Edge Davao 9 Issue 104

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 16 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

SHOW OF FORCE. Task Force Davao personnel participate in a capability and preparedness demonstration before the TF Davao officials, Philippine National Police (PNP) 11 officers and members of media at the TF Davao headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

6 MAYORS, 8 DADS FACE GRAFT RAPS Prosecutor, vice mayor also charged: Mindanao Ombudsman

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Office of the Ombudsman – Mindanao (OMBMIN) said six mayors, eight municipal councilors and a prosecutor are among the high ranking officials from Mindanao who are facing graft and corruption charges.

Deputy Ombudsman Rodolfo M. Elman of OMB-MIN told reporters on Wednesday that aside from indictments, several other officials from Mindanao were also dismissed from the service.

This includes a vice mayor, and officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

A municipal mayor was also slapped with preventive suspension by OMB-MIN after finding strong evidence of his participation in a brutal massacre.

Ozamis City Mayor Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr. And several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Misamis Occidental Sub-District Engineering Office are facing graft and corruption charges relative to the procurement for the renovation of a gymnasium in Ozamis.

The OMB-MIN said the renovation project was awarded to a company found to have been owned by Parojinog’s daughter and son.

The awarding of the project was in violation to the provision of Section 3 (h) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Former Libertad, Misamis Oriental Mayor Alberto Acain and the members of his Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) were also indicted for violating the provision of Section 3 (c) of RA 3019 for the highly irregular procurement of fertilizers in 2004.

Former Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental Mayor Alex Wangkay was also indicted for violating the provision of section 3 (c) of RA 3019 for extending unwarranted benefits,

advantage or preference to a private contracting firm without the benefit of a competitive public bidding.

Former Norala, South Cotabato Mayor Romeo Januto is also facing graft charges over a P1.1 million fertilizer fund scam in 2005.

Januto was charged together with the town’s municipal accountant, treasurer and BAC members for violating the provision of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act for awarding the contract to a private enterprise without a competitive bidding.

Jose Abad Santos, Davao

F 6 MAYORS, 10

GRAFT CASES ON THE RISE. Office of the Ombudsman for Mindanao deputy ombudsman Rodolfo M. Elman reveals the names of six mayors and eight municipal councilors from Mindanao who were filed with graft and corruption cases during AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at the TF Davao headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

EXCELLENT TRUST RATINGS. President Rodrigo R. Duterte receives 91 percent trust rating according to the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted from July 2 to 8. Lean Daval Jr.

GenSan eyes‘makeshift’rehab facility for surfacing drug users

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HE city government is planning to establish a “makeshift” or temporary drug treatment and rehabilitation center that would cater to surfacing drug users or dependents in the city.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera said they are currently studying various options in line with the development of the facility, which is aimed to complement the anti-drug campaign of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

He acknowledged that the local government needs to initiate support programs for the surfacing drug pushers and users in the area who have already reached a total of 1,873 as of Tuesday night.

“If we will not act and provide the proper interventions, these personalities will just revert to their old ways,” the mayor said in an interview with a local television station.

Rivera said the local gov-

ernment is considering a temporary facility due to the stringent requirements in the establishment of a permanent unit.

He said there are a number of requirements that would be initially difficult for the city government to comply with.

“The LGU (local government unit) can’t do it alone because of the numerous parameters that we should meet,” he said.

For the proposed “makeshift” drug rehabilitation center, the local government could initially lease or use some of its existing facilities to host the facility.

It would be managed by the city government, through the City Health Office, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and other concerned agencies.

F GENSAN, 10

Livelihood center for drug suspects T

HE Davao City Council Committee on Peace and Public Safety is eyeing to put up a livelihood training institute for drug suspects who surrender to authorities.

Councilor Diosdado Mahipus, vice chairperson of the committee, said he will propose this project during next week’s regular session as the number of surrendering drug suspects continues to increase.

In a recent interview, Mahipus said the training center will be managed by the city government, while the private sector is welcome to be a partner in the initiative.

“We should be ready to

accept them (drug suspects) into the mainstream, providing them livelihood and jobs as part of their rehabilitation,” he said.

Through the center, Mahipus said drug personalities will be “trained and eventually be given responsibilities” after they surrender to the authorities.

Livelihood trainings, he said, should be given to drug suspects who want to turn a new leaf.

Mahipus also said the training center will not only provide assistance to drug suspects, but also to interested out-of-school youth who want to improve their station in life.

Rody enjoys high trust rating, Pulse Asia says

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE high trust rating given by the Filipino people to President Rodrigo Duterte was welcomed

by Malacañang, as the Palace expressed its gratitude to the Filipino people for their overwhelming support to the new administration.

“This record-high trust rating of 91%, as reflected in the July 2-8 Pulse Asia survey, is a humbling reminder that the genuine and meaningful change that our people aspire for is now being felt,” said Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar in a statement to the media on Wednesday.

Pulse Asia Research Incor-

porated released on Wednesday its nationwide survey result conducted from the period of July 2 to 8.

Based on the survey which covered 1,200 respondents, 91 percent of Filipinos trust President Duterte.

“A position of leadership is often a lonely one. However, a servant-leader, as they say, has to take people where they don’t want to go, but ought to be,” Andanar added.

He said that the survey result was also an expression of confidence and will serve as an inspiration to the Duterte administration to continuously make a real difference and make the Filipino people’s lives

better, safer and healthier.

In the same survey, Vice President Leni Robredo obtained 62 percent trust rating and Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno with 35 percent.

Pulse Asia, in its website said the interviews with respondents were conducted when Filipinos were preoccupied with the news and developments on the oath taking of President Duterte and Vice President Robredo; when Vice President Robredo was named chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC); when cases were filed against former President Benigno S. Aquino

III in relation to Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and the Mamasapano massacre; and when Senate President Franklin Drilon filed a bill granting emergency powers to President Duterte to address the traffic crisis in Metro Manila.

The survey was also done during the spate of drug-related killings in various parts of the country, and the naming of 5 police generals as drug coddlers; the decision of President Duterte’s economic managers to reduce the national growth rate targets for 2016 and 2017; the impending implementation of the executive order on

gagements with the Bangsamoro and the CPP-NPA-NDF, and then, of course, our effort to do closure to the agreements with the other rebel groups like the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army and the RBB,” Dureza said.

Under the Duterte administration, the peace process with communist and Muslim rebels will not only be inclusive and committed to all signed peace agreements, but will also be consistent with planned reforms.

“We are now in the process of implementing the peace agreements that have been signed, first, in 1996 with the Moro National Lib-

eration Front of Nur Misuari; then, we have the recent CAB or the Comprehensive Agreement for the Bangsamoro with the MILF; and, of course, we have also to deal with the governance unit called the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao covered by Republic Act 9054. Perhaps we can put also in the same level the concerns of the IPs or the Lumads as covered by the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act,” Dureza said.

In the same Malacañang meeting, PRRD also approved the resumption of peace talks with the CPP-NDF-NPA. The panel headed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III led

in the oath-taking of the new panel members. The formal talks with the communist rebels have been set on August 20 to 27 this year.

Also present in the said meeting were the two presumptive leaders of Congress: Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and Representative Pantaleon Alvarez.

“We thought that the legislative branch would be a very important component of our work for peace because the Executive department, which I represent, would merely sign an agreement. But we know very well that implementation of an enabling law will have to

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Dureza: Peace roadmap to pave way for federalism

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N A meeting in Malacañang on Monday, President Rodrigo R. Duterte approved the new “Roadmap to Peace” that will address issues with various rebel groups, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza announced during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Work on a proposed Bangsamoro enabling law will be done simultaneously with the effort to install a federal system of government, Dureza said, adding that the mechanism is aimed at setting up a federal state of the Bangsamoro and will proceed towards a nationwide federal setup.

“This will cover our en-

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

NEWS 3

BJMP: ‘Jails in Davao region now heavily congested’ 66% of inmates facing illegal drugs cases

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE jail facilities in Davao region are now heavily congested that officers of the Bureau of Jail Management (BJMP) in the area have expressed alarm, as they foresee the influx of inmates due to the Duterte Administration’s intensified anti-illegal drug campaign.

“We are heavily congested now,” said Senior Inspector Roberto Gotico, chief of the Civil Relations Service of BJMP-11.

Gotico told reporters during the regular AFP-PNP press conference on Wednesday that of the total number of inmates committed to BJMP facilities in the area, 66 percent are involved in illegal drugs cases.

Records presented by Gotico to the media revealed that of the 5,507 inmates in Davao region, 3,615 prisoners are facing cases related to illegal drugs.

“The highest rate of illegal drugs related cases is in the Davao City Female Dormitory where 75 percent of the female inmates inside the facility are facing illegal drugs cases,” he added.

Gotico also presented

the current summary of jail population in every district jail in the region, wherein the Montevista District Jail in the province of Compostela Valley is considered the most congested jail with 391 inmates, 168 of which are facing illegal drugs cases.

In Davao del Norte, the Tagum City Jail has the highest number of population of 259 where 175 are facing illegal drug cases; Panabo City Jail with 319 inmates, 187 are facing illegal drug cases; the Davao del Norte District jail with 159 inmates, 90 are facing illegal drugs cases; the IGACOS City Jail in Samal Island with 81 inmates, 46 are facing illegal drug related charges; and the Tagum City Jail – Female Dormitory where 92 percent of inmates, or 37 out of 40 are facing illegal drugs cases.

In Davao del Sur, including Davao City, inmates with illegal drugs cases also comprise the majority of the facility’s total population.

Aside from the Davao City Jail – Female dormitory where 75 percent or 388 of the total 451 inmates are facing drug cases, 72 percent of inmates in

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DSWD BARES “LISTAHAN” LIST. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 social welfare officer IV Estrella D. Brigole discusses the results of the agency’s “Listahan” survey, an assessment

program that seeks to identify a comprehensive list of poor families in need of assistance, during Wednesdays@Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Pass a CAB-compliant BBL before federalism shift -- Iqbal

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HE peace panel chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Tuesday emphasized the need to prioritize the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) before shifting to a federal form of government. ”It is our firm view that the Bangsamoro Basic Law should be passed first, as

promised by the President during his campaign for the presidency and make it as a template for federalism in this country,” said MILF peace panel chair Mohaqher Iqbal during the book launch of “Mindanao: The Long Journey to Peace and Prosperity” at Discovery Primea, Makati City.

Iqbal said that while the

MILF is supportive of the shift to federalism, the implications of this policy toward the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) must be thoroughly studied.

“I am upbeat that the President can do it smoothly for several reasons. He is extremely popular, the time

factor is on his side, and he is not anti-Moro; in fact he has a Moro blood running in his veins; and finally he has shown so far that he is a decisive leader,” said Iqbal.

Meanwhile, presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has approved a

F PASS, 10

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

Duterte denies Yasay Most ComVal residents is quitting as DFA sec under poverty threshold P A RESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday denied rumor that Perfecto Yasay is on his way out as Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary. ”So let me just douse cold water on the rumor and arrest the circulating --- it’s not good,” President Duterte said in a videoed statement released by the Radio Television Malacanang or RTVM. President Duterte assured that Yasay is in good company and “there is no truth to the rumor that there is a plan for his ouster, far from it actually.” ”I would like the Philippines to know that I personally pleaded with Secretary Yasay to join my government because he is competent and honest and he knows his business. He has a professor --- professorial job on the Western side of the United States and he knows from whereof he speaks,” the President said.

