Edge Davao 9 Issue 109

VOL. 9 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

SIMPLY IRRESISTABLE. Durian lovers troop to Magsaysay Fruit Stand in Davao City where different varieties of the king of fruits are sold as low as P30 per kilo as harvest season started. Lean Daval Jr.

CEASEFIRE DISREGARDED 1 killed, 4 wounded as NPAs ambush CAFGUs in Davao del Norte

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

B

Inside Edge

adlopez0920@gmail.com

ARELY two days after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels on Monday during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Wednesday ambushed a convoy of Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Davao del Norte.

One member of CAFGU and four others were wounded during the ambush that took place at around 6:45 in the

morning on Wednesday, July 27 in Sitio Kamunuan, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte, Capt. Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division said.

“This is a clear disregard by the NPAs of the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire made

by President Duterte,” Captain Batchar told EDGE Davao in a phone interview.

He said that in line with the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire, the CAFGU members

were ordered to pull-out from their position in Sitio Kapatagan back to their patrol base in Sitio Patil.

However, before reaching their patrol base, the NPAs ambushed them, Batchar said.

On the same day the incident occurred, which coincided with the the regular AFP-PNP press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City, Batchar told reporters that offensives by the Philippine Army in the whole Davao region and neighboring

provinces in Mindanao under the jurisdiction of the 10th ID had stopped following the declaration of ceasefire by the president and upon orders of Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. General Ricardo Visaya.

“After the president declared the unilateral ceasefire, we immediately stopped our operations against the NPA rebels,” Batchar said.

Pulling out of troops back to designated patrol bases were also ordered in accor-

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2,000 cops to secure Kadayawan ’16 guests News Pg2

Sports Stoudemire follows Kobe, Duncan to retirement Pg15 SBP mulls pros, amateurs for next Gilas Pg16

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

WORK OF ART. A worker installs one of the concrete statues in front of the Davao City National High School (DCNHS) along F. Torres Street. The statues, which were sculpted by Davao City renowned artist Kublai Millan, will be the centerpiece of the school’s facade. Lean Daval Jr.

Bayan Muna asks congress to fast track lower income tax law

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ORMER Bayan Muna Congressman Neri Colmenares lauded Pres.

Rodrigo Duterte’s for expressing his administration’s commitment during the State of the Nation Address (SONA ) to lower income tax, as the legislator urged Congress to pass an income tax reform law that will provide substantial relief to overburdened taxpayers.

“With Pres. Duterte’s support to lower income taxes, I urge Congress to pass a law that will simplify tax brackets, and reserve the highest tax rate to those earning more than P2.7 Million a year,” said Colmenares, who was the principal author of HB 3501, one of the tax reform measures disapproved by Pres. Benigno Aquino in the last Congress,

which did not even pass the committee level.

“Since the daily living wage is pegged at P1,086 per day, we must exempt from income tax those earning below P33,000 per month so as to maintain the living wage per family,” he added.

HB 3501 simplified the tax rates to only 5 tax brackets and exempted from tax earnings below P396,000 per year. An annual income of over P640,000 is taxed at only 10%, while the highest tax rate of 30% is reserved for those earning P2.7 Million a year.

“A complicated tax system only allows corrupt BIR officials to milk tax payers. Simplifying it will take away a lot of discretion on the BIR and curb

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Task force on media killings formed

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HE Philippine National Police has announced it has formed Task Force “Usig” to probe the killings of journalists.

PNP Spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said the body will be headed by Chief Supt. Augusto Marquez, Jr., incumbent head of the PNP’s Director for Investigation and Detective Management.

“The PNP is committed in addressing cases involving media practitioners in the country, both local and foreign,” Carlos said.

President Rodrigo Duterte,

in his first State of the Nation Address on Monday, said the Presidential Communications Office, headed by Sec. Martin Andanar is drafting an Administrative Order to define the roles of the task force.

Pres. Duterte stressed that his administration does not condone violence and repression of media.

During the campaign season, Pres. Duterte stirred controversy and earned the ire of media groups after he remarked that some of the slain journalists were involved in illegal activities. (PNA)

2,000 cops to secure Kadayawan ’16 guests

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

S

adlopez0920@gmail.com

ECURITY details and disposition of personnel have already been finalized as the festivities for the 31st Kadayawan Festival in Davao City is fast approaching.

Police Chief Inspector Andrea Dela Cerna, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police in Davao region (PNP PRO11) told reporters during the regular AFP-PNP press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday that around 2,000 PNP personnel will be involved in providing security to guests, visitors and merrymakers during the week-long

festivities that will start on August 15.

Another 3,000 augmentation forces will also be tapped to help secure the city during the celebration, Dela Cerna added, and these will include force multipliers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and members of barangay police auxiliary teams in the city.

“We will be in a heightened alert during the celebration of Kadayawan Festival,” she said, adding that PNP PRO-11 director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan will serve as the over-all secu-

rity commander while Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Supt. Michael John Dubria will be the over-all ground commander of the security forces.

DCPO spokesperson Senior Inspector Catherine Dela Rey also told reporters that they will continue to be in high alert despite the absence of threats to the security of the city.

“Deployment of police personnel to specific areas in the city has already been finalized,” Dela Rey said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine

Army will also provide support to secure the celebration of the 2016 Kadayawan Festival.

Captain Rhyan Bathar, chief information officer of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division said joint forces of the AFP and PNP will guard the week-long event.

“A standby reactionary force will be stationed in Camp Panacan and will be ready to respond if needed while members of Task Force Davao will join the DCPO in providing security,” Batchar said. (With report from Isel Jhian Abad, Intern)

PEAKING before the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, President Rodrigo R. Duterte narrated on Tuesday how his father — also a soldier — retired in Mindanao seeking greener pastures.

The President also explained why he declared a unilateral ceasefire with the New People’s Army (NPA).

“It is not my decision alone. It is the decision of the Cabinet. Of course, General (Secretary Hermogenes) Esperon and Secretary Delfin

Lorenzana are automatically members of the Cabinet,” Duterte said, referring to his National Security Adviser and Defense Secretary.

“I am a President that seeks peace with everyone.

My job as President is not to look for trouble but to see to it that there are no conflicts in the Philippines.”

The President reiterated his vision of reconciliation for the country as the conflict in Mindanao has been raging since the early 1970s, and the communist-led rebellion has been around for more than

four decades.

“I have to talk to the MI (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and to the MN (Moro National Liberation Front), to Nur (Misuari) and (Alhadj) Murad and they are ready to talk about peace. This has gone too far and for so long. There has been too many lives lost on both sides,” the President said.

The planned peace talks between the government, the MNLF, MILF, and the NPA should take place later within the year.

“I have no other dream but to bring peace to my country,

if possible. I plead peace with everybody. I do not want any single loss (of life) either on their side or the government if possible,” Duterte said.

Although the President extends a hand of peace to the MNLF and the MILF, he also wants to be sure that neither group has any ties to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), as weapons wielded by the ASG have been traced back to rogue members of both the MNLF and MILF, a development which could dampen the prospects of peace in Mindanao.

(PNA)

Duterte: My presidency is a peace mission S

VOL. 9 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

City’s 2017 budget seen to reach P7 B

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

T

HE budget of the city government of Davao for 2017 is expected to increase between 10% to 14%, according to Committee on Finance Ways and Means chair Councilor Danilo Dayanghi-

rang.

Dayanghirang said the city’s budget next year is projected to reach to P7 billion following the increase this year of its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

DOH to intensify information, awareness campaign on RPRH Law

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HE Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday that it will intensify its information and awareness campaign on Responsible Parenthood Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law or Republic Act 10354.

According to DOH Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial, discussions on family planning were considered ‘taboo’ prior to its inclusion in President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“Medyo naging “taboo” noon na pag-usapan ang RH… And ngayon, open na po…Mismong Presidente (Duterte)na ang nagsabi…Kaya palalaganapin natin ang impormasyon at kaalaman sa ating mga kababayan sa family planning,” said Secretary Ubial.

It can be recalled that President Duterte’s pronouncement on the full implementation of the RPRH Law

in his SONA on Monday was warmly received.

The President said RPRH Law can help couples, especially the poor to have the freedom of “informed choice” on the number and spacing of children they can adequately support.

He even added that having a well-planned family can eventually make them productive members of the labor force, contribute to economic development.

However, Ubial clarified that the DOH does not dictate the number of children a family should have, stressing that the agency will help in promoting family planning as part of the Duterte administration’s health agenda.

“We will ensure that all families in the Philippines will be able to attain the desired family size, kung ilan ang gusto nilang anak, yun ang itutulong

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With the increase of the city’s IRA by 10 to 14%, he noted the budget for the following year will also increase by the same percentage.

“We have recorded an increase in IRA. Usually, if the

IRA goes up, the local budget follows,” he said.

The city’s budget in 2016 was P6.3 billion.

Dayanghirang said he is scheduled to convene all the heads of the city’s various de-

NOT READY. Army Captain Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division, reveals that army camps under the division are not yet ready to be used as drug rehabilitation facilities in line with the announcement of

partments and ask them to submit their budget appropriations for 2017.

“After they have submitted their budget appropriation, I will call for a series of committee hearings. The budget ap-

propriation must be submitted to us by October,” he said.

Under the Local Government Code, the budget of LGUs for the next fiscal year must be approved before December 31 of the current year.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte that military camps will be utilized for the rehabilitation of drug dependets. Batchar issued the statement in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Lean Daval Jr.

4 NEWS

SECURITY PREPARATIONS. Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson Chief Inspector Andrea Dela Cerna talks about the authorities’ security preparations for the upcoming Kadayawan sa Davao Festival 2016

EDGEDAVAO

celebration. Dela Cerna was among the guests of yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

AFP welcomes SC ruling on EDCA T HE Armed Forces of the Philippines has welcomed the Supreme Court’s final ruling declaring as constitutional the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States.

“Finally, all qualms and doubts on the EDCA can be laid to rest and discussions on its full implementation can be done confidently in the thought that there are no longer any legal impediments,” AFP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

The High Court on Tuesday declared with finality the controversial EDCA as constitutional, as it dismissed the motions for reconsideration filed by Bayan and Bayan Muna party-list and former Senator Rene Saguisag for inability to present new arguments.

The EDCA was signed in April 2014 when US Pres.

Barack Obama visited the Philippines.

In its Jan. 12, 2016 decision, the SC recognized the authority of the President to enter into an executive agreement involving foreign military bases pursuant to Article 18, Section 25 of the 1987 Constitution.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the President is allowed to enter into an executive agreement involving foreign military bases if the agreement is just the implementation of the existing law or treaty.

This was the reason why the SC dismissed the petitions questioning the EDCA. According to the SC, the EDCA is an executive agreement for the implementation of the treaties -- the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Defense Treaty -- which allow the presence of foreign troops or foreign facility in the country.

Since the EDCA is an executive agreement, the SC said it does not require the Senate’s ratification. (PNA)

Davao City council expects more infra under Duterte admin SC junks Greenpeace’s petition

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

E

XPECTATIONS are high among members of the 18th Davao City Council that the city will be the recipient of major infrastructure projects, such as the proposed Davao City railway system now that Rodrigo Duterte, who was the city’s chief executive for more than two decades, is now the president.

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang said under the previous administrations, the city’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) was largely insufficient to meet the city’s growing infrastructure needs.

Almost all of the projects that were implemented in

Davao, he said, were realized through the initiative and hard work of then Mayor Duterte.

Dayanghirang claimed that prior to Duterte’s presidency, many of the city’s proposed projects were put on hold, the reason why Duterte, had to look for funding elsewhere to finance them.

“We expect that under the president’s administration, the Davao railway will be on the move,” he said.

The councilor said he already met with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Mark Villar to discuss the proposed

infra projects which aim to address the worsening traffic situation in the city.

“We have to look [at] the viability of the MRT (Metro Railway Transit). It was the proposed project of the Koreans…We want to know the status of it,” Dayanghirang said.

