Edge10 issue 245, March 14, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

PEACE SIGN. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio flashes a peace sign to Datu Bago awardee Aland David Mizell after she jokingly called him a member of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in her speech during the 48th Conferment of Datu Bago Awards 2018 at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

INCREASING Says PDEA of narco officials in barangays

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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he Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 revealed an alarming increase in the number of barangay officials who are involved in illegal drugs.

PDEA 11 regional director Antonio Rivera said the number has now reached to 11 barangay of�icials who are now involved in the drug trade compared to the previous year’s six.

“Naa tay na monitor nga nag-surrender na nga duha ka barangay of�icials apan mibalik na usab (We monitored two baragay of�icials who prviously surrendered but they return to their ille-

gal activity),” he said.

Among the 11, he said three of these are barangay captains while the eight are barangay councilors.

He also said that one of the 11 barangay of�icials is coming from Davao City but whose name he said will remain under wraps in the meantime.

Aside from Davao City, Davao del Nortem Davao Oriental and Davao Occi-

dental have three each of them while one in Davao del Sur. Rivera urged these erring barangay of�icials not to run in the upcoming election to save themselves and family from shame.

“Kini pud sa mga barangay kapitan, kung kabalo mo nga inyon mga kagawad apil sa ingon ana, isulti sa amoa, tapos ingna nga dili na sila dapat mo dagan kay apil sila sa illegal activity (I also asked the barangay captains to report to us if you know that your councilors are involved in illegal activities and tell them not

INCREASING,P10

Sara says new bus plan under design

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he city’s planned bus system remains in its design stage but Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio said it is a high priority project the city government would vigorously pursue.

“The discussions are taking too long but I already said that this project will happen or else my reputation will be ruined,” she said on Tuesday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel. “That’s why I gave instructions that the project will be vigorously pursued.”

She said that the city does not have a problem with the Asian Development

A1

Bank except with some government agencies.

But she expressed con�idence the problem will be smoothened out.

She said that the time table given by the project in-charge is beyond 2019.

“I told them if you cannot do it in 2019 at least show us what will happen beyond 2019 so they will show us one route,” she said The lady mayor said that it will be shown late this year or early 2019.

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A reminder for SUMMER

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

‘MAGNIFICENT SEVEN’. Datu Bago awardees (from left to right) Niteto Vitto, Beethoven Sur, Belen Laud, Norma Javellana, Bro. Carlito Gaspar, Ricardo Obenza Jr. and Aland David Mizell pose with their plaques and medals after the 48th Conferment of Datu Bago Awards 2018 at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

village tour Sara says Datu Bago Ata opens March 15 Award defines people

By JUDIE VEGA

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio paid tribute to the Datu Baguo Award recipients, saying it is a recognition of those who did not only excel in their respective fields but also performed more than what were expected from them.

The mayor made the remarks during the 48th conferment of Datu Bago Award on Tuesday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

“A city is more that its natural landscapes, it is

more than the high rises and modern amenities, a city at its core is de�ined by its people,” she said.

She said this is the reason why Araw ng Davao is celebrated every year as

a salute to all Davaoeños from all walks of life who live with integrity and work with passion and interact with one another in the spirit of respect for cultural diversity.

She said that the Datu Bago Award recognizes those people who do not only excel in their respective �ield but performed more than what were expected from them.

“Datu Bago Awards which we confer in time for

Araw ng Davao celebration is our way of recognizing men and women who like the local lumad chieftain Datu Bago who made exemplary sel�less contributions to our community,” she added.

There is now a total of 168 Datu Bago Awardees who are now members of the Datu Bago Organization Cooperation.

The event was also attended by the descendants

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he Ata tribe community in Davao City together with iEmergence initiated an ATA Cultural Village Tour, guided by ATA tribe members, slated on March 15-18 at Magsaysay Park “to further understand about their presence and will also uphold the culture of respect to their traditions.”

Bob Ali of the Ata Tribe said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City on Mon-

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Barangay Gumitan, the farthest barangay of the city.

His determination to teach the Matigsalog tribe made him contract malaria.

He died of the disease and left behind two children. But his death served as an eye opener to the people of Barangay Gumitan to band against the killer disease.

In 2017, Barangay Gumitan was �inally declared malaria-free, after the joint efforts by residents and the City Health Of�ice against

malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

Also recognized for his integrity was Ronie Caydan, a worker at the Davao International Airport who returned a bag full of cash and other valuables he found inside the airport toilet.

Dr. Mae Dolendo was recognized for her dedication to help children with cancer. She was the force behind Davao City’s House of Hope and the person behind the creation of the Children’s Cancer Institu-

tion.

Mayor Inday Sara Duterte said recognizing local heroes was in order as the city could not possibly reach its current status without their help.

“This recognition is important as we enter our 9th decade as a city because it serves to remind us that Davao would not be what it is today without Davaoeṅos and their friends helping each other,” Mayor Inday said. Davao City Information Of�ice

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Aiza quits as chief of NYC

Davao City honors local heroes M

he city government gave recognition to 93 individuals and companies that have shown efforts toward the development of the city and the lives of the Dabawenyos.

The recognition was done through ‘Pasidungog,’ which is part of this year’s Araw ng Dabaw celebrations.

Among those recornized as one the ‘everyday heroes’ was Philip Duterte.

Duterte was a public school teacher assigned in

day that the cultural village will allow hundreds of visitors and locals alike to get a glimpse of the cultures and traditions of the tribes of Davao City.

Ali said that project was initiated by their ATA elders in partnership with iEmergence, a division of Indigenous Pathways, a non-pro�it/non-stock organization focusing on holistic community and leadership

alacañang on Tuesday con�irmed that National Youth Commission Chairperson Carina “Aiza” Seguerra has resigned from her post.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Of�ice of the Executive Secretary has received Seguerra’s resignation letter.

Roque said that although he has not yet spoken to the NYC chairperson, he said that her letter has already reached the President.

In a Facebook post, the former youth commission chair said Duterte has already accepted his resigna-

tion.

“I met with our dear President last March 5th to tender my resignation as NYC Chairperson. I coordinated with his of�ice because I wanted to personally tell him my reason.

Knowing how social media can exaggerate or twist the truth, I wanted to make sure that he’s going to hear it from me. He was very understanding and supportive of my decision,” Seguerra said.

Seguerra was appointed as NYC chairperson in August 2016.

She, together with her

AIZA,P10

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Sara to endorse Go for Senate

By ARMANDO B. FENQUITO JR.

D TALENTS GALORE. Candidate number 15 Maica Martinez serenades the crowd with her saxophone during Mutya ng Davao 2018 talent competition held at the atrium of Gaisano Mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

avao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio will endorse the longtime aide of her father Special Assistant to the President Christopher ‘Bong’ Go for Senator.

Duterte-Carpio said in an interview on Monday afternoon, it will be a pride if there will be a Senator coming from the city.

“We all know, dako ang experience ni Bong Go sa government,” she said.

She said Go is with President Rodrigo R. Duterte when the latter was still the mayor of the city since 1990s and has the experience to run for the Senate.

Go replied to the state-

ment of the mayor saying that he is humbled by her endorsement.

“The Dutertes, the Father, the Daughter, are my inspiration and the example of being a true public servant, Go said in a statement.

He said even if it’s still early to talk about politics as of this moment, but he is honored with the statement bared by Duterte-Carpio.

“Kahit maaga pa po pagusapan ang politika, ni ‘di ko pa naisip ang tumakbo ngunit sa mga salitang binitawan ng ating mahal na Mayora Inday Sara, ngayon palang nakakataba ng puso

ANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is imposing a temporary ban on importation of domestic and wild birds from Grootegast, Groningen in the Netherlands due to an outbreak of virus-driven H5N6 highly pathogenic avian in�luenza (HPAI) in that place.

The ban also covers such domestic and wild birds’ products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen, DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said in Memorandum Order 7 dated March 1, 2018.

“There’s need to prevent entry of HPAI virus to protect the health of the local poultry population,” he said.

Piñol has already suspended the processing and evaluation of applications for and the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances covering the temporarily banned commodities.

DA veterinary quarantine of�icers and inspectors in all major Philippine ports must stop and con�iscate all inbound shipments of the banned commodities, except heat-treated products, the DA chief stressed.

Piñol said he had issued Memorandum Order 7 based on the of�icial report Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs chief veterinary of�icer Dr. Christianne Bruschke

Mutya ng Davao: More than just a beauty contest M E

SARA,P10

PH temporarily bans bird imports, poultry products from Netherlands

very March, the city celebrates its birth; and each time, a new Mutya is chosen – one who embodies independence, intelligence, strength, and power – the true qualities of a Dabawenya.

Former Davao City Mayor Elias B. Lopez, the founder of the Mutya ng Dabaw pageant, said in 1991 that the concept of Mutya is far from being a beauty contest, but rather a “search for the symbol of our hopes and aspirations as Dabawenyos, represented by the beauty and character of our ideal woman.”

“The focus is not just about the woman, but more on what the woman represents,” Lopez had said.

The �irst of�icial Mutya ng Davao was crowned in 1969. She was Rachel Arkoncell.

Arckoncell was succeeded by equally deserving Mutyas: Elsa Roldan (1970), Jeanette Ledesma

Napoles asks Sandigan to junk her graft case

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ANILA -- Jailed businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles has asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the graft and malversation cases �iled against her on the so-called PHP900-million Malampaya fund scam since she is not a public of�icial.

In a 21-page quashal motion dated Feb. 20, and �iled before the Sandiganbayan 3rd Division, Napoles said she should not be facing 97 counts each of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation of public funds, which could only be committed by a public of�icer.

Napoles is also the alleged “brains” behind the PHP10-billion pork barrel scam.

She argued that the anti-graft law and malversation, as de�ined under the Revised Penal Code (RPC), only prosecute government of�icials who control public funds and have conspired with other public individuals to misappropriate them.

“This element can only be committed by a public of�icer charging administrative, judicial, or of�icial function. Not being public of�icers, herein accused could not possibly commit the acts that they are charged with,” Napoles said.

“The charge of malversation is misplaced and absolutely baseless. As de�ined, the accused cannot be made liable for malversation. She is a private individual and the crime of

Lon (1971), Maureen Elizabeth Hilario (1972), Lyn Yuviengco Aguirre (1973), Clavel Albay (1974), Jocelyn Joyce (1975), Lorna Mape (1976), Marissa Salvador Abella (1977), Maria Edna Go (1978), Anabelle Cervantes (1979), Abegail Garcia (1981), Felinda Sanchez (1982), Susan Co Ong (1983), Sharmene Escamilla (1985), Conchitina Tesoro (1986), Trezita Acosta (1987), Trizza Ambet Gapultos (1987) and Veronica Tolentino (1989).

In 1990, Erlinda Mejia, who later on became a popular TV anchor in Davao,

was crowned Mutya. She then ventured into indie �ilm-making, writing the screenplay of the short �ilm “Camera” for the 2009 Mindanao Film Festival. She joined Mutya ng Pilipinas in 1996 and was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas Intercontinental, �inishing �irst runner-up.

At the height of the Gulf crisis in 1991, the city did not crown a Mutya for two reasons: having a costly search would not be �itting at times of economic crisis, and; the search was scrutinized for allegedly corrupt-

MUTYA,P10

PH,P10

SPRUCING UP. Firefighters from Central 911 wash away the pigeons’ wastes from the ceiling and roof of the stage at Rizal Park on Tuesday as

NAPOLES,P10 part of preparation for the 81st Araw ng Davao celebration. Lean Daval Jr

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

Pagudpud told to avoid Boracay’s waste woes

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DAR BENEFICIARIES. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque is happy to announce during a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday that the Department of Agrarian Reform has distributed certificates of land ownership to 47 beneficiaries in the province of Rizal. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

epartment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu arrived in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on Monday, calling on all concerned stakeholders to protect the crystal clear waters of the town’s beaches before the swimming site becomes like Boracay.

The famous island in Malay, Aklan is currently partially shut down to undergo rehabilitation by the DENR for a period of six months starting this March.