President Duterte, however, said Yasay accepted the Cabinet post on the condition

that he will only serve for a few months. ”Not even a year because he has his contractual obligations to teach, professional chair in the most – well, most of the universities in the Western side, maybe California, Hawaii and somewhere else,” Duterte said.

The President said Yasay, as DFA secretary, would speak for him particularly on the recent verdict of the international arbitral tribunal favoring the Philippines on its arbitration case against China over the West Philippine Sea row. ”Yasay speaks for me. Everything that he says in public both national and international comes from my guidance; and he has my backing and full support,” President Duterte said. ”And I have – I said place my entire trust in him to take care as being the spokesman for foreign affairs and that’s why he is there. At sana matapos na ‘yang haka-haka,” he said. (PNA)

ORMER House Speaker Prospero Nograles on Tuesday congratulated the Supreme Court (SC) for the «just» ruling on the plunder case against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“The overdue delayed justice finally comes for former President GMA and I congratulate the Supreme Court for their just ruling on the case. It’s about time too,” said Nograles in a statement.

Now that Mrs. Arroyo has been acquitted, the former Speaker said, “she can now continue serving our nation without any restriction.”

The High Court earlier dismissed a plunder case against Arroyo over her alleged misuse of the intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

SC spokesman Atty. Theodore Te announced at a tele-

vised press conference that the High Tribunal dismissed the case against Arroyo for “lack of evidence.”

The SC also ordered the immediate release of Arroyo, who is currently under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City.

“With her (Arroyo) release from the Veterans Hospital after four years of hospital arrest, she can again join debates and discussions in Congress to share her expertise not only as former president but as one of the country’s best economists,” said Nograles.

“Now it can be revealed that whatever economic gains that our country has achieved, all these is because of the economic foundations that were set in place during her administration and not after as claimed by the previous dispensation,” he added. (PNA)

Former Speaker hails acquittal of ex-PGMA F

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

MAJORITY of the people living under the poverty threshold come from the province of Compostela Valley, data from the recently-launched Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Listahan 2 bared.

The National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) or Listahan, which is anchored on the Executive Order No. 867, series of 2010, “is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are.”

Results of the Listahanan for Davao Region showed that a total of 52,811 households or 18.84 percent of the 280,325 identified poor families were residents of Compostela Valley, which has the third highest population in the area 736,107 citizens.

Davao Oriental ranked

second in the poverty threshold with a total of 52,542 or 18.74 percent, followed

by Davao City with 46,599 or 16.62 percent; Davao del Norte with 44,689 or 15.94 percent; Davao Occidental with 42,454 or 15.94 percent; and Davao del Sur with 41,230 or 14.71 percent.

Enumerators hired by the agency assessed a total of 836,567 households in the region, of which 66.49 percent or 556,242 were identified as non-poor, while the remaining 280,325 households or 33.51 percent were living under the poverty threshold.

Accrding to DSWD undersecretary Florita R. Villar, the agency used proxy means test, a statistical model, in identifying who and where are the poor using household characteristics like educational attainment of the family members and income.

ROTARY CLUB HONORS DPWH. DPWH 11 Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza, receives a certificate of appreciation from Rotary Club of South Davao President Jackie Louie Solivio as the club’s guest of honor and

Unlike data from the Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA), she said, the information in the targeting system is precise and intensive up to the barangay level.

Instead of identifying them only by bulk numbers, poor families have names and address, hence, making it easier to target beneficiaries who actually need social services the most.

Villar said data generated by the targeting system will be used by various government agencies and local government units in prioritizing the poor beneficiaries of government’s social protection programs and projects.

“This is in line with the thrust of the new administration of inclusive growth and poverty reduction,” she added.

Information from the system is used for different gov-

ernment programs like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a conditional cash transfer program of DSWD, and universal coverage program of the Philhealth.

She underscored the importance of the system in the economy of resources.

“There is really a huge advantage in using this unified targeting system,” she told reporters last Tuesday.

The national government allocated P1.9 billion for the project, with technical assistance from the World Bank and the Australian Agency for International Development, The project was rolled March of last year.

“We’re still on the validation stage,” she said, adding that it is not impossible to have lapses during the enumeration process.

The first Listahan was conducted in 2009.

speaker during its 3rd Regular Meeting held yesterday at the Jade Room of the Marco Polo Hotel. Assisting Solivio is Mr. Hendrik Loonstra, RC South Davao secretary. (DPWH 11 PIO)

OCD-ARMM holds contingency plan Release of ex-President Arroyo delayed sans copy of SC ruling

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LTHOUGH the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) dismissing for insufficiency of evidence the plunder case of former President and now Pampanga (2nd District) Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was “immediately executory”, as of this writing, no copy of the “promulgated decision” or even only a notice of the “dispositive portion” was released by the SC. The case involves the alleged misuse of the Php 366-million confidential intelligence fund of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) when Mrs. Arroyo was the President of the Republic.

The official copy of the de-

cision or notice of the dispositive portion will be the basis for the release of Mrs. Arroyo.

It was learned that the SC magistrates have agreed during their en banc session on Tuesday that even the dispositive portion only would be released to make as basis for the release of the former president.

However, the problem was that even the part of the dispositive portion of the SC decision was not yet released by the Office of the Chief Justice to the Clerk of Court.

The magistrates have decided that even only the dispositive portion would be released on Tuesday in con-

F RELEASE, 10

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HE Office of Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OCD-ARMM) has intensified its disaster preparedness capacity by conducting a disaster risk reduction training among Lanao del Sur officials.

Gilmar Lao, OCD-ARMM information chief, said the training, dubbed as “Contingency Plan Formulation Workshop” was provided to members of the Lanao Sur provincial disaster risk reduction and management council members, technical staff and other concerned agencies.

The four-day activity, which is being participated in by at least forty disaster first responders, started yesterday and will end today.

Also present during the training were the so called four pillars of DRRM thematic areas which include representatives from Department of Interior and the Local Government (DILG-ARMM), Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ARMM), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-ARMM), and the Department of Health (DOH-ARMM).

Myrna J. Angot, OIC of Civil Defense-ARMM, said contingency planning is crucial for local government units, as this will enable them to respond effectively in times of disaster and formulate better disaster risk reduction and preparedness plans.

“Inclusive topics in the four-day training workshop

were the orientation on the Philippine DRRM system, the Incident Command System (ICS), the cluster approach, and finally, the crafting of their own contingency plan,” Angot said.

She pointed out that the country is vulnerable to disasters due to its geographic location, where it frequently experiences natural hazards such as typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.

“Not only that, because here in the autonomous region we also experience recurring human induced or man-made disasters,” said Angot.

In the meantime, Mauricio Civiles, Focal Person of DILGARMM, said when these disasters occur, it is important that LGUs will be able to mitigate

their effects.

He said that newly installed Regional Secretary Noor Hafizullah M. Abdullah has emphasized the need to prioritize DRRM. “But due to the increasing complexity of disasters, assessing the situation of the impacted areas, as well as determining the numbers of affected population and addressing the priority needs pose challenges,” said Civiles.

Col. Tatar Boriongan, PDRRMO of Lanao del Sur, said the contingency plan aims to strengthen and enhance the operational capabilities of the local government units in responding to emergency situations in the localities of Lanao del Sur.

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DA steps up cacao rehab in Davao region

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HE difficulty in increasing cacao production within the Davao region due to unproductive cocoa trees has resulted in the decline of the national cocoa production.

This prompted the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI to push for the rehabilitation of cacao plantations in the region and allocated a total of PHP49 million to undertake the rehab program.

In response to the decrease in cacao production not only in the country but in the world as well, DA-XI tapped Kennemer Foods Inc. (KFI) to facilitate a techno-demo on the rehabilitation of cacao areas in the Davao region.

Kennemer Foods International Inc. (KFI) is a

small-to-medium enterprise focused on the buying, processing and exporting of high quality cacao beans to global confectionaries such as Mars.

In line with the DA’s “Cacao 2022 Challenge”, the agency’s High Value Crops Development Program Coordinator Melani Provido said that of the PHP49 million budget for rehabilitation, PHP42 million will be utilized for fertilizers, PHP6 million for pruning materials, and PHP1 million for budding knives.

“We offer rehabilitation for cacao areas that already exists for at least 10 years. We will provide package training, provision of pruning equipment and fertilizers,” Provido said.

On the other hand, KFI also

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IMF cuts global growth forecast only to 3.1%

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HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday revised down its forecast for global growth in 2016 and 2017, due to the uncertainty surrounding Britain’s exit from the European Union (Brexit).

The IMF expects the global economy to grow 3.1 percent in 2016 and 3.4 percent in 2017, both 0.1 percentage point lower than its forecasts in April, according to its updated World Economic Outlook report released on Tuesday.

“The outcome of the UK vote, which surprised global financial markets, implies the materialization of an important downside risk for the world economy. As a result, the global outlook for 20162017 has worsened, despite the better-than-expected performance in early 2016,” said

the IMF. The Fund said that the uncertainty surrounding Brexit is projected to take a toll on confidence and investment, including its repercussions on financial conditions and market sentiment, more generally.

But it added that Brexit-related revisions are concentrated in advanced European economies, with a relatively muted impact elsewhere, including in the United States and China.

The outlook worsens for advanced economies while it remains broadly unchanged for emerging market and developing economies, it said.

The IMF expects advanced economies to grow 1.8 percent in 2016 and 2017, down 0.1 percentage point and 0.2 percentage points separately from

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Country must achieve rice sufficiency: Piñol

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HE Philippines should be rice self-sufficient in the next two years to be ready against the adverse effects of climate change, Agriculture Sec. Emmanuel Piñol said.

Piñol said climate change makes everything unpredictable for Philippine agriculture, thus every farmer must be prepared.

“We need to attain rice sufficiency in the next two years and achieve buffer stocks for rice six months before the Duterte administration ends,” Piñol told local officials in his speech during South Cotabato’s 50th foundation anniversary.

Piñol, Interior and the Local Government Sec. Ismael Sueno and Sec. Delfin Lorenzana, both from South Cotabato, were guest speakers.

“We do not know when the next El Niño would hit us.

How long it would hit us? How wide the area would be?,” Piñol asked.

In a worst case scenario, Piñol asked, if Thailand, Viet-

nam and Cambodia will experience severe drought, where would the Philippines import rice?

The DA chief said rice sufficiency can be achieved with the government providing necessary assistance to farmers.

“We will support the farmers by providing free seeds and free fertilizers for the next cropping terms,” he said.

Piñol reminded farmers that they should deposit in a bank the equivalent amount of the production inputs given to them by the department so that when the next cropping season begins, money is readily available to buy seeds and fertilizers.

He also urged local governments to determine the total rice production in their area for the agency to know the number of bags of production inputs that will be given to them in 2017.

“If we need to put up a communal irrigation project there, we will do that. If you need wa-

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DAVAO’S ICE CREAM MAN. Davao City’s famous ice cream vendor Mang Danny serves ice cream to his avid customer in this undated photo. Mang Danny’s customers no longer need to queue for hours in Roxas Avenue as the popular ice cream carts have recently opened shop at the Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

Mang Danny’s Ice Cream opens station at Abreeza

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

OVERS of Mang Danny’s ice cream no longer need to queue for hours at the night market along Roxas Avenue, as the popular icecream carts by the roadside has opened anotherfull-blown ice-cream parlor at the Abreeza Mall.

