Edge10 issue 242, March 9-10, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

STAY OFF ELECTION PDEA advises officials in drug list not to run

THINNING DOWN. The 15 finalists of Mutya ng Davao 2018 pose for a group photo at Quezon Park after a news conference on Thursday. This year’s mutya will be crowned on March 15. Lean Daval Jr

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arangay officials in the government’s drug watch list should not run in the May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, an official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 11 said Wednesday.

“If you want to run at the barangay level, you know who you are. If you know that you involved in drugs, please do not run, have

shame, because you can no longer fool your constituents, you cannot encourage them to vote for you,” PDEA-11 regional director

Antonio Rivera said during AFP-PNP press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

He said there are �ive high-value targets, including barangay of�icials, who are in the PDEA’s drug list – two in Davao del Sur and one each in Davao City, Davao Oriental and Comspostela Valley.

Lawyer Omar Samama, spokesperson for the Commission on Elections

(COMELEC) 11, said there is no regulation that prohibits of�icials in the PDEA’s drug list from running for election but added they are awaiting guidelines from the COMELEC En Banc on the matter.

The �iling of certi�icates of candidacy is scheduled from April 14 to 20, he said.

“There is still no such law that prevents a person

STAY,P10

Calinan cop nabbed for alarm and scandal

By ANGIE SAVERON

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ugbok police on Wednesday arrested P02 Alsibar Jama Ismael for causing alarm and scandal after he quarreled with his wife.

Police investigator Roldan Paradiang revealed at about 10:45 in the morning of March 7, Ismael �igured in a heated quarrel

CALINAN,P10

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

AMONG PEERS. President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with Former President and Incumbent Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada, Former President and Incumbent Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Arroyo on the sideline of the meeting with local chief executives from Luzon at the Royce Hotel in Clark, Pampanga on Wednesday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

8 houses razed T in Fatima fire

PA officer linked to drugs arrested

By ANGIE SAVERON

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fire traced to an electrical glitz burned eight houses and partially damaged four others in Fatima Monfort Purok 4, Barangay 19-B Wednesday at 1:22 in the afternoon.

Initial damage has been placed at P500,500.

Investigation conducted by PO3 Edilberto M. Allawan Jr. and FO3 Tereso Oyzon of the Bureau of Fire

Protection disclosed that the �ire started in the rented house of one Ernicita VillanuevaTalpis and it immediately spread out to the neighboring houses.

The investigators said the �ire incident was caused by electrical short circuit which originated at the second �loor of the house owned by Romeo Pedalino which was rented by Talpis particularly at the ceiling portion of the room occupied by one Marjun Amomonpon.

The investigators fur-

ther disclosed that one unit of Toyota WIGO with a temporary plate number A3D363 owned by John Paul Angco and one MitsubishiL300 bearing plate number LWD-182 were partially damaged.

The incident caused a second degree burn on the right arm of Romeo Jose, 60

he Philippine Army on Thursday said it would not condone any illegal acts of its personnel, including the use and distribution of illegal drugs.

This was stressed by PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva following the arrest of 2nd Lt. Hamel Abubakar Samsodin, who was assigned at the Camarines Sur-based 9th Infantry Division and his drug-runners, identi�ied as Aslimah Somala Aliba and Mohair Masicuin Mamalampac during a buy-bust operation conducted by police and mil-

itary units at Sampaguita St, Mapayapa Village 1, Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City around 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday.

Con�iscated from the suspects, who were all arrested after a brief car chase, were 25 grams of shabu, PHP60,000 in marked money, an Armscor .45 caliber pistol loaded with �ive bullets, another .45 Swissvale and a magazine clip containing seven rounds, an M-16 replica, six M-16 magazine assemblies with 148 bullets, a hand

our individuals, including two traf�ic policemen, have been arrested by operatives of the Philippine National Police’s Counter Intelligence Task Force (PNP-CITF) acting on complaints sent to the Of�ice of the President’s Citizens Complaint Hotline 8888.

In a press conference Thursday, CITF chief Sr. Supt. Jose Malayo said they conducted an entrapment operation against

personnel of the Iligan City Police and the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 10 (RHPU 10) of the Iligan City Highway Patrol Team (ICHPT).

Authorities arrested Sr. Insp. Rolando C. Rigat and SPO2 Crisanto T. Bernardo of the Iligan HPG, along with civilian auxiliary personnel, identi�ied as Mac Harvey T. Abad and Sidney Cañete, after they received PHP3,000 in marked money from the

PA,P10

Iligan cops tagged CTTMO to issue IDs for PUVs in extortion nabbed F T 8,P10

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

he Davao City Traf�ic and Transport Management Of�ice (CTTMO) will implement an ID system for all Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) starting on April 1.

CCTMO head Dionisio Abude said on Thursday’s I-Speak Media Forum, his of�ice already distributed more than 19,000 IDs that will be used by the PUV drivers.

“On February 14, we already gave handbills, which is a notice that we will implement it and within March their IDs should be clean,” he said.

Abude said the objective of the ID is to let the passenger know the identity of PUV driver in case of complaints.

He said the CTTMO already conducted a yearlong seminar for the drivers

and it is already time to implement it.

“Kung ikaw pasahero, pwede nimo siya picturan katong code unya mo gawas ang iyang identity gikan sa picture then ID number , then ID number sa CTTMO and mo gawas ang iyang complete name og ang date of issuance (The passenger now will be able to know the identity of driver because he or she can scan it

using an application and the picture and complete name of the driver, including the ID number and the date of issuance),” he said.

Abude said ID has a QR code system where the passengers can lodge there complains since the system provided space for it as well as feedback mechanism to CTTMO to know if the complain was properly ad-

CTTMO,P10

ILIGAN,P10

VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

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4NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

Triathlon triggers closure of roads

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

M NECESSITY. City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) head Dionisio Abude clenches his fist to emphasize a point while explaining the schedule of road closures for the 2018 Araw ng Davao activities during I-Speak media forum at City Hall on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

ajor national roads in Davao City and Davao del Norte will be closed for long hours for the duration of the Alveo Iron Man 70.3 Davao on March 25.

City Traf�ic and Transport Management Of�ice (CCTMO) head Dionisio Abude said on Thursday’s I-Speak Media Forum, the closed roads will be used for the Bike and Run challenge of the prestigious triathlon event in the world.

Abude bared the roads affected on the said race will be from the intersection of J.P. Laurel Avenue and R. Castillo St. Davao City (Alcantara) up to Robinson’s Mall Tagum City.

“Northbound Lane going towards Tagum City will be closed from 3:00 am to 12:30 pm while the Southbound Lane going towards Davao City from 3:00 am up to 10:30 am,” he said.

He said the northbound lane in J.P Laurel Avenue corner F. Torres Street, going to Lanang corner R. Castillo Street will be also closed from 3:00 am up to 3:30 pm.

“Southbound Lane going to the downtown area of Davao City will be open and used for two-way traf�ic, but only up to Alcantara,” he said. Abude said CCTMO will distribute �liers to all motorists for them to know

he city government of Davao is planning to put up a memorial to the victims of the Old Airport bomb attack, which happened about 15 years ago.

Mayor Inday Sara Duterte said that she was studying the proposal to erect a monument to honor the victims of the bombing.

“There is already a proposal for the construction of the monument and Barangay Sasa (of�icials) said they have a budget for it. I am having it checked. I told them if it can be included this year, we will include it

but if not, maybe next year,” Mayor Inday said.

On Monday, the families of the 17 victims gathered at the blast site to commemorate the 15th year of the bombing. A mass was also held to remember the victims.

Maria Luisa Bermudo, the head of the City Social Services and Development Of�ice (CSSDO), said that the city stayed true to its commitment to help the families of the victims through the scholarship program of the city.

“The assistance to fami-

TRIATHLON,P10

to blast Passsport on wheels Memorial victims mulled to serve thousands T

By JUDIE VEGA

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he City Government of Davao has received thousands of applications from early birds for the scheduled mobile passport application service dubbed “Passport on Wheels” slated at the Almendras Gym on March 16-17 during the Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

Mary Resma of the City Administrator’s Of�ice said on Thursday that the city government sought to serve around 4,000 Dabawenyos in the two-day passport on

wheels program of the Department of Foreign Affairs .

Resma said that the applicants submitted photocopies of necessary documents for their passport

‘Wildlife is here’ unveiled at SM

application and renewal.

“The requirements that we received will still be sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs main of�ice for veri�ication purposes,” she said.

The documentary requirements are submitted prior to the scheduled dates as no walk-in applicants would be accepted during the conduct of the Passport on Wheels.

Resma said all appli-

cants who have submitted requirements were given priority numbers and schedules of appointment.

On their scheduled date of appointment, applicants should bring their fully-accomplished application forms, the required original documents, P1,200 for the passport fee, and P150 as courier fee.

An additional P350 will also be collected from those

PASSPORT,P10

MEMORIAL,P11

By ANGIE SAVERON

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ith the partnership of SM Lanang Premier, Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) brings you WILDLIFE IS HERE. This is an interactive poster exhibit featuring Davao Region’s unique wildlife species and biological bounty. What makes this exhibit unique is that there’s a QR Code once scaned using a qr code scanner application available on your phone it will direct you to a video that will show the featured specie with a detailed description about it. “ We think there is a

need to increase the awareness of wildlife because �irst it is something we can be proud of. It is found only in Mindanao and we feel that theres is need for people to recognize that apart from Human Davaoeños we also have the wildlife Davaoeños so it adds color and it adds importance to the region in general,” Jason Ibañez, Director for reasearch and conservation PEF during an interview on the after the ribbon cutting of wil�life is here poster exhibit on Thursday.

He said that by raising awareness on the conservation of wildlife it will give

RARING TO GO. Catalunan Pequeño Women’s Club members flash the ‘Digong’ signature pose as they wait for the parade to start for the Inter-

WILDLIFE,P11 national Women’s Day celebration at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

Aboitiz submits P148-B bid to upgrade airports

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boitiz InfraCapital, the infrastructure business unit of the Aboitiz Group, on Wednesday submitted an unsolicited proposal to modernize four regional airports for PHP148 billion over a 35year concession period, in its bid to support the government’s infrastructure program.

The company aims to transform the Iloilo International Airport, Bacolod-Silay Airport, Laguindingan Airport and New

Bohol International Airport in Panglao into world-class airports.

The �irst three are already operating above capacity and require urgent rehabilitation. These regional airports have been experiencing tremendous growth in the last few years and struggled to follow the pace of development.

