Edge Davao 9 Issue 112

VOL. 9 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

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Serving a seamless society

COMMUNITY DIALOGUE. President Rodrigo R. Duterte holds a dialogue with informal settlers comprised of 227 families in Purok 45, Brgy. 76-A, Davao City on Friday evening. The settlers will be among those who will be affected by the planned road widening in the area to address the worsening traffic situation in the city. Lean Daval Jr.

RODY: RESPECT BID PROCESSES

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has warned prominent businessmen in the country not to exert their influence in winning bids on government projects, especially if their firms were established only a few days before the bidding took place.

Duterte said under his term, he will never allow influential business people to ride roughshod over government’s prescribed bidding procedures, adding he will also keep an eye on those who have ties with certain politicians.

“I will look into all the contracts [they have entered] with the government,” he said “I will see to it that there [is] no lost money.”

The president stressed that before a firm can bid on a government project, it should first have a good track record spanning at least 10 years to ensure that it will not be building sub-standard projects.

Duterte also pointed out that being the lowest bidder does not guarantee a contractor will be awarded a project, as the government must make sure that

substandard materials are not used for construction.

“If you will just give them the project because they are the lowest bidder, they will continue to corrupt the government,” Duterte said.

“I will tell the COA (Commission on Audit) and the Ombudsman: Do not insist on those businessmen who are thieves, those who are living through the people’s money, while the rest are suffering. In my term, everybody should work with honesty,” Duterte added.

The president likewise

expressed his displeasure with big businessmen who do not pay correct taxes.

He said this is unfair especially to the poor members of society who religiously pay exact taxes even if they are only earning enough to meet the most basic needs of their families.

“All businessmen should pay exact taxes; you cannot fool me. I’ve been in public service for 50 years, 10 years as a fiscal, and 40 years as a politician, and by [looking at you], I can tell if you are lying or telling the truth,” Duterte added.

Inside Edge

No relocation, no demolition News P2 A comfy but affordable stay at Go Hotels Lanang-Davao

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EDGEDAVAO Sports Pinoy pugs hope luck of the draw P16

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

FRUIT BASKET. Kadayawan sa Davao 2016 co-chairman Art Boncato (center), together with SM Supermalls assistant vice president for marketing in Mindanao Russel Alaba (right) and SM City Davao mall manager Lynette Lopez,

arrange the mall’s Kadayawan fruit display at the Annex yesterday. SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier are among the festival partners of the city government of Davao for the Kadayawan sa Davao celebrations. Lean Daval Jr.

No relocation, no demolition Pres. Duterte asks city mayor for 1-yr. demolition freeze

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has assured informal settlers in Purok 45, Brgy. 76-A on Friday that their homes would not be demolished until the national government has found a suitable area to relocate them.

Duterte, who was Davao City’s mayor for more than two decades, sought the understanding of the 227 soon-tobe affected families, as he explained the move is in line with the government’s efforts to develop the area, and address

the worsening traffic situation in the city.

“Time will really come that we will need this place and convert this into a way to lessen the traffic,” he said.

The president stressed that Davaoeños are now suffering from the ill-effects of traffic congestion, which has affected their way of living.

Duterte said this may not auger well for the city’s booming economy, noting that a lot of big ticket investors have started to come in.

‘Keep Us Alive’: Student council leaders condemn nationwide extra-judicial killings

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TUDENT council leaders from the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) and other organizations linked arms and wore placards with their aspirations written on cardboards as their latest act of condemning the recent extrajudicial killings of youth across the country.

“We again implore President Duterte, keep us alive.

Don’t kill off the youth in this war on drugs,” said Nancy Fernandez of SCAP, as the organization expressed its solidarity with the Commission on Human Rights.

“Young people have dreams. It’s sad that all these hopes and dreams can be erased in an instant. We all want peace and order. However, these cannot come at

the cost of innocent lives.” she added.

Fernandez cited the recent death of Rowena Tiamson, a 22 year-old honor student in Pangasinan, who was gunned down after being mistaken as a drug user.

“We applaud the recent pronouncements of Ateneo and La Salle Presidents condemning extrajudicial killings.

We must come together to fight against these acts of inhumanity,” she said.

“We urge Miriam College, the University of the Philippines, and other colleges across the country to issue similar statements,” she said, adding, “The growing clamor for vigilantism and police brutality should be countered by a sober and humane narrative.”

The president also revealed the government is now looking at a possible relocation site for the informal settlers, although it would take about a year to fully develop the area and make it conducive for business activity.

“Give me a year so that I can transfer the small businesses of the people, I will open the economy and let the businesses enter for your own good,” he said.

Duterte assured the people he would discuss the mat-

ter with his daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, and ask her to hold off the scheduled demolition in the area.

“Inday (Sara) might have another plan, but I will ask her to give me a year. I will not allow a demolition unless there is a developed relocation area,” he said.

According to the president, he has witnessed how the people of Davao have been adversely affected by the worsening traffic condition in the city, which has prompted

Davaoeños to appeal to his administration to build more and better roads.

He explained that if an area will be converted into a road, this would facilitate the more efficient movement of people, services and goods, and consequently, usher in more sustainable development for the people In the meantime, the chief executive also reminded the area’s residents to practice responsible family planning as “it is for your own good.”

Duterte said he feels pity for children who suffer because their parents cannot provide for their most basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and education.

He said the government can only afford to send two or three children per family to school because the government’s funds are limited.

“I am not a crazy president to lead you into a road that will ruin your life. Everything that I do is for your own good,” Duterte said.

the value of the President’s firm actions for peace. “This is what we have been waiting for,” he said.

Dureza was positive the President will still walk the extra mile for peace. Dureza assured he would make his corresponding recommendations to the President and the whole cabinet in the cabinet meeting.

On Saturday, 5:30 PM, the President has ordered the immediate lifting of the unilateral ceasefire declared last July 25 against the communist rebels.

The President also ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police

(PNP) to also withdraw the operational guidelines they issued in pursuance to that ceasefire declaration.

“I am ordering all security forces to be on high alert and continue to discharge their normal functions and mandate to neutralize all threats to national security, protect the citizenry, enforce the laws and maintain peace in the land,” the President said in a statement issued through Dureza.

The lifting came after the CPP-NPA-NDF failed to reciprocate the ceasefire declaration of the President for the Saturday’s 5:00 p.m deadline.

Although at 6:30 p.m, the NDF said it will reciprocate the unilateral ceasefire but

has asked for more time to finish its investigation on the attack of the Army’s militiamen on Wednesday.

GPH Peace panel chair Silvestre Bello on Saturday evening shared to the media a text message from NDF Spokesperson Fidel Agcaoili saying, “Please give us time to finish our investigation of the incident as reported by concerned NPA command.”

Agcaoili had said the CPP will reciprocate the President’s ceasefire declaration.

On Friday, Duterte gave the CPP-NPA-NDF an ultimatum to also declare a truce after a rebel attack on militiamen on Wednesday, two days

CPP declares own unilateral ceasefire an hour after President Duterte lifts truce -- Dureza

A

FTER President Rodrigo Duterte called off the July 25 government’s unilateral ceasefire, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) declared its own ceasefire on Saturday.

This was announced in a press statement on Sunday

by Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza, who said, “The leadership of the CPP-NPANDF announced through the media its belated but still strategic and awaited decision to also declare its own unilateral ceasefire.”

Dureza welcomed this development as it affirms

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NEWS 3

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National Coastal Greenbelt Program’s implementation pushed

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KADAYAWAN’S VIRTUAL MARKETERS. Newly-formed bloggers group Davao Digital Influencers, Inc. (DDI) led by its president Glen Santillan (front) holds a twitter party that aims to boost the promotion of this year’s

Kadayawan sa Davao. DDI is a partner of Kadayawan sa Davao executive committee with the objective of hyping the festival on the social media.

Lean Daval Jr.

KO BICOL Partylist lawmakers have re-filed a bill establishing a coastal greenbelt program to form part of the long-term solution to ease the impact of climate change.

Reps. Rodel Batocabe, Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Christopher Go said House Bill 527, or the “National Coastal Greenbelt Act,” seeks to establish greenbelts of mangroves and beach forests along coastlines as preparation for the damaging effects of natural disasters.

“Much of the losses from typhoons are brought by storm surges and strong winds coming from the open ocean. The establishment of mangroves and beach forests can reduce the force, depth and velocity of a tsunami [and minimize] the damage they cause to property and loss of lives,” Batocabe said.

Under HB 527, the Climate

Change Commission (CCC) would organize all national agencies to create an integrated National Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan (NCGAP).

The summoned agencies would be responsible for foreshore management, mangrove and beach forest protection and utilization, coastal land and sea-use planning, coastal tourism development, social welfare of coastal communities and other relevant mandates.

According to Gabin, the establishment of the National Coastal Greenbelt Program should provide the agency mandates, funding and general guiding principles for implementing a science-based and cost-effective program.

The NCGAP should include quick inventory of the status of coastlines and foreshores, including mangroves, beach

Health group: Davao City Pimentel: Let the debates has low breastfeeding rate on Charter Change begin

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

W

HILE the number of lactating mothers in Davao City has increased in the last five years, many of them still prefer bottle-feeding despite the city’s government’s active campaign to promote breastfeeding.

According to Lyn Tan, vice president of Lactation, Attachment, Training, Counseling, Help (LATCH)-Davao, Davao City has “a low breastfeeding rate” because a lot of mothers still choose formula milk over breast milk for their babies.

August has been designated as International Breastfeeding Month.

Based on the City Health Office’s Statistical Guide on the Situation of Women and Children of Davao City for 2013, the percentage of breastfeeding mothers increased from 2008 to 2012.

Of the 33,379 total number of women who delivered live births in 2012, 97.52 per-

cent or 32,552 from the12 districts of Davao City turned to breastfeeding.

Tan said there’s still an urgency to develop a breastfeeding culture and overturn the decades-old culture of bottle-feeding which started in the 1960’s.

“Thirty-four percent of mothers we have encountered said they cannot breastfeed their child because they cannot produce milk. That’s a common misconception,” Tan said yesterday during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex.

As mammals, she explained, humans have been able to reproduce and sustain the needs of their offspring through their own milk.

Tan said it is normal for lactating mothers to produce small amounts of fluid on the first few days after giving birth, adding this is sufficient for the needs of the baby whose stomach is only as

President Duterte reminds PSG to be loyal to the constitution

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RESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte met with the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and their families on Sunday evening in Malacañang” and urged them to continue carrying out their Constitutional mandate.

He said, “I am happy that you secure my person but just the same, I would like to caution everybody that I do not cultivate personal loyalty. Just be loyal to the Constitution.

Honor the flag.”

Just like the soldiers of the PSG, the President said he is also a government employee.

“Pareho lang tayo trabahante lang ng gobyerno, Galing ako sa mahirap na pamilya at rose from the ranks din ago (We are all government workers. I came from a poor family and I

also rose from the ranks),” he related, adding that he first occupied the lowest position in the prosecution service when he was working as a prosecutor in Davao.

Duterte apologized for not meeting the PSG at the start of his term due to his tight schedule as President of the country. He told the PSG’s men and women, “bilib ako sa inyo (I look up to you) for your loyalty.”

The President called on them to do their jobs as mandated and not be afraid of harassment related to the performance of their duties.

“Magtrabaho lang tayo lahat (let us all just work).”

Reiterating the essence of the statements he made in the

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small as a marble.

A child’s stomach, she said, starts to expand on the third day, creating room for more milk.

The colostrum, a thick yellowish fluid that initially comes out of the mother’s breast, will help ensure the lifelong protection of children.

“Unfortunately, some mothers withdraw their child from breastfeeding because they fear they cannot produce enough milk for their offspring,” she added.

The emotional pressure from mother-in-laws has also contributed to the declining number of breastfeeding mothers in the city.

Tan noted these grandmothers were themselves a product of the bottle-feeding generation.

Latch-Davao also observed that affluent mothers tend to bottle-feed their child.

“We want to cultivate and promote a breastfeeding

culture in the city,” she said, adding the UNICEF has called for an urgent revival of the breastfeeding culture in the country in 2005.

Tan said there is a need for an intensified information dissemination campaign on Executive Order No. 51 or the Milk Code of the Philippines, to ensure that companies and establishments have lactating rooms.

In line with this effort, LATCH-Davao will be conducting breastfeeding classes at Brokenshire Hospital and Davao Doctors Hospital to orient couples and mothersto-be on the many benefits of breastfeeding.