In a meeting presided

by Cimatu at the Saud Municipal Beach today, he told local government of�icials to strictly enforce environmental laws particularly the Philippine Clean Water Act

and the Solid Waste Management Act. Cimatu said he did not want Pagudpud to suffer a situation similar to that in Boracay. He likewise forewarned town of�icials led

by Mayor Marlon Sales that the Pagudpud local government unit would be liable if the environment would be neglected under their watch.

From Metro Manila, the DENR secretary arrived at the Laoag International Airport via chopper at 10 a.m. then he proceeded immediately to Pagudpud to conduct ocular inspection at the beach resorts in Saud and Balaoi.

While in Pagudpud, the

uwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist Congressman Jericho Nograles today raised deep concern over the increasing number of deadly accidents cause by reckless motorcyclists who turn public roads into racetracks that endangers not just themselves but other road users as well, including pedestrians.

Nograles said that several highways, such as the Marilaque (Marikina-Laguna-Quezon) highway, Sumulong highway, the Nasugbu-Ternate Highway, Manila North Road and Aguinaldo Highway are being turned into weekend racetracks by motorcyclists who counter�low at high speed on no

overtaking lanes. “ These so-called hyperbeasts are even proud of their stupidity that they even post their stunts on social media. Unfortunately, their reckless disregard for safety does not just endanger them and their crew but other motorists and non-motorists as well. I know many cases of several cyclists being sideswiped by these motorcyclists,” Nograles said. “ If they think that they are really good and skillful motorcyclists, they should go to a legitimate racetracks. This is the right place to show-off and not on busy highways,” Nograles said.

Alarm raised on mishaps due to rash motor riders

Samal resorts worry about adverse effect of Ironman P A

number of beach resorts in the Island Garden City of Samal worry over the adverse effect of the Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao Triathlon slated to be held on March 25 in the cities of Davao, Panabo and Tagum.

According to an of�icer of Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort, said to be the biggest resort in IGaCoS, their customers will have no access to their resort for several hours while the triathlon will be held. This is because the triathlon will require be a maximum 12hour major closure of roads in the whole stretch of J.P. Laurel starting Azuela Cove in Lanang passing through Panabo City to Tagum City, Davao del Norte from 3:30

a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In effect, the road closures will deprive the beach-goers access to IGACoS and its resorts, according to Emilio D. Diamante, Jr., Paradise resort assistant manager Paradise island resort. He said the closure of the roads will deprive the resorts income for the day.

Diamante said the resorts in IGaCoS now numbering close to 100, accommodate tens of thousands of people going to the beaches

during weekends, especially Sundays and holidays as evidenced by the long queues in wharfs and terminals of ferries and motorboats.

“Unta naay access sa amoang resort kay sirad-an nila ang main road gikan Alcantara hangtod Tagum from 3 am ata up to mahuman ang race. Sirad-an man gud ang access sa Samal including the ferry terminals from early morning hangtod na mahuman ang race.

The road to be closed our concern will be from the junction where JP Laurel meets R. Castillo (caltex/Alcantara) up to Tagum both lanes padulong ug pabalik,” Diamante said.

In Davao City, the affected roads will be from corner JP Laurel/F. Torres to La-

sang. All roads affected will be temporarily closed. At 3 am to 3:30 pm corner JP Laurel/F. Torres to Alcantara northbound dicrection will be closed. Both directions will also be closed from Alcantara to Robinsons Tagum at 3 a.m to 12:30 pm. By 10:30 a.m southbound direction will be opened for traf�ic while northbound direction remains closed from 10:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. At exactly 12:30 pm Daang Maharlika Highway (from Tagum City to Alcantara) both directions will be opened for traf�ic all the way to JP Laurel Avenue southbound direction only.

During the run course, the affected road is JP Laurel Avenue (northbound lanes) from Alcantara to corner F.

projects of the Duterte administration.

The Mindanao �lood control projects, costing Php39.2 billion, would involve the construction of various �lood management infrastructure such as dikes and �loodgates along the Ambal-Simuay and Rio Grande de Mindanao which are parts of the Mindanao River Basin, the second largest river basin in the country.

Meanwhile, the construction of the remaining 10 priority bridges crossing Pasig-Marikina River and Manggahan Floodway,amounting to Php27.37 billion, which aims to improve road transport

network capacity and ef�iciency in Metro Manila by adding �ix links and alternate routes, was also approved. The approval of the construction of the �irst two bridges—the Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantaleon Bridges—with a total cost of Php5.98 billion was earlier con�irmed by the NEDA Board on September 12, 2017. The �irst two bridges will be funded by a grant from the Chinese government.

The ICC-CabCom, which is chaired by Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez and co-chaired by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, also approved the Rural Agro-En-

terprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which is geared towards improving productivity of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and making them competitive in the local and global markets.

The project, which has a total cost of PhP4.78 billion, intends to support 78,000 farming households by increasing on-farm and off-farm activities and generating employment opportunities in rural areas.

In the same meeting held at the Bangko Sentral

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NEDA,P11

ALARM,P11

12MW geothermal plant starts exporting power

NEDA okays three high-impact projects T

he National Economic and Development Authority Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved in its meeting on March 8. 2018, three new projects, including a �lood control project in Mindanao and a traf�ic-alleviating project in Metro Manila.

The Ambal-Simuay River and Rio Grande de Mindanao River Flood Control Projects and the construction of 10 Proposed Priority Bridges Crossing Pasig-Marikina River and Manggahan Floodway of the Department of Public Works and Highways are listed in the 75 �lagship

PAGUDPUD,P10

he 12-megawatt Maibarara geothermal power plant (M2) has successfully been connected to the Luzon grid, its �irst export of power to the grid.

Listed PetroEnergy Resources Corporation (PERC) said the facility located in Sto. Tomas, Batangas is the second geothermal unit of Maibarara Geothermal, Inc. (MGI), a joint venture of its renewable energy holding unit PetroGreen Energy Corporation (PGEC), PHINMA Energy Corporation and PNOC Renewables Corporation.

MGI Power Plant Manager Paul Elmer Morala said the Maibarara-2 unit is currently undergoing a series of capability and reliability tests following its connection to the grid on March 9.

“During these tests, the ERC (Energy Regulatory

Commission) will conduct a technical inspection as part of the Commission’s requirements for the issuance of a certi�icate of compliance (COC). Commercial operations of M2 will follow with the COC award,” he told the local stock exchange.

PGEC President Milagros Reyes said Maibarara-2 is the fourth power generating plant completed and put online in four years by the company.

“It marks the second wave of our judicious investment and operation in the renewable energy sector following the �irst wave with the 20 MW Maibarara-1 unit in February 2014, the 36-MW Nabas-1 wind farm in June 2015, and the 50 MW Tarlac-1 solar facility in February 2016,” she said.

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ECONOMY5

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

Senate to probe P8.7B RROW‘scam’in GSC

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GARDEN FAIR. Visitors check out the ornamental and farm plants on display at SM City Davao’s Farm and Garden Fair 2018. Lean Daval Jr

he Senate blue ribbon committee will resume here on Friday, March 16, its investigation into the alleged P8.7-billion road right-of-way (RROW) “scam” in the area.

Dominador Lagare III, supervising legislative of�icer of the of�ice of Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao, said Monday four senators have already con�irmed to attend the scheduled Senate hearing at the city council’s session hall.

He said these are senators Vicente Sotto III, Juan Edgardo Angara, Gregorio Honasan and Pacquiao.

Senate blue ribbon committee chair Senator Richard Gordon, has yet to con�irm his attendance as of Monday, he said.

The of�ice of Senator Pacquiao, who initiated the

conduct of the Senate inquiry on the RROW controversy last year, has been coordinating the preparations for the senate inquiry.

The initial hearing, which was held at the Senate, was facilitated by the committee on public works chaired by Pacquiao.

“If Senator Gordon will not be available, Senator Pacquiao will preside over the hearing,” Lagare said in an interview over radio station Brigada News FM. Lagare, a former city councilor here, said they have �inalized the preparations for the Senate hearing, which will be aired live on national television and Internet streaming.

He said among the invited resource persons are of�icials of the city assessor’s

he Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) aims to release by the end of 2018 its inventory of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and classifying the types of barriers to trade.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez told reporters Monday that the 10 member states of ASEAN hope to come up with their NTBs inventory before the end of the year, then move forward in crafting a program to reduce NTBs in the region.

“Hopefully this year, before the end of the year we can come up with that (inventory of NTBs) and gradually have a program, may be in a year or two,” Lopez said at the sidelines of the Malaysia Business Forum in Makati City.

In the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN 2017, the ASEAN trade ministers during their 23rd ASEAN Economic

Ministers (AEM) Retreat here agreed to cut trade costs in the region by 10 percent in 2020.

The ASEAN Leaders also directed their economic ministers to promote transparency of non-tariff measures (NTMs) and reduction of technical barriers to trade.

Lopez said the AEM currently has a working group setting up the criteria in identifying the types of NTMs in the region.

“In principle, the criterion on NTBs should be justi�iable. When it’s for safety, for security concerns, and standard compliance -- it’s not barrier per se. We want to ensure there’s product testing for sanitary and phytosanitary tests, those are legitimate. But to be beyond that, for industry protection -- why we do that when we are trying to reduce tariff?” said Lopez. (DTI)

Dominguez, US envoy visit Samar infra works T Funded by $222M US grant

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ASEAN eyes release of NTBs inventory this year

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inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim led the site visit of a road and bridge infrastructure project completed under a $222.5 million US-grant that is now benefiting over 400,000 residents of Samar province by way of improved access to basic social services and increased economic opportunities.

Funded by the US foreign aid agency Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the Secondary National Roads Development Project (SNRDP) spans 222.23 kilometers of roads and 61 bridges that have all been completed as of September 2016.

Upon their arrival here on Monday, Domin-

guez and Kim, accompanied

by Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, proceeded to the SNRDP marker at the Guiuan town proper and inspected the Buyayawon Bridge portion of the project.

The SNRDP, which was part of the MCC’s �irst Compact agreement with the Philippines completed

in 2016, involved the construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges starting from Barangay Buray in Paranas, Samar, which connects Northern Samar to Eastern Samar, and ends in the town of Guiuan.

This road project traverses 15 of the 22 municipalities in the province, which is located in the country’s eastern seaboard. The Taft, Eastern Samar to Guiuan, Eastern Samar road section of the project is the only access road to thirteen (13) coastal municipalities of Eastern Samar.

Eastern Samar, where the main sources of livelihood are farming and �ishing, is now bene�iting im-

mensely from the project by way of increased economic and tourism activities in the province.

“I think a large part of the development of Eastern Samar has been due to the projects that were funded by the American people through their government.

It has done wonders for the area,” Dominguez said after his visit to the infrastructure project.

Dominguez told the US Ambassador: “Please send back the message that your help is much appreciated by not only the national government and the local government but the local citizens as well in this area.”

Kim said the visit to the

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Bangladesh firm eyes, 10M RP investment

Warning issued v. fake lipsticks A

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onsumer beware: That cheap, high-end MAC lipstick that you bought in Divisoria could be loaded with lead, a dangerous chemical.

The EcoWaste Coalition, a non-pro�it toxics watch group, aired its latest warning against poison lipsticks after detecting lead up to 22,700 parts per million (ppm) in 11 samples of unbelievably cheap MAC lipsticks costing only P25 to P60 each .

Following the recent issuance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last March 5 of a public health advisory against the use of counterfeit MAC lipsticks, the EcoWaste Coalition went to Divisoria to obtain samples from retailers of imitation cosmetics at 168 Shopping Mall, 999 Shopping Mall and Divisoria Shopping Mall.

The FDA had warned that counterfeit products pose potential health haz-

ards due to the contamination of heavy metals such as lead and mercury or from other ingredients that are not permitted in cosmetic formulations.

“The results of our investigation con�irm that lead is lurking in some fake MAC lipsticks, posing health risks to consumers, especially to women,” said Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.

“Lead accumulates in

the human body over time so the repeated application of a lipstick laced with lead, even at low amounts, can end up as a signi�icant exposure for women,” he explained.