The Bohol airport is targeted to open the island further to the international tourism market as part of

ABOITIZ,P11

Norway, Switzerland see better trade ties with PH

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orway and Switzerland expect a boost in the economic relations with the Philippines after the Senate rati�ied the country’s free trade agreement (FTA) with European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Norwegian Ambassador Erik Førner and Swiss Ambassador Andrea Reichlin both welcomed this development from the Philippines.

5 ECONOMY

Norway and Switzerland, along with Liechtenstein and Iceland are member states of EFTA. “This agreement is bene�icial to both parties and will encourage and stimulate cross-border trade,” said Førner in a statement Thursday.

He said that once the Philippines-EFTA FTA enters into force, Norway would enhance trade in

NORWAY,P11

ON GUARD. A Task Force Davao personnel walks by the 81st Araw ng Davao signage at Quezon Park on Thursday. Security forces in Davao City are implementing a tighter security measures in preparation for

the celebration of Araw ng Davao when thousands of foreign and domestic tourists are expected to visit the city. Lean Daval Jr

Climate-resilient communities urged

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inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has underscored the urgency of the national and local governments working together to improve the resilience to climate change of communities most vulnerable to extreme weather events.

To help national and local governments address this urgent need, Dominguez said the government has set up the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), which, he said, may not be enough to meet the country’s require-

ments in mitigating the impact of climate change but is still a “far-sighted initiative to help reduce disaster risks and improve the resilience of our communities.”

“The threats posed by

CLIMATE,P10

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

UK envoy: renewable power more competitive

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enewable sources of energy are becoming “increasingly competitive” even as countries continue to face different challenges of sustainable growth, United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Robert Pruce said.

The envoy concluded Tuesday afternoon his twoday visit to Dumaguete City and the province of Negros Oriental as part of his country’s Great British Festival celebration from Feb. 13 to March 10.

When asked to comment about the UK’s target reduction of gas emissions, Ambassador Pruce replied: “The UK is actually making good progress in reducing our reliance on coal, on car-

bon.”

“In the past 12 months or so we have actually been able to generate our power needs through renewable sources,” he disclosed.

However, “this takes time and it is a continuing process,” Pruce told reporters, adding that “this is a challenge which no single country cannot address on its own.”

Emphasizing that he can only “speak from his experience in the UK” on renewable energy, he underscored that “the question of choice between renewables and coal becomes the choices based (on) sustainability rather than cost.”

“We’re seeing renewable power is becoming increas-

UK,P11

180 OFWs from Kuwait return home Wednesday

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bout 180 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Kuwait came home in two batches at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Wednesday.

In the morning, around 80 OFWs came on board Philippine Airlines (PAL) �light PR 669. One hundred OFWs have been scheduled to arrive in the afternoon via Emirates �light EK 332.

Based on the estimates of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), more than 2,600 OFWs from Kuwait have been repatriated since February.

These OFWs have received an amnesty from Kuwaiti government. The Philippine government, through the DFA and the Department of Labor and Employment,

has been working on the OFWs’ repatriation, because of the abuse and maltreatment that they were experiencing.

One domestic helper in Kuwait, Joanna Demafelis, was murdered and was found inside a freezer. Her employers, who were considered the primary suspects, are currently under the custody of authorities, according to DFA. Meanwhile, the government would provide the distressed OFWs with �inancial assistance that they could use as capital for small businesses.

The government would also shoulder the transportation or airfare for them to go back to their provinces. (PNA)

Construction firm wants to raise P15.5B thru IPO

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.M. Wenceslao & Associates Inc. (DMWAI) , an integrated property developer and construction �irm, has asked the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to allow it to raise some PHP15.5 billion funds through initial public offering (IPO).

DMWAI plans to offer up to 679.2 million shares, or about 20 percent of its total issued shares, proceeds of which will be used to further expand its real estate development footprint through a mix of commercial and residential projects in Aseana City.

DMWAI is the master developer and primary owner of Aseana City, one of the largest and fastest growing mixed-use business districts in the Manila Bay Area.

The planned offering remains subject to the req-

uisite regulatory approvals and market conditions.

The company has tapped BPI Capital and Maybank as the joint global coordinators and bookrunners for the IPO. In addition to its property development business, DMWAI is also one of a few construction companies in the Philippines which undertakes large scale infrastructure and construction projects.

Company �ilings indicated that while it decided to defer its listing in 2015, the �irm has managed to double its net income from PHP871 million in 2015 to PHP1.56 billion in 2017.

The �irm deferred its plan to debut on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) three years ago due to unfavorable market conditions. (PNA)

SHELTERS FOR COPS, SOLDIERS. President Rodrigo Duterte is given a briefing by National Housing Authority General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. on the Madayaw Residences as part of the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Casa San Miguel at Brgy. San Agustin in Concepcion, Tarlac on Wednesday. Madayaw

Residences, a Davao City-based project and the Casa San Miguel are both intended to provide shelter for the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police. Also in the photo is Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Ilocos Norte-Apayao road ‘highway tourism’ stretch

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AOAG CITY—Missing the old Baguio City when almost every corner still smelled of fresh pine trees?

Adventure-seekers had found a similar spot on a trip to the Ilocos Norte-Apayao road located between the boundary of Barangays Manalpac in Solsona town and Butao in Calanasan, Apayao, some 40 kilometers from Laoag.

Thousands of curious visitors and mountaineers now ride a motorbike or a 4x4 off-road vehicle to reach the newly-opened highway linking the two provinces, where a view

deck at the top offers them a picturesque sight of surrounding areas with rich �lora and fauna, amid a sea of clouds.

The misty cold wind that welcomes visitors is akin to that in Baguio, the country’s summer capital, in the earlier times when it was less dense and had no traf�ic congestion.

Seasoned trekkers who have been to this site are reminded of the Ambangeg trail of Mt. Pulag, the high-

est peak of Luzon at 2,926 meters above sea level, located between the borders of Benguet, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya.

With the in�lux of tourists visiting what is now called “Old Baguio City” in viral social networking site posts, the local government unit of Solsona is determined to improve the tourism facilities in the area.

Town Mayor Alexander Calucag bared plans to establish a “stop over” tourism facility in Manalpac village in time for the Holy Week, where visitors can have refreshments or use the restroom before going

up to the mountain view deck.

Garbage collection bins will also be set up to deter littering.

As the main attraction leads to the majestic Mount Kilang in the neighboring province of Apayao, Calucag said they are also open to a sisterhood agreement with the municipality of Calanasan to establish better cooperation with tourism stakeholders there.

Likened to a giant ice cream scoop, observers describe Mt. Kilang as an intriguing sight to behold.

Though it is a promising

Of�ice of Gerona, Tarlac who signed for Gerona Mayor Eloy Eclar.

The grant is part of the PSF, which is created under Republic Act (RA) 9729, as amended by RA 10174, which has a PHP1 billion annual fund being kept by the National Treasury.

To date, four projects with total amount of PHP191.75 million have been approved under the PSF, two of which were approved in November 2016 and the other two in August last year.

These projects are municipality of Lanuza’s disaster risk reduction and management response as adaptation mechanism to resiliency; Siargao’s climate

�ield school for farmers and �isherfolks in the municipality of Del Carmen; San Francisco, Camotes Island’s building resilience through community-based ecological farming; and Gerona’s promoting resiliency and climate-informed program.

Dominguez, in his speech, said measures should be put in place against the effects of climate change to equip localities cope with its consequences.

“The threats posed by climate change are very real. Humanity needs to exert every effort to mitigate global warming and strengthen our capacity to meet disasters brought about by extreme weather events. Every effort counts,”

he said.

Dominguez said the grants to the four LGUs have counterpart funds amounting to PHP41 million, bringing the total cost for the initial projects to PHP232.8 million.

He said the Department of Finance (DOF) would monitor the implementation of the projects “to draw important lessons from the way the local governments execute the projects and build resiliency in their respective localities.”

“These lessons will enlighten future projects intended to reduce the vulnerability of our communities most exposed to severe weather events,” he said. (PNA)

ILOCOS,P11

DOF signs grant deal for ‘climate change’projects

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inance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez on Wednesday signed agreements with several local government of�icials whose localities will bene�it from the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) and receive grants for the implementation of climate change adaptation programs.

The �inancing agreements, signed by Dominguez, were with Mayor Salvacion Saloma-Azarcon of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; Mayor Alfredo Matugas Coro II of Del Carmen, Siargao in Surigao del Norte; Mayor Aly Arquillano of San Francisco, Camotes Islands, Cebu; and Victor Gerald Castaneda of the Municipal Planning and Development

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

Probe underway over mixing of NFA with commercial rice

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ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The National Food Authority (NFA) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have set a pre-hearing as they launched a probe on the alleged repacking of NFA rice into commercial rice.

The pre-hearing over the alleged malpractice is scheduled to be conducted Friday, March 9, at the local NFA of�ice.

NFA of�icials and NBI Sarangani District Of�ice agents on Wednesday found sacks of NFA rice being mixed with commercial rice when they raided a warehouse in Barangay Sinawal, this city.

The raid came after the NBI received complaints from concerned citizens about the “modus operandi” of unscrupulous traders who mixed or “re-bag” NFA

rice with commercial rice and sell it at higher price.

Special Investigator Jeffrey Mosqueda of the NBI-Sarangani District Of�ice, told the Philippine News Agency the raiding team recovered at the warehouse 291 bags of rice, including some mixed NFA and commercial rice.

“We received a complaint about the modus of mixing NFA rice with commercial rice and selling it at higher prices in the market.

The result of the raid con�irmed the information we received,” Mosqueda told reporters here.

Of the 291 sacks, Mosqueda said 91 sacks were NFA rice and 145 commercial rice. Some 55 other sacks are still being veri�ied if it contain NFA or commercial rice.

PROBE,P11

Zambo to buy patrol vehicles, drones to boost security

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AMBOANGA CITY -The local government is utilizing its 2017 Seal of Good Local Governance prize of PHP2.4 million to buy patrol vehicles and drones to boost security of this city.

Councilor Josephine Pareja, chair of the City Council’s Committee on Peace and Order, on Thursday told the Philippine News Agency the decision to purchase two patrol vehicles and two drones was based on the recommendation of the City Administrator’s Of�ice.

Pareja said each of

the patrol vehicles costs PHP900,000 while the drone is PHP300,000 each.

She said the vehicles would be used in the enforcement of city ordinances while the drones for security, monitoring and during big events of this city.

