Edge Davao 8 Issue 115

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

BIG RODY RALLY Supporters to gather 1M crowd in Quirino Grandstand Sept. 15

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

‘Crying lady’ trends with 82T views in 20 hours P2

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

D

ON’T look now but a massive rally to convince Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to change his mind and run for president in 2016 will be staged on September 15 at the historic Quirino Grandstand in Luneta.

Former Philippine Sports Commission chair William “Butch” Ramirez, now a volunteer of Duterte, said they are targeting to gather around one million people during the big rally to be spearheaded by taxi drivers in Manila and Luzon.

Duterte himself will attend the rally and is expected to speak before an expected big crowd at the Quirino Grandstand where inaugurations of incoming Philippine presidents mostly took place.

“There’s now a call for People Power in Manila,” said Peter T. Laviña, another volunteer of Duterte.

Ramirez said although people may have been disappointed with Duterte’s announce-

FBIG RODY RALLY, 10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

TRENDING

BIG-TIME HIKE. Motorists have their vehicles loaded with fuel at a gasoline station along Quirino Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Oil companies increased the prices of petroleum products by almost P2 per liter yesterday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

Netizens to Mayor Rody: Have a change of heart

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

A

FTER the announcement of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte that he not seeking the presidency in 2016 election, netizens from different social media are practically pleading him to change his mind.

One of them, twitter user Baybayin Retro, posted on his own account an open letter to Duterte with the hope of making him change his mind.

The letter sender said Duterte as the only hope of the country and fellow coun-

trymen.

“We really want you to run for presidency in 2016 & you’re the only hope of our country and fellow countrymen,” the letter read.

He also said that Duterte can be the Asian version of Jose Mujica, the poorest president in the world.

“You said that you want to retire from politics due to your old age and you don’t have enough money for your presidential campaign? Well think again Mr. Duterte,” the letter sender said.

FNETIZENS, 10

Duterte announcement just a strategy: professor

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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HE announcement of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte not to run for president in 2016 is just a strategy to boost his campaign, a professor said.

Ramon Beleno III of the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) said Duterte resorted to such move so that he will be the talk of the town spe-

cifically with the survey period just around the corner.

“Matibay yung timing ng pag-announce kasi itong month is crucial for the surveys. Kapag ikaw lagi ang pinag-uusapan sa time ng September syempre tataas ka sa survey.

Ito yung binabantayan na survey ng mga kandidato before they submit their

FADDU, 10

EDGE Davao’s‘Crying Lady’photo trends online

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

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HE heartwarming photograph of a lady crying over the announcement of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte that he is not running for president in 2016 became an instant hit on social media.

The photo, taken by photographer Lean Daval Jr. during Duterte’s whirlwind press briefing Monday afternoon at the Grand Men Seng

Hotel, was a trending topic on EDGE Davao’s Facebook page the moment it was posted.

The photo that was titled “SAY IT ISN’T SO, MAYOR” reached 82,100 people with 331 likes and 468 shares, and drew tons of comments from netizens in just 20 hours. The photo also netted 14,400 post clicks.

The lady, sporting a red

shirt and wearing glasses obviously a staunch Duterte supporter, was taking a video of the press briefing through her mobile phone when she started sobbing after hearing the mayor said he is not seeking the presidency next year and is retiring from politics for good.

Although now crying hard, the lady continued in recording the proceeding

while wiping away her tears with a hanky. Photographers who noticed her started clicking their cameras as Duterte was ending his brief statement.

“After talking to my family and to all persons who are interested in my career as politician, and also those who are agonizing of waiting and who believe in me,

T

of “no retreat, no surrender” until the last day of filing of candidacy.

He added that it is the right of Duterte to declare that he will not run on the 2016 presidential election.

“Karapatan mana niya nga mudeklara siya nga dili siya mudagan. Gani mulakaw mi ugma, mu-adto mi sa Manila, sa NCR kay naa

pud uban leader ngadto nga among istoryahon tungod kay nag hulat pud sila sa ato tungod kay musuporta pud sila sa atong mayor (It’s his right to declare he is not running. Tomorrow, we will go to Manila and NCR since there are leaders there whom we are going to talk and who are waiting for us since they are also supporting our mayor),”

Usman said.

Usman also said that they already anticipated that Duterte will announce that he will not run in the 2016 election.

He explained that Duterte is not the kind of person who will gamble himself in a thing that does not have any assurance.

FTRENDING, 10

Rody supporters remain hopeful

HERE will be no backing down from the supporters of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Despite Duterte’s declaration that he will not seek the presidency, Duterte for Federalism movement head, barangay captain Alimoden “Wating” Usman of Brgy.

23-C said supporters have also their own declaration

FRODY, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Farmer nabbed for marijuana

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

P FOR MAMA MARY. Catholic devotees offer prayers at the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in time for the celebration of her birthday at San Pedro Cathedral yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

OLICE arrested a bigtime marijuana pusher in a buy-bust operation in Matanao, Davao del Sur Monday afternoon.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 identified the suspect as Crespo R. Genobaga, a 50-year-old farmer from Purok Antolihao, Barangay Kauswagan, Matanao.

Genobaga was nabbed by the joint forces of PDEA 11, Davao del Sur Provincial Police Office (DSPPO) Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force, DSPPO Provincial Intelligence Branch, Matanao Municipal Police Station and DSPPO Public Safety Company at around 3:00 p.m. on September 7.

The suspect was collared after selling five kilos

of suspected dried marijuana seeds worth P20,000 to a PDEA agent, who acted as poseur-buyer.

Further search by police netted from Genobaga five kilos more of suspected dried marijuana. Drug paraphernalia and the buy-bust marked money were also recovered from his possession.

Genobaga is now detained at Davao City Police Office (DCPO) while the seized suspected marijuana fruiting tops were submitted to PDEA 11 laboratory for examination.

The suspect will face a case for violating the Republic Act 9165 The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 particularly selling and possession of illegal drugs and paraphernalia.

Army, PNP hunt down suspects in village councilman’s murder Big-time illegal drug P

OLICE officers backed by members of the Philippine Army are now hunting down gunmen who shot dead a village councilor during an amateur singing contest in a remote village of President Roxas, North Cotabato on Monday night.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, spokesperson of North Cotabato police office, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the shooting of Wendell Gaseta, a village councilman of Barangay Ilustre, occurred at past 11 p.m. while he facilitated a local amateur singing show.

Quoting report from

Chief Insp. Romy Castanares, chief of the President Roxas Philippine National Police (PNP), said Gaseta who chairs the village peace and order committee was heading for home when gunmen opened fire on him.

Tayong said the victim was hit in the head and body. Responding villagers rushed him to the town center but was declared dead on arrival.

“Our police in President Roxas are hunting down the suspects,” Tayong said.

Tayong said violence had been haunting the village after two previous shooting incidents have

been reported the past three weeks.

He said the names of the attackers have been known but he refused to reveal them pending results of follow up operations.

As to the motive, Tayong said investigation was still going on.

On Monday last week, Nilo Sintos, project engineer of a government project in President Roxas, was also ambushed in the village of Ilustre. He was on a motorbike heading toward Arakan town when the suspects, on board a separate motorbike, shot him from behind.

Sintos had visited a road project in Arakan Valley Development Complex when waylaid by suspected New People’s Army guerillas.

Tayong said investigators are still determining if the Gaseta killing was related to the murder of the project engineer.

Last month, gunmen also killed Joel Gulmatico, a farmer organization leader in Arakan town.

The Army has deployed peacekeeping forces in the hinterlands of Arakan, President Roxas and Antipas not to launch offensives but to push for peace and development programs. (PNA)

year, identified the province of Davao del Norte as among those affected by the dry spell.

Notarte cited some measures implemented by her office including ensuring the rice farms and distribution of drought-resistant seeds as well as installation of water pumps that could irrigate 10 hectares of rice land each.

She further explained that farmers should avail of the rice crop insurance given to farmers.

The program is a disaster-preparedness program of the provincial government to mitigate the severe effect of El Niño.

The official stressed that insurance is a big help in case rice cropping fails, especially that the indemnity could at least cover part of the losses.

She added that farmers can also utilize the fund to go for substitute crops for food sufficiency.

With the looming El Niño, Notarte now doubts whether the province can still sustain its food sufficiency level.

She said the 86 percent rice sufficiency of the province is expected to drop in case the dry spell prolongs, although Davao del Norte belongs to the provinces with medium-risk vulnerability to

El Niño.

At present, Davao del Norte is producing 4.47 tons of rice per hectare in all ecosystem as compared to the 4.09 tons per hectare in the previous year. (PNA)

Dabaonons told to conserve water as dry spell worsens

P

ROVINCIAL Agriculturist Dr. Anastacia Notarte asked the people of Davao del Norte to conserve water in order to mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

Even though Davao del Norte is not considered a high risk, the provincial government is not taking any chances with the looming dry spell forecast to affect 32 provinces toward the end of the year.

Notarte stressed that every Dabaonon has a role to play, particularly the farmers, to mitigate the effects of the dry spell.

“One should knowingly take notice how to conserve water. Our rice farmers, in particular, should always be observant if the rice paddies are already full. They should apply intermittent irrigation.

They should save water instead of disposing the excess water to the rivers,” she said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), early this

supplier is arrested A man from Maguindanao reportedly to be a major supplier of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride to South Cotabato towns and in Koronadal City was arrested during a drug buy bust operation Tuesday morning, police said.

Chief Insp. Rail Villagracia, chief of South Cotabato Police Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force, identified the suspect as Rizalde Malaguial, 34 of Barangay Atan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

A drug buy bust operation was set up early today along Zulueta Street, Barnagay Zone 4, Koronadal City that led to Malaguial’s arrest.

Police seized six heatsealed sachets of suspected shabu and marked money.

