Edge Davao 8 Issue 147

VOL. 8 ISSUE 147 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2015

P 15.00 • 24 PAGES

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EVICT BY FORCE Rody orders police to remove UPMin illegal settlers

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

SELFIE FEST. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is mobbed by participants of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) National Convention on Wednesday afternoon. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Sports

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

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AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to remove the settlers in the area at the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP-Min) where the proposed Sports Complex will be established.

This after he learned of the incident last Monday morning in which some of the settlers fought with operatives of the Tugbok Police

Station who were responding to a call for help by CLTG Builders, the contractor doing the road project for the sports complex.

The settlers allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the contractor’s backhoe, which resulted in the heavy equipment catching fire.

“The police must clear the area. That is my order because that is government property where the sports

complex will be built for the young Filipinos,” Duterte said on Wednesday afternoon after his speaking engagement at the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) conference at SMX Convention Center.

Duterte said the police should exercise force to let the settlers know that the rule of law should prevail.

He also said he does not any police officer to be hurt just as they enforce the law.

“If one of the settlers will be shot dead then I’m sorry. I do not want policemen to die there,” he said.

“Kaya kayong mga police huwag kayong magpakamatay diyan (That is why you policemen should not risk your life there),” he added.

Duterte said the police can forcibly arrest the settlers without maximum tolerance if the latter begin throwing

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Aguilas open ABL home games in Davao Oct. 29 P18

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Davao City high schools ready for K-12: DepEd

I

N less than a year, the K-12 educational system will be fully operational and there will be a large decline of students entering first year in college since current fourth year students will instead be enrolled for senior high school for the next two years.

On its fifth year of preparation, Department of Education (DepEd) representative Lalaine Javing reported that 98 percent of existing public junior high schools are prepared to offer senior high school next year and 68 percent of private junior high school will often senior high.

She said additional classrooms will be ready by June of 2016. DepEd is monitoring the schools, making sure they have the necessary teaching items and learning materials for the opening of classes next year.

Even stand-alone educational institutions and other college schools, Javing said, are asking for permits in order to offer senior high school

in preparation for the college freshmen drought they are expecting.

According to its website and primer for K-12, DepEd is planning to establish 5,899 Senior High Schools nationwide.

As of June 22, 2015, DepEd has issued provisional permits to 2,847 private schools expected to offer Senior High School next year.

The DepEd is also targeting two kinds of teachers: those who will teach the core subjects, and those who will teach the specialized subjects per track.

DepEd will hire 37,000 teachers for Senior High School for 2016 alone.

The K to 12 curriculum will be standards- and competence-based and is boasted to be inclusive and built around the learners’ needs as well as the community’s.

The curriculum is done and is available on the DepEd website to be made more accessible to the public. Vanessa Kate Madrazo

Sen. Poe to grace DCCCII meeting

P DIESEL FROM COOKING OIL. Davao City assistant administrator lawyer Tristan Dwight Domingo shows two plastic tubes with processed biodiesel fuel and used cooking oil during yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall.

He reiterated the city government’s plan to venture into a project that will convert used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel. Lean Daval Jr.

RESIDENTIAL aspirant Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares will grace the 10th General Membership Meeting of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) on October 30 at the Grande Men Seng Hotel.

The senator will share to the business community her updates on the Freedom of Information Act. She will be also be discussing her campaign against dangerous drugs.

The forum will also allow members to know more of her personal advocacies and viewpoints on the current political and economic issues.

The meeting will focus on inclusive growth, global competitiveness, and open govern-

ment.

The DCCCII general membership meeting is a great opportunity to renew business contacts among fellow chamber members and other participating stakeholders.

It is also a venue to know more about the chamber and its activities and events.

HILDREN are at a time of their lives when they’re supposed to be learning, playing, and filled with love.

But many children right now in Davao City do not experience a blissful childhood but are instead exposed to the realities of crime.

A total of 70 children at risk are admitted in reformation programs, according to Julie Dayaday, central manager of Children’s Village Bahay Pag-asa, an intervention center for children in conflict with the law (CICL) and children at risk (CAR).

“There are 32 children aged below 15 years and above 12 while there are 38 children aged below 18 years and above 15,” Dayaday said during the I-Speak Media Conference in the City Hall of

Davao yesterday.

Dayaday said most of the children above 15 but below 18 were previously involved in drugs, murder, robbery, theft, frustrated murder, and frustrated homicide. Those above 12 but below 15 were involved in rape, incest, homicide, and drugs.

This figure does not show the number of children who have been involved in criminal acts but were only reported to their parents and immediately returned to their respective communities, and those who have not yet been identified by authorities entirely.

Based on the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA), children below 15, “for the crimes that they commit, have no criminal liability, but chil-

Japan to help City generate 70 young people admitted in reformation programs biodiesel from used cooking oil C

By VANESSA KATE MADRAZO

U

SED cooking oil right now is either thrown away in the sink, or canals, or fed to animals like pigs, or even domestic pets like dogs and cats. More than this being harmful to our health and the health of our animals, this oil is one of the primary causes of sludge in the drainage system that causes it to clog and flood especially in times of rain.

There is no apparent use right now for such fluid and only poses harm to our health and the environment.

Recently, however, the Japan International Cooperation Agency together with MyClimate Japan and Biomass Japan conducted a feasibility

study looking into the viability of used cooking oil to be converted into biodiesel, assistant city administrator Tristan Domingo said during the I-Speak Media Conference in the City of Hall of Davao.

The agencies built a refining machine that generates biodiesel from collected cooking oil, which can be used to power vehicles and generators.

The Japanese agencies are slated to ship the technology here in Davao City, for free, but the undertaking of this project depends on local demand, which means that there is a possibility that this project won’t push through if locals

are not cooperative.

Domingo said there is already demand but “(cooking) oil is informally disposed right now through canals and garbage. But if it’s gathered, it largely helps the environment.”

He further explained that the Japanese disposal model, as reported by Biomass Japan, operates through collection points situated in barangay halls where a container is provided for households and restaurant owners to throw and donate.

“Active na sila in proper waste and management so dili dugay pag-implement kay cooperative ang community,”

Domingo added.

There is a specific day in a week where collection trucks gather the disposed oil and bring them to the agencies that convert them to biodiesel.

Domingo said that three weeks ago, they already invited and discussed with 12 barangays and the Association of Hotels and Restaurants in Davao City regarding the initiative.

Once the disposal system is in place and the refining machine functional in Davao, Domingo said biodiesel will be used to power government-used vehicles including CENRO and garbage trucks.

FJAPAN, 12

Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares

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DOH issues health advisory vs haze effects on humans

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HE Department of Health Region 12 (DOH-12) has issued a health advisory regarding the haze that has been blanketing large parts of Mindanao for almost a week.

The haze, which originates from forest fires in Indonesia, carry pollutants that may be harmful to humans, according to Dr. Francisco Mateo, DOH-12 assistant regional director.

He said asthma, serious coughs, and other respiratory related illnesses can be acquired by inhaling the polluted air so the public is advised to wear masks to protect themselves.

However, Mateo said the haze is still “tolerable” and has advised the public to drink plenty of water and juice to maintain or improve resistance.

In its bulletin released at 11 a.m. Thursday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau (DENR–EMB) in Koronadal City indicated

that “air quality descriptor is fair and zero health concerns.”

The DENR–EMB has been conducting air quality monitoring in Mindanao since October 17, following the haze entry to the southern part of the Philippine territory.

With the prevailing obscure weather condition, Mateo reminded the public to take extra steps to avoid complications brought by the haze.

Persons who inhale haze, consciously or unconsciously, will suffer irritant effects on the nose, throat, airways, skin and eyes, Mateo said.

He said symptoms include frequent sneezing, running nose, eye irritation, dry throat and dry cough brought about by pollutants.

Vulnerable to infections are persons, including children and elderly, with medical problems like asthma, chronic lung disease, chronic sinusitis and allergic skin conditions. (PNA)

JUVENILE JUSTICE. Lawyer Rochelle Marie Solis (left) of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and lawyer Lalaine G. Javing (right) of the Department of Education (DepEd) talk about the rights of children in conflict with the law

during yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall in time for the upcoming celebration of the Juvenile Justice Law week. Lean Daval Jr.

Tugbok to hold Pantatan Festival

By VANESSA KATE MADRAZO

T

HE Los Amigos Aqua Culture Producer’s Organization, Inc. (LAACPO) will spearhead the Pantatan Festival in Los Amigos, Tugbok District, Davao City on October 29 and 30, 2015 as a thanksgiving event of the small individual hito growers and to showcase the locals’ food products.

The festival also aims

to promote Tugbok as the agri-tourism destination for catfish or “hito” delicacies and increase the socio-economic aspect of the local fisher folks as their main source of livelihood. They intend to use the festival to increase their sales and market distribution in hopes of making the industry more sustainable and more developed.

It has been celebrated since 2004 and has since grown more popular to both Dabawenyos and people from other cities and provinces.

One of the main events of the festival is the Culinary Contest. “We want for contestants to innovate new dishes of hito for them to be included in the list of [known] Asian

forehead.

Arrojado, who is also the commander of the Army’s 501st Infantry Brigade, said the attack took place around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Sandah, Patikul, Sulu.

Arrojado said the ASG members led by Ninok Sapari positioned themselves in Patikul Hill and opened fire

at members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) in Sandah, Patikul.

Arrojado said the BPAT led

by Sandah Barangay Chairman Jairulla Jawari fought back triggering a 15-minute firefight.

He said Sapari’s group fled towards west direction upon sensing the arrival of govern-

Porferio D. Tuna, alias “Pinot/ Ampong/Ricky.”

He was bagged by joint elements of 10th Infantry Division, Tagum City Police, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao Del Norte.

Tuna is also known as Ka Simon Santiago, SMRC Spokesperson and Second Deputy Secretary.

He is the former Front Secretary of Guerilla Front 25

and the current head of the Regional Instructors Bureau.