She said the city government at present just borrows drones from private individuals when the need arises.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has awarded this city PHP2.4 million when it won the 2017 Seal of Good Local Governance. (PNA)

IP women in ARMM seek voice in peace process decision-making

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OTABATO CITY – Women belonging to the Indigenous Peoples (IP) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) want to take part in major decision making on peace process and development.

The IP women, belonging to Teduray-Lambangian tribe, gathered here on Wednesday for the �irst ever “IP women summit in ARMM” to celebrate Women’s Month and to ventilate their sentiments on issues affecting them.

“We would like to be heard, we would like to be consulted, especially on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL),” said Froilyn Mendoza, chair of Teduray-Lambangian Women’s Organization.

The BBL is a draft law seeking for the creation of Bangsamoro region that will replace the current

autonomous set up as a result of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace process.

It is still pending legislation and public consultations by both chambers of Congress are going on.

Mendoza said the IP women wanted the government to seriously look into their welfare, especially on the issue of BBL and other local issues and concerns that directly affect them.

“There are political issues that the IP women wanted to take part and be heard because of its impact on them,” she added.

The summit here was in partnership with the Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women of ARMM (RCBW-ARMM) and Of�ice of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).(PNA)

PEACE BE STILL. Just like Jesus Christ, these two men took the much-needed rest in Panabo City, Davao del Norte. Far from the madding crowd, one tried to sleep while the other seemed to appreciate the beauty of what was around him. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

5 timber cutters seized; troops launch rescue ops Z

AMBOANGA CITY -- Pursuit operations by government troops continued in a bid to rescue the remaining hostages from suspected kidnappers in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Norte, the police reported Thursday.

This, as the kidnappers killed one of the �ive hostages they seized when pursuing policemen and soldiers caught up with them at around 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday that triggered a 10-minute �ire�ight at sitio Kabatunayan, Barangay Panabutan, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Chief Insp. Helen Gal-

vez, Police Regional Of�ice-9 (PRO-9) information of�icer, identi�ied the slain hostage as Mario Rosales alias Mario Ungok, 46, a resident of Barangay San Nicolas, Sirawai.

Galvez said Rosales was positively identi�ied by his employer, Tata Subebe, a resident of Barangay San Vicente, Sirawai town.

Rosales was one of the �ive timber cutters from San Nicolas, who were reported missing on Monday, March 5.

The four others were the following: Roger Jungan, 36; Jomar Maglangit, 26; Reymond Purisima, 14; and, Jomar Mantangan, 25 all residents of San Nicolas village, Sirawai.

They went to Sitio Maasum, Barangay San Nicolas on March 3 to cut timber but failed to return home since then.

Galvez said that two days later, the kidnappers have demanded PHP10 million in exchange for the re-

lease of the victims.

She said the kidnappers used the cellular phone of one of the �ive victims and relayed the ransom demand at around 10:30 a.m.

Monday, March 5, to Jojo Ebalde, a chainsaw operator and a resident of San Nicolas.

She said the ransom demand was lowered to PHP75,000 or at PHP15,000 each hostages when the kidnappers made the second call later.

Sirawai Mayor Gamar Janihim convened the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) to �ind solution to the kidnapping. (PNA)

“will not hesitate” to demote or discharge any soldier who has been found to have violated any law.

“The order of [4ID commander] Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva is very clear: He doesn’t want rotten soldiers within the rank,” Ingente said in an interview Wednesday (March 7).

However, the 4ID spokesperson pointed out that the Army cannot investigate and prosecute a soldier for any misdeed if the complainant cannot provide them with names.

On Tuesday, members of a tribal community in Bukidnon lodged a complaint against some soldiers who have allegedly harassed them before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR-10) based in

this city.

According to the complaint �iled by a member of the Buffalo-Tamaraw-Limus (BTL)with the CHR-10, soldiers from the Army’s 8th and 88th infantry battalions were responsible for several harassments in their village in Musuan, Maramag town, Bukidnon, last month.

BTL alleged that soldiers coerced them and even accused them of being New People’s Army (NPA) supporters.

A BTL member, Ronilo Menente, told reporters that the soldiers were asking for the names and whereabouts of their leaders.

Ireneo Udarbe, regional chairperson of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, said some tribe members

are being forced to “surrender” after being accused of being NPA combatants.

Responding to the allegations, Ingente said the 4ID’s human rights desk and the Civil Military Operations (CMO) of�ice is open to any civilian who wants to �ile a complaint against any serviceman.

The complaint, she said, would then be forwarded to the concerned unit where that soldier belongs for investigation and proper action.

She assured that the Army is serious in going after erring soldiers in that if the 4ID leadership is not satis�ied with the investigation, the division commander can send an investigator to make further veri�ication.

(Jigger J. Jerusalem/PNA)

Army calls on Bukidnon IPs to name erring soldiers

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AGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Philippine Army has urged Bukidnon residents--especially the Indigenous Peoples (IPs)--to identify soldiers alleged to have committed human rights violations so it could act based on veri�ied complaints, a military of�icial said.

First Lt. Tere Ingente, spokesperson for the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID), urged victims of abuses allegedly perpetrated by soldiers to �ile a formal complaint so that proper action can be taken against any erring personnel.

Penalties for human rights violations, Ingente said, range from demotion to removal from service.

Ingente said the 4ID

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

EDITORIAL

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Justice for the NCCC fire victims

he Interagency Anti-Arson Task Force (IAATF) has forwarded on March 5 its report to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The purpose of such submission is for the Secretary of the DILG to make his appraisal of the �indings.

As of this posting, nothing has come out of whatever is contained in that report.

The IAATF, created out of the necessity that the coverage of the �ire was beyond the jurisdiction of the BFP, was composed of the BFP, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice (DOJ), and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. Although the BFP is a member of that task force, it claimed it has not received a copy as well.

The December 23 �ire took 38 lives, 37 of which were employees of the market research �irm Survey Sampling International and one NCCC mall employee. The fatalities were report-

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edly trapped at the fourth �loor of the burning building. Initial �indings point to faulty electrical circuit at the third �loor of the mall.

How valuable is the report? It matters a lot to the victims’ families whose hopes for justice to their kins rely only on the �inal report of the investigation which they can use as basis to �ile charges against who ever is responsible in the �ire incident.

There is just too much public interest in this issue that the DILG cannot just sleep on the matter.

However, there is also the need for the DILG to carefully scrutinize the merits of the report in order that the interest of all parties concerned are considered. It cannot just rush into conclusions as the case at hand will also be used to extensively assist the government agency on the reforms needed especially in the building safety requisites in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09382022120 Tel: (088) 852-4894

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O

ver a decade ago, former Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province, municipal mayor Avelino Cabag (1998-2001) proudly claimed it was he who personally did the research on the actual date of the town and found the September 14 founding date was erroneous!

It’s not known when the September 14 celebration was �irst adopted, but it is of�icially on record that the present-day September 4 ‘founding day’ was declared only on August 29, 2007 or nearly �ifty-years later, by virtue of presidential Proclamation No. 1368. To perpetuate the error and in a display of respect for an elderly politico, the mistake was perpetuated in Con�luence of Two River, a book on Monkayo history we wrote in 2003.

Recently, though, while revisiting Executive Order No. 65, which formally created the town, the signing of the edict

by President Ramon Magsaysay took place on September 14, 1954! This discrepancy should be recti�ied by citing the presidential �iat, which goes: “Upon the recommendation of the Provincial Board of Davao and pursuant to the provisions of section 68 of the Revised Administrative Code, there is hereby created in the province of Davao

I

t is lamentable that most private motorists are relentlessly complaining about severe traf�ic congestion taking place in almost all city roads in Davao.

One fact is that they are the ones who create congestions. This daily grim phenomenon has become a new normal to the residents and vehicle owners, as well as pedestrians. Aside from the central business district, the Ulas-Bangkal-Matina and the entire stretch going to Bankerohan bridge area in the south, Ilang-Panacan stretching to the diversion road and Buhangin commercial center, including Buhangin road down to Bajada in the north, and the vicinities in Ecoland are horribly emaciated by daily road congestions.

Perhaps, it is deplorable indeed since there is the relentless increase in the volume of cars on the road, although they are not primarily the reason of road congestion, guys. Actually, in the other end, it is a good sign that there is an increasing wealth accumulation due to increasing population of middle class families; for example, my neighbor who is a public elementary schoolteacher has bought a new car in spite having a 3-year old car. This means that the local economy is robustly growing and there is high

VOL. 10 ISSUE 242• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

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Rectifying a town’s birthdate a municipality to be known as the Municipality of Monkayo, which shall consist of that portion of the municipality of Compostela which is separated from said municipality…

“The municipality of Monkayo contains the following barrios: Monkayo which shall be the seat of the municipal government, Muñoz, Bayic, Haguimitan, Banglasang, Camungangan, Mamunga, Babag, Pilan, Libasan, Bankerohan, and Lincan.

“The municipality of Compostela shall have its present territory minus the portion thereof included in the municipality of Monkayo.

“The municipality of Monkayo shall begin to exist upon the appointment and quali�ication of the mayor, vice-mayor and a majority of the councilors hereof and upon the certi�ication by the Secretary of Finance that said municipality is �inancially capable of implementing the provisions of the Minimum Wage Law and providing for all statutory obligations and ordinary essential services of a regular municipality and that the mother municipality of Compostela, after the segregation therefrom of the territory comprised in the municipality of Monkayo, can still maintain creditably its

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa municipal government, meet all its statutory and contractual obligations, and provide for essential municipal services.

“Done in the City of Manila, this 14th day of Sept., in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and �ifty-four, and of the Independence of the Philippines, the ninth.”

(Some of the barrios mentioned in the decree now form part of the territory of the town of Montevista, Compostela Valley Province.)

This case runs parallel to the situation of Davao City, which celebrates

its founding anniversary every 16th of March, though, historically, its charter was of�icially signed on March 1, 1937.

Efforts, however, are afoot to rectify this error through an ordinance.

Prior to its post-war recreation as a town, Monkayo, in 1890, was �irst organized by Fr. Saturnino Urios, a Jesuit padre, as a pueblo with about thirty families under it. This was not the �irst township in the area, though, but the second after Jativa, an old settlement that’s now part of Barangay Haguimitan, in Monkayo.

Prior to the war, Monkayo was also cited in Proclamation No. 384, signed on February 11, 1939 by Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon and titled ‘Reserving for settlement purposes a parcel of land situated in the Upper Agusan Valley and along the national highway in the municipal districts of Compostela and Monkayo, Province of Davao, island of Mindanao.”