Police said Malaguial admitted to investigators he was one of the big time suppliers of shabu to the towns of Banga, Surallah, Polomolok and Sto Nino, all in South Cotabato and in Koronadal City.

A police anti-narcotics agent revealed at a news conference that prohibited substance proliferating in South Cotabato originated in Cotabato City and Maguindanao.

The biggest shabu hauled by police in South Cotabato was seized from a supplier in Sto. Nino, South Cotabato. The suspect admitted he sourced supplies from Maguindanao and Cotabato City big time drug pushers.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 are being prepared against Malaguial.

(PNA)

CHECKING SCHEDULE. Registrants check out the list of the Commission on Election’s schedules and areas of its satellite registration at the Comelec regional office inside Magsaysay Park yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Comelec: 112,440 voters in Zamboanga lack data

F TARP CLEANUP. Teenagers work hand in hand to fold a huge tarpaulin which they had cleaned up at the seashore near Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

CIDG bares shabu market in DavNor T HE provincial chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Davao del Norte said that Tagum City has a market for the illegal drug shabu being bought by “many buyers” at the price fetching from “P5,000 to P6,000 per gram.”

Police Chief Inspector Francis Sonza apprised the provincial board in session Monday afternoon, adding that shabu is sold in the city at that price range, which is lower than the “P8,000 to P9,000 per gram in Davao City.”

“The lower price of shabu in Tagum would mean more supply and demand of it, that’s why dito kami (CIDG) nagko-concentrate. If the price of it increases, then it means there’s lack of sup-

ply,” he explained.

He said that despite recent successes of anti-drug campaigns of law enforcement agencies, drug trade is still present in the city particularly in a predominantly Muslim area at Barangay Madaum, where he said they have a hard time making profiling of those involve with illegal drugs due to lack yet of agents from the local population.

“We need to convince drug addicts to work with us as drug dealers would only sell to noted consumers of drugs,” Sonza said, stressing the difficulty of the campaign amid CIDG’s small operational budget.

Four other barangays of the city’s 23 barangays are on top of CIDG drug watch list. These are Magugpo

West, Mankilam, Apokon and Magdum.

Last Aug. 29 the CIDG joined in by local police, Highway Patrol Group Region-Davao, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-XI and led by PCI Sonza himself made simultaneous raids on various hideouts of identified top criminals and drug dealers in the city, and in the neighboring Asuncion and Sto. Tomas towns resulting to death and arrest of 4 and 9 suspects, respectively, seizing of firearms, explosives and 241 grams of shabu worth P2.2 million.

Sonza said that the raids’ seizures revealed the interplay of relationship between the drug dealers to gunrunners and gun-for-hire criminals, adding gunrunners are selling firearms to drug deal-

ers and criminals.

He also said that the CIDG is “still on the process of validating” the reports that some politicians, elected and appointed officials including those in the police force and barangay officials are involved with or protecting the shabu trade or are using shabu.

Sonza batted on anti-drug campaigns at the barangay and grassroots levels emphasizing on the need to educate the “future users”, the youths than the present users. “Halos wala na tayong pag-asa sa mga user.”

He said they found out that among the drug users are girls, aged 16 to 20, and a report said that some girls are offering sex just to get drugs. (Cha Monforte, Correspondent)

ers, in particular, should always be observant if the rice paddies are already full. They should apply intermittent irrigation. They should save water instead of disposing the excess water to the rivers,” Notarte said .

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) early this year identified the province of Davao del Norte as among those affected by the dry spell.

Notarte cited some measures implemented by her office, to include insuring the rice farms, distribution of drought-resistant seeds, as well as, installation of water pumps that could irrigate ten hectares of rice land each.

The official further explained that a farmer should avail of the rice crop insurance given to farmers.

The program is a disaster preparedness program of the provincial government to mitigate the severe effect of El Niño.

She stressed that the insurance is a big help in case the rice cropping fails, especially that the indemnity could at least cover part of the losses.

She added a farmer can also utilize the fund to go for substitute crops for food sufficiency.

With the looming El Niño, Notarte now doubts whether the province can still sustain its food sufficiency level.

She said the 86 percent rice sufficiency of the prov-

ince is expected to drop in case the dry spell prolongs, although Davao del Norte is belong to the medium-risk vulnerability of El Niño compared to other provinces in the country.

At present, Davao del Norte is producing 4.47 tons of rice per hectare in all ecosystem as compared to the previous year that has a yield of 4.09 tons per hectare.

The El Niño phenomenon is an unusual warming of the sea surface temperature across the equatorial Pacific Ocean that results to extreme weather.

This would mean drought for the continents of Asia and Australia, while the other parts of the globe like the US expect more rains.

Dabaonons told to conserve water

P

ROVINCIAL Agriculturist Dr. Anastacia Notarte asked the people of Davao del Norte to conserve water in order to mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

Even though Davao del Norte is not considered a high risk, the provincial government is not taking any chances with the looming dry spell that is forecast to affect 32 provinces toward the end of the year.

During the 2nd Provincial Organic Agriculture Congress last September 3, 2015, Notarte stressed every Dabaonon has a role to play, particularly the farmers, to mitigate the effects of the dry spell.

“One should knowingly take notice how to conserve water. Our rice farm-

IRST district Rep. Celso Lobregat has expressed apprehension that more than 100,000 registered voters may not be able to cast their vote next year due to incomplete data with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Lobregat disclosed that 27 percent representing 112,440 of the 412,530 registered voters are with incomplete or without biometrics at all based on the data of the two local election offices as of September 1.

Lobregat said that 63,187 of the 112,440 registered voters with incomplete or without biometrics are from the first district and the remaining 49,253 are from the second district.

The first congressional district, which covers 37 of this city’s 98 barangays, has a total of 218,343 registered voters as of July 20 this year.

The second congressional district that covers the remaining 61 barangays has 194,187 registered voters as of July 20 this year.

Lobregat said they will not be able to cast their votes in the 2016 national and local elections following

Comelec’s requirements of “no biometrics, no vote.”

He also doubts that all of the 112,440 who lack data can undergo the validation with the Comelec until October 31, this year.

He said there are only 18 days left for this month while there will be no validation and registration of voters from October 12 to 16 since it is the period of filing the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) by the candidates.

He said even if the Comelec can accommodate 1,000 people daily still at least half of the 112,440 may not be able to validate their data with the Comelec.

However, Lobregat has strongly urged those with incomplete data to undergo validation process as required by the Comelec the earliest possible time.

“Let us not wait for the last day of the registration and validation,” Lobregat said.

Second district Rep. Lilia Nuño said she had been going to the barangays telling the residents to validate their registration with the Comelec. (PNA)

Davao City gov’t asked to build incubation center for inventors

A

N inventor yesterday called on the city government to put up an incubation center where the start-ups can turn their ideas into working prototypes.

In an interview, Virgilio Sangutan, president of Davao Inventors Association (DIA), such facility should be built in Davao City to give professional and budding inventors a space where they can do research and development to improve on their ideas.

He said the DIA, which has around 30 active members, sought the help of the city council two years ago but the local government could not provide a lot for the center.

Sangutan said the facility would cost at least P10 million.

He lamented that out of

the P20-billion budget of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) only P2 million to P3 million was allocated for inventors. From research to development, each inventor needs at least P500,000, he said.

The Philippines ranked 100th in the Global Innovation Index, he noted.

He said what most inventors do is to do the incubation by themselves.

Sangutan said other countries hold their inventors in high regard, making them consultants on transportation and poverty alleviation.

He said it is best to construct the facility near the Mindanao Science and Technology Centrum in Bago Oshiro, Tugbok, this city.

FDAVAO, 10

Fire hits historic PC Hill in Cotabato

F

IRE hits the historic Pedro Colina Hill at the heart of the city Tuesday morning and damaged at least a dozen houses, fire officials said.

Fire Inspector James Ra, speaking for the Cotabato City Bureau of Fire Protection, said the fire started from a roadside store just beside an electric post and quickly spread to nearby houses made of semi-concrete materials.

The fire started at about 2:20 a.m. following heavy down pour, Ra said, adding that 12 houses were affected, 10 were razed to the ground with an initial estimated cost of damage of PHP1 million.

“The fire was contained in an hour,” Ra said.

“We have difficulty reaching the fire scene because of narrow road, vehicles parked made the road narrower,” he said. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Construction of incubation center pushed

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

HE Davao Inventors Association (DIA) is eyeing the construction of an incubation center in a portion of a four-hectare area owned by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at Barangay Bago Oshiro in Tugbok District, Davao City.

This, after the Davao City Council said in a session last year that the city government has no public land where the center can be set up.

The association proposed Davao City Business Incubation and Livelihood Development Resource Center (Builder) as the name of the center. Councilor Bonifacio Militar is the author of the proposal.

“We’re targeting to have the center at the area where it will be nearer to the Mindanao Science Centrum,” DIA president Virgilio Sangutan told reporters

at the sidelines of the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex.

DOST assistant regional director Mirasol Domingo said of the 4- hectare public land property, only 2.5 were developed. The area was donated by the Bureau of Plan Industry (BPI).

“We will look on the proposal,” Domingo said, adding that the proposed incubation center can be connected to the existing center. “It could be constructed on the top of the existing facility so that visitors can directly go to the center.”

Sangutan said the center is necessary for the development of ideas of inventors here and translate it into a product which can be saleable to the market.

Sangutan said that the Builder will serve “as an incubation and development center for researches, inventions, and ideas of Davao-

based inventors.”

He said earlier that the incubation center will be comprised of laboratories for experi-

menting. Inventors and researchers working in the center will usually take at least six months in developing their prod-

RICE MEET. Davao Investors Association president Virgilio Sangutan answers queries from members of the media about the upcoming 2015 Regional Inventions Contest and Exhibits (RICE) slated on October 1 to 3 at NCCC Mall.

ucts or inventions.

