Edge Davao 8 Issue 109

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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INSIDE EDGE

Catamco wants joint probe on IPs in Haran Chiz: 2016 plan depends on Grace P3

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CELEBRATION. An Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) member celebrates by waving a flag bearing the religious group’s logo after INC general evangelist Bienvenido Santiago announced the end of the nationwide protest actions as the church reached an agreement with the government yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

INC RALLY ENDS EDGE Davao City spared disruption

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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FTER about nine hours, tens of thousands of members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) from various places in Mindanao left the Hall of Justice in Ecoland, Davao City when the church leadership in Manila ended the nationwide protest action.

The Mindanao protest started at around midnight on August 31 with thousands of INC members traveling to the city to mirror a similar action in Manila, where thousands of

members had massed at the EDSA Shrine.

The group started dispersing at around 10 a.m. yesterday.

The INC secured a fourday permit from Davao City Hall for their protest, raising fears among Dabawenyos that traffic would be disrupted as it had been in Manila for several days.

Over 150 personnel from Talomo Police Station, the Davao City Police Office

(DCPO), and the Regional Public Safety Battalion were deployed to secure the outer area of the Hall of Justice where the INC members had gathered to air their dismay at Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

Police officers who are members of the INC were tasked to secure the inner area of the Hall of Justice.

Talomo Police Station commander Chief Inspector Alfredo Santillana said the 150 police officers were tasked to

conduct foot patrol in the nearby places where the INC members had parked their vehicles.

He said the police officers were at the area since 10 p.m. on August 30 since some members of the INC from other areas of Mindanao had started arriving early.

He estimated the crowd to have swelled to 60,000 at its peak.

In a statement, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he

FINC, 10

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

HEROES DAY. City administrator Melchor Quitain and the department heads of the city government lead the offering of the wreath during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at Osmeña Park yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Laviña on Duterte: Declaring early will only invite attacks

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

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AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is someone who keeps his cards close to his chest and has no habit of making a declaration of his candidacy every time elections come around unlike other politicians, his camp insisted Monday.

“Dabawenyos know the mayor better. He will never, never declare,” Pete T. Laviña, one of Duterte’s volunteers, said in yesterday’s regular Kapehan sa Dabaw media forum at SM City Davao Annex.

Laviña said the fact that Duterte did not make a declaration of his presidential bid

during last Friday’s big rally at Rizal Park was not a surprise, especially to the people of Davao who have come to know the local chief executive’s brand of politics.

The event at Rizal Park gathered thousands of Duterte supporters from all over the country, each one of them pushing hard for him to seek the presidency next year and eagerly awaiting his declaration.

The declaration never came, but the supporters were able to send the message across as the mayor didn’t cat-

FLAVIÑA, 10

Davao City sends 18 pilgrims to Mecca

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IGHTEEN Muslims here have been chosen by the city government of Davao to be sent to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for a month-long pilgrimage starting September 5.

Randy Usman, deputy mayor for the Maranao tribe, said the city allocated P230,000 for each pilgrim to complete the pilgrimage and become a hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.

The other four pillars are declaration of faith, obligatory faith, compulsory giving, fasting in the month of Ramadan.

The pilgrims will leave the city for Mecca on September 4.

“Ang pinipili ay yung talag-

ang walang pera tapos devoted sa Islam (Those who were chosen were the ones who cannot afford to do the pilgrimage and are devoted Muslims),” he said.

Last year, the city also sponsored the same number of pilgrims.

SPO4 Muthawaslih Nani, 46, of the Talomo Police Station, said he is thankful that he was among those chosen by the City Government to go to Mecca.

He said he had submitted his application to the Office of the Muslim Affairs with the recommendations of the Imam from his community.

“Doing is the pilgrimage is

FDAVAO, 10

Catamco wants joint probe on IPs in Haran

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

EMBERS of the House of Representatives led by North Cotabato second district Rep Nancy A. Catamco filed a resolution to investigate the plight of about a thousand Indigenous Peoples (IPs), mostly Ata from Talaingod, Davao del Norte, staying at the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP)-Haran compound in Davao City.

EDGE Davao obtained a copy of House Resolution 2323 dated August 25, 2015 filed by Catamco along with Reps. Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr., Kaka J.

Bag-ao, Jose T. Panganiban Jr., Ibarra M. Gutierrez III, Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo, Gary C. Alejano, Romeo Acop, Leopoldo M. Bataoil, Jose Atienza, and Samuel D. Pagdilao.

The resolution directed the committees on indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples, national defense and security, public order and safety, basic education and culture, local government, welfare of children and human rights to conduct a joint investigation on the IPs in UCCP-Haran.

The joint investigation will seek to find out who brought the IPs to Haran earlier this year and will also probe the July 23, 2015 incident in which ten IPs and two police officers were injured when police tried to “rescue” the IPs. The resolution identified the groups that brought the IPs to Haran as the Karadyawan ng Kapalong, Karapatan, Pasaka Regional Lumad Confederation, Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, Gabriela, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Salugpungan Ta Tanu Community

Learning Center, Inc., Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, and Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. The resolution said the groups “aggravated the situation of the IPs by displacing them from their ancestral domains.”

The resolution cited Republic Act No. 8371 or the Indigenous People Rights Act of 1997 which says IPs have the right to stay and not be removed from their territory.

“No IPs will be relocated

Sulu have been on the run since last week after suffering heavy casualties of 38 dead and over 31 wounded in a series of clashes with Army and Marine troopers.

Ten Army soldiers and seven Marines were wounded in action, Arrojado said.

“The relentless combat operations launched by JTFS troops is badly hurting the Abu Sayyaf,” Arrojado said, adding that the heavy casualties suffered by the terrorist group

was confirmed after the wives of five wounded Abu Sayyaf members were monitored buying medicines in various pharmacies in Jolo on Saturday.

Government forces are supported by 105mm artillery bombardment. Howitzers are only fired after a forward observer gives the accurate coordinate on the exact location of the Abu Sayyaf group.

Sahiron figured in the Dos Palmas kidnapping of 21

tourists, including three Americans, in Palawan in 2001.

Among those killed were missionary Martin Burnham, who was killed in the operation to rescue him and his wife Gracia, and Guillermo Sobero, who was beheaded.

The one-armed Abu Sayyaf leader is responsible for many atrocities in Sulu for over a decade. His right arm was cut off during a battle against government forces in Mindanao during the 1970s. (PNA)

FCATAMCO, 10

AFP in hot pursuit of Abu Sayyaf leader G

OVERNMENT forces in Sulu are in hot pursuit of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group led by Radullan Sahiron, who was sighted fleeing near a mosque in Sitio, Dundangan, Barangay Kabbon Takas in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday.

Brigadier General Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS), said there will be no letup in the intensified military operation until Sahiron is neutralized.

Abu Sayyaf terrorists in

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Murad: Senate version ‘clearly violated the peace agreement’ But says MILF will wait until the final process

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INC PROTEST. Thousands of members of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) from the different provinces in Mindanao converge in front of the Hall of Justice in Davao City on Sunday night to stage a protest rally against Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and the current administration. Lean Daval Jr.

OUSE Bill 5811, the substitute bill to the GPH-MILF draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has been criticized by various sectors, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), for allegedly envisioning a Bangsamoro that is “less than the ARMM” (Autonomous Region in Muslim) that it seeks to replace. But MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said the Senate version, SB 2894, is a “clearly violated the peace agreement” because it will reduce the future Bangsamoro into the level of a province.

“It clearly violated the peace agreement… more than the House version because basically, it is not an autonomy at all. It is a local government unit similar to the province. Murad told MindaNews at the conference room of the Central Committee Convention Hall on August 25.

MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim discusses scenarios on the passage or non-pas-

sage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO[/caption] “Let’s say a complete violation of the agreement itself because the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is intended to provide an autonomous government for the Bangsamoro (but) this is not an autonomous government,” he said.

The 1987 Constitution, under Article X, Section 15 envisions an autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao and in the Cordilleras “consisting of provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures, and other relevant characteristics within the framework of this Constitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines.”

He said they had brought up these concerns with Pres-

Tacurong City road mishap leaves 9 dead, 7 wounded Chiz: 2016 plan T

HE number of persons killed in a collision involving a cargo truck and passenger jeep along the national highway on Sunday afternoon had climbed to nine.

Queenie Yalong died while being transported to a hospital in General Santos City on Sunday night. Her six-year old child, Angel, was also killed in the accident.

The seven other fatalities, all relatives of Yalong, were brought to a funeral parlor in Tacurong. Their families refused to be interviewed saying they want to mourn in private.

Seven others were in-

jured in the collision.

Superintendent Junny Buenacosa, Tacurong City chief-of-police said the head-on collision occurred in Purok 2, Barangay EJC Montilla national highway at around 4:30 p.m. between a passenger-loaded Toyota Town Ace jeep and a 10-wheeler truck loaded with palay.

Buenacosa said that initial statements from the witnesses as gathered by the investigators showed that one of the rear tires of the hauler truck exploded as it was cruising the highway.

He said investigators also received information

Food safety seminar moved to Thursday

from survivors that the driver of the passenger jeep fell asleep, causing the van to swerve and hit the hauler truck.

“There are so many versions how the incident happened, we are still investigating, our traffic team is still in the area,” Buenacosa said.

Buenacosa said he has interviewed the driver and that the driver said he attempted to overtake but miscalculated his move.

The victims were immediately rushed to the Sultan Kudarat Doctors’ Hospital in Tacurong City and Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital

in Isulan town.

They were believed to have come from an outing in a resort in Tacurong City and were returning home to Isulan town when accident happened.

The driver of the 10-wheeler truck and his four assistants were coming from Tulunan, North Cotabato. They were brought to the Tacurong City police late Sunday.

They suffered minor injuries from the collision.

Buanacosa is set to file charges of reckless driving against the truck driver.

(Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)

FMURAD, 10

depends on Grace

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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ENATOR Chiz Escudero’s plan for 2016 depends on the decision of Senator Grace Poe. Speaking to Davao City media on Saturday, Escudero said he is still waiting for Poe to decide if she will run for President. The two are rumored to be eying a tandem in 2016.

Escudero, however, clarified that he is not running for reelection in 2016 since his term will end in 2019.

“We will not be running for the same position in 2016.

Right now I am still waiting for

her decision. Afterwards, I will decide,” he said.

He said many members of the Nacionalista Party have declared their support for him and Poe, but the party as whole has yet to decide whether or not it will field the two of them.

Escudero also admitted that he has a tiff with Vice President Jejomar Binay, whom he supported in the 2010 election.

He said the last time the two of them talked was in 2012. He said Binay dropped him along with Poe and Loren Legarda in the 2013 election.

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Health Office (CHO) has rescheduled the food safety seminar to September 3, Thursday, instead of September 4.

In a text message, CHO environment and sanitation division chief Robert Oconer said his office moved the original schedule because Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is not available this coming Friday.