The MRT project was proposed under Duterte’s administration in 2014. However, it was put on hold by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Dayanghirang also cited the proposed coastal road from Matina to Toril area, which, if realized, will ease

traffic.

He said the council and the executive branch need to review all proposed projects through the Executive and Legislative Agenda (ELA) and submit them to the national government for budgeting.

Aside from MRT and coastal road projects, there has also been a proposal for the city to develop its own cable car network.

Recently a consortium that originally conceived the proposed Cebu cable car project had expressed its desire to meet the President and discuss a similar prototype for Davao’s traffic needs.

Lopez to order dismantling of fish pens, revoke permits of big firms operating at Laguna Lake

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N view of President Rodrigo Duterte’s promise to prioritize poor fishermen in the use of the Laguna de Bay or Laguna Lake, Environment and Natural Resources Sec. Regina Lopez on Wednesday said she will issue a directive for the dismantling of big fish pens and revoke permits given to big corporations operating at the lake.

The move aims to develop and manage huge portions of the Laguna Lake wherein the government will give out entitlement to small farmers.

“Itong Laguna Lake, naubos na nga... wala na ang (para sa mga maliliit na) fishermen.

‘Yun na lang the difference between one big fishpen to the other... Makikita mo sa plane, every time I go to Davao and I pass by that place there, nakita ko talagang wala nang ano (para sa maliliit na mangingisda). And the fishermen are complaining about the loss. Talagang wala na sila. Kasi ang maliit na lu-

gar, iyon lang ang kanila (Small fishermen making a living out of the Laguna Lake are left with very little area to ply their trade, with most areas allocated for private fish pens owned by big corporations. I can see it from the plane every time I go to Davao. Every time I can see that there’s really nothing left, and the fishermen are complaining about their loss, because they have very little left for them),” the President said in his first State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

“This is what I’m telling you, the poor fishermen will have priority in its entitlements,” he stressed.

As of June 30, 2016, there are 357 registered and unregistered fishpen owners operating at the Laguna de Bay, according to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA).

Former LLDA Chairman Edgardo Manda earlier said the entitlements currently held by big corporations may range

from 50 to 1,000 hectares of the lake surface.

He said some corporations have managed to acquire big entitlements by merging entitlements that were granted to their dummies.

Manda noted that some 20 percent of the 90,000-hectare lake surface of the Laguna Lake is now covered by entitlements granted to private corporations or individuals to manage and develop fish pens.

The Laguna Lake is the largest lake in the Philippines and one of the largest in Southeast Asia.

In view of its multiplicity of uses and benefits, its basin is the most important, dynamic and among the fastest-growing economic bases in the country.

It has become the catch basin to Metro Manila’s population and urbanization/ industrialization overspill.

As the region has developed, the lake has suffered increasing levels of agricultural,

industrial and domestic wastewater pollution.

The possible consequences of the rapid swelling of population include food and water shortage, worsening traffic congestion and environmental degradation, thus significantly affecting Laguna de Bay and its environs.

Problems such as pollution and waste primarily come from domestic and agricultural sources; multiple and often conflicting water uses; vulnerability of lake shore settlements and developments to flood hazards and related health and economic risks, and indecision over resettlement; poorly regulated developments on the shore land, and critical watersheds inclusive of tenurial constraints, database management and monitoring; and fragmented utility infrastructure developments, including silting and development regulations of these investments contribute

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vs.‘Bt talong’testing

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HE Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed the petition for writ of kalikasan filed by Greenpeace Southeast Asia (Greenpeace) against the field testing of genetically-modified eggplants, or “Bt talong”.

This was after the SC, with a unanimous vote, granted the motion for reconsideration (MR) filed by various groups, including the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the University of the Philippines (UP).

The SC earlier issued a decision on Dec. 8, 2015 that stopped the conduct of field

testing for Bt talong, nullified the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 8 Series of 2002, and also stopped the applications for the use, field testing, expansion, sale and importation of genetically-modified organisms.

However, in its latest resolution, the SC overturned its earlier decision.

The SC agreed with the arguments of the petitioners and the intervenors that the case against Bt talong should be dismissed for being “moot and academic”.

This was because the field trial for the Bt talong has al-

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Cops, Marines seize high-powered firearms, arrest 3 in Sultan Kudarat

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OINT police and Philippine Marines forces arrested Wednesday three persons and seized high powered firearms and illegal drugs in a remote village in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

Senior Inspector Patrick Elma, Kalamansig town police chief, said elements of Kalamansig PNP and 7th Marine Battalion landing team raided a house in the coastal village of Nalilidan and seized 81 sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride, cal. 60 machine gun, cal. 45 pistols, hand held radio, home made pistols and assorted ammunition for cal.

30 garand rifle, cal. 45 pistol and cal. 38 revolver.

Elma withheld the identities of the suspects as the investigation is still onging. Two of the suspects are facing murder and multiple frustrated murder charges.

Armed with a search warrant, the police, Special Action

Force and Philippine Marine troopers raided the suspects’ house at past 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

On orders of Senior Supt.

Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police provincial director, all police chiefs in the province were to implement “Oplan Double Barrel,” a comprehensive police anti-crime drive targeting street crimes and big time syndicates.

In his report to Supiter, Elma said the suspects are currently detained at the Kalamansig police station and undergoing tactical interrogation.

The raid was also part of “PROJECT DUTERTE” which stands for Drug Use and Trafficking Elimination through Rehabilitation, Training and Enforcement. It is a pet project of Police Regional Office 12 based in General Santos City to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-crime and an-

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5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

COCOLINK. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is among the exhibitors at the ongoing Cocolink 2016, which features a wide variety of products made from coconut such as coco honey, coco sugar and coco nets. Cocolink 2016 is an international conference that aims to provide a venue for local and foreign stakeholders of the coconut industry to

discuss pressing issues affecting the sector. The conference, which opened last Tuesday at the SMX Davao Convention Center, in Lanang, Davao City, will end today.

Creation of banana industry Globe asserts right council research center sought to improve services

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

A

adlopez0920@gmail.com

N enabling law that will ensure the establishment of a National Banana Industry Council is needed to further boost the banana industry in the country.

Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. in Davao region (Philexport-11) executive director Edwin Sotto told reporters during the regular Habi at Kape press conference at the Abreeza Mall in Davao City on Wednesday that alongside with the institutionalization of the banana council is the creation of a banana research center that will be established in Mindanao.

“We have laws, councils and research centers created for other major crops in the country but there is nothing on the banana industry,” Sotto said.

Banana, he added is the

A

top grossing export commodity of the Philippines and runs along with other crops such as pineapple in bringing dollars into the country.

Sotto said the call for the creation of a banana industry council and research center will be part of the legislative agenda in the upcoming Banana Congress 2016 slated on October 6-8, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

Among the expected guests of honor during the convention will be President Rodrigo Duterte while Department of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol will be one of the guest speakers during the three-day convention.

Sotto said aside from pushing for the creation of the council and research center, the banana congress will

also gather government and private sector policy makers, business people, technocrats, farmers and stakeholders to discuss solutions and initiatives that can address every the challenges facing the banana industry.

The event will also serve as venue for participants to share information on the best practices in pests and disease management, value chain development, technology updates, maximizing benefits from trade and tariff agreements and market standards compliance.

Sotto said the gathering will provide banana industry players with the opportunity to strengthen the industry and will feature plenary sessions on the local banana industry roadmap, challenges on the Cavendish banana industry, global good agricul-

tural practices on bananas, and on the advanced technologies on banana disease control and management.

He said the 2016 banana congress will further boost the banana industry, it being one of the top dollar earning export commodities of the country for years.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said that earnings in the export of Cavendish bananas in 2014 increased to 18.06 percent, or $1.136 billion, compared to $962.58 billion in 2013.

Around 441,951 hectares of agricultural lands in the Philippines are devoted to bananas of which, 243,450 hectares are located in Mindanao.

PSA data added that Cavendish for export accounts for 34 percent, or 83,843 hectares, of the total areas planted to bananas in the country.

portation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has intensified its drive against colorum and out-of-line vehicles to put an end to the city’s traffic woes, particularly along EDSA, and protect the safety of passengers.

He noted that he will ask for additional components from the National Telecommunications Commission to monitor the handheld radios used by the AUVs. ”Ang kailangan lang talaga dagdagan ang mga NTC component after initial huli yong

iba nakakalusot na dahil nahuli na kapag nagsimula tayo manghuli mamaya wala na.

Check kung may permission with NTC or kung wala i-confiscate,” Carlos explained.

According to the MMDA Chief, the areas of operation were divulged to the members of the composite teams only minutes before the actual deployment.

“We want to make this as covert as possible, so that the operators of these illegal vehicles will be caught off guard,” he noted.

For the past two weeks of the anti-colorum drive, at least 30 vehicles were apprehended vehicles and brought to an impounding area in Taytay, Rizal. The violators will pay the corresponding fine per the Joint Administrative Order of LTO and LTFRB. Operators of colorum buses will be fined PHP1 million for the first offense, PHP200,000 for trucks and vans, PHP 120,000 for sedans, PHP50,000 for jeepneys, and PHP60,000 for motorcycles.

Carlos said the agency is

G

LOBE reiterated its stance to provide its customers with better mobile internet services using the various frequencies it can now access through its joint buyout of the SMC telco assets, the telecommunications company said in a statement.

To date, Globe has fired up 20 sites using the 700 MHz frequency which were never used and stockpiled by SMC. On top of the 700 MHz, Globe also fired up 669 sites using the 2600 MHz through carrier aggregation in various parts of Metro Manila, Visayas and Mindanao.

All these frequencies are using LTE technologies that will enable faster mobile internet browsing.

To use these frequencies through its current network, Globe is investing the bulk of its $700 million in capital expenditure this year to retrofit cell sites, purchase new antenna systems specifically for 700 MHz, and install upgrades in new software that will optimize the use of multiple fre-

quencies.

“By immediately using the additional capacities from these frequencies, coupled with additional network investments, our customers in various parts of the country are starting to feel the improvements in their mobile internet experience. This only affirms the urgency to meet customers’ demands,” said Globe General Counsel Froilan Castelo.

“The additional capacity can only be generated by using a new set of frequencies, sadly it is the PCC that is exerting all efforts for us to prevent using these idle frequencies,” Castelo added.

Recognizing the urgency of the issue, Globe cooperated with all regulatory bodies including the SEC, NTC, and the PCC in providing all documentary requirements and disclosures, to ensure regulator that the transaction is above board.

However, based on its pronouncements to the media,

determined not only to minimize, but to put a stop to the traffic problems caused by these colorum vehicles, which if left unattended, will further aggravate the public and authorities.

Carlos said that the agency has been operating the Southwest Interim Provincial Terminal (SWIPT) for buses coming from Cavite and Batangas provinces in Paranaque City.

Carlos said SWIPT is one of the integrated transport terminals to be put up around Metro Manila, noting that mo-

torists can expect better traffic in Metro Manila once the North and South terminals are established.

“Kasi nasimulan natin SWIPT hindi natin mafefeel hanggat hindi nagagawa ang south and north terminal.

We hope the DOTC would be helpful for the provincial terminals. Hindi mo naman mapapaalis (provincial buses ) kung walang terminals. They need to fast track pag gawa ng terminals luluwag na yan in EDSA Cubao, Pasay,” he told reporters. (PNA)

MMDA beefs up anti-colorum campaign in Metro

FTER receving marching orders from President Rodrigo Duterte to curb traffic in Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) began implementing its anti-colorum and out-of-line vehicles campaign in strategic areas in the metropolis.

According to MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos, the agency together with the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNPHPG), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and Land Trans-

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6 ECONOMY

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

Strong demand continues to boost imports growth in may 2016

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HUAWEI AT ABREEZA. Huawei brand promoter Michael George R. Valdez walks members of local media through the features of the new Huawei P9 smartphone during yesterday’s news briefing to announce the opening of its

HE increase in local demand for capital and consumer goods drove imports growth by 39.3 percent year-on-year in May 2016, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the total payments for imported goods reached US$6.7 billion in May 2016 from US$4.8 billion in the same period.

