Edge Davao 9 Issue 124

VOL. 9 ISSUE 124 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016 MASKS FROM BACOLOD. A vendor arranges his display of masks of various sizes and designs along Roxas Avenue in Davao City. The colorful masks are sourced from Bacolod City, considered the country’s smiling mask capital. The masks, which are sold from P300 to P1,000 a piece, are a common sight during the Kadayawan sa Davao celebrations. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

JOMA THANKS RODY FOR FREEING REDS Cites Duterte for‘acts of goodwill’

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ adlopez0920@gmail.com

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NCE more I am grateful to President Duterte for his acts of goodwill to move forward the peace negotiations between his government and the NDFP. He has made possible the release of the JASIG-protected NDFP consultants from prison, and has graciously met the NDFP lawyers and consultants together with his negotiators and other officials.”

This was the statement made by Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison after the release of key National Dem-

ocratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultants in time for the resumption of the peace talks In Oslo, Norway on August 22.

Sison said that despite the previous communication “glitches” between him and the President, they continue to remain good friends.

“Our friendship has a strong basis in longstanding cooperation and in a common desire to serve the national and democratic rights and best interests of the Filipino people. Furthermore, we have plenty of mutual friends who help maintain

our friendship,” he added.

It can be recalled that a word war between Sison and the President erupted earlier this month following the outbreak of armed encounters between group and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) despite the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire by the Chief Executive last July 25.

President Duterte, however, called off the ceasefire on July 30 after the communist rebels failed to reciprocate with their own ceasefire declaration, while escalating its attacks against government forces stationed in

Davao del Norte and Bukidnon.

Some quarters fear that these developments might derail the upcoming formal peace negotiations between the government and the NDFP. Meanwhile, President Duterte on Monday expressed openness to any proposal that would address the root causes of rebellion in the country.

NDFP consultants who were released to join the peace talks include the couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon.

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Inside Edge

Meet the members of the GPH peace panel Davao biz group reiterates opposition to wage hike Economy P5

Cray crashes out

Sports P16

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DEV’T STRATEGIES. National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) director general Dr. Ernesto M. Pernia presents the Duterte administration’s “Ambisyon Natin 2040” during the first day of Social Development Initiatives Summit at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

DILG to launch care program for drug surrenderees: Sueno

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EPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Ismael D. Sueno has said that a pilot inter-agency community-based rehabilitation program for the care of drug surrenderers is set to be launched this month.

The planned rehabilitation program is called “Care Program” that involves the healing of patients’ physical, psychological, neurological and spiritual dimensions. The program also aims to extend social support to the patients.

The DILG Secretary said the inter-agency committee on illegal drugs is currently finalizing the process of identifying and classifying the profiling re-

sults of surrenderees for their appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.

He said that the surrenderees can then be referred to a community-based or out-patient service facility.

Those needing extra care and attention due to the severity of their addiction can be referred to a mental health institution or a hospital.

The surrenderees will be assessed for counseling, undergo vocational training for increased livelihood opportunities, and participate in other social and health activities such as community service, sports, arts and music.

“Surrenderers are people

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DFA to aid stranded OFWs on monetary claims: Jose

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HE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday assured the families of stranded Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia that they are working hard to convince the employers of the displaced workers to settle their unpaid compensation.

DFA assistant secretary Charles Jose said in a text message that inter-agency assistance to national (ATN) team was still in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He said that the group’s mission was “to extend immediate humanitarian, legal and consular assistance to stranded OFWs.”

A high level delegation, led

by Labor Secretary Silvestro Bello III, left for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday for talks with Saudi government to find immediate and long term solution to the situation, Jose said in a text message to the Philippines News Agency.

On Aug. 10, DFA officials led the special group that will help OFWs claim their unpaid salaries from their respective employers.

Most of the affected OFWs are said to be living on a handto-mouth basis after they lost their jobs, and were forced to eat left-over food in order to survive.

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Meet the members of GPH peace panel

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HO are the men - and woman - President Duterte is counting on to negotiate peace with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)?

The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the NDFP signed a Joint Statement in July this year that signified the resumption of the peace negotiations that was stalled during the past administration.

As the prospects for peace improved over the past month, President Duterte immediately named the members of the panel that will represent the GPH. They will be under the

guidance of Secretary Jesus G. Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The Communications Department of OPAPP, in a press conference on Wednesday, August 17 at the Mandaya Hotel in Davao City, provided the media with a copy of the profile of the members of the GPH panel.

Here are the individuals who are expected to play a crucial role in pushing forward the GPH-NDFP peace talks, in Oslo, Norway, from August 20-28.

service, he is best remembered as the chief government negotiator in talks with CPP/NPA/ NDF during the terms of former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

His panel and the NDF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) in 1998.

Sec. Silvestre Bello III Bello currently holds the Labor Secretary portfolio.

Born in Cagayan Valley and

raised in Isabela, he migrated to Davao City where he served as a human rights lawyer during Martial Law. He served as a justice secretary, solicitor general, presidential adviser for new government centers, secretary to the cabinet, president and chief executive officer of PNOC Development and Management Corporation, and general manager and chief executive officer of Philippine Reclamation Authority under four (4) Philippine Presidents and became a party-list representative of Una ang Baranggay, Ating Paunlarin (1-BAP) during the 16th Congress.