“Consumers who go to Divisoria and other bargain hubs to get high-end imitation beauty products may actually be buying poison cosmetics,” he warned.

Lead exposure in women may result in hormonal

WARNING,P12

Bangladeshi conglomerate has expressed interest to invest some USD10 million in the Philippines, days after a report cited the country as the top destination for investments.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the SAASCO Group has requested the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka to support and assist them in introducing them to Philippine authorities in relation to their business endeavor.

The DFA said SAASCO Group Managing Director and CEO Shiekh Atiar

Rahman has expressed the group’s intention to establish a factory and export food products to Bangladesh.

SAASCO Group, founded in 1995, has been manufacturing and exporting high-quality garments to renowned international companies.

Some 14 companies and associates under it are involved in ceramics, packaging and marketing, energy, �inance, news and entertainment media, communications, and real estate business.

BANGLADESH,P12

6 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

PDEA declares 13 more villages in Maguindanao as drug-free

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OTABATO CITY -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEAARMM) has declared 13 more villages as “drug-free barangays” in the nearby province of Maguindanao.

The declaration brought to a total of 159 barangays declared as drug-free since last year out of the more than 300 identi�ied drug-affected villages.

Juvenal Azurin, PDEAARMM director, on Tuesday said that six of the 13 declared drug-free barangays were in Parang town, four in Barira and three in Pagalungan.

Azurin explained that there are three processes in declaring a barangay drugfree as those identi�ied as slightly affected, moderately affected and seriously affected village.

Slightly affected means the village has at least one drug user; moderately affected has at least one user and one pusher; and, seriously affected has the presence of clandestine drug laboratories, drug dens and marijuana plantations.

“We easily clear villages under slightly affected categories but take some time in dealing with moderately and seriously affected ar-

PDEA,P11

25 loose firearms surrendered

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AJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao -- The number of civilians yielding unlicensed �irearms is increasing with the intervention of more local government executives in this province, of�icials said Tuesday.

On Monday, Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan of this town turned over 25 loose �irearms to Brig. Gen. Diosdao Carreon, Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade comamnder, in a ceremony held at the town’s gymnasium.

Ampatuan said the high-powered �irearms were collected from residents through the municipal government’s “Balik Baril Program” launched in support to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division disarmament program.

Ampatuan said his town is enjoying relative peace as the program is gaining headway.

The high-powered �irearms turned over on Mon-

day included the following: caliber .30 machinegun; 60mm mortar; Ultimax assault ri�les; M-16 Armalite ri�les; M-14 ri�les; M-79 grenade launchers; and, caliber .50 Barret sniper ri�le.

“We have to continue this turning over of loose �irearms. We should not wait for the full force of the law to get us. Let us surrender the unlicensed �irearms. This will be good for all of us. Let us think on how to live peacefully,” Ampatuan said during the program even as he lauded those who heeded the calls to yield their “prized possessions.”

Owning a gun is a common practice in Moro populated areas to protect the family from enemies and lawless elements.

Ampatuan encouraged every residents of this town who still possess unlicensed

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403 cops promoted to next rank in Region 9

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AMBOANGA CITY -- The Police Regional Of�ice-9 (PRO-9) has promoted to the next higher rank 403 of�icers and personnel assigned in the region, an of�icial announced Tuesday.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, PRO-9 information of�icer, said that 59 of the 403 who were promoted were of�icers and the remaining 344 were non-of�icers.

Galvez said two of the 59 were promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector, eight to Senior Inspector, and 49 to Inspector.

She said that the personnel were promoted to the next high ranks and these are as follows: three Senior Police Of�icer 4; 37 Senior Police Of�icer 3; nine, Senior Police Of�icer 2; 130 Senior

Police Of�icer 1; 97 Police Of�icer 3; and, 68 Police Of�icer 2.

She said Chief Supt Billy Beltran, PRO-9 director, administered the donning of ranks and oath taking of the newly-promoted police of�icers and personnel held on Monday at Camp Colonel Romeo Abendan, this city.

Beltran said the promotion of the 403 of�icers and personnel is one way of recognizing their sacri�ices, accomplishment and merit they displayed in the police service.

Based on records, a total of 2,500 police personnel applied for second semester second level regular promotion, but only 403 were promoted for reasons of limited quota. (PNA)

LOSS OF FOREST COVER. Along with other Southeast Asian countries, deforestation in the Philippines is a major environmental issue.

Its forest cover dropped from 70% to 20% over the course of the 20th

century. As a result of deforestation, about 46 species are considered endangered (including the Philippine eagle) . Today, only 2.3% of its total rainforest has been left. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

DA to open ‘Bigas ng Masa’ outlets in GSC T

he Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to open “Bigas ng Masa” outlets here in a bid to address the rising prices of commercial rice.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol relayed such move to a city of�icial in response to problems posed by the dwindling rice stocks of the National Food Authority (NFA) in the area.

City Councilor Franklin Gacal Jr. said Piñol promised to bring the “Bigas ng Masa” program to provide local residents access to cheaper but quality rice supplies.

He said these outlets will sell rice to local consumers at P38 a kilo, which is cheap-

er than the prevailing prices of various commercial rice varieties.

The of�icial said he initially informed Sec. Piñol through text message last week of the looming problem on rice supplies in the city.

He said Piñol responded in “less than �ive minutes” and promised such solution to address the problem.

Gacal said he reported to Piñol that the NFA here only had 5,900 bags of rice.

“I raised the problem of the coming shortage of NFA rice here because the available stock of the NFA for the city will last only for a week,” he said.

Gacal said NFA personnel here expects the augmentation of imported rice set by the central of�ice to arrive in June.

“That means GenSan will have no NFA rice for three months. The poor will now be forced to buy commercial rice, which is expensive,” he said.

He said such situation might cause the prices of commercial rice to further surge due to the increase in demand.

“We don’t want this to happen. So in the next session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (Tuesday, March 13), I will sponsor a resolution requesting the NFA and DA to make rice available (for us here),” he added.

DA launched the “Bigas ng Masa” program last month to counter the surge in commercial rice prices as a result of supposed “arti�icial shortages.”

The agency initially opened the rice outlets, which allows consumers to purchase at least 25 kilos of the cheaper rice, in Metro Manila but vowed to expand it to other areas in the country. (MindaNews)

They were abandoned by their disoriented captors at around 3 p.m. Monday in Barangay Libucon, Sirawai after soldiers and policemen had been relentlessly pursuing them since they seized the victims.

“The kidnappers under a certain Jamilon Wahab panicked aside from becoming weary with the ongoing pursuit operations and left the victims before they �led,” Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, Army’s 1st Infantry

Division commander, said.

Mahari Abdulla, Libucon barangay chair, who initially assisted the victims, called Sirawai Mayor Gamar Janihim, who in turn handed them over to the Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion.

The victims, all employees of Tata Subebe, were all residents of Barangay San Nicolas, Sirawai.

The KFRG seized them on March 3 in Barangay Panabutan, Sirawai when they were on the way to cut

timbers.

Janihim said the kidnappers were also led by Bating Luninguis aside from Wahab, whose group operates in the hinterlands of Sirawai and in nearby areas.

“They were originally �ive when they were kidnapped however, one of them was hit in the cross�ire during an encounter between our soldiers and their captors last March 7,” Murillo said.

Troops recover 4 kidnapped timber cutters in Zamboanga

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AMBOANGA CITY -Government troops safely recovered the four timber cutters seized earlier this month by kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Norte, the military reported Tuesday.

Recovered were: Roger Jung-an; Jomar Maglangit; Jomar Mantangan; and, Raymond Purisima who were held captive for nine days in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Norte.

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SUBURBIA RISING 7

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

RDC endorses DOLE-12’s P280-M budget for 2019

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ALL IN A DAY’S WORK. These days, buildings are sprouting all over Davao City. This simply shows that the city is indeed booming. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region 12 has endorsed the P280 million proposed budget for next year of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the region.

Sisinio Cano, DOLE-12 director, said Tuesday the council approved the funding following a series of reviews and deliberations on their lined up programs, projects and activities for 2019.

He said the P280,016,531 proposed budget is about 40 percent higher than the agency’s allocation for this year.

“We’re optimistic that the Department of Budget and Management will appreciate our budget proposal,” he said Cano said they would engage with their partners in Congress to help in lob-

bying for the approval of their allocation.

The RDC’s review of their budget proposal is in consonance with its mandate as provided for in Executive Order No. 325, Series of 1995, and in compliance with the National Budget Memorandum No. 129 or the budget call for �iscal year 2019 dated January 3, 2018.

The of�icial said the council mainly found their proposed programs, projects and activities to be supportive with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s 0+10-point socio economic agenda and operationalize the goals, strategies and priorities set in the Philippine Development Plan.

He said it also complements with the priority programs and projects under the 2017-2022 Public Investment Program and

otabato City – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will build a P100-million Maguindanao government center this year in the town of Buluan, the provincial capital. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and Maguindanao Governor Esmail ‘Toto’ Mangudadatu led the groundbreaking of the center on Monday, March 12.

Gov. Hataman said the building will facilitate improved delivery of services of the provincial government to its constituents.

“Sinisigurado natin na ang mga proyekto natin ay mayroong social impact sa sinasakupan natin,” the ARMM governor added.

Gov. Mangudadatu of

Maguindanao thanked the regional government and President Rodrigo Duterte for the support in the development of the provincial center. A two-storey building, the center will house the of�ices of several provincial government agencies, and will sit on a 1.8-hectare land. It forms part of the provincial government complex.

The project is funded under the ARMM’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget for 2017. It is expected to be �inished in 12 months.

Among the �lagship projects of DPWH-ARMM in Maguindanao are the Datu Odin Sinsuat-Datu Blah Sinsuat-Lebak Coastal Road

SoCot raises alarm over ARMM to build P100-million Maguindanao gov’t center ‘excessive vaping’ minors C G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The provincial government of South Cotabato has raised alarm over the increasing number of minors in the area who were into vaping through the use of electronic or e-cigarettes.

Karen Fulgar, child representative of the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC), said Tuesday they have received reports regarding the “excessive use of vapes” by minors, speci�ically students.

She said a number of students were recently caught vaping in schools, speci�ically in Polomolok town.

“This is alarming since vapors can cause harm to those with asthma and with weak lungs,” Fulgar

said.

Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor produced by personal vaporizers and e-cigarettes out of “e-liquids” (or e-juice), which are a mixtures of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine, and usually comes with water-soluble food �lavoring.

Recent studies showed that “people who smoke e-cigarettes might have an increased risk of developing pneumonia because the vapor could help bacteria stick to cells lining the air-

ways.”

PCPC said the excessive use of vape is now one of the “major concerns” even in remote barangays because of its popularity and accessibility.

It said these are readily sold in vape shops in parts of the province as well as through online stores.

Apart from the health problems, the council is also concerned with the possibility of addiction among minors as the e-cigarette being used contain sweet �lavors similar to desserts and might contain nicotine.

To address the problem, the PCPC proposed for the regulation of vape shop operations and other related establishments within the province’s 10

towns and lone city.

Provincial Boardmember Ester Marin Catorce, who also serves as PCPC action of�icer, said they are set to submit a resolution requesting the provincial government to set measures for the regulation of the vape shops.

“This regulation will primarily prohibit children from entering the said shops,” she said.

Catorce admitted that it would be dif�icult for the council to prohibit children from buying vapes online.

But she said the regulation of the local vape shops would have a great impact as most children access their materials through these establishments.

(FKA/PNA)

DCWD on the works to improve water supply in Cabantian system

of the credibility, ef�iciency and effectiveness” of the 378 personnel.

He urged them to level up with their performance in line with their sworn duties and the PNP’s mission and vision.

The of�icial said their promotion equates to bigger responsibilities and should work harder to achieve them.

Morales urged local stakeholders to continue with their support “to the men and women of PRO12,” noting that they cannot be as ef�icient and effective without them.(PNA)

avao City Water District management is already on the works to provide immediate interventions to the sudden drop of water yield in its production wells serving Cabantian Water Supply System.