“The bullish performance of imports is a clear signal that our domestic economic conditions remain robust despite the weak global economy. With its current upward trend, we expect investments and consumption to drive growth for the rest of the year,” said Socioeconomic

Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia in a statement.

Among 11 selected Asian countries, only the Philippines posted a double-digit growth of 39.3 percent while other countries declined.

“With the sluggish import activities in the region, we must focus on fast-tracking the country’s infrastructure development to support the growth of our economy and improve our absorptive capacity for investments,” the Cabinet official said.

Import of capital goods nearly doubled its growth in May 2016 by posting a 99.9-percent increase, continuing on its double-digit growth path for the ninth consecutive month and the 16th consecutive month of

Sotto did not provide the estimated amount of damages incurred by exporters and businessmen in the region, and the amount given to rebels as revolutionary taxes.

He hoped the rebels would also declare a ceasefire to ensure the resumption of peace negotiations that has been stalled for the past years.

“A ceasefire would largely place exporters and businessmen in a better situation,” he added.

ORLD Bank on Tuesday raised its forecast for crude oil prices in view of the supply disruptions and strong demand in the second quarter.

In its latest quarterly Commodities Markets Outlook report, the Washington-based lender forecast the crude oil prices in 2016 to reach USD43 per barrel, up from its April’s forecast of 41 dollars per barrel.

Oil prices jumped 37 percent in the second quarter of 2016 due to supply disruptions, particularly wildfires in Canada and the damage of oil infrastructure in Nigeria.

“We expect slightly higher oil prices for the second half of 2016 as oil market oversupply diminishes,” said John Baffes, lead author of the report.

The World Bank said the

revision also took into account the recent softening of demand and the recovery of some disrupted supply.

Inventories remain very large and will take some time to be drawn down, said Baffes.

As a result, energy prices, which include oil, natural gas and coal, are due to fall 16.4 percent in 2016, according to the World Bank’s forecast. The decline was smaller than its April’s forecast of 19.3 percent drop.

It expected metal prices to fall 11 percent this year, reflecting weak demand prospects and new capacity coming on line.

Agriculture prices are forecast to fall 0.7 percent in 2016 as a result of reduced harvests in South America and plateauing demand for biofuels.

(PNA/Xinhua)

by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), is envisioned as a new source of funding to finance road maintenance and minimize air pollution. MVUC is considered the third biggest source of tax revenue for the government, contributing an additional 40 percent of available funds for maintenance of national roads.

According to Republic Act (RA) 8794, funds collected from the MVUC should be placed in four special accounts in the National Treasury: Special Road Support Fund (80%), Special Local Road Fund (5%), Special Vehicle Pollution Control Fund (7.5%) and Special Road Safety Fund (7.5 %). The tax forms the bulk of the annual motor vehicle registration.

The PIDS study pointed out that project approval and fund release under the Special Local Road Fund requires the prerogative of the city mayor, leaving the process open to politicking.

“Project implementation is, ideally, a coordinated effort among several government agencies and the Road Board.

However, in reality, there is evidently a real potential of overlaps of functions, especially between the DPWH and the Road Board Secretariat,” the

authors added.

They also cited the lack of transparency, given the absence of a clear schedule for proposal submission and approval of the projects. They maintained that this setup leaves the process open to political interference.

Aside from underutilization, the study also enumerated potential sources of discrepancy in fund collection, such as for the funds deposited as General Fund, due to incorrect agency and transaction codes and the lack of a list of deposited collections.

To solve these problems, the PIDS study recommended that MVUC collection be automated to efficiently track collections and deposits.

“Implementing agencies should make the effort to adhere to RA 8794’s Implementing Rules and Regulations, especially concerning the steps of proposing projects to the Central Office, and prioritizing selections using the Highway Development and management (HDM-4) model, which makes sure that the projects are economically viable and ascertains that road users benefit the most,” the study suggested.

Similarly, the guidelines

for identifying and prioritizing projects that will be funded through the Special Vehicle Pollution Control Fund should be approved and implemented.

To improve monitoring, the authors suggested that project proposals and current projects as well as those undertaken for the past five years be published online, thereby establishing a “clear timeline” following proposal to the final decision of the Road Board.

The study argued that institutionalizing impact evaluation and monitoring will help transparency issues, and, at the same time, improve the decision making process. The use of performance indicators during monitoring and evaluation of projects was likewise encouraged.

The authors also enumerated further institutional reforms such as the setting up an oversight committee for the MVUC to ensure adherence to the RA 8794. Secondly, they encouraged the Road Board Secretary to focus their time on “monitoring and evaluation of project implementation and outcomes”, and leave the procurement and project implementation to other agencies

newest concept store at Abreeza Mall on July 30. Customers can trade-in and upgrade their old smartphones with a new Huawei mobile phones as part of the company’s concept store promotion on July 30 to 31. Lean Daval Jr.

World Bank raises 2016 oil price forecast on supply outages, robust demand

Philexport-XI welcomes W truce with Reds

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ adlopez0920@gmail.com

“T

HE declaration of the unilateral ceasefire is one of the most logical policies that the government can do to achieve lasting peace.”

This was the impression given by Edwin Sotto, executive director of the Philippines Exporters Confederation, Inc. in Region XI (Philexport-XI) during the regular Habi at Kape press conference at the Abreeza Mall in Davao City on Wednesday.

During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte declared a truce with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and their armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

Sotto described the declaration as a “better foot forward” that would ensure the business sector that peace can be attained.

Economic activities and businesses of exporters in the country, including the Davao region have greatly been affected by the continuing armed confrontations especially in the countryside, he said.

He added that burning and destruction of equipment and the collection of revolutionary taxes have added to the burdens that exporters and businessmen face due to the absence of permanent peace.

F STRONG, 13

CEB breaks 10M mark in Road users’tax fund underutilized, PIDs study says passenger volume for 1H 2016 Flies 1.6M passengers for June 2016 alone

T

HE Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), flew over 10 million passengers from January to June this year, an increase of 9% over the same period in 2015. On average, flights were 87% full during these months.

For June 2016 alone, the Cebu Pacific Air group flew 1.6 million passengers, up by 8% from the 1.5 million passengers flown in the same month in 2015, the airline company said in a statement.

This upsurge in passenger volume was primarily driven by popular domestic destinations in Visayas and Mindanao such as Kalibo, Tacloban, Siargao, and Tagbilaran Key international short haul destinations including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, also fared well during the first half of 2016.

Passengers to and from Japan, in particular, spiked by 21% as a result of the launch of Cebu – Tokyo (Narita) in March 2015 and Manila – Fukuoka in De-

cember 2015 Long-haul passengers to and from CEB’s destinations in the Middle East and Australia likewise contributed to the increased passenger traffic, after posting a substantial increase in volume from January to June 2016 versus the same period last year “We are very proud to share with you that since CEB’s inception in 1996, our passengers now number more than 130 million and counting,” said Atty. JR Mantaring, CEB Vice President for Corporate Affairs.

“These promising figures encourage us to cater to the growing travel demand not just in Manila, but throughout our six strategic hubs nationwide,” Mantaring said.

“We are optimistic that with the support of relevant airport and government authorities, we can continue offering our trademark lowest fares to even more Filipino travelers in the years to come,”

F CEB, 10

A

STUDY by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) revealed that the funds collected through the motor vehicle users’ charge (MVUC), popularly known as road users’ tax, is underutilized due to the lack of a definitive operating procedure system on how to identify and prioritize projects.

The authors of the study—PIDS Consultants Sheilah Napalang and Pia May Agatep, PIDS Senior Research Fellow Adoracion Navarro, and Research Associate Keith Detros— explained that the processes of identification, approval, and implementation of proposed projects are problematic.

“Project identification does not follow the prescribed procedures. The approach is bottom up, rather than top down, [thereby] failing to incorporate a network perspective of accident blackspots, and leading to projects that are not of the highest priority being approved and implemented,” the authors explained.

The MVUC, which is imposed through the registration fees of vehicles and penalties for overloading and collected

F ROAD, 10

7 HEALTH

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

Mangosteen,

‘The queen of tropical fruits’ Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

F durian is the “king of fruits,” then who is the queen?

Mangosteen, that’s who.

This fruit is believed to have “cooling” effects that counteract the “intense heat” emitted by durian. The fact that the fruiting season of these two tropical fruits coincide makes their titles particularly apt.

Unlike other tropical fruits, nothing much has been written about mangosteen. But it is one of the most-sought after fruits. In fact, there was a legend about Queen Victoria offering a reward to anyone who could deliver to her the fabled fruit.

In his publication, Hortus Veitchii, James Herbert Veitch reported that he visited Java (Indonesia) in 1892 “to eat the mangosteen. It is necessary to eat the fruit grown within three or four degrees of latitude of the equator to realize at all the attractive and curious properties of this fruit.”

British-born Malaysian author Desmond Tate has written these words in Tropical Fruit: “By popular acclaim, the mangosteen is held to be the most delectable of all the tropical fruits, and it has been proclaimed their queen. There is no doubt about the luxury of its taste. It has won unstinted praise down the ages from all who have encountered it.”

In an article which appeared in The New York Times, R. W. Apple Jr. hailed: “No other fruit, for me, is so thrillingly, intoxicatingly luscious, so evocative of the exotic East, with so precise a balance of acid and sugar, as a ripe mangosteen. I thought so when I first tasted one half a lifetime ago, in Singapore, and I’ve thought so ever since. I’d rather eat one than a hot fudge sundae, which for a big Ohio boy is saying a lot.”

Mangosteen is endemic to Sunda Islands and the Moluccas of Indonesia. However, it has been cultivated in Java, Sumatra, and in most parts of Southeast Asia since ancient times. In the Philippines, it is grown mostly in the southern part of the country (particularly Davao region).

In Bansalan, Davao del Sur, one of those who plant mangosteen in his farm is Benjamin Lao, a recipient of two awards from the Department of Agriculture. “Aside from durian and rambutan, I also plant mangosteen since it’s one of the most saleable fruits,” said Lao, whose farm is located in barangay Eman.

Not far is the Mindanao

Mangosteen is part of the fruits being displayed during parade of Davao’s Kadayawan Festival.

Baptist Rural Life Center, a non-government organization based in barangay Kinuskusan, also of Bansalan, Davao del Sur. When it started its operation in the 1970s, it planted more than 500 mangosteen trees. Now, they are fully grown fruits-bearing.

“At the start of the fruiting season, we sell our mangosteen fruits at P60 per kilo,” says Roy Alimoane, the center’s director. “But as the fruiting starts to peak, the price goes down to as low as P30 per kilo.”

Although it is highly esteemed in Southeast Asia, mangosteen is not yet a major fruit crop. “In other tropical areas, this fruit is known only in botanical gardens and small experimental orchards,” noted Underexploited Tropical Plants with Promising Economic Value, published by the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS). “Curiously, it is unavailable in what could be its major markets: Central America, South America, Australia, and Africa, where it would be readily accepted if it could be economically produced.”

In the book, Manual of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits, author Wilson Popenoe quoted David Fairchild, a fruit explorer, describing the fruit in this manner: “This delicious fruit is about the size of a mandarin orange, round and slightly flattened at each end, with a smooth, thick rind, rich red-purple in color, with here and there a bright, hardened drop of the yellow juice which marks some injury to the rind when it was young.”

Mangosteen is usually eaten fresh as dessert. You need to hold the fruit with the stemend downward. Take a sharp knife and cut around the middle completely through the rind, and lift off the top half.

What you see are the fleshy segments exposed in the colorful “cup” – the bottom half of the rind. To eat it, lift out the segments by fork.

