Edge10 issue 241, March 8, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

IN CIRCULATION. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 director Antonio Rivera shows from PDEA’s drug education kit the common illegal drugs that are circulating in Davao City’s communities during Wednesday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Rivera also said the agency

is currently putting its efforts in cutting down on the supply and demand of drugs in the city especially in time for Araw ng Davao celebration. Lean Daval Jr

SLAPPED CHARGES

DPWH team accused of destroying TADECO property

T

he Tagum Agricultural Development Company was poised to file appropriate charges against a Department of Public Works and Highways inventory team that destroyed a steel swing beam along one of its farm roads on March 5.

The beam served as part of an elborate quarantine

system installed by Tadeco that successfully warded off

the threat of fusarium wilt, a dreaded soil fungi that has wrought havoc to banana plantations in the region.

“It was a clear display of arrogance, abuse of authority and disregard for the rule of law,” Anthony Alexander Valoria, TADECO president, told the AFP-PNP press forum at the Royal Mandaya

Hotel on Wednesday.

TADECO legal of�icer Nicholas Banga said cases of malicious mischief as well as graft were being readied against the team that included Edwin Jubahib of the congressional district of�ice of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

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When in doubt,

have a burger

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

TIGTHENING UP LOOSE ENDS. President Rodrigo Duterte discusses matters with Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana after the surrenderees from the New People’s Army were presented to the President at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

BFP: no copy of final report on NCCC fire L

Davao OFW on the lam grateful for Kuwait exit

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he Bureau of Fire Department Region XI on Wednesday claimed it was not provided a copy of the investigation report on the December 23, 2097 fire that took 38 lives.

S/ Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu, BFP regional Director did not say why his of�ice was not provided a copy other than saying that the report is still subject for review and evaluation by the Department of the Interior

and Local Government.

“The Interagency Anti-Arson Task Force (IAATF) forwarded the report to the secretary of DILG for his appraisal of the �indings,” he said during the AFP-PNP Press Corps Southern Mindanao Press Conference at

The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

He said that he has no knowledge whether the families of the victims were given an update regarding the report.

“As I have said earlier, the region has no updates on the �indings and the �inality of the report, the process is when the task force is done with the report automatically the task force will submit the report to the DILG Secretary for his

appraisal and his approval and If necessary �ile cases against those involved in the incident,” he said.

Kwan Tiu said that people who will be part of the �iling of the case has all the rights to defend , they should know what will be the �low of the investigation so that when the time comes for �iling of case the people involve will be prepared.

Last March 5, Monday

BFP,P10

eticia Orupe, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Kuwait, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) with more than a hundred others like her at around 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

She seemed so �ine. She even told me she has been a domestic helper there for 15 years, and that her employers were good.

That was what I thought -- until she told me her story.

“I really thank God I’m

T

he Mindanao Business Council will bring Taiwan business delegates in Davao City for one-day ‘One-on- One Business Matching’at the Marco Polo Hotel in a bid to introduce a wide array of suppliers to the untapped market of Mindanao.

Roland Torres, executive director of Mindanao Business Council said

during the Habi at Kape media forum on Wednesday at Abreeza Mall that this will be the �irst time that Taiwan Trade Center will bring in a group of business people to Davao City.

According to Torres, the Taiwan Trade Center Manila, under the management of Albert Fan, is a non-pro�it trade promotion organization in Taiwan with

operations in Manila.

The event is jointly sponsored by the government, industry association, and several commercial organizations, TTC assists Taiwan business and manufacturers to build up relationships with the foreign clients around the world.

“We will bring in 25 companies from Taiwan to Mindanao as a pronounced

manifestation of the country’s intention to improve its inherent and competitive advantages,” Torres said.

He added that suppliers that will be coming from Taiwan have ventured on businesses like automotive, machinery, electronic, medical, and other industries.

“Taiwanese investors are looking for local part-

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DAVAO,P10

Temporary closure of Boracay backed

Taiwan investors in Davao biz leg S

By JUDIE VEGA

back home!” Orupe uttered in Filipino. She has been a TNT (Tago nang Tago), or those who are always hiding from authorities for fear of being deported back to their home countries, usually due to lack of the necessary permits to stay in a foreign land.

She had been like this for 10 years, but never opted to avail herself of the amnesty from Kuwaiti government, not until this administration.

Apparently, the past

enate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Wednesday declared his support for the plan of Interior Department Of�icer-In-Charge Eduardo Año and Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo to temporarily close Boracay Island to tourists, saying it is the logical step to take in restoring the island’s natural beauty.

Año and Teo, together with Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, were earlier ordered by President Rodrigo R. Duterte to rehabilitate the world-famous

island within six months.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Tourism have proposed to close down the island from June 1 to July 31.

“It is only logical to close Boracay for renovations, so to speak. We must carefully assess the damage to the local environment and take the necessary steps for cleanup. The process is more easily done and more effective if there are no tourists around,” Pimentel said.

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EDGEDAVAO

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4NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Compostela town‘shadow gov’t’dismantled--AFP

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he commanding of�icer of the Philippine Army’s 66th infantry battalion claimed it has dismantled a shadow government run by the rebel New People’s Army in the municipality of Compostela.

Lt. Col. Palmer M. Parungao, commanding of�icer of the 66th Infantry Battalion said three-fourths of Compostela municipality used to be under the control of the Komiting Rebolusyonaryo sa Munisipalidad (KRM).

“There was a shadow government with a mayor and there were ere barangay captains supporting the NPA,” Parungao told the AFP-PNP press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

“This were their base for a long time but for the past two weeks they have surrendered, dismantled po ang KRM djan sa Compostela Valley,” Parungao said.

Brig. General Reuben Basiao said that the KRM is in the boundary of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley Province.

He said that the KRM that was dismantled is within the Municipal of Compostella Valley.

“What was accomplished was actually seven Komiting Rebolusyong Pangbarangay, when we say Komiting Rebolusyong Pangbarangay it doesn’t follow our boundaries, our political boundaries, our ba-

COMPOSTELA,P10

House Speaker asks for one more term as congressman

By CHA MONFORTE CORRESPONDENT

H

ouse Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez said that he wants to serve as congressman of the �irst district of Davao del Norte for two terms not three.

Alvarez made the statement during the 20th anniversary of Tagum as a city last Wedsneday.

The House Speaker Joined Tagum city of�icials, employees and people led by Mayor Allan Rellon during the anniversary program in the afternoon at the New City Hall. He vowed to �inish within two terms all big-ticket projects on the pipeline as well those jumpstarted.

He mentioned the

P500 million for modern football astrodome, which could host international event, the start of the construction of the Tagum-toDigos phase of Mindanao railway, and the phase for Tagum-Butuan City, and the �lyover project, “which could be �inished before the election next year.”

He also announced that the Department of Foreign Affairs would open a consular of�ice in Tagum soon..

He asked the people to give him one more term to serve them, adding that his dream is that by end of his term “there would no more squatters in Tagum City,” apparently hinting he would

CLOSER TO HOME. Thousands of Dabawenyos troop to Almendras Gym on Wednesday for the pre-verification and submission of requirements for passport application and renewal through the passport on wheels on March 16 to 17. Lean Daval Jr

New vine plant named after Sara

By JUDIE VEGA

T

he Biodiversity and Environment Institute of the University of Mindanao named a new found species, Hoya indaysarae in the province of Dinagat Islands in Caraga region after City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio.

Milton Norman Medina,

Environment Institute of

HOUSE,P11 director of Biodiversity and the University of Mindanao,

said the new found species of the Philippine Hoya is commonly called as wax plant.

“The �lowering vine was discovered near a mining area while doing a research in the province of Dinagat Islands in Caraga region on April 23, 2017,”he said.

Medina said they found

of AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Samama said filing of candidacy is scheduled on April 14 to 30. Lean Daval Jr

NEW,P10

DepEd defends use of mother tongue learning

A

ALL SET. Lawyer Omar Samama of Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 talks about the agency’s preparations for the upcoming May 14 barangay and sanguniang kabataan elections during this week’s edition

out that one of the plant specimens they collected near a mining area was new.

He added that they decided to name the plant Hoya ‘indaysarae’ after Mayor Duterte because of her support to environmental conservation initiatives in the Davao region.

n of�icial of the Department of Education (DepEd) said the use of mother tongue as medium of instruction in schools is not a reason for Filipino students to be less pro�icient in the English language.

“Hindi natin sinasabi na ang mother tongue ang dahilan kung bakit bumababa ang English pro�iciency ng mag-aaral sapagkat ayon sa pag-aaral, ang paggamit ng �irst language ang makakatulong sa magaaral upang madaling makaintindi ng binabasa. Ang pag linang din nito ang nagbibigay daan upang mas madaling matuto sa second language at iba pang wika ang mga bata (We are not saying that the use of mother tongue as medium of instruction is the reason for the decline of English pro-

�iciency among students.

Certain studies show that use of the �irst language can help students understand what they’re reading. The cultivation of the �irst language also helps students learn a second and/or other languages),” DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali said.

Results of a recent study conducted by Hopkins International Partners, the institution authorized to conduct the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) in the Philippines, showed that the English pro�iciency of college students in the Philippines is lower than the target pro�iciency of high school students in Thailand.

Umali added that students need to develop a strong foundation in their

DEPED,P11

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

DILG lauded on order to use lead-safe paints

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WON’T TAKE IT SITTING DOWN. Tagum Agricultural Development Corporation (TADECO) president and chief executive officer Alexander Valoria (left), together with TADECO legal counsel lawyer Nicolas Banga, shares the company’s official statement on the destruction of its swing beam at Tanglaw entrance to the farm by people identified

with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer’s office of Davao del Norte on March 5. Valoria also said during AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday that the act was a clear display of arrogance, abuse of authority, and disregard of the rule of law. Lean Daval Jr

waste and pollution watch group has commended the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its decisive action that will ensure paints used by local government units (LGUs) do not pose lead exposure risks for children, women and workers.