Mang Danny’s Abreeza outlet opened itsdoors to the public last July 15. It is the second mall-based ice cream stall ofMang Danny or Dionilo dela Torre.

The first outlet is located at the NCCC food court, specifically catering to the mall-going crowd.

Mang Danny, as he is affectionally called by his customers, still maintains his ice scream stands at the Roxas Night Market and near the Uni-

versity of Immaculate Conception.

“We’re offering all seven flavors, like pandan, durian and chocolate,” said Rema C. Grande, Mang Danny’s niece and manager of the mall-based ice cream stalls.

An ice cream cone costs only P35.

Grande said that another branch is scheduled to open in SM Lanang Premier next week, as the 60-year old Mang Danny is expected to grace the event.

Mang Danny’s “dirty” ice cream first became a runaway hit early this year courtesy of a social media post made by an Ateneo de Davao student.

In an earlier interview, Mang Danny recalled how he had to work from 4 p.m. to midnight to prepare his prod-

uct.

“All COMP members have committed to the government’s National Greening Program (NGP) and have planted 20 million trees from 2011 to 2014,” she noted.

Halcon cited Carmen Copper Corporation which has planted 1,500 seedlings in a mineral waste dump in Toledo City, Cebu.

In recognition of its contribution to the NGP and for its good practices, she said the mining firm became a recipient of the Gawad Tugas award in responsible mining.

TVIRD has also planted over 416,000 trees in Canatuan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. To date, the firm has also planted 173,000 trees in Tubay, Jabonga and Santiago in Agusan del Norte.

“Majority of our members are already ISO 14001 certified and have been submitting timely reports to Mines and

Geosciences Bureau (MGB) on their operations,” said Halcon.

Several monitoring teams that include representatives from the local government units, non-government organizations and other line agencies have been conducting quarterly, semiannual and annual monitoring and assessing developments in the social development management programs (SDMP) of companies.

SDMP is a program which is planned and budgeted based on a five-year cycle.

Mining companies are obliged to allocate 1.5 percent of their total operating costs to social development in their host and neighboring communities.

Meanwhile, an inter-agency audit team from the DENRMGB central office evaluates on a yearly basis the various aspects of mining operations from safety and health to environmental and social devel-

He recalled that it would take him three days before he could sell all his ice cream.

Today, after more than 40 years since he started making ice cream, his brand has become so popular that he now earns an average gross sale of P6,000a day.

His ice cream carts and stalls now offer various flavors like durian, chocolate, mango, strawberry, and ube.

“My day starts at 6 a.m. when I go to Bankerohan market to buy ingredients and start making the ice cream from 12 noon up to 8 p.m. It involves manual mixing of the cream to achieve the thick consistency,” he said.

It took Mang Danny more than 40 years of experimenta-

tion to get the right consistency and flavor of his special ice cream.

Some of his ingredients and techniques he developed overtime and are a well-kept kept of his family who are now all part of the thriving business.

However, what is known to his customers is his perseverance and dedication to serve customers better, which has become the main ingredients of his success.

When this writer interviewed Mang Danny last January, he only dreamed of having a bigger place where he can do all the mixing and buy more freezers.

But it seems that Mang Danny has leveled up, thanks to his first scoop of “dirty” ice cream.

We are ready for‘airtight’ audit -- Chamber of Mines

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HE Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) on Tuesday said it is ready for an “airtight” audit to be implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“We welcome a technical, environmental and social development audit on our members,” said Ms. Nelia Halcon, COMP executive vice president, as she assured the DENR that its members will pass the audit.

Halcon also expressed optimism the audit will reveal the highly positive and significant contributions of COMP members to their respective host communities as most of them have been doing programs and projects beyond compliance with the rules and regulations of the Philippine Mining Act and other relevant laws.

opment programs, including solid waste management.

The outcome of this yearly audit is the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA).

The award gives a weight of 50 percent for rehabilitation and environmental protection; 20 percent for safety and health; 20 percent for social and community development programs; and 10 percent for information, education and communications.

“COMP assures that our members continue to adhere to the law and are helping ease the sufferings of our countrymen where our areas of operations are,” said Halcon.

“This is the reason why we have been reiterating our call to government to put a stop to irresponsible mining that affects responsible mining operations. It is the prolifera-

F WE ARE, 13

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

Bello orders strict implementation of Labor Laws Compliance System

T

O ensure the promotion of workers’ rights and welfare, Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III on Tuesday directed all regional directors and concerned heads of DOLE offices to strictly implement the Labor Laws Compliance System.

“DOLE is not allowing the use of short-term employment contracts, whether these are through direct hiring by employers/principals or through contracting out, that is contrary to the provisions of the law,” said Bello.

In a memorandum, Bello reiterated that “endo” or “555” are contrary to Articles 106 to 109, Articles 259, and Articles 294 to 296 of the Labor Code.

To assess contracting and subcontracting practices activities in the country, the Department conducted a workshop on July 18-19 at the Occupational Safety and Health Center to discuss the issues and strategies which will address “endo” or “555”.

The initial activity will also review the policy and legal framework on contracting and subcontracting.

To come up with a reliable and credible landscape of contracting and subcontracting in the country, the labor and employment chief directed the DOLE’s Bureau of Working

Conditions (BWC) to come up with a profile of contractors and subcontractors based on the findings of the Labor Laws Compliance Officers of the Department.

Under the memorandum, the DOLE Regional Directors are tasked to submit problems and constraints encountered in the enforcement of labor laws and social legislation. They shall also come up recommendations which will address the causes of the problems.

The DOLE Regional Directors shall submit profile of contracting and subcontracting arrangements in their respective regions.

The Bureau of Labor Relations and the Legal Service shall prepare an inventory of all laws, rules and regulations, issuance and jurisprudence, including pending bills on contracting and subcontracting.

They shall also come up with a recommended solutions or causes of action to remedy violations identified.

Undersecretary Ciriaco A. Lagunzad III, as the head of the Department’s Social Protection cluster, shall oversee the activities to ensure that the policy goal of Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte’s administration to end all contracting and subcontracting arrangements and practices are in compliance with the law. (PNA)

HE Regional Development Council (RDC) XI, the highest government policy-making body in Davao Region that coordinates and sets the direction of all economic and social development efforts in the Region, shall be reorganized for the term 2016-2019.

The Council’s membership include Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) who shall comprise 25% of the fully constituted Council.

The PSRs will join the region’s local chief executives and heads of key national government agencies as regular members of the Council.

The RDC XI has opened the selection process to government-accredited Private Sector Organizations (PSOs).

PSOs refer to organizations created or formed by private persons for the purpose of socioeconomic development, rendering services or providing assistance to the public, while PSRs refer to qualified natural persons selected to represent the pri-

vate sector in the RDC. For the term 20162019, the RDC XI has allocated fourteen (14) slots for PSRs, of which seven (7) shall be from the basic sectors: indigenous peoples/ cultural communities, labor, small farmers/fisherfolk, non-government organizations/cooperatives, PWDs/ senior citizens, women/ children/youth, consumers’ groups, and another seven slots shall come from the business groups: agribusiness/industry clusters, energy, forestry/mining, housing/construction, business organizations, tourism, and academe/research and development Interested Private Sector Organizations that represent the above sectors may apply to be pre-qualified by the RDC XI Secretariat to participate in the PSR selection assembly whose date and venue shall be announced at a later date.

Application forms may be

BOOSTING TECHNICAL COMPETITIVENESS. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) 11 provincial director for Compostela Valley Province Arlyn S. Bandong talks about the first ever MinDA,TESDA, BIMP-EAGA competitive workforce enhancement forum held from Monday

TESDA eyes revamp in techvoc courses

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T RDC 11 revamp on T

F RDC 11, 13

to Tuesday, which was participated in by at least 100 representatives from the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines (BIMP-EAGA).

Bandong was among the guests of Wednesdays@Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is eyeing a revamp in the curriculum of its technical vocational (techvoc) courses to make them at par with other member-countries of the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area ( BIMP-EAGA) sub-region.

“There might be a need for educational institutions to make some adjustments to be in sync with the techvoc system in other countries, ”TESDA-Compostella Valley provincial director Arlyn S. Bandong said in yesterday’s edition of Wednesdays at Habi at Kape, Abreeza Mall.

According to Bandong, this move will give Filipino

workers an added advantage if they decide to pursue degrees in any of the BIMP-EAGA countries.

The shift in curriculum was also identified as one of the strategies that aim to improve TESDA’s techvoc system during the first BIMP-EAGA Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) Forum in Davao City last Monday.

The forum gathered around 100 students, teachers and trainers coming from the BIMP-EAGA countries.

“Techvoc [courses] are accredited and recognized to be a tool for the development of the workforce,” she said.

These courses include six to three year programs.

At present, the Philippine Qualification Framework,

which is used as the basis of the educational level in the country, is behind Malaysia’s system which is up to Level 9.

“We only have until Level 8,” she said, explaining that Level’s 1 to 5 include all five levels of the National Competencies (NC) under TESDA, while Level’s 6 to 8 are under the Commission on Higher Education.

Students who earned a Level 6 education finished baccalaureate degrees, level 7 students have master’s degrees, while Grade 8 students have doctoral degree.

“We wanted our students to pursue their higher education in any of the countries within the sub-region continuously,” she said.

Bandong said Malaysia

has up to Level 9, while Philippines and Brunei both have Level 8.

“Malaysia is our benchmark,” she added.

Bandong said that apart from the improvement of the current curriculum, there is also a need to improve the skills of techvoc teachers and trainers.

Most of teachers and trainers in other countries in the sub-region have already acquired graduate and postgraduate studies.

Bandong said the educational institutions from the BIMP-EAGA member countries are also studying the feasibility of establishing a bilateral arrangement for the exchange of faculty members, students and technology.

In a dialogue with officers and members of the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., (PHILRECA) led by its General Manager Wendell V. Ballesteros, Cusi told them: “It should be the NEA and NAPOCOR who should approach the coops, not the other way around.”

“We have to work together

to make household electrification happen especially in Mindanao,” he stressed.

Among the concerns raised by the electric cooperatives (ECs) during the meeting were the following: (1) Ensure right-of-way for the delivery of electricity, including the interconnection of islands; (2) Push for tax reforms to address consumer concerns; (3) Non-privatization of Agus and Pulangui Complexes in Mindanao; (4) Interconnection of SPUG areas to the main grid; (5) DOE, in cooperation with other government agencies, to put up a One Stop Shop and Fast Lane for the processing and issuance of permits and licenses of energy projects; (6) Clear policy in order to

streamline the allocation and availment processes of government financial assistance for EC disaster-damaged facilities and EC disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation measures and emergency response; (7) Well-defined authority of the ECs in relation to rightof-way clearing; and (8) EC provision for buffer stock of critical materials.

Cusi to NEA, Napocor: Address electric coop concerns

E

NERGY Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi urged all concerned agencies under the Department of Energy, particularly the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), to “go down to the cooperatives” and address their issues and concerns.

ENERGY DIALOGUE. In photo are Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, DOE Spokesperson Pete Ilagan, DOE Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella, and officials of the electric cooperatives who participated in the dialogue.

Cusi also recommended the conduct a vulnerability assessment to determine disaster-prone areas, and consequently, mitigate the effects of impending calamities.