After the product development, developed ideas and products of inventors will then be

transferred to the proposed Eco-Industrial Davao Economic Export Zone, wherein factories

FCONSTRUCTION, 10

Sangutan graced Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Construction sector growth seen

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

HE construction industry in Davao City will continue to grow by double digits in the next three years, an expert said.

“That’s the trend. I expect that the industry will grow at least 10 percent every year starting next year until 2018,” Davao Constructors Association president Engineer Ramon Allado told EDGE Davao.

Allado said the government will continue to spend much of its budget for infrastructure as well as the pri-

vate sector like through the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme.

“Just the DPWH budget in 2012 naa lang P160 billion. Ngayon P400 billion na. That would translate to construction whether you like it or not,” Allado said.

He said construction activities for various infrastructure projects for residential, commercial and industrial of the private sector have been increasing for so many years in the region.

Construction of subdi-

visions, hotels, condominiums, and other commercial buildings in Davao City have been growing for the past years, Allado added.

He also projected that construction for low-cost housing projects is among the fastest growing because of the growing demand here in the city.

“There’s a huge market here because of the housing backlog and it will continue to grow because of the increasing number of migrants,” Allado said.

The number of BPO centers and building in the city are also growing because of the growing number of investors and players in the ICT industry which the city is known for.

“Investors in the ICTBPO industry consider Davao City as there next location aside from Manila,” Allado said, adding that the city provide a venue for continuity of operation of various businesses.

“The growth in the construction industry and its

2 Mindanao regions to establish more restos that serve Halal foods

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WO Mindanao regions are courting Muslim tourists to visit the region by putting up more restaurants that serve certified Halal foods.

According to Department of Tourism (DOT) regional directors for Davao and Soccsksargen or simply, Sox, the plan was to gradually make the region more Halal-friendly for Muslim tourists as well as residents.

“We’re losing (potential) Muslim tourists because they don’t know where to eat,”

DOT 11 regional director Roberto Alabado III told reporters in an interview.

Alabado pointed out that the lack of halal-certified restaurants in the country somehow dampened Muslim tourists’ desire to visit the country.

Halal, in Arabic means “permissible” or “lawful.”

Data from the Washington-based think tank Pew Research Center showed that as of 2010, 23 percent of the global population, or 1.6-billion people, belonged to Is-

lam.

Alabado said that if the plan were to eventually reach out to Muslim tourists, which he said were a niche arket, the region should push for efforts to add restaurants that cater to their needs.

Meanwhile, DOT XII (Soccskargen) regional director Nelly Dillera, in a separate interview, said that the region was also slowly positioning itself as the center of halal food and tourism in the country.

Soccsksargen stands for

the four provinces and independent cities in Region XII namely South Cotabato, Cotabato City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City.

The local government, however, has adapted the brand Sox as it is easier to pronounce and spell.

Cotabato City is home to the recently-opened and biggest halal-accredited slaughterhouse in the country. Currently, Davao is also pushing for a halal-accredited slaughterhouse in the region. (PNA)

ted to come up with the final proposal for the Rationalization of Fiscal Incentives (RFI) Bill.

The RFI Bill aims to increase government revenue by providing other incentives other than income tax holiday (ITH).

For the part of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), its deputy director general Mary Harriet O. Abordo noted that ASEAN neighbors are aggressive in offering perks to attract investors.

Abordo cited the recent approval of Indonesia’s Minister of Finance to grant ITH for 20-year period while Vietnam recently gave 30-year ITH to Samsung.

Currently, PEZA grants four to eight years of ITH to qualified investors and a renewable 5.0 percent gross income earn (GIE).

She mentioned that foreign investors are always looking for ITH grants of a particular country before investing.

The DTI, which is the lead investment promotion office of the government, proposed the following for the RFI Bill: a) having a uniform tax perks for investment promotion agencies (IPAs) which is granting of four-year ITH and a choice of either 5.0 percent GIE or 15 percent on corporate income tax (CIT) for 11 years; b) giving the IPA Boards to renew the 5.0 percent GIE or 15 percent on CIT every 15 years; (PNA)

ASEAN-competitive incentives regime pushed

W

ITH the increasing competition in the ASEAN region to attract foreign investments, the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) were urged to craft with a new incentives regime that can compete with other Southeast Asian peers.

DOF and DTI met on Tuesday in a meeting with the Committee on Ways and Means at the House of Representatives and both commit-

allied industries will continue to grow because the city is conducive for such activities,” he said.

Allado said the growing population, peace and order and the cheaper cost of doing business here were among the reasons why investors locate in Davao.

Earlier, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 11 regional director Maria Lourdes Lim said the construction is one of the industries that drive the economy of the region.

She said that in 2014 the construction posted an impressive growth with the infulz of provate construction coupled with increased government spending on infrastructure, including road upgrading and Typhoon Pablo rehabilitation projects.

Lim also cited Tamugan Surface Water Facility worth P10 billion enrolled under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP). (CRC/ With a report from Mindanews)

ost oil companies enforced a big-time price hike of Php 1.75 per liter on gasoline and Php 1.95 per liter on diesel effective yesterday.

Seaoil Philippines Inc., Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, PTT Philippines and Petron Corp. boosted gasoline prices by Php 1.75 per liter and increase diesel prices by Php 1.95 per liter.

Eastern Petroleum Corp., on the other hand, said it would hike gasoline prices by Php 1.70 per liter and diesel by Php 1.90 per liter.

SPI applied the price changes at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, while Eastern Petroleum, Phoenix Philippines, PTT Philippines and Petron Corp.’s new rates took effect at 6 a.m.

SPI and Petron added they also increased their kerosene prices by Php 1.85 per liter.

Meanwhile, Eastern Petroleum explained the price hike was caused by the supply cut

from oil exporting countries due to the low demand.

The oil company added analysts are hoping -- that with the latest oil price rebound -- global oil prices had already hit its lowest price. An oil glut has caused the constant decrease in prices for the past nine weeks, which was mainly triggered by shale oil producers that started last year. (PNA) “Analysts are hopeful that world oil prices have already seen its bottom price, while maintaining that the volatility in world oil prices would remain for the rest of the year,” it added.

According to the Energy Department’s oil price monitor, diesel prices are currently playing between Php 23.1026.77 per liter, with a common price of Php 23.95 per liter.

Gasoline, on the other hand, has a price range of Php 35.40-41 per liter. It has a common price of Php 40.20 per liter. (PNA)

Oil firms implement big-time increase M

DA defers effectivity of Price Act guidelines

T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday it has temporarily suspended the effectivity of the administrative order signaling the execution of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, in relation to agricultural commodities.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said he issued the suspension order on Administrative Order 7, s. 2015, which was published last Sept. 2 in order to address several concerns raised by several private groups.

“The IRR is supposed to take effect 15 days from the publication date but it will be now deferred by the suspension order. This will afford stakeholders additional opportunity to raise

their concerns on the IRR,” the DA chief said.

He said that a series of nationwide consultations will be conducted immediately after the publication of the suspension order.

These will be the second round of consultations as talks had already been conducted prior to the finalization of the IRR in the last quarter of 2014.

“My instructions for the next round of consultation activities are for it to be done separately by island region,” Alcala said.

In the meantime, DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Leandro Gazmin said the consultations will focus on contentious areas such as profiteering issues and mechanisms on setting suggested retail prices (SRPs). (PNA)

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Peling Villarosa-Marquez

turns 91

By Marigold Gonzaga FELICITAS VILLAROSA MARQUEZ or “Peling” as she is fondly called by her friends and colleagues, is the wife of the late former Bunawan Barangay Treasurer Federico Palines Marquez. She is the only living daughter of the late former Acting Municipal President, Arsenio Villarosa who served his term from year 1924 to 1928 in Old Davao. Her father, Arsenio was married to Eugenia Villa Abrille Villarosa and they had 3 children – Leonides, Benita and the youngest, Peling.

Peling is described by her family and friends as lovable, soft-spoken and a devoted member of the Catholic Women’s League- Bunawan District. She recently celebrated her 91st birthday last July 12, 2015 at her sprawling residence in Bunawan. The party was well attended by her family, neighbors, CWL colleagues and friends. It was hosted by her seven children – Teresita Basa, married to Architect Renato Basa, Emma Marquez, Arsenio Marquez, married to Catalina Marquez, Former Bunawan District Deputy Mayor Manuel Marquez, Luisa Guy, married to Engineer Richard Guy, Estela Pasia, married to Renato Pasia and Dra. Lucila Ferrer, married to James Ferrer. Peling currently has eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild. At times, she would reminisce and would fondly talk to her children and grand children about her memories of the “old” Davao.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

Globe Telecom brings world-class artists to PH for a wonderful experience Opens 2016 with a big bang as presentor of Madonna’s Rebel Heart Tour in Manila

THE COUNTRY’S number 1 mobile brand and purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle Globe Telecom continues to make its presence felt in the music industry to reach out to music-loving Pinoys with its participation in the country’s biggest concerts, festivals, and music events.

Globe has successfully penetrated the music industry and took the music experience to a whole new level. With its partnership with top music streaming service Spotify, Globe conquered the online music space by giving customers access to over 30 million songs anytime, anywhere using an innovative and interactive platform.

Globe has also established itself as a consistent supporter of international music festivals and concerts. From Wanderland, Unleashed, KPOP Best of the Best, and KPOP BIG BANG, Globe continues to reach out to its young market and give them an unforgettable concert experience like no other as a true music advocate.

Over the next few months, Globe broadband brand Tattoo will conquer the Valkyrie Club and the Palace Pool Club in Bonifacio Global City for a series of music events headlined by top electronic dance music (EDM) DJs Alesso, Steve Aoki and Kaskade, including the much-anticipated Halloween

Ball as the biggest costume and dance party of the year.