Fairchild wrote: “(Mangosteens) are strikingly handsome as anything of the kind could well be, but it is only when the fruit is opened that its real beauty is seen.”

And it is only when the fruit is eaten that makes it one of the most delicious of its kind. “The taste of the mangosteen pulp much resembles that of a well-ripened plum, only it is so delicate that it melts in the mouth like a bit of ice cream,” Fairchild noted.

“There is nothing to mar the perfection of this fruit, unless it be that the juice from the rind forms an indelible stain on a white napkin.”

Mangosteen is known for its medicinal properties. The sliced and dried rind is powdered and administered to overcome dysentery. Made into an ointment, it is applied on eczema and other skin disorders. The rind decoction is taken to relieve diarrhea and cystitis. A portion of the rind is steeped in water overnight and the infusion given as a remedy for chronic diarrhea in adults and children.

In the United States, mangosteen juice is becoming a popular “health drink.” It is usually sold under the name “xango juice.” According to Dr. Brent A. Bauer, drinking mangosteen juice may help reduce arthritis inflammation and pain.

“A number of laboratory and animal studies suggest that mangosteen has significant anti-inflammatory effects,” wrote Dr. Bauer, a board certified in internal medicine, in the website of the Mayo Clinic. “And a few small-scale studies in humans indicate that the juice helps reduce blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a substance associated with inflammation, which may be caused by widespread infection or disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.”

Dr. Bauer, however, cited

Hanging mangosteen fruits sold in Davao City.

Benjamin Lao, an integrated farmer from Eman, Bansalan, Davao del Sur.

Mangosteen seedlings ready for planting.

some clarification. “The studies that found this reduction in CRP were not conducted with people who have arthritis,” he wrote. “And not everybody who has arthritis has elevated CRP. So at this point, while the data appears promising, it’s too early to say what role mangosteen juice has in treating arthritis symptoms.”

Despite its popularity, mangosteen is not grown in countries where it is well-regarded. Some have tried but failed. According to the NAS publication, the horticultural limitations are due to the following factors: • Mangosteen seeds reproduce the characters only of the mother plant; there is no genetic variation produced.

This makes the production of superior types difficult.

• Growers hesitate to plant mangosteen orchards because of the delay in getting back their investment; seedlings take as long as 15 years to produce a profitable crop.

• It is difficult to establish the plant in environments other than those identical to its natural habitat.

“To stimulate mangosteen production and make it commercially viable,” the NAS publication suggested, “considerable research should be directed toward solving its basic horticultural problems.”

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

P

Give it to him

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal for emergency powers to solve the country’s traffic problems deserves immediate action from Congress.

The President had pinpointed the traffic woes as one of the bottlenecks of our economy and the top stressor of our people, day in and day out. To solve this, the government can go through its snail-paced standard operating procedures or it could go on “turbo” mode. By the latter, we mean a legal catalyst has to be put in place to get it functional. That is no less than the emergency powers.

With such emergency powers, the President can fast track the purchase of necessary equipment, infrastructure and facilities to ease traffic.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has already put into action the foundations of the measure to solve the traffic problem through Traffic Crisis Act, a bill seeking to grant emergency powers to Duterte for two years to do away with the mandatory bidding on procurement of transportation equipment and take over errant transport franchises to solve the traffic mess on roads and airports in Metro

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Manila and Cebu.

The bill also proposes the creation of a “superbody” that would address the road and air traffic congestion in Metro Manila and Cebu province.

The measure gained the support of the Senate counterpart with Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday promising to fast-track the passage of a measure that would grant emergency powers to address the traffic problem in the country that she said has already “paralyzed our economy and our people.”

If there are those who are hesitant to grant emergency powers to the President, it is because of the notion that it will be abused.

However, President Duterte himself assured this government will be clean. With a very high acceptance rating of 91 percent, the people’s trust in the Duterte leadership is sky-high.

Given the president’s track as a local chief executive, and the sense of urgency to address the nation’s traffic crisis, the legislators must throw their full support behind him.

This simply means, the ball is now in the hands of congress.

ANTONIO M. AJERO NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Editor in Chief Managing Editor SONNY L. MENDOZA Associate Editor

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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9

Society of the living

W

HAT is life if it is not enjoyed fully in peace, progress and prosperity?

The unwavering campaign by the Duterte administration against illegal drugs trafficking is estopped by the Commission on Human Rights and other human rights activists who glance more towards the so-called abused rights of criminals involved in illegal drugs trade before essaying into the rights of victims of drug addiction.

As a recent press report went, a tragedy occurred in Bohol several days ago when a cop was shot dead and 3 other companions were hurt when fired upon by suspected drug pushers the PNP posse was chasing.

The CHR has been shouting its monotonous voice hoarse since, getting appropriate media mileage as it promptly protests the manner police teams conduct their raids especially when a suspect falls and dies in a socalled “encounter” or “shootout.”

This time around, the CHR guys are nowhere around to make a prompt statement because they are now “diligently” weighing where they might safely take sides so as not to commit a blunder they might soon regret.

This flip-flopping puts the CHR in an in-

“W

VANTAGE POINTS

credulous SPECKS OF LIFE position because whatever they say or do appears tainted with political undertones. It cannot make heads or tails as it fails to a p p re c i a te Fred C. Lumba why the campaign against illegal drugs – which has already engulfed a few countries in South America – is resulting in bloody confrontations between the hunters and the hunted.

PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa - stern yet amiable - has promised to look into allegations of summary killings. There are insinuations that the spate of killings raises the alarm that perhaps some police assets who are into drug pushing themselves and have protectors within the PNP are being liquidated to silence them from squealing. Dead men tell no tales.

If the five PNP generals named by the

President did get involved in the illegal drugs business, does it not follow that they have underlings who are taking orders from them?

Who are these underlings then?

This is just the tip of the iceberg. I am very sure Pres. Digong will not stop scratching the surface. He will get to the bottom of it all and the Filipino nation will give him a deafening round of applause.

That is why the CHR has to be reminded that the campaign has ballooned into a war.

Duterte has declared it in his campaign speech that if ever he becomes president, “it will become bloody.”

Our tough talking Chief Executive knows whereof he speaks.

Every peace-loving parent like me who wants to see their children and their grandchildren grow and enjoy the small world they live in now should be truly grateful. We do not have to live and walk in peril if we have a responsive and pro-active government that is open 24/7.

Believe it or not, because our political system and government institutions have been found to be corrupt to the core, smugglers, international syndicates, illegal drug traders

have carved our country to be the central trans-shipment point of all illegal products – prostitution, gambling, gun-running, kidnaping for ransom, sabotage, not excluding espionage and political intrigues. Terrorism is already global and it could be around the fringes of our community, so watch out.

We should all be faulted for installing a student council government to take charge of Philippine affairs for six boring years. While it was boasting of an amazing 6.5 GDP growth, it was at the same time covering up for the scandalous and alarming growth of poverty, drug addiction and criminality, unabated smuggling and corruption at the bureau of customs and the BIR, influence peddling in the Office of the President, political vindictiveness, etc.

Folks, Pres. Duterte has barely warmed his seat in Malacanang.

He has stated clearly that he prefers to convene a society of the living than a multitude of the dead.

The CHR should step aside and patiently wait for the Commander in Chief to steer the ship of state towards the port where it could be safely anchored. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). God bless the Philippines!

rival at the private school, the THINK ON THESE! student held initiation ceremonials, which consisted of some public humiliation to extract proof of courage. Often one student would be singled out Henrylito D. Tacio to be especially henrytacio@gmail.com hounded as a kind of scapegoat. On the eve of the initiation, the student body in a cruel mob action ganged up on the younger brother, carried him off to the water tank, and demanded that he sing. When he sang so frighteningly beautiful in his fear, they became all the more abusive, and tore off his shirt to reveal his never-before-seen hunchback to public ridicule.”

Did the older brother help? No, he didn’t: “The older brother was aware of what was happening; he could have gone and faced the sadistic mob. A word from him would have put a stop to the whole tragic scene. As a leader, he could have acknowledged the strange boy as his brother, but instead he busied himself in his work in the laboratory while the mob raged outside.

“The younger brother survived physically, but his spirit was crushed. He withdrew into himself. He never sang again. At the end of the term, he returned to the family farm. Keeping to himself, he lived a lonely, reclusive life.

Meanwhile, “the older brother rose to successful prominence in the capital, and when World War II came was an officer stationed in Palestine. One night, recovering from an injury, he lay under the stars and in a dream saw

himself as Judas in the circle of disciples around Jesus Christ. ‘I am Judas; I had a brother once, and I betrayed him,’ he said. ‘Go to your brother,’ Christ replied.

“The journey from Palestine was incredibly difficult. He arrived unannounced and found his brother watering plants in the parched garden.

It was a time of long drought. He looked into his younger brother’s dark eyes, still imprisoned in the painful past. The moment of time arrested was visible in his face as well as in his twisted form. “‘I’ve come all this distance to spend a few hours with you,’ he said, and then went straight to the heart of the matter of his great wrong.

When he had finished, both were in tears. The first rainstorm of the year was breaking as the older brother walked back to the house and the younger brother turned off the irrigation water.

“Then, in the distance, the older brother heard the song of his younger brother in the garden, as he had not heard him sing since childhood. A song of his own writing in boyhood, but now with a new verse.”

Yes, the younger brother never retaliated at his older brother. Revenge never came into his mind. Instead he has forgiven him. Dr Augsburger wrote in his book, “Revenge not only lowers your enemy’s lowest level; what’s worse, it boomerangs. One who seeks revenge is like a fool who shoots himself in order to hit his enemy with the kick of the gun’s recoil.”

According to Dr. Augsburger, revenge is the most worthless weapon in the world. Why? “It ruins the avenger while confirming the enemy in the wrongdoing. It initiates an endless flight down the bottomless stairway of rancor, reprisals, and ruthless retaliation.”

American preacher Billy Graham also wrote: “If someone has harmed us by breaking the law, we have the right to bring that person to justice, both for our good and the good of so-

ciety. But hurting someone only because they have hurt is another matter. We can’t change the past; we can only seek God’s forgiveness for whatever it is we did wrong.”

American poet Edwin Markham was approaching his retirement years when he discovered that the man to whom he had entrusted his wealth had squandered all the money. The poet’s dream of a comfortable retirement vanished. He started to brood over the injustice and the loss. His anger deepened. Over time, his bitterness grew more intensely.

One day, while sitting at his table, Markham found himself drawing circles as he tried to soothe the turmoil he felt within. Finally, he concluded: “I must forgive him, and I will forgive him.”

Looking again at the circles he had drawn on the paper before, Markham wrote these famous lines: “He drew a circle to shut me out – heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. / But love and I had the wit to win: we drew a circle that took him in!”

How many times should you forgive a person who has done you wrong? That was what Peter had in mind, too, when he asked Jesus.

“Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?” Jesus replied. “Not seven, I tell you, but seventy seven times.” (Read Matthew 18:21-22.)

Forgive and then forget. Dale Carnegie reminds, “When we hate our enemies, we are giving them power over us: power over our sleep, our appetites, our blood pressure, our health and our happiness. Our enemies would dance with joy if only they knew how they were worrying us, lacerating us, and getting even with us!

Our hate is not hurting them at al, but our hate is turning our days and nights into a hellish turmoil.”

For comments, write me at henrytacio@ gmail.com

Forgiveness is better than revenge

ITHOUT forgiveness, life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation,” said Roberto Assagioli. After all, as what Epictetus said, “Forgiveness is better than revenge, for forgiveness is the sign of a gentle nature, but revenge is the sign of a savage nature.” To which Isaac Friedmann added, “Forgiveness is the sweetest revenge.”

“He cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven,” said Thomas Fuller.

These words came into my mind while remembering the book, The Seed and the Sower, a profound human drama written by African writer Laurens Van der Post. Actually, I have never read the book but I came across about it when I had the chance of getting a copy of The Freedom of Forgiveness by Dr. David Augsburger.