The most immediate intervention is to decongest Cabantian WSS by around 900 service connections, which will in turn make available around 900 cubic meters of water for the remaining areas served by Cabantian WSS. To be decongested are connections in Holy Trinity, Countryville Executive Homes, Bacahoa Subd., Victor Homes, and Emilia Homes and will be served

by Dumoy WSS. This will

378 cops in Region 12 promoted D

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ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) promoted some 378 police personnel in Region 12 to the next higher ranks.

Chief Insp. Aldrin Gonzales, public information of�icer of the Police Regional Of�ice (PRO)-12, said Tuesday the promotion was based on endorsements made by the PRO-12 and the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

He said the promoted personnel comprised of 61 commissioned of�icers and 317 non-commissioned of�icers assigned in various

police units in Region 12.

Also known as Soccsksargen, the region is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

“They comprised of personnel who passed the qualifying examination and standards for promotion,” Gonzales said.

The newly-promoted personnel formally took their oaths and donned their new ranks in a ceremony held at the PRO-12

headquarters in Barangay Tambler here on Monday.

Of the 61 promoted police commissioned of�icers, 16 were elevated to the rank of Superintendent, four to Chief Inspector, 10 to Senior Inspector and 31 to Inspector.

For the non-commissioned of�icers, 32 were promoted to Senior Police Of�icer (SPO) 3, 21 to SPO2, 122 to SPO1, 89 to Police Of�icer (PO) 3 and 53 to PO2.

Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, Region 12 police director, said in a statement that the promotion to the next higher ranks “speaks

RDC,P12

ARMM,P12

take effect once the pipelaying works from DCWD’s Panorama booster pump to Emilia Homes is completed this month. The project was temporarily stalled when the newly-laid pipeline was hit by an equipment of a private contractor.

According to general manager Engr. Edwin V. Regalado, “With lesser service connections, there will be observed improvements in water supply.”

Complementing this intervention are the continuous hauling of around 500 cubic meters of water from DCWD’s Dumoy source directly to Cabantian’s reservoir, which will also be intensi�ied in order to increase

DCWD,P12

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

EDITORIAL

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Easing up on bank secrecy

here is the likelihood that amendments to the bank secrecy law in relation to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act will be passed by the end of the month.

What is the amendment for and who is affected by it? The answer to the �irst is that it is for the purpose of investigation on tax evasion cases. The second is that it covers everyone.

The bill aims to ease Republic Act (RA) 1405 or The Law on Secrecy of Bank Deposits, which is under the proposed Package 1B of the TRAIN Act to allow courts to order the opening of bank accounts but only as evidence for tax evasion cases. The coverage of the law covers anyone and not just public of�icials.

However, the qualifying determinant is the existence of suspicions and/or evidence of tax evasion.

The Philippines is among the few countries in the world that

EDGEDAVAO

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has a bank secrecy law which ensures secrecy of bank deposits and prohibits bank personnel from disclosing any information about a bank account holder unless required by a court or the depositor has issued a waiver.

The measure to include everyone other than public of�icials to those who would be covered by the proposed relaxation of the Bank Secrecy Law boils down to fairness and equal protection.

Given the noble intention of the law, there must remain some safeguards that will prevent people from using the provision in order to get through the blanket that protects one’s bank information from being accessed without one’s consent by way of a waiver.

Measures like this one are dangerously susceptible to abuse and must be plugged of its loopholes before it could even be passed.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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EDGEDAVAO

D

espite the in�lux of tourists and the apparent threat to the ecosystem that lured them all in the �irst place, we now have measures instituted that will be good not only for that particular island, but for other as well.

For one, we now have new laws that allow public participation in the process of ensuring environmental sustainability.

Moreover, we have new reasearch that can provide solutions.

We can start by strengthening the Water Quality management areas that cover these islands. This multiparty bodies are created pursuant to Republic Act 9275 and should include all affected sectors, from the local government, chambers

W

hile the focal issue that grips the nation today is the clamor to adopt federalism in its diluted form, nearly a century ago the American Chamber of Commerce, meeting on August 14, 1920 with the presence of two hundred �ifty-three members, passed a resolution saying: “WHEREAS the present status of the Philippine Islands is undesirable; “BE IT RESOLVED by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands that a territorial government under the sovereignty of the United States is desirable.”

To put into context the move and to allow a broader appreciation of the development, C.M. Cotterman, the chamber’s vice-president, wrote an interesting piece, which was given prominent space in the organization’s monthly publication in July 1921. The article was titled: ‘The Chamber’s Stand on Territorial Form of Government for the Philippines.’

While the resolution sounded more like a call for statehood for the archipelago following the enactment by the United States Congress of the Jones Law, there was ambivalence in the way the chamber members viewed the declaration because, Cotterman underscored, “there was no attempt made to secure unanimity of opinions and ideas beyond the

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245• WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Why we need to get tough on Boracay (part 2) of commerce and civil society groups. This body has the mandate to set water quality standards, or targets of cleanliness that the water body should aspire to achieve, maintain or exceed.

A suggestion is to revive many of the lost mangrove areas as these afford natural cleansing which can aid in wastewater treatment efforts. A study in the UP los Banos bears this out here: https://journals. uplb.edu.ph/index.php/JESAM/article/view/1593/pdf_69 If these bodies have been composed then they should meet regularly and concentrate on getting to know the actual quality of the water body and get to work on programs that

MY TWO CENTS’ John Carlo B. Tria will allow it to achieve its quality targets.

There are other bodies worth strengthening, such as

the Solid Waste Management Boards, which decide on the type, manner and level of enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Act or RA 9003 in a particular municipality.

We speak of solid waste because this is how trash is managed. How well it is managed will have a big impact on how healthy our nearby water bodies are. Better management of solid waste measn better quality of water.

In the end, getting tough on Boracay and our other beaches is not about water alone, it is about people and their relationship with the water. It is about following the rules to keep the water clean, and defending the water, its beaches and shore-

line, and the vistas that made it a world class destination in the �irst place.

It is also about being tough by implementing these rules and getting people, especially those earn their livelihood or pro�its to comply with these rules.

Should we fail to do this for Boracay, we risk losing, and hundreds of beautiful islands.

Lets make protecting them a national priority. After all, if billions are raked in from tourist revenues and hundreds of thousands of livelihoods are at stake, would it not be rational to ensure that the beauty is strengthened? for comments: facebook. com/johntriapage

independence and the demand for it immediately regardless of what the consequences from either foreign or domestic causes would surely be if obtained.

“And, frequently, coupled with this demand was the insinuation of bad faith on the part of the United States for delaying or withholding the grant of independence when, as they claimed, all of the stipulations in the Jones l.aw had been met and had been so stated by Mr. Harrison in his reports to [US] President [Woodrow] Wilson.”

But the sentiment against Harrison’s initiatives also included certain embedded aspirations the colonists had in terms of hegemony and world power: “Every red-blooded American hopes to see his country expand as a world power and in its foreign commerce. We know that if we are ever to be a force in the Orient worthy of the name in these two respects we must have a base nearby or therein from which to work. Having acquired these Islands in a perfectly legal manner we can see no good reason why we should now haul down our �lag and vacate and particularly since we also believe that these Islands are our logical base in the Orient. Furthermore, we believe… the greatest good will come to these Islands and to all of their inhabitants by the permanent

establishment of complete and absolute American sovereignty therein.”

In �ine, Cotterman explained, the chamber was forced to “declared itself in favor of a territorial government under the sovereignty of the United States, and they are brie�ly cited simply for the purpose of endeavoring to show the frame of mind its members were in at that time.”

“Many of us have large property interests here and some of us have all of our worldly possessions in the Islands,” the writer stressed. “None of us concede to any person, class or race a greater desire to do what is best for all of the inhabitants, or a higher mindedness of purpose in what they do, than we claim to have used when we adopted the territorial government resolution. The accomplishment of what we desire may not give quite as much in the immediate future to a very few of the [Filipinos]… but we believe… they too will be gainers if American sovereignty is made absolute and permanent, for their present prosperity, or such prosperity as they hope to get under independence, can last but a short time for reasons well known…”

In short, the American chamber adopted the position that the archipelago would remain an absolute US vassal state but not in terms that �it it to be called a state of the Americans.

A vague call for statehood in 1920

declaration in the resolution as to the form or details of the territorial government desired.”

To clarify the issue, he explained: “[It] is a fact beyond question that every American present, whether he voted for or against the resolution, was in complete accord and harmony on the declaration in the preamble that the present status of the Islands is undesirable, and that some change in that status which would absolutely and completely restore the sovereignty of the United States to its proper and rightful position was necessary.

“Unquestionably there were many differences of opinion as to the method of making the change and as to the extent and form of the change desired. Some members expressed a preference for a colonial government and opposed the declaration for a territorial government on the ground that this meant ultimate statehood and full citizenship in the United States for all of the inhabitants of the Islands.” (Paragraphing mine.)

A closer reading of the article, though, would elevate certain prejudices and discords to the front, especially after American Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison “put into effect the re-organization Act No. 2666 by which he was relieved or shorn in every possible way of duties that were clearly delegated to

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa him by the Jones law, and by which American citizens were prohibited from holding certain of�ices.” Cotterman continued: “But this was not enough and so in 1918 Mr. Harrison created the Council of State by executive order and thus further relieved himself of other duties and obligations belonging to his of�ice and made the President of the Philippine Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives the most powerful presiding of�icers in the world.

“Then we saw the sovereignty of the United States relegated to the third page of the government roster, the Senate and House with complete lists of membership preceding the of�ice and name of the Governor-General. Also, we were getting the continuous harangue day and night about �itness for

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018 were Irene Lascuňa (2011), Marianne Mae Te (2012), Fila Guia Hidalgo (2013), Franchesca Enriquez (2014), Kris Abegail Guanzon (2015), Allyza Molly Teodoro (2016) and Reina Kobayashi (2017).

Today, the search for Mutya ng Davao remains to be a unique

beauty contest, mainly because of the absence of swimsuit portion in accordance with the Women Development Code of Davao City - which protects women from being a sexual commodity or for manipulation and utilization for one’s sexual desire. CIO

submitted last month to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

The report cited an outbreak of H5N6 HPAI in Olderkerk in Grootegast, Groningen, affecting birds.

“Frozen poultry meat with slaughter/process date of 21 days prior to the HPAI outbreak are allowed to enter the country subject to veterinary quarantine rules

and regulations,” Piñol, however, clari�ied.

Such exception applies to accredited establishments or poultry products already in transit upon issuance of the ban, he said.

He added importing poultry meat products is subject to conditions provided in Article 10.4.20 and 10.4.26 of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code, 2017. (PNA)

malversation can only be committed by a public of�icer,” her motion added.

Napoles is a co-accused of former Department of Budget and Management secretary and incumbent Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr., and former Department of Agrarian Reform secretary and now Masui City, Lanao del Sur Mayor Nasser Pangandaman.

The case arose when they allegedly misused PHP900-million worth of Malampaya funds from the relief operations, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of areas affected by Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng through the Napoles-led foundations between

2009 and 2010.

Napoles argued that the Of�ice of the Ombudsman “miserably failed to establish conspiracy” between her and her co-accused.

She added the Ombudsman had failed to clearly state the place and date in its charge sheet as to when the alleged crime took place, thus disabling her ability to defend herself.

“Certainly, it would be perplexing for the accused to admit or face the charge, by not knowing how, when, and where, during the span years, were the alleged ‘over criminal acts’ have been committed,” Napoles’ motion read. (PNA)

DENR ordered the strict implementation of the “25+5” easement between buildings and the shore.

This mandatory salvage or easement zone area – 25 meters plus 5 meters – is measured from the high tide mark.

Should there be any structure established past the easement area, Cimatu said it must be demolished.

He likewise enjoined of�i-

cials to prepare for a possible in�lux of tourists to Pagudpud with the closure of Boracay island.