Tuna will also be facing raps for murder with Criminal Case Number 20502 filed at RTC, Branch 11 Judicial Region Branch 1, Tagum City.

Major Rafael Valencia, 10th Infantry Division commander, commended the 10th Infantry Division and PNP personnel involved in this successful operations.

(PNA)

FTUGBOK, 12

Boy injured in ASG attack in Sulu

A

THREE-YEAR-OLD boy was wounded in an attack staged by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the hinterlands of Sulu, a military official disclosed Thursday.

Brigadier General Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, identified the victim as Gasfer Suhudan, who suffered graze wound in the

FBOY, 12

Ranking NPA leader nabbed in Tagum City

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OVERNMENT security forces arrested a ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA)’s Southern Mindanao Regional Committee during operations in Barangay La Filipina, Tagum City on Wednesday afternoon.

Arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by Regional Trial Court 11, Branch 3, Nabunturan town, Compostela Valley was

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TAGUM CITY

Davao Norte to hold 2nd Tipanud Festival

T FOUR ON ONE. Cowboys wrestle with a bull during the carambola event of the Kaamulan rodeo competition in Malaybalay City on October 17, 2015. MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno

GENERAL SANTOS

HE tribal communities in the province will hold the 2nd Tipanud Festival on October 30 at the RDR Gym, Davao del Norte Sports Complex, Tagum City in celebration of the Indigenous Peoples Month.

Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Datu Victor Pandian said the word “Tipanud” is a common term to different tribes which means settlers.

Pandian also said the seven tribes of the province will showcase their own culture

COTABATO CITY

NHA honors NorCot town for IP housing projects

City Hall employees A to undergo drug test E

MPLOYEES of the General Santos City government will be subjected to random drug testing.

This new policy has been confirmed by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera.

“We have been receiving reports that some of our employees are involved in drugs—some are pushing and some are using. Recently, our police has nabbed some of our employees who were proven to be doing drugs, and I personally do not like the idea that drug users and pushers are among our ranks

KORONADAL CITY

in the public service,” Rivera said.

“It is very alarming that some of our local government employees are into drugs.

This is really embarrassing on our part so we have to conduct a random drug testing,” the mayor added.

Rivera said he has already given instructions to the Human Resource Management and Development Office for the conduct of random drug testing.

Related agencies such as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the General

Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) have already committed their support to this move of the local chief executive.

The mayor did not specify when the random drug testing would start. “It will be a surprise,” he said.

Rivera warned city employees to stop using in drugs.

“It is really quite drastic that we have to come up with this but we cannot stain the reputation we are trying to build with the city government of Gensan. We want our employees to be role model and active citizens, not drug

users,” Mayor Rivera stressed.

He emphasized that he wants every employee of the local government unit to avoid using illegal drugs.

“Those who are into it now, you better stop, because once you are caught, you will be fully sanctioned and we will not give special favors to you just because you are a City Hall employee,” he said.

Rivera said he is satisfied with the intensive campaign of the GSCPO to combat illegal drug activities in General Santos City. (IJLagare-Gensan CPIO/DEDoguiles-PIA12)

requires minimum amount of water.

“Unlike in conventional farming where rice paddies should be submerged in water, in aerobic rice technology rice can be grown even with only 10 percent soil moisture,” Hechanova said.

According to the Rice Knowledge Bank of IRRI, the farming system is suitable in “areas where the land is flat and where rainfall with or without supplemental irrigation is sufficient to frequently being the soil water close to field capacity.”

It is also fit in upper slopes or terraces in undulating, rainfed lowland and water-short irrigated farms.

Hechanova added that aerobic rice researches conducted in rice fields at the tail-end of irrigations systems in some

parts of Luzon showed positive results.

In 2014, she said, SKSU started testing the aerobic rice technology in the towns of Quirino and Lutayan and Tacurong City, all in Sultan Kudarat province.

“With appropriate management, yield from aerobic rice is comparable to that from conventional farming,” she said.

Aerobic rice technology is highlighted in 3rd Aerobic Rice National Conference at the Sarangani Highlands in General Santos City from October 20 - 23.

The event highlights updates on aerobic rice technology and other potential water-saving technologies for rice production.

Paper presentations cover aerobic rice technology and related research and develop-

ment activities from leading institutions such as Bataan Peninsula State University, Bulacan Agricultural State College, International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Isabela State University and others.

It is also an opportunity for sharing of good practices on aerobic rice production.

The 3rd Aerobic Rice National Conference is supported

by IRRI, ICRISAT, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Agricultural Research, Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Philippine Rice Research Institute and the aforementioned state schools.

Participants include academicians, researchers, farmers, and representatives of government and nongovernment organizations. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

State U, partners push aerobic rice farming

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OVERNMENT-RUN Sultan Kudarat State University based in Tacurong City is advancing the adoption of aerobic rice technology, a production system that is appropriate in areas with insufficient water supply.

Aerobic rice, according to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), is “a production system where rice is grown in well-drained, non-puddled, and non-saturated soils. Water requirements can be lowered by reducing water losses due to seepage, percolation, and evaporation.”

Dr. Ruby Hechanova, director for research and development of SKSU, told Philippine Information Agency that aerobic rice technology “could help address the problems of farmers regarding climate change such as El Nino” because it

and heritage through dances and songs during the festival.

The seven tribes are Kalagan, Sama, Mansaka, Ata Manobo, Dibabawon, Mandaya, and Manguangan.

Pandian said on October 29, the League of the IPMR in the province will also federate the IP women and youth.

He said the organization of federations for the women and youth was the result of the discussion of the first provincial IPMR conference held on September 25 at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

HOUSING project in M’lang, North Cotabato “brings honor to the local government and its citizens,” M’lang Mayor Joselito Piñol said Monday.

Piñol refused to claim credit for the feat from the National Housing Authority (NHA) for which President Benigno Aquino III handed over the plaque of recognition during the NFA anniversary program in Manila.

He said the successful implementation of the housing project for Indigenous Peoples was through the joint efforts of all stakeholders in the local government.

The housing projects for Blaan tribes people were funded by NHA with counterpart funding from the local government unit.

“This is a clear indication of true government service for less fortunate residents,” Piñol said in a radio interview.

Twenty five of the 50 housing projects have been completed and formally turned over to Blaan people in a three hectare lot in Sitio

Biao, Barangay New Esperanza, Mlang, North Cotabato.

Construction for 25 other housing units is ongoing and expected to be completed by December.

Piñol said the funds from NHA came in a little late but with the joint efforts of concerned government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Managmene Council, and the town engineering office, the project was fast-tracked and completed ahead of schedule.

He also announced that NHA has already downloaded the additional funds for the completion of another 25 housing units.

Piñol said the state-run University of South Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato also contributed in the project by establishing a communal garden area which caught the eye of NHA officials.

“The backyard garden was excellent that NHA made it a model for other housing projects in the country to emulate,” Piñol said. (PNA)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Gensan mothers receive livelihood from city gov’t

E

IGHTY mothers in General Santos City were recently granted opportunities to earn more via livelihood projects from the city government.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, with the Integrated Barangay Affairs (IBA) of the City Mayor’s Office, distributed live chickens to the mother-beneficiaries through the program Kita Ni Nanay, Para Kay Nanay. Each received twenty 20 chickens.

One of the recipients,

Esther Rias, 65, of Barangay San Jose, said she was very thankful for the livelihood package, emphasizing her need for income.

“I am already old but I have still my grandchildren with me. My husband is a farmer but he does not have a stable income. Supporting my family financially is really hard,” Rias narrated in vernacular. “When I heard about this program in our barangay, I immediately asked if I

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EDGEDAVAO

Penong’s and its unlimited rice, tasty chicken BBQ

By Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

P

enong’s Barbeque Seafood and Grill is known in Davao City for initiating the unlimited rice that became a hit and continues to satisfy every Dabawenyo and food lovers to date.

It has been almost 12 years when the first Penong’s was established in Davao City along Ilustre Street, near PTA Sports Complex which is now known as People’s Park in 2003.

After the first year, the company established two more branches in the city, along Sta. Ana Avenue and in Matina near NCCC Mall to be exact.

Eight years after, the company ventured into franchising which boosted the popularity of the barbeque house to the people. Their first franchise store was established in Matina near Matina Gallera in 2009.

The franchising also opens the door of Penong’s to reach other places in Mindanao and even in Visayas.

According to the firm’s marketing specialist Aljon Troy Requizo, there are already eight Penong’s out-

side Davao City, two stores in Tagum City and in Cebu particularly in Escario and Co-

PENONG’S A3

One of our edges also is our food safety handling which ensure that the quality of our food will not be compromised

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PENONG’S A1 lon, General Santos City, Kidapawan City, Dipolog City and Zamoboanga.

As the company’s 12th year in the business is fast approaching, Penong’s is proud to introduce its 20th branch in Barangay Sasa that will try to satisfy the appetite of the people in the area.

Penong’s marketing officer Ryan Julius Isla said their continuing expansion only shows that many people are joining their success through the years.

Isla said their restaurant is really doing their best to satisfy the palates of every customer patron-

izing their products.

Requizo, for his part, said their chicken barbeque is their best sellers in which almost 50 percent of their monthly income is being generated by this. He said with the best tasting chicken barbeque that Penong’s has, a lot of awards were given to the company.

Among the awards are Golden Globe Awardee for Business Excellence as Best Barbeque House in 2013 and 2014; The Philippine Star Brand and Asian Star Brand Silver Award in 2008; The Philippine Quality Awards for Business Excellence in 2008;

AVAILABLE ON OCTOBER 29, 2015

National Product Quality Excellence Awards as Best Barbeque in Davao City from 2005 to 2008; National Shopper’s Choice Annual Awards as No. 1 Barbeque House in Davao City from 2004 to 2007 and the Philippine Marketing Excellence Award as Most Outstanding Barbeque House in Davao City from 2004 to 2007.

Requizo said aside from their tasty chicken barbeque, another edge going for them is their food safety handling.

“One of our edges also is our food safety handling which ensure that the quality of our food will not be compromised,” he said.