Here’s the powerful story based from Dr. Augsburger’s account: “Once there were two brothers from a small South African village. The elder brother was a tall, handsome, intelligent, an excellent athlete, a good student, and a natural leader. Sent away to a private school, he quickly made a name for himself. As an admired campus leader and outstanding athlete, he was in his final year when his younger brother arrived to begin studies.”

The younger brother was the exact opposite of the older brother. “The brother was not good-looking or athletic,” Augsburger wrote.

“He was a hunchback. Since his childhood, his mother had sewed paddled jackets that concealed his spinal deformity. His sensitivity to his short, curved stature had grown through the years. None of the family spoke of it in respect for his shamed feelings. Yet, the boy had one great gift. He had a magnificent voice and could sing gloriously, like a nightingale on the veld.”

It was when this younger brother arrived that the story took its twist: “Soon after his ar-

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

CEASEFIRE... FROM 1

dance to the unilateral truce declared by the president, he added.

“But we will continue our support to law enforcement operations, protect the communities and the people in our areas of jurisdiction,” he clarified.

He said the Army will also continue to secure vital government installations and flagship projects being implemented in the area, adding “We will not lower our guards, we will always be on alert despite the presence of the unilateral ceasefire.”

The unilateral ceasefire declared by President Duterte was also welcomed by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

NDFP chair Luis Jalandoni

said they still need to receive and study the full text of the declaration before making their response to the ceasefire.

The Philippine National Police in Davao region (PNP PRO-11) will also go with the unilateral ceasefire declaration but will continue to do its law enforcement tasks.

“We will comply with the ceasefire as far as offensives and combat operations are concerned,” said Police Chief Inspector Andrea dela Cerna, spokesperson of PNP PRO-11 in the same press conference held last Wednesday.

She added the PNP in the area will continue to perform its law enforcement functions against all forms of criminalities and intensified campaigns against illegal drugs.

to the degradation of the lake.

In its draft medium-term development plan, the LLDA has recommended to intensify waste and pollution control through adaptive waste management systems primarily for domestic and agricultural sources; rationalize water use zoning to harmonize all uses within the lake including navigation and water-related waste management infrastructure; promote security of lake shore communities from flooding, health risks and minimize economic displacement through effective flood control programs and appropriate resettlement plans; rationalize watershed -- and shore land -- specific management policies based on validated threshold and vulnerabili-

ty to sustain their ecological functions focused on incentive-based regulations and adaptive co-management systems; rationalize service and infrastructure-based network support for environmental management and sustainable economic uses of lake basin resources; rationalize ecotourism potential as development driver and promote lake-sensitive ecotourism developments; and adopt innovative financing schemes beyond regulatory fee collection, among others.

President Duterte vowed the Laguna Lake “shall be transformed into a vibrant economic zone showcasing ecotourism by addressing the negative impact of a watershed destruction, land conversion and pollution.” (PNA)

natin and of course, ensure proper spacing for the health and well-being of the mother and the child. That is the Duterte Health Agenda and our battle cry is-- All for Health, towards health for all!-- that [is] we want to achieve.”

Meanwhile, Commission on Population (POPCOM) executive director Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III said effective family planning methods can help sexually active women in practicing birth spacing.

According to the National and Economic and Development Authority (NEDA),proper implementation of the RH Law would be a big help in poverty reduction.

The agency also said that allowing women to be liberated from their child-bearing and child-caring duties provides them the opportunity to enhance their education or join the labor force, which can benefit not only the family but the country as a whole.

Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), an agency that provides assistance to the poor and vulnerable sectors of society, said that it will order all its DSWD Field Offices in the country as well as units of the DSWD to integrate the concept of reproductive health in their various programs for the poor.

The agency also said that

it will work together with the DOH and various local government units to promote the sam.”

During the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III, responsible parenthood such as role of the parents and children in the family were discussed among the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) during their family development session (FDS) activity every month.

Attending FDS is one of the requirements for beneficiaries of 4Ps wherein the households were given lectures on different topics that can affect the lives of the beneficiaries.

Maternal and infant health care were also taught among the beneficiaries which include pregnant mothers who are required to visit the health centers for the pre- and post-natal check-up and vaccination of their children.

Sending their children and keeping them in school are among the duties 4Ps beneficiaries need to fulfill which will qualify them to receive monthly cash grants from the government.

The program main goal is to help the poor achieve self-sufficiency and ensure that those who graduate from the program will not remain poor but instead, live prosperous, productive lives. (PNA)

Lopez... FROM 4

DOH... FROM 3

BOUNTIFUL HARVEST. A vendor displays bananas and other fruits at a stall in Agdao Public Market, Davao City yesterday. Fruits are flooding the public markets in the city, as harvest season has arrived in time for the celebration of the Kadayawan sa Davao festival next month. Lean Daval Jr.

Bayan... FROM 2 corruption” Colmenares noted in a statement.

“The tax rate of 32% for an annual income of P500,000 was imposed way back in 1986 under EO 37. For years the government deviously refused to adjust the tax rate to inflation making middle income earners earning P41,666 a month, together with multi-millionaires,” pay the same 32%, he explained.

“Based on the Consumer Price Index published by the National Statistics Office, it is estimated that national consumer prices have increased by 539% from 1986 to 2014 which means that an annual income of P500,000 is now equivalent to P2.7 Million. This is the reason why HB 3501

pegged this as the highest tax rate when we filed it last Congress,” he pointed out.

“I hope the current Congress will consider this proposal when approving the law” said Colmenares. “We are unjustly overtaxed and underserved. Lowering income tax must not be reduced to a mere revenue issue. This is an issue of justice.”

“Makabayan has refiled our tax reform bill last Congress through House Bill 333.

I will discuss with Makabayan members of Congress ways of facilitating the speedy passage of the bill. We should ensure that the tax reform measures will not languish in the committee level like it did last Congress.” Colmenares concluded.

such as the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Lastly, the authors underscored capitalizing on the potential of a community-based labor approach on road maintenance. Highlighting the performance of Bantay Lansangan project and the details of

the Road Sector Status Report Card, the authors suggested strengthening “community-based employment in road maintenance projects” and encouraging “the participation of civil society organizations in monitoring and increasing transparency in road projects.”

he added.

CEB’s extensive network spans Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and USA. Just recently, the airline announced three new routes from Cebu to Calbayog (Samar), Ormoc (Leyte), and Roxas (Capiz), bringing its total number of domestic destinations to 36.

It also currently flies to 30

international destinations, including Dubai, Incheon, Guam, Tokyo, and Sydney.

The company’s 57-strong fleet is comprised of seven Airbus A319, 36 Airbus A320, six Airbus A330, and eight ATR 72-500 aircraft.

Between 2016 and 2021, CEB expects delivery of 32 Airbus A321neo and 16 ATR 72600 aircraft.

to reduce erosion and provide protection in the area, especially for the Pawikans, an endangered species which lay eggs near the shore.

“Davao Light welcomes everyone who wanted to offer their time and effort in visiting the Cleanergy Park to plant mangrove seedlings, clean the coastal area or learn about the flora and fauna within the Cleanergy Park,” said Fermin

Edillon, Davao Light’s Community Relations Manager.

In Davao Light, we believe that protecting Mother Earth is a wonderful thing to share to everyone,” Edillon said.

At the end of the day, the committed to continue being carrying out their roles as environmental advocates, and give back to the communities to ensure the future of coming generations.

Road... FROM 6

CEB... FROM 6

BSP... FROM 11

Cops... FROM 4

ti-illegal drugs campaign.

Region 12 is composed of the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan

Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities of Ctoabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and Gen. Santos. (PNA)

ready been done and that the biosafety permits issued by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) for the said field trial has already lapsed.

The SC was also not convinced on the alleged threats to the environment that might be brought about the genetically-modified organism or “GMO testing”.

With the denial of the

petition for writ of kalikasan filed by Greenpeace, the SC said there would no longer be a decision on the merits of the case.

The Greenpeace earlier argued in their petition that the GMO testing can be considered as an “alteration” in the natural state of the balance of the environment.

(PNA)

the PCC has decided to block the deal by declaring it is “not deemed approved”. The PCC has also accused Globe of “its refusal to cooperate”, stating that its application is deficient.

Castelo said, “The PCC is not forthright in saying what is deficient in our notice. The PCC acted in bad faith and dragged their response, saying all sorts of excuses, even going against their own rules to justify a review of the transaction that is not within their transitory provision.”

“For the PCC to subject the telcos to mob rule is appalling.

By asking for public comment on a so-called ‘review of the

transaction’ is highly irregular and against the rights of the private parties involved,” added Castelo.

Contrary to the press release of the PCC, it is merely the application for TRO that was not granted in the case Globe filed against the PCC in the Court of Appeals.

The case is still set for deliberation, and technically, the Court of Appeals can still issue a writ of preliminary injunction, and eventually decide the case on the merits in favor of Globe.

“We are still in the initial stage of the legal proceedings”, Castelo adds.

credited a total of 27 organizations -- four of which are servicing PAs, another six are collecting PAs, and 17 are both collecting and non-collecting PAs. As SSS partners, they are invaluable channels of social protection for their respective organizations and communities,” Ragel said.

The number of transactions coursed through SSS servicing partner agents grew by 62 percent from 18,473 as of March 2015 to 29,892 as of March 2016. For the same period, collections by SSS partner agents surged by 237 percent from P11.46 million to P38.60 million.

“Other ISGs, cooperatives

and MFIs are most welcome to become SSS partners in jointly promoting the welfare of informal sector workers. These workers need social security protection the most, given the nature of their livelihood and vulnerability during times of financial contingencies,” she said.

The state-run agency also has ongoing tie-ups with Deep Well Sumulong Irrigators Inc., which is a local irrigators association based in Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija, and the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute for the subsidy of SSS contributions of hundreds of farmer beneficiaries. (SSS)

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EVENT

EDGEDAVAO Misto’s Kadayawan Buffet features various grilled seafood as well as classic Filipino and Western dishes.

Seda Abreeza’s

Kadayawan Feast

AS DAVAO CITY GEARS UP TO CELEBRATE ANOTHER SEASON OF THANKSGIVING and cultural diversity, Seda Abreeza Hotel launched its Best of Davao Kadayawan promotions last July 25 at the mall’s T’nlak function room.

do, with a realization that all eyes are in Davao City at this time, the direction is quite clear: we want people to discover the best of Davao. This is our way of delighting not only the DabaweIn its bid to showcase Davao’s nyos but those who visit Davao unique flora and fauna, Seda Abreeza and see what it has to offer. This partnered with the Philippine Eagle is our way of participating in Foundation, Olive Puentespina’s this year’s very exciting KadayMalagos Farmhouse, and Rex Puen- awan Season.” tespina’s Malagos Agri-ventures.

With the partnership beIn his remarks, Kennedy Kapu- tween the Philippine Eagle long, Seda Abreeza’s general manager, Foundation and the Seda Hotel shared the rationale behind the part- chains, guests who will avail of nerships his establishment has forged the Best Available Rates from with the Davao-based organizations.

July to September 2016 will have “As we envision what we want to the chance to help in a conservation mission, depending on PEF’s Keeper talks about the Bird the Seda Hotel branch they are Ambassadors during the launch. billeted at. This initiative will benefit the Bird Ambassadors in the Philippine Eagle Center, which are presented in the organization’s Keeper Talks and part of the center’s information and education drives.

“We thought of putting our partnership with Philippine Eagle Foundation on another level, this time tying up with the entire Seda Hotel chain in the conservation mission. We are adopting PEF’s bird ambassadors from the bookings under best available rates.” said Kenedy.

In the meantime, food aficionados will surely love Seda Abreeza’s exiting dining and drinking experience, as the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Misto, has a menu loaded with Kadayawan feast favorites. Set meals will be available from August to September at Php 780 nett, which will feature sumptuous dishes, as well as various soups and dessert. Kadayawan Dinner buffets at Misto will be served every Friday, and will include more local grilled classics, seafoods, and seasonal fruits.