During his stint in public

of Wilfrido Liwag David and Jemmalyn Mimis Barlan for luring 12 workers with false jobs in Switzerland.

“The arrest of the two illegal recruiters is part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal recruitment,” said Bello.

The non-existent job offers were for hotel and factory work, involving a supposed Swiss employer named KBR or Kelloggs Brown Root Company.

The victims were prom-

ised salaries ranging from PHP60,000 to PHP70,000 and ready visas. They were also told that their applications would be processed in 45 days.

In his report, Cacdac said no placement fee is needed for overseas recruitment, but the victims were required to pay medical examination fees ranging from PHP3,500 to PHP6,000 in a clinic in Ermita.

The victims reported mulcting scheme of the re-

cruiters to the POEA, which endorsed the case to the National Police for an entrapment operation.

Police conducted the operation in Robinson’s Manila, where David and Barlan were caught in the act of illegal recruitment. The two will be brought to the Department of Justice for inquest proceedings.

Bello ordered an immediate investigation and directed the POEA to monitor the case.

(PNA)

Hernani Braganza, former secretary Braganza has been part of the peace negotiating panels with the CPP/NPA/NDF under the Ramos and Arroyo administrations, and served in

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Bello orders intensified campaign vs illegal recruiters

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ABOR secretary Silvestre H. Bello III has ordered the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to intensify its campaign against illegal recruiters after two of them were nabbed offering fake jobs in Switzerland.

Citing a report from POEA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Bello said the National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group conducted an entrapment operation that led to the arrest

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Traffic, public safety, two major concerns in Miss U

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RAFFIC gridlock in Metro Manila and public safety are among the major concerns of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in hosting the Miss Universe pageant in the country next year.

These were the key issues discussed during the first meeting of the Philippine Host Committee (PHC) recently, which is comprised of several agencies, in preparation for the highly-anticipated beauty pageant.

“The maddening traffic mess is obviously the one single problem that beset our daily economic activities in Metro Manila, and we

will find ways so as not to aggravate this with the hosting of Miss Universe,” said Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo in a press release.

“Or better yet, the hosting committee might as well come up with a solution to the traffic gridlock,” she added.

Considering the possible inconvenience the holding of pre-pageant would cause to Metro Manila residents, the committee is looking at the provinces of Cebu, Davao, Palawan, Batangas, Iloilo, Isabela and Vigan in Ilocos Sur for these events.

The coronation night, however, will still be held at

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LENI THE LISTENER. Vice President Leni Robredo gestures while listening to the presentation during the first day of Social Development Initiatives Summit at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Former justice to probe P judges in Duterte’s list

Bato: Narco-list based on intelligence reports

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday afternoon announced the appointment of former Justice Roberto Abad as “the sole investigator” of the judges who are allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade as announced by President Duterte earlier this month.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, SC spokesperson Atty.

Theodore Te said the SC has directed Abad to handle the investigation of the four judges named by the President who include Judges Exequil Dagala, Adriano Savillo, Domingo Casiple and Antonio Reyes.

The investigation will be conducted within 30 days from receipt of the order from

the highest tribunal, Te added.

It can be recalled that on August 7, at the Eastern Mindanao Command headquarters in Panacan, Davao City, Duterte named officials in the government, the police and military who are reportedly involved in illegal drugs.

Among the seven judges named by the President in his “narco list,” one of them had already passed away, another was retired, while another was dismissed from the service.

The SC said it has taken note of the subsequent clarification made by President Duterte that the naming of the seven judges was not an accusation, but only “information” against them.

Based on these information provided by the President, the SC ordered the conduct of a “motu proprio fact finding investigation as to whether they are involved into illegal drugs.”

The SC will also invite Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald dela Rosa, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director Isidro Lapeña and the heads of statutory authorities mandated to obtain information on illegal drug activities to submit complain-affidavits or other information against the four judges within seven days from receipt of the SC’s order.

The four judges mentioned by the President were also ordered by the SC to submit their

respective answers seven days after receiving copies of affidavit-complaints.

In the same press briefing on Tuesday, Te also told reporters that Judge Exequil Dagala recently filed his irrevocable resignation.

Te said the SC did not accept the said resignation.

“The judge is already under investigation in other offenses prior to being mentioned by the President,” he added.

Te also took note of the letter which Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno sent to the President last August 8, 2016.

In the said letter, the chief justice informed President

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RESIDENT Duterte’s list of politicians, judges and cops allegedly involved in illegal drugs trade was based on intelligence reports, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Ronald Dela Rosa said Wednesday.

Some critics say Pres.

Duterte’s shame campaign, or naming personalities involved in illegal drugs, is not “evidence based.”

Dela Rosa defended the move, saying intelligence reports are different from investigation and that “intelligence is a preponderance of information” that has been validated.

He explained that an asset or witness may provide information that a certain individual was allegedly receiving money from illegal drug trade, but is not willing to execute an affidavit for investigative pur-

Senator Villanueva to hold‘endo’hearing

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ONE-MAN EXHIBIT. Artist Boy Montoya (center), Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 director Robbie Alabado (left) and The Royal Mandaya Hotel general manager Benjie Banzon lead the ceremonial ribbon cutting

ceremony to formally open Montoya’s one man show entitled “Bukang Liwayway” at the hotel’s mezzanine Tuesday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

poses.