“Organize yourselves for emergency response, submit your individual disaster preparedness courses of action so we will know how to deal

F CUSI, 13

7 SCIENCE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

Biotech can help save crop biodiversity Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

B

IOTECHNOLOGY -the technique that makes use of organisms (or parts thereof) to make or modify products, to improve plants and animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific purposes -can help save the fast disappearing biological diversity (biodiversity).

That’s according to a briefing paper circulated by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).

Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms: within and between species and ecosystems.

About 1.4 million organisms have been identified so far, but there could be ten or even a hundred times that many that have not been identified yet.

“Biodiversity is considered the foundation of agriculture being the source of all crops and livestock species that have been domesticated and bred since the beginning of agriculture approximately 10,000 years ago,” the briefing paper says.

At one point in time, crops like rice, corn, wheat, potato, and cassava were inedible wild crops. “But through years of domestication, edible varieties have been made available as important commodities,” the paper states.

Currently, some specific or groups of species are facing extinction; others are decreasing in number.

Biodiversity loss is “taking place in different parts of the world at a rapid pace,” deplores the ISAAA paper.

About three-quarter of the genetic diversity in agricultural crops have been lost over the last century, claims the Rome-based Food and

Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Plant and animal species provide genetic materials for improved varieties or breeds. High-yielding varieties rice developed at the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute, for instance, is a cross between a Chinese dwarf strain and a tall, traditional plant from Indonesia.

ISAAA believes biotechnology can be used to enhance biodiversity. Currently, biotechnology is used for the conversation, evaluation, and utilization of biodiversity particularly for important crops.

In recent years, more plant conservationists are turning to DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) technologies to have effective conservation strategies. “The DNA bank is an efficient, simple and long-term method used in conserving genetic resource for biodiversity,” ISAAA states.

Compared to traditional seed or field gene banks, DNA banks lessen the risk of exposing genetic information in natural surroundings. It only requires small sample size for storage and keeps the stable nature of DNA in cold storage.

Since whole plants cannot be obtained from DNA, the stored genetic material must be introduced through genetic techniques. This can be done through modern biotechnology, which is defined as “application of in vitro nucleic acid techniques, including recombinant DNA and direct injection of nucleic acid into cells or organelles or fusion of cells beyond the taxonomic family.”

In vitro techniques are

also valuable for conserving plant biodiversity. Such techniques involve three basic steps: culture initiation, culture maintenance and multiplication, and storage.

For medium-term storage (from few months to few years) slow growth strategies are applied. For undefined time of storage, cryopreservation is applied.

“In cryopreservation, plant tissues are processed to become artificial seeds and stored at very low temperatures to impede growth,” the fact sheet explains.

Cryopreservation is said to allow 20% increase in regeneration process compared to other conservation methods.

According to ISAAA, biotechnology can be used for evaluating genetic diversity by studying the crop’s germplasm or living tissues from which new plants can form.

“It can be a whole plant, or part of a plant such as leaf, stem, pollen, or even just a number of cells,” ISAAA explains. A germplasm hold information on the genetic makeup of the species.

Scientists evaluate the diversity of plant germplasms to find ways on how to develop new better yielding and high quality varieties that can resist diseases, constantly evolving pests, and environmental stresses.

“Molecular markers are used to map out the genetic base of crops and select favourable traits to come up with a better germplasm for growers,” the briefing paper points out. “Molecular markers are short strings or sequence of nucleic acid which composes a DNA segment that are closely linked to specific genes in a chromosome.” This means that

“A wide range of biotech products have shown that biotechnology has been highly profitable for farmers and the society especially in the fields of agriculture and medicine.

Biotechnology applications offer opportunities to make substantial advances in our knowledge of the diversity of some of the most important crops.” -- ISAAA if the markers are present, then the specific gene of interest is also present.

“After observing the desired traits in selected plants, these are then incor-

porated through modern or convention breeding methods in existing crop varieties,” the paper continues.

“Generated plants with the desired trait may be tested

in the field for agronomic assessment and resistance screening against pests and diseases. Selected plants will be multiplied through tissue culture and other techniques.”

One of the most widely used traditional technique in plant breeding is hybridization or the crossing of parent lines (pure breeds of the same species) with desirable traits to come up with an improved line called hybrid.

However, the development of biotechnologies raised fears on loss of genetic resources on the part of farmers and developing countries. This concern brought the adoption of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2010.

“A wide range of biotech products have shown that biotechnology has been highly profitable for farmers and the society especially in the fields of agriculture and medicine,” ISAAA points out.

“Biotechnology applications offer opportunities to make substantial advances in our knowledge of the diversity of some of the most important crops.”

“Together with the traditional techniques, these applications lead us to more impact in plant genetic resources and biodiversity in general and in return meet the needs of the massively growing population and sustain life under rapidly changing climate,” it adds.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

F

Legal setback

ORMER President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s acquittal from charges of plunder can only be gleaned as a legal debacle on the part of the government, particularly the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. In an 11-4 vote, the high tribunal granted Arroyo’s petition seeking the dismissal of her remaining plunder case at the Sandiganbayan for the alleged misuse of the P366-million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) fund.

The decision is a mockery of the past administration’s stance against Arroyo for its failure to submit sufficient evidence to the court as to buy a conviction.

Because of the seemingly not so serious intent to pull off a conviction, it now paints a different picture of an administration merely going after its political rivals as a means of retaliation and neutralizing them while they are in office.

This prompted Dabawenyo lawyer and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos

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Zarate to lament that more could have been done by the previous administration to strengthen the case against Arroyo and “make the former President accountable.”

Rep. Zarate nailed it when he said that it seemed the Aquino administration was merely contented in keeping her politically paralyzed in the past six years rather than obtaining a conviction.

While Zarate thinks it is a legal setback, it should not derail the government from continuing the campaign for accountability and against impunity.

Rep. Zarate is right. There could have been more done to strengthen the case against Arroyo than just leave the court to appreciate whatever measly evidence the prosecution was able to gather and submitted.

There past administration could not care less now. They were able to neutralize Arroyo for six years and that for them is already a triumph of sorts.

ANTONIO M. AJERO NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Editor in Chief Managing Editor ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ Associate Editor

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9

Dreaming the impossible dream

REAMS are stairways to grandiose success and achievements in human endeavors.

Some dreams are possible some are simply impossible. The term ‘impossible dream’ is immortalized in the song with the same title.

One extremely popular dream that we basketball-crazy Filipinos have been dreaming of for 68 years is winning a medal in the Olympic Games.

The Philippines first competed in the Olympics in the 1948 London Games. The cage squad was led by the late Sen. Umbrosio Padilla who, at 5 ft.

9 in. played the center position.

The team lost only two games against the taller and much bigger USA and Brazil cagers. But a bizarre and complicated win/loss formula cost the Philippines the bronze medal. From 1948 through 1972 for a total of six

V

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

IEWED from different historical lenses, the Americans, during their stay in Davao Region after the expulsion of the Spanish missionaries, have been labeled as colonists, invaders, oppressors, and exploiters.

Those nasty tags, more often than not, deprive us of the unappreciated things the Americans brought to the country.

In particular, it was the best intention of their leaders to extend influence to the island with the desire to act civilly.

William McKinley, U.S. president from March 4, 1897 to Sept. 14, 1901 when he was assassinated, sent in 1899 a manifesto of ‘regulative principles’, which was part of the first proclamation of the Special Commission sent to manage the islands.

Except for articles 1 and 2, which were later realized afterthe grant of Philippine independence on July 4, 1946, the other provisos are matters the country has attempted to adopt but were haphazardly implemented due to turbulent political undercurrents in the country.

The election of Rodrigo R. Duterte on May 9, 2016 as the 16th Philippine president, interestingly, has provided hope these proclamations can somehow be efficiently executed.

In full, the McKinley Manifesto states: “1. The supremacy of the United States must and will be enforced throughout every part of the Archipelago, and those who resist it can accomplish no end other than their own ruin.

“2. To the Philippine people will

Olympiads or 24 years, we were regular competitor in Olympic basketball wars.

A f t e r 1972, the P h i l i p pines never earned a berth in the basketball Olympics tourney. Including 2016, we missed 11 Olympiads or 44 years. That’s a long drought indeed.

Our Olympic dream soared to high heavens during our participation in the 2016 Olympic Quarter Tourney held at the Mall of Asia arena this July.

The much ballyhooed money-pam-

pered Gilas Pilipinas Super Dozen Squad stirred high expectation from the fans especially because of its high profile training and preparation that included practice games against Middle East and European national squads.

Gilas Pilipinas played gutsy basketball with unrestrained energy and a lot of heart. But these were no match against superior - height, bulk, skills, experience – opposition. Gilas lost to France and New Zealand which had NBA veterans in their line-ups.

The FIBA OQT gave Filipino fans a close-range look at world-class basketball. France had six NBA players and a tall line-up. It is ranked No. 5 in the world.

New Zealand is ranked in the top 40.

The Philippines is outside the top 100.

--- 0 0 0 ---

What went wrong? Nothing. Our preparation was more than enough.

The team played well. The opponents were impressed.

But still, we missed the trip to Rio. Why? Simple. Our players do not have the HEIGHT and the BULK that the opponents have. It was a reality case of a confrontation between David and Goliath – giants versus pygmies, so to speak.

The Filipino Olympic Dream will remain a dream for as long as we do not accept the reality that in basketball, height is might. It’s high time that we assemble a squad that can bang bodies and leap high with the opposition.

Height and bulk – HAB – that’s the key to Olympic glory.

be granted FAST BACKWARD liberty and self-government reconcilable with maintenance of a wise, just, stable, effective, and economical administration Antonio V. Figueroa of public affairs, and compatible with the sovereign and international rights and obligations of the United States.

“3. The civil rights of the Philippine people will be guaranteed and protected to the fullest extent; religious freedom will be assured, and all persons shall be equal and have equal standing in the eyes of the law.

“4. Honor, justice, and friendship forbid the use of the Philippine people or the Islands they inhabit as an object or means of exploitation. The purpose of the American government is the welfare and advancement of the Philippine people.

“5. There shall be guaranteed to the Philippine people an honest and effective civil service, in which, to the fullest extent to which it is practicable, natives shall be employed.

“6. The collection and application of all taxes and other revenues will be placed upon a sound, economical basis, and the public funds, raised justly and collected honestly, will be applied only to defray the regular and proper expens-

es incurred by the establishment and maintenance of the Philippine government and such general improvements as the public interests may demand.

Local funds collected will be used for local purposes, and not devoted to other ends. With such prudent and honest fiscal administration it is believed that the needs of the government will, in a short time, become compatible with a considerable reduction in taxation.

“7. A pure, speedy, and effective administration of justice will be established, whereby may be eradicated the evils arising from delay, corruption and exploitation.

“8. The construction of roads, railroads, and similar means of communication and transportation, and of other public works, manifestly to the advantage of the Philippine people, will be promoted.

“9. Domestic and foreign trade and commerce, agriculture, and other industrial pursuits tending toward the general development of the country in the interests of the inhabitants, shall be the objects of constant solicitude and fostering care.

“10. Effective provision will be made for the establishment of elementary schools, in which the children of the people may be educated, and appropriate facilities will be provided for a higher education.

“11. Reforms in all departments of the government, all branches of the public service and all corporations closely touching the common life of the people, will be undertaken without

delay and effected conformably with right and justice in a way to satisfy the well-founded demands and the highest sentiments and aspirations of the people.