The proclamation was made on the recommendation of the Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce and in consonance with Commonwealth Act 141, Section 38 wth the National Land Resettlement Projects Administration, acting as administrator.

The distribution of the settlement,

the edict undrscored, would be “subject to private rights, if any there be, and to future classi�ication and survey, and to the conditions that the timber and other forest products therein, as well as the use and occupancy of the area indicated as timber land or forest reserve, shall be placed under the administration and control of the Bureau of Forestry in accordance with the Forest Law and Regulations.”

In the post-war period, this proclamation, courtesy of President Elpidio Quirino who succeeded Manuel A. Roxas, was revoked by Proclamation No. 150, signed on October 12, 1949, and, as a consequence, declared open to disposition the parcels of land already proclaimed, subject, however, to the provisions of the Public Land Act. Over a decade later, President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Proclamation No. 59 on August 4, 1966, “establishing as forest reserve for watershed, soil protection, timber production and other forest uses the parcels of public domain, known as timberland, [under] Davao Land Classi�ication Project Nos. 12-C and 19-C, situated in the municipality of Cateel and the municipal district of Monkayo, Province of Davao, Philippines.”

Meanwhile, where are the traf�ic enforcers of the Land Transportation Of�ice (LTO XI) who are supposed to be the lead traf�ic enforcers on highways (fact is all roads including callejon are considered highway!) as mandated by the age-old and archaic 1964 national transport and traf�ic law? Well, they are probably watching a good noontime show while their LTO deputized city traf�ic enforcers (they receive their pay from the city government) are busy ‘ordering’ the roads and streets for them.

Of course, perhaps the LTO enforcers are also busy apprehending motorists while they are in their swivel chairs, receiving pictures of violators from the city government-agency Public Safety Of�ice that take pictures through the city government’s installed CCTV cameras as well as city government’s purchased speed guns. That is why LTO XI is generating whooping sums of fees from violators just by sitting down! And mind you guys, the city government don’t’ have any share even a single centavo from LTO collection!

That is why the city government needs to de�ine its urban streets and urban highways through a city ordinance with respect to traf�ic enforce-

ment. Traf�ic enforcement was already devolved to local government by Republic Act 7160. So as the con�iscation of driver’s license by the city government deputized traf�ic enforcers. If Makati city has authorized its city deputized traf�ic enforcers to con�iscate driver’s licenses of traf�ic violators, why can’t Davao city!

To reduce road congestion is everybody’s business which includes pedestrians, motorists, traf�ic enforcers, and the city government. For pedestrians, take heed of instructional road signs; a driver’s license of a motorist is a privilege and not a right or entitlement, don’t abuse it; for the traf�ic enforcers, enforce the city traf�ic ordinance vigorously but sensibly; and for the city authorities, arm your traf�ic enforcers with appropriate logistics support, policies and ordinances for the ful�illment of their duties. They can generate revenue for the city coffers anyway.

We Davaoeños have only one city – the city of Davao. Let us all be sensible in using our roads and streets. Let us make Davao a livable and sustainable city; this is only what we have and for the generation to come after us. (dpampanga@yahoo.com)

Traffic congestion is everybody’s business disposable household incomes used for personal consumption. And that is good.

However, one has to re-think before buying a brand new or surplus car at this time when traf�ic congestion is so hugely daunting. You will not only contribute to road congestion, but also urban air pollution, chasing a road space, opportunity loss, increased parking disorder on city streets, increased consumption of fuel, let alone more road accidents and vehicle friction.

Do we have a choice for decent, safe, clean, affordable, comfortable public transport system for us not to own a private car? Interestingly, the face of urban mass transport system in Davao city is currently in its horrible state. We have decrepit AC (auto-calesa) passenger jeepneys that run on city’s circulatory roads which dates back in the post-WW II period; the diesel-fed second hand engines of Sarao and Sarao-imitation public utility jeepneys that emit black smoke (itom pa sa alkitran) and the danger it pose to passengers accidentally injured by metal rust protruding from anywhere inside the passenger jeepneys (watch your head, please), and their swirling and moving dangerously back and forth; and the ubiquitous motorized tricycle that

URBAN STREETGAZER Dario G. Pampanga, PhD

make sudden movement left and right without compunction. Perhaps the city has to do some upgrading of the city’s urban transport system.

Other causes of daily congestion, which are habitually done by private car owners as well as commercial vehicles such as delivery vans including trucks, are roadside and on-street parking, not to mention double parking. Other utterly ugly phenomenon that also exacerbate congestion are the traf�ic violations by private motorists, PUJs, UV Express vans, and motorized tricycles unheeded by city traf�ic enforcers.

10 NEWS STAY... FROM 1

from running if ever he is on PDEA’s watch list. As to whether or not the COMELEC will hamper or not if they are in the drug list, we still await COMELEC resolutions from En Banc how to address these issues,” he said.

On February 19, Department of Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Ricojudge Janvier M. Echiverri said at least 30% of the country’s 42,029 barangays are classified as severely affected and some of their officials are in the drug list.

He warned them to activate their respective Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), or face suspension and complaints before the Ombudsman for “dereliction of duty.”

Catalino Cuy, chairperson of the Dangerous Drugs Board said the BADAC plays an important role in the anti-illegal drug campaign of the government, in particular in monitoring and identifying drug suspects and in the community-based drug rehabilitation program for mild and moderate drug users.

Cuy said the number of compliant barangays with organized and operationalized BADACs have increased to 70% from less than 50% at the start of the Duterte administration.

He said the BADAC also conducts awareness programs for non-users to prevent them from going into illegal drug use, as he said authorities are addressing the country’s drug problem not only through supply reduction but also demand reduction.

The most common drugs in the region are shabu and marijuana but they are monitoring the presence of “party drugs,” which are common in clubs and rave parties in Metro Manila, Rivera added.

He said party drugs may come in the form of a tablet, liquid, or powder, which are sometimes diluted in cocktails.

He added they are doing all they can to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the region, especially via its porous coastline. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

with his wife, PO3 Joyce Corcino for reasons not disclosed.

In the process, Ismael cocked and �ired his service �irearm, causing alarm to his neighbors who lost no time in informing the police.

By 11:05 A.M., P/S Inspector Paulino A. Zaulda Jr., Tugbok station commander responded with a group of policemen, resulting in the arrest of Ismael.

No case was �iled against Ismael but investigators said he will still face an administrative case for his behavior The �irearm con�iscated

from the suspect’s possession and control one unit of Glock 17 9mm pistol bearing a serial number PNP 18909 loaded with one magazine and 15 pieces of live ammunition and one empty shell of 9mm.

Ismael is a resident of San Francisco St. Barangay Mintal, Tugbok District, Davao City, 30 years old, and is presently assigned with the Calinan Police Station.

The suspect is currently under the custody of the said Tugbok Police Station.

to 87 San Juanico 80 Mt Malindang 78 Pittsburg Fil Am 73 Van City 70 Baguio 67 Filipino Golfers Dubai 62 NZ Black Tees 61 Fil Golfers Kuwait (Team1) 59 Greater Vancouver 54 Silicon Valley 50 Mabuhay Golf 47 Fil Oz Sydney 44 Sky West 42 Fil Golf-

ers UAE 41 Cotabato 38 Fil Golfers Kuwait (team2) 25.

Aviator: Sherwood Hills 102 Lumbia 95 Sta Elena 88 Alta Vista 84 Sarangani Gensan 83 Eagle Ridge 76 Stanford 74 Camp John Hay 71 Greenhills West 52 Moffett Field 31 Yokohama Eagles 28.

a perfect start to build on and deliver the commitment in the 2016-2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

IndustriALL is a global union federation of 50 million workers in 140 coun-

tries around the world. In the Philippines, it has in its fold 15 national labor federations spearheading the campaign for better work terms and conditions and respect for trade union rights.

per month to the poorest fifty percent of households to be identified by the),” he said in the January news briefing. The subsidy would cover approximately 10 million households.

He said that for 2019 and 2020, the monthly cash grant would be increased from P200 to P300. “In 2018, we have provided for P24 billion, plus seven percent administrative cost for a total of P25.7 billion.”

In 2019 and 2020, we will provide for P38.5 billion in the national budget, he added.

With the Train Law, he said government has “embarked on the largest tax cut in personal income taxation in the nation’s

history”.

“Ninety-nine percent of personal income tax filers would benefit with a substantial tax cut while the top tax filers with a taxable annual income of P8 million or higher would bear a heavier burden at 35 percent,” he added.

While the economy would sustain a “huge revenue loss estimated at P146.6 billion in 2018 and P894.2 billion from 2018 TO 2022”, he said these would be offset by broader value added taxation and new indirect taxes.

“But aware of the short-term and transitory effects of Train on consumer prices, we incorporated a number of mitigating measures in the 2018 national bud-

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

BUNTING. The main thoroughfares of Davao City like San Pedro Street and C.M. Recto Avenue are festooned with bunting as the city is anticipating a successful and joyous Araw ng Davao. Lean Daval Jr get,” he added.

The DBM said the budget this year has also incorporated P2.3 billion for the loan facility to be extended to PUV drivers “to replace old public utility jeepneys with safer, more comfortable, and more economic PUVs”, an earlier

Department of Budget and Management news dispatch said.

It said another P2 billion was allocated for the implementation of a national identification system, “which will ensure that public resources are delivered to their intended beneficiaries”. (MTC)

the (erring personnel) attempted to dispose of the marked money. Likewise, small bills of different denominations amounting to PHP5,000 were also recovered from the drawer of the chief, ICHPT,” Malayo said.

The operation stemmed

from complaints from motorists traversing Macapagal Highway in Iligan City that elements of RHPU 10, ICHPT on board RHPU 10 Mobile Car with body no. 1003, extort money from motorists said to have committed traf�ic violations.(PNA)

years old, resident of the said area which was subsequently treated at 911 ambulance.

The �ire was declared under control at around 2:34 in the afternoon on the same date.

dressed by his of�ice.

He the implementation of the ID system will make the work of his traf�ic enforcers easy because they will be able to know how many violations the driver committed.

Abude said the system installed by Davao City Information and Communication Technology Of�ice is really effective as he narrated who the incident of a cab passenger left a bag and managed to recover it.

