Edge10 issue 244, March 13, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

UNEASY ON LOCKDOWN. Beach goers form a queue as they wait to board an Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS)-bound motorized boat at a jetty of one of the resorts in the island in Km. 9 Sasa, Davao City on Monday.

Resorts owners in Samal are concern about the 12-hour road lockdown’s effects on their businesses on March 25 to give way to the IronMan 70.3 event. Lean Daval Jr

CUTTING-EDGE

TADECO launches P100-M lab facilities

By JIMMY K. LAKING

T

he Tagum Agricultural Development Company launched on Monday three state-of-the art laboratory facilities that are predicted to help increase banana production in the Davao region in its bid to regain its standing as a major supplier of the commodity in the world market.

“I am not prepared to call these facilities a game changer but it would certainly help large and small banana growers to maximize production,” said Alexander Valoria, president of TADECO. The three facilities, made possible with a P100 Million investment and a

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Dutch government grant, comprised of a pathology (pest and diseases), tissue culture and trichoderma laboratories. Valoria said companies and farmer-growers can avail themselves of the facilities at minimal fees.

He added: “To be able to check on soil nutrient sta-

tus, diagnosis of diseases through conventional and molecular approaches e.g for FW in plants or soil or in water, root health status, active ingredient analysis for formulated products, analysis of fertilizers, etc. quickly and here in Davao del Norte will be a huge advantage for the banana industry. Furthermore, we will be selling tissue cultured planting material that is FW tolerant as well as selling trichoderma packs that we ourselves use extensively and consider integral to our program against FW.” The tissue culture laboratory can produce 300,000

bottles of plantlets under one roof while the trichoderma laboratory was able to produce 3,000 units in 2017.

Dr. Benny M. Corcolon, vice-president for research said the facilities took �ive years to evolve through hard work and research.

“It is with pride to say we have the antidote to fusarium wilt in trichoderma production in addition to the use of fusarium-wilt resistant plant materials,” he said.

The laboratories are the �irst to be accredited by the Bureau of Plant Industry in

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Supplement

The ever growing industry A1

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

GROUND UPDATE. President Rodrigo Duterte is given a briefing by Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Commander Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr. on the various accomplishments of their unit during the President’s visit to troops at the Edwin Andrews Air Base in Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City on Friday. Also in the photo is Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

DOF says Mindanao growth centerpiece

By JUDIE VEGA

F

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said that Mindanao will be the “centerpiece” of the Philippines’ unfolding growth narrative of infrastructure projects to improve economic production and transform the island into a major hub of agriculture and industry.

During the Philippine Economic Brie�ing (PEB) on Friday at the SMX Con-

vention Center in Lanang, Davao City, Dominguez said the country’s infra-

structure projects are designed to enhance economic production, open new irrigated lands for agriculture and make the movement of goods and people easier in Mindanao.

“With Mindanao as the focal point of the Duterte administration’s “Build Build Build” program, Dominguez said at least �ive of the government’s

�lagship infra projects are already approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, which is chaired by President Duterte, are in the South.

These are the: 1) P5.4-billion Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Phase 2 in North Cotabato and

nents from Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) and Task Force Davao and other uniformed personnel in Davao del Norte are helping the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) to in place the security plan to ensure the safety and security of the athletes.

Also, Aportadera said the medical teams including their equipment are ready to give any medical assistance during the day of

the event.

“Kaning security forces, the medical teams, andam na jus as far as Tagum [City], Carmen, [and] Panabo City amo ng gi-sync tanan, centralized ang among operations niana (Our Security Force and Medical Team coming as far as, Tagum City, Town of Carmen and Panabo are already prepared and we syncronized all our operations for that

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Davao safe for Ironman hosting

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

he registration turn-out of the upcoming Alveo Ironman 70.3 here in Davao City is an indicator that the city and the whole Mindanao is secured from security threats.

This was bared by City Sports Division Of�ice head Michael Denton Aportadera.

Aportadera said there around1,800 participants who registered in this qualifying race in the city includ-

ing 38 entries from foreign countries.

“With the numbers who registered, Martial Law is not a problem for them and it also shows that Davao is secure, Mindanao is secure,” he said.

He said the city also broke the record of being the �irst-time host to hit the 1,800 registrants of the presitgious triathlon qualifying event in the world.

The security compo-

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PH brands for marts Worldwide pressed D epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez aims to put Philippine brands in mainstream markets around the world to strengthen Filipino brands in the global mart.

On the sidelines of Malaysia Business Forum Monday, Lopez told reporters that having more Filipino brands in the mainstream market around the world will help promote Philippine-made goods and facilitate companies in gaining brand equity for their products.

“My task to my commercial attaché, not only in Malaysia but around the world, is to have Philippine brands in the mainstream in all parts of the world. So it goes beyond the expo and exhibit,” he said, noting that it will generate more sales for Filipino companies.

He cited that food and beverage brands of Univer-

T

sal Robina Corp., San Miguel Beer, and Petron are strong in Malaysian market.

“We want our commercial attaché to be our focal point, and be the brand ambassadors of our companies in respective countries,” Lopez said in Filipino.

Moreover, to further expand the market for Philippine products, the country’s top trade of�icial said local brands should consider tapping the USD3.2-trillion global halal market.

Some 28 Filipino companies from food, personal care, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries will join the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2018 next month.

“I must say that the Halal industry is an industry where we’re putting much focus on as far as the Philippines is concerned. We are very much lagging in this particular industry. It has a

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ERRATUM

he Philippines, speci�ically Manila, will host the 51st Annual Meeting of the Asia Development Bank on May 3-6, not Davao

as erroneously printed in the title of a front page story of Edge Davao, March 11-12, 2018 edition. Our apologies.

– The Editors.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Davao City declares Datu Bago as hero

By ARMANDO B. FENQUITO JR.

D COOL AS PROS. Young students perform before their parents and teachers during a recital held at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

avao City will now recognize Datu Bago as the hero of the city after an ordinance was passed extolling his greatness in defending the land from Spanish rule.

The City council approved “ An Ordinance Declaring Datu Bago as Hero of Davao City” on second reading.

The ordinance was authored by councilors Pilar Braga, chair of the committee on education, science and technology, and Halila Sudagar chair on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs.

In the draft ordinance, historians and professors such as Macario D. Tiu, Er-

nesto I. Corcino and Dean Damian Mercader Lomocso are all in agreement based on their research made for their books, Datu Bago is a hero whose life as a warrior fought the invading Spaniards and hindered them from conquering Davao.

It said Datu Bago is the Paramount Warrior of Davao who was also called “Bawwangin” by the local tribes and, a brave Kagan Chieftain.

“In 1839, Datu Bago joined by the Bagobo and Kagan tribes, struck his greatest blow against foreign invaders,” the proposed ordinance said.

It stated Datu Bago was

ANILA -- Senators on Monday slammed the statement made by United Nations (UN) High Commissioner on Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein on President Rodrigo R. Duterte saying the remarks were “insulting” and uncalled for.

On Friday, Zeid said Duterte’s earlier actions against some UN of�icials made “one believes that the president of the Philippines needs to submit himself to some sort of psychiatric evaluation.”

In an interview, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said that UN of�icials

are “international bureaucrats, diplomats.”

“Huwag din silang mang-insulto ng personal if they have an issue against specially a country or head of state (They should refrain from making a personal insult if they have an issue against specially a country or head of state),” he said.

“Remember, as far as I know, ang pa-sweldo sa UN of�icials, galing sa contributions ng member nations yan. Then aatakihin mong personal ang head of state ng isang member nation.

It’s a big no-no (Remember,

PCUP bats for ‘clean and green’ urban poor areas M

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Senators slam UN exec for ‘insulting’remarks vs. PRRD

By JIMMY K. LAKING

T

he Presidential Commission on Urban Poor has added environmental protection and solid waste management to its multi tasks in bid to help bring about clean, green, healthy, disaster-resilient, secured and economically progressive urban communities.

“Out of solid waste management, we will advocate organic farming in urban poor communities to help

bring about healthy food,” Atty. Noel Felongco, PCUP chair explained on Saturday in Davao City.

Duterte, SAP Go discuss possible senatorial bid

M

ANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte and his long-time aide Christopher “Bong” Go are now discussing the Special Assistant to the President’s (SAP) potential senatorial bid, Malacanang said Monday.

“Well, I understand, the President has broached it to SAP Go and it’s something that they are discussing between the two of them,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace media brie�ing.

Go’s name as possible senatorial candidate �loated when Duterte, during his speech after leading the destruction of smuggled luxury vehicles last Feb. 6, told Go to use the Senate probe on the Philippine Navy’s frigate deal as a “golden opportunity” to become a senator.

Go has immediately

thumbed down the idea of running for the Senate, saying Duterte has said it “in jest” and that he had dedicated his life to serve Duterte.

Despite Go’s statement, Roque believed that Go will heed the call if Duterte asks him to run.

“He has said that personally he would not run, but if the President asks him to, he will. The position of SAP Go is he will heed whatever the President wishes him to do,” Roque said.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has reportedly said he would persuade Go to join the 12-man senatorial line-up of the administration in the 2019 midterm elections.

Last week, Go said his candidacy is now up to Duterte whom he has been serving for about 30 years now.

(PNA)

Felongco met with urban poor associations to thresh out issues related to land acquisition in Davao City. He also held a meeting with the PCUP-Mindanao staff headed by Ferdinand Iman, chief of operations, to review policies and directions.

He said the PCUP will play an active role in integrated environmental protection and solid waste

management to pave the way for green technologies and urban gardening.

Felongco, a former undersecretary of the Department of Environment, said the PCUP will also work to ensure security of tenure for the country’s various urban poor communities.

“We will go into land banking to ensure that there is available land for

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NOVELTY TOUR. Ata Cultural Village Tour organizers Matt Le Blanc (right) and Bob Ali promote upcoming Ata Tribe Culture Tour, a guided tour by Ata tribe members, scheduled on March 15-18. Le Blanc and Ali also said during this week’s edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw at the

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Annex of SM City Davao that the proceeds of the tour will go to the construction of the tribe’s traditional school and other Ata traditional structures in Paquibato. Lean Daval Jr

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

DOE to remove barriers to rural electrification

D

LINKAGE. Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agricultural Development (MinSAAD) agriculture, agribusiness and agroforestry (AAAD) component manager Alvin Obrique discusses the upcoming Usapang Kalakalan ng DAR-MinSAAD Project set today at the Apo View Hotel in Davao City during Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday.

MinSAAD’s Usapang Kalakalan is the first market opportunities forum intended to assist farmers by preparing them for market engagement and linking their products and services to the appropriate market.

Lean Daval Jr

epartment of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today committed his full support to implement the directive of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to remove the barriers to rural electri�ication.