“As part of our commitment to enabling the Filipino digital lifestyle is our constant presence in engagements and activities that bring our customers closer to their interests, lifestyles, and passions, and one of which is music. With our participation in and support for the country’s biggest music festivals, concerts, and parties, we are able to reach out to our customers and give them exclusive privileges and offers that make their concert experience wonderful,” says Issa Cabreira, Senior Vice President

for Consumer Mobile Marketing at Globe.

The telecom company is set to start 2016 strong with its venture to lead the music lifestyle of Filipinos as it presents Madonna’s Rebel Heart Tour to Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on February 24 and 25, 2016.

The Pop Queen and everybody’s “Material Girl”, who is visiting the country for the first time, is expected to enthrall her Filipino fans with her heartpumping performance and signature hits that span across many generations. Her constant reinvention of herself has en-

deared her to millions of fans regardless of age, gender, and geographic location.

“Together with millions of Filipinos who are ecstatic about Madonna’s first trip to the Philippines for the country’s biggest musical spectacle to date, Globe is very excited to celebrate this big entertainment milestone that will surely transcend future generations. Bringing a global music icon and superstar closer to her fans is part of our commitment to make music an integral part of the Filipino lifestyle,” adds Cabreira.

Early this year, the seven-

time Grammy Award-winner released her 14-track album Rebel Heart with hit singles “Bitch, I’m Madonna”, “Living for Love”, and “Ghosttown”, to name a few. With household hits such as “Like a Virgin”, “Papa Don’t Preach”, “Vogue”, and “Like a Prayer” among others, Madonna’s musical career has already breached over 3 decades. She has sold more than 300 million records globally and has recently marked a new world record by being the only artist to have 45 number one songs on any chart in Billboard history.

The AirAsia one-centavo seat sale is back!

AIRASIA PHILIPPINES’ most anticipated onecentavo* seat sale is back with promo seats up for grabs for domestic and international destinations at www. airasia.com.

AirAsia Philippines, a member of the AirAsia Group that has been awarded the world’s best low cost airline for seven consecutive years by Skytrax, offers flights to/from Manila, Kalibo (Boracay), Cebu, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Davao and Tacloban with international flights to/ from Hong Kong, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Incheon (Seoul).

The promotional allin-fares are from as low as P16.81 inclusive of applicable taxes and fees for

one way only. These promotional seats are available for booking at www.airasia. com from 7 to 13 September 2015, for the travel period from 1 March to 29 October 2016.

Gerard Peñaflor, Commercial Head of AirAsia Philippines said, “Our legendary one-centavo seat

sale is back and we hope to see more people taking this opportunity to travel and discover new places here in the Philippines and across AirAsia’s massive network in the whole of ASEAN region and extending as far as China, India and Korea.

This is a great time for our guests to plan out their

holidays and travelling for next year.”

The AirAsia Group is also offering promo seats to over 100 destinations across 20 countries including Asia and Australia during the same period from 7 to 13 September 2015 for travels from 1 March to 29 October 2016 with over 3 million promo seats on sale for flights operated by AirAsia in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, India, China, Japan, India and several others.

The one-centavo base fare promotion is available online at www.airasia.com and also via AirAsia’s mobile apps on iPhone and Android devices, and also AirAsia’s mobile site at mobile.airasia.com. Just search AirAsia on the respective app stores to download

and start booking!

AirAsia is continuously looking into making the booking experience as smooth and fast as possible for guests. The airline’s website airasia.com now provides an enhanced booking system with features that enables faster payment (Xpress booking), easier navigation with previews of details and addons for your booking, as well as the ability to pick up from your last search! For more information about the new website features, and a simple step-by-step booking guide, visit airasia. com today.

Keep updated with AirAsia’s latest promotions and activities via Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsiaPh) and Facebook (facebook.com/ AirAsiaPhilippines).

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Chalk launches campus tour SAMYG, Michelle Gumabao, Dani Barretto to join event RADIO and online personality SAMYG together with UAAP volleyball star Michelle Gumabao and top fashion student blogger Dani Barretto join forces for Chalk magazine’s first of three campus tours beginning on September 9 (Wednesday).

cluding representatives from UP, Ateneo, DLSU, FEU, TUP, San Beda, and Miriam College, among others.

Chalk is a leading youth magazine in the country and is one of the titles published every month by ABSCBN Publishing. Its September Fashion Issue

with Fil-Am top model Kelsey Merritt on the cover is now available nationwide and at The ABS-CBN Store (ABSCBNStore.com).

For more information about Chalk’s Bright Young Manila: Campus Hotties Edition, visit chalkmagazine.abs-cbn.com.

In line with Chalk’s Bright Young Manila Campus Hottie campaign, Chalk brings together the expertise of SAMYG, Michelle Gumabao, and Dani Barretto in inspiring college stu-

dents in acing both school and real life, dealing with intimate and personal matters, and looking good.

Chalk’s Campus Tour will kick-off in

San Sebastian-Manila on Wednesday and will head to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines this September and the University of Santo Tomas in October.

Aside from Chalk’s speakers, attendees will also meet the 15 finalists of Chalk’s Bright Young Manila: Campus Hotties who hail from top colleges and universities in the metro in-

Derrick Monasterio goes sexy at the Cosmo Carnival THE Kapuso hunk walked for the sexiest boyfriend buffet event of the year - the Cosmo Carnival 2015 last weekend. The ripped actor revealed the secret on how he achieved the perfect body for the sizzling event.

“More on exercise. Actually ‘di ako nagda-diet. Kain lang ng normal tapos sinisiguro ko lang na nagwoworkout ako.”

“May kaunting pasabog.

‘Yung theme kasi nila carnival eh. Feeling ko magsusuot sila ng clown outfit,” Derrick jested.

As a first timer, he revealed that he is rather anxious for the event. He said, “May pressure pero kasi nakaka-intimidate din kasi ‘yung mga kasama ko veteran na sa Cosmo and they’re much older than me talaga so ako yata ‘yung

pinakabata so medyo nakakakaba.”

Derrick also mentioned that he is hoping that the guests will be thrilled with the show.

“Sana naman mag-enjoy sila kasi actually Cosmo is not just getting half naked.

It’s about showing your body [and] how fit you are.

Art din ‘yan eh kumbaga.

How you project yourself to a lot of people.”

He added, “Sana ma-appreciate nila ‘yung art, hindi lang ‘yung paghuhubad.”

The former Tween star remarked “No limitations! (laughs)” was the sole answer of Kapuso hunk actor Derrick Monasterio when he was asked if there are any limitations when showing skin. “This is the first step in changing myself and changing my character din so ngayon ready na ako magbago ng image like mature [and daring] roles.”

September 2 – 8, 2015

THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson, Gabriella Wright R13

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

PIXELS Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan PG

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

INSIDE OUT/ *HITMAN: AGENT 47 Diane Lane, Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling / *Zachary Quinto, Rupert Friend PG/*R13

R-16

11:30 | 1:40 | 3:50 LFS / *6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

EX WITH BENEFITS Derek Ramsay, Coleen Garcia R13

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

EVENT

Mazda launches CX5, BT50 Mazda Motorshow Davao

By Kenneth Irving Ong

MAZDA PHILIPPINES together with Mazda Davao recently held a three-day auto exhibit featuring the latest models of Mazda’s award-winning cars.

From September 4 to 7, motor enthusiasts were treated to an all-access Mazda experience at the Activity Center of the Abreeza Mall. On exhibit were Mazda’s latest line of cars and SUVs including the CX5 as well as the company’s award winning BT50 pick-up truck. The company also launched two all-new vehicles which complete the lineup of vehicles.

Designed to redefine the entry level car market, the all-new Mazda2 SKYACTIV draws on the experience of Mazda’s critically acclaimed and award-winning Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-5 and MX-5 to create a sub-compact car that redefines every driver’s expectation com-

pletely.

Combining the fullrange of SKYACTIV Technology; composed of a highly efficient engine, efficient and responsive transmission, and lighter body with a more rigid chassis; and the KODO Soul of Motion design philosophy, the all-new Mazda2 promises to deliver high performance, fuel-efficiency and driving pleasure without compromise The 1.5 litter Mazda2 comes in SKYACTIV R, SKYACTIV V, and SKYACTIV S trims for the sedan and in SPEED and SKYACTIV V trims for the hatchback model.

The real head turner of the show was the all-new Mazda MX-5, the newest generation of the world’s

Mazda Philippines marketing and sales director Japhet Castillo (leftmost) poses in front of the all-new MX5 together with Maribel Chua, MMMI-Mazda Davao and Cagayan de Oro vice president, Joe Marc Tac-an, MMMI -Mazda Davao and Cagayan de Oro brand general manager, and Paul Frederick Esguerra, Mazda Davao’s branch head. best-selling, multi-award- way the rider becomes one will go where you want it ed two-seater sports car. with his horse. to go much like how a ridThe latest generation of “We at Mazda try to er is riding his horse, man Mazda’s Miata embraces empower Mazda owners and machine as one.” the company’s break- by providing them cars Available locally in through SKYACTIV which speak to the driv- both six-speed manual or Technology while raising ers,” says Japeth Castillo, automatic transmissions, the level of the Mazda’s Mazda Philippines’ mar- the new MX5 is lighter, “Jinba Ittai” spirit in ev- keting and sales director more nimble, and an abery drive, connecting the “when you drive a Mazda, solutely great drive. The driver to the MX-5, the you are confident that it dynamic KODO:Soul of

Motion design gives a splash of sophistication to this stunning roadster and sleek convertible.

Aside from top-notch handling, sleek design, and the latest technology for comfort, all Mazda cars come with Mazda’s Yojin3 Total Care package which gives new Mazda car owners peace of mind.