Buffet meals will be served from (L-R) MarComm Faith Dimaano, ADOS Kathy Namuag, Rex Puentespina of Malagos Chocolates, 6PM to 9PM, and will be prized Olive Puentespina of Malagos Cheese, Dennis Salvador of PEF, Mr. Art Boncato, and HM Ken at Php 980 nett for adults, Php 580 nett for kids aged 7-12, and Kapulong.

Sous Chef Bang Flores showcases Inihaw na Liempo Calzone.

free for kids aged 6 and below.

Four different beverages will also launch, each catering to the various tastes of Misto diners.

For diners who want to beat the cold weather, Misto partnered with internationally-renowned Malagos Chocolates, and came up with as special concoction called the “Malagos Hot Choco,” paired with a local classic, “suman.” The pair will sell at Php 238 nett per order.

For those who wish to experience a classy wine-and-cheese pairing with Davao’s very own Malagos cheeses, Misto offers the pair daily at Php 1180 nett, with a wine buffet for one and a cheese platter good for two.

Meanwhile, for those who want to keep it fruity and healthy, a Kadayawan Fruit

Blend will be available at Php 280 nett, which includes pomelo, dalandan, and pineapple, with a dash of spinach.

August’s cocktail of the month shall be called “Madayaw,” in lieu of the celebratory vibe of Kadayawan. With a variety of tropical fruits mixed with white rum and Cointreau with a dash of grenadine in it, guests can enjoy this drink for only Php 280 nett.

The Kadayawan Festival is definitely a season to indulge and explore what the great city of Davao has to offer. And with the offerings of Seda Abreeza seamlessly blending with the local vibe, one should not give up the chance to sample its superb food, mouth-watering drinks and distinct cultural ambience.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

EDG

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

A parade of Flavou Photos by Jeffrey Wee IN LIFE, DEFINING MOMENTS ARE NOT AS RARE AS CATCHING POKEMON ON A POKEMON GO GAME. The moment you let go of categorising and branding your experiences, you’d learn to accept the mysterious totality of life.

In short, take a snap, smile, be happy. Make it viral. You’ll never know what adventure you’d be on next.

Last July 12-14, 2016, students of the third batch of the Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS) Davao Diploma in Professional Culinary and Pastry Arts served a series of repertoire dinners to showcase their culinary skills and knowledge.

The repertoire dinners, more than the meals themselves, were a perfect venue for the students to be as-

sessed by people who, like them, has a never-ending love affair with the kitchen and of course, food. Truly, it was the perfect opportunity to parade the many flavours of the mind, converted into edible masterpieces unlike any other.

Chef Gene Gonzales, together with CACS CEO/ Chairman and renowned culinary master, were his friends from Manila and Davao, acclaimed restaurateurs and the media who came together to show their support to these upcoming chefs to taste and critique their masterpieces before they hit the mainstream.

Completing the roster of jurors was one of the country’s finest chefs and CACS Instructor, Chef Toto Erfe.

The nights were filled with aromatics, flavours and

textures from one dish to another. Wine was a staple, and so was the laughter that filled the rooms of CACS Davao. It proved to be more than just four nights of tasting exemplary dishes; it further enhanced one’s appreciation of food and it’s many faces – when treated differently.

The theme for each night varied but revolved around the many fresh produce of Davao. Basically, it focused on the marriage of international dishes and the flavours of Davao tweaked for

DGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

urs at CACS

Serving a seamless society

Not because you’ve tasted a dish once doesn’t guarantee that it’ll taste the same... second time around. Go ahead and indulge. If you can, further your knowledge and have yourself enrolled in a culinary course.

You’ll never know what you’ll end up whipping next.

Again, thank you to the Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS)

ful nights.

CACS Davao is located at Don Dionisio Complex, JP Cabaguio Avenue, Agdao, Davao City. For inquiries, you may call them at 082 282 8373 or 0933 353 1117.

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

that distinctive taste unlike any other. In short, the dishes featured the infinite possibility of the mind when it comes to gastronomic indulgence. The themes for each night were the following: Day 1: A Pinoy Chef Cooks Across Europe Day 2: Mindanao CuisSCENE: A Showcase of Some of the Best Dishes of the Region Day 3: Bountiful Davao: From Highlands to Islands Day 4: The Local Davao Indeed, the process of learning is ever evolving.

Davao, to their beautiful staff, Chef Toto and of course, Chef Gene for the opportunity to widen our (my) perspective on the delicious realm of food. To the students, maraming salamat for the wonder-

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

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ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

Lona garcia headlines digital concert

AFTER YENG CONSTANTINO’S SUCCESSFUL DIGITAL CONCERT LAST MONTH, another Star Music artist is set to entertain and virtually bring her fans together: “Pinoy Big Brother 737” 2nd Teen Big Placer and the Next Teen Superstar Ylona Garcia.

Only 14-years-old, Ylona is already preparing for her first solo concert titled “My Name is Ylona Garcia,” also One Music PH’s (OneMusic. ph) second digital concert this year, which will happen on July 29, 7:30PM. The event will also mark the physical release of her debut album under Star Music.

Just like Yeng’s concert, Ylona’s will be streamed on any mobile device or desktop computer. The concert can also be viewed via a multicam livestream, so fans can watch it from different angles or take a peek at the backstage lounge.

Aside from watching Ylona’s performances, fans will also be given the opportunity to interact with Ylona and other fans, as well as answer some polls while enjoying the digital concert.

Those who want to watch only need to register to get

an account on OneMusic.ph. They can also opt to watch the concert live at ABSC B N for P495, inclusive of

the album.

Ylona’s album is a nine-track collection of pop love and inspirational youth songs, with compositions from Marion Aunor, Nica Del Rosario, Moira Dela Torre, and Jamie Rivera.

It also boasts four of Ylona’s compositions, namely the prelude “My Name is Ylona Garcia,” “Don’t Say Goodbye,” “Win the Fight,” and “Each Day.” Completing the track list are “Not Yo Bae,” “Fly Tonight,” advocacy song ”Stop the Bully,” a remake of “Stop Think,” a “Himig Handog” 2005 finalist song,” and the carrier single “Dahan Dahan Dahan Lang.”

The album will be available first and exclusive on Spotify on July 29, as Ylona is included in Spotify’s Spotlight list for 2016.

“My Name is Ylona Garcia,” produced by Rox Santos, will be available at record bars nationwide and online music stores worldwide on August 5.

SM Babies SALE is here and along with it comes big savings and freebies! Head on to the Infants’ Wear Department of The SM Store near you and enjoy up to 50% off on basic and fashion pieces from August 1 to September 4.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

HELPING NATURE ALL THE WAY ‘ROUND. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is among of the many active supporters of Davao Light and Power Co. in ensuring that the Cleanergy Park managed by Davao Light and Power Corporation becomes a place where various flora and fauna in the area can grow and thrive. In photo are Davao

Light’s Community Relations Manager Fermin Edillon (rightmost), and Community Relations Specialist Sherilyn Puno (3rd from left) who assisted BSP employees during a Mangrove Tree Planting Activity at eco-park located in Punta Dumalag Matina Aplaya, Davao City.

Mega Harbour sister firm to expand ports in Manila, Davao

T

HE sister company of Davao City’s Mega Harbour and Port Development Inc. is expanding to more than double its current capacity through a similar reclamation project in Vitas, Tondo, Manila.

Signed by Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito “Erap” Estrada, the joint-venture agreement on the project stipulates the completion of a 50-hectare reclamation for the expansion of Manila Harbour Centre at its westernmost end, which is occupied by the Harbour Centre Port Terminal (HCPT), the country’s first and only private international commercial port for bulk and break-bulk cargoes.

The raw land reclamation works shall be completed in just a year for the first 20 hectares, which shall be allocated for port facilities. The project effectively expands HCPT’s total storage area to 32 hectares and extends its berth to more than two kilometers in length, or a total of 2,115 meters.

The rest of the 50 hectares shall be for mixed-use development, which shall be complet-

ed in the next one-and-a-half years.

The increase in HCPT’s capacity will enable it to accommodate 14 to 16 large vessels at a time depending on size, and more than double its current yearly cargo volume of 6.0 million metric tons.

This development is made more significant by the forthcoming rise of a similar project in the South, creating a shipping superhighway between Davao City’s Mega Harbour and Manila’s HCPT, both subsidiaries of the R-II Group of Companies, a triple-A construction conglomerate engaged in port development and operations, low-cost housing, infrastructure, solid waste disposal and property management, among others.

The reclamation project in Manila is estimated to cost almost P7.4 billion, while the one in Davao has been allocated a budget of P38 billion due to the massive scale of the project.

In the meantime, the project in Davao City involves the reclamation of a total of 200 hectares, four times bigger

than that in Manila.

With that size, Mega Harbour is envisioned to be a city within a city, expanding Metro Davao’s land area by another two square kilometers.

The project’s joint-venture agreement has been signed between President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Mega Harbour chairman Reghis M. Romero II. A detailed masterplan of the project is being crafted, integrating all the elements of green urbanism as a development concept, and is expected to improve the quality of life in the surrounding communities of Poblacion and Agdao Districts up to Barangay Bukana, all comprising some 3,500 households.

This undertaking is in line with the project’s social component, which involves the provision of basic utilities and services, pockets of recreational, commercial and sanitation centers, zoning, clearing of main roads, flood control system and other calamity-mitigating measures, promotion of entrepreneurial activities and generation of employment opportunities.

million by the end of the first quarter last year to P310.86 million as of March this year, reflecting an increase of 95 percent,” Ragel said.

Launched in 2012, the AlkanSSSya Program is a micro-savings scheme which enables informal sector workers to complete their monthly contribution of P330 with as little as P11 per day. Each participating ISG has at least one AlkanSSSya unit, which contains secure individual compartments that store the members’ personal SSS savings until their scheduled monthly counting and remittance to SSS. “With the AlkanSSSya, SSS can collectively cover informal sector workers by partnering with ISGs instead of going after them on an individual basis. This arrangement has attracted a wide range of informal sector

workers such as tricycle and jeepney drivers and operators, market vendors, golf caddies, garbage recyclers, farmers and fisherfolk,” Ragel said.

Meanwhile, the SSS also tapped cooperatives and microfinance institutions (MFIs) in reaching out to the informal sector by authorizing them to provide various SSS services for their own members and clients under the SSS Partner Accreditation (PA) Program, which started in 2012.

Servicing partner agents are tasked to receive members’ applications such as SSS registration, salary loans and funeral benefits, while collecting partner agents are authorized to collect SSS contributions, loan amortizations and other miscellaneous payments.

“Currently, SSS has ac-

SSS expands coverage for informal sectors

T

HE Social Security System (SSS) has intensified its efforts to extend social protection to informal sector workers, particularly through its partnership initiatives such as the AlkanSSSya Program which have registered over 120,000 members and collected over P300 million in contributions to date.

SSS Assistant Vice President for Cooperatives and Informal Sector Department Ma. Nympha M. Ragel said that a total of 1,348 informal sector groups (ISGs) will be covered by the AlkanSSSya Program by the end of March this year, 24 percent higher than the total of 1,091 participating ISGs exactly a year earlier.

“Within one year, total contribution collections under the AlkanSSSya Program nearly doubled from P159.02

F SSS, 10

UNITED IN ONE CAUSE. Employees of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas take part in a tree planting activity at the Davao Light and Power Corporation’s Cleanergy Park in a bid to help protect and ensure the sustainable management of the environment in the coastal area of Punta Dumalag Matina Aplaya, Davao City.

BSP’s support to the environment

I

N celebration of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) month, employees from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) visited and planted 300 mangrove seedlings at the Aboitiz Cleanergy park, which is being managed

by Davao Light and Power Co., at Punta Dumalag Matina Aplaya, Davao City last July 9.