“Such is the spirit in which the United States comes to the people of the Islands, and the President has instructed the Commission to make this publicly known.

“In obeying his behest, the Commissioners desire to join the President in expressing their good will toward the Philippine people, and to extend to the leading representative men an invitation to meet them for the purpose of personal acquaintance and the exchange of views and opinions.”

The manifesto was signed by Jacob Gould Schurman, a Canadian-born American educator and diplomat who led the US Commission named after him; Gen. George Dewey, the Admiral of the US Navy; Gen. Elwell Stephen Otis, a major-general in the US Army; Charles Denby, Jr., an American diplomat; and Dean Conant Worcester, an American zoologist and public official.

Meanwhile, Ohio-born McKinley, the 25th US president, was credited for leading “the nation to victory in the Spanish-American War, raised protective tariffs to promote American industry, and maintained the nation on the gold standard in a rejection of inflationary proposals.”

Much of the statement’s good intents are yet to find fulfillment in the way national leaders are handling the affairs of the state.

McKinley’s Manifesto

KEY TO BASKETBALL GLORY

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

6 MAYORS... FROM 1

del Sur (now Davao Occidental) Mayor James Y. Joyce is also facing charges of grave threat and slight physical injuries which are punishable under Articles 282 and 266 of the Revised Penal Code.

Mayor Joyce was sued after he attacked the complainant of the case and threatened to kill him. The OMB-MIN added that the mayor failed to file his answer despite receiving an order from the OMB. Information for violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019 was also ordered by Ombudsman Conchita CArpio Morales against Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, City Budget Officer Percy Salazar and City Accountant Beda Joy Elot.

The graft charges emanated from the lease contract that Moreno illegally entered into in 2013 to house its Sports Development Program for Professional and Amateur Boxing.

“Moreno did not secure authority from the SP CDO before entering into a contract in blatant disregard of the provisions of the Local Government Code or Republic Act No. 7160,” Ombudsman Morales said in the order.

The mayor and co-accused city officers were also found guilty of simple misconduct and were ordered suspended from office for three months without pay.

The OMB-MIN also ordered the preventive suspension of Mayor Elvino B. Balicao Jr. of Wao, Lanao del Sur after reports of the police, the regional Human Rights Commission in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) found his participation to a brutal massacre in the area.

Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas was also charged by OMB-MIN with two counts of violation of section 3(e) of RA 3019, two counts of malversation and one count of direct bribery for anomalies in his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

The Ombudsman found, among others, that livelihood projects amounting to P16 million supposedly from his PDAF were all ghost projects.

Meanwhile, Eight Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members from the municipality of Matanao, Davao del Sur are also facing charges in violation

of section 3 (c) of RA 3019.

Councilors Alfredo O. Panerio, David R. Yangyang, Bonifacio D. De Chavez, Vincent F. Fernandez, Elmer P. Campañano, Frederick M. Juban, Edgardo D. Tilud and Dante L. Lausa were charged for passing several Sangguniang Bayan resolutions designating Mayor Vicente Fernandez who was then detained in relation to a murder case, as the only official signatory for the municipality with several banks.

“The SB Members acted in a clear and notorious inclination to favour Fernandez, thus warranting their criminal indictment,” the OMB-MIN said.

Nine employees of the DSWD in region 11, including Assistant Region Director for Administration Mila T. Segovia were also indicted for falsification of public documents in relation to the construction of bunkhouses for the families hit by typhoon Pablo in 2012 in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

DAR-Maguindanao officers that include PARO II Cabayan D. Bacar and MARO Abubakar M. Usman were also found by OMB-MIN guilty of serious dishonesty and grave misconduct for making it appear that Bacar’s son, Melvin, rendered services in DAR office in January 2011, when he was in fact out of the country.

Zamboanga City Deputy Prosecutor Roselyn S. Murillo-Mamon is also facing criminal indictment for violating the provision of section 3 (c) of RA 3019.

The OMB-MIN said that Mamon was caught in the act of offering money to a police officer in an entrapment operation.

The bribe money was intended for the police officer so that he will not implicate two accused persons in a criminal case of frustrated murder.

“As of June 30 this year, the OMB-MIN has already recommended the dismissal from service of 55 government employees, averaging at least 9 dismissals a month, since the start of the year,” Elman said.

He added that last year, 164 public respondents in Mindanao were dismissed from service, which is the highest so far recorded by the OMB-MIN. (With report from Janine Escudero/Intern)

ter pumps as well as pre-harvest and post-harvest machine, we will give you that,” he said.

Piñol said that under his management, the DA will veer away from building huge irrigation projects worth billions of pesos which he said have detrimental effects on the environment.

A multi-billion peso Malitubog-Maridagao irrigation project in North Cotabato has been causing huge amount of budget and yet it was not producing enough irrigation the farmers need.

“When President Duterte appointed me as his Agriculture Secretary, he has only two mandates. First, to stop corruption

in the agency, and ensure that there is affordable and available food for every Filipino,” he said.

Piñol believes that there are corruption cases in the DA. “If there’s no corruption in the DA there will be enough funds for everybody since the agency is one of the departments given with huge budget allocation annually,” he said.

On his way to General Santos City on the same day, he found more than PHP100 million worth of equipment stockpiled and rusting in DA-12 compound in Tupi, South Cotabato.

He has ordered a probe into the failure to distribute the equipment to farmer beneficiaries.

Piñol... FROM 5

ANOTHER NARCO-MAYOR? Regional Police Office (PRO) 11 director Chief Superintendent Manuel R. Gaerlan (right) bares that the agency is currently validating the reports that Panabo City Mayor James Gamao is allegedly involved in illegal drugs activities. Gaerlan, together with Davao City Police

Dureza... FROM 2

come through Congress and that Congress should approve it,” Dureza explained.

The Peace Roadmap is going to pick up the pieces that were left off from the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), which was tasked to come up with a draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The BTC will be recomposed un-

der the Roadmap as approved

by President Duterte.

The all-Moro BTC will be mandated to do two things: to draft a more inclusive proposed enabling law that will be filed with Congress in lieu of the BBL; and to propose amendments to the Constitution as originally stated in the mandate of the BTC. (PNA)

City Councilor Franklin Gacal Jr., who previously chaired the council’s committee on public order and safety, said the local government could avail of a P70 million grant from the DOH for the establishment of a drug rehabilitation center in the city.

However, he said that the release of the funding could take some time due to various processes involved.

“There are available funds for that. All we have to do is follow it up with the DOH,” he

said.

Gacal admitted that the city government is not yet ready to handle the rising number of surfacing drug personalities in the city.

“We’re not prepared because what happened was extraordinary,” he said.

But he said the city government is now developing interventions that will support the surfacing drug personalities and ensure that the sustainability of the program.

(PNA)

comprehensive peace roadmap which entails the operationalization of a mechanism where an all-Moro body will be tasked to draft anew a more inclusive proposed enabling law that will be filed with Congress in lieu of the BBL. The Bangsamoro Transi-

tion Commission (BTC) provided for in the CAB will be reconstituted with representation coming from the MILF, the Moro National Liberation Front, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other Bangsamoro representatives. (PNA)

its forecasts in April.

The IMF kept its forecast for the growth of emerging economies unchanged. Emerging market and developing economies are expected to grow 4.1 percent in 2016 and 4.6 percent in 2017.

The Fund revised China’s economic growth forecast this year up to 6.6 percent from its April’s forecast of 6.5 percent, saying that the near-term outlook has improved due to recent policy support.

The IMF revised its US economic growth forecast in 2016 down to 2.2 percent from its April’s forecast of 2.4 percent, due to the weaker-than-expected growth in the first quarter.

Aside from downside pos-

sibilities associated with Brexit, there are other continuing downside risks, including Europe’s refugee crisis, long-term unemployment, nonperforming loans, debt overhangs, and geopolitical risks, IMF chief economist Maury Obstfeld said on Tuesday.

Obstfeld called on policymakers to take action to boost growth in order to avoid a descent into persistent stagnation and pursuing protectionism which could make growth worsen further.

The Leave camp won the Brexit referendum held on June 23 by obtaining nearly 52 percent of ballots, pulling Britain out of the 28-nation EU after its 43-year membership.

(PNA/Xinhua)

GenSan... FROM 2

Pass... FROM 3

IMF... FROM 5

Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Michael John Dubria (left), faced the media during yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at the TF Davao headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Rody... FROM 2

Freedom of Information (FOI); and the expression of willingness of President Duterte to engage in bilateral talks and joint exploration with China on the disputed West Philippine Sea. Survey results per area also showed a high rating for Duterte as compared to Robredo and Serreno.

In the National Capital Region (NCR) Duterte got a 92 percent trust rating; Robredo with 65 percent; and Serreno with 40 percent; In Luzon Duterte had 89 percent trust rating; Robredo with 58 percent and; Serreno with 36 percent; while in the Visayas Duterte also got 89 percent trust rating; Robredo with 72 percent and Serreno with 28 percent.

Duterte got a very high

trust rating in Mindanao with 97 percent; Robredo with 61 percent; and Serreno with 38 percent.

In terms of the classification of respondents, Duterte had 89 percent trust rating among the ABC class; 92 percent in class D; and 92 percent in class E. Robredo on the other hand got 53 percent trust rating in class ABC; 64 percent in class D; and 61 percent in class E; while Serreno had 37 percent in class ABC; 38 percent in class D; and 27 percent in class E. In the survey, 8 percent of the respondents said they are undecided whether to trust or distrust President Duterte while 0.2 percent said they distrust the president.

the Davao City Jail are also facing drug cases, or 1,945 out of the total of 2,697.

In the Davao City Jail Annex, 59 percent or 338 of the 571 total inmates are also facing illegal drugs cases.

Sixty-nine percent of the female inmates at the Digos City District Jail – Female City Jail or 35 out of 50 inmates are facing illegal drugs cases.

In the Lupon District Jail in Davao Oriental, 30 inmates are facing illegal drugs charges, or 51 percent out of the total 59 inmates.

Gotico also clarified that not all of those drug personalities who voluntarily surrendered to authorities will go to jail as there are those who will also undergo rehabilitation and other processes.

He said BJMP will wait for court decisions as to the fate of those who surrendered recently to authorities in Davao region.

In the same press conference, Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan, the director of the Philippine National

Police in Davao region (PNP PRO-11) said 31,964 drug personalities have already surrendered to authorities in Davao region from a period of July 1 to July 20.

Gaerlan said the drug personalities are now considered as “volunteers for submission for reformation”.

“We are not prepared for these enormous numbers of volunteers for submission for reformation to come out and pledge that they will reform their lives and help the government fight illegal drugs.

We are not prepared in terms of processes and the logistics needed,” Gaerlan said.

He added that the PNP in the region are currently documenting those who surrendered and their rehabilitation will be determined by competent medical officers.

As of July 20, 1,091 illegal drug pushers also surrendered to authorities in the area while 10 were already killed during buy bust operations. (With reports from Janine Escudero/Intern)

sideration of the so-called “substantive justice”, especially so that the decision of the SC

is tantamount to the acquittal of Mrs. Arroyo in the plunder case. (PNA)

BJMP... FROM 3

Release... FROM 4

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

Colorful street eats at

Street Grub

LET’S ADMIT IT, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING WE LOOK FOR WHENEVER WE’RE ON TRAVEL? It could be shopping, it could be sightseeing, but the thing that we look forward to the most whenever we’re globe-trotting is the local street food.