“The mayor just wants to remind the vendors and the food handlers personally on importance of hygiene in preparing food,” he said.

Oconer said the seminar will be still held at the Davao City Recreation Center-Almendras Gym from 1 p.m to 5 p.m.

Earlier, Oconer said thou-

sands of food vendors are expected to attend the second food safety seminar for food handlers and street food vendors.

He said this will be the last batch of seminars that will be conducted, after which his office will implement the “no mayor’s identification (ID) card, no vending policy” on the first week of October.

Oconer said the CHO is expecting close to 5,000 to attend the seminar, about the same number that attended the first one last month.

He said the more than 4,700 who attended the seminar last month were already given their respective certifi-

FFOOD, 10

IRRIGATION NEEDS. Davao del Norte Farmers Association’s Lumi Bautista (center) demands concerned government agencies to grant irrigation systems as more than 5,000 hectares of farm land in their area in Southern Davao, Panabo City are affected by the lack of proper irrigation system to

grow agricultural crops. Bautista was joined by Rodolfo Singson (right) and Peter Edulantes during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

Ata Manobo man takes pride as Listahanan enumerator

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NITPICKING. Two women spend the early afternoon picking lice at a stall in front of the San Isidro Cathedral in Malaybalay City. MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno

Electric coop lights up remote areas in Digos City HE Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (Dasureco), the lone power distributor in the province, has energized at least 60 households in the city’s remote villages starting over the weekend.

Dasureco general manager Engr. Godofredo Guya said

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the project is part of the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) of the Office of the President, targeting areas that have been longing for electricity.

Guya said areas that benefitted from the project were sitios Kamalig, Kiola, and Baririn, all of Barangay Goma in Digos City.

“Residents in the area will no longer need to rely on expensive solar energy panels,” he said.

Barangay captain Leo Presillas Sr. praised the electric cooperative for responding to the needs of his people, which he said was long overdue.

Aside from the energization program ceremony Friday, Dasureco also provided financial assistance amounting to P50,000 to Isaac Abalayan Elementary School in the neighboring Barangay San Jose that will be used for the construction of comfort rooms. (PNA)

HE Davao Regional Hospital (DRH) in Barangay Apokon Tagum City is now Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC).

Davao del Norte First District Rep. Anthony del Rosario said during last week’s blessing and inauguration of the new facilities of the DRMC that President Benigno Aquino signed Republic Act 10678 on August 26, 2015 converting DRH to a medical center.

Del Rosario said among the features of the new law is the increase of the bed capac-

ity of DRMC from 200 to 600 beds.

He said Davao Region is the only region in the country that has two medical centers – DRMC and the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City.

Senator Toefisto Guingona III for his part said since the medical center will have more responsibility to cater to any kind of disease or affliction, DRMC will receive more funding.

DRMC chief Romulo Busuego said the budget of the

center for this year is at around P32 million for its maintenance and other operating expenses.

Busuego said the DRMC and SPMC will not compete against each other but will instead complement their respective specializations.

“We don’t have to compete because we are not into business; we are providing services to our people. Since

SPMC has its heart center, we are developing here our cancer center,” Busuego said.

Davao Regional Hospital now a medical center T

Other visitors in the inauguration ceremony were Department of Health Region 11 Director Abdullah Dumama Jr., Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, Compostela Valley Govrnoer Arturo Uy, and Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

ALMA GIL, Talaingod, Davao Del Norte (PNA) – A 24-yearold Ata Manobo is taking pride in his participation in the Listahanan assessment of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 11 in his community in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

“Dili gyud babag kanako ang gigikanan o kultura aron mapalambo nako akoang kaugalingon ug akoang pamilya (My roots and culture will never hinder me from improving my life and that of my family’s ),” Listahanan enumerator Torays Dagwa-an of Sitio Dalingding said.

“I am very happy that I’ve been a part of this survey of DSWD. Through this, I am able to help my fellow tribesman to be interviewed and be given the chance to benefit from upcoming programs of government,” he added.

Dagwa-an is also a beneficiary of the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous Peoples (MCCT-IP).

Beneficiaries of this program are IP families with 0-18 year old children and/or those beyond 18 years old but currently enrolled in Elementary, High School, Alternative Learning System, School of Living Tradition and other indigenous learning systems; IPs living within or outside their ancestral domain; and those located in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).

His wife Genalyn also serves as parent leader of MCCT-IP. Talaingod town is 80 percent Indigenous people (Ata Manobo) mostly oc-

cupying the farthest and hilly areas that Listahanan enumerators have to walk for hours just to reach the IP residents.

“Our situation is difficult. Even if we are from the area, we could not help but be apprehensive because of the tribal conflict which is one of the problems in the community, and also the armed encounters between the military and the rebels. But what matters most is coordinating with the local leaders and making them understand the purpose of the survey,” Dagwa-an said.

Dagwa-an recalled when his team was caught in a crossfire between rebels and military troops in the nearby sitio while they had an on-going assessment in Sitio Nasilaban.

“My team hid at a nearby school then resumed the survey after the crossfire because we didn’t want to miss out on any family,” he said.

The determination and sincerity of Dagwa-an and his group made them heroes and endeared them to their own community.

Dagwa-an also benefited from a solar lighting project of Kalahi-CIDSS in 2013.

DSWD regional director Priscilla Razon earlier said the second round of Listahanan assessment is intended to expand and update the database of the poor, including the IPs. “This will also serve as a tool in determining the potential beneficiaries of existing and future programs and services of the department and other agencies,” she said. (Carmela C. Duron/PNA)

3 moderate quakes jolt Surigao del Sur

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HREE mild earthquakes jolted the province of Surigao del Sur on Monday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the first quake with a magnitude of 4.1 occurred at 4:06 a.m.

The epicenter of the quake was traced 66 kilometers northeast of Tandag town in Surigao del Sur. The quake, which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of seven kilometers The second quake with a magnitude 4.0 occurred around 4:31 a.m. with epicenter traced some 79 kilometers

northeast of Tandag.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of 33 kilometers.

On the other hand, the third tremor with a magnitude of 4.1 happened at 5:06 a.m. with its epicenter traced 43 kilometers northeast of the same town.

Phivolcs said the temblor, which was tectonic in origin, had a shallow depth of eight kilometers.

Phivolcs did not recorded any felt intensity from the three tectonic quakes and there was no casualty or damage reported.

It added that no aftershocks are expected from these quakes. (PNA)

HIGH JUMP. Three friends enjoy a game of high jump at the plaza in Airport Village in Malaybalay City on Thursday. MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno

EDGEDAVAO

5 ECONOMY PEZA eyes 10 big investors to lift investment figures T VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

HE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is eyeing 10 big foreign investors to enter in the country to lift the falling investment figures.

PEZA spokesperson Elmer San Pasucal told reporters that PEZA is expecting that those investors that delayed their expansion and investment plans in the Philippines due to the Manila Port congestion last year have already talked to their mother companies to discuss the improvements in the logistics situation in the country.

San Pascual said six foreign investors, particularly from the United States and Taiwan, are eyeing the Philippines but are still ensuring that the port mess will no longer occur once they invest in the local market.

He said these firms may come up with decisions in the last two months of the year.

Four other companies are supposed to expand their operations here but still need “compelling reasons” to defend to their headquarters their target expansions in the country, San Pascual said.

He said the latter part of the year will be crucial for these companies to push their

expansions.

“That expansion will only come if their present capacity will be short of the orders that they will be taking in,” he said.

“We’re now entering September and of course their orders will jack up on fourth quarter.”

“Hopefully the international situation will be cooperative,” he added.

San Pascual declined to give investment figures of each firm but he said these investors are eyeing for 10 to 15 hectares of land per company for their facilities – mostly for manufacturing purposes.

“We’re hoping to jumpstart by end of this year towards 2016,” the PEZA spokesperson said.

Latest figures from PEZA showed that the investment pledges posted a 19-percent decline at end-July this year to P103.15 billion from P127.46 billion in the same period of 2014.

Despite the drop in investment amount, the number of projects increased to 360 this year from 337 a year ago.

San Pascual said once the 10 companies invest this year, PEZA will be able to post positive growth in investment approvals at end-2015. (PNA)

DURIAN TIME. Durian vendors along Anda Street in Davao City enjoy good sales in this photo taken on August 28. A kilo of durian in this stretch costs between 25 and 30 pesos. Aside from Anda Street, Magsaysay Avenue and Torres Street are also popular destinations for residents and tourists. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

It’s fishing season again BFAR: Fish production up in Davao Gulf

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

ISHERMAN Lorenzo Gamal hopped into his banca to go fishing once again, and is now more than happy fish catch nowadays is better compared to the past couple of years.

“The fishes we catch nowadays are bigger than what we used to catch two years ago,” said the 63-year old Gamal, a fisherman from Barangay Tibungco of more than 20 years.

Better fish production and fish catch await fisherfolks in Davao City and those from neighboring areas as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic

Resources (BFAR) 11 officially ended yesterday its threemonth closed fishing season for Davao Gulf.

What used to be 5 to 10 kilograms (kg) fish catch of small pelagic fishes like bullet tuna or pirit, moro-moro, big-eyed scad or matambaka, round scad or galunggong now went up to 18 kilos.

“Our initial report from the first implementation of the closed season in Davao Gulf recorded a 10 percent increase in fish production in the region,” Department of Agriculture (DA) undersecretary for

LGUs get funding support for fishery

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HE Bureau of Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 11 turned over an allocation of some P20 million to support the fishery industry of eight local government units (LGUs) in the Davao Region yesterday.

“This will not only help the livelihood of our fisher folks in these areas but also uplift this vulnerable and marginalized sector,” BFAR 11 regional direct Fatma Idris said at the sidelines of the culminating activity of the three-month closed fishing season for the conservation of small pelagic fishes in Davao Gulf at People’s Park yesterday.

For Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) Projects, the municipality of Braulio E. Dujali in the province of Davao del Norte received P1 million for the tila-

pia production.

The municipalities of Hagonoy and Kilabwan in Davao del Sur each received P500,000 as infrastructure support to fish production and organic tilapia production and deboning, respectively.

ThePantukan LGU in Compostela Province, meanwhile, received a total of P5.7 million for the acquisition of motorized fishing boats and establishments of fish cages.

The BuB program is a strategy of the national government to reduce poverty incidence in the country. The program aims to ensure the inclusion of the funding requirements for the development needs of the poorest municipalities and cities in the programs and budget of the National Government

FLGUS, 10

fisheries Asis Perez said during the culminating activity for the three-month closed season at the People’s Park.

Perez said small pelagic fishes caught in gulf are 78 percent bigger in size compared in 2013 pegged only at 54 percent.

The banning of operations of commercial fishing vessels as well as utilization of ring nets and bag nets in Davao Gulf for three consecutive months from June 1 to August 31 allowed small pelagic fishes to lay their eggs and reach their ideal size during spawning

season, Perez said.