He said most of their waiters are required to have their heads shaven to skinhead look to ensure cleanliness.

“That (skinhead) is also the trademark of Penong’s,” Requizo said.

He also emphasized that all branches of Penong’s have less complaints on food handling because of their strict implementation of policies.

Isla said that before the year ends, there are four other Penong’s stores that open. Three of these will be established in Davao City and the one will be in Mati City.

Penong’s is eyeing for some places in Mindanao for expansion particularly in Pagadian, Iligan, Malaybalay, Valencia, Cagayan de Oro, Panabo City, Koronadal, Butuan and Surigao City.

Isla is also hoping they will double the number of stores by next year to fulfill their goals of having more Penong’s in every place of the Philippines.

October 22-27, 2015

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 5: THE GHOST DIMENSION Chris J. Murray, Brit Shaw Katie Featherston R13

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

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood R13

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

BLACK MASS Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton Benedict Cumberbatch, *Kevin Bacon

R-16

R16

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 |7:30 | 10:00 LFS

GOOSEBUMPS Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush PG

12:00 | 2:30 |5:00 | 7:30 |10:00 LFS

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Plan sustains DavOr good governance T

HE provincial government of Davao Oriental is confident that with the newly adopted Annual Investment Plan for 2016, it will be able to sustain and strengthen even more their award-winning good governance programs and projects.

Governor Corazon Malanyaon has recently convened the Provincial Development Council which have deliberated, approved and adopted the Annual Investment Plan for 2016 to be funded under the twenty percent of the Local Government Development Fund (LGDF).

Malanyaon said the programs and projects to be funded under the LGDF will boost her administration’s five development agenda which are to defeat poverty, safeguard the environment, expand access to infrastructure, utilities and social services, sustaining public order and security and to strengthen effective governance.

In conferring this year’s Seal of Good Local Governance award to Davao Oriental, the Department of Interior and Local Government has lauded Governor Malanyaon for being one of the best prime movers of government programs deemed worthy of emulation and recognition.

“This package of programs and projects that will be funded from our 20 percent IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment) will be relevant, acceptable and valuable to all of us. As a strong advocate of convergence, I had made it as one of my development strategies in achieving peace. For it is my belief that there can be no peace without development and there can be no development without peace,” Malanyaon said during a recent Provincial Development Council meeting in her province attended by all top local government officials in the province.

“And this finds affirmation in the twin goals that we have remarkably attained through the Peace and Development Outreach Program or PDOP and how it work in harnessing all relevant programs of various government agencies to provide integrated support not only to conflict-affected communities but also to those vulnerable areas, with the military and civilians coming together, working together, pursuing undertakings together, creating a synergy, sharing the same values and levels of commitment, same values and same timeliness,” she added.

The Internal Peace and Security Plan or Bayanihan program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines was piloted in Davao Oriental to great success, with government and the military cooperating in bring-

ing development projects to far-flung areas especially those called GIDAs or Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas which are far from vital government and private resources.

The government has defined GIDAs as communities with a marginalized population and physically and socio-economically separated from the mainstream society.

They are physically isolated due to distance, adverse weather conditions, lack of transportation (island, upland, lowland, landlocked, hard to reach and underserved communities), with high poverty incidence, presence of vulnerable sectors, and a community in or recovering from situations of crisis or armed conflict.

“We intend to continue to pour our support to include these conflict-affected and vulnerable areas by providing funds for the rehabilitation, construction, installation of potable water supply and sanitation projects and for the installation, maintenance of lighting system. And in addition, we have extended coverage of the rehabilitation, maintenance and improvement of local roads, bridges and other public facilities in order to sustain the benefits of improved accessibility to these areas.

The same has to be implemented on a regular, yearround basis employing the counterparting scheme. Funds shall also be provided as counterpart for special-funded programs under the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP), Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), Davao Integrated Development Program (DIDP), and for debt servicing for loans incurred purposely for development projects,” says the governor.

“In retrospect, my administration of nine years may seem to be long enough to have bestowed the palpable gains, yet I feel that the work is far from done. As it is, the problem with time is that it eventually runs out. And we know for a fact that there are still many development needs that have to be addressed. Yet, in a sense, the unfinished business, so to speak, will have to be carried over to the successor’s plan to address these needs,” Malanyaon said.

“It is in the light of these developments that we are enjoining the Provincial Planning and Development Office to spearhead the preparation of our successor Provincial Development Plan 2017-2023.

We can say that we have sustained our forward-looking paradigm and have developed our capacities to look ahead and to prepare for future challenges,” the lady governor added. (Ferdinand Zuasola)

7 ECONOMY

SERVING REMOTE VILLAGES. This 4.929 km farm-to-market road in Tupi, South Cotabato is now serving the farmers in the remote villages of Crossing Rubber and Lunen. The project amounting to P41.85 million is part of the P5.11 billion Mindanao portfolio.

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Stakeholders aim to hike coffee yield

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

S

crc@edgedavao.net

TAKEHOLDERS of the coffee industry in the Philippines are targeting to plant one million seedlings of Robusta coffee variety in a 1,000-hectare area in Sulu starting July next year in a bid to increase the country’s annual coffee production.

“We are targeting to plant one million coffee trees of different varieties every year until we reach self sufficiency five to seven years from now,” Philippine Coffee Board, Inc. (PCB) chairperson and president Pacita U. Juan told reporters at the sidelines of the 8th National Coffee Summit at the SMX Lanang Convention

Center.

Juan said the Philippines is a net importer of soluble or instant coffee coming from Vietnam and Indonesia. Of the 100,000 metric tons (MT) annual demand of the country, only 23,000 MT are met by the local production.

Juan said the planting of seedlings were targeted during the rainy season to ensure and increase the survival rate of each hill.

The expansion of coffee production areas in Sulu and other parts of the country will be under the Ecotree program in partnership with other private organizations. In Pala-

N. Mindanao targets 12% increase in tourist arrivals

P

ROGRESSING well on tourist arrivals for the first half of the year, the Northern Mindanao Region (Region X) sees significant growth of up to 12 percent to 3.2-million tourists by yearend.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Region X director Catalino Chan III said that in 2014, the region acquired 2.9-million tourist arrivals, 32 percent of which are foreigners.

Meanwhile, in the Jan-July period this year, the region has already recorded 2-million tourists.

“We got 2-million tourists this year up to July and we’re expecting more because major festivals are on the last quarter,” Chan told reporters in an interview.

He said that Camiguin’s Lansones Festival will be held in October, Misamis Occidental’s Pasungko Festival in November and Christmas Symbols Festival in December.

Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival will be held in February 2016.

“Basically these are the major festivals that’s getting crowds coming in. We believe that to give good credits for Mindanao, we increase

strength on our festivals,” Chan said.

“It’s the best way for people to be entertained,” he added.

Aside from festivals, Chan said that he also expects more of the region’s accommodations to receive DOT-accreditation. From 2,900 rooms in 2014, the region posed a 32 percent increase around 4,000 rooms this year.

He also plans to eventually market the region as a top MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) destination.

When asked if the recent Samal kidnapping case in its neighbor region affected Northern Mindanao’s tourist arrivals, Chan said that there were hardly any booking cancellations reported.

“We are one of the most peaceful places in the region,” the DOT official said, adding that the region was “very fortunate” to sustain its arrivals.

At present, Chan said that the region is proposing for more direct flights to the region particularly from Korean tourists. Investments on new hotels are also seen to attract more tourists to visit the region. (PNA)

wan, the board is targeting to plant coffee seedlings to some 5,000 hectares after expansion in Sulu.

Juan said the island, which is part of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), has existing coffee plantations of 250,000 hectares mostly planted with Robusta coffee. However, there are coffee varieties of Arabica in high elevated areas as well as Liberica and Excelsa.

“Every hectare has a capacity of producing an average of 5,000 kilogram per hectare annually,” Juan said, adding that harvest season starts every October and last until all

T

HE Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) will conduct two-day 30-minute power interruptions on October 24 and 26, both from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., affecting customers connected to its Panacan Substation.

“These service disruptions will be necessary to facilitate the energization of the new Buhangin-Panacan 69 kilovolts (kV) line and the line stringing works along ERA 2 and DRA 2 lines,” DLPC assistant vice president for reputation enhancement Rossano C. Luga said in a statement.

Luga said customers

affected by these power interruptions are those along diversion road from crossing Dumanlas-Buhangin going to Panacan and also in Sasa from PLDT office up to Ferros Steel in Ilang.

“Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience of these scheduled power interruptions,” he said. The power firm, however, said it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier.

But, Luga said there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances. CHENEEN R. CAPON

of country’s total coffee production of 30,000 metric tons every year. Among the major production areas here are Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato and Davao region.

But, majority of Philippines’ coffee production goes for commercial processing.

Only 10 percent are for specialty coffee and coffee origin.

Juan said coffee producers and farmers in Mindanao should change their mindset that their production should not only be limited to big coffee companies but also to other establishments like coffee shops that offer specialty coffee.

She said there’s a hype globally for specialty coffee and coffee origins.

“Farmers should focus on improving the quality of their beans and improving their farm management,” Juan said.

Consumers, she added, are now willing to pay higher for a cup of a specialty coffee.

Juan said the industry targets to increase production by 10 to 20 percent three years from now.

“This is a conservative estimate,” she said, adding that there’s a need to further promote the industry since there is an increasing global demand.

CATFISH FEST. Los Amigos barangay captain Angelico Santander Jr. and Los Amigos Aqua Culture Producers’ Organization (LAACPO) chair Rebecca A. Limbaga promote the 11th Pantatan Festival to be held on October 29 and 30 in Los Amigos, Tugbok District. The two were guests in yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

BIMP-Eaga member countries seek to put up own trade centers

T Power interruptions set Oct. 24 and 26

green coffee beans turn red.

The Tausug tribe in Sulu was the pioneer in coffee production in the area.