In a meeting last 6 March with Secretary Cusi and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chair Agnes Devenadera, the President focused on the missionary electri�ication in the unserved areas of the country, and made it clear that he wanted to remove the barriers that are blocking the entry of the private sector to provide better options and more choices for communities.

According to the Energy

NEDA sees coffee and cacao export potential

Volunteer cops told T to watch their back T

he Mindanao Sustainable Agarian and Agruiculture Development will hold a forum intended to assist farmers for market opportunities dubbed as “Usapang Kalakalan ng DAR-MINSAAD Project “on March 13 at the Apo View Hotel, Davao City.

This developed after one volunteer policeman was stabbed by two persons whom he accosted for acting suspiciously in Barangay Daliao, Toril District late Saturday evening.

DCPO spokesperson Sr. Inspector Maria Teresita Gaspan said police volun-

teers have to be cautious because “we don’t know who our enemies are.”

Gaspan surmised that the attackers of Norberto Ferrera, 39, a VPA assigned in the Toril Police Station, were under the in�luence of alcohol or involved in illegal activities. Ferrera is

still recuperating from stab wounds at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

“So they must learn from it and be extra careful as far as applicable,” she added. Based on the reports, Ferrera was driving his motorcycle on his way home to San Vicente, Daliao at around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Upon reaching the junction of the road going to Vales Beach Resort and the barangay main road, the victims saw two unidenti�ied men acting suspicious-

ly and standing beside the road.

As Ferrera did not know both persons, he approached them, hoping to get their identity. But the two immediately attacked him with a knife.

The Toril police is still conducting further investigation to know the identity and arrest the perpetrators.

DCPO has currently 900 volunteer police auxiliary assigned in the twelve police precincts in the city.

De Guzman said Ferrera could have accosted the two

Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Phase 2 in North Cotabato and Maguindanao, which will serve almost 10,000 hectares of land in 56 con�lict-affected areas; the P4.86-billion Panguil Bay Bridge project that will connect Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod, Lanao del Norte, for completion in 2021; the expansion and improvement of the Davao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport Projects worth P40.57-billion and P14.6-billion, respectively, for completion in 2025; and the much-antici-

pated 102-kilometer Mindanao Railway Project Phase 1, Segment 1 worth P35.26 billion that will connect the cities of Tagum in Davao del Norte, Davao City, and Digos in Davao del Sur. He said these projects, approved by the National Economic Development Authorit (NEDA) Board, demonstrate “this administration’s commitment to move Mindanao from the margins to make it a center for agriculture and industry.”

President Rodrigo Duterte, who pushed for these projects, is the country’s

16th President and the �irst Mindanawon to lead the country. The Senate President and House Speaker are also from Mindanao.

Dominguez is one of several Mindanawon Cabinet members.

The �inance chief said the aggressive infrastructure program aims to link isolated communities with the mainstream of growth.

On top of the government’s infrastructure initiatives, Dominguez added the government also signed a deal with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help

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he National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is looking to tap into the huge potential for growth in exports of high-value products especially coffee and cacao, in its efforts to diversify the country’s export products.

NEDA Undersecretary for Planning and Policy Rosemarie Edillon told reporters over the weekend that these products enjoy high demand in international markets.

For cacao, Edillon sees huge potential for exports of premium chocolates, as the country could comply with the single source origin preference of importers.

“The markets are there actually especially with respect to coffee and cacao.

They (buyers) are asking

F

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these from us. Our problem is being able to produce the volume that they need,” she said. ‘ The NEDA of�icial cited Nestle, a food and beverage company which wanted to buy all the coffee the country could produce.

“But we cannot produce the (required) volume. It requires long-term planning because this is a permanent crop. There has to be a clear direction,” Edillon said.

“There has to be convergence with other programs because we need to produce volume for export,” she added.

The government is targeting an 8-percent growth in merchandise exports for 2018, supported by a revival of the agribusiness sector.

(PNA)

Solon says Duterte doing good vs. unemployment

DOF:“Build”projects to transform Mindanao T

ive multi-billion projects in Mindanao under “Build, Build, Build,” a �lagship massive infrastructure program of the government, will transform the island into a center for agriculture and industry, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez said.

Dominguez told the Philippine Economic Briefing at the SMX Convention Center Davao on Friday that Mindanao is “at the front and center” of the government’s infrastructure program.

The approved projects include the P5.4-billion

Secretary, President Duterte emphatically said, “This has to stop!” referring to the hurdles standing in the way of the total electri�ication of the entire country.

The President instructed the DOE and the ERC to initiate bold executive actions to allow the entry of the private sector so that the Filipino consumers can have access to adequate and affordable electricity that will redound to more economic and social bene�its.

“The wisdom of the President is using emerging technologies targeting far�lung barangays which have had no power. The DOE is fully committed in pursuing his directive,” Cusi concluded. (DOE)

he Duterte administration is makings strides in the effort to address unemployment in the country, House Appropriations Committee Chairman, Davao City Congressman Karlo Nograles said.

Nograles pointed to the results of the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) January 2018 Labor Force Survey (LFS), wherein the unemployment rate fell from 6.6 percent during the same period last year to 5.3 percent.

“The reduction of 1.3 percent can’t be underestimated as it represents thousands of Filipinos who now have the ability to put food on the table,” said Nograles, a key legislative ally of Pres-

ident Rodrigo Duterte.

The lawmaker noted that the January 2018 unemployment rate is even lower than the 5.8 percent posted by the same survey in January 2016, which covered the last full year (2015) of Duterte’s predecessor, Benigno Aquino III. The transition between the Aquino and Duterte administrations took place in mid-2016.

“By this alone, one can argue that the Duterte government had the better remedy for unemployment when left to its own devices. As such we expect the unemployment rate to drop further as this administration plows on toward its

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ECONOMY5

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

Bus operators want inclusion in new Davao transport system T

wo Davao-based bus operators have expressed participation in the city’s High Priority Bus System (HPBS) project, which is now a work in progress with the help of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Davao City planning head Ivan Cortez said the bus operators are already operating in Davao City, but begged off to name the operators.

Cortez said the HPBS is a PHP3.6 billion transport project. The feasibility study conducted by a consultant commissioned by ADB will be submitted to Department of Transportation (DOTr) by the end of the month.

“Once the FS is submitted to the DOTr, it will have time to package everything but not necessarily taking in 100 percent what the consultant has proposed,” he said. In turn, DOTr will submit the feasibility study to the National Economic and Development Authority

(NEDA) Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) by May 2018.

Earlier, Kelly Bird, the ADB country director for the Philippines, said the design of the project will be completed in 12 to 18 months.

The design includes the bus terminals in �ive to six locations, bus stops, bus lighting stations and other related infrastructure.

Cortez also said that under the bus system project, the units will be provided by the private operators who will be accredited to be part of the system. A minimum of three operators and a maximum of six can be accredited. He said it is open for international bidding

BUSY MONTH. SM City Davao marketing manager Pinky Hinong announces the mall’s activities including its Sale in the City scheduled on

BUS,P11 March 12 to 18 and other Araw ng Davao events during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

DENR turns over P9.1 M for agroforestry project

A

total of PhP 9.1 million was recently turned over by the Depart-

ment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENRXI) through a Memorandum

of Agreement to 10 People’s Organizations (POs) in support for the implementation

of its Community-Based Forest Management-Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CBFM-CARP) for 2018.

This project aims for hunger and poverty alleviation as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation of the upland communities in Davao Region.

As stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), DENR will provide the necessary technical services and capacity building/ enhancement to the POs to

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Groups push protection for e-commerce sites shoppers

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on-government consumer and environmental protection groups have raised their voices against the proliferation of adulterated and dangerous products in e-commerce sites stressing online shoppers must be adequately protected.

Through a joint statement issued ahead of the World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) on March 15, Laban Konsyumer, Inc. and the EcoWaste Coalition lamented that shopping online can be hazardous to human health and the environment if effec-

tive controls are not put in place to keep tainted products out of e-commerce sites.

Organized by Consumers International, the annual WCRD provides a platform for raising global awareness on consumer rights and needs. “Making Digital Marketplaces Fairer” is the theme for this year’s celebration.

“The fast growth of digital technologies has allowed consumers to shop online anywhere and anytime. With the ever-present mobile

phones and other e-devices, consumers now have easy access to an extensive range of goods or services with just the touch of a button,” said Atty.

Vic Dimagiba, President, Laban Konsyumer, Inc. “But not all things being sold online are created equal. Just like in of�line shopping, consumers need to be on their guard against adulterated, counterfeit, mislabeled and poor quality products that may pose health and safety risks. The risks are

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Davao hosts organic, natural food expo T o promote Mindanao’s organic and natural food products, the Department of Agriculture (DA) will hold a Mindanowide Organic and Natural Expo or ONE Mindanao on March 1718 at SMX, Davao City.

The event which coincides with Araw ng Davao celebration will feature Mindanao’s organic and natural food products and ingredients, as well as indigenous �ibers and weaves from food producers, processors and entrepreneurs from all over Mindanao.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to grace the opening of the event on March 17.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said ONE Mindanao serves as a prelude to the island-wide organic and natural expo for Visayas in 2019 and Luzon in 2020, designed to raise public awareness about the bene�its and availability of natural and organic products in the market.

“Mindanao, being the country’s second biggest island region, has a lot to offer when it comes to traditional and organic food production.

Through ONE Mindanao, we aim to facilitate trade between the farmers, consumers, and institutional buyers of organic products, among

others,” Piñol said.

“One of our strategies is by highlighting organic agriculture as an ecologically-sound food production practice and organically-grown products as healthy food both for the farmers themselves and the consumers,” he added.

The DA chief said the event will also highlight the national organic agriculture program and the services of DA being the lead implementing agency of the country’s Organic Agriculture Act. It will be open to the public during mall hours.

Among the fresh and processed organic products to be promoted during the three-day exposition are vegetables, fresh fruits, spices and herbs, colored rice, natural sweeteners, local artisan chocolates, and single-origin local coffee. Also to be sold are natural butter and dairy products, and marine and �ishery products caught using sustainable methods.

There will also be a special focus on the rich cultural heritage of the various tribes and indigenous peoples of Mindanao expressed through their natural and traditional �ibers and weaves. It includes Yakan weaves from Zamboanga Peninsula (Basilan), Mindanao silk from Northern

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6 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

Siargao first SS town to ban plastic bags use

S LAUNCHING. Local government and TADECO officials figure in the ribbon-cutting of laboratory facilities to serve the banana industry in the region. The officials are (from left to right) Anflocor President and CEO Alexander N. Valoria, Mayor Leah Marie Moral-Romano of B.E Du-

jali, MBFEA Executive Director Evelyn Magno, Anflocor SVP Ricardo R. Floirendo, Mayor James Gamao of Panabo, PBGEA Executive Director Stephen Antig, Mayor Virginia Perandos of Carmen and Mayor Daniel Batosalem of Sto. Tomas. TADECO PHOTO

ingle-use plastic bags are no longer allowed in this town, the �irst to do so in the entire Surigao del Norte.