“Mazda’s Yojin3 Total Care is included for every new Mazda you purchase at no extra charge and provides, for free, three years or 60,000Km periodic maintenance service which includes parts, oil and labor,” said Mazda Davao’s brand general manager Joe Marc Tacan “we also provide three years roadside assistance and concierge services.”

For more information or to view any of Mazda’s award winning cars, one can visit the Mazda’s Davao showroom is located at Lanang, at Km 7, J.P. Laurel Avenue.

From left: Mazda Philippines marketing and sales director Japhet Castillo, Maribel Chua, MMMI-Mazda Davao and Cagayan de Oro vice president, and Joe Marc Tac-an, MMMI -Mazda Davao and Cagayan de Oro brand general manager pose in front of the new Mazda2 sedan.

MMMI -Mazda Davao and Cagayan de Oro brand general Mazda Philippines marketing and sales manager Joe Marc Tac-an. director Japhet Castillo.

The Mazda Davao team together with the MX5 roadster.

ICT HUB

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

7

Revolutionary way of sending text message

I

MAGINE when you want to send an urgent message, but your mobile phone does not have a load. It is frustrating as well as irritating.

This was what pushed Eric Clark Su, president and chief executive officer of Twidl Inc., and his five-member team to develop HopChat, a revolutionary way of sending a text message even without a mobile load or Internet connection.

Two months ago, Su, whose 15-member company is behind the addicting photograph-sharing social media network Lifebit, started researching for a new platform that will address the issue.

In his research, he came to know about Firechat, an application which was popular during the Hongkong protest this year as it was easy to send messaging within a community.

“I realized that even without (mobile phone) load, messages can be sent through wifi (wireless fidelity) connection and even Bluetooth connection even without pairing the devices,” said Su, the main designer of the company.

The idea became a reality when Su and his

team joined the Angelhack Davao on August 15 to 16, an event that was sponsored by mobile leader Smart, through the Smart Developer Network, and its parent company PLDT, as part of their efforts to help spur innovation in the country and improve the lives of Filipinos through meaningful and innovative digital services.

“When Angelhack came around, the concept became a reality,” Su said, adding that what the application can do is send a message which “hops across devices” until it reaches a destination.

The group is still fine-tuning the application as it will not even depend on wireless fidelity technology as it could piggyback on Bluetooth even without pairing the devices for as long as they have downloaded the application.

The application is relying on the mesh network, a network where a message can hop from one device to another until it reaches its destination through nodes, or points, within the network.

He said to entice users, the group has also developed a “Hopcoin,” an imaginary currency that can eventually be trans-

lated into a real-valued currency like Bitcoin to motivate them to use the application. The concept behind developing Hopcoin is to prevent “cheaters from taking advantage of the application because they will not have any motivation to do so,” he explained.

Because the application needs to have a business model, Su said, business establishments

can establish their nodes and become part of the network where they can send their advertisements to their desired clients and pay his company for including them in the network.

“This is revolutionary as well as disruptive,” he said of his application which impressed the five judges of the event that awarded it the grand prize which will allow the team

to get mentored in the exclusive 12-week Hackathon program which will eventually bring them to San Francisco, California in the US where they can do the sales pitch in front of venture capitalists for possible funding.

John Bailon, chief executive officer of Satoshi Citadel Industry, was so impressed with the application that he found time to huddle with Su even af-

ter the awarding.

“Impressive app,” said Bailon who, together with four others, served as judge of the event. Other judges were Simplicio Jison Jr., president and chief executive officer of Accelerate Desk; Alexis V. Pantola, IBM Philippines Inc. - Cloud Ecosystem technical manager; Lyle Sanots of gamesandgizmoz.net; and, Joe Maristela, Katalyst.ph advisor.

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

U

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Trending

SING photographs in their purest form is a cardinal rule in journalism. So when we used a photograph of a crying lady during Monday’s “The Announcement” episode of the Mayor Duterte for President saga, we did not figure it will be a trending photo. Afterall, the photo landed on the second page of the News section “only.”

The photograph, taken by Edge Davao lensman Lean Daval Jr. during Duterte’s whirlwind press briefing Monday afternoon at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, became a trending topic on EDGE Davao’s Facebook page the moment it was posted.

The photo that was titled “SAY IT ISN’T SO, MAYOR” reached 82,100 people with 331 likes and 468 shares, and drew tons of comments from netizens in just 20 hours. The photo also netted 14,400 post clicks.

The lady, sporting a red shirt and wearing glasses ob-

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viously a staunch Duterte supporter, was taking a video of the press briefing through her mobile phone when she started sobbing after hearing the mayor said he is not seeking the presidency next year and is retiring from politics for good.

Although now crying hard, the lady continued in recording the proceeding while wiping away her tears with a hanky. Photographers who noticed her started clicking their cameras as Duterte was ending his brief statement.

Unexpectedly, the trending photo showed the reach and readership of a newspaper that is verifiable and quantifiable, hence the attention and interest it generated from netizens and readers unlike, say, a photograph manipulated for effect.

Indeed, random moments bring out the creativity in people in its purest form.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 Tel: (088) 852-4894

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 111 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

9

Heroes are made, not born

L

AST year, he was in Manila. This year, he was in Tagum City.

Last year, Randy Halasan went to Manila to receive the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award (touted to be the Nobel Prize of Asia) for Emergent Leadership.

This year, he came to Tagum City in Davao del Norte to speak as guest speaker during the National Heroes Day celebration.

I was supposed to go with Randy but due to some “unavoidable circumstances,” I wasn’t able to come.

Although I failed to hear him speak, I was given the opportunity of receiving what he told the audience. Allow me then to share some bits and piece of his speech.

When he got the invitation, he was completely surprised. After all, he is not from Tagum. He was trying to figure out what was the reason of being the guest speaker of one of the city’s most important events.

Maybe, he though, they wanted him to share I “how an ordinary public school teacher gives light and hope to the Matigsalog tribe in Pegalongan, the farthest place in Davao City.”

Randy then began to tell his story. “My college life was an uphill battle,” he said.

It didn’t stop him from going to college when his father died. “I had to pursue my education by working part time,” he admitted.

His dream of becoming a lawyer or a doctor was no longer possible “due to limited financial resources.”

Randy had no other option but to take education as his professional career. “Now looking back on my life, I get to know the reason for my career choice. I was meant to be with the Matigsalog tribe.”

S

VANTAGE POINTS

He remembered the THINK ON THESE! date well: January 8, 2007.

That was the time when he was appointed as a public school teacher.

“I was sent to Pegalongan Elementary School, the Henrylito D. Tacio farthest school henrytacio@gmail.com in all of Davao City.” He described the place as “inaccessible, poor, and isolated from any communication.”

At that time, there were only two teachers handling all grade levels. “Imagine this: to reach the school, we have to ride almost two hours in a bus, another three to four of continuous hiking in a mountainous and steep roads and crossing two treacherous rivers (Simod and Davao),” he said.

Randy was from Davao City and life in Pegalongan was very different from what he used too. “I told myself I had to transfer immediately,” he recalled, “I knew I would not be happy there.”

All Randy wanted was to become a simple teacher, get married and raise a little family on his own. “But all of that changed when I saw the poverty in the community,” he said.

“When I saw in their eyes and gestures that they needed me, I began to love them and their simple way of living.”

He could not forget the first graduation ceremonies that happened. “It was so mem-

orable,” he said. “I saw happiness in their eyes. The students and their parents were ecstatic. The Matigsalog elders even cried when they witnessed the program; they had never imagined the children would be able to finish elementary as their place was remote and isolated.”

Showbiz MY TWO CENTS’ politics was born in 1987 when Joseph Estrada surprised the nation by being one of only two opposition candidates from John Tria the Grand ecisouth@gmail.com Alliance for Democracy (GAD) to win a Senate seat dominated by the administrations’ Lakas ng Bayan slate. It began its rise in 1988 when the likes of Tito Sotto ran for Quezon City Vice Mayor, setting off a sort of political tradition where a good number of that Citys councilors are current or former showbiz persons or retired sportspeople. Since then, all major cities in Metro Manila have elected one or two showbiz or news personalities in their local councils, or congress. At present, our current and former national capital is led by actors. Four of our current Senators are of showbiz lineage, of which one is Grace Poe, who once played a few roles as a child star in the 1970s, and practically inherited the popularity of her famous father, Fernando Poe Jr. The showbiz political bug has also

bitten established politicians like Chiz Escudero, and Mar Roxas, who are showbiz politicos by marriage.

Many pundits and social scientists have opined that the rise of the showbiz politician is a result of the peoples general mistrust of politicians, which is why they, rather than the traditional politicians are voted into office. The main questions I have had is: If after almost 30years of this showbiz elite rule, what meaningful change have the showbiz politicians fostered in governance? Or, has their presence changed our view of the office they hold? Have they regained the peoples trust in public office in general? Have they become the politicians they were supposed to replace?

Tears of Grace on a vaudeville stage At this point in our nations political history, all tears, even those of showbiz poplitios like Grace Poe, come from crocodiles, and all laughter is seen as being used to deflect our attention from the issues that matter: the high cost of food and electricity, education and health, infrastructure and connectivity, continuity of our economic growth. So on and so forth.

It has also, unfortunately, turned the political arena into a realm of popularity. It matters less what you accomplish for the voters, and becomes

While being with the pupils most of the time, Randy observed first hand poverty. He surmised that the poor academic performance of the pupils, their poor attendance and the prevalence of the malnutrition were all related to the poverty the community was facing.

He wanted to do something for the community. He had already helped the pupils, so he extended his service to the community.

He urged them to use their ancestral lands to become productive.

In 2012, Randy organized the Pegalongan Farmers Association. “We have no money,” he recalled, “so I linked the association to the government agencies and some non-government organizations to have a strong partnership to help me in my vision to uplift the lives of the Matigsalog tribe.”