“That will remain as an information,” he said.

As far as the PNP is concerned, Dela Rosa said such information could not be presented before a court because the witness would not want to execute it into an affidavit.

“But still na-validate na may ganung pangyayari pero ayaw niyang mag-testify sa korte so iba po ‘yung intel, iba ‘yung investigation (The incidents were validated but the witness would not want to testify in court. That’s the difference between intelligence report and investigation),” Dela Rosa said.

Last week, Pres. Duterte released a “narco-list,” saying that the personalities involved have abused their authority by allowing themselves to be part of the illegal drug trade. (PNA)

ENATOR Joel Villanueva, chairman of Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources, has scheduled an organizational meeting to tackle preliminary discussions on labor contractualization on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 9:30 a.m. at Pecson Room in the Senate.

Villanueva said his committee will discuss bills and resolutions on: Enterprise-Based Training (Senate Bill No. 208); Prohibiting Labor-Only Contracting (SBN 117); End Endo Contract (SBN 174); Practice of Contractualization (Senate Resolution No. 1); and Security of Tenure (SBN 217, 302 & 329).

Contractualization is a working arrangement wherein workers are hired for not more than five months without the benefits granted to regular employees as mandated by law. Such workers are provided by labor-only suppliers or

agencies.

Villanueva has also filed SRN 96 which seeks an inquiry on the extent of contractualization in various industries in the country.

“The goal of the hearing tomorrow is to understand the nature of contractualization: what type of industry is it most common, the sectors affected and how the industries manage to circumvent the law,” Villanueva said.

“We have to understand that contractualization is not wrong per se. What is wrong is when companies use it to cut cost at the expense of our workers. Our bottom line is to ensure that the welfare of our workers are protected,” he added.

The resolution specifically aims to look into the implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Order No. 18-A, series

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5 ECONOMY Davao biz group reiterates opposition to wage hike EDGEDAVAO

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By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

DAVAO-BASED business group has reiterated its opposition to a wage increase in the region, citing the slow recovery being experienced by business establishments due to the ill-effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon.

“The business sector is still dealing with the effect of the El Nino. Farm production went down and subsequently, when farmers do not have money due to low farm production, business is also down” Bonifacio Tan, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCI) said.

Tan pointed out that wages cannot be legislated because it is “regional in nature,” adding that the cost of living in Metro Manila is different from Davao.

“We are not in favour of any legislative measure to increase the wages,” he stressed.

Last month, the DCCCI declared its opposition to the proposed P163 daily wage increase being lobbied by workers in the Davao region.

In a position paper submitted to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Davao region

(RTWPB-11), the DCCCI cited the “indubitable fact that the Davao Region has yet to recover from the devastation caused by the El Niño, wherein a state of calamity has been declared in several areas in the Davao Region.”

DCCCI’s position paper was signed by its chairman of the board, John Y. Gaisano, Jr. and president Bonifacio Tan. The position paper was submitted to the RTWPB-11 in opposition to the petition for an across-the-board wage increase filed by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP).

The DCCCI explained in its position paper that the Davao region is predominantly agricultural, as the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 confirmed that the drought had damaged millions of pesos worth of agriculture crops in the area.

“With this fact, the Board can understand why management takes the position that an increase in the minimum wage schedule, at this time, and specifically the P163/daily across-the-board increase that has been proposed, is not sustainable,” the chamber said in its paper.

Durterte cabinet leads 2-day Davao socio-econ summit

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HE Cabinet secretaries of President Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo led 300 representatives from the marginalized sector in crafting the administration’s six-year social development plan at the two-day Social and Economic Development Summit which opened last Tuesday at the SMX Davao Convention Center.

The two-day Summit, which is a follow up of the economic consultation held last June, was also attended by representatives of donor organizations and funding agencies such as the World Bank.

This Summit is a follow-through to a nationwide sectoral consultation carried out by the Duterte administration through the Office of the Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco.

The President was expected to receive the output of the Summit workshop on the second day of the event.

In a press conference Tuesday afternoon at SMX, Deputy Cabinet Secretary Peter Laviña said the summit will tackle five main areas namely health, education, livelihood, housing, and environment and climate change.

The Summit hopes to come up with a set of priorities under the Duterte administration that aim to reduce poverty incidence in the country that is now pegged at 26 to 27 percent.

Laviña hopes the national government will be able to address the concerns in the identified poorest provinces using

the development plan.

Among the poorest provinces in the country are the Cordillera Region, Eastern Visayas, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur. The crafting of the socio-development plan is timely, as the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) will be coming up with a national development plan for 2017-2022, Laviña pointed out.

He added that inputs from the two-day workshop are crucial as it will provide flesh to previously held sectoral consultations that aim to bring the fruits of development to poor Filipinos.

“We will work to uplift the living standards of the poor families,” Laviña said. “This is another promise of the transition team to hold two important consultations. We are done with economic consultation last June” The Summit was attended by representatives from 14 sectors identified in the law creating the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NPAC); the youth sector, senior citizens, fisherfolk, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, victims of disasters and farmers.