The municipal council approved the ban in late February, amid mounting calls from local conservationists.

Eladio Napil, of�icer-in-charge of Pilar Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice explained that plastic is not biodegradable, an eyesore and especially harmful to sensitive marine ecosystems. He said plastic materials are destroying the environment of the town’s coastal areas.

“The town’s goal is to discourage single-use bags and encourage the use of reusable bags,” he said in a telephone interview.

The ban covers plastic bags used in grocery and convenience stores, and

applies to all business entities. The ordinance urges business establishments to provide customers with paper bags, reusable bags or bags made from degradable resin compounds.

The ban, however, does not include food items wrapped in plastic.

Businesses that do not comply with the ban face a �ine, and stiffer penalties for succeeding violations.

“We will �ine them 500 pesos for the �irst offense, 1,000 pesos for the second offense, a �ine and four-six months imprisonment for the third offense including a cancellation of the business permit,” Napil said.

Several residents expressed appreciation for the ban, saying environment is everyone’s priority.

Nathaniel Corbeta, a journalist based here, said the ban has encouraged

Mindanao to get bigger 2 drug group members, budget in 2019 – DOF pusher nabbed in SoCot town More than the 11.45% average share G

M

indanao will get a bigger share of the national budget for 2019, more than the 11.45% average share in the country’s total budget in the past, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said.

Dominguez told the Philippine Economic Briefing at the SMX Convention Center Davao on Friday that the Department of Budget

and Management is expected to complete the draft of the proposed budget for Mindanao by mid-April this year.

“By that time, we will be able to see exactly what the share of Mindanao is going to be. I don’t know the exact number at the moment but certainly it’s going to be high as a percentage of total than what it was in the past,” he said.

Dominguez said Mindanao is at the center of the government’s “Build, Build, Build,” a �ive-year mas-

sive infrastructure initiative worth P8 to P9 trillion that lists down high impact projects that envision to “increase the productive capacity of the economy, create jobs, increase incomes, strengthen the investment climate leading to sustained inclusive growth.”

In a text message on Thursday, Romeo Montene-

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ENERAL SANTOS CITY – Anti-drug operatives arrested two alleged members of an illegal drug group and another suspected pusher in separate raids on Sunday in Sto. Niño town in South Cotabato province.

Valente Cariño, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Region 12 director, said Monday the suspects were arrested during a series of pre-dawn search operations in Barangay Ambalgan, Sto. Niño.

The operations were led

by PDEA-12 personnel and backed by elements from the Police Regional Of�ice 12’s Regional Mobile Force

Battalion, South Cotabato Police Drug Enforcement Unit, South Cotabato Police Mobile Force Company and the Sto. Niño municipal police station.

Armed with search warrants, he said the joint operatives initially stormed two houses at Purok 10X10, owned by suspected pushers Ibrahim Ambalgan alias Mastura Ambalgan, 40, and Alvin Balao, 43.

Seized from Ambalgan’s house was a pack of suspected metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu weighing about 25 grams and valued at around P125,000, he said.

(AMS/PNA)

AMBOANGA CITY -- The Department of Health (DOH) has expressed apprehension cases of measles in the region might continue to increase due to the refusal of several parents to allow their children to be immunized.

Dr. Cheryl Rebollos Sarmiento, DOH regional family health cluster, told the Philippine News Agency the refusal of the parents was caused by the Dengvaxia scare.

Sarmiento said they have recorded 499 cases of measles since January in the entire Region 9.

Of the total, Sarmiento said Zamboanga City registered the highest cases with 257, followed by Zamboanga del Norte, 74; Zamboanga Si-

bugay, 57; Zamboanga del Sur, 56; and, Isabela City, 55.

She disclosed that the recorded four deaths are all from Zamboanga City.

She said many individuals, be they adult or children, could be infected if they are not immunized since measles spread fast from one person to the other.

She disclosed that measles outbreak had been declared in this city and in Isabela City and respond immunization is ongoing.

The respond immunization, which started February 19, is set to end March 23. To be immunized with Measles Rubella vaccine are children aged six to eight months old while children nine months to four years old with Measles, Mumps and Rubbella. (PNA)

alarmed over high DTI mentoring program benefits DOH cases of measles in Region 9 business owners in NorMin Z

C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY—More than a hundred entrepreneurs and aspiring business operators from all over Northern Mindanao have bene�ited from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) program, a DTI of�icial in this region said.

The program, which runs for 12 weeks, was designed to equip micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the right entrepreneurial mindset and basic management skills. It was established in the region in 2016.

“These 12 modules aim to shape MSMEs so they can scale up their businesses, no

matter what �ield, services or products they chose to sell,” said DTI-10 Director Linda Boniao.

The KMME program comprises of trainings on basic accounting, recording, human resource, operation management, among others.

Boniao said the training that the DTI-10 provided under the KMME is “comparable to a Master’s degree.

You are not with the academicians, you are going to be mentored by the businessmen themselves.”

She said all interested entrepreneurs from the region can avail of the 12-week business mentoring program.

“This is the �irst KMME

with no fall-out, which means that no one is wait-listed; all of you will be enrolled in the program for two and half to three months. You are all selected from the different provinces and, together, we will have our grand graduation day,” she told the participants during a recent KMME launch here.

During the launching, two speakers shared their insights on how entrepreneurs can be successful in their respective enterprises.

Dean Lapid, the managing director of Southwest Professionals and an active advocate of Go Negosyo, gave the attendees tips on

how to succeed in their businesses, including the values and characteristics one should have in order to succeed.

Another resource person, Paolo Tibig, explained that entrepreneurs should be versatile and be willing to do whatever it takes for their businesses.

Last year, DTI-10 conducted seven KMME launchings in Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Misamis Occidental. Of the 1,445 KMME launch attendees, 154 MSMEs were able to proceed to the 11-week series of mentoring and coaching. (Jigger J. Jerusalem/PNA)

7 PROPERTY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

Aeon Towers: a high-value investment

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

T

he naked fact is that people buy into a property for their value.

Given that practically every piece of real estate project in the market promises distinct features and advantages, it still boils down to the value one gets in the long haul.

Really, that makes sense.

The naked fact is that future homeowners and investors are buying into residential condominiums of the 33-level Aeon Towers project of FTC Group of Companies for its high-yield investment and value.

Interest in the Aeon Towers property have generated s The naked fact is that people buy into a property for their value. Given that practically every piece of real estate project in the market promises distinct features and advantages, it still boils down to the value one gets in the long haul.

Really, that makes sense.

The naked fact is that future homeowners and investors are buying into residential condominiums of the 33-level Aeon Towers project of FTC Group of Companies for its high-yield investment and value.

Interest in the Aeon Towers property have generated sales from domestic as well as foreign clients and OFWs who view the project as either a high-yield investment or valuable property asset.

Now, we’re really making sense here.

Trends will bear out the fact. Ask FTC Group of Companies president and CEO Ian Y. Cruz and he will readily bare to everyone that many of Aeon Towers’ clients are interested in the high yields they can get for owning a part of the much-anticipated project.

“They’re looking at putting their money down here and just sit on the property and enjoy high yield for

the asset,” he said.

A considerable number of units in the Aeon Towers project are owned by overseas-based clients.

“They’re looking to get higher returns on their money. That’s an interesting trend for us in the real estate development business,” he said.

While foreigners are not allowed to own land in the Philippines, they can own condominium units subject to conditions of the Condominium Act. Cruz said he sees healthy demand in Davao’s real estate market.

Aeon Towers is the initial venture of the �ledgling Davao-based real estate development �irm. Despite being new in the market, FTC Group of Companies have sold out almost all of the units in the prime real estate building located along J.P. Laurel Avenue where most of Davao’s prime condominium properties are located.

According to Cruz, a strong growth in the economy means healthy demand for the real estate market.

According to experts in the real estate business, where there is a strong economic growth, the real estate market is also on the upswing.

It also helps that the Philippines currently has a stable interest rate.

There is also a sizeable market from young families or the so-called baby boomers.

Experts say that when there is an af�luent economy, young people move out of the family home earlier, creating more demand for the housing market.

This is partly the reason why young families, along with OFWs, are emerging as the top buyers of condominium units. ales from

domestic as well as foreign clients and OFWs who view the project as either a highyield investment or valuable property asset.

Now, we’re really making sense here.

Trends will bear out the fact. Ask FTC Group of Companies president and CEO Ian Y. Cruz and he will readily bare to everyone that many of Aeon Towers’ clients are interested in the high yields they can get for owning a part of the much-anticipated project.

“They’re looking at putting their money down here and just sit on the property and enjoy high yield for the asset,” he said.

A considerable number of units in the Aeon Towers project are owned by overseas-based clients.

“They’re looking to get higher returns on their money. That’s an interesting trend for us in the real estate development business,” he said.

While foreigners are not allowed to own land in the Philippines, they can own condominium units subject to conditions of the Condominium Act. Cruz said he sees healthy demand in Davao’s real estate market.

Aeon Towers is the initial venture of the �ledgling Davao-based real estate development �irm. Despite being new in the market, FTC Group of Companies have sold out almost all of the units in the prime real estate building located along J.P. Laurel Avenue where most of Davao’s prime condominium properties are located.

According to Cruz, a strong growth in the economy means healthy demand for the real estate market.

According to experts in the real estate business, where there is a strong

economic growth, the real estate market is also on the upswing.

It also helps that the Philippines currently has a stable interest rate.

There is also a sizeable market from young families

or the so-called baby boomers.

Experts say that when there is an af�luent economy, young people move out of the family home earlier, creating more demand for the housing market.

This is partly the reason why young families, along with OFWs, are emerging as the top buyers of condominium units.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

EDITORIAL

E

Sereno at the crossroads

mbattled Supreme Court Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno appears to be in a losing end of the battle. Her colleagues want her out in order to save the judiciary from the controversy.

Facing impeachment and the pressure from her peers to resign, Sereno, however has remained adamant and seemingly unshakeable in her resolve to keep her post. It’s self preservation vis a vis the integrity of the entire judiciary. And in this particular battle, Sereno stubbornly stayed on course to �ight for her position against the odds.

The Philippine Judges Association (PJA) and various employees organizations in the judiciary have issued a joint statement urging her to resign to save the judiciary from “disrepute that affects the honor and integrity of justices, judges,

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and court employees.”

The statement was jointly issued by the PJA along with the Supreme Court Assembly of Lawyer Employees (SCALE), Philippine Association of Court Employees (PACE), the Supreme Court Employees Association (SCEA), and the Sandiganbayan Employees Association (SBEA).

The judges and court employees believe that the Sereno controversy has caused division in the judiciary and embarassment to the ranks.