As a result of what he had started, the community has now rice and corn mills, coffee grinder, coffee roaster, and multi-crop sheller and husker. Its 70 hectares is now under the government’s National Greening Program.

A sitio high school up to Grade 10 was set up, where it benefits not only those from Davao City but also those from Bukidnon who are living in the far flung communities.

There are now nine classrooms and a home economics classroom is being built. A sitio

hall is also being constructed. But importantly, a hanging bridge that crosses Davao River will start its constructing this month.

“I am really touched by the determination of the Matigsalog tribe to improve themselves despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges facing them,” Randy said.

Randy said he is doing all these because he believes each has to do something good for our country. “It is our responsibility to help our fellow Filipinos to make their dreams into a reality,” he said, citing eradicating poverty as one of those dreams.

“Despite all the problems that we encounter each day, I know we can make a difference by changing the lives of other people,” he said. “It is just a matter of leading and to have a big heart.

“I have realized that many Filipinos are left behind because we have failed to unify ourselves in finding ways to solve the problems that beset our society. Rather than helping others, we do things that satisfy our own needs and attain our personal goals.

“It’s not too late to do something best for this country,” he added. “Never forget the sacrifices our heroes did just to achieve the freedom we are experiencing now. But we can be a hero in our own way by extending help to others and being compassionate, especially those who are in need.

Randy concluded his speech with these words: “We can make some initiatives and be resourceful to find solutions. This is our responsibility: to build a strong nation without relying much from the government. We can extend support in other ways. Each one of us has abilities and capabilities to make our county develop and become progressive.”

Tears of Grace and the curse of showbiz politics

EEING Grace Poe’s tears as she pushed for easier rules to adopt children might be admirable to some, and disgusting tp others. Some ask: How can a senator like her use adoption of minors as a means to promote herself ? Others lament this a stunt to gain popularity amid mounting pressure to resolve basic issues on her citizenship, allegiance and how she supposedly panders to the sectarian political interests of the powerful Iglesia ni Cristo. All these questions can be dismissed as mere sour questions of cynical people. But How can we blame the cynical? We only need to see the popularity ratings of the Senate and House of Representatives as an Institution to help us judge whether they are worthy of our trust.

The people mistrust politicians like Grace Poe, as there is a growing disdain for what some call the showbiz political elite.

Showbiz politics born in 1987 The Showbiz political elite are the class of politicians who supposedly have gained power through their emotional influence on the electorate via their showbusiness popularity. In this we take together actual movie and TV actors and personalities, including those, like Noli de Castro, Sol Aragones and Ted Failon, who read to us the news.

more about how popular you are perceived to be.

The senate, in particular, is already pictured as a vaudeville stage where anybody wishing to gain attention only has to give an impassioned speech and show emotions to be noticed. Having no direct constituents, senators are expected to think and act for the nation as a whole, which elected them at large. Extra effort is therefore needed to capture votes.

Indeed, all emotions are perceived to have the effect of creating sympathy, which breeds popularity. At that point, you can call all our detractors haters and build even more sympathy and gain votes. Little wonder why name recall, or the names of parents put certain senators at an advantage during elections. Take all these factors, and you have the tears of Grace.

In a political culture of mistrust and cynicism, It boils down to who the electorate trusts to deliver on campaign promises and help effect the meaningful change so hoped for.

Unfortunately, the space on which politician’s credibility stands is razor thin. Performance and the ability to actually deliver performance ought to be the basis for the public paying taxes After all, isn’t public service a public trust?

10 NEWS

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ment on Monday that he is not seeking the presidency in 2016, supporters remain hopeful the extremely popular mayor will have a change of heart.

He said it will be the people who will matter in the end for Duterte whether he really decides to run for president or not.

“The people now have this feeling of hopelessness because of corruption, criminality and other kinds of problems besetting the country today,” Ramirez said.

Aside from the Quirino Grandstand rally, Duterte will have a series of speaking engagements in Manila this week and next

week. In fact, after Duterte’s brief press briefing on Monday at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, he immediately left to catch a flight to Manila.

Before the September 15 rally, Duterte will visit Divisoria together with former President Fidel V. Ramos.

Duterte had met Ramos last week in Manila and reportedly got some advice on how to run the country.

Duterte will also speak at the Jose Rizal University (JRU) in Mandaluyong on September 16.

Laviña said Duterte was in Navotas and Malabon Tuesday and will be in Tuguegarao today.

On Thursday, Duterte will

have a media interview with TV 5 and Philippine Star editors.

Laviña, a former Davao City councilor, said Duterte was just being consistent in his pronouncements when he announced on Monday he is not going to run for president.

But, he believes that it will be the people who will make Duterte change his mind at the end of the day.

“He loves his family, but he has a bigger family in the Filipino people who need him,” Laviña said.

Councilor Diosdado Mahipus said: “He is not the property anymore of his family. He is now the property of the people.”

certificate of candidacy (COC) next month (The timing of announcement is really strong because this month is crucial for the surveys. It is because if you are being talked by the people this September, of course, you’re ratings in survey will also increase. This survey is being anticipated before they submit their certificate of candidacy next month),” Beleno said in a radio interview with DXAB 1296 Radyo Patrol yesterday.

Beleno said the survey coming up with the filing of certificate of candidacy drawing near will be the barometer of every candidate. If their ratings and ranking are higher, they will most likely run.

“As what we commonly say in political science, nothing is certain in politics,” Beleno said.

He asked that if Duterte is not running for president, why does he still has a scheduled trav-

el in Luzon, which is an indication that his announcement was not really final.

Beleno said that with Duterte’s words last Monday, he noted that there was the sense of finality. But, with the activities the mayor have, people could still hope that Duterte will still change his mind and will run as president in 2016.

Duterte, he said, still have time to change his mind because there is still more than a month before the filling of COC. “One month is very long and there are lots of things to happen,” he said.

Beleno said that if Duterte will decide to run on the last minute, it could be beneficial for him because his announcement could be a talk of the town and it will remain on the mind of the people.

He said it already happened during the past two elections where for-

mer presidents--Gloria Macapagal–Arroyo and Benigno S. Aquino III-filed their COCs on the last minute.

Beleno said Arroyo had said before she will not run for president in 2004, but because she had been talked about by the people she ran and won the presidency.

This is also the same pattern with Aquino.

Beleno said Aquino already declared not to run in 2010 but because of the death of his mother, former president Corazon C. Aquino, his ratings surged and these became the factor to run as president.

With Duterte’s announcement, his ratings will spike and that will be the deciding factor for him to run for president, according to the professor.

Beleno said that Duterte might be looking for the numbers that could really convince him to gun for the presidency.

for the manufacturing of the products will be located.

Sangutan said it is important to develop local technologies and products develop by inventors here since they are important to the economic backbone of the

city.

“If we do not have development in our local products and technologies then there will be little to no development in our city’s economy,” he said.

However, Sangutan said support from the

DOST is still another challenge that the inventors in the country face.

“The DOST only allocated P3 million funding as its support for inventors and this is not enough,” he added.

The Philippines will continue to rank down

if it will not support research and development activities as well as support local inventors, according to Sangutan.

The DOST, meanwhile, admitted that it has little support for inventors because of its limited budget. CRC

DOST 11 is reviving the centrum. It was opened in 1986 until mid-2000 when it started getting few visitors.

“This kind of establishment helps teachers impart science and math. We rely too much on books and television,” Sangutan said.

DOST 11 is holding the Science on the Go on September 23 to October 23 at the centrum. The exhibit will feature 31 interactive exhibits for young students.

“The exhibit aims to excite young minds to learn more about science and how it works in order to improve the quality of life,” the DOST said in a statement.

DOST 11 also announced that it is accepting entries for the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit 2015 until September 28, 2015.

There are six categories; Outstanding Invention (Tuklas Award), Outstanding Unit Model, Outstanding Industrial Design, Outstanding

Creative Reasearch (Likha Award), Outstanding Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for high school students, Outstanding Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for college students.

Cash prizes also await winners of RICE 2015 in all six categories.

For Outstanding Invention, 1st placer will take home P50,000, second placer P30,000, and third placer P20,000.

Winners of Outstanding Utility Model and Outstanding Industrial Design will bag P25,000 for 1st place, P10,000 for 2nd place, and P5,000 for 3rd place.

Winners of Outstanding Creative Research, Outstanding Student Creative Reaserch for High School and College will receive P20,000 for 1st place, P10,000 for 2nd place, and P5,000 for 3rd place. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

I categorically state now, I will not run for presidency,” Duterte said.

The photo attracted mixed reactions from netizens, with some of them expressing their disbelief and others saying they respect the mayor’s decision.

Most of them, however, shared the crying lady’s grief and have not lost hope. They

see the touching photo as motivation in pushing hard for Duterte to change his heart and run for president in May next year.

“I feel you ate…,” netizen Princez Inocencio Trinidad said.

“I am not going to vote anyone else. Unless Mayor Duterte will run i will pick his name, the only name i

choose for change...,” said netizen Mimi Panizales Labrador Bazan.

“Bakit pati ako naiiyak Anu bayan paanu na tau ngayun nd na siya matuloy lalo pa taung mga OFW...,” Lindly Ern Crystalvoice said.

Netizen Maria Fema Duterte has this to say: “A Million March to Luneta for Mayor Rodrigo Duterte!!!”

“I’m gonna tell you a president who could still run for that position despite of his old age and he doesn’t need money in order to pursue his position and to serve his country as president., his name is Jose Mujica, the former president of Uruguay,” he added.

Mujica became the president of Uruguay at the age of 75 and was named as the poorest president in the world since 90% of his monthly salary has been donated to the charities.

He ended his term last March 1 at the age of 80.

The letter sender added: “You said before that if the crime here in our country will become much worst than expected, it will become the next Mexico, and we don’t want to be like that.”