Aside from the economic benefits and emotional bond established between the mother and the child, breast milk ensures the lifelong protection of the child against diseases, while shielding the mother against different kinds of cancer.

L

ET a hundred flowers bloom, let a hundred schools of thought con-

tend.

That, in essence, is what Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III wants on the issue of revising the 1987 Constitution, particularly on the proposed shift to a federal system of government, the senator said in a statement released to media.

“On the issue of federalism, we in the PDP-Laban have long advocated a shift from a unitary-presidential to a federal-presidential system of government to address, for one thing, the imbalance in the distribution of resources and uneven development of the various regions,” Pimentel explained.

“I respect the views of every senator on the issue of Charter change and federalism. I have my own views on this, but the last thing I want to do is impose my own views on

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others,” the lawmaker said.

“My job as Senate President is to allow every view to be heard, so that we, and the people themselves, can weigh all the arguments and make an informed choice when the time comes for them to vote for the ratification of a new Constitution,” he added.

“There’s the view, for instance, that we do not need to shift to federalism and merely amend the Local Government Code to give more resources to the regions. This is an input that we should take note of and seriously consider in our deliberations in the months ahead.

We shall be open to all proposals and recommendations.

This is the essence of democracy,” Pimentel emphasized in the statement.

Pimentel’s father, Aquilino Jr, a former Senate President himself, is the author of the Local Government Code and a longtime advocate of federalism in the country.

FASHION FOR YUPPIES. Young actor Jake Ejercito (center) awes the crowd while gracing this year’s Style Origin: Breezapalooza fashion show of Abreeza Mall at the atrium over the weekend. Leading clothing brands available at the mall were featured during the event. Lean Daval Jr.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

Armed fighting in Basilan A displaces 17,000 residents A

RMED fighting between government security forces and non-state armed groups since the first week of July has caused the displacement of around 3,400 families in Basilan Province, southern Philippines.

The affected families in Tipo-Tipo, Al-Barka and Ungkaya Pukan municipalities have sought refuge with their relatives after shelling and air strikes occurred on an almost daily basis over the past three weeks.

Casualties and injured fighters were reported on both sides, while a few civilians were also wounded as a conse-

quence of the clashes.

“The security situation in Basilan is precarious. We are concerned for the civilians as we expect clashes to continue in the coming weeks,” said Yann Fridez, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) sub-delegation in Mindanao.

“We urge all parties to the fighting to exercise utmost precaution to minimize the impact or damage to civilian communities” Fridez stressed.

“We also ask them to spare civilian structures such as hospitals, schools and houses, and facilities that are essential for their daily lives,” he added.

To complement the assistance provided by the authorities, the ICRC, with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), distributed essential household items to more than 17,000 displaced people in the three municipalities.

The items distributed by the PRC Basilan chapter on July 27-28 included hygiene kits, blankets, towels, jerry cans, mosquito nets and sleeping mats.

The ICRC also distributed dressing kits and medical supplies including drugs and anti-tetanus vaccines to enhance the capacity of rural health units in these three municipal-

Mild quake hits Lanao del Sur

ities to treat sick and wounded people. Already in April, the ICRC and the Department of Health-Health Emergency Management Bureau had conducted Basic Life Support training for 168 health staff in Basilan and Sulu provinces.

The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization whose mandate is to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence.

It has had a presence in the Philippines for more than 70 years and a permanent presence in Mindanao since 1982. (ICRC)

MAGNITUDE 3.2 quake hit Lanao del Sur Saturday but no casualty or damage to property was reported, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday said.

In its bulletin issued at 9:11 a.m. Sunday, Phivolcs said the tremor which came at 4:57 p.m. was tectonic in origin and traced east of Butig town in Lanao del Sur where an active volcano is located.

Phivolcs said the quake had a depth of four kilometers.

Saripada Lucman Pacasum Jr, Provincial Disaster Risk

Reduction Management officer, said disaster workers have been monitoring the situation.

Butig town has an active volcano, Mt. Makaturing, but disaster officials and Phivolcs could not say if yesterday’s tremor was volcano-related.

At 4:22 a.m., Sunday, a slightly stronger quake, Magnitude 3.5 hit Surigao del Sur but no damage to property has been reported.

Phivolcs traced the epicenter to about eight kilometers, east of Bislig City and has a depth of 154 kilometers. Like the Lanao del Sur quake, it was tectonic in origin. (PNA)

Gov’t worker, 5 others arrested in Cotabato anti-drug operation

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OLICE arrested here six persons, including a government employee, while in the act of sniffing prohibited drugs during an anti-illegal drug operation on Monday.

Senior Supt. Danilo Reyes, city police director, said the raid was conducted in Purok Masagana, Barangay Rosary Heights 10 at 1:00 a.m.

He identified the suspects as Ronel Timan Tino, 29; Kaharudin Ampatuan Singon, 35, married, employee of Department of Agrarian Reform in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAR-ARMM); Da-

tumama Campiao Alim, 25; Abdulsamir Panabal Esmail, 23; Pappy Patricio, 18 and Soharto Malang Guialason, 26.

Police seized prohibited drugs and shabu parapahernalia from the suspects.

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

More than 800 individuals have been arrested here since July 1 when the police implemented an intensified anti-drug campaign in the city.

More than 4,000 others have voluntarily showed up at police stations and vowed to reform. (PNA)

NHA turns over 1, 657 houses to 2013 Zamboanga siege victims

The skyline of General Santos appears to be one huge display of neon lights at night as the southernmost city in the Philippines has transformed into a highly urbanized area, and is poised to become one of the regional gateways of commerce and industry in Mindanao. An important road

section of the General Santos City Circumferential Road (GSCCR) was recently completed, allowing for the reliable and fast transport of goods within the Soccsksargen and enhancing trade among its neighboring provinces. (MinDA)

Maguindanao town LGU extends aid to displaced families due to Army-MILF clash

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HE local government of Datu Saudi Ampatuan has started distributing relief goods and food packs to some 1,200 families displaced by armed hostilities involving Moro rebels and government forces.

Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan told reporters that the clash

which erupted last July 27 has displaced civilians living in the area.

“Now that a cessation of hostilities has been imposed and implemented by both sides, the local government quickly started its humanitarian assistance program,” Dimaukom said.

A civilian was hit by a

stray bullet during the early morning skirmishes involving government troops and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

A ceasefire exists between Army and MILF in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, but a mis-encounter occurred when soldiers, pursuing outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters

(BIFF), clashed with the MILF instead.

The humanitarian arm of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Maguidanao relief teams have started attending to the needs of the displaced families now temporarily housed in at least 15 public schools. (PNA)

the activity.

The Malubago tree is known for its ability to protect river banks (or shorelines) from erosion. It can repair itself and is extremely resilient. It is endemic to the Philippines, and has been used for stabilizing river banks for many years.

In his message during the event, New Malitbog

Captain Romeo Paña explained that trees protect the riverbanks by preventing soil erosion and flooding.

Paña also encouraged the participation of all sectors of the community, saying that they should always be prepared in the eventuality that disaster strikes.

The event was attended by barangay officials of New

Malitbog, landowners, 4P’s beneficiaries, members of the IP community, and representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Kasilak Development Foundation, Inc., Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and City Information Office (CIO). Panabo CIO

2,000 Malubago seedlings planted for disaster preparedness

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S part of its disaster preparedness efforts, a tree planting activity was spearheaded by the City Government of Panabo along the riverbanks of the Lasang River in Purok 5, New Malitbog, Panabo last July 21.

Two thousand Malubago (Hiliscus teliaceus) seedlings were planted during

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TOTAL of 1,657 houses constructed under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) have been turned over to victims of the 2013 Zamboanga siege, the National Housing Authority (NHA) said.

In his report, NHA District Manager Engr. Al-Kwarizimi Indanan said the number of awarded houses represents 44.84 percent of the total 6,483 housing units, both land-based and on stilts, targeted for construction for the families displaced during the 21-day September 2013 siege.

The siege started when hundreds of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members loyal to MNLF Founding-Chair Nur Misuari infiltrated and laid siege to at least four coastal barangays in this city.

Indanan said the houses awarded to the beneficiaries included 815 one-storey houses and 842 houses in stilts.

Of the 815 one-storey houses, 44 were awarded to members of the Martha Drive Homeowners Association, Inc.; 146 to residents in Paniran; 162 for Tulungatung Resettlement Housing site; 16 to

St. Peter Homeowners Association; 153 for Chistian-Muslim Housing members; 67 for Islamic Village Homeowners Association (Duplex loftable); 152 for Lustre Homeowners Association; and, 75 for Ayer Village I Homeowners Association.

Indanan said the housing units in all the other areas are fully completed except for Tulungatung and Christian-Muslim Housing areas where additional housing units are still under construction.

He said the 842 houses on stilts awarded to beneficiaries are located in Barangay Mariki with 642 units and Barangay Taluksangay with 200 units.

Meanwhile, Indanan said 2,783 houses under the different housing packages are ongoing construction at present.

The national government has allocated a total of PHP1.536 billion for the construction of 6,483 permanent shelters under the Z3R. As this developed, the Local Inter-Agency Committee will convene on Thursday, August 4, to discuss updates concerning the Z3R program and other urgent matters pertaining to recovery and rehabilitation efforts. (PNA)

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DTI, Go Negosyo to launch Kapatid Project boosting inclusive business

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HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation Inc.-Go Negosyo launched the Kapatid Project on Monday to promote the inclusive business model in the country.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion recently signed a partnership agreement to roll out the project nationwide.

Under the Kapatid Project, both public and private sectors will encourage big businesses to partner with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), using an inclusive business model, to scale up these MSMEs. DTI and Go Negosyo are also partnering with various business organizations to support the initiative.

The Kapatid Project also

has a Mentor Me Program which aims to enhance industry clustering using the value chain approach to develop MSMEs. Lopez noted that among the major challenges to the growth of MSMEs is their limited access to financing and institutional markets.

He also stressed the need for the private sector to develop financing services suitable particularly for micro and small businesses.

Partnership between large companies and small businesses will also help the latter gain market access, the DTI chief added.

In return, big firms which tie up with MSMEs can access raw materials at lower prices.

“It’s a win-win solution,” Lopez said.

“It is also in line with the administration’s goal of prosperity for all,” he added. (PNA)

Reality star to partner with indie film maker for PHL docu series on caring for tourist spots

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O promote responsible eco-traveling in the country, Environmentalist and television host Kiko Rustia has partnered with independent film maker Gabby Malvar to document arts and culture in different places in Luzon, which is dubbed by the Smithsonian Institute as “the most diversified place in the world.”

The world-renowned Smithsonian institution, which describes the island of Luzon as one of the most biologically diversified places on earth, warns that the island is suffering from severe environmental damage, mostly because of irresponsible tourists.

Rustia, host of GMA’s “Born To Be Wild,” cited the Smithsonian’s observation to boost his claim that Luzon is losing endemic floral and faunal species.

He said human predation is the main reason why animals and unique species of plants are fast disappearing in the forests and remaining jungles in the island. Luzon is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines and the 15th largest in the world.

In addition, Rustia blames the lack of human understanding in the importance of biodiversity in the lives of Filipinos living in communities near these places of interest, which has resulted to severe environmental damage.

Contributing to the already worsening situation is the rise of local and foreign travelers who, instead of helping improve the current situation, are themselves making it difficult for these species to survive, he said.

Eco-tourism, which is being promoted by the government, is in fact, causing damage to the surviving patches of virgin forests and jungles of Luzon. Tons and tons of garbage brought by uncaring tourists are polluting water systems - especially rivers and lakes – and poisoning animals endemic in Luzon.

Rustia urged travelers to be responsible in preserving forests, water systems, and animals, saying “Tourists play a big role in eco conservatism.

They do not just provide jobs and business to an area, but likewise, encourage the communities that welcome them to try harder in the conservation front.”

“Let’s promote responsible eco-travelling by raising our awareness first of our responsibilities before going to these places,” he added.

Rustia, travel ambassador of Victor Liner, said he will return as host in a documentary produced by The Extra Mile Productions.

Rustia, together with geographic documentarist and cinematographer Malvar, led a team of environmentalists to come up with documentary videos which will show the unique eco diversity of Luzon and show how communities play a vital role in eco-conservation.