The EcoWaste Coalition lauded DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año for issuing last February 28 Memorandum Circular 2018-26 entitled the “Mandatory Use of Lead-Safe Paints by LGUs.” “Hats off to DILG for fully supporting the national and global drive to phase out lead paints by directing the compulsory use of paints without added lead by the country’s LGUs,” said Eileen Sison, President, EcoWaste Coalition.

“DILG MC 2018-26 is by far the most far-reaching directive on lead-safe paints ever promulgated since the phase-out of lead-containing architectural, house-

hold and decorative paints took effect on December 31, 2016,” she noted.

The group had earlier requested the DILG and the LGUs, considered a major paint consumer, to actively back the ongoing phase-out of lead-containing paints in the country.

The said directive is addressed to all LGUs, which include 81 provinces, 145 cities, 1,489 municipalities and 42,036 barangays spread all over 13 regions, plus the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Cordillera Administrative Region and the National Capital Region.

“With the backing of the DILG Secretary, provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, and village chiefs, we feel con�ident that the concerted efforts to mainstream the use of leadsafe paints will reach even the remotest barangays,” Sison said.

Under DILG MC 2018-

f�icials of the Department of Finance expect to gain at least PHP18 billion from the planned implementation of fuel marking by early 2019.

Finance Assistant Secretary Mark Dennis Joven said the fuel marking’s project cost is around PHP2 billion but studies show that potential leakage is around PHP25 to PHP40 billion annually.

“We are targeting around 10 times the total project cost,” he said.

Joven said bidding for the marker is expected to be done within the year.

Aside from the fuel markers, Joven said they

could also put dowsing equipment in the various re�ineries to check whether the oil companies are paying correct taxes.

He said the marker that would be used to check the dilution of the oil is a molecular marker and is different from the dye being used to determine if the oil is fake.

“Supposedly it is mixed with the oil and using an equipment you will see how diluted the oil is so that we can determine how many companies are not paying correct taxes,” he added.

Finance Undersecretary Antonette Tionko said a technical working group

Mindanao in bigger DOF execs eye P18-B gain from fuel marking tourism role for RP O DOT sees shift to unspoiled islands D

espite the challenges Mindanao suffered in terms of tourism promotion in the past few years, Department of Tourism officials believe it is time to begin important projects in the region to shift tourists’ attention to the country’s unspoiled islands in the south.

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo made the announcement after spearheading the brie�ing of the Mindanao Development Authority

(MinDA) on the side of the Cultural Convention Building ocular inspection at the Old Airport in Davao City on Tuesday, March 6.

The roster of projects for Mindanao includes the establishment of additional Tourist Information and Assistance Center (TIAC) to raise more awareness about beautiful sceneries and robust culture that can be experienced in the southern islands.

“Once the TIACs are up and running, more tourists will de�initely come. We can be proud that we have breath-taking tourist desti-

nations, and be assured that they will have a memorable experience because of the beautiful places,” Teo said.

“It is a coordination with MinDA, and then of course, DOT and the LGU (local government unit),” she added.

Aside from this, the DOT will also launch the Go South-Go Mindanao Bus which will traverse Davao City to Cagayan de Oro City.

are seeing is still a stable price,” said Lopez, who is also chairs the NPCC. Aside from generally stable prices, particularly on basic commodities, some regions have prices even lower than the suggested retail prices (SRPs).

The DTI chief noted that there has been reported anecdotal price increase, but based on 500 surveyed retailers nationwide, prices were stable.

For instance, prices of canned sardines - except for one brand - did not increase. One brand, Lucky 7, has reduced its sardine products’ prices in some

parts of the country, even below the SRP. Prices of milk products, both processed and powdered, as well as coffee, were stable, according to Lopez.

No price hike was monitored for bread and instant noodles.

Flour prices were the same from last year at PHP730 for hard �lour and PHP580 for soft �lour per 25-kg. bag.

Cement prices were stable at PHP212 per 40-kg. bag.

Although, one manufacturer of canned sardines and meat informed DTI of its price increase due to movements in foreign ex-

change rate and higher cost tin plates used for cans and not the effect of TRAIN law, Lopez said.

Century Paci�ic Food, Inc., manufacturer of sardine brand 555, slightly increased its 155-gram canned sardines from PHP14.50 to PHP15. It also positions an increase of PHP1 to PHP2 per can of its Argentina products, but Lopez said the DTI sees the price hike to be at about PHP0.50 to PHP1 only.

Even for the price of rice, the DTI monitored a PHP1 to PHP3 increase per kg., compared to last year’s prices.

MINDANAO,P11

DILG,P11

DOF,P12

Industries sees Prices of goods very stable: DTI D&L double-digit growth

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said prices of goods are generally stable across the country, based on surveys done by the agency in key trading areas nationwide.

In a press brie�ing following the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) meeting Tuesday, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said the department has seen no dramatic increase in prices of goods as feared by consumers as an effect of the new Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

“In general, what we

PRICES,P11

D

&L Industries Inc., the country’s largest customized food ingredients and oleochemicals �irm, expects to sustain double-digit growth in pro�it this year to at least PHP3.2 billion.

D&L President and Chief Executive Of�icer Alvin Lao said growth would be boosted by the expansion of both domestic sales and exports, particularly that of high margin specialty products.

“There are a lot of reasons why growth would be good --there is growing ex-

ports, margins are growing; the domestic environment, the optimism in the country, the level of investments seem strong,” Lao said in a press brie�ing.

He expects increased sales as the company produces more new products and enters new exports markets in the Asia Paci�ic region, such as China, Hong Kong, Japan and Indonesia.

“We are actually doing a lot of test shipments already. So whether it is on the food side or on oleochemicals or even in the

D&L,P11

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

DOE backs regulation in refilled canisters sale

T

ELATED. Suntrust executive vice president and chief operating officer Deanna Jean Claveria delivers an inspirational message after she accepted the 2018 sales target from each sales division during the com-

pany’s 2017 annual awards and 2018 sales kick-off held at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Tuesday night. Lean Daval Jr

he Department of Energy has welcomed the move of Iloilo City’s Sangguniang Panlungsod to pass an ordinance that would regulate the sale of re�illed disposable butane canisters in Iloilo City.

Engineer J. Rey C. Maleza, division chief of the Energy Industry Management Division of DOE Visayas, said in a phone interview Wednesday that they have long been pushing to ban the re�illing, marketing, and retailing of lique�ied petroleum gas (LPG) using butane canisters.

Maleza said pure butane is usually imported from Korea and is being sold only in accredited outlets for about PHP60 per canister.

However, the practice is that after the content is consumed, the canisters

are re�illed using LPG, each canister of which is sold for PHP20 to PHP25.

It has become a “backyard re�illing practice”, he added.

Maleza said they have received reports on the practice in Iloilo and are still at the initial stage of coordinating with the local Philippine National Police (PNP).

He said Central Visayas was “overwhelmed” by the reports on the rampant illegal activity.

Some causes of �ire in Cebu, Maleza said, could be traced to the use of re�illed disposable butane canisters, which are made of light material and have a smaller bulb compared to LPG tanks, thus they could not handle the pressure of the lique�ied petroleum gas.

However, the selling of

he environmental degradation issue now hounding the island resort of Boracay municipality in Aklan could be due to years of lack of participatory governance--or simply, lack of coordination--a government of�icial said here on Tuesday.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Austere Panadero, on the sidelines of the Open Government and Participatory Governance regional dialogue for Luzon (cluster 2) here, said Boracay’s situation now did not happen overnight, but took about 10 years to blow up.

“Ang sitwasyon (sa Boracay) hindi nangyari nang biglaan, mahabang panahon, may mga nangyayari 10 years back that compounded the situation today (The situation in Boracay did not happen overnight; it took many years; some happened even 10 years back that compounded the situation today),” Panadero said, pointing out there was lack of participatory governance in Boracay.

Panadero said participatory governance is bringing all sectors together, getting inputs from various sectors in the locality to come up with a decision on issues, in-

Better roads in DavNor: ‘bridge to opportunities’ T

DOE,P12

Boracay problem due to lack LGUs participation—DILG

B

ut for people living in remote villages such as Barangay New Casay, their story is different.

They had to endure decades of having bad, hazardous roads, that impaired not just their livelihoods, but their daily lives as well. With the entry of Kalahi-CIDSS in 2015, bad roads disappeared.

“Pag naay muagi na mga dayo sa among lugar,

makaagi sila sa usa ka kalsada, usa ka kabilin nga proyekto gikan sa pagpaningkamot sa komunidad pinaagi sa programang Kalahi-CIDSS (When tourists come to our place, they will pass through a road which has become a legacy of the people’s hardwork through

Kalahi-CIDSS),” said Helen B. Quillo, 59, a Kalahi-CIDSS community volunteer who could not contain her happiness upon sharing their achievement.

Through this community access road project, students and traders no longer have to endure the inconvenience of rough, bumpy and sometimes muddy roads.

The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehen-

sive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), one of the programs of Department of Social Welfare and Development, uses the community driven development (CDD) approach to empower local communities to undertake their own development projects by actively and directly partaking in local governance by identifying

vestments.

Sec. Lopez said: “While there’s a large potential to expand our trade and investment relations with EFTA, the FTA also capitalizes on it since trade goods between the Philippines and EFTA are non-competing.”