Whether it be Hong Kong’s dimsum, Osaka’s okonomiyaki, Singapore’s chicken rice, Malaysia’s roasted chicken wings, or even Manila’s infamous kwek-kwek or isaw, street food is taking the world by storm.

But Street Grub takes our street food experience a notch higher, as it gathers a luscious sampling of street food from all over the world and serves them all in one place.

The brainchild of restauranteur chef Karlo Mercado, Street Grub, as its name suggests, is a restaurant that serves street food that is as close to the original thing as possible.

“It all started as a dream of bringing together the street food I love,” said Karlo “I started out preparing street food for gatherings and eventually I was able to gather some friends to ride onto the concept and here we are at Street Grub.”

Street Grub’s menu is a “slice” of street food from all over the world: Shawarma Wraps and Italian Meatballs from New York, Poutine from Canada, Fish and Chips from London, and French-dip Sandwich from Los Angeles.

I particularly loved the Chef’s Burger which features an all-beef ribeye patty served with arugula on a rich and soft brioche bun which soaks up all of the patty’s juice.

“We make everything in-house,” added Karlo, “From the fries, to the sauces, the baguette, and the brioche bun, everything is made by us. Even the herbs are grown in our own herb garden.”

For those with a sweet tooth, Street Grub’s menu also features a quartet of milkshakes that are sure

to satisfy your cravings.

“The menu for now is just for the soft opening of the restaurant but we plan to add more items eventually,” Karlo added.

Street Grub is now on its soft opening and is located at Unit D, Paseo Uno Building, Ruby Street

at Marfori Heights and is open from 11 in the morning until 8:30 in the evening. You can also check out their Facebook page at @streetgrubdavao.

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

Top from left to right: French dip sandwich. Italian meatballs served with penne pasta. Street Grub’s Chef Burger.

Above clockwise: Street Grub’s interior is filled with street art featuring musical icons.

Shawarma wrap and shawarma served on tumeric rice. Street Grub’s chef Karlo Mercado.

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

EDGED

A secret no SOMETIME’S IT’S BEST TO KEEP THINGS TO YOURSELF. But, it too is best when you share it and let others discover and enjoy the reason for the many smiles on your face. Yes, this is an ongoing dilemma. Especially for foodies. While there are others who opt to share, there too are those who hoard the information and keep mum. But...for how long?

Belito’s Vineyard has since been a personal favorite. I love everything about the place – the ambiance, the people and of course, the bountiful food prepared and cooked to satisfy a growling tummy. Despite the secluded location, many still find their way onto their outdoor (al fresco) dining area perfect after a night of paperworks and computer blitz. Best time to visit? At night.

Definitely at night.

Not your typical restaurant of bourgeois interiors and intimidating upholstery. It’s homey, quaint and very rustic.

No pattern to make you go dizzy or an overrated theme that overpowers your appetite. Here, you’d love that you get to enjoy nature and the food minus the city noise. Although the setting is outdoor, no loud nothings to disturb you.

Belito’s is not just about their ambiance – it too has some of the most delicious dishes in town. Combination of flavours, you’d love that your palate is able to explore the many corners of the world with every bite. Hence, making you eat more than expected --- not complaining here.

Best seller? Everything. Yes. Everything. Their menu, unlike the rest, is not complicated. Downright simple, you’d find something in an instant. If you can, go ahead and order one of each. That’s one way of finding a new favorite every single time and of course, allow you to explore their many flavours.

Many rave of their paella negra, gambas and lamb caldereta.

The paella negra town. It’s packed a tured, the generou adds to the already rice. More so, d squeezed lime/lemo er depth of flavour The gambas has that brings back m Have a go while it’s what I mean. The

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

o more you crave for more.

With or without rice, this is perfect.

They also serve a mean osso buco (tender juicy meat flavoured to perfection), chicken curry (playful version of chicken curry with an honest to goodness taste only Belito’s Vineyard has) and green mango with bagoong (I tell you, their bagoong is super sarap).

So, what does #TheRoyalChef recommend?

EVERYTHING. Belito’s Vineyard is

Serving a seamless society

based sauce are just perfect for each other. Match made over fire.

Their lamb caldereta is my personal favorite. I love lamb dishes and this one is no exception. It’s delicate meat oozes with flavours that lingers onto your palate. The flavours create a certain depth that makes

located at Ferrazzini Compound, Palm Drive, Bajada, Davao City and is open from Monday to Sunday from 11:00am to 11:00pm. For reservations call them at (082) 227-6726, 09065721188, 09228576726, or 09228576727, Check out their Facebook page at BelitosVineyard.

Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit.

Follow my messy food affair at theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com and on Instagram at @iamleebai.

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

a is one of the best in and very savory. Texus pieces of seafood y deliciously flavoured drizzle some freshly mon and expect anothin an instant. s that powerful taste memories in one bite. s hot and you’d know e shrimp and the oil

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

EVENTS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

Pinobretel Suites celebrates one THE PINOBRETEL SUITES, the newest familyowned hotel in General Santos City, created a week of good times and special events last July 16-18 to celebrate the Hotel’s very first annual celebration to thank loyal patrons and valued guest for their support over a year.

Over the weekend, the hotel invited local and national guests to participate in the dart tournament open, led by the owner itself Paulo Mayol. Php50,000 worth of prizes and trophies were given to the champion and other winners.

Another highlight of the celebrations was the The Miss Queen Republic 2016 gay pageant, a

battle of beauty, elegance and uniqueness as contestants showcased their different talents. The grand winner was crowned Ms. Pinobretel 2016.

Pinobretel suites, also encouraged valued guests to join and share their remarkable Pinobretel experiences with the ‘IT FEELS LIKE HOME AT PINOBRETEL SUITES’ contest. Guests were encouraged to post a photo or video of their family and friends on Instagram taken at the Pinobretel Suites. The best entry won a complimentary overnight hotel stay at Pinobretel Suites with breakfast for two.

EDGEDAVAO

11 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

SUPPORT TO TAGUM’S IPs. In a show of solidarity, Tagum’s tribal leaders and members, along with Mayor Allan Rellon and members of the 7th City Council, give a thumbs up as they pose in front of a newly acquired rescue ambulance donated by the city government to the Tagum City Federation of Barangay Tribal Councils. (CIO Tagum)

Tagum boosts IPs’ response capability G

ONE are the days when members of the indigenous cultural communities in Tagum City would have to rely on nature and their home-grown skills and knowledge in order to respond to fortuitous events.

Now, they have something modern, quick and reliable if and when emergencies and disasters strike.

The City Government of Tagum, led by Mayor Allan Rellon and members of the city council, together with representatives from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) turned over a rescue vehicle and other equipment worth one million to the Tagum City Federation of Barangay Tribal Council, Inc. The vehicle and equipment will ensure that the indigenous people in the city will be adequately prepared

and equipped to respond to all hazards threatening the lives and property of the indigenous communities in the city.

The donations were funded through the Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB), a program of the national government that allows local groups, led by civic society organizations, to consult with communities and choose from a list of projects they wish to be implemented.

The rescue vehicle and equipment, which cost P 1,479,116.80, include one brand new unit of van-type ambulance complete with oxygen tank, collapsible stretcher and other medical paraphernalia; a brand new inflatable boat with 30-horsepower outboard motor; and 25 units of licensed handheld radios.

The donations were made in response to a project proposal submitted by the city’s

tribal council federation which aimed to provide the indigenous people, especially those living in flood prone and farflung areas of Tagum, the capability to undertake rescue operations, and at the same time, a means of transportation while conducting IP-related activities.

In a statement, the federation acknowledged that the project is a way of reaching out to the indigenous communities of the city, and a significant step of catering their needs.

In line with the project, the City Tribal Office with the assistance of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the DILG will select five individuals coming from the IP community to undergo a fourphase training program that will prepare them to become official IP responders. (CIO Tagum)

Panabo backs nutrition program of FNRI-DOST

T

HE City of Panabo threw its full support behind the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) – Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) malnutrition reduction program during a recent advocacy meeting at the City Hall.

During the gathering, DOST-FNRI presented its BIGMO product, which is a ready to Baby Food Blend made up of rice, mongo, and sesame, a statement from the city’s information said.

The product is specifically formulated for 6 to 35 monthold babies, but is also ideal for older children’s supplemental feeding.

DOST-PINOY’s Shannen Faye Arevalo presented the background of its Package for the Improvement of Nutrition of Young Children Program, Regina Pagaspas explained the goals, objectives and components of the program, while Ulpiano Florida talked about the basics of technology transfer.

Trainings for Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and Rural Health Midwife (RHM) who will are beneficiaries of the nutrition project are scheduled from August 2 to 5.

Panabo City Administrator Atty. Jamail Lunar Macla, who represented Mayor James Gamao, thanked the FNRI – DOST for identifying the city as among the beneficiaries of the program that aims to boost the health and nutrition conditions of the people of Panabo.

(CIO Panabo)

EMERGENCY VEHICLE FOR TAGUM’S IPs. Tribal leaders inspect the new Tribal Rescue Vehicle acquired through funding from the Bottom Up Budgeting Program of the national government. (CIO Tagum)

Comval observes disability prevention, rehab week

T

HE Local Government Unit of Compostela Valley through the Provincial Health Office in partnership with the Department of Health Regional Office-XI (DOH-XI) is celebrating its 38th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week which kicked off on July 15, 2016.

With the theme, “Karapatan ng May Kapansanan, Isakatuparan.

Now Na!,” the celebration is being participated in by the province’s persons with disability (PWD).

This year’s celebration is being conducted in a unique in a way by the province, as instead of giving crutches, wheelchairs and other assistance to the PWDs, the participants will be given a chance to showcase

their talents during the “PWD Got Talent 2016.”

The talent search is being organized by the PHO and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

Aside from the special prizes to be given out to the winners, there will also be raffle draws wherein participants will have a chance to win various kitchen ware such as cooking bowls, glass tumblers and other gift items courtesy of Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy. “We celebrate this National PWD Month every year kay atong ipaabot sa atong katawhan maski naa tay kapansanan sa atuang kinabuhi dili gyud kini rason nga dili kita mamahimong produktibo sa atuang kasamtangan nga mga kalihokan,” Gov. Uy said.

He stressed that the provincial government has maintained a very good relationship with all PWD coordinators headed by Josephine Frasco of PSWDO in collaboration with the DOH. “With today’s presentation and celebration, this is for all Comvalenyos that in spite of our disabilities, we are one here in Comval and that you are our partner in all our development efforts in our province,” said Gov. Uy. Presidential Proclamation No. 361 declared the third week of July as the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, which will culminate on the birth date of the sublime paralytic Apolinario Mabini on July 23. (Rey Antibo/ IDS COMVAL)

12 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

Water service interruption scheduled on July 23 – 24

M

Mutya ng Davao 2009 Atty. Resci Rizada reads a story to kids from Euroasia and Little Pearls of Heaven at SM City Davao’s National Children’s Book Reading Day last July 19. NCBD is an annual event of SM Supermalls SM

Cares Committee on Women and Children. It aims to promote love for reading among children. This year’s campaign is in partnership with National Bookstore, Vibal Publishing and UNICEF.

Merck builds campus worth $115M in USA M

ERCK, a leading science and technology company, today announced plans to build a new campus in Burlington, Massachusetts that will serve as a major hub for the North American life science business of Merck.