Whether Sereno �ight it out to the end or succumb to the pressure of her peers remains to be seen. But at this juncture, there is no rhyme and reasson for the beleaguered chief justice to cling on to a position that is already besmirched of its integrity only she herself can cleanse by way of an honorable, voluntary exit.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

the national association of newspapers

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

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244• TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Why we need to get tough on Boracay (part 1)

W

hy we need to get tough on Boracay (part 1) I have been to Boracay countless times and in the same way, have heard countless stories about how it was before all the tourists came. About how pristine and simple things were, how clean and invigorating.

The continuous bombardment of promotion to get tourists to go to Boracay have created a lot of wealth for migrant entrepreneurs who set up hotels and establishments, and have employed thousands not just from Aklan Province but from many other areas.

Decades of sustained

T

he inertia the PNoy status quo has created for the last six years prior to the incumbent administration has negatively impacted on the pyscho-social and political mindset of the citizenry.

Inertia, according to Webster, is the tendency of matter to remain at rest (or continue in a �ixed direction) unless acted on by an outside force; disinclination to act.

Little did we know that this inertia has developed into a curse, a scourge that has engulfed the whole country into a nation of tamed and domesticated people much like the Indios of four centuries hence.

In the ensuing years after a well-scripted clapping of hands greeted his �irst of six SONAs, earning hosannas when he called us out: “Kayo ang boss ko,” our heads swelled with pride – though somewhat �litting - because he etched an image in the public mind that he of the Yellow Party was the knight in shining armor, rescuing us from

campaigns to lure tourists to the island have created a city out of the Barangays that makeup the island.

Nowadays many people no longer go there for the same reasons. It’s not just the sea and sand, it is the resort amenities and the parties, the friends and the nightlife. Go there on a long weekend and preparre yourself for the in�lux of tens of thousands, traf�ic on narrow streets and the heat, not just from the sun, but from everyone elses bodies.

This in�lux has also created two worlds in the province of Aklan: the af�luent, heady side of Malay and the relatively laid back the clutches of the infamous regime that he succeeded and whose leader he caused to be jailed for almost six years.

This impression he nurtured like a countrywide slogan to pinpoint the blame to his predecessor as conveniently as he could every time a snafu arises. He cultivated a cult and successfully reined in the mainstream media in Imperial Manila, enabling him to hide and sweep under the rug the corrupt practices now slowly but surely surfacing.

Despite the embarrassing dilemma and scandal the Luneta hostage crisis created on his �irst few months in of�ice, the man and his cohorts double-timed to cover up his tracks.

He was called a laid back, happy-go-lucky swivel chair Chief Executive, preferring to tinker with the latest of his PS gadgets and chained smoke during informal meetings and get together with some of his closest aides.

His men trumpeted his Private-Public Part-

MY TWO CENTS’ John Carlo B. Tria life and quiet everywhere else in the province. Take a road trip from Boracay to Kalibo to see why.

While it’s a good thing

Inertia

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba nerships and rescinded big-ticket projects already signed by the past regime because these, he alleged in big screaming media headlines, were tainted with corruption and bribery.

Six years of his administration impoverished the millions of rural folks as they grappled with unemployment, poverty and shabu – the poor man’s cocaine -the illegal drugs trade which �lourished under his very nose because even high-ranking police of�icers, governors and mayors and mostly barangay of�icials were

to develop tourist products, it is also vital to see whether this tourism has helped strengthen the local economy and livelihoods of locals, rather then simply being a lucrative business for outsiders.

These questions are worth asking: Have the tourist revenues over the last decade built better roads, food terminals and other infrastructure to make business more competitive and sustainable? Has the development spread beyond the island?

Apparently, the in�lux of tourists has already threatened the one pride that has lured them all: the water and the seashore.

Threats to the ecosystem are heightened by the untreated wastewater still discharged into the sea despite the presence of wastewater treatment plants, because it is feared that many will avoid coursing their wastewater through this treatment fearing the additional costs of treatment.

Nonetheless, the same people fear that what happened in that island will happen to other destinations like Caramoan, Samal, Siargao, Camiguin and Siquijor.

Next: the hope for Boracay for comments: facebook.com/johntriapage

secretly in cahoots with drug lords.

But the cover-up was so smooth that even the illicit romantic trysts of a justice secretary escaped his presidential vision to the effect that shabu addiction virtually sewed up and skewered millions of innocent youths literally from Batanes to Sulu.

Thus, as soon as the newly-installed Duterte government seriously �lexed its muscles against drug lords and its network of pushers, the 2,190 days of inertia was ominously disturbed and, like rats escaping from a sinking ship, the evil forces that used to reign scooted and skedaddled in disparate directions.

Just nearly two years of Digong’s presidency, the disbelief among the lower layers of Philippine society about his ability to rule and reign has dissipated. His trust ratings have been the highest among all presidents of the republic.

Thurgood Marshall, the �irst African American justice appointed by Lyndon Johnson to the

US Supreme Court, said: “The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis.”

This quotation is relatable to the present circumstances in our country.

Duterte, while expressing his utter disgust over the proliferation of illegal drugs trade, crime and corruption and displaying prompt executive action, has shown that his government is one which offers a compassionate hand to the poor and the helpless.

The prompt repatriation and homecoming of thousands of OFWs displaced in Kuwait and other Middle East countries is the antithesis of inertia that has hounded this country for the full six years of the previous corruptible administration.

Inertia? Never again!

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) ”For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018 Dominguez also said that the ongoing project is the Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network, which involves the construction or improvement of 2,567 kilometers of roads across Northern Mindanao, Davao, SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotaboto-Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Saranggani-General Santos City) and the CARAGA regions with a allotted project cost of P98.15 billion which is scheduled for completion in 2019 that will link farms to markets across these regions. , Dominguez said.

“All of these ventures in Mindanao are among the P8

trillion-worth of infra projects that the government aims to implement on the Duterte watch,” he said.

He added that the Duterte administration expects to invest P8 trillion in new infrastructures. This will stimulate our economic growth in the short term and support the development of a competitive economy over the longer term,” Dominguez said.

“The end goal of the Duterte administration’s development efforts for Mindanao and the rest of the country is to bring down poverty incidence to just 14 percent by 2022,” Dominguez said.

event),” he said.

He said the emergency team of Philippine Coast Guard and Centrall 911 are also deployed in the water stage in case of possible drowning incident.

In the past Ironman events in the Philippines, there are deaths always recorded on the water stage.

Aportadera said the city and the organizing team Sunrise Events are now more than 80 percent ready for the big event in the city.

He said on the city’s hosting, the diverse but rich culture of the 11 tribes in the city.

“Ang amoang focus is more on the tribal aspect of the city,” he said.

Aportadera said not only the city will be showcased in this event but also the other neighboring cities and mu-

nicipalities such as Panabo City, Tagum City and Carmen.

The participants will enjoy racing through Davao’s fusion of nature and urban infrastructure.

The race begins with a one-loop swim at the beautiful property development of Azuela Cove where they will go back for their �irst transition.

Athletes will take their exit to the main highway to start the 90km bike course.

The fast, single loop bike course heads all the way to the turnaround point at Tagum City.

Participants will then head back to Azuela Cove for the second transition. They exit out to the �lat roads of J.P. Laurel Avenue towards the commercial district of Davao to complete the two-loop 21.1km run.

potential worldwide as well as in the Philippines. It’s not just focused on the products but also on the service sector like Halal-certi�ied resorts

and restaurants,” Lopez said.

He said the DTI is promoting Halal certi�ication for Philippine products and services.

our informal settlers who are without land and shelter,” he said.

He said the communities will also be consulted in what of type of structure they would prefer based on the land area.

We shall encourage them to go into livelihood activities that would provide them income, to include livestock raising.

Over-all, he said the PCUP will focus on policy advocacy, coordination with national agencies, close monitoring, program implementation and legal assistance.

“Finally, we have incorporated federalism as one of our advocacies since it is a major thrust of the Duterte administration,” he said.

He said the PCUP is also committed to ensuring that there will be no demolition in informal settler communities without consultation and without relocation.

The Davao City Council has sought to provide housing for total of 59,000 households in compliance with its Comprehensive Urban Shelter and and Services Development Code of 2007. (JKL)

as far as I know, the salaries of UN of�icials come from contributions of member nations then you make a personal attack against the head of state of a member nation. It’s a big no-no),” Pimentel stressed.

He added that Zeid, like all other of�icials who have long been in the UN, knows about this and should review his policies.

“Ang tagal na nila sa United Nations. Hindi ka naman aakyat ng hindi matagal (They have been with the United

Nations for a long time. You won’t be promoted if you’re new). He should review his policies, his personal policies.

Baka nawalan na siya ng patience na dapat sa isang UN of�icial (Maybe he has lost his patience that a UN of�icial should possess),” Pimentel said.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said that as a Filipino, he does not want to see the Philippine President being insulted and on a personal level at that. (PNA)

DAVAO... FROM 2

FRUIT BATS HOUR. Norma Monfort talks about Monfort Bat Cave’s Earth Hour 2018 activities which will highlight its million resident fruit bats during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

CUTTING-EDGE... FROM 1

Mindanao.

Valoria said that because of the technologies, Tadeco produced a record 35.99 million boxes in 2017 or an average yield of 5,400 boxes per hectares.

Panabo mayor James Gamao said the laboratories would be a big boost to small growers in improving their production. Aside from Gamao, Mayors Daniel Batosalem, Jr, Virginia Perandos and Lean Moral-Romano of the towns of Sto. Tomas, Carmen and Dujali, respectively were also appreciative of the opening up of the facilities to

the industry.

Valoria added: “We want only the best for our agricultural crops, thus with our latest and modern laboratory facilities, we can offer prompt and credible laboratory analysis and assessment. Before, it would cost us much and would take months before we can verify that our plants were infected with Fusarium wilt. But now, it will take us an hour to identify the disease and we can immediately isolate and rehabilitate our infected areas. That is what we also want to share with you.”