“Na-remember niya ang pangalan sa driver unya nahinumduman pud niya an pro�ile,

at that time niadto siya sa opisina, gi-search namo ang pangalan sa PUV driver unya ni appear ang iyang picture maong na-identify niya (The passenger remembered the name and the pro�ile, then he went tour of�ice and when we searched the name told, the picture of the PUV driver appeared and identi�ied),” he said.

He said this is part of the implementation of City Ordinance 0334-12, Series of 2012 or the Comprehensive Transport and Traf�ic Code of Davao City.

who have lost or have expired passports.

“For those who will renew ePassports, there should be a con�irmed online application, accomplished application form, current ePassport with photocopy of data package and original PSA documents,” she added.

Resma said only senior citizens, pregnant women, and children below seven years old will be accepted as walk-in applicants at the DFA of�ice.

She said the DFA will send the passports directly to the applicant’s address after 20 days.

grenade and a white Hyundai Accent (with conduction sticker MOS5702) which the three tried to use as their getaway vehicle.

“The arrest of subject of�icer is a product of counter-intelligence which is a constant procedure of monitoring personnel doing anomalous or illegal acts detrimental to the organization. The PA (doesn’t) condone any act that is not in conformance to its policy and standard,” Villanueva said.

And based on current policies, the PA spokesperson said that any personnel involved in any drug-related activities

would face sanctions and immediate dismissal.

“The Army is serious in support of government campaign on illegal drugs, hence it has undertaken at its level programs activities such as mandatory drug test to all personnel establishment of drug-testing facilities in various camps as well as sustain advocacies,” the PA spokesperson said.

Samsodin was called to active duty last May 1, 2016 through the Of�icers’ Preparatory Course and took his oath at the Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. (PNA)

the alternate routes that will be used during the conduct of the activity.

“Everyone is directed to use the available alternate roads as illustrated at the back of the �lier,” he said.

He said during the road closure no vehicle may use the said roads nor will any vehicles be allowed to cross the same.

“All pedestrians may cross only through available pedestrian overpasses,” he said.

Abude said all items, materials, structures and vehicles

found on the said road, including on its shoulder, that are illegally stored or parked will be removed or towed at the expense of its owner.

About around 2,000 participants from all over the world are expected to compete in the most prestigious triathlon event. The organizers considered that the city’s hosting got the highest turn-out because majority of the �irst time event in other places would only took 500 registered participants.

driver of a vehicle who received a traf�ic citation from them.

CITF personnel, with elements of the Iligan City Police, launched the entrapment

operation at about 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday.

“The marked money was recovered inside the Comfort Room of the chief, ICHPT when

climate change are very real.

Humanity needs to exert every effort to mitigate global warming and strengthen our capacity to meet disasters brought about by extreme weather events. Every effort counts,” said Dominguez at the signing ceremony of the financing agreements between the PSF Board and selected local government units (LGUs) held Wednesday at the Department of Finance (DOF) main office in Manila.

The PSF Board, chaired by Dominguez, has identified four LGUs as the initial beneficiaries of the Fund. These are the local governments of: 1) Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, 2) Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, 3) San Francisco, Camotes Island in Cebu and 4) Gerona, Tarlac.

According to Dominguez, all four PSF-funded projects to be implemented by these LGUs will involve counterpart financing on their part, both to boost the scale of the projects as well as encourage prudence in the disbursement of the funds provided to them.

“We look forward to more capacity building projects like the ones we are signing today. We will maintain vigilance against all threats posed by climate change and global warming. That is our common responsibility,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez said the PSF Board will closely monitor the projects and expect to draw lessons from the way LGUs execute them and build resiliency in their respective localities. (DOF)

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INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Conquer Compostela Valley

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

COMPOSTELA VALLEY -- or Comval for short -- is the country’s 78th province. With a total land area of 4,666.93 square kilometers, it is often touted as “rough, rugged, and mostly undeveloped.” So much so that its tourism tagline is: “Conquering Compostela Valley.”

“A land of waterfalls, caves, lakes, rivers, towering mountain ranges and forests, gold and silver deposits, sulfuric hot and cold springs, and inland and beach resorts,” replied Christine T. Dompor, the provincial tourism officer, when asked to describe Comval.

As such, you can find in this province rare and endangered species like the Philippine eagle (the country’s national bird), the exotic Rafflesia mira (one of the world’s biggest single flower), Philippine deer, various kinds of snakes, and a host of still unidentified flora and fauna.

Not only that. Six of the major tribes in Mindanao are living in the province: Mandaya, Mansaka, Dibabawon, Ka’agan, Ata-Manobo, and Mangguangan. What is interesting is that each of them has their own myths, legends, arts and music, and age-old customs and traditions.

Here are the province’s points of interest: Kopiat Island: This 95-hectare island of powdery white sands has unspoiled reef areas with rare beds serve as sanctuary for exotic tropical fish and endangered marine turtles, particularly hawksbill and leatherback.

Lunod Island: Lush mangrove forests cover almost the whole island’s 17-hectare area, which is located not far from Kopiat Island. “At night, the place turns into a magical won-

der as the whole area is lighted with fireflies,” Dompor informed. Also known as Saint Anthony Island, it is a 15-minute banca ride from the coast of Beach View Resort.

Beach View Resort: This resort, in Pindasan, Mabini, has the widest vacant space for outdoor events among all beach resorts in the province. It also has the most modern cosmopolitan bar.

Welborn’s Beach Resort Hidden Paradise: Located in Baybay, Magnanga in Pantukan, it has a wide stretch of sand in the beach for children and adults to walk and play.

The sea bed is flat and there are no stones or corals that make bare walking dangerous.

Mainit Sulfuric Hot Water-

fall: A must-see in barangay Mainit in Mawab. If you have no seen a steaming fall in your life, then this is the area to visit.

I tried to walk in the steaming water below the waterfall and indeed it was hot!

Lake Leonard: In the highland barangay of New Leyte in Maco, visitors can be mesmerized by this lake, a caldera of Mount Leonard Kniasseff, one of the 22 active volcanoes in the country whose last eruption was reported in the second century A.D. The 200-hectare lake was used before as a dumping ground for mining wastes until the mining company ceased operation in the early 90’s. Today, the lake is teemed with tilapia.

Aguakan Cold Spring Re-

sort: Located in Maragusan, it has an Olympic-size swimming pool, whose water comes from nearby springs. The water is touted to be “as cold as ice.”

Kanlawig Hot Springs Resort: If cold is not your thing, then go to this resort which is not far from the Aguakan Cold Spring Resort. Here, you can enjoy swimming at the steaming hot water.

Haven’s Peak: Also in Maragusan, it is a resort nestled on Tarago Hills facing the town. It takes more than 200 steps just to reach the top. Once you’re there, you get to see the whole town and the forest that surround it.

Tagbibinta Falls: Maragusan is blessed with several waterfalls but this is the most famous among them. It has a series of seven falls, the first one measuring approximately 70 feet in height. “The falls was named as such because the place used to be the business center,” said Dennis B. Radin, the town’s tourism officer.

Bulawan Junction: A provincial landmark that reflects the province’s position as one of the biggest sources of gold

and other valuable minerals in the Philippines. It is located in barangay Olaycon, about seven kilometers from the town of Monkayo.

Laak Caves: Unofficial information puts the number of caves at more than 100. Most of them can be found in barangay Sisimon and barangay Andap.

Mt. Tagub-Mt. ManurigaoMt. Kandalanga Range: An unexplored pristine world of nature. The three peaks are sites of national, regional, and local annual mountain climbs and nature watching during the Holy Week and the month of October.

How to get there: Comval is accessible by air, land, and sea transportation. Davao City, 979 kilometers from Manila, is the gateway to the province. On arriving at the airport, take a taxi or a bus ride to Davao City Overland Transport Terminal at Ecoland to board a bus to Nabunturan, the capital town, 90 kilometers away and a twohour ride. Once you’re there, you can transfer to any public utility vehicle for another ride to any destination in the province

EDGEDAVAO

A2INdulge!

EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

From left: Antonio ‘Bong’ Adriatico Jr (Raflora Enterprises Creative Director), Salome ‘Sally’ San Jose LTB Phils Davao Chapter President and Doltz Pilar.

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO THE LTB PHILIPPINES CHEFS ASSOCIATION, together with the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines and PEPTarsus,Inc., is bringing once again the biggest culinary competition in Mindanao this 2018 -- with an additional category at that.

On its 3rd year, the Davao Culinary Cup (DCC) 2018 is the most prestigious culinary competition in Davao City and the only culinary competition accredited by the Philippine Culinary Cup. The event will be held at the SM Lanang Premier, Davao City on August 2325, 2018. The event is held simultaneously with the World Food Expo (WOFEX).

there will be separate competition categories for individual and team.

And each category will be based on a set of criteria to be overseen by an esteemed jury of international and Filipino WACS (World Accredited Chefs) accredited judges.

Categories include Culinary, Pastry, Table Setting, Bartending and the newest addition, Flower Arrangement.

3rd Davao Culinary Cup The 3rd Davao Culinary Cup aims to promote camaraderie and open a plethora of learning opportunities to participants and everyone who aspire for a culinary profession. More so, it seeks to continually elevate the standards of culinary excellence and professionalism.

DCC 2018 acts as a platform to further hone and development skills and also is cored upon the promotion of the Filipino Culinary Professional in the hopes of improving the level of food service in Mindanao in general.

LTB Davao Chapter President, Salome San Jose, said that providing the food industry and the academe with the necessary exposure and experience through this competition is truly invaluable.

She further added, “It will assist us to become at par with our national and international counterparts in the very near future”.

This year, DCC has five exciting competition categories designed for nubes and professional cooks and chefs. As such,

Flower arrangement Yes, food and flower go hand in hand. Have you ever been to a celebration without the presence of the two?

Renowned florist extraordinaire Antonio ‘Bong’ Adriatico, Jr, DFD, Raflora Enterprises creative director,is this year’s biggest influence to aspiring florists in the whole of Mindanao.

For Adriatico, “Flowers will always be a part if the milestones we celebrate in our lives. It is inconceivable that anybody can be immune to the flood of different emotions flowers can bring us.”

He further added, “It is my belief that good floral design uplifts the human spirit and can serve as inspiration to create beauty in our lives. Creativity and knowledge should make it possible that flowers can be bought and enjoyed by as many people as possible.”

The inclusion was inevitable. Davao has some of the most beautiful flower shops in the country. Bankerohan being the biggest producer of flowers in the city. And with the many

3rd Davao Culinary Cup announced Floral arrangement contest included events and celebrations all year round, the flower industry is one big market to tap into.