The first annual closed fishing season was implemented in 2014 under the mandate of the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2 series of 2014 by the secretaries of DA and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) mandated the implementation of a closed season in Davao Gulf to address the declining fish production of the region.

The Davao Gulf ban covers a total area of 3,087 square kilometer, starting from the entrance at Talagotong Point in Don Marcelino town, Davao

del Sur to Cape San Agustin in Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental.

“Starting 12:01 midnight tonight (yesterday), the open gulf is finally open for commercial fishing,” Perez said, adding that the recent implementation of the closed season was successful because 80 to 80 percent of commercial fishing vessels complied with the order.

Perez said fisherfolks as well as the communities will continue benefitting from the implementation of the closed fishing season in Davao gulf because of its significant effect

to the decrease of prices of fish products like sardines while addressing the issue on low fish production.

For next year, Perez said BFAR will be deploying 70 new patrol boats and two 50-meter vessel in all fishing grounds where the closed fishing season is being implemented.

Aside from Davao Gulf, the closed fishing season is also implemented in Zamboanga Peninsula and Visayas Sea. The bureau is targeting to also implement the order in Palawan and Zambales by December of this year.

IT’S A DATE. Mindanao Gamefowl Breeders Association president Juanito Nasser (left) and Davao Trade Expo (DATE) 2015 chairman Engineer Wilfred Teves promote the upcoming 17th DATE 2015 set on September 25 to 27 at

SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center. The two gentlemen graced yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

HE Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Service (PQS) in Davao City is establishing a database for the banana industry to accredit qualified exporters of Cavendish bananas.

The database and accreditation system is being established to check the growing problem of pole-vaulting in the billion-dollar banana export industry.

Pole-vaulting occurs when a contract grower sells his produce to companies other than

the one he had signed a contract with. The practice of pole-vaulting has become a serious problem and it might kill the banana export industry.

Pole-vaulting has been hounding the banana industry in the last six years. The PQS is currently inspecting small banana packing facilities in the Davao region.

Andres Alemania, officer-in-charge at the PQS, said Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and the associations of

banana companies asked him to intervene and prevent the practice of pole vaulting.

Mr. Alemania said, “We are establishing a database to have an inventory of Cavendish farms and accredit those that meet the required standards. We already have an accreditation system for exporters, the banana growers and the banana packing facility operators. The Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) and the smaller Mindanao Banana

Farmers and Exporters Association (MBFEA) are very supportive of this project.”

He explained that once those plantations are accredited, the PQS will be able to know where the spot buyers are sourcing their bananas. This will discourage pole vaulting because the sources of their bananas will be known.

The PQS, which is directly under the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), serves as the reg-

forum on Picking the Right Investment with COL Fund Source this September 9 at 1:30 PM in Davao SMX Convention Center and learn how to invest the easy and effective way. Whether you’re a first timer or an experiened investor looking to diversify his/her portfolio, this event is guaranteed to help you become a better investor.

Engage with industry ex-

perts from COL Financial, the country’s leading online stockbrokerage firm with almost 150,000 customers and growing. After close to two decades of successful investing, the institution continues to make genuine wealth--building simple and accessible to Filipino investors. By launching the first fund supermarket in the Philippines entitled COL Fund Source, COL customers now

have access to a wide selection of mutual funds from the top fund houses alongside their stock investments through a single platform.

Featured speakers are Mr. Marvin V. Fausto, Founder President of Fund Managers Association of the Philippines and former Chief Investment Officer of BDO and Ms. April Lee Tan, COL’s Vice President

Trade attachés to join DA’s PQS to help solve pole-vaulting problem DATE 2015: Chamber T

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ILIPINO trade attachés from six countries have been invited to grace this year’s 17th Davao Trade Expo slated September 25 to 27 at the SMX Convention Center.

“They will be discussing the character of the each foreign market,” DATE 2015 organizer William Teves said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex Monday. He was referring to the invitees from Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and Thailand.

Teves said it is important for local aquamarine, livestock and poultry producers to gauge foreign market to be able to penetrate it and start the exportation at zero tariffs as one of the benefit of the economic integration to become a single economy.

“These trade officials will be discussing the requirement and needs of each country,”

Teves said, adding this would increase Mindanao’s presence in the global market while increasing the competitiveness of the local industry players in the Asean intergration.

The discussion will be part of the break-out sessions scheduled on September 25 through a group discussion which will focus on Philippine Trade Export of livestock, poultry and mariculture.

With the theme “Building Local Products for the Global Community,” Teves said the Philippines has a huge advantage of becoming a major player in the poultry, livestock, and aquaculture because of being bird-flu free and foot-andmouth disease-free.

However, he said there’s still a gap between the effort of the public and private sector in strengthening the industry.

For instance, he said local

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL

Escape to

Olango

I

had always known that Cebu and its outlying islands are where one can find idyllic white sand beaches which, unfortunately, I have not been given the chance to explore thanks to “work” and its many concerns and time-sapping deadlines. Thankfully, I was given the chance to experience one of Cebu’s beach gems, Olango Island, thanks to a day trip organized for media by the Mövenpick Hotel Cebu and Philippine Airlines.

Olango Island is located in the Bohol Strait just five Enjoying the waters around Olango Island. kilometres to the east of Mactan Island where Mövenpick Hotel Cebu is located. The island is where one can find one of the most extensive coral reef gardens in the province of Cebu and is also where one can find white sandy beaches, a mangrove forest, and a tidal flat which are part of the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary.

A suptuous island buffet awaits us prepared by the Mövenpick Cebu Hotel. The bamboo walkway leads into the Mangrove and onto Olango.

Jumping into the crsytal clear waters.

Together with fellow travel writers, we started out to Olango Island via the hotel’s adjacent pier which was abuzz with tourists who were also on a day tour to the island and the island locals who are coming home from Mactan after purchasing much needed supplies.

After a quick 20-minute boat ride, we arrived at the island’s Sta. Rosa port.

Since the tide was low and the boat had to wait for the sea level to go up a bit, we decided to take a dip into the crystal-clear cerulean sea to do some snorkelling.

I was not disappointed, as there were schools of coral fish of varied sizes just be-

neath the waves, and these fish were not shy as they circled about, colouring the sea around me in a kaleidoscope of colours.

We eventually got back on the boat and made our way to the docking point of Sta. Rosa. I admit the walk from the boat dock to the main island of Olango was an interesting experience as the bamboo walkway was made so that it floats and does minimal impact to the seabed and the nearby mangrove forest which you can explore via a tour.

Finally I was able to experience the powder white sand beach of Olango Island. The gentle sloping shores made it so that the

beach is a sun worshipper’s dream sans the crazy crowds which some more popular beaches in the Philippines have already become. It is only you, your friends, and the occasional heron or egret passing by thanks to the nearby wildlife sanctuary which many migratory and seagoing birds call home. And as I had lunch and a refreshing afternoon Manny O mimosa, I relaxed and dreamed of the next time I would escape to Olango.

Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter at @kennethkingong for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

Lucky 9 Budget Hotel opens in Tagum City BMQ Group of Hotels, Inc., the operator of Big 8 Corporate Hotel, officially opened its newest member of the family in Tagum City, The Lucky 9 Budget Hotel last August 18, 2015.

Consistent with its quest to bolster tourism and contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and encouraging business, The Lucky 9 Budget Hotel is BMQ’s answer to the growing demand for hotel rooms in Tagum City which has become Mindanao’s fastest rising medium-sized urban city and arguably the 2nd MICE city next to Davao.

The grand opening started with a motorcade headed

by Police Marshals and the

Tagum City National High School’s Brass Band that provided a festive mood while the

motorcade is routing around the busy streets of Tagum City.

The formal ceremony was

in full swing after the ribbon cutting led by Mayor Allan Rellon, Vice Mayor Geterito Gementiza, City Councilor Macario Bermudez, Atty. Allan Zulueta. They were joined

by Big 8 Corporate Hotel General Manager Ms. Roxan Obregon, Finance Controller of BMQ Group of Companies Ms. Geraldine Quibod, and Regional Director of Philippine Information Agency Mr. Efren Elbanbuena. The blessing of the hotel’s four buildings ensued and presided by priests from Diocese of Tagum.

The momentous event was attended by government officials, private employees and people from different sectors and industries who all together witnessed another milestone in consistency of the Tagum City’s vision of sustainable growth and development. The event was even made special by City Mayor Allan Rellon who gave an inspiring message reassuring everyone on government’s effort in boosting tourism through conducting national events in the city.

Big 8 Corporate Hotel General Manager Ms. Roxan Obregon also gave words of gratitude to everyone who directly contributed in making the event successful.

All guests were serenated

by Playback Acoustic band while enjoying the sumptuous meals prepared by the hotel’s resident chefs.

“It’s only three years ago when we launched Big 8 Corporate Hotel as the only first class hotel in the city. Big 8 has captured the hearts of local and foreign tourists, travel enthusiasts and professionals who are looking for a comfortable and elegant accommodation. We are upbeat that The Lucky 9 Budget Hotel will also make a mark in the hotel industry same as Big 8”, quipped Roxan Obregon, general manager of the hotels.

The Lucky 9 Budget Hotel bears the brand of Big 8 Corporate Hotel in providing quality service to savvy business and leisure travelers seeking for outstanding yet affordable accommodation.

The Lucky 9 Budget Hotel is focused on delivering the modern essentials of a great hotel experience that will resonate well with local and foreign tourists.

SILKAIR TO OFFER SERVICES TO MALE TOGETHER WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES

FROM 25 October 2015, SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, will begin four times weekly services to Male. Previously, Singapore Airlines offered a variable frequency of 10 to 14 flights a week to the capital of the Maldives. Now, together with SilkAir’s new services, both airlines will offer a total of two round-trip services a day, subject to regulatory approval.

Singapore Airlines’ Se-

nior Vice President Marketing Planning, Ms Lee Wen Fen, said: “By synergising the networks of both carriers, we are able to provide customers more choice and greater flexibility when planning their travel itineraries.

This is another example of the Singapore Airlines

Group’s commitment to continuously expanding our combined network and enhancing connectivity options for our customers.”

SilkAir’s Chief Executive, Mr Leslie Thng, said: “The Maldives is a popular travel destination offering great beauty

both above and below the water, with its stunning white sand beaches and equally beautiful underwater world. We are glad to be able to join Singapore Airlines to bring travellers from around the world to this picturesque island destination.”

GET READY AS WE BRING YOU THIS SEASON’S BIGGEST SHOES & BAGS SALE! Now until September 15 at the second floor former Event Center of SM City Davao. Get as much as 50% off on the widest selections from your favorite brands like Converse, Vans, Pony, Skechers, Keds, Sperry, Barbie, Elle, Chicco, Fisher Price, Targus and many many more!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Liza Soberano is Metro’s Fashion Issue cover girl A fashionably fierce Liza Soberano, one of the fastest-rising Kapamilya teen stars, graces the cover of the highly anticipated three-cover special of the Big Fashion Issue of Metro magazine this September.