Many of Duterte’s supporters also declared they will not give up in convincing the mayor until the last day of filing of candidacy.

During the Run Duterte Run Caravan last August 29, Duterte promised his supporters that he will talk to his family with regards to his

possible presidential candidacy.

However, on Monday, Duterte officially announced that after talking to his family, he will not seek the presidency.

Despite his announcement, Duterte’s schedule appearance nationwide will still be pushed through.

On September 15, Duterte’s supporters were to occupy Luneta Quirino Grandstand in hope of convincing the mayor to run as president on 2016.

Netizens... FROM 2

Rody... FROM 2

“Wa gihapon mi matarog sa among gibati nga isulong gihapon namo ang among gibati nga mahimong president ang atong mayor (We remain strong in our faith to advance what we have started and that is to make our mayor president),” Usman said.

Meanwhile, a supporter of Duterte from Basilan, Mavic Ramos, said that he is still hoping the mayor will change his mind.

She explained that if Duterte had announced his candidacy, there will be people who will try to put him down.

Some of Duterte’s supporters were seen crying after he made the announcement Monday. (FPAG)

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service NORMAN A. TULABAN, Case No.2000-XI-00166-1 Petitioner

x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service on the route: BAGUIO DISTRICT and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on August 24, 2015. In the petition filed on August 20, 2015, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 at 09:20 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 1st day of September 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Ordinary Regular Service REYNALDO L. ROBLEDO, Case No.2001-XI-01519 Petitioner

x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an PUJ Ordinary Regular Service on the route: CIRCULATION ROUTE 10 with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on July 31, 2016. In the petition filed on September 2, 2015, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 at 09:50 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 2nd day of September 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ

Chief Transportation Development Officer

11 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Water scarcity inevitable

TEXT AND PHOTOS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“

It’s simply a question of survival. Thirst for water is an ignition to violence.”

-- Meir ben Meir, former Israeli water commissioner In 25 years, the Philippines will experience water scarcity. That’s according to a news report which appeared in Rappler.

The report, written by Pia Ranada, quoted a study which predicts the country undergoing a “high” degree of water shortage in 2040.

Out of the 167 countries, the Philippines was ranked 57th.

The study, conducted by the Washington, D.C.-based World Resources Institute (WRI), defines water stress as “the ratio between total water withdrawals and available renewable surface water at a sub-catchment level.”

According to Ranada, “countries were given a score from 0 to 5, with higher scores corresponding to greater competition among water users given limited sources of water.” For its part, the Philippines got a total score of 3.0, which indicated “high” level of water stress.

During the first World Water Forum held in Marrakech, Morocco, an alarm was sounded that a water crisis will likely happen in some parts of the world.

But no one seems to heed the warning. All over the world, because of overuse, waste, and neglect, freshwater resources -- lakes, rivers, and aquifers -- are being exhausted or polluted at an alarming rate. Demand for water -- for industrial, agricultural, and domestic uses -- continues to rise rapidly as the global population and economy keep growing.

“Over the last three centuries, the growth in the

volume of water withdrawn from freshwater sources for human use has been much more rapid than the growth in population,” reports the Geneva-based World Health Organization.

This is true in the Philippines which, despite being surrounded by bodies of water, is home to more than 100 million people.

In the 1950s, the Philippines had as much as 9,600 cubic meters of clean water per person, according to Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero, former head of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development.

Four decades later, Filipinos must make do with little more than a third for that volume – 3,300 cubic meters per capita.

Recently, the Philippines ranked second from the lowest among Southeast Asian countries in terms of per capita water availability per year with only 1,907 cubic meters, according to a World Bank report. Thailand was at the bottom, with 1,854 cubic meters. Vietnamese had more than twice what Filipinos get: 4,591 cubic meters.

In most parts of the country, growing population is straining water resources.

During the time of Mauricio Domogan as the mayor of Baguio, the city’s water district reportedly could only supply one-fifth of the city’s population of half a million.

In reality, the city can only accommodate 25,000 residents.

“But because of the growing number of transients and the invasion of squatters resulting from the closure of several mining companies, the population has grown considerably,” Domogan was quoted as saying.

The Philippines is not yet

what hydrologists call a “water stressed nation.” That label applies when annual water supplies, drops below 2,740 liters, per citizen.

Among the countries which are listed as such are sub-Saharan nations like Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

While the country is still not “water stressed,” it has already areas suffering from “water scarcity.” Four river basins -- Pampanga, Agno, Pasig-Laguna, and the island of Cebu -- are experiencing water scarcity.

During summer months, many residents of Metro Manila -- home to more than 10 million people -- are coping with a “water supply crisis.”

The cities of Cebu and even Davao have already experiencing the same “status.”

The three major cities -- along with six others (Baguio, Angeles, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga) -- were identified by a study done by Japan International Cooperation Agency in 1991 to be “water-critical areas.”

In Handbook Philippines, contributing author Sandra Volpp wrote: “There are ample freshwater reserves all over the country.

One-third of the available freshwater is sufficient to cover demand nationwide.

But many of these reservoirs are contaminated or polluted.”

More than 400 rivers and streams have been identified in the Philippines, but “only 36% are suitable sources of potable water supply, while 60% of the groundwater is contaminated with coliform bacteria, mostly from garbage dumps,” Volpp penned.

“This has led to an increase in water-borne diseases, such as cholera, diphtheria, typhoid fever, dengue fever,

and amoeba infections.”

The problem is even greater in large cities. “A large number of households are not connected to canalization, so their wastes are directly channeled into rivers and the sea,” Volpp noted. “This problem is exacerbated in the big cities.”

Volpp also wrote: “Water services remain inadequate in many areas, which is why many people revert to deep wells. This leads to a sinking groundwater level, to increased salinity, and ultimately, to a shortage of potable water.”

Water crisis is inevitable as forests are fast disappearing. “We cannot talk of providing sustainable water to the people unless we protect the sources of the commodity -- the watersheds,” said Elisea Gozun, who used to be the head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In a report a couple of years ago, the environment

department said that 90% of the 99 watershed areas in the country were “hydrologically critical” due to their degraded physical condition.

Massive destruction of the once-productive forested watersheds by loggers -- both legal and illegal -and uncontrolled land use from mining, overgrazing, agricultural expansion, and industrialization have contributed to water depletion.

“Land use and vegetative cover in the watershed are very important because they affect water flow and water quality,” explains Patrick Durst, senior forestry officer of the regional office of the Food and Agriculture Organization in Bangkok, Thailand.

Changing weather patterns worldwide also contribute to the crisis.

“Of all the social and natural crises we humans face, the water crisis is the one that lies at the heart of

our survival and that of our planet Earth,” surmised Koichiro Matsuura, former director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

“Water isn’t just a commodity. It is a source of life,” says Sandra Postel, director of the Massachusetts-based Global Water Policy Project. Ideally, a person should have at least 50 liters of water each day to meet basic needs – for drinking, food preparation, cooking and cleaning up, washing and personal hygiene, laundry, house cleaning.

Postel believes water problems will trail climate change as a threat to the human future. “Although the two are related, water has no substitutes,” she explains.

“We can transition away from coal and oil to solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. But there is no transitioning away from water to something else.”

12 CLASSIFIED

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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

COMMUNITY SENSE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

13

SSS extends coverage to 3 gov’t agencies T

HE Social Security System (SSS) has partnered with the Department of Transpor-

tation and Communication (DOTC), Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) and the Presidential Com-

mission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) for the SSS coverage of job order and contractual personnel

from the said government offices.

SSS Senior Vice President for Account Management Judy Frances A. See said job order and contractual workers in state-run institutions are excluded from the mandatory coverage of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). A total of 357 workers nationwide -- 220 of which are from DOTC, 50 from LCP, and 87 from PCUP -- are expected to benefit from these SSS partnerships to date.

“The GSIS mandate applies only to regular employees in the public sector. Hence, the SSS aims to fill in this gap in coverage through linkages with government offices to enable these workers to gain access to social security benefits even while hired as contractual or job order personnel,” See noted.

The job order and contractual workers are covered as self-employed SSS members, with no obligation on the part of their employer to remit counterpart contributions.

Aside from SSS benefits, the workers can earn eligibility for SSS loan privileges such as salary and housing loans.

“Payment of contributions and loans is facilitated under an automated salary deduction scheme to make it easier and more convenient for these workers to maintain an active SSS membership.

As part of the agreement, SSS has also committed to provide them with information seminars and on-site enrollments for the Unified Multipurpose Identification or ‘UMID’ card,” See noted.

The DOTC, LCP and PCUP accounts are handled by the SSS Mandaluyong, SSS Diliman and

SSS San Francisco del Monte branches, respectively. The supervising branches are tasked to coordinate with the designated liaison officers of DOTC, LCP and PCUP to address their SSS concerns.

Other state-run organizations with similar agreements with the SSS include the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Metro Manila Development Authority, Manila International Airport Authority, and the Department of Interior and Local Government for the local government units.

“We urge other government institutions to likewise take the initiative to help their own job order and contractual personnel benefit from the social protection offered by an active membership in the SSS,” See said.

14 COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

AEON TOWERS. An artist interior perspective design of master’s bedroom for the 2-bedroom suites unit at the much-awaited Aeon Towers building project by FTC Group of Companies. The project is expected to be completed by December 2016.

11 posts 6% APEC economies address Region unemployment rate threats posed by pandemics R

M

EMBERS of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) are strengthening their cooperation to effectively fight pandemics that could impact heavily on their economies if such threats go out of control.

“We are actually forming networks. A network is important and I think they are trying to look at measures on how they can improve the surveillance of diseases,” Chairperson of the APEC 2015 Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM), Laura del Rosario, said.

Member economies, she said, are studying

how they could improve response and recovery systems for public health emergencies, even without pandemics spreading across the Asia-Pacific region.