Since February 22, a task force composed of 120 employees from the DENR’s regional of�ices and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has been deployed to Boracay to neutralize violations and violators of environmental laws and local ordinances in the island. (PNA)

PN5's Renz Ongkiko. "Viva Las Vegas! " Gibbons added that Top Rank head Bob Arum was indeed leaning towards April 28 at one point. "Then on Saturday he told me that we had a few changes and need the �ight to go back to April 14. I checked with Coach Joven and he said they are ready, and I checked with Michael (Aldeguer, Sultan's promoter), and they said they are ready. Kaboom! We have Filipino history in Viva Las Vegas!"

Ancajas (29-1-1, 20 KOs), who is coming off an impressive 10th-round TKO of Mexico's Israel Gonzalez last February 4 in Corpus Christi, is already deep in training at the Survival Camp in Cavite. Sultan (14-3, 9 KOs), has also started his training in Cebu.

The last time two Filipino boxers battled for a world title was way back in 1925, when Pancho Villa beat Clever Sencio via unanimous decision in Wallace Field in Manila for the world �lyweight title.

with the next eight points, with the last �ive from Chris Paul, to make it 99-76 and end Paul’s night with about 8 minutes remaining.

Paul, who �inished with 18 points and nine assists, wowed the crowd in that stretch, crossing over Forbes before sinking a basket and then knocking

down a 3-pointer on Houston’s next trip down the court.

The Rockets were up by 10 early in the third quarter before using a 7-3 run, capped by a 3 from Trevor Ariza, to make it 61-47 with about 9 1/2 minutes left in the quarter before the big Harden-fueled run put the game out of reach.

PH... FROM 3

NAPOLES... FROM 3

TALENT TILT. Candidate number 11 Daryl Borja wows the crowd with her dance number during during Mutya ng Davao 2018 talent competition held at the atrium of Gaisano Mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

INCREASING... FROM 1

to run),” she said.

He told these officials that they cannot fool the voters anymore since they are well informed about the mandate of President Rodrigo R. Duterte against illegal drugs.

Rivera also asked the the voters not to choose the baranagay officials who are involved in illegal drugs to save their community.

Earlier, a John T. Nardo, 36, Barangay Councilor of Barangay New Visayas in Panabo City was nabbed by PDEA 11 ang Panabo City Police Station through a search warrant.

PDEA 11 report bared that Nardo is part in the top 10 Regional and Provincial target list and also included in the list of President Duterte.

“I wanted to implement it this year but they told me it’s really impossible to make it happened this year,” she said.

The High Priority Bus System was one of the DO30 projects that the lady mayor discussed during her first State of

the City Address (SOCA) last year which aimed to help decongest the city traffic, provide a comfortable transportation for the public and to provide a safe livelihood for the drivers because with thier constant exposure to pollution their health put at risk.

development in indigenous and tribal communities.

“There is a Balay Turugan, a dwelling place for the visitors or even tourist who would visit their community and Balay Kauyahan where they display their works and products such as their beadworks,” He said.

He added that the proceeds of the tour will go to the construction of tribe’s traditional school and other ATA traditional structure especially to establish more Panuluanan, a cultural center in all barangays in Paquibato District and all tribes are interested with the project that encourages the youth to be educated.

manently etched in their mind and hear.

“We are also teaching the youth to be proud of their tribe and not be ashamed of their culture),” he said.

Matt LeBlanca, a Canadian iEmergence’s executive director, who also hails from an indigenous community called Mi’kmaq in the Eastcost of Canada, said that they have been helping a lot of IP communities across the country and they’ve been working with Ata tribe since 2011.

“I could actually relate to the local community here, similar to his IP heritage that also has the history of colonization and is facing the effects of Westernization,” He said.

He added that the project will give locals and tourists a deeper understanding about their presence and will also uphold the culture of respect to their traditions. It is a huge factor for the development of a community.

“I ‘am inviting the public to join them for a tour in their traditional house in Magsaysay Park from March 15 to 18, who could not go to Paquibato, will have the chance to experience firsthand the hospitality of Ata and their way of life,” He said.

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“The youth will be more educated about their culture and will ignite pride for their tribe. This will somehow prevent their fellow Lumads to be easily encouraged joining rebel groups,” He said.

He said that they seeks to promote and uphold their culture in Panuluanan School for living traditions situated at Sitio Sorayan, Barangay Colosas, Paquibato District.

Ali added that they’ve been engaging their youth to develop better understanding in their traditions under the new millennium to ensure that it will be per-

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of Datu Bago. On an interview, Beirinda Bago, 6th generation granddaughter of Datu Bago said that they are thankful to the Davao City mayor and to the President that they were given the chance to witness the event.

“Naningkamot jud mi isip usa ka apo ni Datu Bago nga maka anhi diri, ug nanghinaot mi nga matabangan mi mga decendants ni Datu Bago nga makapatukod ug munomento para kaniya,” (We did our best as a descendant of Datu Bago to attend this event, we hope

that we will be assisted by the city in building the Monument of Datu Bago near Museo Davaoeño),”she said on an interview.

She said that they would like to ask the city government to help them build a monument of Datu Bago near the Museo Davaoeño.

Councilor Pilar Braga also announced in the event that she authored the ordinance recognizing Datu Bago as a local hero of Davao City during last week’s session in the council.

wife Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman Liza Diño-Seguerra, had campaigned for Duterte during the May 2016 national elections.

Seguerra has continuous-

ly pushed for Sangguniang Kabataan (youth) elections to push through noting that youth must be given a chance to have more representation in government. (PNA)

at nakaka wala ng pagod kahit na 24 oras akong mag trabaho (Even if it’s early to talk about the politics and its still not on my mind if I will run but with the words of Mayor Inday Sara, it is really humbling and refreshing even if I worked for 24 hours),” he said.

He said the President is the one who give him the strength to continue his public service in the country despite the issues.

“Pangako ko po sa Pamilyang Duterte pagsisilbihan ko po ang kanilang ama habambuhay kahit saan man po kami pupulutin balang araw, dahil po

malaki ang utang na loob ko sa Pamilyang Duterte (I promise to the Duterte family that I wil serve their father wherever we go in the futre because of I have a debt of gratitude to them),” he said.

“Kahit saan man ako dalhin ng aking kapalaran, sasamahan ko si Pangulong Duterte hanggang kamatayan(I will go with President Duterte wherever my fate brings me even death),” he said.

Go also said he sees President Duterte in the persona of Duterte-Carpio with her whole heart service to the people.

ing and exploiting women.

In 1992, Sharon Limbaga won the crown, followed by Mary Jean Biol (1993), Ma. Lualhati Malata (1994), Jovelyn Pongase (1995), Sharon Escarella (1996), Llwelyn Muriel Austria (1997), Carol Kent Ramos (1998), Joan Magtibay (1999) and Leah May Luna (2000).

The search for the Mutya ng Davao continued uninterrupted

over the years.

More Mutya were crowned, such as Paula Ann Selgas (2001), Mary Carmel Osmena (2002), Joan Mae Soco (2003), Aieelen Cainglet (2004), Jovine Narajos (2005), Johanne Bernice Guirgen (2006), Clarice Escala (2007), Mary Jean Lastimosa (2008), Resci Angeli Rizada (2009) and Janelle Tee (2010).

Completing the list of queens

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

A reminder for

Beautiful location but such a littered ground. Photo by Boom Balili.

SUMMER

IT’S THE SEASON for lighter hair, darker skin and quick getaways to the nearest beach to escape the summer heat in the city. While the onset of the summer season means lazy days ahead for those at school, this season is just another change in the temperature for those like us in the workforce. Still, summer brings a lot of things to be excited about especially if you’re planning a quick trip during the holidays in the next few weeks.

In course of planning your perfect summer getaway, I’m sharing a few reminders of how we can all be responsible stewards of the only home we’ll ever have in this universe, Earth. These reminders come with a heavy heart as I was recently on a trip from my home break.

I haven’t been back to Dahican in almost a month and it was so nostalgic to be back. I timed my visit when the swell was picking up so I could maximize surfing quality waves during my stay. The amount of plastic I saw on the shoreline was just too much to handle.

There was plastic everywhere. I couldn’t help it that each time I’d walk, I’d end up picking up plastic and it would take me longer to get from point A to point B on the beach since there was just so much plastic lying around.

Dear reader, I pray you don’t

Imagine if all of us picked up trash as we see it? It’s not impossible but we have to start with ourselves. Photo by @cheenchrisshei.

contribute to the alarming amounts of trash in our beaches. Instead, I have high hopes that you, in your own little way, can add to the growing voices that spread awareness about protecting what we love.

Here are five ways we can start: 1. REFUSE THE STRAW! Straws can kill beautiful sea turtles, take more than a human lifetime to decompose and are used just once. I don’t know why we ever started using straws but you can start a plastic-free habit by saying no to straws when you’re ordering drinks.

Can’t live without straws to sip your fruit shake or smoothies? Buy a bamboo or metal straw that you can easily bring with you on your trips. These are inexpensive options that have a huge impact if all of us refused the straw.

Chill Station in Dahican and Davao’s Surf Shack, as well as Clean Beach Co in La Union, don’t use plastic straws and plastic containers to serve

their drinks and refreshments.

Support local establishments like these that take the extra mile to rid our beaches of plastic, one customer, at a time.

2. DON’T STEP ON THE CORAL REEFS. We should treat corals and our underwater gardens like we do manicured lawns of establishments in the city — no stepping on the grass. It’s the same with corals. When you step on them, you kill them slowly. Avoid touching corals or even breaking off a “branch” to take home with you a souvenir. When you step or even touch the reef you are removing tiny animals that can’t survive outside of their reef home.

Even the tiniest touch causes damage to the coral itself. Keep your distance and just take photos.

Corals are living organisms, unlike rocks and boulders where you can sit and step on all day. We, humans, are the biggest threats to marine life especially to coral reefs, let’s

do something about this. Be a responsible snorkeler or diver.

Souvenirs are photos, not shells or starfish or coral.

It takes years for one piece of coral to grow back after somebody rips it off from the reef. Marine wildlife should be left where they belong, undisturbed. Shells are beautiful like corals but they don’t belong to anybody to sell or buy in the first place!

These should be left in the ocean where they belong. If everyone in the planet got corals, shells and marine creatures, we wouldn’t have enough sand to cover our shores and we wouldn’t have beautiful creatures to look at when we go snorkeling or diving anymore.

If there’s no demand for such souvenirs, people (especially the locals who try to make a living out of these types of souvenirs) will stop mining the coral reefs for production. Refuse to buy these souvenirs and you’re doing a great ton of help in protecting our coral reefs.

3. DON’T LITTER, BE A PICKER! Trash anywhere greatly impacts our planet. Don’t leave anything - plastic bags, wrappers, and leftover food anywhere if you can help it. Avoid adding up to the ton of waste that’s floating around our oceans and sewage systems.

I don’t know why we aren’t used to it but we should make it a habit to pick up trash that we see. It’s not natural but we can make it a habit. Let’s be conscious of the fact that each trash that’s left lying around on the sand will eventually find its way into our oceans.

Last week, I was surfing out with the locals in our favorite breaks. I was paddling into a wave and just about the last paddle that I needed to catch that wave, I caught myself paddling into a huge colorless plastic bag. It was bad enough that I didn’t catch that wave but it was frustrating how I’m personally affected by some random plastic floating in the sea.

If I couldn’t paddle properly to catch a wave, how can fishes or turtles or dolphins swim if they caught in plastic?? No wonder animals die when they get caught in plastic. Please, let’s not add to this destruction.

Next week, I’ll share more reminders and tips on how we can all become eco-warriors in our own little ways. Read how you can start living plastic-free on the blog: www.millennialmermaid.com and let me know if you have more ideas on how we can help each other out!

EDGEDAVAO

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EVENT

A fresh new look for

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

CHIMES ABREEZA A FRESH, NEW VIBE greeted eager and sophisticated shoppers at Chimes at Abreeza Mall as it finally reopened its doors last March 10. Stepping into the extensively renovated store, one is greeted by a luxe, tropical oasis where both world-famous brands and endearing local finds are nestled among lush greenery and the store’s signature touches gold and glass.