Spearheaded by Davao Light, the mangrove tree

T

planting activity is an annual event participated in by BSP. The BSP has been a major supporters of Davao Light in helping make the Cleanergy Park, which has been identified as a suitable nesting ground for sea turtles and a haven for endemic and foreign bird species.

With shovels in hand, BSP employees dug through the hardened soil of the coastal

section, as they planted the mangrove seedlings. Under the scorching heat of the sun, the eco-warriors laughed and reveled at the sight of the mangrove seedlings which have found a new home - to thrive and help improve the environmental conditions in Punta Dumalag.

Planting mangrove seedlings in the area is important

been affected by intermittent water supply, the water service provider said in a statement.

The water deliveries started July 25, 2016 and will con-

tinue until water supply normalizes in the affected areas.

Delivery time is from 10:00 AM to 12 midnight, depending on the availability of water tanks.

F BSP, 10

Water delivery schedule in Sasa

HE Davao City Water District (DCWD) will continue to carry out its scheduled water deliveries in certain areas in Sasa that have LOCATION

1) BAT Compound

SCHEDULE

2) Airmens Village

3) Nelia Ville Subd. 1 and 2 4) San Lorenzo Village 5) Airview Heights

6) Plainview Village 8) Old Airport

9) Doña Caridad Village (in front of market) 10) Doña Salud (Emerald Street) 11) Doña Socorro Village

DCWD general manager Engr. Edwin V. Regalado extended his apologies to the affected customers, and assured them that the water utility is continuously working to improve water supply

Monday and Friday Monday and Friday Monday and Friday

Tuesday and Thursday Tuesday and Thursday

7) ATO Receiver

12) De Guzman Village

Monday and Friday

Tuesday and Saturday Tuesday and Saturday

Wednesday and Saturday Wednesday and Saturday Wednesday and Saturday Wednesday and Saturday

in the affected areas.

The general public is advised to visit DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov. ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ davaowater) or call the Cen-

tral Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293), 0927-7988966, 09255113293 and 0908-4410653 for water updates. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

Congresswoman Lorna Bautista Bandigan of the lone district of Davao Occidental shares a light moment Congresswoman Lorna Bautista Bandigan of the lone district of Davao Occidental casts her vote for Cong. Pantaleon Bebot Alvarez with President Rodrigo Duterte after he delivered his State of the Nation Address. (Media Affairs Davao as House Speaker. (Media Affairs Davao Occidental) Occidental)

DA in Northern Mindanao deploys T ‘automatic weather stations’

ARMM celebrates 2016 National Science and Technology Week in Lamitan City

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) has deployed eight “automatic weather stations” all over Northern Mindanao in line with its efforts to anticipate possible crop damage brought about by storms, an agriculture official said Wednesday.

Lealyn A. Ramos, the DA regional director here, said that the DA has adopted the measure in anticipation of weath-

er disturbances in the coming months.

She said that the “automatic weather stations” were deployed on all farming stations in Northern Mindanao as a measure to predict possible crop damage in specific areas when typhoon or storms occurred.

The “automatic weather stations” have the capability to forecast the estimated farm de-

struction to be brought about by an incoming storm, Ramos said.

One of the measures under the initiative, Ramos said, is the deployment of combined harvesters, mechanical transplanters, mechanical threshers and hand tractors to salvage “palay” ready for harvest, a few days before a cyclone would hit a particular area in the region.

She said that the agri-

culture department has also stored 16,000 bags of rice, 20,184 bags of corn and 520 kilos of assorted vegetables ready for transport to calamity-stricken areas in Northern Mindanao.

Ramos said that the DA has also readied the supply of multivitamins and vaccines for livestock worth PHP385,000 which will be ready for distribution in the event of a calamity. (PNA)

AVAO del Norte expanded its War on Worms (WOW) Campaign among preschool-age children (PSAC) with the implementation of its child development center (CDC)-based deworming in the entire province.

About 96,000 children were dewormed on July 26 in the cities and municipalities of the province. Some 636 children in the municipality of B.E. Duajli were likewise dewormed.

Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) infections remain a significant public health problem among preschoolers.

The World Health Organization aims to eliminate STH infections as a public health problem by reducing prevalence of moderate-heavy intensity STH to less than 1%. Moderate-heavy intensity STH may result to severe morbidities, such as malnutrition and cognitive deficits.

Children with moderate-heavy STH infection also become ‘payat’ (thin), ‘pandak’ (short) have poor performance in school (3Ps).

A study conducted by UP Manila in 2009 in several provinces in the Philippines showed a 43.7% cumulative STH infection prevalence, and 22.4% prevalence of moderate-heavy intensity STH infection in preschool-age children.

The CDC-based deworming aims to improve control of STH infections, in support of the Garantisadong Pambata (GP) Program of the De-

partment of Health (DOH).

It drew lessons from the success of the WOW Campaign in the school-based, teacher-assisted deworming in school-age children (SAC), which resulted to significant reductions in STH infection prevalence and intensity in Davao del Norte.

Child development centers, which are present in all the barangays, provide an ideal environment where preschoolers could be simultaneously dewormed. Health promotion and education on STH infections are also encouraged to be incorporated in the parent education sessions (PES) in the CDCs. The CDC-based scheme also provides the social welfare sector a more active role in deworming, where child development workers (CDWs) assist rural health midwives (RHMs) in the implementation of the scheme.

Parents, likewise, provide support by facilitating the feeding of PSAC before deworming, which is essential in minimizing its adverse effects. Components of the scheme include advocacy, capacity building, social mobilization, multisectoral collaboration, and monitoring and evaluation.

The successful implementation of the CDC-based deworming in Davao del Norte, with Braulio Dujali being the first municipality among the WOW sites of the CDC-based deworming, is expected to influence policy formulation in the scaling up of the program nationwide.

This health initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, the local government unit (LGU) of Davao del Norte, and the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila.

Aside from CDC-based deworming, the provincial government of Davao del Norte is also implementing other strategies, such the improvement of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) to address STH infections among PSAC.

HOUSANDS of students, science and technology (S&T) enthusiasts, local government officials, and representatives from other sectors in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) convened at the Datu Dizal Cultural Center in Lamitan City, Basilan to celebrate this year’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW).

Sec. Myra Mangkabung of the Department of Science and Technology in ARMM (DOSTARMM), Lamitan City Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay representing his wife, and Mayor Rosita Furigay, spearheaded on Monday the opening of the NSTW. Mangkabung said the NSTW, which is anchored on the theme “Juan Science, One Nation,” highlighted the significant contributions of S&T to national development by conferring recognition and appreciation to outstanding sci-

FTER successfully completing 27 days of Masonry handson training, 37 individuals received their Certificate of National Competency level II (NC II) last July 20, 2016 at the Gawad Kalinga Village, Purok Humayan, Barangay Datu Abdul Dadia.

The initiative is a joint project of the City Government and Holcim Philippines, one of the biggest producers of cement in the Region, in partnership with Panabo Gawad Kalinga, Association of Construction and Informal Workers (ACIW) and Technical education and Skills de-

velopment Authority (TESDA).

The training proper, which was conducted from June 21 July 20, resulted in the completion of 10 houses at the Gawad Kalinga Village.

The project is in line with the celebration of the 5th Founding Anniversary of Gawad Kalinga (GK). The main beneficiaries of the housing project are those who live along the riverside areas of the city.

Provincial Governor Anthony del Rosario emphasized the importance of collaboration between local governments and the private sector in achieving the goals

of the project through the Localized Integrated Programs Approach for Development (LIPAD).

“Atong tagaan ug dakong pagtagad ang edukasyon, panglawas, panarbaho ug panginabuhian; desenteng pabalay ingon man ang kinahanglanong serbisyo publiko sa ubang nag-unang programa alang sa katawhan,” stressed by Governor del Rosario.

Meanwhile, Mayor James G. Gamao represented by Vice Mayor Janrey Gavina expressed his gratitude to Holcim Philippines and Barangay Captain Allan Pangay and

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Davao del Norte intensifies war on worms D

entists, researchers, inventors and institutions.

“The annual celebration of the NSTW is the premier event of the science community. It is celebrated since the 1950s and the various events--like forum and exhibits--are perfect venues for technology developers and inventors, as well as S&T service providers and clients, to interact and pursue potential opportunities,” Mangkabung said.

She said the NSTW was designed to inculcate the importance of S&T in way of life of all Filipinos.

Mangkabug also encouraged the participants to focus on inventions that would support the campaign of the regional government in poverty alleviation.

She said that the gains and strides of S&T in the fields of science, engineering, mathematics and other technical disciplines would let the peo-

Barangay Functionaries for sponsoring the project that aims uplift the lives of the poor communities. He also congratulated the graduates for acquiring the skills they will need to improve their living conditions.

Also present during the program were City Councilor Flopone Royle Catalan, Gregorio Dujali, III TESDA Provincial Director Remegias Timonio, Panabo PESO Manager Cherelle Espinosa, representative of Congressman Antonio Floirendo, Jr., Frances Ann Libilo and GK Project Director Engr. Bernardo Rabanoz, Jr.

F ARMM, 13

Mason Graduates receive NC II Certificates A

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ARMM... FROM 12

ple understand its vital role in improving the people’s quality of life, protecting the environment, and contributing to national development including poverty reduction.

In the meantime, Mangkabung and Atty. Lorenzo Reyes, chancellor of the Mindanao State University (MSU) of Tawi-Tawi, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) during the opening program, for the establishment of a food innovation center.

Mangkabung said the innovation center, located at MSU Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography, is a facility aimed at

producing value-added agricultural and fishery food products by becoming the hub for innovation and technical support services for food processing industry in the ARMM. “Scientific concept and ideas, invention, phototyping and patenting must be supported to encourage a generation of new knowledge and discoveries. Research, development, and extension programs must be enhanced and afforded by all our researchers and end-users,” she added.

The NSTW is celebrated every third week of July through Proclamation No. 169 issued in 1993. (PNA)

NEWS 13

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Strong... FROM 6 positive growth.

Similarly, import of consumer goods increased by 47.2 percent to US$ 1.2 billion in May 2016 due to higher spending on both durable goods (92.4%) and non-durable goods (15.0%), driven by the higher demand for passenger cars and motorized cycles during the period.

“This is consistent with the findings of AmBisyon Natin 2040, which listed car ownership as among the aspirations of the Filipino people. But infrastructure, especially roads, must keep up. At the same time, public transport systems must be

improved to expand people’s transport options, while we foster economic development in the countryside.

Since these strategies take time to implement, we need everyone’s full cooperation towards efficient traffic management and strict enforcement of regulations,” said Pernia, who is also NEDA Director-General.

He added that on the upside, the high domestic demand for vehicles can be a source of growth if firms located in the country can participate in the manufacture of the parts and components or even a complete car model.

South Cotabato governor, mayors to undergo drug tests

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OUTH Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance Fuentes and all 11 mayors in the province have accepted the challenge to undergo illegal drug testing.

Speaking to reporters, Fuentes said she accepted the challenge for all elected officials to submit themselves to drug tests to ensure they are “clean.”

Earlier, Fuentes told reporters here that at least two town mayors are in the list of Malacañang who are suspected to be involved in illegal drug activities and narco-politics.

Later, Fuentes said that

of the 10 town and one city mayor who are on the list, nine who are under validation by government agencies.

Mayor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr of Tupi town and president of provincial League of Municipalities of the Philippines said all town mayors, including the city mayor of Koronadal, are willing to undergo drug testing.

But the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 12 said a non-elected town mayor in South Cotabato has been tested positive of the illegal substance.

Fuentes said some village officials have also tested positive of illegal drugs. She, however, did not name them.

The governor earlier directed all provincial employees, including contractual and job order workers to submit themselves to illegal drug tests.

At least 10 were found positive of drug use.

The governor also revealed that most of the cases of inmates at the South Cotabato provincial detention and rehabilitation center were illegal drug cases.