Laviña said that among the 14 sectors, considered the most marginalized are the fisherfolk; the IPs who are victims of the crossfire in armed conflicts and militarization; and those in the formal sector who are vulnerable to displacement and involvement in crimes. (PNA)

LUMAD ENTREPRENEUR. A city government of Davao employee tries to negotiate the price of native bracelets being peddled by a Matigsalog woman in front of City Hall yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDITORIAL

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New era comes for Kadayawan

HE Kadayawan Festival turns 31 this year and with the fresh, new leadership in the city, the festival also enters into a brand new era.

Conceived to celebrate the city’s bounty in terms of agricultural products, the Kadayawan has blossomed into a bigger celebration more than a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest but also a thanksgiving and celebration of the unity and energy of its people.

Enter the new era of the Kadayawan, a celebration not only of flowers and fruits but also of skills, talents, triumphs and economic progress.

The Kadayawan goes by anything that is good as can be

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KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Reporter MEGHANN STA. INES NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. CHA MONFORTE ARLENE D. PASAJE Photography Correspondents Cartoons Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • EDCER C.B. ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA • GREGORIO G. DELIGERO JOHN CARLO TRIA • BORBONCARLOS • MARYMUNDA ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO•AGUSTIN • EMILY VIDA S. VALVERDE C. LUMBA • HENRY J. SCHUMACHER • VANESSA KATE MADRAZO• JONALLIER Economic Analysts: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG ZENMIA CHUA • CARLOS• FRED MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG M. PEREZ

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gleaned from the root word of Kadayawan which means goodness.

The Kadayawan Festival is no ordinary festival. It is also the celebration of a city now being looked up to by the rest of the country as the model city to emulate.

With a brand new leadership guided by the President himself who nurtured Kadayawan into what is is today, the festival provides an inspiration to everyone that this city, despite the lack of infrastructure budget poured into by the national government in years, has lived up to its promise of growing by its very own resources, strengths and yes, discipline.

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LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0948-823-3685 Tel: (088) 852-4894

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ORE often than not, the Department of Tourism (DOT) captures some attention from the public when it pronounces the number of tourists coming to the country, new tourist attractions, or when a travel ban from other countries is issued.

But the recent announcement from Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo that the Philippines will host the next Miss Universe pageant caught people by surprise. In a press statement, Teo said she wanted it to be held in May instead of the usual January. She explained that during the first month of the year, the Philippines is very busy with other big events like Chinese New Year celebration and the Sinulog Festival. “Medyo gipit kaya probably we’ll ask them to move it,” Teo was quoted as saying.

Hosting the annual beauty pageant will cost about US$12 million but Teo said that it “will greatly benefit the local tourism industry.” Segments will be held in some of the country’s famous places like Palawan, Boracay and Cebu “in an effort to showcase to the world not just Manila, but other tourist spots as well.” Interestingly, the three places were cited by the “Travel and Leisure” magazine as among the World’s Best Islands of 2016.

Should it come true, this would be the third time the Philippines will host the beauty contest that was founded in 1952 by the California-based clothing company Pacific Knitting Mills. The last time the country hosted the pageant was in 1994 when India’s Sushmita Sen won the coveted prize.

Twenty years earlier, in 1974, the Miss

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Miss Universe 2017

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Universe pageant was held THINK ON THESE! in the country.

Spain’s Amparo Muñoz was declared in that contest. However, she was forced to give up her crown later that year, because she did not follow orga- Henrylito D. Tacio nizational rules, henrytacio@gmail.com and refused to go to Japan. No one else took her place.

History records showed that the title “Miss Universe” was first used by the International Pageant of Pulchritude in 1926. This contest was held annually until 1935, when the Great Depression and other events preceding World War II led to its demise.

However, the current Miss Universe Pageant was first held in Long Beach, California in 1952. Finland’s Armi Kuusela won the title but had to give, although not officially, when she opted to get married shortly before her year was completed.

The Philippines has produced three Miss Universe title holders. Gloria Aspillera Diaz was the first Filipina to win the Miss Universe crown in 1969 in Miami Beach, Florida. Then only 18, she bested other candidates on the final question. It was about how to welcome the first men that had just landed on the moon -Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin and Michael Col-

lins -- as soon as they were back on the planet.

The quick and witty reply of Diaz was: “Oh, just the same things I do. I think if he has been on the moon for so long, I think when he comes over he wants to change, I guess.”

In later years, Diaz became an award-winning actress. She made a splash in “Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa,” but it was in 2005’s “Nasaan Ka Man” that she won a Best Supporting Actress Award from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS).

In just a matter of four years, the Philippines won the coveted title again when Margie Moran -- Maria Margarita Roxas Moran in real life -- was crowned in Athens, Greece. She said that she joined the contest because of the incessant urgings of friends and family.

During the question and answer portion, Moran was asked: “If you had one million dollars what would you do with it?” Her brief answer: “I would buy a big house where I can live with all the people I love.”

Aside from the title, she was also garnered Miss Photogenic award, making her one of the only four Miss Universe winners to get such distinction, the others being Sweden’s Margareta Arvidsson (1966), Trinidad and Tobago’s Janelle Commissiong (1977), and Puerto Rico’s Denise Quiñones (2001).