Metro’s celebrated Big Fashion Issue which was shot in California, marks Liza’s long awaited return to her hometown and her reunion with her mother whom she has not seen for seven years.

The hashtag #MetrLovesLiza also accumulated around 19,000 tweets since Metro officially revealed that Liza is its latest cover girl.

“Metro likes to create a story that goes deeper than just snapping a pretty photo in a foreign city. We chose to bring Liza to California for our Big Fashion Issue because its tailor made to mesh with her rising career. California encapsulates Liza’s past and bright future,” Metro’s editor-in-chief Sarah Meier said.

Liza’s shoot with Metro was a grand California road trip as the Metro team flew her to Santa Clara, San Jose, and Los Angeles.

The Kapamilya teen star was also dressed in stylish outfits from top American brands like DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Coach, Calvin Klein, Brooks Brothers, and Tommy Hilfiger.

by ABS-CBN Publishing. Also available in leading bookstores, newsstands, and at the ABS-CBN Store (abs-cbnstore.com) are StarStudio’s Manny Pacquiao Special, Chalk’s Fashion Special with Kelsey Merritt, Work-

Metro, the leading fashion magazine in the country is known for its striking fashion issues featuring the country’s stylish icons who are brought abroad for their editorial shoot. Among the names who have landed

ing Mom’s Big Trends Issue with Andie Manzano and daughter, and Food’s Third Issue.

ABS-CBN Publishing is the leading publishing company in the Philippines and is home to the country’s bestselling books. Its books and magazine titles cover topics on lifestyle, youth, entertainment, culinary, high society, and fashion to cater to the diverse Filipino community. As a leading publishing company, it also aims to be relevant in the digital era by making digital versions of its magazines available on the App Store and Zinio.

Metro’s fashion issue are John Lloyd Cruz, Iza Calzado, Ruffa Guttierez, and Solenn Heussaff. All four were photographed in famous European cities.

Metro is one of the titles published monthly

World Vision names Julie Anne San Jose as its newest Advocate for Children

LAST AUGUST 25, Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose was officially launched as the newest Celebrity Advocate for Children of World Vision, an international child-focused non-government organization.

The GMA Artist Center star will be more involved in various charity and community outreach efforts, especially those promoting children’s rights, well-being and education.

“We are very honoured to now have as part of our family a staunch advocate for children, Julie Anne, who we all know started in her career as a child. We have been witness to how she genuinely cares for the children and we know that this will be the beginning of a beautiful journey with her in ensuring that every child lives his/her life to the fullest,” says World Vision Manager for Public Awareness and Experience Pamela Millora.

Prior to announcing Julie Anne as a World Vision Advocate, she has already been involved in various World Vision initiatives, such as ‘Bangon Pinoy’, a concert for the benefit of Typhoon Yolanda survivors in 2013, and more recently, the ‘White Event’, an online celebrity auction for a cause. She also sponsors two children with World Vision.

Meanwhile, she’s currently part of the comedy-musical variety program Sunday PinaSaya, Pepito Manaloto and Afternoon Prime series Buena Familia.

August 26 – September 1, 2015

INSIDE OUT Diane Lane, Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling PG

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

PIXELS Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan PG

12:20 | 2:45 | 5:10 | 7:35 | 10:00 LFS

HITMAN: AGENT 47/ * NO ESCAPE Zachary Quinto, Rupert Friend/ *Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan R13/*R13

R-16

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 LFS / *6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE LOVE AFFAIR/ * THE VATICAN TAPES Bea Alonzo, Dawn Zulueta, Richard Gomez/ *Olivia Taylor Dudley, Michael Pena R13/*R16

11:30 | 1:50 | 4:10 LFS / *6:30 | 8:15 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

FOOD

CAFE FIRENZO’S NEW CONCEPT Photos by Fra Jamir HUNGRY for something new in Gensan? The newly renovated Cafe Firenzo is the place to be! Open 24/7 and located at Sun City Suites, it is a perfect hangout for those late night or even early morning cravings. Grab the squad, chill, and try their upgraded menu paired with a relaxing ambiance from their light earthly coloured interior with modern and rustic touches.

With their upgraded menu, you can’t shake the idea of wanting to try them all. From classic coffee, espressos, smoothies, flavoured lattes, and iced teas, Brew Kettle beer, hot wings, skewered beef and sashimi, just to name some. They all really make ordering quite a challenge. And they’re the only place in Gensan that sells grilled tuna fin, definitely a ‘When in Gensan’ must try.

I had a blast trying out their new dishes. I’m no food critic, but I enjoyed dinning and hanging out there, that’s for sure. Truly a feast for the senses, from the taste of the food, to the sound of the fountain, the very soothing interior, and the scent of the pastries and various flavoured drinks, Cafe Firenzo is a refreshing addition to Gensan’s food scene.

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @ kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

EDGEDAVAO

7 GAME CHANGER

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

Wilson John Benolirao

A passion for

By JON JOAQUIN Photos courtesy of JOHN WILSON BENOLIRAO

A

LL of a sudden, seemingly from out of nowhere, Filipinos are making a name for themselves as the best baristas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A feature on latte art that appeared in The National, an Abu Dhabi English-language publication, on August 23, 2015 cited Filipinos as being at the forefront of the coffee culture in the Middle East. And among these Filipino baristas is Davao City’s very own Wilson John Benolirao, 29, who once worked at Kangaroo Coffee Company, Blugré Coffee Company, and The Coffee Pod and now works at Boon Coffee in Dubai. According to writer by Rachel Ingram, John “was named one of the best up-and-coming coffee masters” in the UAE by his fellow Master Baristas.

John visited Davao City a couple of months ago and this writer was able to sample some of his creations at Kangaroo Coffee. He used a pour-over coffee maker (essentially a cup with holes at the bottom) and employed hightech tools like a digital weighing scale and an iPhone app to calculate the optimum balance of water and coffee (in terms of amount, temperature, and brewing time).

He is also a master at latte art and makes unique designs on the foam on top of the lattes he serves. John has since moved back to Dubai but we reached out to him and did an online interview.

EDGE Davao: How did you start out as a barista?

Wilson John Benolirao: I started my career accidentally — or you can say it was God-given opportunity. I was hired by Mr. Mark Seng, my Sensei, and he trained us, the crew of Kangaroo Coffee Company. I was astounded by his coffee knowledge, experience, and stories of his experiences outside the country. From there I built from my own curiosity and passion. Soon I was given the chance to be in charge of the bar at Kangaroo.

I also did self-study. I improved my sensory skills, brewing techniques, knowledge of coffee beans and equipment, and my approach to coffee. I began entering competitions and won.

EDGE: What made you decide to go abroad?

JOHN: I decided to go abroad in order to acquire more knowledge, skills, and approach to coffee so that someday I can share it with my fellow baristas in Davao and elevate the coffee culture back home.

EDGE: Are there many other Filipino baristas there who are making a name for themselves?

JOHN: Yes, 80 percent of the baristas here in UAE are Filipino. Most of us are working in bigger companies in commercial and specialty coffee shops as Master baristas, barista Trainers, and Coffee Educators. We also have a Filipino who had made it to the World barista Championship and World Latte Art Competition. Here in the UAE you have to compete among baristas to gain name and respect.

EDGE: Can you give tips on how to make great coffee at home? What’s the best home brewing method?

JOHN: Use freshly roasted coffee beans and know when the “peak” is for Its features.

Use good water — distilled or purified with controlled pH level and TDS (Total Dissolve Solubles) and zero chlorine, Grind only as much as you need. Store beans in an airtight container. Use a clean coffee brewer. Play around with water temperature because not all coffees are good to percolate/brew in boiling water temperature.

For home brewing, my first option is V60 (pourover) which can highlight the flavors so well. Second is the Aeropress, which can highlight flavors and body.

EDGE: So what’s the secret to a good cup of coffee?

JOHN: Know your coffee beans and how to percolate, brew, or extract its features.

coffee

John on the job Use good quality coffee beans, good machine and equipment, good water, and coffee grind that corresponds with your brewing method.

Know what water-to-coffee ratio, coffee filter medium, and water temperature to use. Coffee Masters usually

strive for “optimum balance” balance of sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, and flavors.

We believe that there is no such thing as a perfect cup of coffee, only optimum balance. Anticipation and knowledge of whom you want to serve are key. You

can’t always please people with different palates.

And of course everything is useless without passion. My passion keeps growing that I crave for more. To me passion plays the biggest role as a barista. Without it your coffee is just flat.

With his ‘Angry Birds’ creations

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

EDITORIAL Protect the right to protest

W

HETHER we like it or not, the massive rally the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) held in Manila and other places — including Davao City — revealed much not just about our leaders and politicians but about ourselves as well. Our leaders, at least, had been expected to make missteps in their effort to address the volatile situation. On the one hand, they had to make their stand because the people, particularly those in Metro Manila, were being inconvenienced by the mass of INC members who had taken over EDSA in protest over what they claim was the State’s meddling into their affairs as a church. Invoking the separation of church and state, the INC called on its members to let their displeasure be known — causing massive disruption that non-INC members began cursing in all the media available to them. Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Grace Poe, two frontrunners in the presidential race, decided to support the mass action, instantly earning for them the ire of non-INC members who accused them of pandering to the group in the hopes that the church, which practices bloc-voting, will give them its blessings.

But it is not just Binay, Poe, and every other politician who entered the fray who have been exposed in this matter. Ordinary Filipinos

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also showed their biases, particularly since most of the online outbursts were directed at the INC because of its religious beliefs, not what it was fighting for. It was because the INC is a different group, one with practices that non-members find unappealing, that it became the target of online tirades. It was as if following their leaders was a crime, and that taking to the streets in protest was the mark of a blind follower. And it was because the INC was a minority fighting for its rights that the majority found it in its heart to blast away at them.

After all, what was the INC protesting? It was the allegedly undue attention de Lima was giving to a case filed against its leadership.

As Mayor Rodrigo Duterte — arguably the only leader who made a level-headed statement on the matter — said, the problem is that de Lima had taken the case to the DOJ instead of letting it be handled at the prosecutors’ level. By elevating it to the DOJ, she had given the impression that the government was pushing against the INC. If that sounds familiar, it is because it is the kind of thing that other groups routinely blast government about and, indeed, hold rallies for. We need to protect the right to protest because sooner or later we will need to exercise it ourselves. We cannot deprive the INC its rights just because we do not believe in what it preaches.

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EDGEDAVAO

T

HERE are stories that make you smile. There are also stories that bring you tears. And there are stories that inspire you to do what is right. Finally, there are stories that make you ponder and think about life.

Recently, I got two stories from my email sent to me by a friend. You probably heard or read them somewhere. But what is interesting about the tales is that it tells us about pay back. The words of Malcom S. Forbes came to mind while I was reading the stories: “One can pay back the loan of gold, but one lies forever in debt to those who are kind.”

Others consider pay back as sort of a karma.