More than 2,200 farmers or 334 families who are members of the People’s Alliance for Progress Multipurpose Cooperative in Sulu were the main producer of Kahawa Kubing, a term the cooperative drew from their own language which means coffee for kahawa and civet for kubing.

Juan said that Sulu and other parts of Mindanao have a huge potential in coffee production.

In fact, Mindanao contributes more than 70 percent

HREE other member countries of the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippine-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) will put their own respective trade and promotion centers, an official said.

This was after the Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia decided during the recent meeting

of the BIMP-EAGA Trade and Investment Facilitation cluster at the Seda Hotel to adopt the strategy of the Philippines in establishing the Philippine Trade, Tourism, and Investment Promotions Center.

“The plan will be finalized by January next year,” BIMP-EAGA Small and Medium Enterprises Development

(SMED) Cluster secretariat Romeo L. told reporters yesterday. Castañaga was part of the Philippine delegate during the BIMP-EAGA Trade and Investment Conference at the Marco Polo Davao earlier this month.

Castañaga said it was not finalized during the meeting the timeline of each country

and whether each center will have the same industries being promoted in the Philippine Center.

“It was easy for the Philippine delegate to have the center that promotes three areas because trade and investment are both under the Department of Trade and Industry,”

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12 has stepped up its interventions to facilitate the tuna industry players’ compliance with international labor standards.

Ofelia Domingo, DOLE Region 12 director, on Wednesday said they have been closely monitoring the operations

of local tuna companies to ensure that they properly adhere to the general labor standards and related regulations.

She said this move is in line with the ongoing assessment by the European Union (EU) on the compliance of tuna companies based in the city to the standards of its Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+).

Representatives from the EU delegation to the Philippines earlier inspected several local tuna companies as part of the GSP+ assessment, she said.

“We’re mainly assisting the tuna industry in complying with the labor-related standards that were set under the GSP+,” Domingo said.

The EU parliament includ-

ed the Philippines in December last year in its GSP+, which grants zero duty or tariff to over 6,000 eligible exports from the country to its member-states.

The GSP+ status covered processed and canned-tuna products caught by 100-percent Philippine-registered vessels.

FBIMP, 12

Raising labor standards in tuna sector T

FRAISING, 12

9 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 147 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2015

Sure ways of controlling golden kuhol Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“E

ARN P60,000 a year!” Thus read the ad for yet another get-rich-quick scheme: raising escargot, the freshwater snail known locally as golden kuhol or golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata). “With minimal effort, investment and space young and retired folks can propagate golden kuhol easily,” the ad went on to say.

Like the common rice field snail, the golden kuhol was then recognized as a delicacy. Because it was good food and equally good alternative source of income, enterprising farmers started raising golden kuhol in their backyards.

Barely three years after its introduction to the Philippines, the snail which is said to have originated from the Amazon River in South America was practically everywhere.

The snail multiplies rapidly, a characteristic that transformed them from being a rare delicacy to a dreaded pest.

Golden apple snails feed on anything. They can live for two to six years. Adults mate any time of the day, usually among crowded plants where there is continuous water supply throughout the year.

They are very prolific. A female snail lays 200 to 500 eggs at a time, and between 1,000 to 1,200 eggs during one month.

Very prolific, they proliferate rapidly as their eggs and hatchlings are transported by rivers and streams. They are dispersed to the rice fields through irrigation water. Suddenly, rice farmers have a new nemesis. “Their fast growth and reproduction leads to population levels that can destroy entire rice crops,” deplores the Rome-based United

Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

According to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), golden apple snails eat young and emerging rice plants. They cut the rice stem at the base, destroying the whole plant. If there’s no control measure taken, they can completely destroy one square meter of field overnight. “This damage could lead to more than 50% yield loss,” IRRI points out.

IRRI says the critical time to manage golden apple snails is during land preparation and crop establishment or planting; specifically, first 10 days after transplanting and during the first 21 days after direct wet-seeding.

Researchers from Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) discovered that growing of azolla is an alternative way to minimize the damages caused by golden kuhol in transplanted rice.

Dindo King Donayre, who led the study, said that growing azolla together with rice will divert the appetency of golden kuhol away from the newly-established rice. “The amount of missing seedlings is significantly reduced up to 89.2% per square meter with an average of 60 snails per square meter,” he said.

Through the course of the study, azolla was introduced on the rice field 10 days after transplanting. Golden kuhol were also placed at different population levels throughout the experiment area. Data on missing rice seedlings were gathered daily for 7 consecutive days.

“At varying water levels and golden apple snail population per square meter, we

Azolla grown along with rice (Photo by PhilRice)

Golden apple snail noted a significant decrease of missing seedlings,” Donayre explained. At 1-centimeter water level, the decrease ranged from 84.3%- 89.2%, and at 2-3 centimeters the rate of decrease ranged from 65.3% to 77.6%, all from 30-90 golden apple snail population per square meter.

“It is a natural way of golden apple snail management,” Donayre said.

Azolla is known for its nitrogen-fixing capability and is widely used as a biofertilizer reducing farmers’ expenses on synthetic fertilizers. “Farmers who grow azolla are actually growing their own fertilizers,” says Roy Alimoane, the director of Mindanao Baptist Rural

Life Center in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. Azolla contains 4 percent nitrogen on a dry weight basis (dry weight is 5 percent of fresh weight); 0.5-0.9 percent phosphorus; and 2-4.5 percent potassium.

For only three hours, Alimoane claims, a farmer can grow adequate azolla to increase yields equivalent to that produced by 30-60 kilograms of nitrogen fertilizer per hectare. Residual soil nitrogen is increased.

Azolla floats on the water between rice plants. When it dies and is incorporated into the soil, decomposition releases the nitrogen. “Azolla growth does not interfere with normal rice cultivation,” IRRI assures.

Azolla

“In fact, it helps control weeds and improves soil texture.”

“Aside from being an alternative method to nutrient management, growing of azolla is also an effective, economical, and environment-friendly way of managing golden apple snail,” Donayre said.

In Malaysia, however, farmers control the snails simply by using rotten jackfruit as bait. This method has proven to be “highly successful.” A paper presented during a workshop convened by the Taiwan-based Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC) shares the following steps: 1. Rotten jackfruits to be used as bait are collected.

Only those freshly rotted fruits

which have a strong smell should be selected.

2. A suitable spot is carefully chosen where the baits are placed. The spot should be a place with running water, populated with golden apple snails, and not hard when it comes to collecting the snails.

The bait should not be submerged into the water.

3. The baits are left overnight.

4. The spot is inspected in the morning. The snails that have gathered on and around the jackfruit are collected and destroyed (or they can be used as feed for ducks).

5. The rotten jackfruit is replaced, if and when necessary.

EDGEDAVAO

10 VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 147 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2015

EDITORIAL Unattended excavations

T

WO months ago, this paper checked with the Davao City Water District on the status of the diggings along Bacaca Road (now Dizon Road). The DCWD spokesperson informed this paper that the repair will be done soon pending the bidding process for the road.

If you drive along that section which is the most convenient way out of downtown heading West and North of the city, almost half of the road was damaged by the diggings and what used to be a smooth ride became a narrow rough patch slowing down the flow of traffic especially on rush hours.

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It has been two months since we last checked and the same condition can be said of this road section. No repairs whatsoever.

This is not the only road affected. Everywhere in the city, diggings have been done and most of these have yet to be repaired.

With ample time for people’s patience, it is imperative upon the agency concerned, in this case the DCWD, to fast track the repairs of these road sections damaged by the diggings. While the excavations are meant to improve service, these projects also entail the responsibility to make prompt repairs in consideration of the general public.

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EDGEDAVAO

R

EPORTS said 130 individuals have filed certificates of candidacy for president. One may find this news amusing given that most of the aspirants are likely to be dismissed by the Commission on Elections as nuisance candidates. Yet aside from providing the public entertainment, such record-breaking – but by no means flattering – figure also points to the depth of the abyss to which Philippine politics has sunk into.

It wouldn’t have mattered had all, or at least a good number, of the aspirants have presented platforms that don’t sound insane – or something close to it.

There is that fellow who claimed to be Kris Aquino’s real husband, and another one who wanted to institutionalize the four seasons in the country. The latter reminds of a pre-Martial Law era story of a lawmaker who reportedly filed a bill

I

F you happen to visit Tagum City in Davao del Norte, one thing that will immediately catch your attention are the palm trees that are planted along the highways. Even if you go inside the city, you can still see palm trees scattered throughout.

Every time I go to Tagum City, I am always reminded of Florida when I visited Fort Lauderdale and even when we went to Miami. Yes, the Sunshine State is also a state of palms.

There are thousands of kinds of palms but the coconut palm is the most important, economically speaking. Coconut is grown over the widest geographical area, has possibly the largest number of uses, and is most suitable for use in the widest variety of foods.

“While coconuts are not mentioned in the Bible, there is mention of them in literature of India and Ceylon as far back as 300 B.C.,” wrote Jasper Guy Woodroof, author of Coconuts: Production, Processing and Products. “Plantings of coconuts

by Agrabodhi II date from 589 A.D. He is supposed to have been the first to introduce coconut cultivation in Ceylon.”

The coconut is the most important nut in the world and is grown for different purposes. Woodroof, who wrote the book in the 1970s yet, recorded: “In the Philippines, coconuts are grown as a stable agricultural and industrial crop. Many of them consumed locally; and export of the various coconut products -- desiccated coconut, copra, coconut oil and copra meal cake -- are major considerations in the national budget and international trade.”

Today, coconut still plays an important role in our economy. Until 1995, the Philippines was the world’s top producer

VOL. 8 ISSUE 147 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS 11

130 faces of madness prohibiting typhoons, earthquakes and other disasters from occurring in the country.

But what has remained sane in this country in as far as politics is concerned?

Each day finds us confronting inanities in various shades being peddled by politicians, their spin masters, and of course, their image sanitizers in media. Expect the madness to worsen as we approach doomsday (read elections). If anything other than inflation and joblessness has gone up in this country, it is the level of dementia afflicting our body politic.