For his part, Malvar, whose works are featured on the National Geographic and CNN, said some television networks and local government units promote virgin forests and beaches without providing the travellers some guidelines on how to respect the customs of indigenous people living in the area.

He cited Sagada as an example of a tourist destination where many people go up to see the famous caves and leave their garbage, polluting bodies of water and poisoning animals.

Malvar said the documentary, which spans from two to eight minutes, will contain seven episodes per destination.

He said the first guide will be filmed in Baguio City to educate people on how indigenous people live with animals and plants, and how to protect the environment.

“We are, at best, storytellers and we want to tell

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Dutch developer envisions Davao City as future game development center

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

UTCH game development firm Maata Games and Davao City-based Next BPO Solutions, Inc. will simultaneously launch ERECTUS, a massively multiplayer online real time strategy game (MMORSG), in three different languages starting next week.

Touted as the first of its kind in Davao City, Maata Games managing partner Paul Ludwig said the development of the online three-dimensional game has already been completed and is ready for launch after almost two years since the project was started in October 2014.

“The game will be first available in Dutch,” Ludwig said during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex.

The English and German language versions of the US$1-million online game will be launched a few days each other.

Conceptualized in the Netherlands and created in Davao City with the assistance of a group of six local develop-

ers, Ludwig described ERECTUS as a clash of civilizations, specifically of homo sapiens and homo erectus dating to 130,000 years ago.

A historian himself, Ludwig said ERECTUS has a storyline similar with other exciting online games in the market.

The game’s main objectives are to bridge historical gaps, and eventually provide players with a clearer picture of ancient civilization and history.

Maata Games is optimistic the game will be warmly received by the online gaming industry, which to date, has more than 150 million players worldwide.

“We will continue to work on new games within the concept of ERECTUS,” he said, adding his group is planning to create a prototype of the game for android phones and iOs in the coming few years.

When asked about the prospects for growth of Davao City’s game development industry, he noted that Davaoeños have the skills and

creativity to excel in this area.

He said it won’t be long before the city will be able to produce its own online games, given the availability of skilled developers, with the strong support of Davao’s ICT sector.

Ludwig said Dabawenyo developers “should be more proud of themselves” because their technical skills are comparable to their counterparts in other parts of the world.

“The [only] problem, for instance, with the Dabawenyos working for me is that they are too kind when they work for white people like me,” he added.

Ludwig said the city has the talent to make it big in the international game industry, adding there is only a need to boost the confidence of local developers to become more competitive.

As part of his efforts to help the local gaming development industry grow and achieve its highest potential, Ludwig and his company signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the University of Mindan-

ao (UM) October last year for the development of a curriculum on game development.

With the course now offered at UM, Ludwig shares his knowledge and expertise as a visiting professor.

Under the agreement, there was a scheduled exchange of students from Davao and their foreign counterparts from the Han University in the Netherlands.

Unfortunately, the first batch of Dutch exchange students were barred from travelling to Davao in September last year following the issuance of a travel advisory by the Dutch government prohibiting its citizens to travel to Mindanao.

“I can testify that it is safe here. I hope our government will lift the advisory because it is hampering the exchange program,” he said, adding he has travelled to Davao several times over the last two years.

Ludwig also aims to establish ties with other colleges and universities in Mindanao as a strategy to promote local gaming development industry.

AFFORDABLE BUT CLASSY. Robinsons Hotels and Resorts general manager Elizabeth Gregorio walks members of local media through the features and important details of Go Hotels Lanang during a news conference over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

GenSan circumferential road opens, provides access to key ports and terminals in region A N important road section of the General Santos City Circumferential Road (GSCCR) was recently completed, which will allow the more efficient and faster transport of goods within the South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos (Soccsksargen) Region.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-XII announced the Northern segment of the GSCCR was opened, a development that is expected to boosts the competitiveness of Soccsksargen, and strengthen connectivity

within the island-region of Mindanao.

Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) lauds the opening of the major artery saying “it will interconnect Mindanao, allowing for the smooth flow of trade within the island-region.”

She added the road’s completion will also provide commuters and traders easy access to the region’s sea, land and air terminals, thereby facilitating economic development among the region’s agri-based businesses and industries.

Antonino said the road’s

opening will help achieve the goals of the Mindanao Development Corridors, a spatial development strategy that aims to accelerate socioeconomic development of Mindanao by enhancing transport and logistics infrastructure.

During his first Sate of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that “infrastructure spending will be accelerated by improving national roads and bridges, and by implementing the Mindanao logistics infrastructure network.”

The President added, “the government will pursue rail

projects in Manila and the major key points in the country including the Mindanao Rail Project.”

In the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan, considered as the island-region’s socioeconomic roadmap for 2011 to 2030, the completion of national roads will be crucial in accelerating trade and commerce within the region.

DPWH Region XII Director Reynaldo Tamayo said the GSCCR is an important structure that will integrate points of entry in the region and

F GENSAN, 10

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

NGCP to place Luzon grid on yellow alert

T KADAYAWAN PROMO BLITZ. SM. Supermalls assistant vice president for marketing in Mindanao Russel Alaba (left) and SM City Davao mall manager Lynette Lopez announce the scheduled activities of SM malls in Davao City

for the upcoming Kadayawan sa Davao festival 2016 celebration. Alaba and Lopez graced yesterday’s Kapehan sa Davao at the Annex. Lean Daval Jr.

UPLB prepare for commercial propagation of Bt Talong crop

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

L

crc@edgedavao.net

OS Baños, Laguna--- Years after the field testing of the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) talong (eggplant), a homegrown genetically-engineered pest resistant crop, Filipino scientists from the University of the Philippines (UP) are now preparing the requirements for its application to commercially propagate the controversial plant.

This developed after the unanimous ruling of the Supreme Court Tuesday last week, reversing its December 2015 decision, which permanently stopped the field testing of Bt Talong and temporarily stopping any application for field testing, contained use, propagation and importation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or transgenics.

“We have brighter prospects now following the SC ruling, it’s a unanimous decision, I just hope that we respect the rule of law; we hope that very soon we can bring it (Bt Talong) to our farmers,” Dr. Desiree Hautea, project coordinator of BT Talong, told reporters during the third day of the training-writeshop on Engaging Regional media for Science-Based reporting on Modern Agricultural Technologies last Friday at UPLB - Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB).

Hautea said the applica-

tion will be probably filed in the first quarter of next year after data from all field testings conducted since 2006 are consolidated.

These include the results from contained laboratory trials, confined field trial and multi-location field trials in Luzon and Mindanao, which were conducted to generate local scientific data on the crop.

She also said the team will consolidate data from the food and feed safety test, which probed the product’s nutritional composition, allergenecity, toxicity, dietary supplement and cooking and protein testing.

The application will be filed before a new body formed under the joint department circular (JDC) released earlier this year, replacing DAO No.8 issued in 2012.

The five-member body, which has 100 days to decide on the application, will be composed of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Compared with the older system, Hautea said the DILG will be involved in the approval

of the application through the conduct of a public consultation at the local level to ensure participation from all sectors of the community.

She, however, expects to be flooded with adverse reactions coming from green groups once the application is approved by next year,

day last week at 1.2 percent from the previous 0.8 percent, will be a plus to the local currency this week.

The latest growth estimate in the world’s largest economy is below market expectations of 2.6 percent, which caused the dollar to be pushed back at the end of last week.

On the other hand, despite the below expected stimulus from Japan - an increase in exchange traded funds (ETFs)

from 3.3 trillion Yen to six trillion Yen (USD56.7 billion) instead of a Bank of Japan (BOJ) rate cut - this remains positive for emerging market economies, Mapa said.

He forecasts “continued flows into the emerging markets like the Philippines as it looks like the developed markets will still need to keep on pumping stimulus.”

“Even if the BoJ decided to hold off on more easing, it’s still more or less in accommo-

What’s next?

The country’s first genetically-modified vegetable will be commercially propagated in areas in the country which have been assessed as the largest eggplant producers for the past 10 years.

According to the study conducted by the university, the country has a total of 21,000 hectares, with an average of 220,000 metric tons (MT) planted to eggplant.

Pangasinan has the largest area planted to eggplant, producing almost 30 percent of the country’s total production.

Hautea hopes to start the seed propagation of BT Talong and distribute them to farmers who are willing and have the capacity to grow the crop.

An initial 100 farmers will be tapped to plant the genetically-modified vegetable.

According to Hautea, this move will provide farmers a choice on whether to plant conventional eggplant or go with

the hybrid variety which has been proven to be resistant to eggplant fruit and shoot borer.

Safety of BT Talong Hautea said that based on their field-testing, Bt eggplant is safe to consume for both humans and animals.

Aside from food security, Bt Talong was developed to increase farmers’ income, she added.

A study in 2007 revealed that farmers received an additional income of P40,000 or US$1,000 per cropping season from planting Bt Talong in a site in Pangasinan.

On average, a farmer with a .8 hectare to cultivate can earn as much as P150,000 per season (there are five months in a season).

The average rate of damage caused by EFSB - the most destructive insect pest of eggplant - on the genetically-modified crop’s fruits was less than one percent, while 56 percent of Non-Bt Talong fruits were affected by the pest.

Engineered to be resistant of EFBS, farmers don’t need to apply a large amount of harmful insecticide on the crop, which poses a health hazard.

Hautea said long exposure to insecticides can cause skin and respiratory track diseases.

F UPLB, 10

PHP forecast to stay within 46.80-47.40 against USD this week

T

HE positive impact of additional stimulus from Japan, despite disappointing the markets, is seen to help the Philippine peso to achieve a range between 46.80 and 47.40 this week.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Market Research and Strategy Research Officers Nicholas Antonio T. Mapa told PNA the weak growth report from the US, with the advance estimate released Fri-

dative territory,” he said.

“The BoE is likely to ease this week as well,” he Mapa.

Among the factors that the markets will look after this week are the meeting of the Bank of England (BOE) on August 4, release of the Philippines’ July 2016 inflation report on Friday, and US jobs report, he added.

The local unit opened this week at 47.00, sideways against the 47.08 Friday last week. (PNA)

HE Luzon grid was placed on yellow alert between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday due to insufficient power supply, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said.

Based on NGCP data, the available capacity as of 7 a.m. Monday stood at 9332 megawatts (MW), while the demand is projected to reach 8668 MW. Luzon’s largest distribution utility, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) reported that nine power units are currently offline, namely: 382-MW Pagbilao 2, 350-MW Malaya 2, 302-MW GNPower 1, 300MW Calaca 2, 262-MW Sta. Rita mod. 20, 135-MW SLTEC 1, 135-MW SLTEC 2, 60-MW Limay 2, and 50-MW Angat Main 2.

Furthermore, three power plants were running on limited capacity: Limay was

derated from 540MW to 300MW, Malaya Unit 1 from 300MW to 130MW, and Calaca Unit 1 from 200MW to 150MW. NGCP said the thinning contingency reserves were brought about by “insufficient power supply from generating plants.”

A yellow alert indicates the grid has thin reserves based on the difference between supply and demand.

The Department of Energy (DOE) earlier said the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will look into the recurring yellow and red alert statuses in the Luzon grid during the last week of July.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has specifically requested the ERC to investigate “whether or not there is the existence of anti-competitive behavior by the industry players.” (PNA)

BPI study cites need for central banks to keep, increase stimulus programs to boost global growth

A

RESEARCH note of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said central banks around the world may need either to retain or add stimulus programs to further support global growth.

This developed as growth in advanced economies continue to falter, with the US expanding by 1.2 percent based on an advance report for the second quarter gross domestic product (GDP).

This advance report is below the market consensus of 2.6 percent, but higher than the revised 0.8 percent in the initial estimate. ”The United States was the last bastion of hope for some form of developed-economy driven rally as Europe and Japan appear stuck in the mud,” the report said.

In Japan, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) announced last Friday that it will increase purchases of exchange traded funds (ETFs) from 3.3 trillion yen to 6 trillion yen to help boost the

domestic economy.

Markets were disappointed with this development, as they earlier expected Japanese monetary officials to cut rates.

In Europe, the Bank of England (BOE) will have its meeting on Thursday and it is scheduled to release its inflation report and growth forecast.

Markets also expect the BOE to announce an interest rate cut, and if this happens, it will be the first adjustment since bringing the current rate to 0.5 percent in March 2009.

