished out of the top 10 with 5.5 points.

Chief arbiter IA James Infiesto thanked the participants and supporters for the success of the event.

“I personally thank Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio for the support extended to the development of chess and promotion of the city as a premier chess event venue,” Infiesto said.

co, who was at the helm of the committee since 2004.

Vargas is the head of the Association of the Boxing Alliances in the Philippines.

Tolentino, who is the current Representative of the 7th district of Cavite, was named POC chairman after defeating table tennis president Ting Ledesma. Tolentino is also the brother of presidential political adviser Francis Tolentino.

As POC chief, Vargas is

eyeing to push for a successful campaign in the Asian Games in August and the Philippine’s hosting of the Southeast Asian Games next year.

The POC accredits the members of the Philippine Delegation to the Olympic Games, Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games.

Other than these games under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee, the different National

Sports Associations under the umbrella of the POC also actively participate in their respective international federations (IFs) World Championships and other multisports competitions such as the World Games, University Games, Asian Beach Games and Asian Indoor Games.

Meanwhile, the President also presided over the 23rd Cabinet meeting in Malacañang on Monday. PND

PRRD swears in new POC officials

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte on Monday swore in new of�icials of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) during a simple ceremony in the Malacañan Palace.

Among those who took their oaths were POC president Victorio Vargas and POC chairman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

Vargas clinched the presidency of the POC ending the reign of Jose “Peping” Cojuang-

ACOLOD – Canlubang is gearing up for another tough grind when the PAL Interclub Regular Men’s Championship tees off tomorrow, with the Sugar Barons again playing the role of underdogs as the club guns for a sweep after conquering the Senior division on Sunday.

“We don’t mind that at all,” swing coach Boyet Zaragosa said in Filipino, just hours before overseeing his young charges sample tree-lined Marapara for the �inal time at high noon yesterday. “Being the underdogs actually takes some of the pressure off of us.”

Cangolf has also gone back to developing young talents but will be spearheaded by the most seasoned man in the amateur ranks in Rupert Zaragosa, Boyet’s talented son who has been the face of the Canlubang program for several years now.

What’s different from this year and the last – when Manila Southwoods ran roughshod over the �ield – is that Rupert’s back-up has had the past year to gain experience and develop the skill that it would take to return to the top of the hill.

“We have a great chance this year,” the elder Zaragosa said. “But of course, Southwoods is still the overwhelming favorite. They are a true powerhouse.”

Luis Castro and Jolo Magcalayo are being groomed to take over the younger Zaragosa when he turns pro, and the teeners will be put to the test in the next four days when they clash against the best amateurs in the land.

Like in the Seniors division, Marapara here will host the �irst and �inal rounds, with the �ield to tackle super-tight Binitin in Murcia town in the middle two.

“I think that is where the tournament will be decided,” Boyet Zaragosa said. “You have to respect that course. It may be shorter, relatively, but the team that plays best there would most likely win this tournament.”

Cangolf’s Seniors held it together in the third round on Saturday last week and provided the decisive performance in their division to ultimately unseat fancied Luisita, which opted for a stronger team in the �inal day and paid dearly for it.

This year’s Interclub’s Platinum sponsors this year are RMN and Manila Times, while major sponsors are Mastercard, The Philippine Manila Standard, Rolls Royce, Bombardier, TV5, Primax, BusinessWorld, Crossover and Fox. Other sponsors include Boeing, PAGCOR, Belmonte Hotel, Eton Properties and Asia Brewery, Inc.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 240 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018

SHINING THROUGH

Division champs shine at Seniors Interclub

CHAMPIONS. Canlubang Golf and Country Club (left) and Davao’s Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club (right) receive their division trophies during the awarding ceremonies of the 71st PAL Interclub Senior golf tournament in Bacolod City. Boy Lim

B

ACOLOD CITY – Cebu Country Club, Alta Vista, Rancho Palos Verdes and South Bay of Los Angeles topped their respective divisions at the close of the 32nd Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub golf team championships Sunday.

Roichi Horit and Nonoy Tirol each had 47 points and Kim Kwang Seok added 42 at Binitin as CCC captured the Founders division with 542 points.

Negros Occidental Team A and Orchard tied for second place with 528 points apiece.

Alabang and Pueblo de Oro completed the top �ive with 524 and 515, respectively.

In the Aviator class, Alta Vista drew 123 points from Ramon Sebastian (44), Razzy Razon (42) and Masahisa Kawakami (37) to win the Aviator bracket by eight points over Villamor.

The rest of the top �ive includes Fil Am Hawaii (461), Iloilo Golf and Country Club (454) and Sarangani Golf and

Country Club (445).

Rancho Palos Verdes, on the other hand, was declared Sportswriters champion after posting 454, 20 points ahead of Forest Hills.

Scoring 103 points in the �inal round at Marapara were Lito Dublan 37, Abraham Dizon 33 and Deo Cura 33.

SHINNING,P12

Lopez leads Araw Open Rapid chessfest winners

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

V

eteran internationalist Henry Roger Lopez topped the PWD division of the Araw ng Davao Open Rapid Chess Tournament over the weekend.

Lopez won P1,000 and joined the winners’ circle that included Top Senior Dodge Corro, Top Employee Jason Salubre and Top

Executive NM Nelson Mariano III. Wesley Jovan Magbanua won the Kiddies division for players aged 1 years and under, besting second placer Mari Manguilimotan and third placer Anjo Dumugho.

The Juniors title for players aged 20 years

LOPEZ,P12