Annie Besant explains, “Belief in karma ought to make the life pure, strong, serene, and glad. Only our own deeds can hinder us; only our own will can fetter us. Once let men recognize this truth, and the hour of their liberation has struck. Nature cannot enslave the soul that by wisdom has gained power and uses both in love.”

Now, the first story. Once upon a time, Jonathan was very much in love with Alice. The romantic guy folded 1,000 pieces of paper cranes asa gift to his girl.

Although, at that time Jonathan was just an ordinary employee in the company, his future doesn’t seem too bright, they were very happy together. Until one day, Alice told him she was going to United States and will never come back. She also

I

N the media, they strongly express their optimism the House version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law would be passed next month despite that legislative action is at a stand-still for the lack of quorum as time inexorably ticks on.

At the Palace The Philippine Star reported (August 25. 2015: Senate starts debates on Bangsamoro law) President Aquino expressing yesterday, Monday, August 24: • Certainty that despite the consistent lack of quorum among members of the House of Representatives, a majority of the legislators will definitely show up once voting on the BBL takes place.

• His firm belief that being lawmakers, the congressmen will not shirk in their mandate to pass significant laws, particularly BBL, which will bring about lasting peace in war-torn Mindanao, home to a Muslim minority.

At the OPAPP and the House MindaNews Editor-in-Chief Carolyn O. Arguillas reported last Monday, August 24 (Pass the BBL now or pass on to next administration?) what MindaNews had been told on the day before, August 23: • Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process: The Office of the President and the leadership of both Houses of Congress “remain committed to the enactment of a meaningful and mutually acceptable BBL within President Aquino’s term of office.” (Bold italics ours) • Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chair of House Ad Hoc Committee on BBL: They “still have time to finish the bill by September 15” (11 session days from August 24) and that “there will be quorum tomorrow (Monday) up to Wednesday.” [N.B. From Monday, August 31, that will only be eight days. – ppd] • “I agree with Rufus,” Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Pangalian Balindong of Lanao del Sur, said. “Never say die.”

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. on Sunday, August 23, texted this message to reporters: “I am still hopeful. We will work hard because the peace measure is very important to attain peace and the President was right in pushing for its approval.” He was referring to the BBL, optimistic that the House of Representatives could still pass it despite the problem of absenteeism among the House members.

(The Philippine Star, August 24, 2015: Belmonte: House can still pass BBL) The primary problem is the quorum. The Speaker himself said it. How has the House leadership been handling the problem?

Rodriguez has been over positive. “There will be quorum tomorrow (Monday) up to Wednes-

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

9

A tale of two paybacks told him that she cannot visualize THINK ON THESE! any future for the both of them, so they went their own ways there and then.

Heartbroken, Jonathan agreed. It took him several months to regain his confidence.

He worked hard Henrylito D. Tacio day and night, slogging his body henrytacio@gmail.com and mind just to make something out of himself. Finally with all the hard work and the help of friends, Jonathan had set up his own company.

Then, one rainy day, while Jonathan was driving, he saw an elderly couple sharing an umbrella in the rain walking to some destination. Even with the umbrella, they were still drenched. It didn’t take him long to realize they were Alice’s parents.

With a heart in getting back at them, he drove slowly beside the couple, wanting them to spot him in his luxury sedan. He wanted them to know that he wasn’t the same any more; he had his own company, car, condo, etc. He made it!

But what he saw next confused him, the couple was walking towards a cemetery, and so he got out of his car and followed -- and he saw Alice, a photograph of her smiling sweetly as ever at him from her tombstone and he saw his paper cranes right beside her.

Alice’s parents saw him. He asked them why this had happened. They explained, “She never went to the United States at all,” the father explained. “She was ill with cancer. She had believed that you will make it someday, but she did not want to be your hindrance. So she decided to leave you.”

Jonathan just wept.

The second story happened to a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school. One day, he found himself to have only one peso in his pocket and he was hungry.

The boy decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk.

The little boy drank it slowly, and then asked, “How much do I owe you?” The young woman replied, “You don’t owe me anything. My mother has taught us never to accept payment for a kindness.”

Before the little boy, he told her: “Then, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

As Howard -- that’s the name of the boy -- left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but

his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit. But the experience proved that he must perservere.

Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Kelly was called in for the consultation. When the doctor heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.

Immediately, Dr. Kelly rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor’s gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day, he gave special attention to the case. After a long struggle, the battle was won.

Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all.

Finally, she looked, and something caught her attention on the side as she read these words: “Paid in full with one glass of milk.” (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly.

Edith Wharton said it well: “People pay for what they do, and still more, for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it simply: by the lives they lead.”

He told media one instance: “Last Monday, August 24, after the roll call, the presiding officer declared that 185 members were present. However, I and my staff counted only 88 members in the session hall.” While the “185” was seven short of the “192” for a quorum, the question was: “How could “185” be only “88”?

Then Makati Rep. Abigail Binay, who was acting floor leader, informed him that the 185 included members who showed up to register their presence but were in the lounge when the roll was called. He protested that only those physically present should be counted.

He also related: “I frequently do not see some members who are seated not far from me, and yet, whenever there is an attendance report from the secretariat, they have perfect attendance. Either the secretariat does not know how to count or there is collusion to fabricate attendance.”

As gleaned from national media reports, this House rule has never been enforced by past Speakers. There are no indications that Speaker Belmonte will enforce it to ensure quorum for the deliberation on HB 5811 until it is passed. He only has instructed his office staff to text the House members with a threat to publish attendance reports.

Neither are there indications that the small number of members present every session day would act as the 1987 Constitution provides, “ … a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and may compel the attendance of absent Members in such manner, and under such penalties, as each House may provide”. However, they want severer penalties imposed like “no work, no pay” and “suspension” and “expulsion” as provided in Article VI, Section 16(3) of the 1987 Constitution.

However, if the Speaker and those present every session are unwilling to enforce the present House Rule 76, who will enforce the severer penalties? In fact, without quorum, how can the House pass resolutions for severer penalties?

‘Honorable’ but irresponsible

MIND DA NEWS

BY PATRICIO P. DIAZ day. We will have interpellations.” (MindaNews, August 23, 2015: Rufus says BBL passed by Sept.

15). We visited the websites of the major national media morning and afternoon. There was no report of quorum and interpellations at the House on August 24, 25 and 26, According to MindaNews and national media reports, there was also no quorum, on August 4 and 5 and August 10 and 11. On August 12, only two representatives managed to interpellate: Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap and Rep. Rodolfo Biazon started his interpellation and will continue when sessions resume. There were no interpellation on the third week – August 17, 18 and 19 – again because of quorum problems.

Last July 27, Rodriguez, elated by President Aquino’s four-sentence endorsement of the BBL, said they would “be hitting the ground running” on August 4. They must have broken their legs on hitting the ground; they were not even crawling.

Belmonte has been texting. “I’ve been texting the members (to help us), from each of the component parties of the majority, of the coalition. I anticipate something better next week.” (The Philippine Star, August 24, 2015: Belmonte: House can still pass BBL) The same Star report said that in the previous week, Belmonte met with leaders of the Liberal Party-led majority coalition to seek their help in gathering sufficient attendance so the House could speed up debates on the proposed BBL. Still, there was no quorum for August 24, 25 and 26.

Was Rodriguez rationalizing a possible change of his “September 15 target? The Star reported him as sharing the speaker’s optimism on the eventual passage of the draft BBL with the remark that there is enough time between now and December to pass the proposed law. The Star mentioned that Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III agreed with Belmonte and Rodriguez.

How serious is the quorum problem in the House?

Take it from the House members themselves.

The lack of quorum takes two forms: first, the members being absent; or, second, the members reporting for the attendance record then leaving the session hall or the House premises. The second, “attendance padding”, is least expected of members of the Congress who are addressed “Honorable”.

Rep. Lito Atienza, who has vowed to question the quorum in every session day that attendance is insufficient, urged the House not to pad attendance.

Isn’t the lack of quorum that has grounded the interpellations on HB 5811 a clear manifestation by most of the House members of their lack of interest in the BBL? This InterAksyon.com report on August 25, 2015 intrigues: “Quorum was present with 192 lawmakers on the floor on Monday’s (August 24) session, which allowed the approval on third reading of at least 10 local and national bills. After about an hour in session, however, Buhay partylist Representative Lito Atienza, seeing fewer members on the floor, rose and questioned the quorum. For lack of congressmen, the session was adjourned.”

This report and that of the Star above on the Atienza-Binay exchange on “attendance padding” must have been sequential. The representatives stayed to vote on local and national bills but did not stay for the interpellations on HB 5811.

The fact is clear: House representatives come to vote for the bills they are interested in or when they are pressured to. This gives substance to President Aquino’s certainty that a majority of the legislators will definitely show up to vote on the BBL.

Can legislators be compelled to attend sessions?

The word “compel” is disgraceful for “honorable” men and women. But, yes, they can be compelled under Section 76 of the Rules of the House on the “Absence of Quorum”, stating: “In the absence of a quorum after the roll call, the Members present may compel the attendance of absent Members.” This restates Article VI, Section 16(2) of the 1987 Constitution.

But InterAksyon.com (August 25, 2015: QUORUM CONUNDRUM | House rules allow lawmakers to order arrest of absentee peers), in reference to the persistent absence of quorum despite this House Rule, asked: “But who will do it?”

Is quorum not a matter of “honor” and “responsibility” to people’s mandate and the Constitution?

Why must congressmen and congresswomen be compelled to attend sessions? Their mandate is to represent their constituents. They must be present in every session unless there is a compelling reason for an excuse or with excuses allowed under the rules. Certainly, “performing legislative work in their districts” in disguise of attending to their personal and business affairs or to their reelection is a most reprehensible excuse.

Attending sessions is a constitutional mandate (Article VI, Section 1); absence without valid excuse causing lack of quorum is also a violation of Article VI, Section 16(3). It is hypocritical for the members of the House to delete provisions of Draft BBL allegedly for being unconstitutional while they culpably violate the Constitution by skipping the plenary sessions to prevent deliberation due to the lack of quorum.

Incidentally, is it any better in the Senate?

As The Philippine Star and the OPAPP Website reported on August 25 and 27, plenary deliberations on SB 2894, the substitute of SB 2408 or Draft BBL, started on Monday (August 24) continuing on the next day but not on August 26 for lack of quorum.

The real obstacle to the passage of the BBL, even of the substitute bills — HB 5811 and SB 2894 — are the Members of the Congress. If only they are as responsible as they are addressed, “Honorable”!

(Author’s Note: Mind da News, the alternate of COMMENT, is a comment on current news.

The author may be contacted at patponcediaz@ yahoo.com.)

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

INC... FROM 1

did not have grounds to refuse the request of the INC for a rally permit, although he asked the members to obey the policies of the city.

According to Ka Allan Ladera, head of the INC’s Davao City west, the INC national headquarters called off the rally after talks with the government ended in an agreement.