Wack Wack 450, Cebu 448, The Orchard 440, Tagaytay Highlands 433, Riviera 425, Valley Golf CC 422, Southern California Redhawks 381, Pueblo de Oro 381, akabang 374, Manila 355, Camp Aguinaldo 333, Summit Point 317, Pinoy Vancouver 169 Aviator : Negros Occidental 441, Sta Elena 400, Sherwood Hills 392, Rancho Palos Verdes 383, Sarangani-Gensan 368, Stanford 368, Alta Vista 365, Lumbia 362, Eagle Ridge 356, Apo 355, Davao City 333, Camp John Hay 288, Greenhills West 240, Moffet Field 164, Yokohama Eagles 157 Sportswriter : Mactan Island 389, Guinhalaran 372, Bacolod 355, Club Filipino de Cebu 355, Iloilo 338, Zamboanga 333, Tagaytay Midlands 332, UP tee Jots 325, Fil-Am

Hawaii 310, Fil-Am Fair�ield 306, PGA British Columbia 285, Cattle Creek 277, Seattle 277, Melbourne Pinoy 260, Camp Evangelista 252, Green Tee Club of Riyadh 250, MSU Marawi 234, SF Maharlika 232, Pearl Kai Hawaii 219, Parbreakers Golf Assoc of British Columbia 173 Friendship : South Cotabato 309, Filipino Golfers Assoc Kuwait 306, Bay Golf 306, San Juanico 276, Van City 272, Pittsburg 269, New Zealand Black Tee 268, Lanang 263, SF Crystal Springs 258, Figme Dubai 252, Iligan 243, Baguio 235, Skywest 233, Silicon Valley 222, Mabuhay Golf SFO 215, Mt Malindang 209, Fil Oz Sydney 193, Figme UAE 186, Cotabato 152, Greater Vancouver 104, Filipino Golfers Assoc Kuwait 97

Davao and other uniformed personnel in Davao del Norte are helping the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) to in place the security plan to ensure the safety and security of the athletes.

Also, Aportadera said the medical teams including their equipment are ready to

give any medical assistance during the day of the event.

“Kaning security forces, the medical teams, andam na just as far as Tagum [City], Carmen, [and] Panabo City amo ng gi-sync tanan, centralized ang among operations niana (Our Security Force and Medical Team coming as far as, Tagum City,

TOUGH... FROM 16

1,800... FROM 16

Town of Carmen and Panabo are already prepared and we syncronized all our operations for that event),” he said.

He said the emergency team of Philippine Coast Guard and Centrall 911 are also deployed in the water stage in case of possible drowning incident.

In the past Ironman events in the Philippines, tragic events led to deaths in the water stage.

Aportadera said the city and the organizing team Sunrise Events are now more than 80 percent ready for the big event in the city.

He said on the city’s hosting, the diverse but rich culture of the 11 tribes in the city.

“Ang amoang focus is more on the tribal aspect of the city,” he said.

Aportadera said not only the city will be showcased in this event but also the other

neighboring cities and municipalities such as Panabo City, Tagum City and Carmen.

The participants will enjoy racing through Davao’s fusion of nature and urban infrastructure.

The race begins with a one-loop swim at the beautiful property development of Azuela Cove where they will go back for their �irst transition.

Athletes will take their exit to the main highway to start the 90km bike course.

The fast, single loop bike course heads all the way to the turnaround point at Tagum City.

Participants will then head back to Azuela Cove for the second transition. They exit out to the �lat roads of J.P. Laurel Avenue towards the commercial district of Davao to complete the two-loop 21.1km run.

Maguindanao, which is expected to service almost 10,000 hectares of land in 56 con�lict-affected areas; 2) P4.86-billion Panguil Bay Bridge project that will connect Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod, Lanao del Norte, for completion in 2021; 3) expansion and improvement projects in Davao International Airport and 4) Laguindingan Airport worth P40.57-billion and P14.6-billion, respectively, for completion in 2025; and 5) 102-kilometer Mindanao Railway Project Phase 1, Segment 1 worth 35.26 billion pesos that will connect Tagum, Davao City and Digos.

“The centerpiece of our growth story will be the island of Mindanao. Long neglected by the centers of political and economic power, the island hosted many years of festering con�licts and failed local governance,” Dominguez said during his Opening Statement at the Philippine Economic Brie�ing Philippine Economic Brie�ing (PEB) held at the SMX Con-

vention Center here.

Beginning this year, he said, the government will seek to reverse such neglect by making Mindanao “the spear point of our rapid economic growth.”

“It has the headroom, the talent, and the natural resources to perform that role,” he added.

He said that alongside these projects already approved by the NEDA Board, the government is also set to complete several big-ticket infra projects in Mindanao Dominguez said that the Davao City Coastal Road is included , which is an 18.5-kilometer public works project that will help relieve traf�ic congestion in Davao City and a P19.8 billion allotted to the construction of the road project began last year and will be completed in 2022, Dominguez said.

All of these ventures in Mindanao are among the P8 trillion-worth of infra projects that the government aims to implement on the Duterte watch, he said.

DOF... FROM 2

PH... FROM 2

PCUP... FROM 3

SENATORS... FROM 3

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

EDGEDAVAO SUPPLEMENT

The ever growing industry

By LESLIE L. FRANCISCO The tragedy that hit the business process outsourcing company Research Now SSI last December may have stymied the growth of the entire information technology-business process management (ICT-BPM) industry, but the slowdown will not be for long.

Industry stakeholders believe that it will continue to grow that, in the next few years, it will become a big contributor to the economic growth of the region.

The projection is that by 2023, the sector will contribute about P12 billion to the region, or an increase of P4 billion from its present contribution, said lawyer Samuel Matunog, Information Communication Technology-Davao president.

Matunog said that with this projected contribution from the industry,

the region will be able to achieve its target of 11.5% growth in 2022 because all other sectors are expected to do well, too.

“We commit to work harder everyday,” said Matunog, whose company Segworks has developed digital solutions for hospitals and other similar industries.

MAIN INDICATORS The growth is very evident because just about two months after its operations were shut down due to the tragedy that saw 37 of its employees dead due to fire that hit the New

City Commercial Center Mall in Matina, Research Now SSI announced it would need another 600 employees for its operations.

The company said that aside from ensuring that their employees who perished in the tragedy were supported, it has also been into recruitment for its operations.

Another indication that the industry is growing is that most new buildings have applied for accreditation from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to be-

come certified information and communication technology building.

Raphil Saguan, Prime Philippines associate for capital markets and investments, said that new buildings have been tailored fit for operations of these company because “the city has been a hotspot for the industry.”

Saguan added that these buildings have also become among the busiest in terms of activities.

SKILLS UPGRADING In order to prepare the industry for the intensity of the operations of companies that are into ICT-BPM, Belinda Torres, industry representative to the Davao City Chamber

of Commerce and Industry, human resources must be prepared.

Torres, who runs the Jobs E-Solutions Inc., said the industry has submitted to the government the plan that will provide training for those intending to become industry employees as the industry has absorbed about 40,000 workers and that the number is increasing.

“We have come up with a strategy (for the skills upgrading of new graduates as well as those that have been working) so that we will able to address the industry need,” she added.

Even the national industry stakeholders have taken notice of the

achievement of the city, the top next wave city of the industry, in luring more businesses.

Benedict C. Hernandez, board chair of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines, took note of the city’s evolution from just a recruitment area 10 years ago to what it has become as top haven of industry players.

“Before we would only come here to recruit, now most of the members of the association have expansion of operations in the city,” Hernandez added.

Truly, the growth of the industry may have suffered some bumps, but the acceleration has continued to go up.

EDGEDAVAO

A2

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

Restoring ‘Little Tokyo’

By ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA

Researchers are almost one in mind that the term ‘Davao-kuo’, in reference to Mintal, an outlying district west of Davao City, means ‘Little Japan’ or, in some instances, ‘Little Tokyo.’

The label is actually a takeoff from Manchukuo or Manzhouguo, which means ‘state of Manchuria’ in Japanese. Following this simplistic argument, Davao-kuo should be translated as “the state of Davao.”

Oral tradition says Mintal, embellished by local historians as part of a cultural and historical heritage, is a corruption of the name of Intal, a Bagobo datu who reportedly died in 1889, and Mishiro, a Japanese leader.

Who is Mishiro in the territory once dominated by Japanese capitalist K.S. Ohta, nobody knows. There is not even a definitive story about the chieftain.

Interestingly, long before Japanese investment arrived in Mintal, the place was already known by its present name. The appellation comes from a sweet potato variety known as Mintal, a popular staple among the natives. Its popularity was equated with Georgia yello

yam, New Jersey, and Momungan.

Great Japanese center Agriculture in Davao was so vibrant in the first two decades of American rule that by 1918 there were already one hundred twenty-seven existing corporations, divided as follows: 82 were Japanese; 20 Americans, and 19 Filipinos.

This was 58 companies more than the previous year. The largest abaca establishments then were found in Talomo and Mintal, both operated by the Ohta Development Company.

Mintal’s appellation as ‘Little Tokyo’ was not without basis. By 1919-20, the Ohta company, which had three million hills of hemp by 1926, had already mounted an irrigation system that included three miles of main canals and 70 miles of laterals. To address its export activities, a dock and baling station were built at Talomo. There was a large

Davao Japanese Association building hospital made from light materials at Mintal, dubbed as “a great Japanese center,” complete with electricity produced from a small hydroelectric plant, which also produced ice for the plantations.

Due to the growth of migrant populace in the area to both Japanese and Filipino laborers, health concerns started to manifest as primary issues. A 1920 report provides a general picture of the health condition of the place:

“Sporadic cases of amoebic dysentery were recorded in Mintal, municipal district of Guianga. The infection was traced to the water supply. At the end of the year a total of 96 cases with 16 deaths were registered. Tuberculosis was found to be quite prevalent among the new immigrant laborers… The construction of a sanatorium or preventorium is imperative… Six thousand twenty-nine anti-smallpox vaccinations were performed

without health officers having had to resort to the court. The percentage of takes from the use of dried vaccine was found to be lower than from the use of ordinary vaccine…

An active campaign against the local unlicensed midwives [hilot] was instituted, and as a result practically all the deliveries during the year were attended by physicians and nurses. Garbage is being collected regularly and disposed of by burning it in a large pit. The construction

of a crematory is now under project.”

In later years, a stronger campaign to rid the areas in Mintal, Daliao, Talomo, and Inawayan of malaria-carrying mosquitoes was launched. There were instances, though, when cases of varicella were recorded in Guianga but were quarantined and those who contracted it were inoculated with anti-smallpox vaccines. To keep houses safe from the contagion, disinfection was also performed.

‘Independent state’ In prewar times, there were observations the developments occurring in Davao were signs the Japanese were covertly transforming the city into a Japanese colony. Two of the factors that support this claim are the thriving socio-economic clout and the demographic growth of a migrant population, which the authorities thought were alarming.

William H. Anderson, a businessman who stayed in the country for four decades, wrote that in contrast to American policy in the archipelago, which was a “hodgepodge of missionary ardor, altruistic motives, irresolute nationalism and corroding paternalism,” he was

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RESTORING A2 forthright in saying the “Japanese in Davao are running a practically independent state.’

Unlike the Chinese who were intensely focused in building businesses, like cornering harvests of small abaca farms and using pre-harvest loans to oblige peasants to sell their farm produce to them, the Japanese took a more proactive agenda such as using their plantations as lucrative source of income back home and using the influence of Japanese investors in the local hemp industry in inspiring new interests that expanded Japanese control of the local economy.

With the demand for new and diverse amenities from the growing Japanese migrant population which was increasing by the year, it was inevitable to see in Davao the opening of brothels, temples, schools, medical institutions, shops, and other establishments exclusively catering to Japanese whims.