The FTA bene�its the PH especially in exporting agricultural, industrial, and �ishery products. Once the FTA is in place, EFTA will grant duty-free market access to all industrial and �ishery products from PH. PH will also gain tax incentives on agricultural products, particularly those (1) that are currently being exported to the EFTA Member States such as desiccated coconut, prepared or preserved pineapples, and raw cane sugar; (2) with high potential export interest, including those exported to neighboring Europe-

an countries, which can be alternatively exported to EFTA countries.

“This will improve the country’s market share visà-vis the other ASEAN countries in the EFTA market.

The Philippines can take the opportunity to position itself as EFTA’s primary import source of these products,” said Senator Loren B. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations during her speech at the Senate last February 26.

In return, PH will also grant EFTA countries duty-free market access on most industrial and �ishery products as well as market access on goods such as temperate fruits, mineral and aerated waters, food preparations, chocolate, cheese and wine.

The agreement will also welcome foreign investments on renewable energy, computer and related ser-

vices (IT-BPM), construction, environmental services, maritime transport, and �inance.

Highly-skilled Filipino workers will also have easier entry in the 4 countries.

The agreement allows temporary stay of the following service suppliers, without the need for an economic needs test: (1) executives, managers and specialists (who are intra-corporate transfers), (2) business visitors, (3) contractual service suppliers, and (4) installers of service industrial machinery.

The PH-EFTA FTA will be effective three months after its rati�ication in PH and at least one EFTA member state. Once implemented, this is the Philippines’ second bilateral FTA after the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) in 2008. (DTI)

BETTER,P11

BORACAY,P12

rate hits RP-EFTA trade accord lauded Employment record high at 94.7%

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rade Secretary Ramon Lopez hailed the rati�ication of the Senate of the Philippines-European Free Trade Association Free Trade Agreement (PHEFTA FTA) during its third reading last 05 March 2018.

“The PH-EFTA FTA is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s strategy of pursuing trade relations with non-traditional as well as high potential trade partners. With this rati�ication, the Philippines will bene�it from expanded trade engagements with non-EU members even as it gives us greater access to the European market,” said Sec. Lopez.

The agreement will allow duty-free market access between the Philippines and the EFTA member states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) to trade products and services and facilitate in-

M

ANILA -- The number of employed Filipinos increased in January as most sectors created more jobs on the back of sustained economic growth, the government reported Wednesday.

The Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that employment rate surged to 94.7 percent in January 2018 from 93.4 percent during the same period last year, equivalent to 41.8 million Filipinos, the highest in all of the previous January rounds of the LFS since 2009.

“These improvements in the labor market indicate that more Filipinos are encouraged to join and re-join the labor force, and that more people are being employed. This signals that

the economy is responding positively to the economic reforms and programs that the government has been laying down,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

The services sector remained the top employment contributor with a share of 55.9 percent, increasing by 3.8 percent despite the downbeat business outlook of �irms for the �irst quarter.

Employment in agriculture grew by 8.4 percentage points to 26 percent employment share, employing an additional 841,000 workers.

The industry sector employed an additional 719,000 workers after expanding by 10.5 percentage points to 18.1 percent in

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Comval’s Bulawan fest showcases abundancy

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simultaneous cutting of ribbons were held as the Ginto at Pilak Jewelry Expo, Agri-Trade Fair and Food Court of�icially opened on the �irst day of the 11th Bulawan Festival on March 4, 2018.

With the theme, ComVal @ 20: Growing Green for Good Governance, the festival was conceptualized to give meaning and essence of the abundant mineral and agricultural resources of the province as well as an occasion for thanksgiving for the “golden hearted” people of Comval.

The Ginto at Pilak Jewelry Expo aims not only to strengthen the mineral industry of the province, but also to highlight the im-

portance of an eco-friendly mining.

The Agri-Trade Fair, on the other hand, aims to provide avenues and opportunities for farmer suppliers, processors and Local Government Units to promote their products and meet prospective buyers. Aside from holding a “Grand Tabo Day” on March 8, the organizer will also do the �inal judging of the search for the Best Booth.

The food courts exhibitors are categorized into two categories; Category A (Big Companies) and Category B (accredited food suppliers of the Provincial Capitol). They are allowed to display meals, barbecue,

4 die of measles in Zambo

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AMBOANGA CITY -The City Health Of�ice con�irmed that four children have died due to measles as of March 2 this year.

Dr. Dulce Amor Dagalea-Miravite, OIC chief health of�icer, on Tuesday disclosed that two of the four were from Barangay Calarian while the other two were from Barangays Tumaga and Zambowood.

Miravite said the youngest among the four fatalities was a three-month-old baby boy and the oldest was a seven-year-old girl.

Miravite disclosed that they have so far recorded 222 suspected cases of measles.

The City Health Of�ice has launched a catch-up

TRADE FAIR SHOWCASE. Simultaneous cutting of ribbons were held as the Ginto at Pilak Jewelry Expo, Agri-Trade Fair and Food Court, Tribal

COMVAL’S,P12 Village were officially opened on the first day of the 11th Bulawan Festival on March 4, 2018. Maryel Lasaca // ID Comval

immunization for Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) in a bid to eliminate if not lessen the number of measles cases following the declaration of an outbreak of the disease.

So far, Miravite said they have already immunized 24,655 children since the start of the catch-up immunization on February 19. The immunization campaign ends March 23.

She disclosed they have also recorded 857 children, whose parents refused to be immunized due to apprehension brought about by the Dengvaxia scare.

“If they really don’t want to get their kids vaccinated, we cannot do anything about it. We have done our

4,P12

Ex-cop, pal nabbed in Sultan Kudarat over illegal firearms S

ULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao -- Joint police and military forces have arrested a former police officer and his companion in a raid that also led to the recovery of high-powered firearms in this town, a top police official announced Wednesday.

Chief Supt. Graciano Mijares, director of the Police Regional Of�ice in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM), said the raid was carried out based on a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 12 Judge

Bansawan Ibrahim for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. Mijares said Allan Esmael, a former police of�icer, and his companion, Suharto

Mangacop, did not resist when the lawmen raided Esmael’s house in Barangay Crossing Simuay here at about 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Esmael was previously assigned with PRO-ARMM but went on absence without of�icial leave, he said, adding that recovered from Esmael’s residence were an M-14 ri�le; an M-16 Armalite ri�le; a caliber .40 pistol; ammunition for AK47 ri�le; a 9-mm. pistol; a homemade caliber .22 revolver; one rocket-propelled grenade; and assort-

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Cotabato public high school gets electrical laboratory

T

A STUDENT. of Notre Dame Village High National High School works on one of the training tables in their new electrical laboratory.

ed ammunition.

The raid was jointly led by Chief Insp. Esmael Madin, police chief of this town, and Supt. James Logan of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in ARMM director. They were backed by personnel of the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion.

Mijiares said the search warrant was served in an orderly and peaceful manner with the presence of the barangay of�icials.

“The arrested persons

he Notre Dame Village National High School (NDVNHS) in Cotabato City expects to help more students taking up electrical installation and maintenance secure a better future after receiving a new electrical laboratory.

AboitizPower subsidiary Cotabato Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light) and the Aboitiz Foundation donated a training and assessment facility with ten sets of training tables, 50 armchairs, glass boards, and an information wall last February 28, 2018.

“We recognize that this treasure is for the development of the students and we accept it with a grateful heart. Through this electrical laboratory, we are sure that the number of students in the electrical installation and maintenance course will increase. This will also provide many opportuni-

ties for their future career,” said NDVNHS principal Vivencio O. Aniño.

NDVNHS currently has 344 students in its electrical installation and maintenance program.

Cotabato Light’s E-Lab project was �irst launched in 2017 to support the Department of Education’s (DepEd) K to 12 program.

The Canizares National High School-School of Arts and Trade received an E-Lab last February 7, 2017, making it the project’s �irst bene�iciary.

The project aims to capacitate students who plan to take up electrical installation and maintenance, and eventually secure a National Certi�ication II or a certi�icate of competency from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This certi�ication can be used as

COTABATO,P12

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

EDITORIAL

T

Power of the private sector

he government’s “Build, Build, Build” program will be getting the needed boost with the plan by Aboitiz InfraCapital to develop four regional airports.

According to the company, the “unsolicited” proposal is designed to support the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program as it spearheads the development of sustainable airport facilities which will re�lect and support the tremendous economic and tourism potential of the Philippines’ regions and provinces. The statement came from no less than Aboitiz InfraCapital Chief Executive Of�icer and President Sabin Aboitiz.

Aboitiz InfraCapital, the infrastructure business unit of the Aboitiz Group, formalized the proposal on Wednes-

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day after submitting the plan to modernize four regional airports to the tune of P148 billion over a 35-year concession period. The proposal aims to transform the Iloilo International Airport, Bacolod-Silay Airport, Laguindingan Airport and New Bohol International Airport in Panglao into world-class airports. These regional airports have been experiencing tremendous growth in the last few years and struggled to follow the pace of development. Hence, the need to upgrade.

These airports are crucial in developing the region into a tourism and economic hub as they are strategically linked. With help coming from the private sector, infrasture development can be accelerated and government resources can be maximized to fund more projects.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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EDGEDAVAO

H

ave you ever wondered why we refer to the faithful departed or dearly beloved as ‘si dipunto’?

Not only is this done to remind us of the dead in general during All Souls Day, but it subliminally orients us that such terminology is part of what we call as Spanish heritage.

The term ‘dipunto’ comes from the Spanish difunto, which means defunct, deceased, or dead.

In the whole of Christendom, the centuries-old All Souls Day is celebrated every November 2, following the event we call All Saints Day, which falls a day earlier.

In most Catholic countries, the departed, during what the Tagalogs call Undas, the equivalent of Adlaw sa mga Patay (Day of the Dead) in Visayan-speaking regions, are believed to revisit their homes that night and share the food of their relatives.