“Ipinasya ng aming tagapamahalang pangkalahatan na kami ay lumisan ng payapa sa dakong ito at maging po sa Maynila sa pagkat ibinigay po

ang tamang pasha sa amin pong hinihiling sa gobyerno at ang totoo po ito ay para rin sa lahat ng sambayanang Pilipino,” he said.

He said the protest was not just nationwide but worldwide since members of the INC in other countries also staged their own mass action.

Ladera also thanked the local government of Davao City for allowing it to hold the rally.

He said the INC only wants the DOJ to respect the separation of Church and State.

cates of attendance, which is a requirement before they can get their ID. Oconer said more than 3,000 vendors have already received their IDs from the City Planning and Development Office.

He said aside from the ID from the City Mayor’s Office,

the vendors are also required to have a health certificate and personal protective equipment before they are allowed to sell food.

Duterte earlier required all street food vendors and food handlers to undergo food safety handling seminar to ensure food safety in the city.

ident Aquino and are still hoping that a BBL “compliant with the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB)” can still be passed this month “so we will wait until the final process.”

Murad had earlier cited three scenarios – the first on the passage of a BBL that adheres to the FAB/CAB; the second, that no BBL is passed under the Aquino administration; and the third a BBL is passed but not compliant with the FAB/CAB. HB 5811 and SB 2894, both titled “Basic Law for the

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” have been criticized by various sectors as providing for an autonomous region that is “less than the ARMM that it seeks to replace.”

Proponents and supporters of the House and Senate versions, argue that HB 5811 and SB 2894 ensure that the provisions do not violate the 1987 Constitution.

But critics of the House and Senate versions say providing an autonomous region less than the ARMM would also violate the Constitution’s mandate on the autonomous regions. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

producers here should take advantage of the triple A standard slaughter house located in Polomolok, South Cotabato to be able to produce export quality meat products.

“At present, the abattoir is only used for local production,” Teves said, adding that the Asean market is a bigger market which every local producer here should take advantage of.

Meanwhile, the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), the organizer of DATE 2015, is targeting to breach the P300 million-revenue this year from the three-day event.

In 2012, the DCCCII recorded a revenue of P230 million from holding the same event with the same focus industry.

“This year’s DATE is bigger because of the huge participation from each industry including the game fowl,” Teves said.

The DCCCII has partnered with more partner organizations namely the Davao Hog Farmers Association, Goat Industry Development Council of Davao, Federation of Cattle Raisers Association of the Philippines, and Federation of Davao Dairy Farmers Cooperative, Southern Philippines Egg Producers Association and the Regional Aquaculturist Multipurpose Cooperative, Davao Association of Veterinary Technical Representatives Inc., and animal breeders of the Mindanao Game Fowl Breeders Association.

All 140 booths are now full. CHENEEN R. CAPON

ulator for fruit and vegetable producers and exporters. Phytosanitary certificates will be issued to export commodities that are sourced from an accredited farm and packed in an accredited packinghouse. A phytosanitary certificate guarantees that commodities for export are free from pests and diseases.

“When these operators apply for phytosanitary certificates for their exports they will not indicate where they handled the bananas, instead they will give the legal accredited packing house,” Alemania said.

He admits, however, that

it is not really that easy to do.

There are small packing houses that mix their boxes with those who are accredited when the PQS inspectors are not around.

PQS inspectors are not always present when the containers are being loaded.

Alemania is asking for support from the local authorities in solving the problem of pole-vaulting. “I suggest the local government units (LGUs) help us about this matter because we have no police power to order these packing houses to stop their operations, it is the government that has the jurisdiction.”

Food... FROM 3

SALUTE. World War II veterans from Davao City pay their respects during the 21-gun salute and taps during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at Osmeña Park yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Catamco... FROM 2 without their free and prior informed consent (FPIC), nor through any means of eminent domain,” it said.

The resolution said the management of UCCP-Haran should also be held accountable for the continued detention and dislocation of the IPs. “Compel these groups to allow the IPs to go back to their homes or return them to their respective communities where they were removed, otherwise they could face possible sanctions if found to have violated any law,” the resolution said.

Catamco has been criticized for her actions regarding the IPs in Haran. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said Catamco “knows nothing” about the IPs. Progressive groups have also defended the stay of the

IPs in Haran, saying they were forced to leave their homes due to the militarization there.

United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Chaloka Beyani himself said in his talks with the IPs on July 26, “(they) made it clear that it is their (military’s) presence and that of the paramilitary groups in their communities that continues to create anxiety amongst the indigenous communities.”

Beyani said the community wishes to return to its lands “but stressed to me that they will only feel safe to do so if the long-term militarization of their region comes to an end and they can return with guarantees of safety, dignity and protection.”

one of our obligations as Muslim. We have to go to Mecca and become a Hajj,” he said in Cebuano.

He added they will practice what prophet Muhammad

did in Mecca like asking for forgiveness and blessings. “While you are there, you are closest to God (Allah) and he will hear your wishes,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

“Our strong commitment to education resonates in our commitment to help make all Filipino children lifelong learners through our Education for a BetterWorld campaign. We firmly believe that education is where we can make the greatest impact and we continue to advance our efforts to help improve it in our country.

Over half of our group-wide CSR budget is allocated for education-related programs, ” stressed Aboitiz Foundation chairman Erramon Aboitiz.

In partnership with DepEd, the Group continuously intensifies the development of special science elementary schools (SSES) and technical-vocational (TechVoc) high schools, constructs Silid Pangarap kindergarten schools in collaboration with the Aklat, Gabay, Aruga Tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa (AGAPP) Foundation, repairs and constructs

regular classrooms, facilitates teacher skills trainings, and grants scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students.

Aboitiz congratulated 39 of the company’s college scholars who graduated this year, 23 of whom are with Latin honors. In the last 27 years, more than 27,000 students have benefitted from its scholarship and financial program.

Established in 1988, the Aboitiz Foundation continues to pursue its mission to help people help themselves, implementing corporate social responsibility interventions especially in communities where Aboitiz companies operate.

The foundation focuses its efforts on education, enterprise development, and environment but also carries out projects on health and well-being, as well as disaster preparedness and response.

Davao... FROM 2

DepEd... FROM 14

Laviña... FROM 2

egorically say this time that he is not running for president unlike in past media interviews and forums.

“Just give me time, I’ll talk to my family,” Duterte had said.

Laviña, a former city councilor, said Duterte is just being true to what he really is: someone who does not make declarations.

Besides, Laviña added, making a declaration this early will only invite attacks as detractors of Duterte will now

have reason to throw innuendoes against him.

“There will be character assassination (against Duterte). They will even manufacture charges against him,” Laviña said.

He, however, said the mayor may have been touched by what he saw at the Rizal Park rally, which was actually the culmination of a nationwide caravan organized by different groups seeking Duterte’s bid for the presidency.

Agencies (NGAs).

Under the program, the planning and budgeting processes are both undertaken by both local and national government, allowing the local organizations and communities involved and empowered.

Idris also said four other municipalities from the province of Davao Oriental received assistance from BFAR for the construction of a community-based fish landing center worth P2.85 million each.

“These four municipalities were Banaybanay, Governor Generoso, Lupon and Mati City,” she said, adding these municipalities will also have cold storage facilities.

Earlier, the BFAR 11 also handed down a total of P6.25 million funds to finance eight other BuB projects in municipalities in the region, namely Padada, Banaybanay, Lupon, Jose Abad Santos (Trinidad) and Maco.

Padada in the province of Davao del Sur received an amount of P650,000 for the development of marine re-

serve and fish sanctuaries, and another P1.85 million for the construction of a fishport, while Banaybanay in Davao Oriental got P500,000 for the provision of non-motorized boat with complete fishing gears.

Lupon in Davao Oriental also received P750,000 for the provision of 30 units of motorized fishing boats with fishing gears.

Idris said Trinidad in the municipality of Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental received the largest amount of P2 million for the infrastructure support to agriculture and fishery production and development as well as provision of 40 units of motorized fishing boat and fishnets.

Maco, a coastal municipality in Compostela Valley, was also awarded with P500,000 for the acquisition of motorized boat and drift gill nets.

She said BFAR 11 is targeting to turn-over all 36 BuB checks by September for project implementation. CHENEEN R. CAPON

Head of Research. They will be joined for a panel discussion by senior officers and fund managers from the country’s top Fund Providers, namely: ATR Asset Management, First Metro Asset Management, Inc., Philam Asset Management, Philequity Management, Inc, and Sun Life Asset Management.

The forum will cover topics such as asset allocation, diversification, retirement

planning, peso cost averaging and long--term investing. A Q&A session will also be held and booths for consultations to help you get started will be available. To register, please visit (facebook.com/COLFinancial and twitter.com/COLfinancial) Please note that slots are limited and it will be allotted on a first--come, first--served basis.

We hope to see you there!

LGUs... FROM 6

Are... FROM 6

Murad... FROM 3

Trade... FROM 6

DA’s... FROM 6

11 CULTURE & ARTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

HISTORY OF DAVAO (3 of a Series) rd

The other ‘Mactan’

By ANTONIO FIGUEROA

W

HEN we talk about Mactan, chances are we are referring to that island under Cebu Province where Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan was killed by local hero Lapu-lapu on April 27, 1521. Local historians call the event the “first Filipino win against foreign invasion.”

Another place with similar appellation, though smaller by comparison, exists in Mindanao, specifically in Davao region, and it is found inside a penal farm! Coincidentally,

The prisoners, mostly coming from the camps in Cabanatuan and Bukidnon, were made to work like beasts, and underwent forced labor under extreme weather conditions. Even the sickly and the elderly were not spared the cruelty of war despite calls to treat them humanely under the provisos of the Geneva Convention.

both historical places have today become synonymous with important war memorials.

Davao’s Mactan is found in Davao Penal Colony, founded on January 21, 1932; it was the first camp inside the penal farm. During the war, the off-track area, located at the junction of the Tuganay and Lacutan rivers, became the sanctuary of evacuees but were eventually transformed into a sprawling detention camp for Filipino and Allied prisoners of war (POWs).

Mactan camp was home to the vast rice fields that fed the 2,000 prisoners inside the colony. That part of the colony was found to be suitable for any kind of farming, especially staple food. In fact, at the time, a stone’s throw from the paddies and mud dikes was a small abaca plantation the Japanese exploited for fibers for use as ship cordage.

Author Carl S. Nordin best described the camp in “We Were Next to Nothing: An American POW’s Account of Japanese Prison Camps and Deliverance in World War II’, (2004), saying: “If there was any area or department of the Davao Penal colony that should be given

special consideration or treatment, it would certainly have to be Mactan and the rice field operation. It was the largest and most important crop of any in the colony, and cultivating it was by far the hardest, dirtiest, and most disagreeable work of any at Dapecol.

Plowing and harrowing were done with carabao, the local beasts of burden.”

In fact, the prisoners, mostly coming from the camps in Cabanatuan and Bukidnon, were made to work like beasts, and underwent forced labor under extreme weather conditions. Even the sickly and the elderly were not spared the cruelty of war despite calls to treat them humanely under the provisos of the Geneva Convention.