She added the provincial jail could only accommodate about 600 inmates but to date, it has more than 1,000 detainees.

More than 8,000 individuals have voluntarily showed up in police office across the province, as they vowed to turn in a new leaf. (PNA)

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Federer out for Stoudemire follows Kobe, the rest of 2016 Duncan to retirement R A

OGER Federer is sitting out the rest of this season, including the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and U.S. Open, to protect his surgically repaired left knee.

Federer wrote on his Facebook page Tuesday that he needs ‘’more extensive rehabilitation following my knee surgery earlier this year.’’ ‘’The doctors advised that if I want to play on the ATP World Tour injury free for another few years, as I intend to do, I must give both my knee and body the proper time to fully recover,’’ Federer said.

The owner of a record 17 Grand Slams titles turns 35 on Aug. 8, so the reference to ‘’another few years’’ might give his fans increased hope of seeing Federer continue to wield a racket for quite some time.

His agent, Tony Godsick, wrote in an email to The Associated Press that Federer’s plan is to ‘’be ready for the start of next year.’’

Federer is the first member of tennis’ so-called ‘’Big 4’’ - a group that also includes No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic, 14-time major champion Rafael Nadal and 2012 gold medalist Andy Murray - to pull out of the Rio Games, where that sport’s competition starts on Aug. 6, a day after the opening ceremony.

Federer often has spoken about how much the Olympics mean to him, in part because he met his wife, Mirka, when both were athletes at the 2000 Sydney Games. Federer won a silver medal in singles for Switzerland four years ago in London, and he teamed up with Stan Wawrinka to win a gold medal in doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

In Brazil, Federer was expected to play singles, doubles with Wawrinka, and mixed doubles with Martina Hingis.

He is the second big draw who will be missing from the Rio tennis tournament: Five-time major champion Maria Sharapova won’t be there because she

is serving a two-year doping ban.

The arthroscopic procedure Federer had on his knee in February, repairing torn cartilage, was the first operation of his lengthy and accomplished career. Federer said he got hurt while preparing a bath for his twin daughters.

He’s also had back issues this season, missed the French Open to end his record 65-appearance streak at major tournaments, and did not win a title of any sort in 2016 - making it the first year since 2000 that he will finish without at least one trophy.

So after participating in every single Grand Slam tournament from the 2000 Australian Open through the 2016 Australian Open, Federer will be sitting out two of the last three this year. He is a five-time champion at the U.S. Open and was the runner-up there to Djokovic last year.

Federer, who has spent more weeks at No. 1 than anyone in the history of the ATP computerized rankings, currently sits at No. 3, having gone 21-7 this season.

Depending on how other players fare, of course, Federer’s ranking will tumble over the course of the rest of the year.

He hasn’t played since losing to Milos Raonic in the Wimbledon semifinals early this month. Federer fell awkwardly during that match, winding up facedown on the Centre Court grass, and had a trainer come out to check on his left knee afterward.

Federer said at the time he wasn’t sure how badly he might have been injured.

In his statement Tuesday, Federer wrote: ‘’The silver lining is that this experience has made me realize how lucky I have been throughout my career with very few injuries.’’

And he added: ‘’I am as motivated as ever and plan to put all my energy towards coming back strong, healthy and in shape to play attacking tennis in 2017.’’

Serena out of Rogers Cup

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ERENA Williams has pulled out of the Rogers Cup because of shoulder inflammation.

The three-time Rogers Cup champion was seeded first in the hard-court tournament and was set to have a bye in the first round. ‘’Due to inflammation in my shoulder, I unfortunately must withdraw from the Rogers Cup,’’ Williams said in a statement. ‘’I was looking forward to competing in Montreal and I look forward

to returning soon.’’

Williams is coming off her seventh Wimbledon title earlier this month. The win tied Steffi Graf’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles. ‘’Because this is an Olympic year, the players have very full schedules,’’ tournament director Eugene Lapierre said. ‘’Sometimes your body needs rest. We hope that Serena will recover quickly and wish her much success for the rest of the season.’’

MAR’E Stoudemire, a six-time All-Star, fivetime All-NBA selection and Rookie of the Year whose pick-and-roll finishing and rim-rocking dunks made him one of the game’s most electric offensive forces for a number of years, announced his retirement from the NBA on Tuesday after 14 pro seasons.

A free agent after spending last season with the Miami Heat, the 33-year-old power forward/center signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the New York Knicks — the team he joined in 2010 on a five-year, $100 million deal, pledging to lead New York back to NBA prominence before injuries, inconsistency and internal intrigue scuttled those grand plans — so he could announce the end of his NBA playing days.

Knicks general manager Steve Mills said the team was “honored to oblige” when Stoudemire reached out to find out if the team would be receptive to him retiring in orange and blue because, as he put it, “Although my career has taken me to other places, my heart had always remained in the Big Apple.” And yet, to many fans, the enduring image of Stoudemire — who ends his career having averaged 18.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 31 minutes per game — will be him wearing the orange of the Phoenix Suns, setting a screen for Steve Nash, taking a pocket pass and diving hard to the rim, knifing through defenders before elevating for a thunderous slam.

It was the Suns who drafted Stoudemire — a 6-foot-11 physical specimen who had

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HE Philippine national youth basketball team failed to contain a monster performance from incoming NCAA Division One player Justin Bassey as Thailand escaped with a 74-71 upset in the FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship on Tuesday in Tehran, Iran.

Bassey, a Thai-Nigerian combo guard who has committed to Harvard University for college basketball, posted 34 points, 21 rebounds, five assists and three blocks to almost singlehandedly carry the Thais who earned their first win of the tournament after three straight losses.

The Colorado Academy graduate did it with efficiency, making 11 out of 20 field

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only begun playing organized basketball at age 14, and quickly rose through the ranks to become Florida’s Mr. Basketball and the top prep recruit in the country — out of Cypress Creek High School in Orlando with the ninth pick in the 2002 NBA draft, making him the only player that year selected to make the leap straight from high school to the pros. He proved his mettle right away, appearing in all 82 games for the Suns, including 71 starts, and averaging 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds in 31.3 minutes per game en route to winning the NBA’s 2002-03 Rookie of the Year award.

Stoudemire spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Suns, blossoming into a well-rounded and devastating scorer and rebounder. He still ranks sixth on Phoenix’s all-time scoring list, fourth in franchise history in points scored per game in a Suns uniform, third in total rebounds, and fifth in blocked shots.

The arrivals of Mike D’Antoni and Steve Nash in Arizona fully unleashed Stoudemire as a holy terror for opposing defenses; he ranked fifth in the league with a career-high 26 points per game as the primary finisher in the gogo “Seven Seconds or Less” offense that propelled the Suns to a stunning 62-20 record and a West-

ern Conference Finals berth.

Though the Suns would ultimately bow out in five games to the San Antonio Spurs, Stoudemire shined bright on the grand stage, taking the fight straight to Tim Duncan to the tune of 37 points on 55 percent shooting and 9.8 rebounds in 41.4 minutes per game … all at the tender age of 22.

What looked like it would be a rocket rise to superstardom, though, was short-circuited by left knee soreness that led to the discovery of cartilage damage, prompting m i -

goals and going nine out of nine from the free throw line– all while playing the whole 40 minutes.

Team captain Jolo Mendoza scored 22 points while JV Gallego added 20 markers for Batang Gilas which dropped its third game in four outings.

Behind Bassey’s terrific showing, Thailand controlled majority of the game and forced Batang Gilas to play catchup basketball.

But the Filipinos wouldn’t let the Thais pull away, having an answer to every attack of Thailand which didn’t lead by more than five points.

Batang Gilas finally got over the hump in the opening moments of the fourth quarter. After a dunk by Bassey,

Gallego fired a jumper and a triple to give the Philippines a 61-59 lead.

Mendoza also scored a jumper to hand Batang Gilas a 63-59 edge with 6:45 left but it was far from being a comfortable one especially against the gritty Thais.

Thailand scored six unanswered points to regain a 65-63 advantage. A triple by Pongsatorn Tabtim pushed their lead further, 68-63, with 2:54 left.

Batang Gilas tied it at 68all after free throws from Gallego and a basket from Gian Mamuyac. But Tabtim drilled another huge triple with a minute left for a 71-68 Thailand lead.

Mendoza answered with

his own triple to knot the score. However, Bassey countered by draining a go-ahead jumper for a 73-71 lead.

Batang Gilas’ comeback bid was doomed after Mendoza was charged with an offensive foul with 16 seconds left.

Suwichai Suwan went on to make one of two free throws, still opening the door for a game-tying triple from the Filipinos.

Mamuyac however missed his shot from downtown at the buzzer.

Batang Gilas will wrap up its elimination round campaign against India on Wednesday in a crucial match that could determine the Philippines’ chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

most half of their usual starting XI, the Azkals held the top Australian side scoreless in the first half, before giving up two goals after intermission, including the second one deep in stoppage time to absorb the shutout loss.

Joe Knowles and Richard

Garcia struck the goals for the visitors in the friendly that didn’t fall in a Fifa International window, which didn’t compel clubs, like Ceres-La Salle, to release its players for national duty.

That left the Filipino booters with a young squad led

by Misagh Bahadoran and Phil and James Younghusband under stand-in coach Aris Caslib.

Still, the Azkals put up a decent defensive stand against an A-League side in a match that formed part of the Filipinos’ early preparations for the Suzuki Cup in November.

Batang Gilas bows to Thais

crofracture surgery that sidelined him for nearly the whole 2005-06 season. While Stoudemire did come back the next season to play all 82 games and recover his All-Star form, the injury began a series of knee and leg ailments that would continue to plague him throughout the rest of his career. █

RETIRED. Amare Stoudemire played for Phoneix, New York and Miami in his 14 years in the NBA.

Star-less Azkals bow to Perth FC 2-0

HE Philippine men’s football team gave Perth Glory FC everything it could handle before surrendering a 2-0 decision in their friendly on Tuesday night at the Quirino Stadium in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Despite being without al-

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports NEXT GEN GILAS. Amateur standouts Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Ferrer and Mac Belo could make up the next Gilas squad with PBA rookie Troy del Rosario.

‘HYBRID’ GILAS SBP mulls pros, amateurs for next Gilas

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HE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is exploring all options available to ensure a competitive Gilas Pilipinas team vying for a berth in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, including the possibility of forming a mix of PBA and cadet players to make up the national squad.

Executive director Sonny Barrios said the SBP is not totally closing the door on pro players suiting up for the national team again despite baring plans to form a cadets pool to compete in a series of qualifiers leading up to the world championships set in China two years from now.

The PBA has not yet made any commitment on the participation of its players beyond the last Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila, although there are doubts on the pros’ availability under the new home-and-away format to be implemented

by Fiba starting next week.

“Hopefully we can have some sort of a hybrid so to speak, if we can do that for some of the tournament windows. In other words puwedeng magmix,” said Barrios.

The SBP official, however, stressed the situation is a lot more complex than it looks.

Six qualifiers will be held starting in November of 2017 until February of 2019 to determine the 32 teams from four continents which will make up the Fiba World Cup cast in China.

“Sa totoo lang, si Butch (Antonio) has his work cut out for him. Hindi ganun kadali e, although nothing is cast in stone here,” added Barrios.

Antonio, who was a special guest along with Barrios in the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday at Shakey’s Malate, agreed but was quick to add that the smooth relationship between the SBP and the PBA makes anything possible.

“The partnership with the PBA has been very good. It’s something that we’d like to keep and foster for the World Cup,” he said.

Talks between the two bodies, represented by commissioner Chito Narvasa on the PBA side and vice president Al Panlilio for the SBP, had already been underway and is expected to resume once Panlilio and other SBP officials return from a business trip abroad.

“The talks have been positive naman.

Once they got back from their business trips, hopefully in the next few days, mapag-usapan na yan,” said Antonio, also the deputy executive director for international affairs of the SBP.