‘Kayaruki-san’ Outside the Japanese women who offered their services to American soldiers in naval stations and military outposts, the karayuki-san (originally, the Japanese migrant workers in China) were prostitutes hired and destined for brothels in many parts of the country, catering mainly to Japanese men. One account cited an incident in Davao in 1919 where a Japanese woman was paid for a night of service by her customer for a princely sum of thirty pesos, the equivalent of a month’s pay of a laborer in an abaca plantation.

Brothels in Davao serviced by imported Japanese karayuki-san started to show up in 1910, providing comfort almost exclusively to Japanese laborers in hemp plantations. In less than a decade, the brothel business flourished that by 1917 there were already 10 prostitution houses in town. A report

included in the Taft Papers showed that during the decade Davao was home to 361 Japanese, including 10 who were classified as karayuki.

Efforts by migrants, notably the Davao Japanese Association, to eradicate prostitution did not prosper for fear this would only encourage violence from criminal elements, like the present-day Yakuza, which were supportive of the trade.

On the other hand, the brothels were viewed as part of the plantation economy of Davao. Petitions were sent to the Manila consulate but were not acted upon for fear of financial repercussion if the brothels were removed. Even the colonial administrators did not act on the pleas.

Frank W. Carpenter, governor of Mindanao and Sulu, cited three reasons for not acting on the appeals.

First, the huge migrant Japanese population would oppose such move and may, at their own initiative, even provide shelter and hiding place for the karayuki-san. Second, the absence of Japanese whores to cater to plantation workers might

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result in the prostitution of local women. And, third, the red-light district, the area where the brothels were situated, was found in isolated areas, making them accessible only to patrons.

The population of prostitutes in town expanded the following year with the exile of the women from Gardenia, Manila’s red-light district.

They were sent to Davao as a way of closing the houses of ill-repute in the capital. As a result, there was spike in the number of gonorrhea cases in Davao in 1918. A 1920 health report showed that 1,041 vaginal examinations, mostly from prostitutes, were carried out in Mintal.

Associations To keep socio-cultural and economic ties among Japanese outside their homeland, associations were organized in plantations and town centers where there was a sizeable migrant population that could be recruited. By 1929, a decade after the establishment of a Japanese consulate in town, Davao had already its own Nanyo Kyokai (South Seas

Ohta Kyosaburo Monument Society), which was encouraged by the government as a way of fostering research and cultural exchange.

The Davao Japanese Association, on the other hand, was greatly patriotic in its mission. During the war, according to the May 27, 1943 issues of Manira Shimbun and Dabao Shimbun, it collected P224,918 from its members which was intended for the purchase of airplanes for use in combat.

The associations included among their recruits the Japanese residents operating large-scale companies and bazaars using local capital, including the Ohta Development Co. The Japanese ties included membership in religious groups, such as the Protestant Christian Mission which opened a branch in Davao during the Commonwealth era, and the ownership of Japanese-backed local publications such as Dabao Shimbun and Davao Times, which later became Mindanao Times.

Creating a village Japanese invitation to work in the country, particularly in Davao’s hemp plantations, was strongly promoted in Japan. Young men were encouraged to work as contract workers and build a community of migrants. The come-ons included gaining experience, saving money, experiencing the free amenities, and drinking sake, the Japanese rice wine.

The success of prewar Mintal as a prosperous migrant village, hemp plantation, and cosmopolitan town was in large part due to the benevolent management adopted by its principal investor, K.S. Ohta.

Farm laborers were not only provided free housing, regular medical attention, movies and recreation, but there was a credit line that assured every employee steady source of food supply when exigency arose.

The entertainment presented during programs was mostly Japanese-oriented, including songs, dances, and cultural events that poignantly reminded the migrant worker of home. In short, the plantations managers tried as much as possible to create a comfortable community where Filipinos and Japanese could share moments of laughter and enjoyment.

By itself, Mintal was a little state populated mostly by Japanese.

It had all the amenities that could qualify it as a full-fledged township, but it was a farming village that was preoccupied with earning a livelihood. While there were brothels in peripheral areas adjacent to the plantation, these were only visited by men who had enough cash to squander.

When war struck, this iconic place was almost left to oblivion.

The structures were ruined while the once thriving plantations were flattened by aerial bombs. Instead of seeing a boom town, Mintal became the burial center for thousands of innocent civilians and soldiers, both friendly and adversarial forces, killed in a conflict where there was no winner.

It nearly took a month for the U.S. Army’s 24th Infantry Division to liberate Mintal, Toril, and Calinan from enemy forces. As a reminder of its wartime past, the 1920 Japanese cemetery stands as a reminder of an enclave that once home to foreigners from the Land of the Rising Sun. The Ohta Monument, on the other hand, gives honor to the man who placed Mintal on the world’s abaca map.

The Mintal community described above will be restored in a P120-million projects now in progress. The project involving 600 hectares right in the center of Mintal is called “Little Tokyo.”

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of Kagan, Tausug and Maguindanawon ancestry and that he settled in Bagobo land now known as Davao and he fought long and hard in keeping Davao Gulf free from foreign control.

“The whole area around the Gulf of Davao was under his control,” it said.

Davao was the last unoccupied territory in the Philippines and he heroically defended it against the Spaniards.

Datu Bago in the eyes of the invading Spaniards was a pirate but for the Moros and nationalist Filipinos he was a hero who valiantly defended Davao from Spanish aggression The statement of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, was quoted in the ordinance resolution saying Datu Bago was a leader of the many native tribes in the Davao gulf area when the Spaniards came initially to trade and then colonize these parts of the country “It is truly unfortunate that the Spanish trading vessel “San Rufo” was attacked by the men of Datu Bago in 1846,” it said quoting the President’s statement in the

past.

It said the valiant defense of the Bagobo and Manobo tribes at the mouth of the Davao river was a signal act of patriotism rather than piracy.

“History it is said is written by the victors. It is of no wonder then that one of the most ilustrious hero of our forefathers was written in a bad light,” the ordinance said quoting Duterte’s statement.

“We named the city’s highest distinction in his honor because we only do not pay proper respects to the old warrior, we re-live his heroism each year as we confer awards to our distinguished citizens. “ It said that in 1969, the City Government under the leadership of the late Mayor Elias B. Lopez, a Bagobo, created the Datu Bago Awards named after Datu Bago the warrior, as the highest award to be bestowed on a Dabawenyo.

This is for those who contributed to the development of the city with exemplary competence and dedication and who best serves as a model of excellence and an inspiration to Dabawenyos.

players the break they need.

We are simply giving back what the game of golf has given to us.”

Rodel Mangulabnan �ired 33, Don Petil and Dan Cruz added 31 each and either 30s of Jingy Tuason and Leandro Bagtas counted for Luisita, which has also started building the core of its team with young talents the last three years.

Jolo Magcalayo matched par for 36 points and Luis Cas-

tro added 35 for Canlubang, which hasn’t won this event since 2010.

This year’s Interclub’s 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 include Boeing, PAGCOR, Belmonte Hotel, Eton Properties and Asia Brewery, Inc.

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Team standout JR Tanpinco and Justin Limjap �ired 33 points apiece and led Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club to a wire-to-wire triumph in the Aviator class over at Marapara here.

Maximo Javelona and Deric Locsin scored 23 and 20, respectively as NOGCC closed out with 109 points for 441 and a 41-point win over Sta. Elena.

Mactan Island Golf Club and South Cotabato Golf and Country Club carved out con-

trasting �inal days to win the Sportswriters and Friendship Divisions, respectively.

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

persons since he has a standing order to all his patrolling police subordinates to always check the identity of anyone roaming the streets past 10

p.m.

The order, he said, is to preempt any crime in the neighborhood. (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)

aims of inclusive growth and development,” said Nograles, a presumptive member of the administration’s Senate slate.

He said that the government’s P8-trillion “Build, Build, Build” program is a sure�ire job creator since it is focused on the implementation of multiple big tickets infrastructure projects for

the rest Duterte’s tenure. The initiative, which is billed to usher in a “golden age of infrastructure,” began in 2017.

The three-term Davao congressman says the effects of Build, Build, Build is already re�lected in the 2018 LFS results, with generated net employment reaching 2.4 million.

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EDGEDAVAO “There are 719,000 new jobs recorded for the industry sector, mostly from construction with 424,000 and manufacturing with 269,000,” Nograles noted.

Meanwhile, the agriculture and services sectors alone accounted for over 1.6 million new jobs (841,000 and 847,000, respectively).

The total number of employed Filipinos as of January this year was 41.7 million, compared to just 39.3

million in January 2017, the latest LFS result bared. “This is undeniable proof that President Duterte is landing jobs for his countrymen,” Nograles said.

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) had earlier credited the administration’s aggressive jobs fair campaign and livelihood assistance measures for the improvements in the employment situation.

(House of Representatives)

fund other important infrastructure projects in Mindanao.

“The ADB has also been generously assisting us in funding important infrastructure projects that would spur economic development in this island,” he said.

Domignuez said they signed in January this year a loan worth $380 million or to P19.8 billion to develop 280 kilometers of national roads and bridges in Zamboanga Peninsula and Tawi-Ta-

wi and the $70 million or P3.6 billion for Davao Public Transport Modernization Project which is designed to improve public transport infrastructure and services in Davao City.

“This project aims to expand economic opportunities in areas such as agribusiness, ecotourism, and logistics, as well as improve access to markets, jobs, education, and health facilities,” he added. (Antonio L. Colina/MINDANEWS)

although most of the time if there will be international bidders they partner with the local bus operators in the bidding.

“The HPBS is funded through a sovereign loan as what the Department of Finance earlier announced,” he said. He said the loan component will cover the infrastructure and social development package.

Cortez was hopeful the target for the proposed HPBS in Davao City will be implemented in 2021 although Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio wants it in the next two years.

“We will work this out

with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on the possibility,” he said.

In the modernized public transport, the buses plying the routes will have an electronic digital system where the routes are displayed with wi�i and can accommodate passengers of about 50 to 100 depending on the kind of bus.

He said the entire road network of the city will be covered by the system with buses passing through 29 routes from the current 1,032 routes of the jeepneys.

(Digna D. Banzon/PNA)

real, so regulatory agencies and e-commerce sites need to take greater measures to protect consumers from online cheats and unfair business practices,” he said.

Chemical Safety Campaigner Thony Dizon of the EcoWaste Coalition echoed Dimagiba’s plea for stronger online protection emphasizing the vulnerability of online shoppers to fall prey to false advertising and labeling claims and to bogus and hazardous goods.

“The online sale of goods such as cosmetic and wellness products with banned, controlled or undeclared ingredients is a serious matter as the consumption of such products may result to acute or chronic poisoning that can have adverse health effects, especially to women and children,” he said.

Dizon cited as an example the online sale of skin bleaching or lightening products that may contain mercury, hydroquinone or tretinoin.