In the Philippines, the living, as early as October 31 (counterpart of Halloween in the US), troop to burial sites and offer �lowers, candles, food, and other items preferred by the departed when they were still alive. At home, the families partake of the same food, exchange stories, light candles at the doorstep,

C

olorectal cancer (CRC) – which involves either the colon or rectum – is among the most common forms of cancer in the world. Only very few are aware that CRC is “an increasingly prevalent malignancy in the Philippines today,” to quote the words of Prof. Jose D. Sollano, a doctor who teaches medicine at the University of Santo Tomas.

“CRC is already the most common cancer of the gastrointestinal tract among Filipinos,” pointed out Prof. Sollano. Two famous Filipinas who died of it were President Corazon C. Aquino and Rio Diaz. Singer Roel Cortez also succumbed to it. Hollywood actresses Audrey Hepburn and Farrah Fawcett and British singer Robin Gibb also died of the dreaded disease.

“It is a deadly disease – currently, the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths in the Philippines,” said Prof.

Sollano, a member of the Asia-Paci�ic Working Group on Colorectal Cancer.

The Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates of 2005 placed colon as the third leading cancer site in males and the fourth in women in the country. In the United States, CRC is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and third in women.

To be diagnosed of having a cancer seems to be a death sentence al-

VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Dipunto (The Dead) adorn the altar with �lowers, wax lights and the dearly beloved’s picture, meet relatives, and revisit the old albums for memories.

For others, a visit to the columbarium (where ashes of the cremated dead are interred) or the ossuary (place for bones) in public cemeteries is part of the itinerary.

Historically, the oldest cemetery of Davao as a town, used as early as 1848, was at the junction of Tomas Claudio (now E. Quirino) and San Pedro Streets.

It was here that Spanish conqueror Don Jose Oyanguren y Cruz was buried. In later years, it was moved to the upper ground, at an area adjacent to the Bankerohan Public Market.

Several years after the Americans established their base in Davao, the Wireless graveyard, which now consists of the Catholic, Davao Masonic and Public cemeteries, was opened.

Due to a series of epidemics that hit Davao, the national government, in 1917, approved the opening of new cemeteries in “Malagos, Tagatpan (Tagakpan) and Baguio, in the municipal district of Guianga; Magnaga in the municipal district of Pantukan; and Daliao, Sirawan and Talomo, in the munici-

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa pality of Davao.”

At Mintal, when it was known as ‘Little Tokyo’, a cemetery exclusive for use of the Japanes was built. Later, after the war, the Chinese community, mainly Buddhists, opened their own burial site at the back of present-day Davao Medical School Foundation.

The post-war period also gave rise to the new concept of well-planned cemeteries known as “memorial parks.”

The �irst to introduce the concept was the Davao Memorial Park. Decades later, the funeral landscape now included

names like San Pedro Memorial Park, Buhangin Memorial Park, Orchard Road Memorial Park, Forest Lake Memorial Park, and Manila Memorial Park, an 84-hectare sprawling highend burial site.

Meanwhile, the number of public cemeteries scattered around the city, some of them waterlogged during heavy downpour, is expected to further expand as the city population grow.

The equation of demography and death is an issue every local government must face.

To those who prefer the so-called “new concepts,” the crematoria and the columbaria are interment upgrades that may help solve the problem of space for the dead in the future.

Elsewhere, especially in Christian-inspired nations, the All Souls Day celebrations do not depart from Hispanic practices. For instance, Mexico commemorates the Dia de la Muertos by using calacas (skeletons), calaveras (skulls), �igurines, parades, and ofrendas (personal altars commemorating the dead) decorated with colorful �lowers and line on the streets.

Poland has its Zaduszki which Slavic Catholics celebrate and is annual hol-

iday. Traditionally, during the day the city streets are shut down and people crowd the cemeteries, transforming burial sites into a city of candle lights.

In Peru, the Dia de los Difuntos observance is highlighted by a family reunion feasting over an old-style meal of lechon (roasted pork) with tamales.

Also, like those in many parts of the Philippines, the living to share the food cooked for the dead, play music, and offer up gifts.

Meanwhile, the celebrating the events leading to All Saints Day, Guatemalans construct and �ly giant kites while the families and friends honor the dead with a joyous party of food, drink, music, and dancing. In Hungary, during the Halottak Napja, the Catholics pray for the souls in Purgatory, visit churches and hallowed grounds, and offer �lowers and candles on tombstones.

At the Vatican City, the pope commemorates “all who have fallen in wars” by honouring the dead at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and the Fosse Ardeatine monument, the site of a mass execution where three hundred Italian civilians were killed by Nazi troops in 1944.

alcohol use.

“Despite knowing all these risk factors, we still encounter patients without any of the above developing colon cancer,” Dr. Gapasin-Tongco says. “We still do not know the exact cause of most colorectal cancers, what we do know is that it can be prevented and screening saves lives.”

Most colon cancers arise from benign colonic polyps, from which if they are allowed to grow (usually without symptoms) undergo malignant transformation.

“Screening refers to testing/examining individuals who have characteristics which may suggest polyps or early cancer,” Prof. Sollano explained. “Screening for, and subsequent removal of these pre-malignant polyps are key strategies toward colon cancer prevention.”

Among the tests available for CRC screening are fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and colonoscopy, which are now available in the Philippines.

“Detection of human blood in the stools with the stool FIT test is the simplest and most inexpensive test to detect colonic tumors,” Prof. Sollano said. “Colonoscopy, which involves insertion of an endoscopic instrument to visualize the entire colon, has also the

capacity to remove colonic polyps without an abdominal incision/operation.”

CRC screening has been shown to reduce cancer risk by as high as 70%. “In the Philippines, the awareness for CRC has been increasing in the last few years,” said Dr. Atenodoro Ruiz, Jr., a gastroenterology consultant at The Medical City and a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine in Gastroenterology and of the Philippine College of Physicians in Internal Medicine.

As a gastroenterologist who advocates colon and rectal cancer screening, Dr. Ruiz recommends a screening colonoscopy in persons between 50 to 75 years of age who are healthy and in whom the complications are low. “If the patient does not want to start with a colonoscopy, I suggest starting with FIT,” he said. “After a discussion with his physician, the patient can choose his preferred screening test.”

As stated earlier, colon cancer is treatable when discovered early. But if the cancer has already invaded other tissues, it may be too late.

Emmy-winning American comedian and actor Milton Berle was told he had a cancerous colon tumor in 2001 but he refused surgery; he died in Los Angeles, California the following year.

War against colorectal cancer

ready. Although CRC is deadly, “it is a highly preventable cancer, and survival rates are high when tumors are detected and removed in its early stages,” assured Prof. Sollano.

In the past, no one has really pushed hard enough for increasing awareness about CRC. But thanks to the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, it has changed in recent years. “Majority of those we asked know very little about the disease,” said Dr. Ira I. Yu, the society’s press relation of�icer. “This is a bit worrisome considering that colon cancer ranks as one of the common cancers.”

Like most cancers, CRC shows some signs and symptoms. “It may be present as changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), rectal bleeding, vague abdominal pain and bloating, unintentional weight loss, abdominal distention, anemia on complete blood count,” says Dr. Judith D. Gapasin-Tongco, who had her fellowship training in gastroenterology at St. Luke’s Medical Center.

In some instances, a person may not experience any symptoms at all.

One of the risk factors for CRC is age. “Nine out of 10 people with colon cancer are at least 50 years old,” says Dr. Gapasin-Tongco, adding that younger adults may also develop the disease.

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

Family history is another risk factor. “If you have a family history of colorectal cancer (although it can occur among individuals without family history of colon cancer too), or if you have relatives who have had cancers that occur at a younger age than usual (these are inherited gene defects), then you may want to discuss this with your doctor,” Dr. Gapasin-Tongco says.

Other risk factors include: history of adenomatous polyps, history of in�lammatory bowel disease, a diet high in red meat and processed meats, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and heavy

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 to go up and change the lights,” she lamented.

As another OFW called her to �ill up the form for

returning OFWs, she uttered, “Thank you. I’ve already expressed all my pains.” (PNA)

Pimentel said he understands the sentiments of stakeholders who would be affected by the shutdown but stressed that the closure is necessary in restoring the island’s natural resources.

He also pointed out that closing tourist destinations to preserve them is nothing new, citing the temporary closure of Thailand’s Koh Tachai Island in May 2016 for similar reasons.

The Thai government closed the island to visitors in an attempt to ease the negative effects of tourism on its once-pristine beaches and surrounding coral reefs “before the damage is beyond repair.”

Koh Tachai Island was closed for �ive months, which allowed for the re-

habilitation of the environment both on the island and in the sea.

“I understand the dif�iculties of closing the island for two months, but it is only temporary. It will be good in the long run for all stakeholders, including the tourists who are there for the natural beauty of the island,” Pimentel said.

Describing Boracay as a “cesspool”, Duterte threatened to close the popular tourist destination if the island’s environmental issues are not resolved within six months.

He warned that if the island’s sewerage and sanitation issues are not addressed, “there will be a time that no more foreigners will go there”. (PNA)

The new species was revealed in a public forum on biodiversity held inside the UM Matina campus last March 1, 2017 According to Medina that the new specimen, later named Hoya indaysarae, was tested by other experts and registered in the database of the International Plant Names Index for further studies.

“The plant specimen was collected from an old Kamagong tree located 100 meters above sea level. It was taken to Central Mindanao University for tests by other experts. Medina said they registered it in the database of the International Plant Names Index for further studies,” He said.

Medina said the �lower

of the vine plant grows in old trees endemic to the Philippines.

“It actually has an effect in conservation because if you cut old trees, the plant will also be affected. They need to climb (on) the tree to get sunlight,” Medina explained.