The third -- and the current reigning -winner is Pia Alonzo Romero Wurtzbach. Although she was born in Germany, she grew up in Iligan City but settled later in Cagayan de Oro City. She was only 11 when her parents separated and she became the family’s bread winner.

In the final question and answer portion, the top three contestants were asked the same question by Steve Harvey: “Why should you be the next Miss Universe?”

This was her answer: “To be a Miss Universe is both an honor and responsibility. If I were to be Miss Universe, I will use my voice to influence the youth, and I would raise awareness to certain causes like HIV awareness that is timely and relevant to my country which is the Philippines. I want to show the world, the universe rather, that I am confidently beautiful with a heart. Thank you.”

On December 20, 2015, Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe in Las Vegas, Nevada in the United States.

Miss Universe is one of the three most important and publicized beauty pageants in the world. The other two are Miss World and Miss Earth. The Philippines has already won all of the three pageants, making it as one of the few countries who has done the record. Aside from the three Miss Universe titles, the Philippines also won the Miss World in 2013 through Megan Young. The country also has three Miss Earth title holders: Angela Ong, 2015; Jamie Herrell, 2014 and Karla Henry, 2008.

Now, if the 2017 Miss Universe pageant will be held in Manila, Wurtzbach will have the honor to bestow the next winner right in her own country.

But Wurtzbach will not be the first time to do so. The record goes to Moran, who crowned the Miss Universe winner in Manila. This was in 1974 when the Philippines hosted the event for the second time around!

ning a diverse MY TWO CENTS’ set of corporate organizations on top of his being a Cum Laude law graduate of San Beda College. Yet he does not come on as the snotty corporate type. He is engaged and expects his peoJohn Tria ple to be equally engaged in ser- ecisouth@gmail.com vice, instructing them not to engage in internal meetings during office hours.

delays set in. They are also the welcome mat for visitors which create the impression for the city. Perhaps its time that these large airports retain a larger portion of their income and reinvest in projects that can improve performance and quality of service. The Mactan Cebu International Airport is an example, where improvements are under way even ahead of national government funding, due to their capacity to retain earnings and borrow, if need be.

3. Sasa Port upgrade. While many have expressed opposition to the planned P19-Billion PPP project, there nonetheless is a need to install gantry cranes and repair important facilities so that it meets international standards so that loading and unloading of cargo is done more quickly.

4. Issuance of Drivers Licenses and vehicle car plates should be judiciously renewed or issued. We no longer expect to hear the excuse that Mindanao will experience a delay in receiving these important documents and issuances.

5. Acting on complaints. There are strong suggestions to improve access to the DOTr Action hotline to make sure that traffic, transport and connectivity concerns are eased quickly.

in the way government is practiced. We have been so used to promises and open ended commitments that when President Duterte started making the three to six month challenge to suppress crime and drugs many at first refused to believe that such an outrageous promise would be kept.

However, being bound by time, and letting your reputation fall on the line is turning out to be public demands a defining character of the Duterte administration. Beyond words, it is performance measured in numbers. This kind of measurable performance maybe is what a promise-weary and cynical public demands.

A Mindanao wish list for Art Tugade

NGAGEMENT is the key to governance, and whether brickbats or praises are traded in the process, the ensuing results require the maximum participation of the governed. Therein democracy becomes real.

Recently the Department of Transportation (DOTr) engaged with member s of Davao’s business community last July 29 where Secretary Art Tugade, through Undersecretary Rommel Gavieta and Assistant Secretary Cherie Mercado brought forward the 100 day plan of the Secretary.

DOTr is a challenge Why does a seemingly unimportant meeting in far off Davao matter? It is because the DOTr is perhaps the agency of the PNOY administration with which the Filipino people have been most frustrated.

Long MRT lines leading to train breakdowns, horrendous traffic, air traffic delays to the worlds worst airport, and the “tanim bala” scourge, all conspiring to make the Philippines such an inhospitable and difficult place to work and live in.

We hope to see the day when we no longer will be burdened by the chore of getting around choked streets and riding on inefficient public transport. It is exacerbated by a previous administration that failed to address these things.

This makes it a tall order for the equally tall Tugade. The six foot Secretary of Transportation is perhaps the tallest in the cabinet and speaks with an authority honed in years of run-

Long term beyond the 100 days Of course, the quick impact projects included in the 100 day plan are designed to ease the anxieties of people living in the greater Manila area, and for those like us in Mindanao who travel back and forth . from the capital. What we in Mindanao are interested in is part of the longer term plan that includes the following: 1. The Mindanao Railway project. We know that the studies for these have been in place for the past five years. Has there been any effort to get it rolling?

2. Conversion of the Davao and Cagayan de Oro airports into independent airport authorities. As frequent travelers airports are a pet peeve when stinking toilets and flight

Time Bound commitments are a change What is refreshing is that for the first time, we are hearing commitments to deliver certain measures within a specified time. Being time bound is perhaps the most significant change

Moving forward a continuing dialogue Unfortunately for many regions, the DOTr does not have regional offices that can coordinate efforts. The different line agencies like the Philippine Ports Authority, the Civil aviation authority of the Philippines, the Land Transportation Office have their district offices, but no regional DOTr Director to coordinate among them. The DOTr ought to have a system of dialogue with common stakeholders so that their 100 day and six year plans are monitored and pushed, especially for the far flung for whom connectivity is vital.