Mercury, according to

the ASEAN Post-Marketing Alert System (ASEAN PMAS) on adulterated cosmetics, is a heavy metal that is known to be severely hazardous to health even in small amounts. Nursing mothers are doubly vulnerable because mercury is passed on to nursing babies through breast milk that can affect the baby’s development.

Hydroquinone and tretinoin are classi�ied as drugs in the Philippines due to their multiple serious adverse effects, including sensitivity to light, skin redness and permanent skin discoloration, when used indiscriminately, according to the ASEAN PMAS. Health experts have warned that using products with hydroquinone and tretinoin during pregnancy may harm the developing fetus.

Laban Konsyumer, Inc. and the EcoWaste Coalition are one with Consumers International in pushing for fairer and safer digital marketplaces that will be bene�icial for all.

Mindanao (Misamis Oriental), and Inaul weaves from

Maguindanao. | DA-RAFIS11

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gro, Executive Director of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said the Mindanawon lawmakers threw support behind the MinDA’s proposal for additional budget of P1.35 trillion that will be spread on a four-year period.

Montenegro added the interagency working group, composed of National Economic Development Authority, DBM, MinDA, and the House Committee on Mindanao Affairs, was formed to work out details to “map out strategies and address bottlenecks in terms of budget allocation and utilization for Mindanao.”

A press release issued

by MinDA on March 2, it said Mindanao has been receiving on the average 11.45% share of the country’s total budget over the last decade, which is less than Mindanao’s average contribution of 15.29% to the economy since 2007.

“For us in Mindanao, getting tired is a luxury we cannot yet afford. So we will continue to knock on your doors until we get what Mindanao rightfully deserves,” MinDA chair Abul Khayr Alonto said.

He added the budget increase will focus on the prioritization of sustainable infrastructure development that encourages development of industries, small and macro enterprises (SMEs), ecotourism, and other projects that contribute more to poverty alleviation.

He said the proposed budget includes an additional P603 billion to fund the priority programs and projects of under the Mindanao Development Corridors (MinDC), such as land transport connectivity, Mindanao gateways, and the Trans-Mindanao-High- Speed Railway system. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MINDANEWS)

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

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

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operatea PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2018-2-623 (2011-XI-00623)

ROSALINA D. PODADOR, Petitioner.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certi�icate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: TORIL and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certi�icate will expire on August 17, 2018.

In the petition �iled on February 27, 2018, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of the said Certi�icate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 26, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at this of�ice at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ , Regional Director, this 5th day of March 2018 at Davao City.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV Petitioner, Rosalina D. Podador Counsel, Atty. Napoleon F. Sango

Petition for EXTENSION OF VALIDITYof a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI Service with Dropping of Unit.

Case No. R11-EV-TX-2018-3-167 (2013-XI-00167) (With Dropping of Unit) PRINCE PIODENA UY TINA, Petitioner. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certi�icate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY to any point in Region XI with the use of TEN (10) units, which Certi�icate will expire on April 18, 2018. In the petition �iled on March 2, 2018, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of the said Certi�icate as well as to DROP One (1) of the authorized units particularly the unit bearing Plate No. LXC-815.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 27, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at this of�ice at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ , Regional Director, this 5th day of March 2018 at Davao City.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV Petitioner, Prince Piodena Uy Tina Counsel, Atty. Randolf P. Esparagoza

12

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EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

facilitate the effective implementation of the project. Trainings on post-harvest technology, product marketing, project management and organizational strengthening will also be provided to the POs. DENR will also identify and delineate 50 hectare area per PO that are suitable for various agro-forestry commodities

such as rubber, cacao, falcate, durian and coffee among others.

Among the responsibilities of the POs as stated in the MOA is the construction and development of their nursery building and propagation/procurement of planting materials from the supplier of their choice. They will also participate in the iden-

ti�ication of suitable area for nursery establishment and delineation of 50 hectares within the CBFM project.

POs will also conduct replanting, ring weeding, fertilizer application and regular maintenance and protection until such time that the CBFMA is deemed productive and sustainable.

enterprising businessmen to use sustainable alternatives.

For instance, he said some �ish vendors now use a strip of rattan—locally known as “lagos”—instead of plastic bags.

Wynmar Tesiorna, of�icer-in-charge of the Magpupungko tidal �lats and rock formations, said tourists who bring plastic bags will be denied entry in the popular re-

sort.

Pilar town is known for its annual international game �ishing tournaments, usually held in the summertime. (Roel N. Catoto / MindaNews)

SIARGAO... FROM 6

DCWD collection centers open on March 16 and 19, 2018 D avao City Water District’s collection centers in Victoria Plaza, Felcris Centrale, and SM Lanang Premier are open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on March 16 and March 19, 2018 despite the declaration of these days as holidays for the celebration of Araw ng Dabaw and Araw ng Pasasalamat.

However, DCWD of�ices in Bajada, Matina, and Toril are closed on said days.

Further, the due date for water bill payment in Zone 19 falling on March 19 will be moved to March 20.

Normal operation of all DCWD of�ices will resume on March 20, 2018.

The DCWD management assures the

general public that the operations of its technical departments and Call Center / Central Information Unit (CIU) will not be disrupted to ensure continuous water service and offsite customer service support.

Customers may contact the DCWD’s Call Center/CIU through the 24-hour hotlines 297-DCWD (3293), 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293, and 0908-4410653 or the chat feature of DCWD’s website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) and of�icial Facebook page (www.facebook.com/davaowater) for queries and updates related to DCWD’s water service. (Shaira Angelica S. Magno)

is in need of

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

Collector/Driver Qualifications: • College Graduate • Male

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

14 SCIENCE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

Fish kill: Gasping for breath

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

L

ake Sebu, a town in the province of South Cotabato, is often dubbed the “Summer Capital of Southern Philippines” as its climate is pleasantly cool (due to an elevation of 1,000 meters high from sea level).

But what most people don’t know is that there are actually three lakes. Lake Sebu (from which the name of the town got its name) is the largest as it occupies 354 hectares. The other two are named Seloton (48 hectares) and Lahit (24 hectares).

With these three large bodies of water, it is not surprising that the municipality has “a vibrant ecotourism economy based on the aquaculture of tilapia grown in �loating cages,” to quote the words of Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, former director of the Philippine Council for Aquaculture and Marine Research and Development.

But it’s not rosy, though. Tilapia production in Lake Sebu is beset with perennial problem of �ish kills, according to Dr. Guerrero, who is now an Academician with the National Academy of Science and Technology.

In January and August of 2012, P3.8 million and P0.65 million of losses, respectively, were reported due to �ish kills in Lake Sebu. In 2013, a loss of 20 metric tons of �ish was also incurred. In February 2014, a loss of 68 tons with a value of P5.2 million was reported.

“The �ish kills in Lake Sebu are caused by overturns in the lake, known locally as ‘kamahong,’ which take place naturally in Taal Lake in Batangas,” reported Dr. Guerrero. “During a lake overturn, which usually occurs in the cooler months of the year, strong coolwinds cause the upper water portion of the lake to become heavier in mass than the water at the lake’s bottom.”

The sinking of the upper water column, he further explained, pushes up the bottom column that is poor in oxygen and in toxic compounds like hydrogen sul�ide, and this kills the �ish in �loating cages.

The same reason was cited as the culprit of the �ish kill that happened last June. The incident destroyed around 4,000 kilos of tilapia in Lake Sebu and 320 kilos

in Lake Seloton. By October, it occurred again, hitting an estimated 200 �ish cages.

But Lake Sebu was not the only place where �ish kills happened. Last May, a �ish kill was reported in two barangays in Isabela town, situated along Binalbagan River in southern Negros Occidental. Five months later, another �ish kill occurred in the coastal waters of Cavite which affected the towns of Tanza and Rosario.

Since �ish kill – also known as �ish die-off – happens all the time in the Philippines, a timely study was conducted to assess the effects of excessive aquaculture structures and stocking density on water quality and aquaculture production.

The study – done by Zenaida M. Sumalde, Karen Lou A. Francisco and Mildren Peñales – was �inancially supported by the Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA).

Established in 1993, EEPSEA was founded by the International Development Research Center (IDRC) with co-funding from the Swedish International Development Center (SIDA) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

The researchers conducted the study in Bolinao, Pangasinan, one of the major aquaculture producing municipalities in the country.

“Occurrences of �ish kills had been common in Bolinao but were undocumented since most of the occurrences are site speci�ic – that is, by speci�ic pens or cages – not throughout the whole aquaculture area,” the three authors reported.

Fish kills happen all yearround in speci�ic �ish pens in Bolinao and two other aquaculture towns, Dagupan and Anda. The rates of �ish kill peak during the months of April, May and June.

But these don’t alarm of�icials as these are “isolated occurrences.”

But it changed when a major �ish kills occurred on February 1-3

in 2002. It was considered as the worst �ish kill event that ever happened in the country.

“It started in the evening of February 1, during a neap tide when tidal currents are slow, causing less oxygen-rich water �lowing in from offshore areas,” the authors wrote. “A few days before the event, operators had been reported to have been using aerators to introduce oxygen into the �ish pens or cages. This practice is typical in �ishponds where water does not �low in naturally, but not in coastal waters where water currents provide oxygen. The use of aerators is also an indication that there was high oxygen demand in the area.”

It was observed that two days before the �ish kills happened, the milk�ish (bangus) “were crowding the surface, evidently gasping for air due to low dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water.”

A water-quality testing conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) a few days before and during the �ish kills in Bolinao pointed out that the DO level was only 1.5 parts per million (ppm) – way below the recommended level of 5 ppm for �ish growth.

Unlike the previous isolated events, this �ish kill affected not only Bolinao but also other villages near it. Fish kills occurred in Luciente 1, Luciente 2, Luna, Salud, Lucero and Tara.

The damage was so large (estimated value was P600 million) that the Senate Committee on Local Government urged to conduct an inquiry to aid the creation of appropriate legislation.

On February 5, the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines issued a statement that the �ish kills indicated two causes: a bloom of dino�lagellates (plankton cells) associated with eutrophied water and low DO levels in the municipal waters of Bolinao.

Dino�lagellates are known to asphyxiate �ish and a high density of them was found in the water column and in the gills of the �ish. This was the �irst time such a bloom occurred in the country.

The question remains: what really caused the massive �ish kills?

The three authors surmised in their study: “The ultimate cause has to be associated with aquaculture practices, although no de�initive proof can be established. The decrease in DO was not a sudden event, but is associated with the large increase in the number of �ish pens and �ish cages and resulting unconsumed feeds and �ish wastes.”

In a report published by “Philippine Daily Inquirer,” the BFAR regional chief was quoted as saying: “Around 30% of the feeds given are not consumed by the �ish culture and are eventually thrown out into the water and seabed.”