The 280,000-square-foot facility will include a customer collaboration laboratory and training center as well as office space “This new and more expansive Merck campus gives us a unique, multi-use life science hub in the United States -- one that provides our employees and customers with a sustainable and collaborative working environment,” said Udit Batra , Member of the Merck Executive Board and CEO, Life Science.

“We have a long history in

Massachusetts, and as a global leader in life science, we are committed to strengthening our presence in one of the most important science and technology hubs in the world.”

The campus will serve as a premier global customer destination, housing both a customer service and call center and an M Lab™ Collaboration Center -- a state-of-the-art, shared, exploratory environment where the company’s scientists and engineers work together with customers to help solve their toughest life science challenges. The M Lab™ Collaboration Center will be one of nine centers worldwide created specifically for collaboration, where hands-on training, customer experiments and application troubleshooting take place in a non-GMP environment. Other locations will

include Brazil, China, France, India, Singapore and South Korea. This new enhanced M Lab™ center in Burlington, Massachusetts will replace the flagship M Lab™ at the company’s Billerica, Massachusetts facility.

“For nearly a decade, Merck has built a significant presence in Massachusetts and we are extremely pleased to support their expansion in Burlington through the MassWorks Infrastructure Program,” said Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker . “Building long-lasting public-private partnerships is vital to growing our economy, and the Merck campus represents significant investment and confidence in our shared future as a global life science center.”

Merck’s 850 full-time Billerica -based life science em-

ployees will relocate to the new campus when construction is complete in the second half of 2017.

The $115 million (€104 million) building will be LEED certified. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system is the most widely used third-party verification for green construction, certifying buildings that promote sustainability, resource conservation and human health.

The five-story, single-tenant building near Route 3 and Route 128 in Burlington is being built by The Gutierrez Company. The project includes an opportunity to expand an additional 70,000 square feet.

Merck leases the property.

Merck will maintain its other North American life science hub in St. Louis, Missouri.

lion in contributions and penalties, as well as other accruing penalties and lawsuit costs.

“As president, Meneses is primarily responsible for managing the affairs of CII as well as company’s violation of the law. We will not hesitate to go after employers who neglect their SSS obligations,” said SSS Assistant Vice President for Operations Legal Department (OLD) Atty. Renato Jacinto S. Cuisia During the trial, SSS Account Officer Carolyn Villanueva-Adalia testified that it took her more than four years to file the complaint from the time

she sent the billing letter to CII on August 24, 2007.

According to her, she had to recompute the amount due after CII availed of the Contribution Penalty Condonation Program for Employers in 2009 and then failed to remit its installment payments.

“The SSS gave CII a chance to settle its delinquency thru the Condonation Law of 2009 because it is more important for SSS to collect what is due for the company’s employees.

However, despite the opportunity given to CII, the company failed to meet its commitments under the agreed installment

plan. We have no other option but to take the case against CII to court,” said Cuisia.

Based on the pension fund’s computation, CII’s delinquency amounted to P2,761,248.58 from November 2000 to September 2010.

According to Adalia, the computation is based on the date that CII reported the closure of its business to the SSS sometine in 2010.

However, the court ruled that the company’s liability should be computed based on April 10, 2010 payroll instead of the date it reported its ces-

Firm exec convicted in SSS case T

HE Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) has convicted the president of an information technology (IT) services firm for its failure to remit Social Security System (SSS) contributions of its employees in direct violation of Republic Act 8282, which is also known as the Social Security Act of 1997.

RTC Branch 48 Presiding Judge Andres Bartolome Soriano sentenced Cytronics International Inc. (CII) President Franklin K. Meneses to a jail term of six years and one day up to twelve years and one day, and to pay SSS about P1.2 mil-

F FIRM, 13

OST areas being served by Line 2 of the Dumoy Water Supply System (WSS) will experience a water service interruption starting 8:00 AM of July 23 until 8:00 AM the following day, the Davao City Water District said in a statement.

The affected areas are the following: J.P. Laurel Avenue: from Durian Hotel and corner Garcia Heights to Davao-Agusan Road and immediate environs including Abreeza Mall, Villa Margarita Hotel, Roadway Inn, Regina Compound, Regino Compound, Consuegra Compound, Penera Compound, Doña Milagros Village, Rivera Village, Palm Village, Southern Philippines Medical Center, Aquino Subd., Margarita Village, DCWD Office, Jerresa Subd., SM Lanang Premier, Grand Regal Hotel, Summerhill Village, Guadalupe Village, M. Lozano Subd., Lanang Executive Homes and Lulu Subd.; portion of Cabaguio (from DECO Machine Shop to J.P. Laurel Avenue); Angliongto / Mamay Road and immediate environs including Hillside Subd., Belisario Village, Diamond Village, Liceralde Village, JLA Subd., St. Anthony Village, Mamay Village and Damosa; some areas in Lanang, Pampanga and Sasa: Davao-Agusan Road (from Lanang to Km. 12), Ramos Village, Villa De Davao Subd., Doña Asuncion Subd., Insular Village I and II, Fortune Executive Homes, Nova Tierra Village, Belen Homes, Pampanga Executive Homes, San Roque Village, Don Lorenzo Homes, Bolton Village, Doña Pilar Village, Southern Homes, Doña Paz Village, Hacienda Village, Old Airport Road, Doña Aure-

lia Village, Lougemar Village, Marla Compound, Doña Salud Subd. and Mercedes Village; and Panacan: Crystal Meadows, Tierra Verde Village, Doña Caridad Subd., De Guzman Village, EMI Ville Homes, Empress Subd., Tierra Niño Village, DPWH Depot, PMPC Village, Bel-Air Subd., Landmark I, II and III, San Juan Village and Vista Verde I and II. The water interruption is due to the scheduled cutting and plugging of the existing 600mm diameter Mortar Lined Cement Coated Steel Pipe distribution line along Bacaca Road which, once completed, would help increase water pressure in some areas served by Line 2 of Dumoy WSS. DCWD general manager Engr. Edwin Regalado asked for the understanding and cooperation of affected customers. He also advised them to store enough water for their needs.

According to Regalado, there is a possibility that the water supply may be restored earlier if work proceeds smoothly, but could also be delayed if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public can visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 09277988966, 0925-5113293 and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints and queries pertaining to DCWD services.

(DWCD)

Globe calls on DICT to enable the sector by getting rid of bureaucratic red tape

G

LOBE Telecom welcomes DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima’s call for “good public service” from telco operators in the country. Globe said that it remains committed to its purpose of strengthening the nation through ICT by continuing investments in the sector. “Globe invests millions of dollars annually for network expansion and service improvements,” said Globe General Counsel Froilan Castelo. In terms of capital expenditures, the Philippines ranks second to China with almost 30% of telco revenues spent on CAPEX, the second highest in Asia.

“Further, Secretary Salalima’s proposed executive order to help rationalize the permitting process for telco infrastructure, once in place, would be a respite from the difficulties we encounter in putting up cell sites and rightof-way issues for fiber optic cables,” added Castelo. The reduction of bureaucratic red tape was also presented by the company as a key measure that local government units can implement to help the sector, during the recently

concluded Regional Competitiveness Summit, chaired by Guillermo Luz of the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines. It is important for the government to play its role not only as a regulator but also as an enabler of the sector.

Castelo added that Globe will continue to roll out new network capacities using the spectrum assets it gained as a result of the joint buyout of SMC’s telco assets. Reacting to the recent statement of the PCCI, Castelo clarified that the company is not hindering the PCC from doing its job. “We are not in any way blocking the PCC from performing its mandate. In fact, we repeatedly invited the PCC to exercise its plenary powers under Section 12 of the Competition Act to investigate the conduct and behavior of the companies on this transaction for possible violations of the Act. Globe has consistently relayed to the PCC its willingness to submit to this investigation, and Globe is confident that all its actions pertaining to this transaction are all legal and above-board as certified by its legal counsels,” he said.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

DA steps... FROM 5 provided trainings on effective farming technologies and practices to increase the income of rural farmers.

Model Farms Eddie Sajulga, a cacao farmer in Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur who availed of the rehabilitation program provided by DA-HVCDP, thanked the agency for the intervention given to his association.

“We really thought that there is no more hope for our cacao plantation. Our trees (cacao) no longer produce good quality fruits,” Sajulga shared.

With the same dilemma experienced by Sajulga, Abdul Moen Felipe, a cacao farmer from Mati, Davao Oriental abandoned his cacao plantation and concentrated on growing other crops.

“With the technology taught by Kennemer and assistance given by DA, I will now focus on increasing our cacao production,” Felipe added.

Compostela Valley cacao farmer Dennis James Itallo

Firm... FROM 12

sation of operations to the SSS. Hence, CII’s delinquency amounted to P1,186,301.92 instead of the total computed

by SSS. Aside from Meneses, the court also charged Ruperto K. Capistrano and Leopoldo G. Soberano Jr., who are both members of the CII board, for violating the Social Security Law. However, the two men re-

lauded the rehabilitation initiative of DA, and vowed to share the trainings and knowledge he acquired to other cacao growers.

Rehabilitation Process HVCDP Cacao focal person Juby Quiñaso noted that the rehabilitation of cacao trees is the most effective way of increasing the income of farmers.

Quiñaso bared the following steps that will be undertaken by DA during the cacao rehabilitation process: 1) Identification of old tress from 10 years above, 2) Formative pruning on cacao tress, 3) Execution of chupon grafting or side grafting using selected scion or budstick (depending on the choice of the farmer) and 4) Fertilizer application using the recommended rate of cacao experts.

Quiñaso said that after a year of the rehabilitation phase, farmers can expect to increase their production and harvest quality cacao products.

(PNA)

main at large.

“While the case against Meneses has reached a decision, the one against Capistrano and Soberano has been archived while waiting for their arrest or voluntary surrender.

We seek for assistance from CII employees and the public in obtaining information that may lead to their arrest,” said Cuisia.

EDGEDAVAO

Cusi... FROM 6

what to do when your area is affected,” he said.

The general managers of the coops around the country who participated in the dialogue with the energy secretary included Horacio T. Santos of Agusan del Norte Electric Coop., Inc. (ANECO); Victor R. Cada of Quezon II Electric Coop., Inc. (QUEZELCO II); Rodrigo Sacedor, Davao del Sur Electric Coop., Inc. (DASURECO); Atty. Carlos Roman L. Uybarreta, 1 CARE Party-List Representative; Rene M. Fajilagutan, of Romblon Electric Coop., Inc. (ROMELCO); Sergio C. Dagooc of Siar-

gao Island Electric Coop., Inc. (SIARELCO) and Dinagat Island Electric Coop., Inc. (DIELCO); Gabriel A. Tordesillas Sr. of Cagayan II Electric Coop., Inc. (CAGELCO II); Wendell V. Ballesteros of Davao Oriental Electric Coop., Inc. (DORECO); Ludovico D. Lim of Antique Electric Coop., Inc. (ANTECO); Veronica T. Briones of Camarines Sur IV Electric Coop., Inc. (CASURECO IV); Reynaldo V. Villanueva of Nueva Ecjia II Area 1 & 2 Electric Coop., Inc. (NEECO II-Area 1 & 2); and Egdon A. Sabio of Misamis Occidental II Electric Coop., Inc. (MOELCI II). (DOE)

downloaded at http://www. rdc11.net/downloads/.

Pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Executive Order No. 325, the following are the qualifications of PSR Nominees and Nominating PSOs:

from government while serving as private sector representative to the RDC. 3. Must have been formally nominated by a qualified PSO duly accredited by the RDC.

RDC 11... FROM 6

PSR Nominees: 1. Citizenship. Must be Filipino citizens of legal age, not otherwise disqualified by law, with proven track record in socioeconomic development in Davao Region, and must be willing and able to participate in all RDC activities.

2. Occupation. Must not hold any government position, whether appointive or elective, and must not receive any remuneration

Nominating PSO: 1. Legal Personality. Must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or any government agency and LGU which registers organizations and associations for the purpose of bestowing legal personality.

2. Performance. Must have conducted socioeconomic activities for at least three (3) years from date of registration in Davao Region.

3. Nationality. Must be Filipino. Organizations man-

NEWS 13

OCD-ARMM... FROM 4

“We also emphasize the importance of pre-emergency planning throughout every stage of a crisis and a well-managed response that will optimize the strength and capacities of our various Lanao Sur DRRMCs,” said Boriongan.

Boriongan also explained to participants the importance of contingency plans, as they include situational awareness through risk assessment, identification of hazards, its root causes as well as capacities and vulnerabilities, preparation of locally-driven hazard maps in the absence of scientific maps, intelligence and information assessments.

These plans also cover haz-

ard analysis, scenario-building for a worst-case situation, with a predictive response element to an impending emergency by ensuring the availability of necessary resources, and establishing a mechanism for rapid decision-making grounded on authority, responsibility and accountability.

The DRRM is among the priority programs of ARMM Regional Governor, Mujiv S. Hataman, as the autonomous region frequently experiences both human induced or manmade and natural disasters.

The training forms part of the observance of National Disaster Preparedness Month this July. (PNA)

tion of these illegal operations which bring suffering. They do not contribute to the coffers of government; they do not help in the development of the communities; and are destructive to the environment,” she stressed.

COMP remains confident that the audit will be transparent and will help identify gaps that both companies and government as partners in mineral resource development could better help uplift the lives of Filipinos. (PNA)

We are... FROM 5

aged by foreigners, whose officers and members are primarily composed of foreign nationals, or are considered branches or affiliates of foreign organizations, are disqualified.

Organizations which have government officials and employees as ex-officio members of the Governing Board or whose operations are funded by the govern-

ment are disqualified. Financial support by the government to specific projects will not be considered as funding support to operations.

Deadline for submission of PSR nominations by qualified accredited PSOs is on 29 July 2016, through email at nedaroxi@nedaxi.net or fax at tel. no. 296-0160.

(NEDA-11)

14 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

Lebron says he will B return to Cleveland L

EBRON James has yet to re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers but, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, has informed the team that he does intend to return.

However, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, who declined the player option in his contract last month, is in no rush to sign a new deal.

“I love it here in Cleveland.

I have no intention of leaving,” James said to ESPN during the Cavs’ championship parade.

“There are some technicalities to take care of but I’ll leave that up to my agent.”

Those technicalities mean deciding on whether to take another one-year, $27.5 million contract or become the highest paid player in the NBA by signing a multi-year contract that would see him earn $30.8 mil-

SPORTS 15

Cavendish leaves Tour de France for Rio RITISH sprinter Mark Cavendish has withdrawn from the Tour de France in a bid to improve his medal chances at next month’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Team Dimension Data made the announcement on Tuesday on the race’s second and final rest day, with five stages remaining.

Cavendish has won four stages on this year’s Tour and is preparing to race on the track at the Olympics, where he will be competing in the

lion next season.

The Cavs are also still in talks with free agent J.R. Smith and head coach Tyronn Lue.

RETURNING HERO. Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals.

(Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)

omnium event.

“After the heat and intensity of the previous stages, we analysed my fatigue levels and decided I’m at a point that would have a detrimental effect on my other big goal for the year, the Olympic Games,” Cavendish said on the team’s website.

“To leave a race and organisation that I hold so much respect for and a team that I have such a special bond with, has not been an easy decision at all.”

Cavendish would have been a contender to win the final stage Sunday on the Champs-Elysees.

He wore the race leader’s yellow jersey for the first time after winning the opening stage at Utah Beach, Normandy.

Felizarta is 2nd PDBC cage champion T

HE Team Felizarta demolished Team Trangia, 73-53, in the championship game of the 2nd PICE Davies Basketball Club (PDBC) Tournament finals held at Brokenshire Recreational Center, Madapo Hills in Davao City.

Antonio E. Pardillo sizzled with 17 points to lead scoring for Felizarta as teammate Eustac Ian Mangao added 16

points. The team was also composed of engineers Joseph Dominic S. Felizarta, Ll. B., Rodel B. Pingol, Angelito W. Bitangga along with Melchor C. Ramos, Jr., Oriel A. Siangco, Jonee L. Bagaslao, Reneboy N. Ariola, Ramel B. Francisco, Jojie F. Garcia, James Patrick R. Nerosa and Arnel M. Borja.

Trangia for its part, was bannered by engineers Vicente C. Trangia, Jr., Matt Ronald

B. Tan, Julius A. Libre, Jr., Roberto L. Mamaril, Rodolfo M. Rojas III, Bonette S. Baylosis, Dindo C. Corda, Arnel T. Bernardino, Rodrigo E. Ramos, Jr. along with Wines Marleven D. Bonsay, Ferdie Pantinople and Sean Thomas G. Tan. Team Palban placed third in the event organized by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), Davao City Chapter.

Cash, medals and trophies were awarded to the winners while Eustac Ian Mangao was awarded as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) having final statistic: 12.10pts / game, 1/1- 3PT FG, 3/8- FT, 10 REB, 3-AST & 3-STL. Tournament chairman Engr. Jimwell L. Bonguyan said the 3rd conference is set before the Kadayawan Festivities on August this year.

Tiger injured anew, out of the season HAIL THE CHAMPS. Team Felizarta (Champion-headed by Team Manager Atty./Engr. Joseph Dominic S. Felizarta wearing Jersey 18) and Team Trangia (1st Runner Up-headed by team captain Engr. Matt Ronald B. Tan wearing jersey 11) players pose with some PICE Davao City Chapter board members, tournament committee/organizers headed by tournament chairman Engr.

Jimwell L. Bonguyan (4th from left kneeling wearing white shirt jack) & major sponsor Davies Paints Philippines, Inc. represented by Alvin F. Alcantara (6th standing from left, wearing white shirt jack), during the awarding rites on July 5, 2016 at the Brokenshire Recreational Center, Madapo Hills, Davao City.

Salomon X-Trail 2016 promises to be more tough and challenging

T

HE 2016 Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas Davao Leg on August 27 at 6PM promises to be more tough and challenging, this was the statement given by race organizer Rhoderick James ‘Dax’ Ang during the official press launch of the event at the R.O.X last Monday at the Abreeza Mall.

Ang who was joined by store head Lysa Acman and

Salomon PHL representative Ryan Milan said the all-terrain footrace which has a distance of only 7 kilometers, will actually be a night run and is geared towards the promotion of the ‘buddy system’ in running as well.

The run will start off in an out and back course at the GAP Farm in Maa and will include a tricky 300m tunnel course which will pres-

ent the participants with a different kind of experience.

The registration fee is P700 inclusive of a race bib, a Salomon X-Trail technical jersey, a Salomon Race day bag and a post race meal.

Interested runners can now sign up at the Salomon Store in Abreeza or the R.O.X..

Slots will be limited for this event which is slated to draw in both the newbie and hard-

core trail runners.

‘The Salomon X Trail Davao will only have one race category. This is perfect for all types of trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts who want to test their skill and endurance. It’s a short trail but it’s very technical, It’s multi-terrain and the runners will really be able to test their mettle in the dark,” Ang said.

T

IGER Woods withdrew from the PGA Championship, the first time he will go an entire year without playing a major.

The decision, while not a surprise, also means he will go an entire PGA Tour season without playing.

His agent, Mark Steinberg of Excel Sports Management, said in a text to The Associated Press on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) that Woods will not play the remainder of the tour season as he continues to rehab following back surgeries. That would have amounted to only three more tournaments before the start of the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Steinberg said Woods will continue to work hard and as-

sess when he can play the following season, which starts in October.

In public appearances dating to April, whether it was opening his golf course in Houston or hosting his tournament in Washington, Woods has given no indication when he will be ready to compete. He had his second and third back surgeries last year and has said he wants to take his time making sure it heals.

Woods now has gone eight full years since winning his 14th major championship at the 2008 U.S. Open.

He was replaced by Harold Varner III at the PGA Championship, which starts July 28 at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

THINKING POSITIVE Pinoy tracksters defiant despite odds

RIO HOPES. Eric Cray and Marestella Torres-Sunang will banner the Philippines’ campaign in the Olympics athketics events.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 104 • THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016

T

HEY may be a long shot for an Olympic gold, but tracksters Marestella Torres-Sunang, Eric Cray, and Mary Joy Tabal would be more than glad just to be in contention for a medal in the Rio De Janeiro Games.

The three were feted in a send-off ceremony by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) and the ‘Adopt-an-Olympian Program’ of the private sector headed by sports patron Jim Lafferty Tuesday at the Orchids Garden Hotel.

Although not fancied to really give the world athletic powers a run for their money during the August 5-21 meet, the Filipino tracksters are nonetheless focused on giving Philippine track and field its first ever medal since Miguel White salvaged a bronze in the men’s 400-meter hurdle of the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

“We got a shot at this,” said Lafferty of the possibility of making the finals of the 400m hurdles and the women’s long jump, where Cray and Torres-Sunang will be competing in Rio. “We have always believed that Marestella and Eric have a strong chance to make the finals. This puts them in the medal hunt.”

Tabal is entered in the women’s marathon.

At 35, Torres-Sunang would be the oldest women’s long jump participant. But that doesn’t mean she’ll just go through the motions in what might be her last ever Olympic stint after the 2008 and 2012 Games in Beijing and London.

Lafferty said the Filipino long jumper has been into yoga since

giving birth two years ago, and is in the best condition of her career since qualifying for Rio with a new national record and Southeast Asian mark of 6.72 meters during the Kazakhstan Open.

At the moment, Marestella has 10.1 percent fat in her body, which Lafferty expects to go as low as nine percent come the Olympics.

“That would help her at least go for 6.80 meters, which is the closest we can get our athlete in the medal hunt,” added Lafferty of Torres-Sunang, who is the first Filipino athlete trained by him and part of the ‘Adopt-an-Olympian Program,’ which he established in 2014.

Torres-Sunang, the first trackster to make the Olympics three times since discuss thrower Josephine dela Vina did in 1964 (Tokyo), 1968 (Mexico), and 1972 (Berlin), was at the send-off ceremony along with Lafferty and Patafa president Philip Ella Juico.

“Kundisyon ako ngayon.

Ang goal ko is to really make the finals,” said the veteran long jumper, who even did some yoga moves during the program.

Both Cray and Tabal were interviewed live over Skype as the two are currently in El Paso, Texas and Japan, respectively. Cray qualified after clocking 48.98 seconds in the IAAF World Challenge Madrid, while Tabal did 2:43.29 in the Ottawa Marathon in Canada last June.

Torres-Sunang will be leaving for Rio with majority of the Philippine delegation this Saturday. Tabal, meanwhile, will leave Japan on August 2 and Cray two days later.