True, making preposterous marital claims holds no significance for the May 2016 political exercise and to our collective future. Ms Kris has had lost count of marital problems that have come her way that another one thrown at her feet will no longer bother her or her legions of fans and bashers. And multiplying our seasons won’t make a dent either on the impact of climate change that has beleaguered us in recent years.

The tragedy, however, doesn’t end with the outlandish agenda of the socalled nuisance candidates; even the supposedly sane among those who wish to become president can hardly go beyond parenthood declarations of what they intend to do. Indeed, it’s all been hot air, open-ended generalizations and enumeration of recycled promises that don’t sum up into a comprehensive and

coherent policy platform. The only edge these candidates have over the rest is the certainty that they would breeze through any psychiatric screening.

Beyond this, it is already difficult to spot the difference between the “sane” candidates and those whose statements dwell on the absurd. The latter promise us things that we know are impossible, the former things that we know they will forget once they get to sniff the ordure of power. The latter give us comic relief, the former promises that will be heard again in the next political season.

We laugh at the weirdness of it all not knowing we are looking at the image in the mirror before us. This is desperation. No, this is madness.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com.)

of coconuts. THINK ON THESE! But we were dislodged by Indonesia as our coconut productivity is only 75% that of our neighboring country.

C o c o n u t Henrylito D. Tacio is planted in henrytacio@gmail.com 67 provinces. There are around 1.4 million coconut farms with an average nut yield of 4.4 metric tons per hectare per year. Our two main products -- copra and coconut oil -- earns about US$1 billion annually from exports. Unfortunately, most of the 3.4 million farmers who plant coconut live below the poverty line.

The popularity of palm oil and rapeseed oil may further erode the viability of coconut in the international market. But all is not lost forever. After all, the coconut oil “has the lowest content of cholesterol among the commercially available vegetables, including soybean oil, corn oil, palm oil and canola oil,” wrote Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III in his monthly column, “Straight from the Farm.”

Coconut oil is considered the “healthiest oil” as it contains 92% poly-saturated fatty acids, 6% mono-unsaturated fatty acids and 2% poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Here’s what Dr. Guerrero further wrote: “The many health benefits of coconut oil are attributed to its high content of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), mainly lauric acid. MCFAs are directly absorbed by the liver and immediately used

for energy and not stored as body fat. Coconut fats do not increase ‘bad cholesterol’ and can even reduce obesity.”

As for lauric acid, Dr. Guerrero noted: “Lauric acid has antimicrobial properties. Research has showed it to be effective against lipid-coated viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa.”

Another product from coconut that should be given attention by our farmers is coconut sap sugar or coco sugar. It deserves all the attention for a very good reason: coco sugar has been found to be a suitable alternative sweetener for diabetics and non-diabetics due to its low glycemic index (GI).

GI refers to a numerical scale or ranking system of measuring the rate of blood glucose generation by a particular food item as compared to a reference item, such as glucose = 100. “GI ranks foods on how they affect the person’s blood glucose levels,” explains a fact sheet circulated by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).

“This index measures how much one’s blood glucose increases in two to three hours after eating.”

Intake of food with low GI level will not result in or trigger a sudden increase in blood glucose level of an individual.

The result of a study made by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute showed coco sugar to have a GI of 35, which is classified as “low GI food.”

Coco sugar abounds with minerals and vitamins. It is a rich source of potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. It also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6.

Chemically characterized as an “invert sugar,” it is a potential sweetener for the fast-growing pharmaceutical and food in-

dustries.

Coco sugar is derived from freshly harvested coconut sap or toddy, which we call as tuba. To prevent fermentation, the sap is collected every five hours. When enough sap is collected, it is transferred into big wok and placed over moderate heat to evaporate the water and concentrate the sugar into syrup and finally into crystals and granules.

Another healthy product from coconut is its water. American nutritionist Jonny Bowden, author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, considers coco water to be a “perfectly good option” for people who want to stay hydrated. “It’s high in heart-healthy potassium, with most brands providing about 700 milligrams in an 11-ounce serving – that’s lots more than you get in a banana,” he wrote.

“It also has only about 60 calories per 11-ounce serving.”

One American health magazine hails coco water as “America’s healthiest beverage” for providing enhanced hydration, essential nutrition and all five essential electrolytes (calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous and sodium).

When compared with a popular sports drink per 100 milligrams, coco water has more potassium (294 milligrams versus 11.7 milligrams), less sodium (25 milligrams versus 41 milligrams), more chloride (118 milligrams versus 39 milligrams), more magnesium (10 milligrams versus 7 milligrams), and less sugars (five milligrams versus six milligrams).

“Medically, the buko juice is one of the purest sources of energy in the world,” says Dr. Jose P. Naval, an occupational physician based in Davao. “It is considered to be sterile because of its sealed enclosure in the nut shell.”

Going nuts over coco

12 NEWS EVICT... FROM 12

stones at them.

The mayor said he has been telling the settler to leave the area because the government will use the property for the general public.

“Why do they need to obstruct? It is already 25 years in the making,” he said.

Duterte said he already told the settlers that he can provide them with a relocation are if they just peacefully vacate the area.

Last Tuesday, Tugbok Police Station filed cases against Bonnleey P. Pailan, 35; Michael J. Rafuls, 30; Jayson R. Vedeflor, 33; Raul M. Galindo, 40; Cresencio N. Macarayo, 59; Jonathan C. Sudaria, 25; Andres I. Igbali, 51; Diosdao I. Igbali, 51; Allan C. Logronio, 41; Rodrigo M. Alaba Jr., 22; Floramea B. Carmina, 36; and Rosita T. Montilde, 48 before City Prosecution Office (CPO) on Tuesday afternoon.

The respondents, who are all residents of Purok 117 in the area, were submitted for inquest procedure before Prosecutor Stella Esparagoza-Camino for arson.

CPO records showed that

Tugbok... FROM 4 foods,” Los Amigos barangay captain Angelico Santander Jr. said during the I-Speak Media Conference at City Hall.

The highlight of the twoday event will be the “Sugbahan sa Dalan” where there will be a kilometer-long grill along the Davao-Bukidnon highway in Los Amigos to accommodate people coming from different places who want to taste grilled hito for free.

There will also be “Subastahan sa Pantatan” where members of LAACPO and hito retailers will exhibit and sell

Raising... FROM 8 During the inspection, Domingo said they hosted a roundtable discussion to tackle issues and concerns regarding the industry’s compliance with GSP+ standards.

She said the gathering was joined by EU-GSP+ representatives, civil society organizations and industry players.

Among the issues tackled were the labor dispute between union workers and the management of tuna firm Citra Mina, labor contractualization, and the impending implementation of the proposed rules and regulations governing the working and living conditions in the fishing industry.

Domingo said the EU delegation led by its GSP unit’s deputy head, Nikos Zaimis, stressed the need for continuing dialogues to address the pending labor issues within the industry.

“That’s what we’ve been doing right with the Citra Mina issue. There are ongoing talks under our single-entry ap-

some of the suspects also face other cases. Sudaria, Galindo and Flor are facing direct assault while Carmina, Pailan, Rafuls, Macrayo, Igbalic, Logronio, Alaba, and Montilde are facing a case of disrespecting a person in authority.

Operatives recovered a “katana” (short sword), two bolos, a lighter, gasoline container, and a multicab from the crime scene.

The suspects and other residents in the area had made a human barricade in the area and posted a tarpaulin stating “117 Bago Oshiro Farmers Association Davao City Ipaglaban namin ang karapatan sa lupa (We will fight for the right to this land).”

Police said the group was led by Logronio who said that the settlers said they will fight for their rights to the property in the area even though the City Council had already approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the city and UP Min for the establishment of the sports complex. their catfish products at grower’s price. This aims to pique the interest of small and medium enterprises in Davao City and neighboring provinces.

After 10 years of celebrating the festival, the City Council two weeks ago declared the Pantatan Festival an official celebration every last week of October.

Santander said the community is expecting local government officials and vice presidential candidate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano to join the celebration. proach to resolve the matter,” she said.

DOLE is currently crafting a proposed joint department order to lay down the government’s labor-related policies, programs and other interventions concerning fishing companies.

Domingo said the joint department order specifically sets the “rules and regulations governing the employment and working conditions of fishers employed in fishing vessels engaged in commercial fishing operation.”

“It aims to harmonize laws and regulations in giving decent work to fishermen and ease doing business with the fishing industry,” she said.

The city, which is home to six of the country’s tuna canneries, is dubbed the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines.”

The industry generates annual export receipts of around US$ 350 million and directly employs about 20,000 workers. (MindaNews)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 147 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2015

Boy... FROM 4

Japan... FROM 2 The size of the machine that will bed delivered, he said, will depend on the amount of oil that this city will be able to collect.

“The main goal of this project is to help the environment. Added benefit na lang ang energy,” he said. There is, however, no current government-initiated incentive for cooperation.

Domingo said this project relies on people’s benevolence and concern for the en-

vironment.

CENRO has set up two hotlines for people to call if they want to inquire regarding the project or are interested in donating used cooking oil. The numbers are 227-2655 and 244-0094.

Japanese officials and researchers began this project in Davao City in November of last year and are expected to come here again on November 16 to continue their studies.

dren above 15 but below 18 are only arrested when they are proven to have discernment,” Commission of Human Rights (CHR) Region 11 representative Atty. Rochelle Solis said.

Solis said discernment is not just about the child’s awareness of whether the act committed was right or wrong but also about their awareness of the consequences of that action.

Solis explained that children need to be aware that they could be convicted for the crimes they commit.

Children who commit crimes are caught by the police are not arrested. Instead, there is initial contact with a social worker.

If the crime committed isn’t heinous, the child is returned to his or her family and community. If it was, the child is required to spend a minimum of one year in the intervention program in Bahay Pag-asa.

Children, Solis emphasized, are given reformative justice instead of punitive justice.

The law, she explained, also takes into account that many children are only taken advantage of by criminal minds who use and exploit their vulnerability.