The bold renovation completes Chimes’ rebranding and bringing to life the founders’ vision of providing a luxurious yet comfortable shopping haven for Davaoenos and affirms the store’s call to “celebrate life + style.” Together with the flagship store on Sales Street and Chimes at Felcris Centrale, Chimes at Abreeza Mall now proudly exudes the same sophisticated, modern look while still maintaining the brand’s decades-old commitment to personalized service.

Present to cut the ceremonial ribbon was presidential partner Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña together with Chimes’ Cindy and Camille Yap. Chimes Abreeza may be the smallest of the threechain department store’s branches but what it lacks in floor space, it readily makes up for in the number of international

and local brands it carries. Beauty buffs can find their favorites from Shiseido, Elizabeth Arden, Happy Skin, Burt’s Bees, NYX, K-Palette, Beauty Blender as well as popular fragrances and pampering products from Bvlgari, Calvin Klein, Victoria’s Secret and Bath and Body Works. Fashionistas can now also shop the lastest from renowned local designers such as Maureen Disini, Patty Ang, Vania Romoff, Canvas, Pippa, Tala and Florence Fling

and the fabulously chic accessories of Linda Farrow, Cyrstal Seas, Jo by Joyce Orena, Heart&Bolk, and Sunnies. Bags from Longchamp, Aranaz, and footwear from Daily

Schedule, Fitflop and Renegade Folk completes the wardrobe. Fitness buff enthusiasts can also enjoy items from Underarmour, Manduka, Aquazorb and Klean Kanteen.

“Chimes Abreeza’s demographic is much younger and shop for more trendier items,” shared Cindy “Although Chimes flagship store at Sales carries more items, the Abreeza store is sure to carry the latest fashion finds and accessories.”

Looking around Chimes Abreeza, I found many unique finds that are sure to be a hit for the trendy, posh and chic making Chimes a one-stop shopping destination for every stylish urbanite.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

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GoHotels to open more places for ‘Every Juan’

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO DESPITE THE CHALLENGES and extended declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, GoHotels posits an influx of occupancy for 2018.

“We are better in 2018”, said Robinsons Hotels and Resorts assistant marketing manager Jacquelyn T. Lim. Chain of budget hotels in the Philippines, Go-

Hotels is the budget hotel brand of the Gokongwei’s Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC). Opening its first branch in 2010 in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, it has since

opened other branches across the archipelago.

They also have branches in Osaka, Kyoto and Shinsaubashi in Japan in partnership with Karaksa Hotel.

After the declaration of Martial Law, many guests were quick to reschedule their bookings and test the waters first. This verily affected the hotels occupancy rate for the first three months of last year.

Fear and safety being a factor on the decline, GoHotels Lanang Davao Branch Head Mariel Mahipus was quick to point out that, “Since the start of 2018, guests, who rescheduled their stay, have started to fill the rooms”.

Adding, “We can see an increase in corporate and Free Independent Travelers (FITs).” True enough, 2018 proves to be on GoHotel’s side.

On one note, the numerous up and coming events in the city added another factor. Case in point, the much-awaited Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao and other exciting events in the city.

“There was an ini-

tial hesitation from our guests especially when Martial Law was declared but after they have seen how safe Davao remains, they’re now confident and even felt safer to be here,” said Robinsons Hotels and Resorts assistant marketing manager Jacquelyn T. Lim. For 2018, a new GoHotel branch is set to

open in Iligan. With lack of good, quality accommodations, GoHotels took upon itself to address such concern and deliver what the people of Iligan truly needs.

Their 3rd branch in Mindanao, it has 100 rooms and function rooms to cater to events and seminars. Target date of completion is during

the first half of the year.

GoHotel Iligan is located beside the Robinson’s Mall.

More so, this year, GoHotel goes to the North and expands in Northern Luzon — Tuguegarao and Naga, to be exact.

GoHotels is located at Bacolod and Dumaguete, Butuan, Ortigas Center and Otis-Manila, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Lanang-Davao, Manila Airport Road, North Edsa-Quezon City, Cubao-Quezon City, Ermita-Manila and TimogQuezon City.

GoHotels Davao is a joint venture between Robinson’s Land and Udenna Development Corporation.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

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Torres St. at 3 a.m to 3:30 p.m.

“Mawad-an gyud mi ug kita ana ba ug dili lang kami but the rest of Samal resorts nga moagi sa ferry terminals and the resorts having jetties on the closed part of the road,” Diamante said.

He said they are now talking with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Samal and the association of the resort owners as the latter are also calling the attention of the organizers of the said international event.

“Imagine Sunday ni (Ironman opening) it’s when business is best multiply that to how many resorts naa Samal who access us by ferry (resorts in Samal who have no jetties of their own),” he added.

The 1.9km swim starts at the property development of Azuela Cove. Participants will swim the Pakiputan straight, following a single rectangular clockwise swim course heading north. The swim leg begins with a 500 meter leg then turning right for 50 meters then followed by a 850 meter leg

heading south. Participants will then make a 25 meter right turn heading to the �inal 475 meter leg exiting in Azuela Cove. Participants exit the swim and enter transition in the Azuela property to start the bike leg of the course.

Participants exit the Azuela property and onto the main highway to begin the 90km bike course.Traversing through several cities, the course is straightforward and easy to navigate with wide and scenic roads. The course will lead participants north to the turn-around point in Tagum City. After making the turn-around, participants will head back to Azuela for transition 2 and enter the run leg of the course.

“Sa bike route Azuela Cove is the former Alcantara & Sons Co. unya sirad-an na nila from 3AM all the way to Tagum, maabrehan na the earliest mga 12:30 PM, kinsa pa man pod manganhi sa Samal sa hapon? Kung gamay na lang ang customers jumbolan pa gyud na sa daghang resorts,” Diamante said.

ng Pilipinas, the ICC-CabCom also approved the increase in cost and the change in scope of the Integrated Marine Environment Monitoring System Phase 2 (PHILO 2) Project of the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR). This involves the improvement and expansion of the �irst phase of the project, particularly its vessel monitoring system (VMS) and integration of various databases, including �ishing vessel registry, ocean and weather data, stock assessment data, and records of illegal unreported and unregulated �ishing.The ICC-CC approved BFAR’s request to change the scope of the project in order to purchase additional VMS transceivers to cover more commercial �ishing vessels and to utilize both satellite and terrestrial technologies, among

others.

The ICC-CC also approved the change in scope and cost for the Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (IDRR-CCA) Measures in Low-Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay. The project aims to maximize drainage ef�iciency, minimize �lood damages to properties, and improve trading and market activities in the municipalities of Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, and Sto. Tomas in the province of Pampanga.

Furthermore, the Cabinet-level committee approved the restructuring of the Integrated National Resource Management Project (INREMP) of DENR. These ICC-approved projects will be elevated to the NEDA Board, chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte, for con�irmation.

(NEDA)

Even more infuriating Nograles said are the noisy and ear-shattering muf�lers of these motorcyclists who usually ride in big groups.

Nograles recognized the

big contribution of motorcycles in easing Metro Manila’s traf�ic problem but noted that motorcycle riders have constantly been the top victim of road crash injuries and deaths since 2010.

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EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

NEWS 11

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

In its Global Status Report on Road Safety 2015, the World Health Organization said that 53% of reported road traf�ic fatalities in the Philippines are riders of motorized two- or three-wheeler vehicles.

Pedestrians make up the second biggest chunk of road user deaths at 19%, followed by drivers of four-wheeled vehicles at 14% and their passengers at 11%.

Data from the of Health (DoH) on the other hand showed that 65% or 19,852 out of 30,412 recorded injuries and fatalities due to road accidents in 2015 involved people riding on motorcycles.

The DOH also noted a dras-

tic increase on motorcycle riders being involved in road crash injuries since 2010, from 6,244 injuries to 19,852 injuries in 2015.

Nograles said that with this grim statistics, there is a need for the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group to launch a campaign against reckless motorcycle riders.

Nograles said that the PNPHPG could start by assigning policemen along highways, which are being used as regular routes for motorcycle riders especially during weekends.

He also urged organized motorcycle groups to promote safety and responsible driving among their members.

For his part, MGI President F. G. Delfin, Jr. said Maibarara-2 is the first geothermal facility to be put up under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, and the only geothermal power

plant installed in the country since 2014.

“This capacity expansion will also provide additional royalties and taxes to the national and host local governments,” he said. (PNA)

office and the registry of deeds as well as regional and national officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The “scam’s” whistle blower Roberto Catapang Jr., who hails

from the city, has confirmed to attend the hearing, he said.

Lagare said Pacquiao pushed for the conduct of the Senate hearing here since the controversy happened in the city and involved individuals as well as offices based in the area.(MINDANEWS)

project “was truly a proud moment for me as the US Ambassador” even as he expressed the hope that America would continue to provide more projects to the Philippines.

“The United States has a long history of providing assistance but it is not often that we get to see the impact. It’s a wonderful thing what the MCC project here has been able to accomplish,” Kim said. “Thank you for being partners in this great progress.”

This project is among the development interventions that contributed to the rise of newly constructed commercial establishments such as hotels, fastfood stores, supermarkets, shopping centers and gasoline stations in Borongan City, Eastern Samar’s capital, according to a report by the International Finance Group (IFG) of the Department of Finance (DOF).

With the construction and

improvement of roads and bridges under the SNRDP, travel time from Borongan City to Tacloban City in Leyte, the nearest highly urbanized city to the province, has been reduced from four to two-and-a-half hours, according to Evardone. This has led to an influx of local tourists in Samar and Eastern Samar, with the Samar Island Natural Park reporting a 100 percent increase in the number of visitors last year.

“Projects such as the SNRDP demonstrate the numerous multiplier effects and benefits that modern infrastructure bring to our rural communities. We thank the United States for funding this project,” Dominguez said after the inspection tour.

In 2013, the SNRDP served as a vital artery for first responders when supertyphoon Yolanda struck Eastern Visayas.

The project also covers a non-construction component,

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EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

such as a tree-planting program in partnership with people’s organizations (POs) in the province, a community-based road maintenance program that provides employment to residents from poor households, the resettlement and compensation of persons affected by the project, and environmental and social mitigation measures.

Over 900,000 seedlings have been planted as of January last year by POs to replace the 7,729 trees that were cut to complete the project. The planted seedlings covering 931 hectares of land is 3 percent higher than the target of 773,900 trees, the IFG said.

The tree planting program

employed 487 persons, of which 180 were women, while the road maintenance program has also provided jobs to poor families with funding support from the Road Board.

Besides engaging communities to take part in the SNRDP, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH, also piloted several innovations such as employing women in non-traditional skills like welding and carpentry, and including an anti-Trafficking In Person (TIP) component as a requirement in the implementation of the project. The DPWH is responsible for implementing the SNRDP. (DOF)

The other victim, Mario Rosales alias Mario Ungok, 46 was killed in the cross�ire when policemen and soldiers enaged in a 10-minute �ire�ight with the kidnappers on March 7 at sitio Kabatunayan, Barangay Panabutan, Sirawai.

The rescued kidnap victims immediately underwent medical check-up while military intelligence operatives and police investigators conducted debriefing.

“Our troops and our po-

licemen are still tracking the kidnappers as of this report,” Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, said.

“Let this be a warning to anyone or any group who is planning to engage in any criminal activities. We will �ix you and we will eventually get you,” Galvez added as he congratulated Murillo, his men and the policemen of Zamboanga del Norte Province for the accomplishment. (with reports from Ely E. Dumaboc/PNA stringer)

eas due to many considerations with the help of Barangay Anti-Drug Advisory Council,” he said.

“Our main objective is to clear all villages in Maguindanao to help meet President Duterte’s vision of a drug free Philippines by 2021,” Azurin said.

The PDEA-ARMM eyed to clear 150 barangays across the

region from illegal drug activities.

The province of Maguindanao has 508 villages with more than 300 listed as drug-affected barangays.

Three of the 36 towns in Maguindanao have been cleared of illegal drug activities. These are Kabuntalan, Paglat, and Mangudadatu. (PNA)

�irearms to “use your brains, return your loose �irearms and we will give you coconut seedlings.”