Medina said their research was published this January on Hoya New Journal’s Volume 7, Issue 3 “After almost one year of tests, we published the paper in the Hoya journal,” he said. Their paper was published in January this year.

Medina said the research in Dinagat Island aimed to preserve the biodiversity by conducting an assessment and collecting samples in the island.

rangay boundaries. It covers different sitios of the barangay which they claim to be their barangay,” Basiao said.

Basiao said that aside from those seven barangays in Compostela, three other barangays of Monkayo used to be part of KRM Compostella. He said that the 1001st brigade is now starting to clear those three barangays.

Basiao said based the military was keen on following President Duterte’s declaration of giving more focus on the CPP-NPA apparatus.

He said that their foremost partners are the local government units, the barangay captains, barangay kagawad and mayors that helped them in dismantling the KRM from the Sitio level.

“This is not only the job of the National Defense it also includes the job of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), including our Philippine National Police (PNP).

Everybody has been reacting to the pronouncement of the President for good governance and even the people

feel it they understand the meaning of delivering of basic needs and services,” Basiao said.

With this efforts and series of events is earned the back the trust of the public to the government.

Meanwhile, the NPA Guerilla Front (GF) 25 only have strength of less than 20 people the same with Section Committee (SECOM) 18. As for SECOM 27 there are more of less 12 left.

“They are reduced by at least 50 percent from their strength last year,” Basiao added.

“The surrenderees are regular members of NPA and they brought with them their ri�les and their high powered �irearms, This is a clear manifestation that a GF has an end once their guerilla base will bar down,” Parungao said.

The remaining members of the GF25 can no longer enter the security center of Compostella Valley because of the community support program and the focused military operations in the area.

TEMPORARY... FROM 2

BUT NO COPY OF REPORT. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 11 director Fire Senior Superintendent Rico Kwan Tiu provides updates on NCCC fire investigation result during AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

SLAPPED... FROM 1

Valoria said that the team, led by DPWH district engineer Noel C. Basanaes, was ordered by the House’ committee on good government and public accountancy to conduct an inventory of public roads and infrastructure projects from DAPECOL to the different municipalities in Davao del Norte.

“But instead of inspection and inventory, the team forcibly removed the steel swing beam of TADECO’s quarantine facility, resulting to damage in property,” he said.

He clari�ied that the Tanglaw road has always been open for public use. “The steel swing beam is part of a quarantine process installed

by Tadeco to insure bio-security against the threat of Fusarium wilt,” he said.

The quarantine measures were mandated by the Bureau of Plant Industry as well as a provincial ordinance to prevent the spread of fusarium wilt.

Industry sources conceded that TADECO was the only banana plantation in the region that has been able to successfully thwart the threat of fusarium wilt.

The TADECO of�icial said the incident is part of

a grand design to harass and to put into bad light the company.

Earlier in a letter to PNP regional director Manuel R. Gaerlan, Valoria clari�ied that there are no public roads within the area covered by joint agreement between the Bureau of Corrections and TADECO. “All the roads inside the JVA area are all farm roads constructed by TADECO as necessary infrastructure in banana access,” he said.

“Despite this, the public has always been allowed access.”

On the presence of security guards, he said these were deployed for security purposes and to ensure that rules on biosecurity are duly complied with to prevent the spread of the diseases.

“This bene�it all farms not just TADECO,” he said.

“Notwithstanding, the public is still allowed access on these roads.”

He said that the order of the House Committee directing the PNP to remove the barriers is not only irregular but also highly questionable.

He suggested that the DAPECOL should likewise be noti�ied and consulted to provide clari�ications on the issue. (JKL)

the IAATF submitted their report to the secretary of DILG this was con�irmed by the IAATF team leader and spokesperson of Fire Superintendent Jerry Candido.

The task force was composed of the BFP, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice (DOJ), and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

The IAATF was created because the coverage of the �ire was beyond the jurisdiction of BFP regional of�ice.

The NCCC �ire took 38 lives last December, 37 of which were employees of

the market research �irm Survey Sampling International and one victim is from a NCCC mall employee, they were trapped at the fourth �loor of the burning building.

Based on the initial report, the cause of �ire is believed to be short electrical circuit at the third �loor of the mall.

The management of NCCC mall has applied for a permit in order to commence with the demolition because the building is no longer stable and is causing a foul odor which is harmful to the residents in the area.

There is no speci�ic date

BFP... FROM 2

set for the demolition but it was learned it will start after all utility lines like electric,

gas, telephone and water installations have been disconnected.

ners for their planned expansion in the automotive and machinery industries in Mindanao,” he said.

Torres said that the 25 Taiwanese companies are looking for potential distributors and direct selling to the 100 companies in the Davao City for machineries

and products like printed circuit boards and PET bottle molding machine.

“This event has been the sole business matching event conducted outside of Manila by Taiwan Trade Center, acknowledging the potential of our regional market,” Torres said.

administrations would not shoulder the expenses for them to go home. “This is just the �irst time, during (President Rodrigo) Duterte’s term when we could go home for free. We were treated special,” she said.

The 55-year old woman continued: “If I have opted to go back home before, what would I spend for my airfare?”

“When people see us smile, that is just for pictures,” she told the Philippine News Agency . Those smiles were all lie, she emphasized.

“The truth is, when we receive our salary, we go to our room to count the money and just allot some for our food. We always look at our phones, checking if there’s a new photo/video of our loved ones back home,” she shared.

A single parent from Davao, Orupe said the last time she saw her son was 10 years ago, when he was 12 years old. At that time, she said her son almost didn’t want to approach her, and seemed to love his grandmother more than her.

“But now that he has grown up, he told me he works as a call center agent for me. He told me, ‘Ma, umuwi ka na. Mag working student ako’ (Ma, come back home. I’d be a working student).”

Orupe said her family

doesn’t know she’d come home Tuesday.

“I am very happy. My son is 22 years old now. It’s his birthday on March 19,” the mom told PNA. Her prayer “Lord, give me strength, patience,” was her usual prayer back when she was in Kuwait. Living there as an OFW was really hard, according to her.

“Life in Kuwait is really hard. The work is hard and we’re lucky if we could �ind a good employer,” she cited, adding that one is lucky enough if he/she could go back home alive.

Orupe revealed she has helped many fellow domestic workers, who came to her with bruises.

“I struggled. I fought (to survive),” she continued.

Her experiences in Kuwait were painful as she described it. She worked in a salon, washed the feet of her clients. Working as a helper, meanwhile, she said her employers’ kids would throw a glass on her and that would cause a bleeding wound.

“Working there requires lots of patience, patience that would reach heavens,” she said.

She added she had experienced all the hard work in Kuwait, since they (women) were tasked to do jobs that are usually for men.

“Employers would ask us to carry a sack of rice,

TAIWAN... FROM 2

DAVAO... FROM 2

NEW... FROM 4

COMPOSTELA... FROM 4

INdulge!

FOOD

VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

When in doubt, have a burger

NOTHING IS AS EXCEPTIONAL as the last dish we’ve eaten. And that includes a plethora of subjective connotations that no one can contest. Aside from it being experiential, it too evokes an emotion that urges another to seek and experience the same. And yes, this is life. The circle of life.

With everyone in a festive mood, notwithstanding the traffic and British-like weather, no one can stop a hungry tummy to go out and dissect the city even more. For one, having no definite plan of where to go and what to do turns out to be the best plan ever. And that is how a foodie mind works — planning to not have a plan at all.

Green Rocks Burger Joint has been in the Davao food scene for a time now. Silently grilling burgers at Felcris Centrale’s alfresco dining area, Green Rocks began as a pastry shop and on the side, offering catering services. That time, their market considerably grew hence prompting them to let go of an existing physical store and focus on an online business that eventually took them places.

Today, Green Rocks operates and is better known as a burger joint that serves some of the city’s best burgers without breaking your budget. Concept wise, their burgers are handcrafted to suit a particular craving on a particular time. The diversity was intentional thus prompting powerhouse couple Julius Escovilla and Chef Llerma Javier to create more burger variants to add to their menu.

The result? Undeniably delish!

Slowly, Dabawenyos are learning, enjoying and craving for their burgers. Why? Their patty sets them apart from others. Meaty, yes, but does not

give off a certain meaty aftertaste. More so, ingredients do not overpower each other. Instead, their flavours marry and produces a flavour combination that’s not nakakaumay at all.

Their market, like their burgers, is also diverse. Since having a formidable spot at Centrale, Green Rocks Burger Joint has since been enjoying an increase in popularity. Today, it’s not just another burger joint in Davao. Green Rocks Burger Joint is a definite must try when in Davao.

Green Rocks Burger Joint is located at the alfresco dining area of Felcris Centrale, Quimpo blvd, Davao City. Soon to open Green Rocks Burger Joint

at the new NCCC Mall in Buhangin come June 2018.

TRC Speaks: Davao has since become a mekkah for foodies. Everywhere we look, there’s a dining place with an exceptional dish on their menu. With the upsurge of burgers and diners in the city, many businesses began serving experimental burgers.

What I love about Green Rocks Burger Joint is that they keep their burgers clean, subtle but not boring. And the best part?

Each burger has a signature taste you won’t find elsewhere.

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

EDGEDAVAO

A2INdulge!

FOOD

Cheese Xiao Long Bao.

Vegetable and pork dumpling.

Roasted Char Xiu Bao.

Of small eats and big feasts

CHINESE NEW YEAR’S DAY may be over but that does not mean that the celebrations are over.

In fact, the holiday season in China is still ongoing which is why the Marco Polo Davao is holding its Chinese food festival at all its dining outlets.