Moving forward, the task at hand is to make transport within and from the country a delightful experience. After all, public transport is a public good that we maintain through the taxes we pay. For once, the people deserve a level of service that can rightfully be called a service.

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Microfinance NGOs Manila-based builders to assist poor entreps bullish on Davao market A M SPIRING small entrepreneurs, considered as “unbankable” loan clients, can now tap government funding to open microbusinesses under a new law.

This developed as the Microfinance NGO Regulatory Council signed Tuesday the Rules and Regulations (IRR) implementing Republic Act No. 10693, otherwise known as the Microfinance NGOs Act passed in November 2015.

The IRR was signed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Social Welfare Undersecretary Mae Fe Templa, and Securities and Exchange Chair Teresita Herbosa in simple rites at the Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros, headquarters of the Bureau of Treasury (BTr).

The new law is in line with President Duterte’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda.

At the signing ceremony, Dominguez explained that “by providing financial assistance to small entrepreneurs, who would otherwise be turned away by financial institutions because of their perceived ‘unbankability,’ the Duterte presidency would partly realize its electoral mandate of dispersing wealth and making growth inclusive.”

Lopez, for his part, said RA 10693 would “provide market access to small entrepreneurs and simplify the processes for them” in borrowing funds for their businesses.

According to Herbosa, the law would help microfinance NGOs “lend to people who would like to engage in small businesses” such as “sari-sari stores, small parlors and other similar enterprises.”

Poor families with no access to financing can team up with accredited microfinance non-government organizations (NGOs) for convenient, flexible and low-interest credit.

Accredited microfinance NGOs will have access to government programs and projects, as well as other forms of technical assistance from the government, donors and support organizations.

Under RA 10693, the Microfinance NGO Regulatory Council, was created to accredit NGOs that provide financial products and services to small business.

In lieu of national taxes, an accredited microfinance NGO is eligible for preferential tax treatment of 2 percent based on their respective gross receipts from microfinance operations.

Prior to the IRR signing, the BTr auction committee announced its decision for a full award of the re-issued 7-year Treasury Bonds (FXTN 7-58) as bids were aligned with market benchmarks.

Accepted bids ranged from 3.170 percent - 3.200 percent, fetching an average rate of 3.186 percent, which was lower than the coupon of 3.500 percent set last April 2016, but with a slight increase of 17 basis points (bps) from the average yield at the last reissuance of the same security in July.

Demand was strong at the auction, with total bids amounting to Php 55.44 billion, more than twice the Php 25 billion offer.

Total outstanding securities for FXTN 7-58 now stands at Php 75 billion, enhancing liquidity of the bond series.

(PNA)

PH levels up on digital and financial inclusion

T

HE Philippines garnered top honors in the 2016 Financial and Digital Inclusion Project Report of United States-based Brookings Institutions, one of the oldest think tanks in the world.

In a study of 26 geographically, economically, and politically diverse countries, the Brookings Report found the Philippines to have gained the highest improvement in overall score for digital and financial inclusion.

Compared to its score in 2015, the local economy increased by eight percentage points, ahead of all other countries in the annual study.

This jump has been attributed to several factors, which include the launch of the Philippine National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI); strong performance in mobile capacity, as measured through smartphone penetration; and highest adoption rate of mobile money accounts among Southeast Asian economies covered by the report.

The assessment was based on various criteria under four general dimensions: country commitment, such as the existence of a consumer protection framework for financial services; regulatory environment, including e-money platform inter-operability; mobile capacity in terms of market penetration, 3G coverage, and availability of merchant payments via mobile money; and the adoption of traditional and digital financial services among lower-income groups.

With perfect scores of 100, the Philippines topped the categories of country commitment and regulatory environment.

It also achieved a high score of 94 in terms of mobile capacity, but got a modest 42 in adoption.

Brookings cited the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for its role in shepherding the Philippine NSFI’s implementation and advancing the formalization of the high-level inter-agency Financial Inclusion

F PH, 11

ANILA-BASED real property builders are bullish on investing in Davao due to the city’s excellent business climate.

This was the view of Vista Land head of sales Trixie Dial, who noted that there is so much interest in Davao right, especially on the part of investors who are keen on putting their money here.

Dial was in Davao City on Monday to present her company’s line of brands to potential clients in Davao, in particular, and Mindanao, in general.

She noted that the Manila is no longer the center of the real estate market in the country, as she pointed out that everybody (all competitors) was here (in Davao).

Vista Land, which aims to fill the gap in the housing needs of the country, now offers several brands of its residential projects.

Dial said her company would be offering affordable units under their Lumina brands for both horizontal and vertical projects.

Housing and lot package, as well as studio type con-

DPWH XI RD Mariano Alquiza explains the importance of equipment management and maintenance to participants composed of equipment engineers and operators of DPWH Region XI during the Seminar on Operation and Preventive Maintenance of Heavy Equipment and Service

do units were priced at Php 400,000 per package.

She said they are eyeing several areas in Davao wherein they plan to establish their housing projects.

“What we do with our property development is not limited to just building the houses but towards building a “communi-city”, she said.