Carreon also lauded the resident’s response to the “Balik Baril program” of the local government.

“You made the right decision, those who returned their �irearms are the law abiding citizens. You may possess it but you cannot bring it out. During Martial Law, licenses to carry guns are suspended. Studies show that the root cause of violence in this area is because of

so much loose �irearms,” Carreon said.

Carreon explained that the campaign against loose �irearms in this province is a twopronged approach--convince to surrender and law enforcement.

“At the end of the day, we still reach out to all the armed groups here. The effort to convince them to peacefully surrender is still there. However, we have to enforce the law.

There is an effort against terrorism and we have to do it,” Carreon said. PNA)

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

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

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

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EDGEDAVAO

the 2019-2021 Three-year Rolling Infrastructure Program.

DOLE-12’s mandates included employment facilitation and provision of capacity-building services, labor force services, employment regulation services and institutional support.

For next year, Cano said they proposed significant increases on their budget for the flagship Special Program for the Employment of Students and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency

Employment Program.

DOLE-12 allotted around P167 million for the implementation of these programs next year based on its Annual Investment Program.

Cano said they proposed for a funding of around P55 million for the construction of their new office building and P4.5 million for the acquisition of additional service vehicles.

The agency has long been leasing office spaces at a private

compound in Koronadal City, which is the regional seat and center of Region 12 or Soccsksargen.

The region comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

The city government of Koronadal has developed a site in Barangay Carpenter Hill to host the offices of the regional line agencies of Region 12.(PNA)

that connects Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces and the Pigcawayan-Budon-Barira-Butig Road that connects the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur. Maguindanao is set to receive P2.49 billion worth of infrastructure projects from the ARMM this year. These include barangay roads, water systems, drainage systems and flood control projects.

To promote transparency

and efficiency, the DPWH-ARMM currently harnesses the E-ARMM system, wherein a website was established to create a database containing information on road projects, including connectivity conditions, and other public infrastructure projects within the region.

The E-ARMM comprises a network involving the regional office and eight district engineering offices that will serve as data repository. It promotes transparen-

cy and allows the general public to check the status of projects under construction.

Also present on Monday’s ceremony were Secretary Kirby Matalam Abdullah of ARMM’s Interior and Local Government, Secretary Bai Ayesha Mangudadatu Dilangalen of Tourism-ARMM, Engr. James Mlok of Maguindanao 2ndDistrict Engineering Office, and former Buluan Mayor Ibrahim ‘Jong’ Mangudadatu. (Bureau of Public Information)

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the capacity of hauled water to around 800 cubic meters. In addition, DCWD is still regularly conducting well maintenance to improve the yield of its production wells. On field are also DCWD’s technical team which have been monitoring the pipelines in Cabantian WSS. On behalf of the DCWD management, Engr. Regaldo apologizes to all affected customers, but has assured them that DCWD is doing the best it can to restore water service. He also asks for their understanding and cooperation while DCWD is working on its immediate interventions and while the 12-hour rotational water supply is in effect.

“We need to reimplement the rotational water schedule starting March in order to fairly distribute water to all our customers while all our interventions are being completed. If not, most of the elevated areas will not have water at all. In this scheme which was identified according to area

elevation and water pressure, all areas served by Cabantian WSS are divided into two schedules.”

Regalado explained.

The details of the rotational water schedule are as follows: Areas under Schedule 1 with water supply availability anytime between 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM are Indangan areas: Nagkahiusa Village, San Isidro Indangan, Sto. Niño Village, Saint Ignatius, Nueva Esperanza Village, Indangan Relocation, Anita’s Homeowners Ass’n. Molave Homes, Hidalgo Homes, Celerina Heights, Adap Village, Millenium Village, Lemon Village, Magradeco Village, and Villa Alevida; Cabantian areas: Northcrest Subd., Suraya Homes, Kasilak Village, Forestal Road, Arendain Village, RDL Staff House, Green Orchard Village I, II and III, Leonora Garden Heights, D’Achievers Village, Canaan Village, Purok 39, Dacudao Village I and II, Ananda Marga, Amakan Village, and areas adjacent to DCWD’s Cabantian Reservoirs;

and Communal areas: Upper Purok 4 (along Forestal Road) and Iglesia Retreat House.

Areas under Schedule 2 with water supply availability anytime between 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM are Cabantian areas: Cabantian Elementary School, Purok 32, Cabantian Road (from Deca Homes to Cabantian Reservoir), Deca Homes, Emily Homes, Chula Vista Subd., Emilia Homes, Bacahoa Village, , Dela Peña Street, Holy Trinity Village, Countryville Executive Homes, Country Homes Subd., Greenland Subd. Phase I and II, Victors Executive Homes, Cecilia Heights Subd., Priscilla Estate, Remedios Heights, and Holy Trinity Subd. and Communal areas: Portion of Ciudad Esperanza, Victors Subd., and portion of Purok 1.

Customers are advised to contact the 24/7 DCWD hotlines 297-DCWD (3293), 0927-7988966, 0908-441-0653, and 0925511-3293 for all their queries and concerns. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

changes, menstrual irregularities, infertility, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy hypertension, and premature birth, Dizon added.

Out of the 27 MAC lipsticks bought and analyzed, 11 were found to contain lead above the maximum limit of 20 ppm set under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive. A handheld X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer was used to screen the samples for lead.

Among those found contaminated with lead were MAC Mariah Carey #01 with 22,700 ppm lead; MAC Zac Posen Rudy Woo #12, 10,100 ppm lead; MAC Zac Posen Kinda Sexy #14, 4,505 ppm lead; MAC Zac Posen Girl About

Town, #08, 4,215 ppm lead; MAC High Society, 197 ppm lead; MAC Nouvelle Vogue, 187 ppm lead; and MAC Fireworks #A16 with 55 ppm lead.

Traces of mercury were also detected in two samples.

While negative for lead and mercury, the other 14 samples may not be entirely safe to use as these may contain other chemical and microbial contaminants that can harm human health, the EcoWaste Coalition said.

To prevent exposure to lead and other contaminants in lipstick, the EcoWaste Coalition advised consumers to consider the following safety tips: --- Verify if the item has the

required cosmetic product notification through the FDA website (www.fda.gov.ph).

--- Buy from authorized retailers and ask for an official receipt.

--- If the price looks too good to be true, the product is most likely a counterfeit.

--- Use less, especially if the product is not guaranteed as leadfree.

----Don’t let children play with lipstick.

According to the company, “MAC Cosmetics does not offer its products through individuals, street vendors, flea markets, Internet auctions, independent boutiques or unauthorized online retailers.”

Last March 8, Rahman called on Ambassador Vicente Vivencio Bandillo to discuss business investment opportunities in the Philippines.

Accompanying him were Sk.

Akib Rhaman, SAASCO deputy managing director; Md. Abdulah Muslehuddin Sadi, director; and Md.Ramiz Uddin Bhuya, and Md. Sofiqul Islam Bito Howlader, advisers.

Based on scores from more than 6,000 business decision-makers, US News and World Report this year ranked the Philippines as the best country to invest in. (PNA)

WARNING... FROM 5

BANGLADESH... FROM 5

18th City Council 33rd Regular Session Series of 2017 PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS: Vice Mayor Councilor ABSENT:

Councilor Councilor Councilor

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

Avegayle Dalodo Ortiz Nilo M. Abellera Jr. Maria Belen S. Acosta Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Bernard E. Al-ag Al Ryan S. Alejandre Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Ma. Cherry Ann M. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Danilo C. Dayanghirang April Marie C. Dayap Jimmy G. Dureza January N. Duterte Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Leah A. Librado-Yap Rene Elias C. Lopez Diosdado Angelo A. Mahipus Sr. Bonifacio E. Militar J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Halila Y. Sudagar Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Paolo Z. Duterte Marissa P. Salvador-Abella

- Temporary Presiding Officer

- Attended a meeting with the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC)

Joanne M. Bonguyan-Quilos Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

- On Vacation Leave - On Sick Leave - On Sick Leave

ORDINANCE NO. 0273-17 Series of 2017 AN ORDINANCE CONDONING THE IMPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY TAX AND TRANSFER TAX, FEES AND SURCHARGES FOR REAL PROPERTIES DONATED TO AND ACCEPTED BY THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF DAVAO Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE CONDONING THE IMPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY TAX AND TRANSFER TAX, FEES AND SURCHARGES FOR REAL PROPERTIES DONATED TO AND ACCEPTED BY THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF DAVAO” SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY – It shall be the policy of the Local Government to act promptly on donations to the City of Davao and facilitate the transfer of titles in its name validly donated and accepted real properties; SECTION 3. COVERAGE – This Ordinance shall govern the condonation of real property taxes, fees, charges, and other impositions on real properties donated and accepted by the City Government of Davao; SECTION 4. AUTHORITY TO GRANT TAX EXEMPTION PRIVILEGES – Local government units may, through ordinances duly approved, grant tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs under such terms and conditions, as they may deem necessary; SECTION 5. DEFINITION OF TERMS – As used in this Ordinance, the following shall be construed to mean as follows: (a) Beneficial Use – refers to the right to use and enjoy property according to one’s own liking or so as to derive a profit or benefit from it, including all that makes it desirable or habitable; as distinguished from a mere right of occupancy or possession; (b) Condonation – is an act of liberality by the City Government of Davao, which, without receiving any equivalent, renounces the enforcement of the donor’s obligation resulting in its partial or total extinguishment; (c) Real Property – that which consist of land and all rights and profits arising from and annexed to land, of a permanent or immovable nature; (d) Donation – refers to an act of liberality whereby a person disposes gratuitously of a thing or right in favor of another, who accepts it; (e) Deed of Donation – refers to the donation of an immovable property made in a public instrument, executed, subscribed and sworn to by the donor conveying the ownership of the real property to the City Government of Davao, specifying therein the property donated and the value of the charges, which the donee must satisfy; (f) Donor – is a private person or entity who owns a real property and transfer the ownership of such property to the City Government of Davao as an act of liberality and generosity; (g) Donee – refers to the City Government of Davao which accepts the real property donated by a private person or entity; (h) Perfected/Accepted Donation – a donation that has been validly executed by the donor and accepted by the City Mayor upon grant of legislative authority by the Sangguniang Panlungsod; (i) Appropriate Government Agencies – are the office which shall be either from the Local or National Government enumerated as follows: i.

City Mayor’s Office – is an office who shall cause the signing of the Deed of Donation upon legislative authority granted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the execution of the Deed of Acceptance on the donations made; ii.

City Assessor’s Office – is an office who shall cause the dropping of the real property from the assessment roll for tax purpos es; iii.

Registry of Deeds – is an office who shall cause the issuance of the Transfer Certificate Title to the City Government of Davao upon presenting the Deed of Donation and Deed of Acceptance and upon payment of fees and charges provided by law; iv.

City Legal Office – is an office under the Executive Department which shall cause the review of the public instrument and v.

Task Force on the Inventory of Real Properties of the City of Davao – is a Task Force group created pursuant to Executive Order No. 7, Series of 2016 who is tasked to preserve and protect the real properties of the City Government of Davao; SECTION 6. PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF THE REAL PROPERTY – For purposes of protecting from legal infirmities and preserving the real property validly donated to the City in accordance with Article 749 in relation to Article 1356 of the New Civil Code, all liabilities for real property tax on property, actually and directly used by the City of Davao and /or under its administration, are hereby condoned. All fines, penalties and interests on such deficiency real property tax liabilities and transfer fees are also hereby condoned and relieved from payment thereof.

The City Treasurer shall issue the necessary Tax Clearances and Transfer Tax to facilitate the Transfer in the name of the City of Davao. The Task Force on the Inventory of the Real Properties shall be responsible for the necessary actions to be taken for titling of the real property in the name of the City.