Starting March 4, the hotel’s award-winning Lotus Court will be offering a Chinese Dimsum Buffet for only Php 600 nett per person. Guests will enjoy Lotus Court’s dimsum favourites such as Pork and Shrim Siomai, Hakao Dumpling, Pork Bun, Pork Xiao Long Bao and Taro Puff. The chefs of the Lotus Court recently went to the hotel’s Hong Kong Hotel to learn more about the quintessential “small eat” and came back with new creations which are also set to be part of the dimsum buffet.

Some standouts include their new flavors of Xiao Long Bao such as sea cucumber, scallops, crab roe, and cheese. Another of my favourites is the Salted Egg Bun, a sweet steamed bun stuffed with salty egg yolk. The inter-

Chinese themed afternoon tea.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

play between sweet and salty makes the simple looking dish a winner.

The Lotus Court’s Dimsum buffet, which for me is a big feast of small eats, is available every Sunday for the whole month of March.

If buffets are not your thing, then you may have afternoon tea instead with the Lobby Lounge’s Chinese Merienda Cena. For only Php 600 nett, Guests can enjoy tea sandwiches- Mozzarella, Tomato, Pesto Focaccia Bread and Croissant with Brie Cheese, Mango & Raisins Scones, Assorted Dimsum Platter, and Chinese Sweets – Chilled Mango Sago with Pomelo and Red Bean Buchi. The set is the Marco Polo Davao’s way of fusing Chinese food with British flair, much like in Hong Kong.

For those who want to experience an evening of dining with a five-course meal paired with premium wines. , the Polo Bistro will be having a Chinese Wine Pairing event on March 24. For only Php 2,500 nett per person.

Although I was not able to taste the dishes yet, the planned dinner seems like an interesting one, with executive chef Alex Destriza promising an exciting dinner of Organic Roast Duck Mashed Taro and Honey Plum Sauce, Braised Sea Cucumber with Superior Pumpkin Millet Rice Broth, Steamed Tiger Prawn and Minced Scallop with Minced Garlic and Braised Bok Choy, Cocoa and Espresso Lamb Chop with Chickpea Puree, and Hot Sweetened Glutinous Brown Rice with Coconut Milk and Sago.

For inquiries and reservations for any of Marco Polo Davao’s offering, you may call (082) 221-0888 or email us at restaurant.dvo@marcopolohotels.com.

Steamed shrimp dumplings.

Xiao Long Baos get colourcul at the Lotus Court.

Sweet and salty salted egg buns.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Smart opens pre-orders for Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

SMART has made the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ available for pre-order at Smart Stores nationwide and via the Smart Online Store (store.smart.com.ph/phones).

Apply now and be among the first to get hold of the Korean tech giant’s latest flagship devices when they officially launch in the Philippines on March 16, 2018.

Available with Smart’s new GigaX Plans, the Samsung Galaxy S9 (64GB) can be yours at Php2,499 per month, while the Samsung Galaxy S9+(128GB) can

be yours at Php2,899 per month, under a 24-month contract. Under these GigaX Plans, both the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ come with 5GB open access

data, 10GB data for video streaming, unlimited texts to all networks, and 60 minutes of calls to all networks every month for 24 months.

As an awesome bonus, customers with approved pre-orders will also receive a FREE convertible wireless charger, and AKG earphones and clear cover, among other freebies and perks.

Capture every moment with Samsung’s most advanced camera Reimagining the way we communicate, share, and experience the world, the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ feature the Korean tech giant’s most advanced camera ever, which allows you to take stunning photos even in low light conditions. The camera also supports super-Slow-Mo recording perfect for capturing every moment, and features personalized AR emoji for a more fun and way of expressing yourself.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ also feature the revolutionary Infinity Display that gives an end-to-end screen for an

immersive mobile entertainment experience.

Both handsets are also IP68 water and dust resistant, feature fast wireless charging, and support expandable memory of up to 400GB. They are available in Midnight Black, Coral Blue, and Lilac Purple.

Optimize the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Smart GigaX Plans Designed to level up

your mobile lifestyle, Smart’s new GigaX Plans are jampacked with data for both surfing and video streaming, and even allows you to roll over your unused open access data allocation until the following month.

By leveling up to the new Smart GigaX Plans, you can surely optimize Samsung’s latest flagship devices by capturing and sharing all your precious moments in real time

with friends and loved ones, made possible by Smart’s fastest LTE network. Moreover, Smart GigaX Plans lets you access and enjoy your daily dose of videos from Smart’s most expansive multimedia content library on the go.

Smart has made great strides with its LTE network upgrade in Boracay, Metro Davao, Metro Cebu, Rizal, and Metro Manila, resulting in significantly faster connectivity and much better customer experience for customers. Smart has also ramped up its network improvement efforts in key cities and municipalities nationwide, so customers can maximize their LTE-enabled devices and enjoy digital content in unprecedented speed and scale.

Own Samsung’s latest flagship smartphones by pre-ordering now at smar t.com.ph/Ga la xyS9. For updates, follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook (www. facebook.com/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram (@ LiveSmart).

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Seawind Tower 2 Prepares To Welcome Residents

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO “When we set out to do this project, one thing we told ourselves was that, we will only be as good as the quality of our projects and our ability to deliver on time. And to deliver a good project. And I would like to say that, over the years, we are able to deliver a milestone.”, Damosa Land Inc Vice President Ricardo “Cary” F. Lagdameo said during the blessing and ribbon-cutting of Seawind Tower 2 last February 28, 2018 at Sasa Onse.

Damosa Land Inc (DLI) first vertical resortthemed condominium in Sasa Onse, Seawind Condominium, is a six (6) tower condominium venture that recently took home a highly commended award under the Best Residential Development in the Davao category.

Seawind started in 2015.

In an interview, DLI VP Lagdameo said that for their six towers, they are already 98% sold. Or roughly 49 units remaining. Seawind Tower 3 is about 20% on its way and is expected to be done by the end of the year (2018) or January of next. Seawind Tower 4 has since started its foundation work. And there are still 2 more towers that are being constructed.

Given today’s composition of investors in the city, a big portion of its buyers are professionals followed by young employees, self-employed

entrepreneurs and also, overseas Filipino workers.

Of which, a good 70% of them are from Davao city.

Specifically those who are located in the north. As for buyers from outside the city, these are mostly individuals who are working in Davao and wanted a place to call their own rather than renting.

What makes Seawind Condominium attractive to buyers? The selling point surely goes beyond their unorthodox design for a clubhouse nor their clear and inviting swimming pool. Their unique selling point is driven by their reputation. Indeed, any project of Damosa Land Inc is expected to be of utmost quality and of course, value for money.

A big factor also to consider are the people behind the project.

“We share our blessings as a company with the people who were able to make this project hap-

pen.”, DLI VP Lagdameo added.

Another factor is of course their location.

With Seawind at Sasa onse, it has a good proximity to Samal hence the magnificent view it provides. With a first mover advantage on this area, DLI sees this as an opportunity to effectively affect the immediate community to which it is situated.

Another is their competitive pricing as compared to others and yes, the quality. Buyers are guaranteed of superior quality with every DLI projects

they come across with.

Nowadays, investors are looking at properties they can use in the present and also has a long term use. More so, investors are keen to know and watch their investments grow.

“In front of Seawind is a commercial complex soon to rise”, DLI VP Lagdameo added.

At present, there are 20 residing in Tower 1.

Seawind Condominium is located at Sasa Onse, Davao City

VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

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be having mass socialized housing in the city.

He said “it’s a tough job” which needs people support, candidly adding “that’s why I need two terms.”

“Public service is sacri�ice. I want to serve to the people what public service is as congressman, not only in sessions but also in delivering the goods for the people,” he concluded.

mother language before effectively learning additional languages.

The Mother TongueBased Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) is a feature of the Enhanced Basic Education Program which mandates the use of the language that students are familiar with as a medium of instruction to allow them to grasp basic concepts easily.

The DepEd uses 19 languages in MTB-MLE: Tagalog, Kapampangan, Pangasinan, Iloko, Bikol, Ybanag, Sinugbuanong Binisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray, Bahasa Sug, Maguindanaoan, Maranao, Chavacano, Ivatan, Sambal, Akianon, Kinaray-a, Yakan, and Sinurigaonon. It is implemented in two modules -- as a learning/subject area and as medium of instruction.

Umali added: “In the said programs, together with the experts, students will be encouraged to read more and they will be given exercises

to improve on this and on writing as well.”

Umali said these programs also aim at improving the teaching competency of some educators who �ind certain areas of the English curriculum dif�icult to teach.

Following the curriculum standards set by the department, most public schools in Manila use Filipino as medium of instruction to students from kinder to grade 3.

Most private schools, on the other hand, use English as medium of instruction to their kinder and gradeschool students -- a practice that is still compliant with the department’s curriculum criteria.

The wide use of English and excellent command of spoken English continues to be the biggest advantage of the Philippines as it is one of the factors for employers and investors to choose to employ Filipinos and invest in the Philippines. (PNA)

Riding the bus will allow tourists to witness beautiful sceneries along the way.

In addition, the government is also pushing for domestic tourism, urging tour operators to develop their respective domestic areas that can contribute to local economy.

Teo cited as examples the establishment of souvenir shops, and setting rest and food area packages, as part of developments along the bus routes.

Meanwhile, during the meeting with MinDA, the DOT was asked to assist in attracting tourists to visit Mindanao. Aside from promoting and renovating the Davao

International Airport as a connecting hub to other destinations, the DOT was urged to also meet of�icials from airline and hotel companies in relation to managing rate increases.

It was noted during the meeting that the planned “no travel tax” in some airlines can contribute to the rise of tourist arrivals in Mindanao and also provide employment for locals.