Betty B. Jones, in ‘The December Ship: A Story of Lt. Col. Arden R. Boellner’s Capture in the Philippines, Imprisonment, and Death on a World War II Japanese Hellship’ (2011), wrote: “Volunteers for work details fulfilled scheduled demanded by the Japanese. One of the most ‘popular’ jobs [in the colony] was rice planting.

About 1,000 men rode the small gauge railway five miles

out of the camp to ‘play in the Mactan mud.’ The work was tedious, filthy, exhausting, but it was a ride away from the camp. There were always volunteers for ‘Mactan detail.’ “ Similarly, John D. Lukacs, in his ‘Escape from Davao: The Forgotten Story of the Most Daring Prison Break of the Pacific War,’ (2010) described Mactan as grubby and infested with dangers. “[T]he passengers disembarked at the Mactan rice fields and plunged, barefoot, into the watery squares to plant, weed, or reap the rice crop…. The rice detail was undoubtedly the dirtiest, most demanding, and perhaps the most dangerous. The sunken paddies were filled with cobbras and rice snakes, but an invisible predator called Schistosoma japonicum, a parasite that penetrated sores and cuts, would prove to be their most sinister enemy.”

Raymond C. Heimbuch, in his ‘5 Brothers in Arms’ (2008), meanwhile, underscored the tight security provided by the Japanese while escorting the POWs to Mactan.

“The Mactan detail was always counted off together, that is, all the need needed to

perform the work that was required at Mactan were processed consecutively so they could be marched to the staging area for loading into the train… All the details going to the rice fields always had armed guards… two guards assigned to each group of thirty men, there was always an additional group, usually an eight-man squad, of guards assigned to the Mactan details.”

Despite the tight security provided against the helpless war prisoners, towards the end of the war a dozen men, ten Americans and two Filipinos, escaped the hellish camp to freedom and safety. The luck was attributed in part to the demoralization that started to hit the sentries following reports of Japanese defeats in Allied hands, and the reassignment of veteran soldiers to combat areas where their experience was most needed.

But more than just being a rice field, the Mactan camp cements and immortalizes Japanese brutality inside Dapecol, and the inhumane treatment the prisoners of war underwent. In a way, it underscores the importance of rice, whether in time of peace or during war.

12 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE EDMUND D. RENDON Marketing Specialist Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 MANILA MARKETING OFFICE ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS13

128 hospitalized after eating ‘spoiled noodles’ in SoCot

A

T least 120 persons were rushed to hospital in South Cotabato after eating what local officials suspected as “spoiled” noodles (“pancit”) during a village celebration on Sunday.

The victims were all residents of a remote village of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato and belonged to the Salvation Army.

Lake Sebu Mayor Antonio Fungan the victims were residents of Barangay Takunel who celebrated the foundation anniversary the religious group and almost simultaneously complained of severe abdominal pain.

“Many victims claimed

they experienced loose bowel movement and vomiting,” Fungan told DXOM-AM Radyo Bida in Koronadal City.

“We suspect a spoiled pancit (noodles) prepared for the celebration,” Fungan said, adding that the noodles were prepared as early as 1 a.m.

Sunday and were served at noon.

The noodles were placed separately on small cellophane and distributed as viand during lunch.

Fungan said he learned from event organizers the “bihon” were prepared by village teenagers, all members of the Salvation Army.

“It may not be properly

cooked or the food was spoiled when placed in cellophane and exposed to the heat of the sun,” he said in Filipino.

“Relief assistance and medicine, including distilled water have been provided to the victims,” the mayor said.

Some victims were already discharged from the hospital but remained weak.

The town health office

has gathered samples of the spoiled noodles for laboratory test at the provincial health office. (PNA)

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Effective Sept. 30, 2015, DAVAOEÑA PAWNSHOP, Mamay Branch will move to corner Apollo St., Buhangin, Davao City.

Telephone number: (082) 300-3803 Mobile number: 09202138577

9/1,7,14,21,28

HOMEWARD BOUND. Members of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) ride a truck to return to their respective provinces after INC officials announced the end of nationwide protest actions after reaching an agreement with the government yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

14 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

AdDU breaks ground for new SHS campus

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) has inaugurated the construction of the one-hectare senior high school (SHS) campus near the grade school and high school campus in Matina, Davao City as it gears toward the full implementation of the K to 12 education system.

“We are ready to serve Mindanao,” AdDU SHS head Rikki Enriquez told EDGE Davao in an interview during the ground breaking ceremony of the first eco-school in Mindanao on August 26, 2015.

Envisioned to be the yardstick of SHS education not just in Davao City but the rest of Mindanao, the university’s senior high program will offer preparatory subjects for college.

The SHS offers program in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) which provides specialized subjects for pre-science, pre-computer, pre-engineering and architecture; Humanities and Social Sciences as pre-liberal arts subjects; and the Accountancy, Business and Managements (ABM) which offers pre-business and economics subjects.

Students of each program will be prepared with the use of world-class laboratories equipped with state-of-theart machinery and laboratory equipment.

Enriquez said Ateneo will also be offering a technical

vocation course on footwear design and production, the first of its kind in the whole country.

“We would like to strengthen the footwear industry of Davao and transform the city to be the next Marikina,” he said, adding that the campus will also house the first footwear laboratory in Mindanao.

Project prime architect Jim Palma said the one-hectare SHS campus is a one-hectare complex composed of three buildings with a total area of 26,000 square meters.

“The concept for SHS campus is to change the pedagogy of learning. We want the complex to be a classroom itself where students can learn ecology and culture,” he said.

Palma said the first building, which is the four-story Auxiliary Building, houses public areas like audio-visual rooms, faculty rooms, and the chapel.

The second building will be the Academic Building with seven floors.

“The top of the academic building will have the auditorium which has a 1,000 seating capacity, while the succeeding floors are classrooms amounting to 40 classrooms,” he said.

The Academic Building will also have the library located on its second floor, with a direct view of the student lounge located at the ground floor.

Laboratories for each

program will be located at the third structure called the Knowledge Building.

“It houses all the laboratories needed for SHS. The shoe laboratory will be at the ground floor while science laboratories will be on the second and third floor,” Palma said.

He said the speech and music and arts laboratories will be located at the fourth floor. It will also have a roof garden amphitheater on its roof deck.

Palma said the campus will also harness rainwater for non-potable purposes.

It will also installed with photovoltaic solar panels that will help power its energy requirements as well as aerodynamic design to harness wind in order to cool the building.

AdDU general assistant to the president Jeremy S. Eliab said the new ecofriendly structures are in response to the call of Pope Francis in his new encyclical, Laudato Si, “which points to the urgency of our mission in a world that comes nearer and nearer to breaking apart, ultimately due to the compulsive consumption of people in a throwaway economy that fuels the ‘techno economic paradigm’ that compulsively abuses the environment, forgets the gentle graces of creation, contributes to climate change, and causes directly or indirectly the suffering of the marginalized and the excluded.”

education sector, local, and government units at the ‘Interventions in Education’ held on July 24, 2015 at The Tent in Enderun Colleges in Taguig City, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro said Aboitiz is one of the first partners to show consistency in its commitment to education.

“Aboitiz is a partner in almost anything that the education sector needs. I have never

seen an organization extending support from kindergarten all the way to college, and even beyond college,” Luistro said, encouraging the scholars to make the most out of this opportunity, study hard, and follow their dreams.

Aboitiz, through its social development arm, Aboitiz Foundation renewed its commitment and formally presented all its education-related

GROUNDBREAKING. The time capsule is lowered by (from left) Project Contractor Engr. Ludwig Van A. Ledesma (partially hidden); AdDU Academic Vice President Fr. Gabriel Jose T. Gonzalez, SJ, PhD; AdDU High School Principal Fr. Michael I. Pineda, SJ; AdDU Alumni Association PresiEliab said Ateneo is targeting up to 2,300 high school graduates both from private and public high schools in

dent Atty. Maria Luz T. Floresta; Project Architect John Immanuel R. Palma; DepEd 11 Regional Director Atty. Alberto T. Escobarte (partially hidden); AdDU Senior High School Director Ricardo P. Enriquez; and AdDU General Assistant to the President Jeremy S. Eliab. (Photo courtesy of AdDU)

Davao City and the Davao Region to be welcomed into the new Senior High School by school year 2016-2017.

“By June 2018, this new facility will be opened to the third batch of Senior High School students,” he said.

DepEd lauds Aboitiz group for partnership in education P2.3-million rubber production

T

HE Department of Education (DepEd) has lauded Aboitiz Group for being its biggest contributor and a long-standing partner in the bid to uplift the state of the country’s public education system.

Speaking in front of around 600 participants including 330 Aboitiz scholars and their parents, teachers, principals, and representatives from the

projects, including initiatives from its 27 business units.

Last year, the Group spent P437 million or 72% of its total corporate social responsibility budget allocation – the biggest so far – to help realize its goal of achieving universal public education by establishing “BetterWorld” schools that promise better learning environment.

FDEPED, 10

PARTNERS. Education Secretary Armin Luistro (third from left) thanks Aboitiz Foundation chairman Erramon Aboitiz (second from left) for Aboitiz Group’s partnership in uplifting the country’s public education system during the ‘Interventions in Education’ held on July 24, 2015 at The Tent in Enderun Colleges in Taguig City.

project turned over in Tarragona

T

HE Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 11, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), and the Provincial Government recently turned over a P2.3-million rubber production project to three farmers’ organizations covering about 200 farmer beneficiaries in Tarragona town in this province.

Implemented under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program on livelihood interventions, the project is part of the government’s bid to intensify efforts in peace and development in the communities through poverty alleviation.

A total of 40,000 rubber seedlings ready for planting to 200 hectares of farmlands in the villages of Ompao, Tomoaong, and Tubaon were turned over. Also provided are 1,100 bags of organic fertilizer, 200 bottles of organic foliar fertilizer and 96 pieces of farming tools.

These interventions were received by three farmer associations, namely: Ompao Muslim-Christian Cooperative (OMCC), Tomoaong United Lumad Association for Development (TULAD) and Ugbo Tubaon Mandaya Planters Association (UTMPA).

DA-Regional Focal Person for PAMANA Program Enya Celoso said during the turn over ceremony that the project hopes to provide long-term and sustainable means of livelihood to small farmers here.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon lauded the initiatives of the DA and the OPAPP for providing help to farmers who really need government aid. She said that the provincial government, as well, will not cease in providing support to farmers and pour out funds for projects that will address hunger and poverty. “Lasting peace can be achieved if the basic needs of the people are addressed. I am convinced more than ever that winning peace is just winning the hearts and minds of the people and a simple way of winning the hearts is by being sensitive and responsive to what matters most to them.”