She explained that “communi-city” means bringing all related facilities and institutions that would comprise an ideal setting for its residents.

Dial said the concept

would be for the upscale and gated housing projects in Ma-a, Mintal and Toril.

She said they would be developing a 170-hectarel property in Toril, which has a very good view of the city overlooking the ocean.

Dial also noted that the Toril area could be developed as a retirement “haven.”

Vista Land is aggressive marketing their projects in Mindanao, particularly those located in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Tagum and Panabo. (PNA)

Vehicle held August 16, 2016 at the DPWH XI Conference Room . With him are engineers from the Bureau of Equipment, Central Office Manila as speakers and Engr. Lorenzo Yumang, Chief of the DPWH XI Equipment Management Division.

P18 billion eyed for provincial roads

T

HE improvement of provincial roads in the country will be prioritized under the Duterte administration in its bid to boost infrastructure spending next year.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno had earlier announced to members of the League of Provinces in the Philippines (LPP) that the national government plans to allocate P18.03 billion for the implementation of the conditional matching grant that will be used for road repair, rehabilitation and improvement in provinces across the country.

LPP executive vice president Gov. Anthony del Rosario revealed that during the recent

LPP National Executive Board (NEB) Special Meeting, Diokno positively responded to the recommendation of governors to continue the implementation of the national government’s Provincial Roads Network Development Program.

According to del Rosario, the budget secretary assured the local officials present during the meeting that the proposed amount will be incorporated in the National Expenditure Program, which the executive department will be submitting to Congress next month.

The governor bared the LPP officials met with Diokno to explore a possible partnership between the League and

the DBM in carrying out the road reform program in order to promote meaningful devolution and local autonomy among LGUs. At the meeting, del Rosario was tasked to make a pitch for the provincial roads program, where he cited the dramatic transformation of rural communities in Davao del Norte due to improved road accessibility courtesy of the Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF).

“Better roads helped our people gain greater access to improved health and social services, better education, and more livelihood opportunities… our farmers increased their production and income

with the cost of hauling their farm produce substantially reduced,” del Rosario said.

The Provincial Roads Network Development Program is an expansion of the successful PRMF partnership with 10 beneficiary provinces funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which concluded last year.

In the meantime, the LPPNEB also passed a resolution enjoining all provinces to support Senator Panfilo Lacson’s Senate Bill No. 40, “Budget Reforms for Village Empowerment Act” (BRAVE), a legislative measure intended to institutionalize a rational and equitable budget augmentation for LGU development.

operations.

“Since power plants are within the DOE (Department of Energy), the limits of the audit would be ECC. All 13 existing coal-fired power plants would be audited. We will also review 13 business applications and 12 with ongoing construction,” he said.

Jasareno said the power plants are located in Iloilo, Bataan, Cebu, Misamis Oriental, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Batangas, Quezon province and Zambales.

He said the DENR would

coordinate with the DOE in conducting the audit.

Meanwhile, Jasareno, head of the mining audit team, said they have already completed the audit of four mining firms, including those with recommendations to correct violations.

He added the audit on 36 other firms was ongoing at various stages.

Jasareno said the deadline for the completion of audit on 40 metallic miners is at the end of this month.

“By September, (we

will also conduct an audit) on non-metallic. That’s one month. These include quarry, aggregate and 10 mines in care and maintenance – they don’t operate but anytime they can start,” he said.

“If they will meet the standards of audit, we will have a roster of responsible miners.

When the smoke clears, what should be left are mines that are able to absorb the social and environmental costs, and are able to significantly help the communities,” he added.

(PNA)

DENR to audit operations of coal-fired plants

A

FTER training its guns on recalcitrant mining companies, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to audit the operations of 13 coal-fired power plants in the country to verify their compliance with environmental compliance certificates (ECC).

DENR Undersecretary Leo Jasareno told reporters the department was finalizing environmental protection guidelines for coal-fired power plants operations in a bid to create transparency in their

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FOOD

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Photos by Lean Daval Jr. WE ALL LIKE TO BE DIFFERENT – but for Marco Polo Davao, it’s way more fun if you can re-create an old favorite into a refreshingly new dish. And it not only involves flavours that will satisfy the foodie in you; it also involves reconnecting with one’s roots.

Heightened experience, a moment of serenity. It’s not every day that we encounter dishes that reminds us of our roots – of a rich history that moulded us to be the individuals that we are today. Most often we settle for the ‘usual,’ for the ‘mainstream. ’ In the process, we forget the beauty of the flavours of the past – our collective past.

For a Maguindanaon like me, it’s not every day that I taste the flavours of home. Not that I do not know how to cook...in reality, I do. But I always end up with a variation of an old favourite. And that’s despite the repeated phone calls to my parents asking for cooking instructions. (the beauty of technology when you are living in different zip codes!)

This Kadayawan 2016, celebrate the flavours of Mindanao’s different tribes at the Polo Bistro of Marco Polo Davao. What they have is a feast of classic favourites – some of which are served traditionally in homes and during celebrations. For some, the menu is a reflection of their hometown’s dining table and for others, it’s a gastronomic adventure that could soon be their new favourite.