“We will try our best to fast-track the proposal. No travel tax for countries, originating in Davao to other countries outside [and] we will coordinate [it] with the DOTr (Deparment of Transportation),” Teo said. (PNA)

26, local of�icials from governors to barangay chairs are enjoined to: --- “Support the phaseout of lead-containing paints and eventually reduce the hazards and risks posed by such paints to human health.”

--- “Adopt a “Lead-Safe Paint Procurement Policy” to make sure LGUs only purchase and use lead-safe paints for painting jobs paid out of public funds.”

--- “Ensure that the other prohibited uses of lead and lead compounds such as the ban on their use in the manufacture of school supplies, toys and other children’s products, including indoor and outdoor playground equipment, are duly observed.”

--- “Carry out appropri-

ate activities that will sensitize government personnel, as well as the general public, about lead exposure sources, symptoms and effects, and preventive measures.”

--- “Support the annual observance of the UN-backed International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action every last week of October of each year.”

DILG MC 2018-26, the EcoWaste Coalition noted, strengthens the national implementation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 2013-24, or the Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds.

It also reinforces the implementation of the directives issued in 2017 by the Department of Education and the Department of Social

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NEWS 11

CACAO PRODUCTS. Davao Region produced 78% of the country’s cacao beans in 2006. From 2006 to 2010, Compostela Valley is among the top 20 provinces in cacao production. During the 11th Bulawan Festival, cacao has been identified as one of the three agricultural

products -- together with banana and coffee -- as among the most promising industry of the province. In fact, some of the cacao products were displayed at the lobby of the provincial building. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

Welfare and Development requiring the mandatory use of lead-safe paints in schools, and residential and non-res-

idential facilities run by the government or licensed social welfare agencies, respectively.

The top trade of�icial, on the other hand, said the Department of Agriculture, DTI, and economic managers should discuss if rice should have an SRP, as suggested during a Congress hearing.

“The price of rice, it’s usually market driven. We’re operating always on market-based pricing. What we need is to keep an eye on pro�iteering moves,” Lopez said in Filipino. (PNA)

larino, a Social Studies teacher STNHS who doubles as its athletic coach, said Gumban showed a knack for long distance races “because he has a lot of stamina,” citing the boy’s win in the 3-kilometer run of the Milo Marathon Davao quali�iers last year.

“Hopefully, Gumban’s win will have a domino effect on the rest of our team,” added Villarino, who also coached former 2013 Palarong Pambansa discus throw gold medalist Carlo Caong.

His words were prophetic for just a few minutes after Gumban’s win, schoolmate Adriane Hanz Taporco gave the small banana-producing town of just over 100,000 people its second gold in bagging the boys shot put on his �irst heave with a throw of 11.51 meters.

Khryss Rae Baraman of General Santos City (10.86) and Renante Catayas of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte (10.71) copped the silver and bronze, respectively, in the age group sports showcase being held in this province for the �irst time.

“Napakasaya ko po kasi �irst time lang ako nakasali dito,” said the stocky Taporco, 15, a Grade 11 student at STNHS, of his accomplishment.

“At least, our town will now have two athletes who have quali�ied for the Batang Pinoy national �inals in Baguio City in September,” said a delighted Villarino, who bared that his wards would get cash incentives from the Sto. Tomas municipal government.

Sharing the day’s spotlight was fellow Batang Pinoy newcomer Jivie Magnetico, who collected the boys long jump gold with his second leap of 6.38 meters. Peterson Laparan of Plaridel, Misamis Occidental (6.26) got the silver and General Santos’ Fel Brian Britanico bronze (6.19).

Over at the MOPAC pool, Zambonga City made waves in securing two out of the �irst four gold medals at stake at the start of the swimming competitions.

Danielle Filoteo topped the girls 12-and-under 200-meter individual medley race (3:02.59) while teammate Austin John Hampac was tops in the boys 13-15 200-meter contest (2:27.10).

Dipolog’s Leano Vince Dalman ruled the boys 12-under 200-meter IM (2:37.84) while Juliana Marien Villanueva of Davao City took the mint in the girls 13-15 200-meter IM to round out the day’s early winners.

tournament.”

Southwoods established a record in triumphing for the third straight year last year with an 11-under, 155-point total in the third round at Rancho Palos Verdes.

That effort made the �inal day at tough Apo Golf their virtual victory march and clearly established Southwoods as the team to beat – again – after keeping its lineup intact.

Jun Jun Plana will be the steadying presence, so to speak, for Southwoods, which has been ruling all team tournaments with ease, counting the Fil-Am Invitational in Baguio last December.

Second and third round play will be held at Binitin in Murcia town where Can-

golf coach Boyet Zaragosa believes the tournament will be won.

“Whoever plays well in the middle two rounds will have a great chance of winning,” Zaragosa said as he stressed that both squads will likely just cancel each other out at Marapara owing to the talent level of their players.

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.

plastics side, we are always talking to more customers that we want to sell to,” he added.

D&L Industries’ recur-

ring net income reached PHP2.9 billion in 2017, up 10.6 percent from PHP2.6 billion the previous year. (PNA)

ons and the seasoned Rupert Zaragosa. “It’s going to be a tough four days, but I

am con�ident because, like I said, we left no stones unturned in preparing for this

their community needs as well as taking part of implementing projects that address these needs.

Rough roads no more Barangay New Casay is surrounded with vast rice �ields but for a long time, roads here were muddy and bumpy during rainy seasons and dusty during dry seasons.

“We used to have a hard time passing through this road. It was very rocky, and depleted. Then when it rains, it’s slippery, and dark during night time. It was a real hazard,” recalled Ronie S. Compas, 32, Kalahi-CIDSS Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee (BSPMC) chair.

The concreting of 490 and 175 linear meter community access roads with canal lining which was un-

dertaken during the �irst and second cycle of implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS with a funding of Php 4,857,280.00 and Php 58,059.00 local government counterpart, helps connect communities and people, reduces travel time of farmers in transporting crops, and secures safety of students, motorists and hikers alike.

Bene�iting some 410 households, the access road will greatly contribute to safer, more comfortable trips for people of Barangay New Casay. Children can now go to school easily, people can safely and quickly move around the area, while farmers and traders can bring their products to commercial and economic centers faster and more conveniently. (DSWD/ Julie Ace Brandon F. Ramos)

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

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were informed of the reasons of their arrest and were appraised of their constitutional rights,” he said.

They were detained at the lock-up cell of the local police headquarters.

Esmael and Mangacop are facing charges for violation of RA 10591 and RA 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosive).

(PNA)

Duterte still hopeful on forging peace with Reds

THE EXTERMINATOR. Despite the implementation of organic law, the use of pesticides still continues in the Philippines. Experts liken pesticides to bombs being dropped into the food web that create enormous destruction. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

DOF... FROM 5

(TWG) is currently discussing with various sectors on how to best implement fuel marking.

She said members of the TWG have visited the re�ineries of Shell, Chevron and Petron.

She said TWG members need to determine where and at what point in the re�inery should the marker be placed to check, among oth-

ers, the costing.

She added that the government will initially shoulder the cost of marking as what was done in the past.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said what the government wants is to capture the leakages.

“Certainly we want to get more than PHP2 billion,” he added. (PNA)

re�illed butane canisters has already been banned in Cebu by virtue of an ordinance.

Maleza said he would coordinate with the of�ice of the proponent, Councilor R. Leone Gerochi, either late March or early April so he could provide inputs on how to strengthen the ordinance.

On Tuesday, Gerochi’s proposed ordinance, “Regulating the Act of Re�illing and Selling Re�illed Disposable Butane Canisters in the City of Iloilo”, was approved on �irst reading.

“This ordinance will ensure the safety of our consumers,” he said. (PNA)

cluding plans and programs that have future effects on the community.

He said the government is now looking closely at the situation and those found to have done well would be praised, while those who did wrong would be punished.

He said the DILG, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the local government units concerned would come up with a consolidated report and united stand on how to save the place from further destruction.

“Sa kasalukuyan lahat yan inaaral na mabuti (at present, all those are being studied very well),” the of�icial said, noting the different sectors in Boracay vary in their plans of action.

“May business sector, local government, development councils--hindi nagkatugma-tugma ng balak kung ano gagawin. Siguro ang isangscenario nangyari dyan, napakabilis ng development, ang pagtayo ng mga commercial establishments. Hindi nakasabay ng husto anginfrastructure, maraming shortcuts. So yun ang naging dahilan kung ano yung mga nangyayari ngayon (There is the business sector, local government, development councils--their plans did not align with each other. Maybe, one scenario that happened there is too rapid development. The construction of commercial establishments was not able to equal that of the infrastructure requirement. A lot of shortcuts were done. That is the reason for what is happening at present).” (PNA)

January 2018, led by the increase in employment in con-

struction and manufacturing.

“More jobs are expect-

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ed to be created during the country’s infrastructure build up, which will not only ease traf�ic and promote regional development but also generate more quality jobs,” said Pernia.

The LFS indicated the country’s unemployment rate thus dropped from 6.6 percent last year to 5.3 percent in January 2018, representing 2.3 million Filipino unemployed. This is the lowest rate recorded for all January rounds of the LFS in the past decade.

Underemployment rate, however, increased to 18 percent from 16.3 percent, or about 7.5 million Filipinos compared to the previous year’s 6.4 million.

Underemployed are those employed persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job, or to have additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours.

Pernia, also National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director-General, further said the government must continue to raise investments and im-

prove productivity to help boost the productive sectors of the economy and encourage the generation of higher quality employment opportunities.

He added that the government should facilitate the creation of new businesses and boost the outputs of �irms by amending market regulations, tackling structural barriers and passing key reforms.

These include the reduction of foreign investment restrictions, as well as the passage of the Ease of Doing Business bill and Package 2 of the Tax Reform program, which will lower corporate taxes while rationalizing investment incentives.