Meanwhile, she urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of this opportunity and to maximize this project for their benefit. “The government is not asking for anything in return but your cooperation,” she told the beneficiaries, noting that the government’s efforts may be laid to waste if the people will not work to help themselves improve.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

DAY’S TIME

Jason Day wins The Barclays by six shots

W

ELCOME to the Day Era. The Aussie picked up his third win in four starts on Sunday, winning The Barclays by six shots where the final margin really didn’t reflect how far ahead Day was of his peers. The PGA champion shot 63-62 on the weekend at Plainfield Country Club to post 19-under 261, tying a tournament record.

A 15-under weekend will win a lot of golf tournaments, but to blow away a field of the best 125 this season on the PGA Tour? That’s quite the feat. In fact, Day is just the third player in PGA Tour history to shoot 126 or less on the weekend en route to victory.

In his last five starts, Day is 73 under par. He finished a shot out of the playoff at the British Open, then bounced back the next week to birdie the final three holes to win the RBC Canadian Open. After a modest T-12 finish at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, Day finally got his major, beating Jordan Spieth by three shots at Whistling Straits to hoist the PGA Championship.

Now this.

The 27-year-old is making winning look easier each time he does it.

“It’s not easy,” Day said

after his win. “Even though it may look easy, it’s not easy.”

Day has been the kind of player who has needed time to figure out how to take the next step. However, that learning curve has accelerated dramatically since that 72nd hole birdie putt came up a few feet short at St. Andrews. On that Wisconsin Sunday against Spieth, Day showed little sign of nerves, getting out to a hot start that impressed the now former world No. 1.

“He played like he had won seven or eight majors before,” Spieth said after the PGA. “There was a pep in his step and it was going to be his day.”

Rather than pull back on the throttle, Day kept his foot on the gas. He hit a 382-yard drive to the par-5 11th, setting up a wedge for his approach that all but secured the Wanamaker trophy. Coming down the stretch, Day insisted on hitting driver, literally flexing his muscle to put more pressure on his peerless pursuer than was on himself to finally seal a major.

Fast forward two Sundays and Day insisted on the same philosophy. Up five shots heading to the final tee, Day took out driver on the 307yard uphill finisher. Day could

have hit a pair of wedge shots to the green. Hell, he could have hit putter a few times.

But Day went with the big stick, cutting off the dogleg and landing in the rough, pin high. A chip and a putt later and Day had his winning birdie.

Day has figured out that he runs his best race when he sprints through the tape, not pulls up when the heat is decided. That philosophy may be the best for the FedEx Cup playoffs, where no player in the regular season top five has won the season-long title and its $10 million prize since Tiger Woods in 2009. Whereas Sergio Garcia is skipping the first two playoff events to take a one-week shot at making the Tour Championship, Day intends to plow through the playoff field.

If Day can make it three in a row at next week’s Deutsche Bank Championship, he could become the new No. 1 player in the world. He’d need both Jordan Spieth and a returning Rory McIlroy to keep off the medal stand, but Day is a tournament away from asserting himself as the best player on the planet.

Seems like a style that works for him. Why mess with success?

Lady Bulldogs subdue Sharapova pulls out of U.S. Open Tigresses, nail No. 2 M

N

ATIONAL U held off UST in a tight first-set duel, came from behind to snatch the second frame then dominated the third to carve out a 25-22, 25-23, 2511 victory yesterday and gain the No. 2 spot in the Final Four of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Bulldogs operated on their combination plays and running attacks anchored on Dindin Santiago-Manabat and bucked some erratic plays to subdue the Tigresses and complete a 73-minute sweep that primed them up for what could be the preview of the championship with the Ateneo Lady Eagles next Saturday.

NU improved to 5-1, next to unbeaten Ateneo’s 6-0 mark with the Lady Bulldogs settling for No. 2 in the crossover semis even if they get past the Lady Eagles.

“We committed a lot of errors,” said NU coach Roger Gorayeb, referring to their 26 miscues. “We can’t win games if we commit as many mistakes.”

UST, which also made 27 errors, dropped to joint third with Far Eastern U at 4-2 with the two teams disputing the No. 3 seat also next Saturday.

Arellano, the reigning NCAA champion, is at 3-3 and hopes to force a playoff for the last semis berth with a victory

over ousted St. Benilde next Sunday.

Santiago-Manabat uncorked a 13-hit game, including 10 on kills, while Myla Pablo added 11 points and Jaja Santiago and skipper Jorelle Singh came through with 10 markers apiece for the Lady Bulldogs, who overpowered the Tigresses, 37-23, in spikes and imposed their height advantage and produced nine blocks as against their rivals two.

Put on pins and needles by the tough fighting UST side, 20-21, in the opening frame, the Lady Bulldogs took four of the last four points with Santiago-Manabat wrapping up the set with a running attack.

The Tigresses came out strong in the second, posting leads of 13-9 and 18-12 but cracked in the face of the Lady Bulldogs strong comeback.

Santiago scored on a block to a spark a five-hit NU run that closed the gap at 17-18.

Pam Lastimosa scored on a kill to make it a two-point game but the Lady Bulldogs took the next two points to draw level and won six of the next 10 points to steal the set.

The Tigresses never recovered from that meltdown and struggled in the third, enabling the Lady Bulldogs to race away early to leads of 15-8 and 2010 en route to victory.

ARIA Sharapova pulled out of the U.S. Open for the second time in three years Sunday, withdrawing on the eve of the tournament because of a lingering right leg injury.

The U.S. Tennis Association announced the withdrawal via a press release at about the same time that Sharapova, who won the title in New York in 2006, posted the news on her Facebook page.

“Unfortunately I will not be able to compete in this (year’s U.S.) Open. I have done everything possible to be ready but it was just not enough time,” Sharapova’s message said. “To all my amazing fans, I will be back in the Asian swing in a few weeks and look forward to finishing the year healthy and strong.”

In 2013, Sharapova skipped the U.S. Open because of a right shoulder injury. She also missed the Grand Slam tournament played on hard courts in Flushing Meadows in 2008, when she was off the tour for about 10 months because of surgery on her right shoulder.

Sharapova has not played a match on tour since losing to No. 1-ranked Serena Williams in the Wimbledon semifinals in July. The 28-year-old Russian withdrew from hard-court tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati in August, citing a right leg strain.

“From a player’s perspective you always have to believe in the ability to go through the little things that you might have.

Physically, that’s part of sports,

Maria Sharapova pulls out of the U.S. Open for the second time in three years due to a lingering right leg injury. unfortunately,” Sharapova said in an interview this month.

“There’s no athlete who’s ever 100 percent healthy.”

Sharapova is a five-time major champion who was go-

ing to be seeded No. 3 for the U.S. Open, where play begins Monday. She was drawn to possibly face Williams — who is bidding for tennis’ first calendar-year Grand Slam since

1988 — in the semifinals.

The USTA said that Daria Kasatkina, an 18-year-old Russian who is ranked 133rd, is the lucky loser who will replace Sharapova in the main draw.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 109 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

DAZZLING NEWBIES Romeo, Abueva lift Gilas Pilipinas over ChineseTaipei G

ILAS Pilipinas new boys Terrence Romeo and Calvin Abueva passed their Jones Cup debut with flying colors, leading Gilas Pilipinas to a rousing 77-69 win over host Chinese-Taipei before a partisan crowd at the Xinchuang Gymnasium on Sunday night.

Romeo scored 18 points on a dazzling array of drives and three-pointers that served as his introduction to Asian basketball. He scored five points in the final two minutes alone, including a shot clock-beating three-pointer that set off the game-clinching run for Gilas.

On the other hand, Abueva proved a bundle of energy on the floor as Gilas fended off a fiery Taipei run from a 19-point deficit to put together its most impressive game yet under new coach Tab Baldwin.

“Honestly, I don’t want to get carried away with the win. There are still so many things for us to work on,” said national coach Tab Baldwin after the win that avenged Gilas’ 79-84 loss to Taipei in the 2013 Fiba Asia Championships in Manila.

“But the important thing for me is for our fans to enjoy this win,

both the fans here and those back home. The big thing for Gilas that we have a lot of fans cheering for us. That’s the satisfaction we’re gonna take from this win.”

Romeo and Abueva set the tone for the team right in the first half, giving a lot of reasons for the outnumbered Pinoy fans in the stands to break into celebration.

Romeo scored nine of his 11 points in the first quarter alone while Abueva had nine second-quarter points, including a corner three-pointer that opened a 40-24 lead for Gilas with 5:10 left in the second quarter. He finished with 15 points and five rebounds in under 14 minutes of play.

Gilas opened its biggest lead at 19, 47-38, with 2:46 left in the half after a Gabe Norwood three-pointer.

Jayson Castro added 16 points while Dondon Hontiveros hit three-pointers for Gilas, who made just eight of 36 attempts from threepoint land but went 23 of 46 from two-point range.

Asi Taulava and Moala Tautuaa combined for 17 rebounds.

T h e scores: Gilas 77

– Romeo 18, Castro 16, Abueva 15, Hontiveros 9, Norwood 7, Pingris 4, Tautuaa 4, David 2, Thoss 2, Taulava 0, Ganuelas 0.

Taipei 69 – Chen 12, Davis 12, Tien 11, Tseng 11, Liu 9, Tsai 8, Lin 5, Chang 1, Chen Shih 0, Lu 0, Wu 0.

Quarterscores: 26-20, 47-31, 54-all, 77-69.

New boys Terrence Romeo and Calvin Abueva lift Gilas Pilipinas against Jones Cup host ChineseTaipei.

Jamaica tops relay as US sprinters fumble

F

OR the world’s best sprinters, passing the baton in the 4x400-meter relay is about as easy as rolling out of bed in the morning.

Picking a winner in that race used to be easy, too.

Not anymore.

An awkward exchange between US sprinter Allyson Felix and her teammate, Francena McCorory, played into a razor-thin loss to Jamaica at world championships Sunday. The American women fell by 0.31 seconds and settled for a second straight silver at the worlds after winning the Olympic and world championship titles five straight times.

“It’s hard, this one,” Felix said. “But it’s motivation for next year.”

Next year is the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and from the U.S. perspective, the planning can’t start soon enough.

Yes, the United States won the most medals for the sixth

straight time at the worlds, dating to 2005. But it did so with only 18. That’s seven fewer than the last worlds, 11 fewer than the London Olympics and the lowest total at the worlds since 2003, when the Americans won 16 — after four were taken away for doping.

“When you’re No. 1, it’s always a steeper pinnacle,” USA Track and Field president Stephanie Hightower said.

“And staying on top is always a lot harder than when you’ve got to work your way to the top.”

The US team certainly had some high notes. Exhibit A on Sunday: A come-from-behind anchor leg by LaShawn Merritt in the men’s 4x400 that closed out the nine-day meet. Though the women are on a losing streak, the men have finished first in the long relay at every worlds since 1993; a handful of those wins have since been vacated because of doping.

Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, Christine Day and Novlene Williams-Mills celebrate as a dejected Francena McCorory of the US walks away. AP