The research firm also said that with growth in the world’s largest economy still weak, the Federal Reserve’s key rates are expected to remain low for some time, after the first-ever hike in almost a decade in December 2015.

“The Fed could very well be on hold and joining the chorus of major cental banks either easing or refraining from reversing their accommodative stance,” it added. (PNA)

Toyota issues Special Service Campaign for airbags of certain Lexus models

T

OYOTA Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC) recently issued a special service campaign for the Front Passenger Airbag of certain Lexus ES350, IS350/250 and GX460 vehicles.

In a letter to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Director for Consumer Protection Group Advocacy Bureau on June 2, Lawyer Rommel Gutierrez, TMPC’s First Vice President for Government and Industry Affairs of its Corporate Affairs Group, said the service campaign covers 186 units of Lexus ES350 produced from March 2008 until December 2011; 64 units Lexus IS350/250 produced from October 2008 until November 2011; 26 units of Lexus IS Convertibles produced from July 2009 until December 2011; and eight units of Lexus GX460 produced in December 2011, all of which were officially released in the Philippines.

Gutierrez explained in his let-

ter to DTI the subject vehicles are equipped with a Takata-produced dual-stage, front passenger airbag inflators which could be susceptible to rupture in the eventuality they are deployed.

“Although Toyota has not identified the case of the condition, as a precautionary measure, we will replace the Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Module with a new one, at no cost to our customers,” he said.

TMPC has committed to contact the affected customers through notification letters, and invite them to bring their vehicles to authorized Toyota dealers for proper servicing.

Meanwhile, DTI-Davao Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi encouraged Dabawenyos who purchased the aforementioned vehicles covered by the special service campaign to contact the nearest DTI office in their area should they have clarifications or other concerns. (DTI11/WDG/ jmm)

7 BIGGER PICTURE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

Ending the drug menace “It’s going to be a dirty fight. It’s going to be bloody fight. I am not apologizing for it.” -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte after naming the five generals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade *** URING the election campaign last April, then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte warned that if the disorder brought by illegal drugs will not end, the Philippines will become a narco state.

In a press statement, Duterte said the country is showing alarming signs of becoming a narco state. “In the national capital region where the country’s capital is situated, the government admitted that 92 percent of barangays are already infiltrated by illegal drugs,” he said.

If Manila, considered to be the country’s seat of power, is helpless to address this, “what more the other parts of the country where government presence is weak?” the tough-talking Duterte asked.

A few years ago, a Manila-based doctor told this author: “There was a report I heard some years ago that Metro Manila crimes or 70% of these are associated with use of illicit drugs. I have not really seen this report and do not know who made this.”

According to Duterte, international drug syndicates have already penetrated the country. He cited the Sinaloa drug cartel as a case in point; it is “a Mexican-based group considered the largest and most powerful drug trafficking organization in the west.”

“This is a clear national security threat,” he declared.

“This is an invasion of a new kind. Drug lords, domestic and foreign, have declared a war against our families and children, and the government is helpless about it.”

“Drug abuse has ruined many lives,” declares Dr. Willie T. Ong, an internist-cardiologist and consultant at the

D

Manila Doctor’s Hospital and Makati Medical Center. “The threat of illegal drugs is real and it’s closer than we think.

In the Philippines, the drug abuse situation has actually increased over the years.”

It must be recalled that in 2008, the Philippine media reported the arrest of 11 high-school students who were caught doing a pot session in Quezon City. Most of the arrested students came from the ranks of “financially-distressed families.”

As the students could not afford to conduct “the pot session in a luxurious hotel or a mansion-like residence or condominium in one of the metropolitan areas,” they held it only in a “vacant lot.”

A drug is defined as “any substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, relief, treatment or prevention of disease or intended to affect the structure or function of the body.” A simpler but workable definition of a drug is any chemical substance that affects the body and its processes.

“By law, drugs are divided into two categories: prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs,” explains “The Merck Manual of Medical Information.” “Prescription drugs -- those considered safe for use only under medical supervision -- may be dispensed only with a prescription from a licensed professional with governmental privileges to prescribe.”

Non-prescription drugs, on the other hand, are those considered safe for use without any medical supervision (like aspirin, for instance).

Oftentimes, these drugs are sold over-the counter.

To some people, the word “drug” means a substance that alters the brain’s function in ways considered pleasurable -- a mind-altering substance. These are what the Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) as “dangerous drugs” or “illegal drugs.”

“Drug abuse exists when

a person continually uses a drug other than its intended purpose,” the DDB explains in its website. “This continued use can lead to drug dependence, a state of physical and psychological dependence or both on a dangerous drug.”

Drug abuse affects Filipinos from all walks of life.

Based on the reports submitted to the DDB in 2014, 92% of the admitted cases to treatment and rehabilitation centers were males and almost eight percent were females.

The ratio of male to female is 12:1.

The DDB says that those who belong to the 30-34 agegroup comprised about 20% of the admitted cases. The 40-and-above bracket closely trailed with 19%. About 18% belong to the 25-29 agegroup. The average age is 30 years old. The youngest was 9 years old and the oldest was 78 years old.

Almost half (49%) of the admitted cases were single, while 33% were married.

Fourteen percent reported to have live-in partners and the remaining 3% were either separated, widow/widower or divorced.

Based on the educational attainment, 30% comprised those who have reached college level, followed by those who reached high school with 25% and those who finished high school at 16%.

Of the reported 4,392 total admission, 48% were unemployed, 27% were workers or employees, 11% were businessman/self-employed, 8% were out-of-school youths and 4% were still students.

As to the age when those admitted first tried to use drugs, 48% belong to the 15-19 age group. Half of the reported cases have taken drugs 2-5 times a week while 21% have it on a daily basis.

Based on a report on cases admitted in treatment and rehabilitation centers, the top ten commonly abused drugs are as follows: shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride,

marijuana, inhalants like rugby, sedative drugs like benzodiazepines, cough and cold preparations like codeine, ecstasy, cocaine, nalpuphine hydrochloride, psilocybin or magic mushroom, and solvents like acetone and thinner.

In 2012, the Philippines was singled out to have “the highest abuse rate for shabu” in East Asia, according to the United Nations World Drug Report, which was posted on the website of the US Embassy in Manila.

A “Philippine Daily Inquirer” report said that “2.1 percent of Filipinos aged 16 to 64 were using shabu,” and “domestic consumption of methamphetamine and marijuana continued to be the main drug threats in the Philippines.”

Of the top 10 ten most abused drugs mentioned earlier, shabu and marijuana topped them all: 47% and 18%, respectively.

“Different illicit drugs can have their own peculiar effects,” writes Dr. Ong in his book, Doctors’ Health Tips and Home Remedies. “As a whole, these drugs may lead to heart disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, lung disease, obesity and mental disorders.”

Shabu, for instance, “can cause chest pain, irregular heartbeat, high blood pres-

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

sure, heart attack and even cardiac arrest. Methamphetamines may also give rise to irritability, talkativeness, insomnia and violent and destructive behavior.”

Marijuana, on the other hand, “can cause chest pain, lack of coordination, poor memory, poor concentration, red eyes and temporary loss of fertility,” Dr. Ong points out.

Constant use of marijuana can also “significantly reduce a person’s capacity to learn, carry-out complicated tasks, participate in sports, driving and operating other machineries.”

The use by young Filipinos of prohibited drugs is now considered a scourge.

The abuse has reached epidemic, if not widespread, proportion.

In his book, Dr. Ong gives some possible signs of drug abuse. “First, the person may associate with friends who are known drug users. Second, the person often needs money and sometimes steals things at home. Third, the person may exhibit some changes in behavior and mood.”

On the latter, he explains: “He or she may be irritable, discourteous and aggressive. (If the person is a student, he or she) may stop going to class and receive failing grades. There may be poor personal grooming and

a general lack of interest in life. Take note, however, that these behavioral clues are not always present.”

The DDB says to also look out for further gives these signs: asks to be left alone a lot, always tired (or makes it as an excuse to be left alone), careless and often becomes involved in accidents, implicated in a lot of fights, sudden change in appearance and conduct (red or puffy eyes, weight changes, constant complaints of headaches or stomachaches, shaking, incessant cough, brown stains on fingertips, stumbling, or a constant runny nose), loss of interest in hobbies or sports, exhibits poor judgment, and finds it difficult to concentrate.

“If you suspect that a friend is using drugs, talk to him or her,” the DDB suggests.

“Let your friend know that you care. Talk to your parents, teacher, school counselor, or another trusted adult. Offer to go with your friend to his parents or a counselor for help.”

Help someone who is addicted to drugs. “Drug addiction is considered a disease and needs comprehensive and prolonged treatment,” Dr. Ong reminds. “After being rehabilitated, the drug abuser should still be closely monitored so that he or she will not relapse again into using drugs.” (All photos taken from the net)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

EDITORIAL

Another chess match

I

F conditions are met, a ceasefire between government forces and communist rebels could be in place by the end of the month.

The premise is that both parties will issue separate unilateral ceasefire directives.

To make matters clear, if one does not do his part of the deal, there will be no ceasefire to talk about. Period.

We are referring to two entities—the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) on one hand and the CPP-NDF New People’s Army (NPA) on the other.

Simply put, it’s going to be a chess match. First to blink loses.

Why did it have to come to this point? No party will admit it was his fault.

However, both wanted to keep peace negotiations on the table.

So here’s the scenario. The Communists are ready to declare a ceasefire and will be doing so if the Duterte administration responds favorably to a new statement from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

This shaped up after the two parties get ready for the formal peace negotiations which begin August 20 in Oslo, Norway.

The statement also comes a day after Duterte took back a “unilateral ceasefire” against communist rebels barely a week after it was announced during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“As earlier planned, the negotiating panels of the NDFP and GRP can thereafter exchange these declarations in order to discuss points for cooperation

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and coordination and determine ways of preventing armed skirmishes, misunderstandings, and miscommunications during the course of the peace talks,” added the CPP, referring to the planned talks.

If we recall, while addressing Congress in his first SONA last July 25, Duterte announced the ceasefire “to immediately stop violence on the ground, restore peace in the communities, and provide enabling environment conducive to the resumption of the peace talks.”

In effect, of such order, police and military units on the ground were ordered to stop all offensive operations against the communist rebels. But things went awry, according to the NPA, when NPA fighters supposedly attacked government militia in Davao del Norte.

The timeline shows that the President gave the communist groups until July 28 to explain the clash. The next day, he called on the NDF to issue is own unilateral ceasefire and gave a deadline: July 30, 5 pm. By July 30 in the evening, Duterte revoked the truce, and military and police units returned to status quo.

So now, it’s back to the chess match. If that is a familiar scenario, it is because it has always been like that.

If the CPP-NDF is keen on ending the decades-old war, it must issue their version of the unilateral ceasefire without having to wait for the government to do so. This government has shown that it can walk its talk.

Next move belongs to the CPP-NDF.

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EDGEDAVAO

I

WONDER if our countrymen today are aware of the alarming presence of the Chinese Triad, a well-organized criminal syndicate that has its origins from Mainland China.

If not, they may have already heard of it in action movies starring Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Jason Statham, etc., which usually have themes like illegal drugs, prostitution, murders and gambling. Some may be a little exaggerated but most films dealing with criminal activities are partially based on true experiences that have been fictionalized.

The recent public disclosure by Pres.

Digong himself citing the Chinese Triad in cahoots with their alleged PNP protectors validate the nagging collective fear that indeed the drug menace has already grown huge long tentacles controlling certain areas in law enforcement agencies, including the bench and bar.

Thus, Duterte has ordered a nationwide intensified war on drugs to promptly clip the dazzling influence being exercised by the Chinese Triad.

Despite the continuing seizure of voluminous amount of shabu and the publicized

T

HE history of Davao’s first port dates back to the first decade of American rule.

On Oct. 24, 1906, the legislative council of the Province of Mindanao and Sulu sought the opening of the port of Davao due to the big volume of hemp needing to be transported to Manila or abroad. During this period, the cargo needs of the town of Davao were served by vessels coming from Balabac, Zamboanga or Jolo, all regular ports.

Despite its deficiencies, the port of Davao was already in operation. In 1907, the year locusts attacked mango, durian and lanzones plantations in town, merchant ships made occasional drop-bys to collect abaca fibers. It was only on May 15, 1908 when the first Philippine Assembly, with the support of Commissioner Dean C. Worcester, passed Act No. 1823, an offshoot of the proposed Commission Bill No. 47 creating the entry port of Davao.