LTB (Les Toques Blanches) Philippines Chefs Association is a non-profit organization that brings together hotel and restaurant professionals regardless of nationality, LTB Phils. is a member of the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) -- the governing body of culinary associations dedicated to maintaining and improving the culinary standards of global cuisines.

Roland Fernandez, of Prim Communications and Events, is this year’s event organizer.

LTB Davao Chapter officers with Doltz Pilar (in red), Salome San Jose, Antonio ‘Bong’ Adriatico Jr and John Ong.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Glaiza de Casto takes on role of a vengeful woman in CONTESSA

By KENNETH IRVING ONG AFTERNOONS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN as GMA rolls out Contessa, an enthralling story of a woman seeking justice beginning March 19 right after Eat Bulaga.

Fresh off her role as Pirena of Enkantadia, multi-talented Kapuso actress Glaiza De Castro headlines the new program as Contessa/Bea-

trice “Bea” Resureccion and she feels grateful that she was chosen for the coveted role.

“Sobrang honoured ako. The role itself is

challenging at napakalaking responsibility niya.

It just means na ganun kalaki ang tiwala sa akin ng GMA and na-appreciate ko na binibigyan nila ako ng important projects that will enhance my skills as an actor,” she said at a press conference at the New Asia Restaurant Davao before the GMA Kapuso Mall Show at the Gaisano Mall of Tagum.

After being accused and imprisoned for a crime she did not commit, Bea is determined to seek revenge on those who took everything and everyone she loved away from her. Witness her redemption and thirst for justice as she rises from the ground—stronger than ever—and claims a new identity as Contessa.

Playing very important roles in the series are Contessa’s leading men: Geoff Eigenmann as Gabriel Caballero, a self-made man and a successful OFW who returns to the country when his brother, Marco, gets murdered; Jak Roberto as Santiago “Jong” Generoso, Jr., Bea’s closest and most reliable friend.

Secretly, he is in love with her and hopes that she will love him back.

Jak, who was also part of the mall show at

Tagum shares that it is his first serious role after his stints in rom-coms and teen shows. “My role here is more serious than

what I played before and to work together with many of the stars whom I look up to when I was much younger, it was a dream come true.”

Adding star power to this series are Gabby Eigenmann as Vito Imperial, a powerful and influential man with illegal business activities; Lauren Young as Daniella Imperial, the self-entitled, sophisticated head of Empire Publishing Group; and portraying a very special role is Mark Herras as Marco Caballero, a handsome and intelligent writer who is the long-time boyfriend of Bea. Contessa also features two of the industry’s seasoned and respected actresses: Chanda Romero as Charito Castillo-Imperial, the manipulative mother of Daniella and Vito; and Tetchie Agbayani as Guada Venganza, a mysterious and rich prisoner whom Bea meets in jail.

The much-awaited premier of Contessa is on March 19 non GMA Afternoon Prime after Eat Bulaga.

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 11 Agustines routed Earl Jan Casal, 8-3.

Davao City banked on the tandem of Jessica Mae Carcueva and Therese Claire Nacito to sub-

due the Mati City pair of Jonamil Prado and Maria Jaden Orquia, 8-4, in deciding doubles and secure the girls team championship, 2-1.

play of clutch perimeter shooting.

The Rockets would beat the Bucks down the floor to set up open shots on the wing. Gordon knocked down two 3s, and P.J. Tucker added another 3 to help Houston close the third with a 14-7 run for an 87-76 lead. ‘’With a win streak like this you are doing a lot of things the right way,’’ Gordon said. ‘’We still play for each other. We knew this was going to be a tough road trip.’’

Houston got off to a sloppy start at the Bradley Center with

a seven-turnover �irst quarter, a night after tying its season high with 22 turnovers in the 10-point win at Oklahoma City.

The end of the �irst half offered a glimpse of what was still to come. Harden hit a deep 3 just before the halftime buzzer from well beyond the arc with a defender in his face for a 58-46 lead. ‘’We’ve just got to stick with the game plan, close out, run them off the (3-point) line,’’ Brown said.

goods and services with the Asian country, as well as in areas of fisheries, seafaring, maritime transport, energy, and financial services.

After Senate’s ratification of the FTA last Monday, Swiss envoy Reichlin met with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III Tuesday, wherein she stressed the benefits of having the free trade deal.

“FTAs provide entrepreneurial incentives, as well as the highest political commitment to move forward in the best interest of respective citizens and in managing global commerce,” said Reichlin.

“FTAs achieve better results for our respective workplaces, our consumers and for the improvement of living standards than restrictive international collaboration,” the Swiss ambassador said.

In previous statements, the Department of Trade and Industry targets to double trade with the economic bloc two years after the implementation of the Philippines-EFTA FTA. The four-member states only account for 1 percent of the country’s total trade.

The FTA will be in effect three months after the ratification of the Philippines and at least one of EFTA states. Only Iceland has yet to ratify the free trade deal.

The Philippines is EFTA’s second country in ASEAN which it has FTA after Singapore.

It also has ongoing negotiations for an FTA in the region with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, while talks with Thailand are currently on hold. (PNA)

tourism destination, the Apayao government through its Provincial Tourism Of�ice, however, continues to reiterate that as of the moment, the area is not yet ready to host a volume of tourists.

For the safety of visitors, the Calanasan government urged tourists to take the necessary precautions when going to the area and to help preserve its natural beauty by leaving nothing but footprints. (PNA)

ingly competitive in the UK and is a significant part of our energy mix,” he pointed out.

Asked how the Philippines as a partner country can learn from the UK on the latter’s “Clean Growth Strategy” in addressing climate change, the British envoy replied that climate change is an “international priority.”

“It’s an area where the global community has been working together for some years now,” he said.

According to Pruce, the UK was delighted when “the agreement was achieved in Paris (during) international peace negotiations there”, referring to the agreement that aims to strengthen the global response to the threat posed by climate change.

“And the (UK) government

is committed to engaging with partner countries, such as the Philippines and a wider international community to address climate change and in particular to face these very many real challenges these countries face around driving economic growth and doing so in a sustainable way,” the diplomat assured.

Pruce noted that over the years, the United Kingdom has built up on sustainable energy, resources, such as wave power, solar power, and wind power.

“We are very, very eager to work with partner countries such as the Philippines to share expertise and achieve this vision of sustainable growth in the future, not just for our future but for future generations that come after us,” he said. (PNA)

Also seized were empty sacks, sewing machines, and weighing scale.

The local NFA of�ice withheld the names of the owner of the warehouse and traders involved in the “re-bagging” of rice as investigation is ongoing.

Their names will be made public once formal charges will

be �iled against them.

They are liable for violations of Republic act 7581 otherwise known as the price act.

Meawhile, Mosqueda said the NFA is conducting a separate internal investigation on the possible involvement of NFA personnel in releasing rice supply to non NFA-accredited retailers. (PNA)

ROCKETS... FROM 15

NORWAY... FROM 5

AWESOME WATERFALLS. Lake Sebu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Cotabato. It has three lakes but one of its attractions are its seven waterfalls. Among these seven, the most awesome is the second waterfalls. Considered a “plunge type” of waterfalls, tourists are completely mesmerized by its beauty and

imposing loftiness. Even from a distance, its view was magnificence.

Its location is astounding as it looks like it was just a crater etched on the mountain side with different layers of rock clearly lined up in the overhang. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

WILDLIFE... FROM 4

required in order to unlock synergies that would benefit all stakeholders, including the government.

“Not only will none of the airports require any form of subsidy,

the combined potential of the four regional gateways results in overall gains for both the government and the local economy,” he said. (PNA)

lies of the victims are continuing.

This was the city’s commitment, which was made by then mayor and now President Duterte,” Bermudo said.

There are still more than 100 dependents of the blast vic-

tims who were studying under the city’s scholarship program.

Mayor Inday said this gesture on the part of the city showed Dabawenyos will not bow down to terrorism and will face it as one. CIO

ternationalists Aidric Chan, Carl Corpus, Paolo Wong and defending individual champion Tom Kim are still at Escano’s disposal.

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.

family. Archery is our family sport,” noted father-coach Jonathan, 33, who won a silver and bronze medal in the 2000 “Millenium” Palarong Pambansa held in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. “Hopefully he can gain more in his two events tomorrow.”

Not to be outdone, Davao del Norte’s Hazel Arellano and Hagonoy Davao del Sur’s Febie Joy Moncera likewise had a pair of golds to boast for themselves after securing the girls long jump and shot put, respectively.

Over at the Misamis Occidental Provincial Athletics Complex, , Arellano, 15, had a leap of 5:01 meters in securing the girls long jump gold while Moreno had a winning throw of 9.16 meters in the event co-hosted by the Oroquieta City government led

by Jason Almonte.

“Sana maka-third na gold po ako bukas,” said Arellano, a Grade 9 Tagum City National High School student, who also captured the girls triple jump title last Wednesday and will be gunning for a golden treble in the

girls 100-meter run on Friday.

A Grade 7 student at Hagonoy National High School, Moreno was also seeking her third mint in the girls javelin throw on Saturday.

In other early morning athletic events, Davao City garnered two golds courtesy of Andrea Annabel de Guia in the 3,000-meter run (11 minutes and 40 seconds) and Sharon Gay Marcojos in the girls 2,000-meter walkathon (12 minutes and 33 seconds. South Cotabato’s Peter Lachica ruled the boys 2,000-meter walk.

Also garnering golds in track and field events held in the morning were South Cotabato’s Peter Lachica in the boys 2,000-meter walk (12 minutes and 34 seconds).

Over at the OCCES/DPWH courts, Oroquieta and Davao split team honors in the lawn tennis competitions over at the OCCES/ DPWH courts.

Oroquieta blanked Davao City, 2-0, to pick up the team boys gold as Jude Abelo whipped John Roderick Bedicte, 8-1, and Nash

a supplemental source of inspiration most especially for the youth.

“We feel that there’s too much pre-occupation with gadgets or being indors; so we thought by showing this wildlife and then encouraging them to spend time in forests, there’s a scienti�ic evidence that it will be good for them,” he said.

This colaboration is a contribution to the global observance that aims to raise social awareness and conservation values for wild plants and animals He said it is not necessesarily needed to go in the mountains to see these animals even in within our city, in the green spaces there’s an impressive species of birds and other wildlife.

The exhibit commenced on March 8, Thursday and will be available for the public until March 11, Sunday. This is located at the mall’s cinema hallway second �loor.

Ibañez said that this is thier modest way of intoducing the people to other things they can do.