“They also try to address non-communicable diseases, like disabilities, including mental illness,” she said, adding that the Philippines has tried to call attention to these issues.

The fast-paced growth and rapid urbanization create certain maladjustments among the population that some people become psychologically

Convergys completes nationwide drive with over 17,000 donated‘Bags of Hope’

C

ONVERGYS Country Manager Ivic Mueco (front row, second from left) and the Clark site leadership team joining the Give A Bag of Hope closing celebrations MANILA, Philippines – The country’s largest private employer, Convergys, recently concluded its project “Give A Bag of Hope”, a nationwide employee-driven program which donated bags filled with school supplies to elementary students of selected partner schools across the country.

Convergys employees donated a total of 17,123 ‘bags of hope’ filled with notebooks, pad papers, pencils, sharpeners, and crayons to primarily Grades 1 to 3 students

in 26 public schools and communities. The program was a way to help address one of the main causes of school dropouts, which is the lack of school supplies.

Launched in May and completed in August by its 34 sites, Convergys and its 60,000-strong workforce was able to generate P8.21 Million through monetary donations, direct school supply contributions, employee referrals, and volunteer work. Employees also spent 8,450 volunteer hours in visiting partner schools in Baguio, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Laguna, Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao to hand out the ‘bags of hope’ to schoolchildren.

incapacitated, she explained.

Diseases and illnesses affect the productivity of a country, del Rosario pointed out, citing studies that show health issues affect a big percentage of production in the region.

“Definitely, a person who is sick is not productive and at the same time, the illness adds to the burden of the family, so it is a double whammy,” she said.

“For instance, if your father gets sick, you lose an income-earner and at the same time, you have to take care of him. So, it is a

double loss for a family.”

Del Rosario further said that ongoing talks in the APEC try to encourage collaboration in research and innovation in health systems, as well as boost public-private partnership tie-ups to address health-related issues.

She observed that there is strong public-private cooperation among APEC member economies because they know that not every government could handle their problems alone and that even rich countries have to rely on the private sector.

(PCOO News Release)

EGION 11 posted an unemployment rate of six percent or around 122,000 of its labor force of 2.036 million as of April this year, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 said.

The region also posted an underemployment rate of 16.6 percent which is equivalent to 318,000 workers.

Underemployment means a condition where individuals are employed in jobs that don’t fully use their skills, or when they are employed part-time or in a seasonal manner even if they can render full-time work.

Citing the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, DOLE’s

consolidated report on labor market JobsFit 2015 said Davao City’s Information and Communications Technology industry employed over 30,000 workers.

It added the most in-demand jobs in the industry are animator, back office processing/ accounting/ admin clerk, hardware technician, technical support, IT specialist, software developer, and customer service.

Among the hard-to-fill jobs are computer programmer/service developer, web developer in all platforms, web designer, graphics designer, animator, and technical support engineer.

(Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

BAGS FOR HOPE. Convergys Country Manager Ivic Mueco (front row, second from left) and the Clark site leadership team joining the Give A Bag of Hope closing celebrations.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

TNT joins Gilas in MVP Cup

P

BA team Talk ‘N Text has agreed to be the fourth team in the inaugural edition of the MVP Cup, a tournament that will serve as the final buildup of the Philippine national men’s basketball team for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.

MVP Sports Foundation executive Chot Reyes thanked Talk ‘N Text head coach Jong Uichico for coming in as a late replacement team after Lebanon unexpectedly withdrew from the competition last week.

Several members of

S

the Tropang Texters are part of the Gilas program, including Jayson Castro, Ranidel De Ocampo and No. 1 pick Moala Tautuaa.

Gilas coach Tab Baldwin is also a consultant for the PBA team.

Gilas Pilipinas will take on Talk ‘N Text, the Chinese Taipei nation-

al team and New Zealand club Wellington Saints in the four-team pocket tournament slated from September 11 to September 13 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The MVP Cup will serve as Gilas Pilipinas’ final tournament before competing in the FIBA Asia Championship slated on September 23 in Changsha, China. The Filipinos are hoping to win the FIBA Asia crown to book a prestigious spot in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

GANGED UP. Ateneo de Davao University guard Raprap Framcisco is ganged up by defenders from Assumption College of Davao even as teammate Dariel Manliguez moves in to help. The ACD Warriors beat Ateneo in the finals of the 2015 DACS boys basketball tournament played at the UIC Gym. Lean Daval Jr.

Who is telling the truth on DCCL?

OMEONE here is obviously lying.

The sponsor or the city sports official?

After we ran a column on the controversial Davao City Collegiate League (DCCL) regarding its funding, we surprisingly got a quick response from the City Sports Development Office officer-in-charge and former Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) William “Butch” Ramirez.

According to Ramirez, in a story published here last week, the city government did not spend a single centavo in the DCCL. We appreciate the immediate response of

Mr. Ramirez to our query after we have been apparently ignored in all the events related to the DCCL. The categorical answer from Mr. Ramirez that the city government did not spend money in an event publicized as “a sports development program of the City Sports Development Office under the City Mayor’s Office” only leads us to one thing—that the DCCL is funded by a private sponsor.

In short, Mr. Ramirez wants us to believe that a government program is being funded by a private sponsor minus any budget taken out of public funds. Meaning, from the officiating fees,

UPSET. Andy Murray of Great Britain stretches out for a backhand return. South African 15th seed Kevin Anderson stunned the British third seed 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/0) to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.

LET’S GET IT ON

Neil Bravo to the trophies, prizes, operating expenses, snacks, collaterals and other incidentals, Mr. Ramirez is telling us that Smart Telecommunications shouldered them all.

Based on these premises, Smart is entirely funding a city government sports project.

If that is the case, Smart

must be the title sponsor or presentor of the event and it is just fitting that the event be called Smart DCCL. We recalled that in a media forum, I-Speak, organized by the City Information Office (CIO), the 2nd DCCL was formally announced.

In the same forum, a representative from Smart and two sports coordinators from the University of Mindanao and Holy Cross of Davao College sat in the panel.

Suprisingly, no one from the City Sports Development Office (CSDO) sat on behalf of the city government.

Now, here’s the conflict.

The Smart represen-

tative told the reporters present that the telecommunications giant did not give money to the DCCL as sponsorship. They only gave “in kind.” He mentioned prizes and giveaways.

They also gave some tarps as collaterals which is customary for an event with a corporate sponsor.

Now, if we monetize the sponsorship of Smart, it is nowhere in the vicinity of a presentor or a title sponsor if we translate that into advertising values. If it is true that Smart only gave trophies and tarps.

Therefore, it all boils down to who is telling the truth and who is ly-

ing.

Mr. Ramirez said the city did not spend any single centavo. Smart also said it did not cough up money but only gave items “in kind.”

My question is, who paid for the referees, table officials, and my good friend barker?

Do Mr. Ramirez and Mr. Smart want me to believe a tournament is being run on “in kind” stuff only?

If that is so, I would recommend this DCCL thing for government best practices award.

But if someone here is lying and someone made money, pray tell me you are scot clean.

Oh dear, why can’t people tell the truth?

Murray crashes out

A

NDY Murray crashed out of the US Open in the fourth round, making his earliest Grand Slam exit since 2010 to end his run of 18 consecutive major quarter-finals.

South African 15th seed Kevin Anderson stunned the British third seed 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/0) to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.

Not since a third-round exit in the 2010 US Open had Murray been eliminated so early at a Grand Slam tournament.

Anderson, 1-5 in prior matches against Murray, ended an 0-15 career hoodoo against top-10 opponents

and an 0-7 hex in fourthround Slam matches to book a last-eight date with Swiss fifth seed Stan Wawrinka, the reigning French Open champion.

“I’m just so excited to be through,” said Anderson.

“Beating a guy like Andy, I really feel like I’ve taken a step forward. It’s amazing. I feel like it’s a great accomplishment.”

Wawrinka defeated US left-hander Donald Young 6-4, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.

He dropped his first set of the tournament but reached an eighth quarter-final in his past nine Grand Slams, denying 68th-ranked Young his first Slam quarter-final.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

ONE IN GENSAN Arcilla gets back at Alcantara J

to win Tunafest singles title

OHNNY Arcilla got back at Casey Alcantara to claim the men’s crown, while Khim Iglupas kept her fine form and pocketed her second straight women’s plum in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Exp r e s s Pera Padala Tuna Festival Open at the Gen. Santos Tennis

CHAMP. Johnny Arcilla hits a forehand in this file photo.

Court in Gen. Santos City Sunday.

The second seeded Arcilla recalled his fierce form and dominated Alcantara, scoring an emphatic 6-3, 6-2 victory and avenging his semifinal round setback to the Cagayan de Oro bet in the recent Olivarez Cup. But the top seeded Iglupas continued to dominate the distaff side, although she needed an extra set this time to turn back No. 2 Edilyn Balanga, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, and score a follow-up to her straight set romp over Marian Capadocia in the Olivarez Cup. “It was a big confidence-boost for Ar-

cilla after bowing to Alcantara the last time they faced. But it only showed the level playing field in men’s play with no particular player dominating,” said Philippine Tennis Association president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

Arcilla, a many-time PCA Open champion, actually completed his title romp in the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop through COO Bobby Castro and backed by Technifibre as official ball without dropping a set, threatened only

by Vicente Anasta, whom he repulsed, 6-2, 7-5, in the semis.

But he started out strong against Alcantara in the finals and sustained his charge in the second set with a dominant all-around performance, never giving his 23-year-old rival a chance to mount a comeback.

Iglupas, on the other hand, broke Balanga once in the opening set, lost her rhythm in the second but recovered her bearing in the decider where she outplayed her rival with a solid baseline game.

Arcilla and Iglupas capped their big week by teaming up to capture the mixed doubles plum, trouncing PJ Tierro and Christine Patrimonio, 6-4, 6-1.