Pernia, however, emphasized that there is a need to help move the labor force in the agriculture sector out of low-productivity jobs.

This could be facilitated by shifting rice farmers to high-value crops, promoting crop diversi�ication, accelerating development of local infrastructure and training farmers in technological advancements, he said. (PNA)

kakanin and relevant food items except liquor and cigarettes.

The mentioned activities

will continue until March 8, which also marks the end of the festival. (Sheldane Mahinay // ID Comval)

part,” she said saying they tried to convince the parents to no avail.

The City Health Of�ice aims to immunize with MMR some 121,000 children aged six to 59 months old to pro-

tect them from Mumps, Measles, and Rubella.

The immunization campaign is part of the pro-active measures to address the measles outbreak in this city.

(PNA)

credentials when applying for employment after completing senior high school.

“We have been partners with Cotabato Light and Aboitiz Foundation for years. We are delighted by the E-Lab project and are honored to have been cho-

sen as a bene�iciary. This laudable program is truly a legacy that can be passed down to generations to come,” said DepEd Cotabato City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Concepcion Ferrer-Balawag, Al Hadja.

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M

ANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said he would pursue efforts for peace with the enemies of the states including communist rebels despite his decision to terminate talks with them last year.

“I would talk to the enemies of the states, make peace with them and hopefully we can �inally reach that level of comfort in our country without worrying about �ighting,” Duterte said in his speech during the 145th founding anniversary and 2nd Kanlahi Festival in Tarlac.

Duterte said he canceled peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPPNPA-NDF) after CPP founder Jose Maria Sison demanded for a coalition government.

“The problem with Sison, which I would like to have a peace talk, reach out to him. The problem is Sison wants at the end of the day a coalition government,” Duterte said.

The President said he cannot grant Sison’s demand because “sovereignty or the power to run the country, which is their sovereign power of the state, is given to Filipinos who are elected by the people.”

“So I said, if that’s what you want, at this early, let

us stop this because I cannot give you what I do not own,” Duterte said.

Duterte said his government remains focused in solving the problems of law and order particularly terrorism, crimes and illegal drugs.

“You are lucky here in Luzon. The NPA movement is strongest in Mindanao particularly in my area of eastern Mindanao,” he said.

The President said series of harassments against civilians and killings of soldiers committed by the NPA despite an ongoing cease�ire had also prompted him to terminate the peace talks.

Though a number of NPA rebels and supporters have already returned to the fold of the law, Duterte said �ighting remains abound in the eastern side of the country.

“If the Lord God have mercy, I think I can maybe solve the problem of the NPAs,” he said.

Duterte said the Moro rebel groups particularly the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have also expressed interests to attain long lasting peace in Mindanao.

Last Tuesday, Duterte hosted a dinner for the third batch of NPA rebel returnees at the Malacanang Palace. (PNA)

Maguindanao town mayor suspended for one year

M

ANILA -- The Of�ice of the Ombudsman has ordered Talitay, Maguindanao Mayor Montaser Sabal suspended for one year for gross neglect of duty.

Records showed that Sabal had failed to disclose substantial properties and business interests in his 2011 to 2015 Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), including 14 �irearms, four high-end vehicles, and business interests in general merchandise, construction supplies, and accessories.

Likewise, the anti-graft body discovered that Sabal had failed to secure the permission of the governor for his overseas travels from 2010 to 2016.

Sabal was also faulted for failing to initiate and propose legislative measures to the Sanggunian for the municipality’s anti-illegal drugs program, as mandated under Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”, and as reiterated in a memorandum circular of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

As attested by Municipal Budget Of�icer Charity Tampoco and Municipal Treasurer Norodin Samaon, the municipality never allocated a budget for the anti-illegal drugs program from 2010 to 2015, hence, not a single-activity geared towards the curtailment of illegal drugs in the same period took place.

(PNA)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Bato Balani Foundation calls for nominees for teacher awardees S tories of heroism of teachers need to be told. In one of the country’s more than seven thousand islands , a teacher has a story that can inspire thousand others. His story can make every Filipino more appreciative of the valuable contribution of teachers to society.

Bato Balani Foundation Inc. (BBFI), together with Diwa Learning Systems, once again listens to inspiring stories of teachers as it opens its search for role models in the teaching profession with “The Many Faces of the Teacher” program.

The program is now on its 15th year. It, has in its roster some of the countries most notable heroes.

Among them are Dr. Jesus Insilada who was recently announced as a �inalist for the Top 10 of the Global Teacher Prize 2018 by Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates. Another honoree, Ryan Homan, was also shortlisted in the same awards and made it to the Top 50.

Last year, it honored Dr. Bernadette Gabor of Bataan, who helps inmates develop income-generating

projects; Lord Jane Dordas of Capiz, who is tireless in preserving the culture of their tribe in her hometown; Dr. Aimee Lynn Barrion Dupo of Los Banos, who is a biodiversity advocate; and Ronald Reyes of Albay, who is known for creating solutions through science and is one of the 2017 TOYM honorees.

The search is open to teachers of all ages, who are actively teaching in private or public primary, elementary or secondary schools, colleges, and universities. He or she must demonstrate exceptional performance in teaching; has employed creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness in teaching; and importantly, lives out his esteemed values inteaching, family, and personal life.

The nominees should also have a deep sense of nationalism and are committed to teaching for the bene�it of the country and its people.

He or she must be respected in school and community and is a role model for students, colleagues, and family. He or she must also be an active member of the community and has engaged in

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socio-civic activities.

Partner organizations, school associations, religious organizations, the Department of Education, and the school heads, students, and teachers can nominate.

The organizers will use the following criteria for evaluation: person of integrity and morality; in good relations with students, colleagues, community members, and family; commitment and dedication to the teaching vocation; strength of values/principles applied in teaching and personal life and involvement in school and community activities.

To nominate, log on to www.batobalanifoundation.org.ph to secure a nomination form or visit the BBFI of�ice on 6/F PDCP Bank Center, V.A.Ru�ino cor.

Leviste Streets, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City.

Nomination forms may be sent to bb�i@diwamail. com/batobalanifoundation@gmail.com or to fax number 892-9543.

Contact: Kelly P. Austria RubyComm-K.Austria E: kelly@rcka.asia M: 09175071211

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

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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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VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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EDGEDAVAO Sports 15

FIRST STRIKE VOL. 10 ISSUE 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

DavNor runner bags first gold in BP Mindanao

O

ROQUIETA, Misamis Occidental – Aaron Gumban announced his presence in the Batang Pinoy Games Mindanao qualifiers with a bang on Wednesday, clinching the meet’s first gold medal in ruling the boys 5,000-meter run at Misamis Occidental Provincial Athletics Complex here.

Racing under an early-morning cloudy sky, the slightly-built Gumban took the lead after the third lap and never looked back to

win handily in a time of 17 minutes and 14.49 seconds in the sportsfest organized by the Philippines Sports Commission.

The Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte pride �inished 10 seconds ahead of South Cotabato’s Mark Rennel Hubag (17.59), who took the silver, while Davao del Norte’s Nikos Mampaundag (18.17) settled for the bronze in the competition supported by Misamis Occidental Gov. Herminia Ramiro.

“Masayang-masaya po ako sapagkat di ko po inaasahan na mananalo ako,” said Gumban, 13, a Grade 7 student at the Sto. Tomas

National High School (STNHS), of his triumphant debut in the Batang Pinoy Mindanao regionals also backed by Oroquieta Mayor Jason Almonte.

A bronze medalist in the same event in last month’s Davao Regional Athletic Association trackfest, Gumban was gunning for his second gold in the boys 1,500-meter run scheduled later in the afternoon.

His coach, Beverly Vil-

FIRST BP MINDANAO REGIONALS GOLD. Alfred Gumban of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte crosses the finish line first and all alone in the boys 5,000-meter run for the first gold medal in the Batang Pinoy Mindanao regionals held at the Misamis Occidental Provincial Athletics Complex track oval in Oroquieta City yesterday. Photo by Rey Nillama

FIRST,P11

Southwoods opens‘4-Peat’bid

B UNITY JUMP. The PAL Men’s Regular Interclub officially opened with the traditional ceremonial tee off at Negros Occidental Golf & Country Club (Marapara) followed by a unity jump by, from left, Genaro ‘Bong’

T

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

This is not just a �igure 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 �ind his job very dif�icult 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

Velasquez, Interclub chairman; Bacolod City Mayor Evelio ‘Bing’ Leonardia; Jose Maria Limjap, President - Negros Occidental Golf & Country Club; and Andy Montelibano, President - Bacolod Golf & Country Club.

ACOLOD – With a place in history on the line, a Manila Southwoods team that’s de�initely not lacking in �irepower starts its quest for a rare “four-peat” when Men’s Regular action in the 71st PAL Interclub tees off at tree-lined Marapara here.

Reedy Japanese teenager Yuto Katsuragawa and some of the country’s �inest young talents hope to carry Southwoods to a place no squad has ever been to before, and the team wasted no effort in making sure that they come to this year’s war armed to the teeth.

“We prepared long and hard for this so there won’t be an excuse for us,” non-playing skipper Thirdy Escano said as Southwoods sampled the Marapara and Binitin courses in the last two days. “Of course, we also need to get the breaks (during the tournament).”

Escano is wary of one enemy in particular – Canlubang – which, he admitted, has gotten stronger since being drubbed by the Carmona-based parbusters last year in Davao.

“They’re still the chief threats,” Escano said, referring to the Sugar Bar-

SOUTHWOODS,P11

Vargas will have his hands full the provision in the POC Charter regarding the de�initive 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 disquali�ied 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 �lying colors.

This, despite the measly �inancial 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 241 • THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018