The JJWA holds account-

able the people who exploit children and profit from their use, and who abuse their authority and confidence to manipulate children.

It is these people who are given the maximum period of penalty for the crime that he or she is charged for.

The observance and intervention for juvenile delinquents are also supported by educational institutions. “If it happens in schools, there’s a procedure especially for guidance councilors,” Department of Education (DepEd) representative Atty. Lalaine Javing said.

“First, there’s primary intervention which involves youth-oriented programs. In secondary interventions, children at risk are monitored by teachers and the family is informed,” Javing said.

She said the programs recognize that the children’s actuations are an effect of their environment.

On Friday, October 23, there will be simultaneous symposiums on the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act throughout the different barangays in Davao City in commemoration of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week with the theme, “Bata ay Gabayan; Batas sa Juvenile Justice bigyang daan.”

Vanessa Kate Madrazo

dards Applicable to Professional Practice and Thematic 3 – Ethical Governance and Quality Principles,” Mascariñas said.

For information on reg-

istration, Certified Public Accountants may contact the PICPA-Davao Office and contact Liza or Inah at Telephone no. (082) 221-2300 or (082) 305-6081.

said Castañaga, who also the current DTI provincial director for Davao del Norte.

However, this is not the same for the three other member countries, he said.

“They will need to coordinate with other offices that handle investment, trade and tourism,” he said.

Castañaga said it would be possible that each country will establish a trade center instead.

In the Philippines, the one-stop shop center called Ecofusion here is now located at the Abreeza Mall in Davao City which showcases various products from Mindanao and Palawan.

“The enterprises can eas-

ily access information like customs procedures and other investment opportunities through the website,” DTI 11 regional director Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi earlier said, adding it would help both the local government units and industry players.

Launched earlier this year, the Ecofusion is the DTI’s strategy in partnership with private sector in promoting trade, tourism, and investment opportunities of Mindanao and Palawan in gearing up gearing up for the Asean Economic Community (AEC), a single-based production center which will completely takes effect in December this year.

70 young... FROM 2

PICPA... FROM 15 BIMP... FROM 8

ment troops.

He said Suhudan was taken to the headquarters of the Charlie Company, 35th Infantry Battalion, for medical treatment.

He said the residents of Barangay Sandah earned the ire of Sapari since they favor

the concreting of the circumferential road linking the barangays of Sandah and Tugas, Patikul.

He said Sapari opposes the concreting of the circumferential road as it will provide easy access to the government troops. (PNA)

am qualified and luckily I did.

We went under trainings and seminars on how to properly raise a poultry business.”

“Now that I have these chickens, I am very hopeful that this will help our family.

Of course, I am thankful to our city government, to our Mayor for giving mothers like me an opportunity to have a business,” Rias said.

The Kita Ni Nanay, Para Kay Nanay is a program launched by the IBA to economically empower indigent mothers.

“We want our mothers to be empowered through teaching them how to do business. Typically, we see our mothers and our women to be just housewives. I want to change that by making them proactive and equal partners of their husbands,” Rivera said.

“The city government allotted PhP1.2 million for the Kita Ni Nanay, Para Kay Nanay program. As of now, we are eyeing to distribute chickens to at least 520 mothers in the city – 20 to each barangay,” he added.

Rivera said the program will be sustained to benefit more poor and deserving mothers in the city.

Sahara Cabreros, a student of Mindanao State University College of Law Extension, heads the IBA. Aside from the Kita Ni Nanay, Para Kay Nanay, the IBA currently runs other programs which targets different sectors in the city such as the youth and the elderly.

The Amigohanay sa Barangay and Alay Kay Lolo

at Lola are among the programs that the IBA handle.

Its program Barangayan, on the other hand, brings government services like medical and legal services closer to the people.

(IJLagare-Gensan CPIO/ DEDoguiles-PIA12)

Gensan... FROM 6

The brand name of the facility was coined form the word “eco” representing three major development principles of BIMP-EAGA commitments, which are the ecological balance, eco-tourism and economic development. The word “fusion,” on the other hand, depicts the integration of initiatives on trade, tourism and investments of the four member-countries.

“There are already enrollees from other regions. There are cubicles and stands where they can put in their products.

This is not going to be that big but this is important that we have put up this kind of showcase for the local players,” she added. CHENEEN R. CAPON

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

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ-Dual Ordinary Regular Service

Case No.2015-XI-00939 (2011-XI-00650) ERMELINDA P. ORILLANEDA, Petitioner-Vendee x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by ERMELINDA P. ORILLANEDA in favor of MEJARIE T. ALMANON of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route ELENITA HEIGHTS VIA MINTAL and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate is still valid and subsisting to April 24, 2017.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on NOVEMBER 4, 2015 at 09:30 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 9th day of October 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

COMPETITIVE EDGE13

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 147 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2015

ALL ABOUT MICE. Meetings, Incentives Travel, Conventions, Events/Exhibits (MICE) Let’s Meet in Davao program handlers ink an agreement with partner airlines for special discounts and low fare rates for conventions and events happening in Davao. In photo are MICE Davao Execom chair Kennedy Kapulong and AirAsia Zest Head of Commercial Gerard F. Penaflor as they sign a Memorandum of Agreement during the opening of the ATOP National Convention last October 1. Davao City, the most urbanized city in Mindanao, has established itself as a MICE Destination in the

Philippines with its ready facilities, stable peace and order and strong private and public sector partnerships. Aside from airline partners, the dining/restaurant, wellness and spa, and shopping sectors of the city have been tapped to give special rates and discounts for convention and event participants during their stay in Davao. The MICE Execom is composed of private and public tourism sector representatives pushing for Davao as the MICE destination for event organizers, corporations, associations, and companies to hold their activities in the city.

Globe transmits disaster SMS alerts in support of NDRRMC I

N support of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Globe Telecom transmitted text messages warning customers of potential danger coming from Typhoon Lando. Only customers in areas affected by the typhoon were given the message.

The move is also in compliance with the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act or Republic Act 10639, which requires all telecommunication service providers to send free mobile alerts before disasters such as typhoon happen.

“As mandated by law,

Globe is privileged to be a conduit of useful information beneficial in ensuring the safety and security of people. We hope that through dissemination of timely and relevant alerts, Globe is able to assist and contribute to the government’s objective of minimizing casualties,” Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said.

The mobile alerts include critical information that affected communities can use to prepare for and respond to disasters. The disaster alerts sent by Globe through SMS messaging were directed to

customers in Aurora, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Viscaya, Ifugao, Northern Quezon, Polilio Island.

Crisanto said Globe is also closely coordinating with NDRRMC for the immediate restoration of telecommunication services in areas affected by Typhoon Lando. Outages were caused mainly by power outages while strong winds brought by the typhoon also caused transmission issues. Outages were monitored in the provinces of Aurora, Benguet, Ifugao, Isabela, Kalinga, La Union, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Quirino, Tarlac

and Zambales.

Ongoing restoration efforts are currently being focused in areas in Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Pampanga and other areas where storm signals have been downgraded.

Crisanto also said preparations to assist residents in affected communities with their communication requirements are ongoing. A Globe Libreng Charging service is now available in Quezon St, Barangay Suklayin in Baler, Aurora. Relief operations in certain areas in Aurora, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac are also being considered.

of Orange and Ooredoo Myanmar.

Smart’s president and chief executive officer Napoleon L. Nazareno was shortlisted for CEO of the Year, along with Timotheus Hoettges of Deutsche Telekom, Johan Dennelind of TeliaSonera, and nine other finalists. Nazareno is the only CEO from Southeast Asia who made it to the final list of contenders.

The Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP) was named finalist for the WCA’s Social Contribution Award. Under this program, Smart partners with colleges and universities to improve engineering

and Information Technology education in the Philippines, and to help schools produce industry-ready graduates or future technology entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, the PowerApp service developed by Voyager Innovations, the digital innovations arm of PLDT and Smart, is in the running for the Innovation Award. PowerApp is a mobile application that dispenses affordable bite-size mobile data access, enabling subscribers to pay only for the services that are relevant to them.

The WCA is organized annually by London-based industry publication Total

Telecom. Winners will be named during an awarding ceremony to be held in London on December 1.

Smart and fellow PLDT wireless unit Sun Cellular had 68.9 million subscribers by the end of the first half of 2015. The PLDT Group estimates capital expenditures to hit a record P43 billion this year, with allocations for network initiatives that will further strengthen the group’s capabilities of growing its digital services.

Smart is offering a wide and growing array of music, video, and other digital content and services to enable its subscribers to live the “Smart Life.”

Smart among world’s best mobile operators

S

MART Communications is one of only three finalists for Best Mobile Operator at the World Communication Awards (WCA), an international recognition program for innovation and outstanding performance in the telecommunications industry.

Smart is competing against Middle Eastern operator Ooredoo and Australian company Telstra in the invitation-only category.

Smart was last year’s winner in the said category.

The Philippine operator is also in the running for Best Operator in an Emerging Market, against the likes

PLDT launches 1 Gbps speed broadband plan

P

LDT HOME Fibr is introducing the country’s first ever Gigabyte plan and the groundbreaking symmetrical speed feature that entitles users to equal upload and download speeds.

PLDT HOME Fibr runs on fiber-optic technology that is touted as the world standard for broadband, making it capable to deliver the country’s fastest plan.

PLDT’s most robust and widest reach of fiber-tothe-home (FTTH) facility spans to 100,000 kilometers nationwide enabling it to provide the digital lifestyle needs of Filipino homes.

Earlier this year, PLDT HOME Fibr also upgraded the speeds of all its plans from a minimum speed of 8 Mbps to 20 Mbps, all the way up to the 100 Mbps plan which was boosted to 200 Mbps.