The Task Force on the Inventory of Real Properties of the City Government of Davao and/or the City Legal Office, City Assessor’s Office and Secretariat of the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall submit the complete list of properties of donated properties which shall be subject the SECTION 7. LOCAL TAX LIABILITY OF THE DONOR – The real property tax liabilities and transfer tax liabilities of donors of real properties validly donated to and accepted by the City Government of Davao are herein condoned, provided that such property has been used for the benefit of the public and/or under the administration of the City Government of Davao even if the titles remain under the donor’s name SECTION 8. DEED OF DONATIONS PERFECTED AFTER THE EFFECTIVITY OF THIS ORDINANCE – Any Deed of Donation in favor of the City Government of Davao after the effectivity of this Ordinance shall strictly conform to the requirements set forth in the Ordinance No. 0189-14, Series of 2014 and the Local Government Code requiring the donors to pay Real Property Taxes and Transfer Taxes of the donated properties and submit the necessary Real Property Tax Clearance before acceptance be made by the City Government of Davao; SECTION 9. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, no other sections or provisions shall be affected thereby; SECTION 10. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Davao; ENACTED, September 5, 2017, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sangunian, there being a quorum.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

Floirendo Foundation boosts assistance to Tebow Cure to heal lives

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

Cure Philippines, Inc. received Php 5.1 Million from the Floirendo Foundation. Michael Hulland and Leron Lehman of Tebow Cure Hospital receive the check presented here by Russell Barrizo.

S

taying true to its “Reaching out to serve” adage, the Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Foundation recently embarked on a larger scale of a mission in serving those who are in need. The foundation turned over a check worth $100,000 or Php5.1 Million to Tebow Cure Hospital, a non-pro�it hospital in Davao City that specializes in pediatric

orthopedic care.

This is the second $100,000 donation of the Floirendo Foundation to Tebow, the �irst of which was given in 2015. This, on top of its monthly support of Php50,000 to the hospital, is seen to boost the capacity of Tebow to support more patients who need orthopedic care but are limited �inancially.

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 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

Nissan Mobility Tour in Davao March 23-25 I

f you missed the first two legs of the Nissan Mobility Tour, don’t fret.

Catch the last two legs of the Nissan Mobility Tour on March 9-11, 2018 at SM Cebu and March 23-25, 2018 at SM Davao.

Who would have thought: reserving a vehicle during the Nissan Mobility Tour can immediately make you feel like a winner. After the Manila and Pampanga legs of the nationwide experiential tour, these two lucky individuals dared to be bold and walked home with an additional P 100,000 off their brandnew Nissan vehicle.

During the inaugural Manila leg at the Bonifacio Global City last February 16-18, Mr. Bernardino Guban drew the top prize.

While Mr. Nestor Nuque won big at the second leg that happened last February 23-25 at SM Pampanga.

Both of these lucky buyers got P 100,000 off the Nissan vehicle of their choice.

These discounts (ranging from P 5,000 to P 100,000) are on top of exist-

ing promos which include all-in downpayment options for as low as P 88,000 on some models. Participating models at the Nissan Mobility Tour include: the Nissan Almera, Nissan Juke, Nissan Urvan, Nissan Slyphy, Nissan X-TRAIL, Nissan Altima, and Nissan Patrol Royale.

Aside from these irresistible deals, the Nissan Mobility Tour gives people the chance to try out the various features of Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) for themselves. These include the Intelligent 4x4 system of the Nissan X-TRAIL and Navara as well as the 360-degree Around View Monitor (AVM) which makes even the largest of vehicles such as the Nissan Patrol Royale a cinch to park. The legendary GT-R is also available on display.

Blindspot detection now part of ASEAN NCAP safety standards T

he ASEAN New Car Assessment Program or NCAP is now including blindspot object detection as part of its safety assist technology test under its revised ASEAN NCAP 2017-2020 protocol.

Blindspot technology (BST) is now a requirement to obtain points for a higher ASEAN NCAP rating and aims to reduce motorcycle fatalities across the ASEAN region.

Blindspot technology or BST aims to eliminate collision with other vehicles, especially motorcycles, coming from either the side or rear of the vehicle when they are the in the blind spot zone of a car. By having BST, the system will be able to warn the driver that a motorcycle or any other vehicle is approaching. This will help deter a collision

from occurring especially when the car is about to perform a lane change or make a turn.

In Malaysia, where the ASEAN NCAP operates from, motorcycle fatalities are the highest among road users with 4,348 deaths annually. The number comprises 64.5 percent from the total number of recorded deaths at 6,740. Compared to the rest of ASEAN, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 34 percent of total road fatalities happen with 2-3-wheeled vehicles.

This is signi�icantly higher than passenger car deaths

at just 16 percent.

Currently, the ASEAN NCAP is devising a standardized test for BST systems based on the global requirement set by the United Nations (ISO 17387). Two types of assessment will be formed: one during the day and the other at night. With this, the organization hopes to test the effectivity of various BST systems, particularly during lane changing action even at zero lighting situations.

Among the �irst vehicles tested are from Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

Ancajas-Sultan in Vegas I

All-Pinoy title fight set April 14

t's back to Las Vegas for the historic world title fight between International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas and mandatory challenger Jonas Sultan.

Jerwin Ancajas connects on a right straight against Israel Gonzales during their super flyweight world title fight in Corpus Christ, Texas.

Mikey Williams/TOP RANK

The �ight, which will be the �irst major world title bout between two Filipinos since 1925, was originally scheduled to be on the undercard of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight clash between Jeff Horn and Terrence Crawford on April 14. Then last week, Ancajas's trainer Joven Jimenez told ESPN5 that Top Rank, which promotes Ancajas, was looking at making Ancajas-Sultan headline an April 28 card in Philadelphia.

Now the bout is back to its original April 14 date. "We are good to go for April 14," matchmaker Sean Gibbons, who co-promotes Ancajas, told ES-

ANCAJAS-SULTAN,P10

Isuzu PH backs 2018 PSL

I

suzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) supports sports anew through its recent contract signing with the 2018 Philippine SuperLiga (PSL).

One of the premier volleyball leagues in the Philippines, PSL opened its 2018 GrandPrix Conference last February and will run till May 2018. The �irst volleyball club league in the country is recognized by both the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVF) and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB); and is likewise sanctioned by the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. (LVPI).

Present during the memorandum of agreement signing were IPC Vice

President for Sales Yasuhiko Oyama and PSL Board of Directors Ariel Paredes and Ginio Panganiban.

“Since 2010, Isuzu has been an avid supporter of sports, staring with our Isuzu D-Max Cycling team, we evolved and recently supported a local football club and a Cebu-based triathlon team. The PSL has been around since 2013 and currently is the leading volleyball league outside the collegiate level, we are proud to be part of this year’s league,” Oyama said.

“Our products, specially the D-Max and the mu-X are ideal for sport enthusiasts since it can carry multiple passengers and has an ample space for their equip-

ment,” he added.

The Isuzu-PSL partnership will not only cover the 2018 PSL GrandPrix but also the succeeding conferences like the PSL All-Filipino Conference, Invitational Conference, and the much-awaited Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup.

“We are very happy to have Isuzu as our partner this year. The brand has been actively supporting sports in the country and with their strong brand presence we will be able to further promote the league to different key cities this year,” Paredes said.

Tagum girl shines in arnis

O

ROQUIETA CITY – General Santos City took over the overall lead after they won golds in pencak silat and taekwondo a day before the Batang Pinoy Mindanao Games come to a close.

A total of 17 golds were secured by GenSan all day Friday, March 10 in different sports to clinch top spot with 44 gold, 47 silver and 48 bronze medals.

Close at the heels of GenSan are Davao City (43-21-16) and Davao del Norte (38-27-36) in

second and third spots, respectively.

An athlete to watch in the Batang Pinoy National Finals, set in Baguio City this September, is Arnis wonder Chelsea Lumapay of Tagum City who took home ten medals out of ten events she participated in, 9 golds and a bronze.

“I am so happy, nahirapan ako sa traditional pero salamat kinaya ko pa din po” said 10-year old Lumapay who is also set to join this year’s Palarong Pambansa in

Vigan come April. She came from a brood of Arnis artist with both her older siblings also Arnis athletes. It is Lumapay’s second try in Batang Pinoy having joined last year but was not as lucky.

Rio Kissel Ungaya, Hannah Seins Leano and Rica Mae Boholst of Zamboanga City took home three of four golds in the Pencak Silat Tanding teen girls event Class A, B and C respetively. Hazel Mar Padilla of GenSan won gold in Class E of same event.

Harden leads Rockets to easy win over Spurs

H

OUSTON (AP) -- After the Houston Rockets easily downed the San Antonio Spurs, James Harden was asked about his team taking care of business against a team missing its top players.

The All-Star was quick to point out that despite already clinching a playoff berth, this team has many more goals ahead. ‘’We don’t have the luxury of just taking nights off,’’ he said. ‘’We’re not where we want to be. We’re not that good yet. So we have to go out there and approach every single game, no matter who we’re playing, like it’s a playoff game. We’re 15 games away, so it’s time to take it serious.’’

Harden scored 16 of his 28 points in the third quarter to allow the Rockets to build a huge lead and sail to a 109-93 victory Monday night.

The NBA’s leading scorer took a little while to get going a night after sitting out against Dallas with a sore left knee and had just 12 points at halftime.

Despite his slow start, the Rockets had a comfortable lead in the third and were still up by 13 after a basket by San Antonio’s Dejounte Murray with about eight minutes left in the quarter. It was then that Harden took over, scoring

the next eight points to start a 16-4 run that extended the lead to 82-57 with about 3 1/2 minutes left in the third and had coach Gregg Popovich calling for a timeout.

Harden had a 3-pointer and made three free throws after being fouled on a 3-point attempt to propel that spurt. He didn’t return in the fourth quarter with the game in hand. ‘’We’ve played I don’t know how many games in about eight days or 10 days, but it’s a lot of games it seems like,’’ coach Mike D’Antoni said. ‘’And to have the legs to be able to do what they’re doing and put the game away is pretty good.’’

The Spurs, who were without leading scorer LaMarcus Aldridge, got 14 points each from Bryn Forbes and Derrick White.

They lost for the �ifth time in six games as they �ight for a playoff spot. ‘’Everybody tries to be the best they can be by playoff time and that will be our goal, too,’’ Popovich said. ‘’(We want) to be in the playoffs and to be as good as we can possibly be no matter what the circumstances are.’’

San Antonio scored four quick points in the fourth quarter to get within 15.

But Houston responded

HARDEN,P10

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

FIERY DEBUT Sec. Bong Go drops 10 triples,

VOL. 10 ISSUE 245 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

powers Team Duterte to first win

P

laying in an organized tournament for a long while, Sec. Christopher “Bong” Go immediately made an impact. An earth-shaking one at that.

A reliable pistolero from distances and angles fewer hoopeters take with accuracy, Go sank 10 from 20 feet outwards as he led Team Duterte to a tightrope 8381 squeaker against BJMP for its �irst win in the Go For Hoops Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Genesis 88 Gym. The Special Assistant to President Rody Duterte who takes to basketball when not going about his usual multi-tasking routine, �inished the game with 47 points--not bad for one who plays mostly on friendly series and is into his �irst formal tournament in a long while.

“I’m glad to play in a tournament like this. It’s a refresing break. The competition is a very good

de-stresser,” said Go. Wearing his favorite no. 18 on his jersey, Go displayed superb shooting from behind the arc capped with a right corner booming trey that gave Team Duterte a 81-78 lead under three minutes in the game.

Team Duterte banked on that clutch three pointer to pull away with the hardearned win.

BJMP threatened Team Duterte for the last time with its transition attack in the winding seconds of the match.

But the Jailmens �inal play went bootless as they failed to make a heave as the time expires.

Four players led by Sumagang who scored 19 �inished with double digits for BJMP which also got quali-

ty minutes from Bumatay (15), Frondoza (13) and Donguilles (12).

John Sevilla chipped in 14 baskets for Team Duterte.

Both teams managed to trade rallies all game long that spiced up the epic contest.

BJMP mounted a huge run midway of the third canto to take the upperhand.

But the advantage dissolved quickly as Go waxed hot to maneuver Team Duterte back in the game.

ON FIRE. Sec. Bong Go, shown here in file photo, fired 47 points in Team Duterte’s win over BJMP.