On July 1, 1908, the port was officially opened, bringing the number ports in the southern frontier to four. The Mindanao Herald, in its Feb. 3, 1909 issue, described this new port: “This port is located on the Gulf of Davao at the mouth of the Davao river, and is the center of a hemp producing region which is rapidly increasing in importance. It is there that the American planter has found a congenial climate and splendid opportunity to exercise his energies, and is the only place in the Philippine Islands where the Ameri-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

Chinese triad

VANTAGE POINTS

9

discovery of SPECKS OF LIFE secret manufacturing labs by the PDEA in several parts of the country in the past, illegal drug m e rc h a n t s have grown Fred C. Lumba in number while mainland Chinese syndicate members ceaselessly enter the Philippines seemingly unnoticed by immigration authorities.

We have to painfully admit that due to the heretofore unabated corruption and bribery, the Philippines has become the favourite haven of foreign criminals who grease the palms of police and prosecuting authorities to avoid getting arrested and languishing in jail.

Thus, because of this very lenient atmosphere it can be argued that the Chinese Triad successfully made the Philippines its second home base. Compounding this, tall and statuesque prostitutes from Rus-

sia, HongKong and other parts of Europe are also parading their wares here while gambling bosses get attractive incentives to take part in the setting up of a Las Vegas-like entertainment industry.

As the media regularly expose the extent of the drug menace enveloping the nation, we are confronted with lingering questions whether some or a few of our high ranking government officials are on the take.

Of course, the Chinese Triad has in its possession a long list that reflects millions in payouts, although this is not too high a price to pay considering the vast billions they amass and the extensive influence they enjoy in a country not their own.

As the intensified war on drugs, criminality and corruption goes on, the Duterte leadership is focused on getting rid of the Chinese Triad influence. Unlike the laidback governance style of his predecessors, I like the cavalier mood of Pres. Duterte who admits it is the burden of this government to cleanse the bureaucracy of corrupt officials and bribe-taking employees in the same manner that the PNP and the AFP also have the burden of ridding themselves

of scalawags in uniforms.

Until the Chinese Triad is completely wiped out and expelled, Duterte and his macho PNP chief, DG Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, may have to contend with whatever clout it still has, whether imagined or real.

The timeline of six months is doable and realizable, judging from the hordes of surrenderees trooping to barangay chiefs and to the police precincts.

By this time, the public is anticipating that the DILG would have been finished with its thorough probe of the involved PNP generals identified by Pres. Duterte several weeks ago.

Though Sec. Mike Sueno did not identify them, he declared in a live TV news interview that his office has been able to gather conclusive evidence that at least two of those named are indeed involved in the illegal drug network.

Yeah, I’ve been thinking: Do the Chinese Triad and the illegal drugs business have anything to do with the maritime conflict at the Scarborough shoal and the Spratly islands between the Philippines and China? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) God bless the Philippines!

can has taken FAST BACKWARD hold to any great extent in plantation enterprises.

“In order that the pier might be located in better water and gain the protection of an Antonio V. Figueroa island a short way from the coast, it was located about 1.5 miles north of the present anchorage, a road built to the site, custom house and bodegas erected, and, as mentioned above, construction on the pier proper [i.e., Santa Ana wharf] is well under way.

“As an earnest of the public spiritedness and loyalty of the Davao merchants and planters, they have contributed all of the piling for this structure, no small item in its final cost. The approach to this pier will be some 700 feet in length, with a T-head 38 x 200 feet, and will afford a depth of water of 24 feet to vessels docking there.”

But the port did not survive long. On Oct. 31, 1910, it was closed when the volume of business, which was the source of operational cost, reduced, and the government returned its management to Zamboanga. Later, with the rise of more abaca and coconut plantations in Davao, the clamor to reopen and make it a subport was revived in 1923; this meant moving it to a conve-

nient address.

By 1925, the move to open Davao as a port of entry snowballed. A total of 470 “planters and other residents of Davao, including all nationalities” supported the move by petition by sending an appeal to the governor general, the insular collector of customs, the legislature, the shipping board, the American chamber of commerce, and the Portland chamber of commerce. In response, the American Chamber of Commerce came out with a long reply, stressing the need for funds to pay the salary of port officials and the maintenance of the customs house, thus: “During the year 1924 there was exported from the port of Davao, 149,341 bales of hemp and 1,056 tons of copra, on this there was paid as wharfage P38,081.95 and P2,112.00. The value of the hemp exported was approximately P9,000,000 and of the copra P250,000 and there was paid a sales tax of approximately P138,750.

“The total number of bales of hemp pressed in Davao was, in round numbers 175,000 and at ten cents per bale P17,500 was paid to the Government of the Philippine Islands as inspection fees. Local wharfage charges amounting to P7,000 were collected from the Stevedoring Co. and boat operators.

“These items, approximating P200,000.00, would indicate that Davao would from the start more than pay its way, and, in addition, the output of Davao is constantly growing and the revenues will

increase, and “Whereas, the exports from Davao are now much more than both of the ports of Zamboanga and Jolo, together and Whereas, the cost of living in Davao is abnormally high due to the fact that all products necessarily imported must be transhipped from Manila, Cebu or Zamboanga at a heavy and unnecessary expense, and “Whereas, the cost of labor in Davao is very high in comparison with other large producing Provinces of the Philippines, directly due to the high cost of living in Davao.

“Therefore, the Davao Chamber of Commerce urgently requests the Government of the Philippine Islands, to make Davao s, first Class Port of entry for the following reasons: “First, the figures shown above as Governmental revenues certainly warrant it.

“Second, the citizens of Davao should have equal opportunities for moderate cost of living as those of other provinces.

“Third, the merchants of Davao deserve equal opportunities with the merchants of other more favored communities to export and import their wares direct.”

By 1926, a budget of P500,000 was set aside for the continuing construction of the concrete Sta. Ana pier at the port of Davao and another appropriation to cover the salaries of 55 personnel and employees of the Davao Customhouse, which included a collector of customs, an appraiser, 25 inspectors, two clerks, two guards, a watchman, and a janitor. (To be continued)

Port of Davao (Part 1)

10 NEWS CPP... FROM 2

following the Chief Executive’s pronouncement of a unilateral ceasefire.

He gave the ultimatum during his visit at the 60th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Doña Andrea, Asuncion to visit the wake of the militiaman slain in the ambush by NPA in Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

Duterte had warned that if the Communist would not reciprocate the government’s ceasefire and not give a justifiable reason for the attack, he would have no other course but to retract the truce declaration.

Order of events: July 25 – President Duterte declares a unilateral cease-

fire with the CPP/NPA/NDF to stop violence on the ground July 26 – The NDF says it will wait for the precise written orders on the ceasefire.

July 27 – NPA rebels ambush members of the Army’s militiamen in Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

July 28 – President Duterte demands the CPP-NPA-NDF to explain why the ambush happened.

July 29 – Duterte asks the CPP-NPA-NDF to reciprocate the unilateral ceasefire by 5:00 p.m. July 30.

July 30 – The final deadline for the reciprocation of the government’s ceasefire lapses. Duterte lifts the unilateral ceasefire. (PNA)

forests, settlements, structures and fishponds within 100 meters.

It should also contain an assessment of priority areas to be declared as coastal greenbelts for each coastal province, city and municipality.

The program will also designate priority areas for coastal greenbelts that are already included as a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System or RA 7586.

Further, it should also consist of operational plans for the rehabilitation, reforestation or afforestation of designated priority coastal greenbelts; an operational plan for the reversion of all abandoned fishponds to mangroves through natural re-

generation; and an operational plan for the removal of illegal structures in the priority coastal greenbelts.

Aside from the NCGAP, a Local Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan (LCGAP) should also be prepared in each city and municipality in the identified priority greenbelt areas to facilitate the implementation of mandated actions in the NCGAP. “The establishment of science-based coastal greenbelts is expected to protect biodiversity, improve fisheries productivity and enhance the tourism and livelihood potential of the area. It can also transform vulnerable coastal villages into highly resilient and sustainable communities,” Go said. (PNA)

She added that the hybrid eggplant has no significant effect on the beneficial kind of insects, which is contrary to the concern raised by green groups that the crop can also kill insects who consume it.

ness.”

The proponents included International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications Inc., Environmental Management Bureau, Crop Life Philippines, University of the Philippines Los Baños Foundation and University of the Philippines.

The new ruling dismissed the petition for writ of continuing mandamus and Writ of Kalikasan filed by Greenpeace Southeast Asia (Philippines) and MASIPAG.

National... FROM 3

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SC Ruling The high Court unanimously (12-0) granted the nine motions for reconsideration filed by the proponents of Bt Talong appealing to set aside its ruling issued last December 2015 on “the ground of moot-

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military camps he visited in the past days, President Duterte said that as Commander-in-chief, he will give them (PSG) his support as long as they perform their duties to the fullest.

He said he will be supporting the soldiers in terms of equipment to enable them to do their job without going so near the target and risk their lives. “You will have your armaments,” he assured the uniformed services Aside from the performance of their regular func-

tion, the soldiers were urged by the President to help the police secure the country, saying “You have to help the police because we cannot provide security in every inch of the territory, that is impossible.”

Brigadier General Rolando Bautista, PSG’s new commander who assumed the post upon President Duterte’s inauguration, reminded the PSG during the event to “step in cadence with the Commander-in-Chief because we will be the one to protect him.”

(PNA)

would boost economic development in the area.

Tamayo added the integration of the Northern Segment of the GSCCR to the national road network of the DPWH would require an additional budget allocation for future maintenance activities such as asphalting and further improvements to the road like widening and construction of additional lanes, upgrading of road shoulders, and installation of drainage systems and guardrails.

The GSCCR is a major linkage to Soccsksargen’s gateways, seen to also enhance the trade and commerce industry in the neighboring Central and Southern Mindanao provinces.

The circumferential road has a total length of 19,633 meters composed of its northern sections from Junction Digos-Makar Road in Katan-

gawan-Upper Silway Section, Upper Silway-Lower Apopong Section and the Lower Apopong Section interconnected by the Silway and Apopong Bridges of GenSan. The completed 876 meter remaining length of the Upper Silway Bridge will serve as continuous link of the GSCCR Western Segment traversed through junction Marbel-Tupi-Makar national road to Junction Filipino-American Friendship Avenue.

Region XII, also known as Soccsksargen, is composed of the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat and the five cities of Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, Cotabato and General Santos. The region is a major producer of staple agricultural products and export-bound agri-based merchandise.

the telecommunications sector and one of the leading five brands in the Philippines is Globe Telecom, the #1 mobile brand in the Philippines.

Albert de Larrazabal, Globe Chief Commercial Officer, cited the company’s prestigious ranking as the brand with the best digital experience as rated by consumers in the Philippines.

“Globe is continuously investing on its network to provide consumers with a superior digital lifestyle experience,” Larrazabal said.

“This recognition from consumers in the Philippines only emphasizes our strength as a brand,” he added. “We shall continue to lead the digital experience through greater partnerships, better offers and wonderful moments with customers.”

For his part, Ryan Poggi, Managing Director, SAP Philippines, said: “A recent ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Facts & Figures Report for 2015 on the percentage of individuals using the internet stated that 41% of individuals in the Philippines leverage the internet for various uses.

“This highlights the explosive potential growth of digital in the Philippines in the near future,” Poggi continued.

“However, with all the complexity brought on by multiple device usage and

digital apps to choose from, today’s customers demand simple, seamless and personalized experiences across any channel, anytime, anywhere, and on any device,” he added.

As evident from SAP’s Digital Experience Report, brands that fail to keep up with their customer’s ever–increasing demands might eventually fall by the wayside.

“Brands can bridge the digital experience gap between them and their consumers by adopting a clear digital strategy that brings together marketing, sales, services, and commerce to ensure seamless digitization of the entire customer experience,” Poggi pointed out.

“SAP solutions for customer engagement and commerce powered by the SAP HANA platform facilitates a 360-degree customer view and help brands better engage with their customers,” he added.

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Security an important attribute across Southeast Asia SAP’s Digital Experience Report offers detailed insights into customers’ digital expectations and the ability of brands to meet them. Carried out across Southeast Asia, the report captures responses from across five countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia.