The three authors again wrote this conclusion: “The buildup of organic matter eventually leads to eutrophication, which caused a phytoplankton bloom.

The bloom led to an increased rate of die-off resulting in more organic matter on the sea bottom.

Decomposition of the additional organic matter then depleted the dissolved oxygen in the water and caused further stress to the con�ined �ish.”

But there’s more to �ish kills than just economic loss. There are also health issues to it. “In the wake of the 2002 �ish kills, 75 people were hospitalized due to allergic reactions after dried milk�ish and other people who were affected complained of headache, dizziness, vomiting, dif�iculty in breathing, abdominal pain, nape pain, itchiness, chest pain and skin redness,” the authors wrote.

Based on the outcome of the study, the authors suggested several policy implications and better regulation of coastal aquaculture operation. These include strict enforcement of the Municipal Fishery Ordinance, penalties for violation that are high enough to make violation of the ordinance costly, and incentives for compliance to the ordinance considered (like reduction in taxes and technical assistance).

“Authorities need to better communicate the risks associated with overstocking to aquaculture operators and to provide evidence that there are negative consequences to them as well as their community if they put too many �ish in their enclosures,” the authors pointed out.

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

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

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operatea PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operatea PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

LYDIA M. TIONGCO, Petitioner.

ALAN C. AROY, Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2018-3-281 (2011-XI-00281) x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2018-2-964 (2003-XI-00964) x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certi�icate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: TIBUNGCO VIA R. CASTILLO and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certi�icate will expire on March 9, 2018. In the petition �iled on March 6, 2018, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of the said Certi�icate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certi�icate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: BUNAWAN VIA BUHANGIN and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certi�icate will expire on July 1, 2018. In the petition �iled on February 27, 2018, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of the said Certi�icate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 27, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at this of�ice at the above address.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 26, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at this of�ice at the above address.

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

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

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

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

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ , Regional Director, this 7th day of March 2018 at Davao City.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV Petitioner, Lydia M. Tiongco Counsel, Atty. Placido A. Garde

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

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

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ , Regional Director, this 5th day of March 2018 at Davao City.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV Petitioner, Alan C. Aroy Counsel, Atty. Napoleon F. Sango

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

Southwoods extends PAL Interclub run to 4 B ACOLOD – Never letting up until the very end, Manila Southwoods yesterday ran away with the Regular Men’s title in the PAL Interclub to take another step towards duplicating a feat done just once before.

Comfortably ahead going into the �inal day at Marapara here with a 20-point lead, the Carmona-based squad didn’t leave any room for anyone to stage a comeback and amassed a closing 146 for a 72-hole 551 tally for a fourth straight title, just one shy of the record.

Southwoods, which became just the third team to win four consecutive times, prevailed by an astounding 41 points over Luisita, which nipped Canlubang by eight.

The margin of victory is one of the biggest and downplayed Southwoods’ dominance of the �ield, and, more importantly, it moved the squad within another title of matching a �ive-year run by Canlubang from 2006-2010.

“This only goes to show that our grassroots program continues to work,” an elated Thirdy Escano, Southwoods’ non-playing skipper, said of the victory, which came just over a month after tournament host PAL was given a fourstar rating by Skytrax, the global body that rates airlines and airports all over the world.

T

The Sugar Barons actually had two four-year championship streaks, counting its victories from 2000-2003.

Luisita carded its worst score for the week, a 125, but clung on to runner-up position even after Cangolf charged with its best round in four days, a 133, for 502 overall.

Taisei Shimizu reprised his opening round brilliance by shooting a three-underpar 67 worth 39 points, with Chepe Dulay �iring 38 and Yuto Katsuragawa assembling a 37 to make up for the bulk of Southwoods’ closing round.

The veteran Jun Jun Plana’s 32 was the fourthbest score for Southwoods, which got a measly 25 from pro-bound Jama Reyes.

Southwoods is also set to lose Tom Kim, last year’s individual champion, to the pro ranks, but Escano believes that his squad if good for championship runs at least for the next three years.

“We have young, brilliant players still waiting for their chance to shine,” Escano said. “Southwoods is committed to giving these

SOUTHWOODS,P11

he PBA policy - and practice - of loaning to the national team only one player from each ballclub may hurt Gilas’ chances of reaching what has been the country’s ideal aspiration – that of getting into the world’s top basketball echelon.

Because of that long-standing policy, coaches of past national teams endure working with what they have, even if a PBA team can actually loan two players that could strengthen the core of the Philippine squad.

To simplify, read on.

Gilas needs another big man in the middle. Greg Slaughter is that guy. But the Gin Kings already have Japeth Aguilar in the national lineup.

Marcio Lassiter, is no doubt, an excellent shooting guard. He could replace one of the small guys in the guard rotation. But SMB has

FOURTH STRAIGHT. Members of the victorious Southwoods squad whoop it up after nailing their fourth straight PAL Interclub title.

Forest Hills, NOGCC take division titles

B

ACOLOD – Former pro Judeson Eustaquio �ired a one-over-par 71 worth 35 points at Binitin in Murcia town on Sunday and helped Forest Hills hold off game Villamor for the Founders Division title in the 71st PAL Interclub.

Eustaquio mixed two birdies with three bogeys over the super-tight layout and spearheaded Forest Hills to a closing 127 as the Antipolo-based squad clung on to win by eight points with a 460 tally.

Villamor mounted a huge come-

back and churned out the day’s best score in the division, a 135 led by the 38 of Ricky delos Santos and 37 of Jujith Benedicto and nipped Wack Wack for runner-up honors by four.

“It was a great �ightback that just fell short,” said a proud Jun Arceo, the Villamor skipper who failed to count in the �inal round with a 25.

“Overall, it was a great tournament for us and a great win by Forest Hills.

They played very well.”

Larry Patnongon and Inigo Raymundo accounted for 33 each and

either 26s of Raffy Garcia or Francisco Santana counted for Forest Hills.

Christopher dela Cruz chipped in with 32 and Jess Toribio, also former touring pro, �ired 28 for Villamor.

Wack Wack �inished with a wobble with just 112 led by the 34 of Sammy Sy. The exclusive club in Mandaluyong actually tallied just 218 in the �inal two rounds after amassing 232 in the �irst two for 450 overall.

Meanwhile, former Philippine

FOREST,P11

Gilas FIBA chances not bright loaned out June Mar Fajardo.

Arwin Santos, also a Beerman, is also needed. His three-point shooting and defensive skills cannot be ignored.

JV Casio is a veteran point guard who had seen action in international outings. A thinking player, he too can make a difference. But Alaska has given Calvin Abueva to Gilas.

There’s also Paul Lee and Almazan.

I would love to see Kobe Paras, who professed his desire to quit college and become a pro, included in the Gilas roster.

Wouldn’t these guys highlight Gilas’ composition and strength more?

In the past, PBA management has long considered suspending or re-designing their playing schedule so that it will not get in con�lict with prestigious international

SPORTS KEN Fred C. Lumba jousts like the Asian and Olympic Games and the FIBA World Championships.

Personally, my suggestion is for the Gilas coaching staff to replace a few (one, two or three) who I believe are still in the cadet-

ship phase of their playing careers.

I will not name names so as not to hurt those who may have felt alluded to. But this is the reality.

During the sixties and seventies prior to the birth of the PBA, the BAP got its core of top amateur cagers from the MICAA ballclubs who freely lent their players to the national platoon in the name of �lag and country.

When the Nationals get into action, the MICAA calendar is suspended until the players return to their respective ballclubs.

Gilas’ coaching philosophy should be based on blending a fraction of youth and more of experience. As basketball fanatics have noted, countries who aspire to beat the USA usually make use of their veteran players seeing action in the NBA. Even if the Gasol brothers are quite over thirty something, Spain

continues to make use of them.

Argentina, Germany and France likewise.

While Gilas beat Japan twice and Taiwan once in its group in the FIBA qualifying window for a respectable 3-1 record, the Filipinos never really threatened Australia and lost by 16 points in their �irst home and away matches.

Gilas still has plenty of time to plead its cause to the PBA people as the challenges in the FIBA sportsfest are getting stiffer.

Aren’t the Gilas boys �ighting for national pride and honor?

Time to get back to the negotiating table, folks. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) 2 Tim.2:22: “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

TOUGH FINISH

RPV lands 4th on rain-soaked conditions

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

B

ACOLOD CITY---Not as good as their Seniors squad, but just as worthwhile.

Davao City’s Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club �inished a strong fourth in a powerhouse-laden Aviators Division �ield of the 71st Philippine Airlines Regular Men’s Interclub Golf Tournament on Sunday.

With the muddy terrain and the soaked fairways of Marapara’s Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club making the �inal push more challenging, the RPV swingers shot an aggregate 92 points on the fourth day that summed up their 4-day stint with 383 points.

With top gun Vincent Gumapac leading the �inal day squad with 27 points,

the Cabantian-based parbusters got 22 each from EJ Casintahan and Mark Lopez and a 21 from Jose Addy Briones.

RPV’s Seniors squad earlier won the Sportswriters Division title a week ago for its breakthrough triumph in this tough tournament attracting the best in the country and overseas.

The other Davao teams in the same division--Apo Golf ranked tenth with a total of 355 points and Davao Golf was 11th with 333 points.

The lone Davao entry in the Friendship Division Lanang �inished 8th with 263 points.

South Cotabato Golf and Country Club rallied on the last day of the tournament to take the Friendship division title with a 309 over the Fiipino Golfers Association of Kuwait and three-day leader Bay Area Golf Org which had 303 points.

COMPLETE FINAL SCORES - PAL Men’s Regular Interclub Day 4 Men’s 11 March 18 Championship : Manila Southwoods 551, Luisita 510, Canlubang 502, Del Monte 469 Founders : Forest Hills 460, Villamor Airbase 454,

TOUGH,P10

FOLLOW THROUGH. Vincent Gumapac of RPV watches hi putt roll on the green. Boy Lim CADDIE HELP. Ronald Galicia gets some measurement help from hs caddie.

Boy Lim

CLUB OF CHOICE. Mark Lopez of Rancho Palos Verdes pulls out his iron for his second shot at the fairways during the recent PAL Interclub in Bacolod City. Boy Lim

1,800 sign up for Alveo Ironman

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

W

ith a huge turnout of 1,800 by far, the upcoming Alveo Ironman 70.3 set this weekend in Davao City is an indicator of con�idence in the safety and security of the city and even the whole Mindanao.

This according to City Sports Division Of�ice head Michael Denton Aportadera.

Aportadera con�irmed the turnout of over 1,800 participants including 38 foreign entries.

“With the numbers who registered, Martial Law is not a problem for them and it also shows that Davao is secure, Mindanao is secure,” he said.

He said the city also broke the record of being the �irst-time host to hit the 1,800 registrants of the presitgious triathlon qualifying event in the world.

The security components from Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) and Task Force

1,800,P10