Featured animals in the exhibit are Mueller’s toad, Yellow head water monitor, Philippine pit viper, Sail�in lizard Lina’s sunbird, Writhed hornbill Apo Myna and Giant golden. Majority of them are native here in Mindanao and some are found in other parts of the country.

“When we protect the eagles, we protect the health of our ecology that includes the different wildlife species that thrive in our forests and contribute to keeping it healthy.

And a healthy forest bene�its every Filipino,” said PEF executive director Dennis Salavador on thier of�icial statement for the exhibit.

Marigelaone Arguillas, chief of the Protected Areas Management and Biodiversity Conservation section of DENR said that the future of our wildlife is also humanity’s future.

“Together with the PEF and DENR, we create this learning space that adds more meaning to our magical mall experiences. This exhibition highlights wildlife that deserves much appreciation in photo and in real life,” said Engr. Jonathan Nick Santos, SM Lanang Premier Mall Manager Ibañez said that they hope that after the exhibit there will be more interest in the conservation of wildlife among youth and adults.

He said they also hope the guest book of the exhibit will be �illed out so that they could contact them and introduce them to what they can do further, beyond looking at the picture and reading about it.

After the event the posters used for the exhibit will be brought to the PEF and be placed on thier education building which will be help them educate thier visitors.

the national tourism strategy and at the same time decongest Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“Through this unsolicited proposal, we intend to support the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program as we develop sustainable airport facilities that re�lect and support the tre-

mendous economic and tourism potential of the Philippines’ regions and provinces,” Aboitiz InfraCapital Chief Executive Of�icer and President Sabin Aboitiz said in a statement to the local bourse.

Aboitiz said the pooling of resources to develop, operate and maintain all four airports is

ABOITIZ... FROM 5

MEMORIAL... FROM 4

SOUTHWOODS... FROM 15

DIPOLOG... FROM 15

ILOCOS... FROM 6 UK... FROM 6

PROBE... FROM 7

EDGEDAVAO

12 MOTORING

VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

Meet the all new Mitsubishi XPANDER

A

fter the phenomenal release of the all-new Mitsubishi XPANDER in Indonesia just last year, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.

(MMPC) is pleased to of�icially unveil this highly anticipated all-new cross multi-purpose, sport utility vehicle in the country.

This newest addition to MMPC’s extensive product line-up re�lects Mitsubishi Motors’ ambition to expand customer’s motoring experience to make it more ful�illing and pleasurable. The Philippines is the second country to launch the all-new Mitsubishi XPANDER after its world premiere at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show in Jakarta, Indonesia last August 2017.

The all-new Mitsubishi XPANDER which perfectly suits the most versatile lifestyle of every Filipino will be offered in four (4) variants starting off with the GLX Manual Transmission (MT), GLX Plus Automatic Transmission (AT), GLS AT and top of the line GLS Sport AT. This all-new model is produced at Mitsubishi Motors Corp.’s (MMC) new factory in Bekasi Prefecture, Indonesia.

Exterior The overall exterior communicates an adventurous and futuristic style. It �launts Mitsubishi Motors’ DYNAMIC SHIELD design concept with a luxurious front grille, which will be available in chrome with clear smoke coating for GLS Sport and GLS variants and gloss black for GLX Plus and GLX variants. The new model was given an advanced look as it features a LED position lamps arranged in a crystal-like blocks and a unique headlight design with a lamp layout

that improves visibility for both pedestrians and oncoming vehicles. This unique lamp layout also prevents the blinding effects of headlight glare. It also �launts a distinctive L-shaped LED Tail Lamps with the rear combination lamps extending onto the tailgate which is a �irst for this class. To give the model a touch of sportiness, the all-new XPANDER is equipped with 15-inch Alloy Wheels for GLX variant and 16inch Two-Tone Alloy for GLX Plus, GLS and GLS Sport variants.

Interior and Convenience MMC Corporate Vice President for Design, Tsunehiro Kunimoto expressed that the XPANDER’s design was a product of putting together customers’ thoughts, needs and desires. The XPANDER offers a dynamic and highly functional interior features.

The 4,475 mm long overall length of the XPANDER blends a stylish and roomy character lines with tough and dynamic SUV looks. A class-leading interior length 2,840mm provides a comfortable space for maximum of seven adults. It also

features a layout that

lets passengers enter and exit the vehicle with ease. Access to third row seats is also made easier with the tumbling system for folding the second row seats. For an even more comfortable ride, the armrest in second row is a part of seat back which can be utilized as a large armrest to accommodate two passengers’ elbows or center space which can be used to load long items.

The XPANDER provides not only comfortable seating position for passengers, but also excellent visibility and comfort for the driver. With its high 205mm ground clearance which results in a high seating position, the body is optimized for clear visibility with reduced blind spots. The front windshield with ample vertical and horizontal spacing also provides clearer forward visibility.

The XPANDER’s front pillars are positioned wider to provide more visibility while the side mirrors ensures a clearer rear view. For luggage capacity, the XPANDER is the only vehicle in its class that has a �lat luggage �loor without bumps and gaps. Its maximum cargo capacity is 1,630 liters when both the second and third row seats are folded. The seats can be arranged in various combinations to accommodate different type of cargo. For normal luggage space, it has enough space to hold four gallon bottles

even when passengers are seating on the third row seats.

For a more enjoyable drive the XPANDER is equipped with a *2-DIN 7-inch capacitive touchscreen which has *GPS Navigation System, MP3 player / Tuner with Auxiliary-in, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and Easy Link feature. The steering wheel is also equipped with Audio Remote Switch and Cruise Control for easier control during driving.

Aside from outstanding interior roominess and comfort, XPANDER also offers superior convenience to its passengers by providing several storages / pockets for valuables and various small items. 12V power outlets are also readily available for �irst, second and third row passengers for more convenient trips.

Engine and Performance The all-new XPANDER is equipped with a 1.5L 4A91 MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control System) DOHC 16-Valve engine which gives a maximum output of 105PS / 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 141N-m / 4,000rpm.

The 4A91 engine enables the XPANDER to have less vibration and less noise for smooth and quiet driving performance. Its engine capacity has good balance between performance and fuel consumption which makes it an ideal vehicle for the Philippine market. The XPANDER is made to be fuel ef�icient without compromising its performance.

Safety Safety will never be compromised as the XPANDER features Mitsubishi Motors’ proprietary RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body which is reinforced to absorb the impact of a collision. It is also equipped with ABS (Anti-locking Braking

System) to help keep the driver in control of the vehicle when braking on slippery surfaces. When the driver brakes hard or activates ABS, the ESS (the Emergency Stop Signal System) activates and automatically �lashes the hazard lamps to warn the drivers behind to help prevent rear end collision.

The top of the line GLS Sport variant is also equipped with Hill Start Assist and Active Stability Control. The Hill Start Assist feature automatically maintains the brakes to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when driving on a steep slope. Meanwhile, the Active Stability Control automatically apply brakes and suppress the engine output at the same time in order to stabilize the vehicle during sudden maneuver on slippery surface conditions.

Provided with these top-of-class safety features, XPANDER gained a four-star safety rating in the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP).

Visit your nearest Mitsubishi Motors outlet to know more

about the all-new XPANDER or check out xpander.mmpc.ph to get vehicle information and updates. *Available for GLX Plus, GLS and GLS Sport variants only.

Note: MMPC reserves the right to change speci�ications and prices without prior notice. Please get in touch with us for clari�ications.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) No. 1 Auto Park Avenue, Green�ield Automotive Park Special Economic Zone, Santa Rosa, Laguna Contact Persons: Mr. Arlan S. Reyes Ms. Rosemary D. Cruz Ms. Nelda E. Gutierrez Contact nos.: (632) 9489999; (6349) 530-9999 E-mail: a-reyes@mitsubishi-motors.com.ph rd-cruz@mitsubishi-motors.com.ph n-gutierrez@mitsubishi-motors.com.ph

VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 13

14NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

House leaders asked: Protect pregnant women

Q

KIDS’ FAVORITE. Opened to the public in December last year, this fun park inside the Peoples Park in Davao City has become a top attraction among children. Photo taken on March 6, 2018. Mindanews Photo

Subsidy scheme for TRAIN part of 2018 budget - DBM T he new subsidy scheme recently ordered for distribution to workers and poor families who are directly affected by the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law has been incorporated already in the 2018 national budget.

The same goes also to public utility drivers – the

jeepney and public bus drivers – who stood to be

affected by the modernization program of public utility vehicles.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno has announced this as early as January in a huddle with reporters in Manila and said the move was intended to offset the short-term price effects of the Train Law.

This week the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Labor has announced the implementation of the additional subsidy.

“First, we have set aside P24.5 billion for the unconditional cash grants of P200

SUBSIDY,P10

UEZON CITY, March 8 – After a year that the Expanded Maternity Leave Bill was passed in the Senate, the women labor leaders yesterday strongly call on the members of the House of Representatives to act swiftly on it.

“House Bill 4113 or the Expanded Maternity Bill has been subjected to comprehensive debates in the last four years,” laments Shirley Yorong, IndustriALL Women – Philippines.

“There are already many discussions that highlighted the merits of the bill, its economic viability and the urgency for its passage”, she added.

“We call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to give us this important piece of legislation as a gift today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day”, said Yorong.

“They should already pass it on third and �inal reading so that it can already move on to Bicam”.

The bill’s counterpart in the Senate was passed in March 2017. President Rodrigo Duterte has likewise publicly expressed support to the proposed measure.

But the House of Representatives was saddled with too much concerns to pass their counterpart measure.

Fortunately, a new Chairperson of the House Committee on Women & Gender Equality was designated recently. “Chairper-

son Bernadette Herrera-Dy is encouraging,” said IndustriALL. “She acted swiftly, did her homework and revived the momentum for the Expanded Maternity Leave Bill which got stuck on second reading since 2017”.

The Philippines has always struggled to legislate laws and policies for world class ef�iciency and global competitiveness. Ironically, our existing maternity leave of 60 days for normal delivery and 78 days for delivery by caesarean section do not comply with ILO Convention 183 or Maternity Protection Convention.

The Philippines also has the lowest number of maternity leave days in Asia, i.e. 98 days, 105, 112 & 180 days for Myanmar, Laos, Singapore and Vietnam, respectively. Malaysia had the most recent adjustment to 90 days, the same level with Indonesia.