BROWN RICE. Home-grown product Sun Made brown rice owner Carlo Lorenzana discusses the benefits and advantages of eating brown rice during its media lunch at a hotel in Davao city on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

Reality... FROM 5 the world what these people do with their lives and what things we discovered that the world ought to know,” Malvar said.

He also said travelers can watch the documentary inside the bus while on their way to the destination starting August and on Victory Liner’s website (www.victoryliner.com).

The new website of Victo-

ry Liner allows passengers to book their trips online, choose their desired seats, pick a first class bus, and pay using credit or debit card. Passengers only need to print the trip voucher and present it to the ticket seller.

Victory Liner is the first bus firm in the country to implement an online booking system for passengers. (PNA)

The results reflected the preferences of over 3,600 consumers who rated more than 240 brands resulting in 9,375 digital interactions against 14 attributes.

As Southeast Asia consumers increasingly turn to online channels for their needs, safety and security remains a top concern in their digital engagement across the markets with close to 60% rating this as an important attribute of a digital experience.

The ability to engage anytime and on their own terms is also rated highly at 49% followed by having a cohesive, integrated and simple experience at 46%.

Across countries in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, less than half (47%) were delighted with their digital experience, with 20% unsatisfied, giving a digital experience score of 27%. Importantly, delighted consumers are over 9 times more likely to remain loyal than those who are unsatisfied and deliver an NPS of 70% compared to -67% from those who are unsatisfied.

Meanwhile, Scott Russell, President and Managing Director of SAP Southeast Asia said, “In the digital era, consumers are changing the rules, but technology is changing the game. The ability to delight customers with a desirable

digital experience is a competitive differentiator.

“Losing out in consumer digital experience will directly affect a brand’s bottom-line and its business value,” Russell explained. “Our research shows that while nearly half of consumers in Southeast Asia are satisfied with their digital experience, more can be done to enhance a brand’s digital experience to create a lasting and sustainable relationship.”

“What brands need for the future would be business software to meet market challenges and evolve new business models, to engage customers in the most digitally delightful way,” Engaging today’s digital customer demands a transformation not just at the front end, but throughout the organization. SAP’s Digital Business Framework helps digitize the entire value chain for businesses with the end-to-end customer experience in mind.

To respond quickly to customer needs, businesses must be able to run simple, and make live decisions aided by ‘in the moment’ intelligence and insight. A single platform that brings together commerce, marketing, billing, service and sales will ensure seamless digitization of the entire customer experience. It delivers a consistent and relevant experience to customers across every channel and on every device.

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EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL

A comfy but affordable stay at Go Hotels Lanang-Davao JUST IN TIME TO WELCOME TRAVELLERS WHO ARE IN DAVAO FOR THE KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL, Go Hotels opened its tenth property in the vibrant Lanang district of Durianburg.

Still on its soft-opening, the hotel will eventually boast of 183 rooms spread through six guestroom floors, making it the biggest Go Hotels outside of Metro Manila.

Go Hotels Lanang-Davao, which is a joint venture between Robinsons Land Corporation and Udenna Development Corporation, is located within the Phoenix Lanang Complex which is just a stone’s-throw away from major shopping malls, Samal Island’s pristine beaches, and dining and other entertainment establishments. Moreover, the hotel is very near the Davao International Airport as well as the Sasa seaport.

“We are positive on the growth potential of Davao City and that is why we decided to put up such a big property,” said Go Hotels general manager Elizabeth Gregorio.

Go Hotels’ rooms promise to give its guests a comfortable stay, courtesy of their Windsor beds, air-conditioning, 32” cable TVs, safety deposit boxes, private bathrooms with hot and cold super showers, complimentary WiFi and more.

Go Hotels Lanang-Davao also partnered with reputable establishments offering toiletry kits, sundries, breakfast sets, and airport transfers which can be availed through the hotel’s official website or through the front desk.

Aside from providing rooms, Go Hotel’s Davao also has a function room at its second floor which can accommodate up to 200 persons.

“We recognise that Davao is a tourist destination and is also active with meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions which is why we decided to include a function room,” added Gregorio. “Go Hotel’s Lanang-Davao’s function room is our biggest function room to date.”

Bookings and reservations at Go Hotels LanangDavao as well as other Go Hotels nationwide can now be booked through the company’s website at www.gohotels. ph or through its number 0922-GOHOTEL (4646835).

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Go Hotels Lanag-Davao’s rooms are hip and bright with the basic modern amenities every traveler needs including free WiFi. Each Go Hotels room is equipped with their super showers which feature hot and cold rainwater shower heads for a refreshing shower every time. 100% cotton bath towels included.

Personal belongings are safe and secure with the in-room electronic safe that can fit tablets and small laptop computers.

Go Hotels general manager Elizabeth Gregorio introduces Go Hotels Lanang-Davao, the newest and biggest Go Hotels outside of Metro Manila.

The lobby of Go Hotels LanangDavao is bright and cheerful reflecting the company’s fun vibe attitude.

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TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Tips to overcome the fear of

deep waters ABOVE: Learning how to float is indispensable especially in swimming in deeper waters. With a boat nearby, this swimmer is about to dive under the waters near Sabang in Kaputian, Samal.

TOP RIGHT: Learning how to float is indispensable especially in swimming in deeper waters. With a boat nearby, this swimmer is about to dive under the waters near Sabang in Kaputian, Samal.

RIGHT: Marine fish such as this oriental flying gurnard is a common sight around tropical waters. Normally held close to its body, its pectoral fins expand when threatened (pictured here). This fish was chased around by this writer in the waters of Dahican in Mati, Davao Oriental.

I THINK IT WOULD BE A BIT SURPRISING TO LEARN TAGRAM FEED WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE. When were above my chest. If I ventured deeper and the water gets warmer waters.

When diving and exploring around the reef and corals today, I would chase fish and after I’ve lost sight of them, I’d suddenly realize that I’ve gone further than I actually intended to.

Instead of panicking like I did when I was younger, I would just swim up to the surface calmly. Deep inside, I knew that I wanted to push

mys to w and D you Or from I first com

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f

s

N THAT I AM REALLY NOT AS BRAVE AS MY INSI was younger, I would never dare to go where the waters s really cold, I’d panic and swim right back up to safer and

yself. So I would dive down again where I left, continue chasing fish, d do it all over again.

Do you remember the first time u dove the deepest in your life? the first time you strayed too far m the shore?

I do. I remember all the times I’ve st ventured out further than I was mfortable with. I remember that

it was all about taking the risk. And that one step forward was all that mattered to get this level of confidence I have today. I’m not saying that I’m braver than most, but I was braver now compared to four years ago.

For all of us who have taken risks, we know that it’s always the first step that’s the hardest. The fear of not

knowing whether we’re strong enough to swim or if we can hold our breath that long. It’s the fear of (fill in the blanks) that always paralyzes us from taking that first step.

What started as my personal mission to help my friends to enjoy swimming in the ocean, it is now my desire to share this passion to all who are willing to take that first step in overcoming their fear of deep waters.

Sometimes, you don’t need to learn how to swim immediately. Initially, you just have to learn to have fun in the water. Fun over fear - this is the first step. Just go and dive in, and most importantly, have fun!

Second, find buddies who would keep you company while diving. Better if they are like minded-friends who’d be willing to save you from occasional panic attacks, especially when seaweeds wrap around your legs or a jellyfish strays just a few meters away from you.

I found my dive/surf buddies to be extremely indispensable in my journey towards overcoming my fear of diving deeper, and of surfing larger waves farther out from shore.

Third, spend time studying the deep and learning about the places you’ll be visiting. We are afraid of what we do

Mermaid A4

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT TRAVEL Mermaid A2

not know. If we knew there were sharks around, we’d be afraid to be there in the first place, right?

But did you know that sharks are not the man-eaters the movies make them out to be? Go research and you’ll be surprised that a lot of our fears stem from old wives’ tales.

Fourth is to ‘school yourself’ to swim. Better yet, find yourself a friend who can teach you the fundamentals of swimming. You can also go over Youtube clips and if use whatever practical advice these can offer.

Learning how to swim, or at least learning how to float, can greatly improve your confidence and ability to survive whatever it is that could be out there, whether it be it a cute little jellyfish or a friendly sea turtle.

I read an article about swimming from Jane Green Pettersson and I could relate it to my own journey in diving. Free diving taught me a lot about fear itself. Fear keeps us safe, but it also prevents us from moving forward.

If all of the tips I’ve mentioned don’t do the trick, I would advise you to do it again – dive that is - and this time, get a really good camera.

For us who love documenting our journeys, being conscious of the camera always helps you to focus getting the per-

fect shot – responsibly.

And don’t forget that we are guests of the ocean and its wild creatures. Respect their homes and personal space.

You’ll never know some of them might be interested in helping you get that perfect shot and overcoming your fear of the deep.

GROOMING THE PRESIDENT BEFORE FACING THE NATION. Jun Acub of Rocky’s Barbershop has been President Rody Duterte’s barber these past months. His most recent appointment was last week at the president’s Davao address a week before his SONA.

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11 COMPETITIVE EDGE containing 160.000+ keys Pure Energy: Young engineers Awillnewhelptoolvictims to retrieve their data to drive future of water utilities T EDGEDAVAO

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UBIG Pilipinas, a subsidiary of Pure Energy Holdings Corporation, believes the country’s young engineers can be the driving force that would help ensure sustainable water supplies for the country’s far-flung communities.

Elsa Mejia, Tubig Pilipinas advisor, said the nation’s future engineers can help to positively influence issues relating to the country’s water resources amidst increasingly complex environmental challenges.

“Young engineers can scale up water utilities and secure potable water systems by raising awareness and capacity to solve the country’s risks from lowering water supply and by changing our approach to bringing long-lasting water security to various communities,” she noted during the “Engineering Beyond Borders” conference organized by the Engineering College Government of the De La Salle Univer-

in hydropower generation and their potential application in underdeveloped communities wherein the lack of electricity is a major concern.

“There is a need for financing options to generate renewable energy, and at the same time, help the natural environment with modern and sustainable technology at a micro scale,” Lee said.

“We hope to be able to encourage individuals and young Filipino engineers to come up with cheaper technologies for hydro power, and also help the nation to produce renewable energy at reduced prices,” he added.

Tubig Pilipinas Group, Inc. (TPGI), a water utility company focused on providing clean potable water to communities, was established as a result of the shared vision of the owners, and founders of Princess Urduja Waterworks System Inc., Quadcore Construction and Development Corporation, and Repower Energy Development Corporation.

These companies are engaged in several key industries which include water supply, water distribution, waste water processing, value engineering and construction expertise, steel and PE pipe manufacturing, strategic corporate development, corporate finance, and investment banking, The combined strength of these firms enabled them to establish Tubig Pilipinas Group, Inc., a water utility company that envisions to make a difference in the induscommunities during the “Engineering Beyond Borders” try, and help uplift the lives of conference recently held at the Yuchengco Building, De the nation’s marginalized comLa Salle University. munities. (PureEnergy)

sity (DLSU).

Mejia, a former World Bank consultant for water vending, pointed out that the engineers of today should view water security more proactively, and engage themselves from a different “vantage point,” while taking into account the available technology at their disposal.

“We have to stress the importance of water”, Mejia said.

“Our technologies today can support the upkeep of potable drinking water for all Filipinos.”

“Not many of us realize how much work and investment are needed to supply clean drinking water, and we need to continue to stand ready to provide critical infrastructure in the countryside where we can add value,” she added.

According to Mejia, young engineers can also assist underdeveloped communities to access to sustainable, potable and safe water by lending

Victor Lee, chief financial officer of Pure Energy talks about the various technologies in hydropower generation. and their potential application in underdeveloped

their expertise to scale up supply in these areas.

Meanwhile, Victor Lee, chief financial officer of Pure Energy presented DLSU students and other delegates with a feasibility study of micro hydropower systems, as he explained their huge potential for ushering development in remote communities.

In his presentation, Lee noted that while micro hydropower systems can generate electricity for some provinces, they are also difficult to maintain because of the poor accountability shown by some cooperatives due to two main factors: organizational nature of micro hydropower projects, and the lack of financing.

“But with government support and public investments, we can maximize and invest in renewables and give greater importance and priority to microscale hydropower projects,” he said.

Lee also talked about the various technologies available

HE Dutch National Police, Europol, Intel Security and Kaspersky Lab have joined forces to launch an initiative called No More Ransom, a new step in the cooperation between law enforcement and the private sector to fight ransomware together.