PLDT HOME VP and HOME Marketing Director Gary Dujali said, “These massive speed boosts and the new symmetrical speeds combined with our unparalleled offers let our subscribers experience the ultimate digital lifestyle at the comforts of their home. As the country’s most powerful broad-

band, PLDT HOME Fibr stands firm on its commitment to provide topnotch services for its consumers, reinforcing the strongest connections at home,” The introduction of these game-changing services from PLDT HOME Fibr come at the heels of recent partnerships with global content providers; South East Asia’s biggest internet TV provider iflix and the region’s biggest broadcaster Fox International Channels (Fox), the country’s number one pay TV provider Cignal TV and the country’s award-winning music portal Spinnr. Access to all the world-class multimedia content from these partners come free with any Fibr subscription.

PLDT HOME Fibr delivers powerful Internet speed of up to 1Gbps, allowing high-speed browsing of multiple websites, access to over 100 Cignal Digital TV channels and the country’s first symmetrical speed service. With plans starting at P1, 899, Fibr is now available in over 1,600 Fibr-powered villages nationwide including Valle Verde 1-6, Forbes Park, Dasmarinas Village and Ayala Alabang Village, among others.

14 CULTURE & ARTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 147 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2015

HISTORY OF DAVAO

Esteemed colonists in city streets (10

th

of a Series)

BY ANTONIO FIGUEROA

H

ONORING colonizers in urban streets is not unique to Davao. In fact, from the north to the south of the archipelago, familiar names we often meet in history books create nostalgia, and they are honored by different people for various reasons.

In fact, the streets of Davao used to host to the names of five Spanish conquistadors (Hernan Cortez, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Fernando Magallanes, Simon de Anda, and Jose Oyanguren) and two governors-general (Simon de Anda and Narciso Claveria).

Hernan (Hernando) Cortes, conqueror of Mexico (1518-20), is known for bringing down the Aztec Empire (Peru) in 1521.

Though not involved in the conquest of the Philippines, he is honored with a few landmarks (i.e., a Bohol town and a street in Mandaue City) for his role in the Galleon Trade, the first intercontinental commercial link between Manila and Mexico. (Cortes Street was originally named after a certain Escario but has since been shortened in length.)

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, who founded Cebu in 1565, was the first Governor-General of Spanish East Indies, a territory that included the Philippines, Guam and the Marianas Islands. In 1571, he made Manila the Spanish East Indies. (The street named in his honor has been changed to Pantaleon Pelayo Sr. Street.)

On the other hand, Fernando Magallanes (Ferdinand Magellan), a former Portuguese navigator who transferred his loyalty to Spain, rediscovered Islas de Filipinas in 1521. He led an expedition that failed after local hero Lapulapu killed him and sev-

eral of his soldiers in the Battle of Mactan. (The street in his honor has been renamed to Antonio Pichon Street.)

Jose Oyanguren (whose street was later replaced to Ramon Magsaysay Street) is the last Spanish conquistador and is the ‘conqueror of Davao.’ He died in Davao and his remains buried in a local graveyard.

Meanwhile, Simon de Anda, a judge in the Real Audiencia of Manila, was lieutenant-governor of Manila during the 1672 British Occupation; he established his base at Bacolor, Pampanga after governor and captain-general Archbishop Manuel Rojo, was captured. (The street named in his honor has since been changed to Feliciano Iñigo Street.)

Meanwhile, Narciso Claveria, the first Count of Manila, was the Spanish governor-general (1844-50) of the Philippines, when the infamous burning of trading vessel San Rufo took place in Davao Gulf, which sparked the conquest of Davao chieftain Datu Bago. He is best known for issuing the Catálogo alfabético de apellidos, a reference book of surnames for the Filipinos. (The street honoring him has since been renamed to C.M. Recto Street.)

The American colonists, too, have their share of recognition in city streets, including two governors. Frank W. Carpenter, a US Army personnel, was the former secretary of Maj. Gen. Elwell Otis, the country’s military governor,

and his successor, Gen. Arthur MacAr-

thur, Jr. In 1908 he became executive secretary of the Philippine Commission, and he replaced Gen. John J Pershing as Moro Province governor, the first civilian and last American, on Dec. 15, 1913.

Douglas MacArthur, a US Army chief of staff during the 1930s, is widely honored as a war hero. He earned the Medal of Honor for his military service in the country, making him and his father Arthur, Jr., the first father and son to receive the medal.

He was one of five men to earn the rank of General of the Army, and the only man to become Philippine Army field marshal. A highway

that stretches from Gov. Generoso Bridge up to Bangkal, has been named in his honor.

Edward Robert C. Bolton, Davao’s first quasi-civil governor, was sent to the Philippines as part of the fabled 17th Infantry. His became civil governor under Act No. 787 due to his war exploits and military leadership. On June 6, 1906, he was by hacked to death by a Kulaman Manobo chief. In his memory, a small river near Mt. Halcon, in Oriental Mindoro, and a street (which has since been changed to Ponciano Bangoy Street) and a bridge were named in his honor.

Another American, Thomas Clifford, the ‘liberator of Davao’, is also recognized. He won his

Star Award in the New Guinea campaign in 1944 and his first Distinguished Service Cross and other medals in the famous Leyte battle. He was sent to Mindanao to reinforce the liberation of Mindanao but died in combat on June 24, 1945, during the mopping-up operations near Tamogan, Calinan, Davao City. He was honored locally with a town plaza and a theater.

(There is also a place known among old timers as Washington, at the Bonifacio Monument junction of Recto and Pichon Sr. streets. It is not named after the first American president, but refers to an area near the old Davao River bank where local residents used to wash their clothes.)

It’s TIME to CHANGE THE GAME. Your ads come to life with vivid, clear, crisp colors.

Get the value for your money and don’t settle for an aweful copy on a badly printed space.

Advertise wisely.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

As creative as you can get.

COMMUNITY SENSE 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 147 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2015

SEARCH FOR EXCELLENCE. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 regional director Bai Zorahaida T. Taha, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 12 regional director Reynaldo M. Bungbung,

Tagum Coop assists PWDs in Davao Norte

T

AGUM Cooperative (TC) is assisting in the construction of a livelihood center for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Davao del Norte.

The cooperative ranks among the donors and partners of DavNor PWD Association in building the Livelihood Production Center for PWDs at Purok Baluno, Barangay San Isidro this city, in line with its thrust to continue reaching out to the marginalized sector of society.

TC officials led by TC Board of Directors (BOD) vice chair Monica Salido and general manager Juris Perez joined the groundbreaking ceremony on October 06, 2015 attended

by Davao del Norte and Tagum City local officials, national line agencies, and private entities.

Salido said the cooperative has initially donated P60,000 for the building of the livelihood center, adding that the gesture is part of its giving importance to PWDs. “Ang Tagum Coop adunay dako nga kasingkasing alang sa mga PWDs. (Tagum Cooperative has a big heart for PWDs),” she said.

She recalled the cooperative extended its gift-giving spree to PWDs in Visayan Village during the 2014 Christmas season.

On top of this, Tagum Cooperative launched in August 2015 the “PWD—Asenso sa Negosyo” program designed to upgrade the livelihood skills of PWDs for them to earn a more substantial income.

Under this livelihood program, 10 PWDs were chosen to undergo a series of five-day training on management of micro enterprises. Tagum Cooperative granted them P5,000 each as start-up capital.

The Cooperative now has the capacity to spread its services beyond the sphere of its members, towards community folks needing utmost assistance, Salido bared.

Tagum Cooperative was recently bestowed the 1st Galing Pook Mamamayani Award which recognizes the noteworthy community services of civic and non-government organizations. The award was received by Chairperson Norma R. Pereyras last September 1 at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. (TC Info Service)

PICPA Davao Chapter holds ethical standards seminar

I

N all professional disciplines, upholding accounting ethical standards is imperative. Investors and business leaders rely on accountants for integrity and accuracy of financial information.

In the pursuit of attaining highest ethical standards in the Accounting practice, the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)Davao Chapter in coordination with the PICPA National Office will be holding an ethical standards seminar.

The seminar, dubbed

“Seminar / Workshop on Voluntary Quality Assurance Review (QAR) Program – Module for Practitioner,” will be held on October 26 and 27, 2015 at the PICPA House, Araullo Street, Davao City.

Local chapter president Jonas Mascariñas made this announcement during the organization’s September Board of Directors’ meeting.

“By participating, Accountants may earn 8 units each of Continuing Professional Development of Thematic 2 – Stan-

FPICPA, 12

CESO IV, and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 12 regional director Minda Cardos-Morante pose with representatives of Gawad Kalasag winning barangays, municipalities, and provinces at the Green Leaf Hotel in General Santos City.

16 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 147 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 - 24, 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

VOL. 8 ISSUE 147 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 17

Climate-proofing Mindanao plantations E

NVIRONMENT groups and representatives from government agencies and agri-business plantations will gather for a policy forum this October 27, 2015 at the Matina Episcopal Mission Center in Davao City to discuss guidelines in adopting climate-mitigation standards in agri-plantations in Mindanao.

“The current state of cultivated slopes in Mindanao has degraded with the unbridled expansion of plantation crops. With global warming and the extreme weather patterns that it brings, this situation may worsen because plantations are also vulnerable to climate change,” said Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) executive director Ann Fuertes.

IDIS, Davao City Watershed Management Council (WMC), and the Davao City Water District (DCWD) are hosting the forum together with the Relief International- Enterprise Works Worldwide, Phils (RI-EWWP), a Cagayan de Oro-based environment consultancy group.

“This forum is convened as a platform for advocating Climate Change-adaptive and sustainable agricultural practices as an island-wide strategy to resist the impacts

of abnormal climate patterns that have spawned profound consequences on agricultural productivity, energy supply and human security,” said RI-EWWP Senior Consultant Raoul T. Geollegue.

In 2011, the Environmental Management Bureau had issued a memorandum circular mandating the inclusion of climate-proofing provisions in the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System. Memo Circular 2011-005 requires project proponents to climate proof their projects by adapting mitigating measures against climate change in their project operations and working environment.

“This forum is a culmination of a long process of discussions and meetings between government agencies, civil society groups, plantation industry stakeholders to come up with a set of guidelines for screening and evaluating climate-change adaptive and sustainable agricultural practices in pineapple plantations to augment the implementation of Memo Circular 2011-005 in Region 10,” said Geollegue.