Similarly, the Philippines failed to deliver its MDG commitment to reduce maternal deaths to 52 per 100,000 live births in 2015. Data for that period showed 204 mothers die during pregnancy and childbirth or shortly after childbirth per 100,000 live births. Inadequate progress has been made on maternal death and infant death targets despite sustained economic growth. Legislating expanded maternity leave is

HOUSE,P10

VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

Southwoods zooms ahead

B

ACOLOD – Despite its top gun jamming in the back nine, Manila Southwoods yesterday still had too much in its arsenal and opened up a 12-point lead after the first round of the 71st PAL Interclub Regular Men’s Championship at the Marapara layout here.

Taisei Shimizu of Japan took over the spearhead’s role when his fancied countryman Yuto Katsuragawa couldn’t get going, shooting an eagle-spiked three-under-par 68 worth 38 points as Southwoods tallied 140 and threatened to complete its date with history in blowout fashion.

“That was actually our target, to shoot 140, which I knew would give us the lead,” Southwoods’ non-playing skipper Thirdy Escano said after Shimizu completed a routine par 5 on the 600-yard 18th.

Chepe Dulay birdied the closing hole for a 37, the veteran Jun Jun Plana accounted for 34 and Jama Reyes’ 31 counted as the last score for Southwoods after Katsuragawa bogeyed his last �ive holes and threw away an otherwise good

round for a 30.

“We really weren’t mindful of what the other teams were scoring,” Escano added. “I just asked the players for a 140 and they gave me that. We have the same target (in the second round tomorrow) and we’ll see where that takes us.”

Southwoods is seeking to become the �irst team to win this event three straight years, and the Carmona-based squad’s overpowering opening round performance even with Katsuragawa not counting has certainly given Escano’s players even more con�idence.

It was surprising enough that Katsuragawa �inished on a limp, but also unexpected was Luisita emerging as the chief threat after Canlubang’s �irst round team struggled big

time t o trail by 21 in third spot.

Leandro Bagtas scored a level 36, Dan Cruz and Rodel Mangulabnan accounted for 31 each and Don Petil �ired 30 for Luisita, which has also started a grassroots program to be able to contend in this division in the years to come.

The Sugar Barons couldn’t do better than assemble a 119 af-

ter their own anchor, many-time national champion Rupert Zaragosa, struggled to post 29.

Lester Lagman had 31 points and Gido Mandanas 30 to make for the bulk of the Canlubang score.

Action shifts to Binitin in Murcia town for the next two rounds starting today, and Escano bared that at least four of the �ive players that didn’t open hostilities are set to suit up.

“We have a game plan and there’s no use veering away from that,” he said. “It’s their (second team’s) turn to give us 140 (points).”

Former junior world champ Kristoffer Arevalo and veteran in-

SOUTHWOODS,P11 TOP GUN. Rupert Zaragosa of Canlubang hits his tee shot in the opening round on Thursday at the Bacolod City Golf and Country Club. The son of a Dabawenyo golf teaching pro leads the campaign for the Sugar Barons in the 71st PAL Regular Men’s Interclub in Bacolod City. Boy Lim

Dipolog tanker bags 3 golds

O

ROQUIETA CITY – Dipolog City’s Leano Vince Dalman topped the boys 12-and-under 100-meter butter�ly stroke event on Thursday, emerging as the �irst triple gold medalist in the Batang Pinoy Games Mindanao regional quali�iers here.

Continuing his winning form after wins in the 100-meter individual medley and 50-meter backstroke on Wednesday, Dalman splashed away to an impressive victorious time of one minutes and 13.50 seconds to remain perfect in his events.

Leaving behind in his wake were Bukidnon’s Anton Rafaele Malayang (1:22.10) and Tawi-Tawi’s Rajul Mustaman (1:24.19), who took the silver and bronze, respectively, at the Misamis Occidental Provincial Athletics Complex pool.

“Masaya po ako kasi hindi po ako nanalo sa Tagum noong nakaraan,” said the Grade 6 Dipolog Pilot Elementary School

student, who washed out in the 2016 Batang Pinoy Nationals held in Tagum, Davao del Norte.

But the young swimmer has shown tremendous improvement since then and was the most outstanding swimmer in the elementary division of the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association meet last December where he swept all of his seven events.

Dalman was eyeing to boost his haul to two more mints in the 100-meter backstroke and 50-meter butter�ly events on Friday in the meet hosted by the Misamis Occidental provincial government led by Gov. Herminia Ramiro.

Other achievers were Zamboanga City archer John Ross de Sosa and athletic bets Febie Joy Moreno and Hazel Arellano, who a picked up their second golds in the grassroots sports showcase organized by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Competing at the Aloran

TRIPLE JUMP CHAMP. Davao del Norte’s Hazel Arellano jumps her way to the gold medal in the girls long jump of the Batang Pinoy Mindanao Regionals held at the Misamis Occidental Provincial Athletics Complex in Oroquieta City.

Elemenary School on the outskirts of the provincial capital, De Sosa topscored with 326 points to rule the boys 60-meter event, adding his second mint to his collection after topping the 30-meter distance (317) the other day.

“I am very happy since

pinaghirapan ko po ito,” said the San Roque National High School Grade 7 student said of his accomplishment in the competition also co-hosted by the Oroquieta City government led

by Mayor Jason Almonte.

“I believe it runs in the

DIPOLOG,P11

RANCHO PALOS VERDES. Team Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club pose before seeing action in the Men’s tournament of the 71st PAL Interclub. (left to right) Vincent Gumapac, EJ Casintahan, Leo Yap, Joseph Ng and Ronald Galicia. Photo by Boy Lim

SARANGANI-GEN. SANTOS. (l to r) Michael Sunglao, Randall Gotan, Jong Ruste, Ramon Munda and Vancouver Tan. Photo by Boy Lim

Rockets extend winning run to 17

M

ILWAUKEE (AP) -The Houston Rockets had trouble at times holding on to the ball and keeping up with the young Milwaukee Bucks.

But as long as the Rockets keep hitting their 3-pointers, they’re pretty hard to beat.

James Harden scored 26 points, Eric Gordon had 18 points and two momentum-swinging 3s in the third quarter, and Houston beat Milwaukee 110-99 on Wednesday night for its 17th straight win.

The Rockets passed the Boston Celtics for the longest winning streak in the NBA this season. Houston hasn’t lost since Jan. 26 at New Orleans. ‘’We �ind ways to win,’’ Harden said. ‘’It’s not going to be the same way every game.’’

The latest victory came on the second of a tough back-to-back stretch of road games that started with a 10-point victory at Oklahoma City. No wonder the Rockets looked sluggish at times against the Bucks.

And yet the Rockets still led by 10 for most of the fourth quarter until a late surge by the Bucks sliced the lead to 104-99 with 1:06 left on rookie Sterling Brown’s layup.

Chris Paul answered with a short �loater in the

lane with 45 seconds left after driving on Jason Terry to silence Bucks fans who were pleading ‘’Defense!

Defense!’’

Houston obliged after forcing the Bucks to waste 15 seconds on the ensuing inbounds pass and settle for an off-balance 3 that missed. The Rockets led comfortably from there. ‘’There were a few 5050 balls or offensive rebounds that we needed to secure that if we do, it gives us an opportunity to run,’’ Bucks coach Joe Prunty said. ‘’If we run, then maybe we can put them on their heels ... but the ball needs to move.’’

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points. Khris Middleton �inished with 18 points for Milwaukee, while Brown had a career-high 15.

Paul had 16 points and 11 assists for the Rockets, who answered every Bucks charge.

Milwaukee used an 11-0 run to get to within 73-69 with 3:25 left on Brown’s corner 3. The Bucks did most of their damage during the spurt around the bucket, with Antetokounmpo leading the way in the post.

The NBA’s most prolific 3-point shooting team countered with another dis-

ROCKETS,P11

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

GOOD START RPV lands 4th, other Davao clubs struggle VOL. 10 ISSUE 242 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 9-10, 2018

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

B

ACOLOD CITY--Taking off from where its Seniors team left, the Rancho Palos Verdes men’s squad was off to a good start in the first day of the 71st Philippine Airlines Interclub Men’s Tournament here.

Playing under torching heat in Marapara’s Negros Occidental GCC, the RPV parbusters got an aggregate 93 points to stay in fourth place overnight in the Aviator Division.

The Cabantian-based swingers were led by youthful EJ Casintahan with 26 points and backed up by Ninot Galicia with 24, Vincent Gumapac with 23 and Leo Yap with 20 points.

RPV won the Sportswriters Division title of the Seniors Interclub last Saturday.

Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club took advantage of its course familiarity with a scorching 105 points to open its campaing on a high note.

The other Davao Clubs in the same division--Apo Golf and Country Club and Davao City Golf and Country Club--were mired a few notches lower. Apo ranked ninth with 75 while Davao City Golf is at 8th with 74.

Over at Binitin’s treacherous Bacolod Golf and Country Club, the Lanang boys pooled together 71 points in a tie with fellow Mindanao entry Iligan Golf and Country Club at sixth.

Mark Villorente had team-best 19 points in the PAL scoring system for Lanang. He was backed up

by Raymund Salvador and Robert Plana with 18 points each added up with Danny Gotera’s 16 points.

Leading in the Friendship Division is Bay Area Golf Org with 88 points.

This years Platinum sponsors 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 are Boeing, PAGCOR, Belmonte Hotel, Eton Properties and Asia Brewey Inc. Championship: Manila Southwoods (140) Luisita (119) Can-

BLASTING OUT. Apo Golf and Country Club standout Glenn Yap blasts out of a deep greenside bunker during the first round of the 71st Philippine Airlines Men’s Interclub in Bacolod City on Thursday.

Boy Lim

lubang (117) Del Monte (110).

Founders: Tagaytay Higlands 98 Villamore Air Base 101 Forest Hills 63 Pinoy Vancouver 60 Manila GCC 59 The Orchard 51 Cebu Country 45 Pueblo de Oro 41.

Sportswriter: Guinahalaran 89 Mactan 88 Tagaytay Midlands 86 Melbourne 85 Fil Am Fair�ield 82 Club Filipino Inc de Cebu 80 Zamboanga 78 Bacolod 76 Cattle Creek 76 Up Tee Jots 77 Camp Evangelista 71 Fil Am

Hawaii 63 Seattle 60 MSU Marawi 58 Pearl Kai Hawaii 57 PGA British Columbia 52 GTC Riyadh 47 Parbreakers 40 SF Maharlika 34 Iloilo 17.

Friendship: South Cotaba-

GOOD,P10