No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) is a new online portal aimed at informing the public about the dangers of ransomware and helping victims to recover their data without having to pay ransom to the cybercriminals.

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks the victims’ computer or encrypts their data, demanding them to pay a ransom in order to regain control over the affected device or files. Ransomware is a top threat for EU law enforcement: almost two-thirds of EU Member States are conducting investigations into this form of malware attack. While the target is often individual users’ devices, corporate and even government networks are affected as well. The number of victims is growing at an alarming rate: according to Kaspersky Lab, the number of users attacked by crypto-ransomware rose by 550%, from 131,000 in 2014-2015 to 718,000 in 2015-2016.

NoMoreRansom.org The aim of the online portal www.nomoreransom.org is to provide a helpful online resource for victims of ransomware. Users can find information on what ransomware is, how it works and, most importantly, how to protect themselves.

Awareness is key in this effort, as there are no decryption tools for all existing types of

malware available to this day.

If you are infected, the chances are high that the data will be lost forever. Exercising conscious internet use following a set of simple cyber security tips can help avoid the infection in the first place.

The project provides users with tools that may help them recover their data once it has been locked by criminals. In its initial stage, the portal contains four decryption tools for different types of malware, the latest developed in June 2016 for the Shade variant.

Shade is a ransomware-type Trojan that emerged in late 2014. The malware is spread via malicious websites and infected email attachments. After getting into the user’s system, Shade encrypts files stored on the machine and creates a .txt file containing the ransom note and instructions from cybercriminals on what to do to get user’s personal files back. Shade uses a strong decryption algorithm for each encrypted file, with two random 256-bit AES keys generated: one is used to encrypt the file’s contents, while the other is used to encrypt the file name.

Since 2014, Kaspersky Lab and Intel Security prevented more than 27 000 attempts to attack users with Shade Trojan. Most of the infections occurred in Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Austria and Kazakhstan. Shade activity was also registered in France, Czech Republic, Italy, and the US. Data from the Dutch police server also revealed the Philippines is among the countries targeted by the Shade ransomware. There are 404 incidents recorded from the country

FA NEW TOOL, 12

SAP Digital Experience Report finds only half of consumers in the Philippines are delighted with their digital experience S AP today released the results of the inaugural SAP Digital Experience Report, which revealed that only half of consumers in the Philippines (54%) are delighted with the digital experiences offered by brands in the country. Twenty-one percent of respondents were unsatisfied with their digital experience, while 25% were categorized as ambivalent, giving an overall Digital Experience (DX) score of 33%.

The SAP Digital Experience Report for Philippines surveyed more than 500 consumers and aggregated more than 1,200 interactions of digital engagements with local brands. In the survey, the digital experience is defined as how a brand digitally interacts with its customers during the discovery, purchase, delivery and support of a product or service.

Ryan Poggi of SAP PH and Bennet Aquino of Globe Consumers rated brands on their ability to deliver on 14 key attributes of the digital experience, ranging from functional aspects such as security and availability, to more emotional aspects such as interactivity and engagement.

Why the Digital Gap Matters Although slightly more consumers in the Philippines

are delighted with their online engagements with brands, the survey uncovers a significant gap in performance among industries and individual brands.

This gap has significant implications for business outcomes, particularly for metrics around customer loyalty and advocacy.

Consumers delighted with the digital experience were over eight times more likely to

stay with a brand than those who were unsatisfied. Furthermore, those delighted with the digital experience delivered a Net Promoter Score®[1] (NPS) of 73 per cent, compared to an average of -64 per cent from those who were unsatisfied.

The findings also demonstrate that delighted customers are more emotionally connected to brands, which in turn, will lead to greater brand affinity. Loyal customers are also more willing to buy more from brands for a longer period of time, and will not hesitate to influence others to do the same.

Privacy versus Personalization The study also uncovered a strong correlation between digital-experience performance and consumers’ willingness to disclose personal

information. On average, delighted consumers were nearly three times more likely to provide brands with personal data than those who were unsatisfied.

For example, delighted consumers consistently showed a more trusting relationship with brands, with a higher percentage willing to share their personal finances, health records, educational level and buying preferences.

With personal data as a foundation for personalized digital experiences, the survey suggests that brands that delight their customers can have greater access to personal data, enabling them to further improve and tailor the digital experiences they provide.

What’s Important to Consumers in the Philippines in the Digital Experience

A deeper look into the data revealed that safety and security is a top priority for consumers in the Philippines, with 77% of consumers rating this attribute either 9 or 10 on a scale from 0 to 10. Experiences that are available at any time to consumers are also highly favored, as also those which were timely and dedicated to meeting customer needs.

Although consumers generally ranked functional attributes as more important, those brands that performed best were also able to connect through the digital experience at an emotional level; for example, by delivering experiences that excite and engage their customers. as well as those that are responsive and interactive.

Doing Digital Right Among the top brands in

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Water service interruption in some city parts August 4

D

AVAO City Water District announced a water service interruption on August 4, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM affecting Everly Hills in Bankerohan, Don Isidro Village Phase 1, Lower Madapo and Madapo Hills.

This water service interruption will be carried out for the interconnection and looping of the newly installed 6-inch diameter Polyvinyl Chloride pipeline to the existing mainline for the mainline improvement from the junction of Fr. Selga Street towards Up-

per Madapo in Brgy. 5-A. Once completed, said project will help increase water pressure in the affected areas.

DCWD general manager Engr. Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. He also advises them to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruption. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit

DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 09255113293 and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

since late 2014.

By working closely together and sharing information between different parties, the Shade command and control server used by criminals to store keys for decryption was seized, and the keys were shared with Kaspersky Lab and Intel Security. That helped to create a special tool which victims can download from the No More Ransom portal to retrieve their data without paying the criminals. The tool contains more than 160.000 keys.

not fight against cybercrime and ransomware in particular, alone. This is a joint responsibility of the police, the justice department, Europol, and ICT companies, and requires a joint effort. This is why I am very happy about the police’s collaboration with Intel Security and Kaspersky Lab. Together we will do everything in our power to disturb criminals’ money making schemes and return files to their rightful owners without the latter having to pay loads of money,” comments Wilbert Paulissen, Director of the National Criminal Investigation Division of National Police of the Netherlands.

“The biggest problem with crypto-ransomware today is that when users have precious data locked down, they readily pay criminals to get it back.

That boosts the underground economy, and we are facing an increase in the number of new players and the number of attacks as a result. We can

only change the situation if we coordinate our efforts to fight against ransomware. The appearance of decryption tools is just the first step on this road. We expect this project to be extended, and soon there will be many more companies and law enforcement agencies from other countries and regions fighting ransomware together,” says Jornt van der Wiel, Security Researcher at Global Research and Analysis Team, Kaspersky Lab. “This initiative shows the value of public-private cooperation in taking serious action in the fight against cybercrime,” says Raj Samani, EMEA CTO for Intel Security. “This collaboration goes beyond intelligence sharing, consumer education, and takedowns to actually help repair the damage inflicted upon victims. By restoring access to their systems, we empower users by showing them they can take action and avoid rewarding criminals with a ransom payment.”

A new tool... FROM 11

Public – private cooperation The project has been envisioned as a non-commercial initiative aimed at bringing public and private institutions under the same umbrella. Due to the changing nature of ransomware, with cybercriminals developing new variants on a regular basis, this portal is open to new partners’ cooperation.

“We, the Dutch police, can-

UPGRADED DRAINAGE IN BUHANGIN. As part of its CSR programs, Alsons Development and Investment Corporation constructed a 2.5 x 2.75 x 10.5-meter reinforced concrete box culvert cross drain near

Northcrest to address drainage concerns in the area.

The donation was turned over to Buhangin Brgy. Capt.

James C. Salvador (standing, 5th from right) on July 15, 2016.

13 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

Matina Enclaves

set to launch Building 5

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

T

AKING cue form the current tradewinds blowing across the property market in Davao City, local real estate firm Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) is ready to launch its fifth phase of the condominium sector of Matina Enclaves.

It’s quite an uderstandable reaction from the Davao-based firm as it tries to cope with the rising demand for its condominium residential units.

It’s recent sale of Building 4 of The Residences sold 81 percent in only two months making it the most sought after property in the market.

With that, project head Gerald Kent Garces said the company is now ready to launch its fifth condominium project.

“We are ready to launch Building 5 as we are now releasing the perspective of that building,” Garces said as he formally released the Building 5 per-

spective.

Less than 5 percent remain on Building 4 of The Residences, the condominium sector of the mixed use complex, an initial venture into real estate development of the Escandor family who are into security services and hotel business, among its diverse businesses.

In the past two months, Davao City is experiencing a boom in the property market prodded by the victory of former Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as the country’s President last May. The launch of Building 5 is aimed at infusing 230 additional units to the current inventory. Building 5 units will be composed of a combination of Studio, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom units).

Building 4 is set for construction by mid next year while its turn-over has been set by mid 2019.

Building 5 is also penciled

for construction by the third quarter next year and its turnover eyed on the last quarter of 2019.

Sales of the Matina Enclaves units have been brisk since President Duterte used the clubhouse (CAME) as his temporary office prior to assuming office last June 30.

Meantime, construction of Matina Enclaves’ Building 1 is set for turnover by December this year. Likewise, the piling for Building 2 will soon be completed while structural activity is set to start by August.

Construction of Building 3 will also start the piling phase during the 4th quarter of the year.

Across the road, the Arcadia project is also on-going on its excavation and structural preparation. Arcadia is the recreational building which is designed to complement the community inside the Enclaves.

EDGEDAVAO

14 MOTORING

VOL. 9 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

New variants for Honda CR-V H

ONDA Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is giving its CR-V a brand new shade: Lunar Silver Metallic. This new and modern color is available for both the 2.4 SX Navi AWD and 2.0 S AT variants. It’s a welcome update for customers who are inclined to purchase a premium compact crossover.

The Lunar Silver Metallic 2.0 S AT variant is now available for both order and delivery, while the 2.4 SX Navi AWD is available for order starting today with deliveries beginning in September.

Aside from the color addition, customers are assured of well-engineered features both inside and out. Exterior-wise, the frontgrille design is flanked by

LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) that gives the CR-V a head-turning front fascia.

The black toned interior effortlessly exudes sophistication, further enhanced by plush leather seats. The Honda CR-V is equipped with 7-inch touch screen display audio, while the 2.4 SX Navi AWD variant adds a built-in navigation system and the patented LaneWatch Technology which eliminates blind spots for the driver.

As an additional treat from HCPI, customers can avail of the Honda CR-V at a low down, low monthly, low interest payment scheme.

Customers can own a Honda CR-V for as low as Php 16,157 in monthly payments at 50 percent down payment.

The 2.0 S AT variant can be

purchased with either a low cash-out of P 88,000, or a low monthly payment of P 18,226 at 50 percent down

payment.

HCPI is now accepting reservations for the Honda CR-V Lunar Silver Metallic

OLKSWAGEN Philippines steps up its award-winning Child Safety Initiative campaign this August to November 2016 by holding five mall tours in various urban centers.

The campaign introduces early childhood safety awareness to children as young as 4 to 8 years of age and imparts important road safety habits to their parents. The project also provides benefits during the rainy season as both motorists and pedestrians are exposed to increased risk of accidents caused by wet, slippery roads and poor visibility during inclement weather.

Volkswagen PH kicks off its CSI campaign on August 6 and 7 at Robinsons Magnolia in New Manila, Quezon City; August 20 and 21 at Robinsons Place Las Pinas; October 1 and 2 at Robinsons Place

Lipa in Batangas; October 15 and 16 at Robinsons Galleria Cebu; and, November 5 and 6 at Robinsons Place Manila.

For these upcoming CSI tours at Robinsons malls, new features and attractions have been added to the setup. Apart from the miniature simulated roadway within a community (complete with road signages, stoplights, and miniature vehicles) for the kids’ use at the Junior Driving Course, as well as the Child Seat Corner, there will also be a “Pledge Wall,” where children and parents can sign their commitment to the slogan “Child road safety begins with me” using a 6x6-inch pledge sticker that they will sign and subsequently post at the Pledge Wall. Car stickers bearing a similar design as the pledge sticker will also be distributed as souvenirs to

participants.

The CSI campaign will also highlight the Petron Seatbelt Impact Simulator in selected malls. The simulator will demonstrate the crash impact of a vehicle running at 5 kph.