Fuertes said that the forum organizers are hopeful that these supplemental guidelines will become indispensable as a regulatory

tool for EMB frontline officers, multipartite monitoring teams, EIA review members and especially project proponents of development projects.

“We hope that these

guidelines also become a starting point that can be enhanced further by other stakeholders, especially those coming from the Davao region, so that it becomes relevant and applicable for

UNNAMED FALLS. This waterfall in Iligan City is without a name yet, and a few meters above this is yet another still unnamed waterfall. A short distance downstream is Abaga Falls, sometimes known as Dodiongan Falls,

widespread use,“ she said.

Around 60 participants are expected to attend the forum. These include EMB officials from Regions 10, 11, 12 and the ARMM; LGUS and LGAs; representatives from

the academe and research institutions, plantation industry stakeholders and environment civil society networks; selected regulatory and development agencies; and the local media. (IDIS/PR)

which is the more famous one. Trekkers like these guys, who visited this remote place Wednesday, have been discovering more and more cascades in The City of Waterfalls. MindaNews photo by Bobby Timonera

18 EDGEDAVAO Sports

HOME TEAM

VOL. 8 ISSUE 147 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2015

All set for Oct. 29 Aguilas home game vs. Bangkok Mono Vampires

IMPORT. Two-time PBA Best Import awardee Arizona Reed will lead the Aguilas in the ABL’s new season which begins in Thailand on October 26. The first home game will be on October 29 in Davao City.

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

T

HE ASEAN invasion officially begins on October 29 and as fate would have it, Davao City will have a team to call its very own.

Make way for the Pacquiao Powervit Pilipinas Aguilas who will be making Davao City as its own lair when it sets sail in the new ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) season.

The Pacquiao-Powervit Pilipinas Aguilas will be the lone Philippine representative in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) with

a team to be backstopped by former PBA best import AZ Reid.

The Aguilas, co-owned by boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and the Pilipinas Legends group led by Dick Balajadia and which also includes MX3, will be playing nine home games in Davao City and one in General Santos City and will be debuting on October 29 at the University of Southeastern Philippine (USEP) Gym in Davao City against the Bangkok Mono Vampires.

The league is set to unfurl on October 26 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Aguilas will be coached by former PBA star Zaldy Realubit with Reid and former University of the East big man Charles Mammie as imports.

The locals will be led by two-time PBA MVP Willie Miller, Ali Austria, Nico Elorde, Adrian Salada, Car-

lo Sharma, and Fil-Am Jeremy King.

The team will also parade former Davao Eagle Jondan Salvador and Davao-born Sunday Salvacion of the Rizal Memorial Colleges.

Team consultant and spokesman Randy Caluag said the Aguilas will be a team to contend with in the ABL. The Aguilas defeated the Saigon Heat in a pre-season game on Wednesday.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 147 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

STARS FALL ROS pulls away late to nip Star on PBA opening day

T

HE Rain or Shine Elasto Painters used a scintillating fourth quarter to down the Star Hotshots, 96-87, on the opening day of the PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Elasto Painters big men delivered in this victory.

Beau Belga finished with 11 points, eight of which came in the pivotal fourth quarter.

Raymond Almazan was also stellar all game long, doing the dirty work on defense while providing highlight putback jams for nine points and nine rebounds.

Rain or Shine needed to climb back from 12 points down to get the win, with an explosive fourth quarter led by its bigs making up for the

SPORTS 19 team’s sluggish play for the first three quarters.

Behind the rejuvenated play of James Yap who finished with 13 points at the half, Star got off to a nice start and was able to create an early 25-14 lead in the opening quarter.

The Hotshots remained in control and padded their cushion to 12 points. Rain or Shine was able to stay close and keep themselves just within three, 27-24, but Star quickly recovered and maintained their cushion.

Star kept its lead throughout the game but Rain or Shine kept on fighting, hanging tough. The Elasto Painters finally got a taste of the lead when JR Quinahan’s basket gave them a 71-70 edge at the

start of the final frame.

Rain or Shine then zoomed to an 86-79 lead after a rousing run highlighted by an Almazan and-one and a Belga triple with over three minutes remaining.

A dunk by Gabe Norwood and a hook shot by Belga pushed Rain or Shine’s lead, 92-81, and sealed the win.

Jericho Cruz top-scored for the Elasto Painters with 15 points and five rebounds as he did a fine job filling the void left

by Paul Lee who is sidelined for two months due to a knee injury.

Yap, Alex Mallari and Mark Barroca each finished with 15 points for Star as its rookie coach Jason Webb fell short of notching the first win of his coaching career.

dro Miguel will make the welcome address while Romeo Magat of the Philippine Olympic Committee and Dr. Allan Farmazo of the Department of Education Region 12 will give their inspirational messages.

Two top athletes from Koronadal Kenneth Duremdes, a former PBA superstar, and Henry Dagmil, an ex-member of the national athletic team, will both make the lighting of the urn.

Also expected to attend are government officials from 50 participating local government units. Among them are Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco and Malita Vice Mayor Bradley Bautista.

A refresher’s course for all referees, judges, coaches and team managers will be conducted on October 23. There is also a solidarity meeting on October 24 at 10 a.m. at the Purok Villegas Covered Gym. The winners will advance

to the National Finals set on November 27 to December 2 in Cebu City.

Batang Pinoy is an open tournament for children 15 years old and below that also serves as recruitment baser for sports specialization including training for other high level leagues, national tournaments and international competitions.

Among the games to be played in Koronadal are athletics, arnis, boxing, basketball, badminton, billiards, baseball, softball, sepak takraw, volleyball, taekwondo, wrestling, wushu, table tennis and swimming.

Weightlifting, cheerleading, handball, rugby football, triathlon, pencak silat and beach volleyball will all be played already in the National Finals in Cebu while gymnastics will only be played at the Rizal Memorial gymnasium in Manila. (PNA)

All set for BPinoy Minda Finals in Koronadal

T

HE Mindanao Qualifying Leg of this year’s Batang Pinoy Games gets going on Saturday in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

“We’re now ready for it with 900 athletes as of today,” said project director Atty. Jay Alano of the organizing Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

The delegates from the different cities, provinces and municipalities of Mindanao have started to in Koronadal City since Monday.

“Security is good. They have covered all the billeting areas already and also the registration center at Koronadal gym,” Alano said.

PSC Commissioner-in-charge Atty. Jose Luis Gomez is the keynote speaker in the opening program on October 24 at 4:30 p.m. at the South Cotabato Sports Complex.

Koronadal City Mayor Pe-

FADEAWAY. Alex Mallari of Star Hotshots takes a jumper over the outstretched arms of Raymond Almazan of Rain Or Shine. PBA Images

VOLLEYBABES. Volleyball stars Rachel Anne Daquis and Alexa Micek are this year’s muses for San Miguel Beermen. PBA Images

Gilas coach hopes Blatche, Clarkson will be on board

Thompson renews with Cavs T

T

RISTAN Thompson agreed to a new contract Wednesday with the Cleveland Cavaliers, ending the most significant player holdout just days before last season’s NBA runners-up open the 2015-16 campaign.

The Cavaliers, sparked by superstar LeBron James, agreed to a five-year deal worth $82 million for the 24-year-old Canadian power forward, according to multiple newspaper and television reports.

“It’s been a long summer of grinding and hard work but now it’s back to The Land to take

care of some unfinished business,” Thompson tweeted with the hashtags HappyToBeBack and ALLin, the latter being the Cavaliers’ catch phrase during last season’s drive to the Eastern Conference crown.

James had said signing Thompson to a long-term contract was a key priority of the team and the Cavaliers came through just six days ahead of the team’s opener against Chicago.

Thompson had been a starter for every game over two seasons until James arrived last season and brought a whirlwind of changes, including forward

Kevin Love and big man Timofey Mozgov. But after starting only 15 regular-season games, Thompson made 15 starts in the playoffs and played a vital role when Love went down with an injury.

The Cavaliers, as a result, will likely have the NBA’s highest payroll when the season begins next week at around $115 million.

Thompson rejected a contract extension for four years at just over $50 million before last season to test his value as a free agent, but his work through the season made him too valuable for a title-hungry club such as the Cavaliers to let escape.

GROUFIE. Asi Taulava leads the groufie shot for the Gilas 3 squad.

AB Baldwin welcomed the availability of what he believes is the best available talent for Gilas Pilipinas given the quality of competition awaiting the national team in next year’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Now if he can only have naturalized player Andray Blatche and potential national team player Jordan Clarkson with the team.

Unfortunately, the Gilas mentor could only talk about the case of Blatche at the moment as Clarkson’s situation remains hanging in the balance.

“We don’t know the status of Jordan’s inclusion. But we expect Andray to be there. We expect him to continue become a part of the program,” said Baldwin prior to the start of the PBA 41st sea-

son opening ceremony.

“Jordan is still up in the air as far as I know.”

Baldwin was in the US for a well-deserved rest when the PBA board relented to the request of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to make 17 players available to the Gilas national pool from which the 12-man roster for next year’s Olympic qualifier will be culled.

The 57-year-old American-New Zealander appreciated the gesture of the league board, stressing the team will need the best talent it can have especially playing against some of the best basketball squads in the world.

“It’s the toughest tournament that can ever be assembled because it has so few teams, so

few games. And the opportunities to progress, you have to be at your best right from the start,” he said.

“If we do another Palestine, we’ll be out,” added Baldwin, referring to Gilas stunning 7775 loss to Palestine to start its campaign in the recent Fiba-Asia Men’s Championship. “We have to avoid that, we have to be at our best from the start.”

Ranged against the best in the world during last year’s Fiba World Cup, Gilas proved it can be at par with basketball powers from Croatia, Greece, Argentina, and Puerto Rico by playing competitive against them.

But Baldwin said the Filipinos need to be more than just competitive this time.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 147 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2015