Wolfi, the Volkswagen mascot, will be present to liven up the venue and to attract more kids to participate. Wolfi will also serve to enhance the interaction between participants and the CSI campaign instructors and lecturers, as well as facilitate meet-andgreet moments.

Volkswagen PH’s CSI campaign is part of the global CSI strategy of the German automaker rolled out in various countries. The CSI is based on two pillars. One is the prevention of accidents by teaching and educating parents and kids about possible dangers

on the roads. The other is to emphasize the passive safety devices of modern-day passenger vehicles, with special focus on the use of age-appropriate child safety seats.

The Volkswagen CSI project was initiated due to alarming statistics as indicated in the 2013 World Health Organization Global status report on road safety: About 1.24 million globally die annually as a result of road traffic crashes (or nearly 3,400 deaths a day).

Volkswagen PH’s CSI campaign, this year’s Silver Anvil awardee of the country’s premier public relations organization (PRSP), has so far been participated in by 6,106 children and 4,670 parents in 29 venues (including 21 malls) since it was introduced at the Manila International Auto Show in April 2015.

with the following suggested retail prices: P 1,688,000 (2.4 SX Navi AWD); P 1,498,000 (2.0 S AT). The CR-V is also

offered in other colors in two other variants: 2.0 V AT (P 1,368,000) and 2.0 V MT (P 1,328,000).

UZUKI Motor Corporation will back this year’s ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship for the fifth time in a row, a title sponsorship that has helped the AFF Suzuki Cup grow into the most important and most-watched football tournament in the region.

The biennial AFF Suzuki Cup 2016 is being co-hosted

by Myanmar and the Philippines, with the tournament kicking off on November 19, 2016. The two countries will be hosting the group stages of the tournament for the first time since its inception in 1996.

“The AFF Suzuki Cup has flourished since we took over as title sponsor in 2008 and we are pleased to renew our association with such a wonderful tournament that captivates millions of football fans throughout the ASEAN region,” said Kinji Saito, Managing Officer, Suzuki Motor Corporation. “We aim to offer Excitement to customers, which is the core value of our global brand slogan ‘Way of Life’. We believe football provides people with enthusiasm and fervor, which are the components of ‘Excitement’. We hope that we could share our brand value with as many people as possible by sponsoring this exciting tournament.”

Defending champion Thailand which was crowned king of ASEAN football for the fourth time in 2014, Singapore which is also a four-time winner, co-hosts Myanmar and the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam will compete in the tournament proper.

They will be joined by one team from the Qualification Round competition to be played in Cambodia from October 15-21. Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, Laos and Timor-Leste will fight it out

for the one spot at Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium.

“It is extremely good news that Suzuki Motor Corporation will be returning as title sponsor of the AFF Suzuki Cup later this year. The tournament has grown in stature and reputation since 2008 when Suzuki came on board for the first time,” said HRH Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, President, ASEAN Football Federation. “Both Myanmar and the Philippines will be debuting as Group Stage tournament hosts and, once again, I am sure we will witness a top class event played out in front of big crowds,” he added.

The AFF Suzuki Cup group stages will be played from November 19 to 26 in Myanmar and the Philippines, followed by the semi-final and the final rounds from December 3 to 17 which will be contested on a home and away basis.

Suzuki Philippines, Inc. General Manager for Automobile Shuzo Hoshikura shared, “We feel especially honored and pleased to be part of the AFF Suzuki Cup because we’ve always believed that it is a vital activity where we are able to reflect the Suzuki Way of Life. And with the Philippines co-hosting it for the very first time, we welcome this opportunity with open arms and much pride.”

“Suzuki Motor Corporation has played a crucial role in the success of the ASEAN Football Championship and we are delighted that they are continuing their long association with the tournament,” said Tom Smith, President, Football – Asia, Lagardère Sports.

The event promoter, Lagardère Sports, is a global sports marketing, media and event management company, and has been involved with the tournament from its inauguration in 1996.

drives ASEAN Football VW PH launches Child Safety Inititative Tours Suzuki Championship to new heights V S

VOL. 9 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

Vargas calls out Pacquiao T

HERE are no shortage of suitors for Manny Pacquiao, but Mexican-American boxer Jessie Vargas thinks he has the inside track when it comes to enticing the Filipino superstar back into the ring.

“I am the WBO welterweight champion and he wants to return to fight for this belt. So I am happy to give him a title shot,” Vargas told AFP during the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame function on Friday.

Vargas (27-1-0) said Friday he is in talks with Pacquiao’s camp to hold a fight on November 5 at the Thomas & Mack Center arena in Las Vegas.

“The fight is still under ne-

gotiation and I can say that soon we will announce it, although I do not want to advance because in boxing everything can change every minute,” Vargas said.

Undefeated Terence Crawford has also been named as potential opponent for Pacquiao, who is likely to return to the ring later this year according to his promoter Bob Arum.

Arum tweeted Friday night that he is also talking to a group that wants to stage Pacquiao’s next fight in the Middle East.

“Meeting on Sunday with people anxious to put on a @ MannyPacquiaoTR fight in the Middle East,” Arum wrote.

Vargas won the vacant WBO

welterweight title with a ninth round TKO of Sadam Ali in March.

“Manny has never faced someone like me. I’m at my best, I have several advantages. I’m taller and faster than him. I’m really smart fighter too,” Vargas said.

“I not only want to face him but I want to beat him. Juan Manuel Marquez did it and I want to beat him too, mainly because at his best he was someone who gave many headaches to Mexico fighters,” he said.

Record eight division champion Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing in April after his unanimous decision victory over Timothy Bradley.

PH needs to develop young cagers

N

O Hamed Haddadi. No Mexico and Greece. surprised that Gilas Pilipinas Mahdi Kamrani. No Sa“That’s what we wanted,” veterans Jayson Castro and mad Nikkah Bahrami. he said. “It would benefit us in Ranidel de Ocampo have anIran has been missing its the long run. nounced national team retiretop national team players for “That’s OK with us, be- ment right after the Olympic the ongoing 2016 William cause we’re not looking to win qualifier.

Jones Cup here. the Olympics or the World Cup But he added that unlike But it’s not a big deal for now. We want to develop our the Philippines, Iran isn’t keen assistant coach Mehran Sha- players more. You can see the on hiring a naturalized player hintab who sees their absence difference on the level of play to help its campaign.

CALLING OUT. WBO welterweight champion is willing to give Manny Pacquiao a shot if the Pinoy boxing star stages as an opportunity for his young as the Europeans were more “We don’t have a naturala comeback. players to develop. superior. But because of this ized player, we don’t have an “It may be not good for the experience, our team is learn- Andray Blatche like you have Europeans and the Americans, ing from this and we believe in the Philippines because it but for an Asian country like we will become better in the isn’t allowed in our country. We want to field in homegrown talLEN Escandor and Mi- ries lead.

Chok Cadiogan paced us, that’s good for our devel- future.” opment, ” Shahintab said in an With the change to the ents,” he said. chael Peloton dished Christopher “Bong” Go the IBP with 19 baskets. Oninterview.

FIBA calendar, Shahintab beShahintab believes that out superb perfor- still led the charge for DC gkiko had 14.

Iran was coming off a lieves it’s ideal for Asian counChina is back on top of Asian mances to help DC pull away with his game best 29 points Escandor and Peloton’ with a 81 - 69 win over IBP with baskets mostly coming contributions helped DC campaign in the FIBA Olympic tries like Iran and even the Phil- basketball: “I think they will in Game 9 of their basketball from long range. extend its winning streak as Qualifying Tournament in Italy, ippines to field in younger play- be a powerhouse in the Asian friendly series at the Davao The sweet-shooting spe- Go was shackled hard by the and it was only logical for the ers and no longer solely rely on region now and the years to City Recreation Center Al- cial assistant to President IBP defense resulting to his national team mainstays to sit veterans. For its part, the Sama- come.” mendras Gym on Friday.

Rodrigo Duterte shot five below average output. out the Jones Cup. hang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is He also offered some piece After tasting it first loss Escandor scored 14 triples as he blended well Haddadi was part of that now planning to form a young of advice to Gilas Pilipinas. points while Peloton with Escandor and Peloton in the series, DC bounced team, but Bahrami and Kamra- cadet team that will compete “For the Philippines, chipped in 13 from the to quell any chaenge from back hard with four straight ni missed the tournament.

Shaduring the six-window qualifithey’re good as well, but they wins. bench as DC took a 7 - 1 se- the IBP side. hintab said Iran just used the ers beginning next year leading need to avoid doing individual Olympic qualifier to help their to the 2019 World Cup. plays, just like what they’re seeyounger players gain some “We cannot improve with ing in the NBA and I’m not surexposure against elite compe- our old ones. It’s about time prised with the influence the N the summer of 2014 the tition. we build our own stars. This Americans had on them. They CARLOS BOOZER. Happy in China.

Los Angeles Lakers were Without two of its stars, is good for Asian basketball,” need to play better as a team,” attempting to adjust to Iran dropped its games against said Shahintab, who wasn’t he said. the loss of starting power forward/center Pau Gasol in free agency.

They were able to sign promising young big man Ed Davis, brought back Jordan Hill, and drafted Kentucky power forward Julius Randle.

Still, the team was lacking a veteran presence, so when the Chicago Bulls used the amnesty clause to waive for- players, but from all reports isn’t ready to retire, and has mer All-Star power forward he proved himself to be an ex- signed with the Guangdong Carlos Boozer (a move they cellent teammate throughout Tigers of the Chinese Basketironically made in order to the season. ball Association (via David sign Gasol), the Lakers subBoozer even agreed to sit Pick): mitted a claim and added the out entire games in order to While there is no question Duke product to their roster. give younger Lakers like Da- that Boozer’s effectiveness on While Boozer’s prime was vis, Tarik Black (added mid- the basketball court has dewell behind him, the veteran season) and Ryan Kelly more clined, he could very well find big man did a commendable opportunities. In his lone new life playing in China. Sevjob for the Lakers. After some season in Los Angeles, Boozer eral NBA players have been discord in his final season in averaged 11.8 points and 6.8 successful transitioning to the Chicago, there had been some rebounds per game.

CBA, with Stephon Marbury concern regarding whether Despite not playing in the achieving superstar status Boozer was the right guy to NBA last season, Boozer has there after his NBA career GOODBYE TO PROS. With the new FIBA calendar, the national team may have to rely on young Gilas cadets. mentor the Lakers’ young reportedly decided that he was over.

Escandor, Peloton sparkle as DC topples IBP

G

Ex-Laker Boozer continues career in China

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16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

Pinoy pugs hope luck of the draw T

MEDAL HOPES. Weight and condition are no problem and Charly Suarez and Rogen Lagon are all ready for battle, says coach Nolito Velasco.

HE chances look good on paper, but the Filipino boxers are still hoping for some luck in the draw as they look to give the country its first Olympic medal in 20 years.

R o g e n Ladon got to as high as third in the lightf l y w e i g h t division rankings this year while Charly Suarez was just outside the Top 10 in the lightweight class.

Coach Nolito Velasco said the fighters are ready to fight anyone assigned to them, but noted it would be nice to be lucky and avoid early clashes with the big guns.

“We are hoping for a better draw,” said Ve l a s c o , who ran a light training session for the two Filipino boxers on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) at Pavilion 5 of the Riocenter Convention Center.

A couple of rounds of shadow boxing

and sparring were followed with a few more on the heavy bag, then the two boxers cooled down by running back to the Athletes Village less than a kilometer away from the training venue.

“Let’s hope that we don’t cross paths with the other favorites. We don’t want the championship bouts in our opening bouts,” added Velasco, elder brother of 1996 Atlanta Games silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok” a n d 1 9 9 2 Barcelona Olympics bronze medal winner Roel.

Boxing competitions in Rio will run from August. 6 to Aug.

21, with medals at stake in 10 weight divisions for men and three for women.

“If we get the breaks in the draw, then we get better chances of winning medals here,” added Velasco as he walked back to the Athletes Village.

“But our boxers are ready for whoever is put in front of them,” said Velasco.

No Filipino athlete has brought home a medal from the Olympics since Onyok took the silver in the light-flyweight class in Atlanta.

Ladon and Suarez will see action o n August 6 but are still awaiting the results of the draw days before the start of the competition.

Velasco said the boxers are well rested and ready to go.

“We’re just trying to maintain their form. There’s no problem with the weight,” he said.