A four-course meal reflective of different traditions, the menu features the various staples of Mindanao’s tribes, which reflect their respective cultures. Marco

Polo Davao Executive Chef Alex Destriza said the dishes were inspired by the eleven tribes of Mindanao. Preparation wise, it was not easy, he said, explaining that he had to read several reference books in order to get a better feel of the dishes.

The outcome? Dishes that remind us of home.

For the appetizer, choose from two well-loved dishes of the Maguindanao tribe. Plated ostentatiously, each dish complements the taste of the other. Satisfy your cravings with Laman na Pinudsan (Salted Duck Egg) and Piaren a Seda a Barilis (Spicy Tuna).

PS: The Spicy Tuna is a must try!

And the soup? It’s non other than everyone’s favourite mongo

and roasted whole garlic served with braised beef ribs cooked adobo style. The marriage of fla-

vours in this dish will be remembered by your palate for a long time. It is rich, succulent and savoury in every bite!

The main dish is a combination of two dishes from the Jangan and Maguindanaw tribes. If you love chicken and crave for that “oomph” in your dishes, then go ahead and indulge yourself with their Linotlot nga Manok (Chicken cooked in Bamboo). If beef is your cup of tea, then the Landang (Beef cooked in coconut milk) may just be what your taste buds are looking for. Both dishes are served with Sinigapuna (Yellow Rice) from the Kalagan tribe.

And the dessert – well, what can we say – it is certainly a sweet explosion! What they have is a

trio of favorites from the Sama and Tausug tribes. This time you won’t need to choose … you get to try them all. Wadjet Nakadurian (Durian Rice Cake), Daral (Daral) and Pasung (Steamed cone cake) will surely make you smile and crave fro more.

Mindanao Tribes Set Menu, which costs P990 net per person, is available from August 12 until 22, 2016, at the Maro Polo’s Polo Bistro.

Marco Polo Davao is located along CM Recto Avenue, Davao City. For reservations, you may call at 082 221 0888.

Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit! Follow my messy food affair attheroyalchefeats. wordpress.com and on Instagram at @theroyalchefleebai

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UP AND ABOUT

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PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

THE KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL’S GOOD VIBES continues to spread throughout the city, thanks to exciting events organized by local business establishments.

Marquella, a fast-ggrowing commercial complex located in Tigatto, Buhangin, will be taking part in the Kadayawan celebrations, as it brings to their side of the city performances and activities that are guaranteed to bring cheer to Dabawenyos.

On August 18, the grand winner of Showtime’s Kalokalike season 3 will be performing at Marquella’s entertainment area dubbed “Boxtown.”

Daniel Aliermo, an impersonator of comedian Vice Ganda, is expected to delight the crowd with his wacky antics, as he is set to sing, dance, and perform his popular stand up comedy routine starting 8 PM. “I am happy to bring fun to Marquella this Kadayawan. This season has always been about fun and togetherness,” Aliermo said.

The 31-year-old comedian is known for his impeccable wit and gift of gab as evidenced by his entertaining song and dance performances in ABS-CBN’s popular

noontime show, and also at the Zigudu Resto Bar where he is a regular performer.

His uncanny resemblance to Vice Ganda has made him an instant hit whenever he performs either on TV, live events or bar gigs.

On the same night, fire dancers from Tribu K’Mindanawan will also be heating things up with their fiery dance routines, alongside live performances by the Soul Align Band which is popular among the city’s music lovers.

Mommies and food lovers will also enjoy cooking demos to be handled by chefs from MOST Institute Davao on August 20.

The chefs will be highlighting Davao’s fresh ingredients courtesy of their various chicken.

“We hope that through entertaining and meaningful activities like this, we can bring families together,” said Chelo Lahora. “Our cooking demos are also designed to inspire food lovers be more adventurous.”

Shoppers can also enjoy items

in thrift store booths at Marquella’s Kadayawan Bazaar that will run until August 21.

Special bundles from NCCC will be available, as well as locally-produced herbal products and snacks.

Marquella’s mini-carnival will also be open to kids and kids at heart on August 15-31.

Marquella, a 5.7 hectare commercial complex which opened earlier this year, is now home to

produc and res Marq ship of to be th ket area Loca Road, M mercial to. For 4748/ 0 Chelo L

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ct and service stores, bars, staurants. quella is a part of the townCiudades and is envisioned he transport hub and mara in the area. ated along Tigatto-Mandug Marquella is the only coml space of its kind in Tigatleasing inquiries, call 2260942-7637- 701 and look for Lahora.

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

THE FIRST-EVER R E G I O N -W I D E FOOD FESTIVAL IS SET TO MAKE ROUNDS AT SM MALLS IN MINDANAO from August to September 2016.

Dubbed South by Mouth, it is happening at the SM Lanang Premier on August 19 to 21, from 4pm to 10pm, in time for the city’s most colorful festival – the Kadayawan.

With the growing interest on Mindanao in recent months, South by Mouth aims to promote the region’s unique food culture through outdoor food fairs in three key cities: Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos.

In Davao, South by Mouth Kadayawan Food Fair makes a stop at SM Lanang Premier through the highly anticipated “Davao Gourmet Collective (DGC)” at the mall’s Fountain Court grounds.

The DGC features some of the best local favorites and emerging food con-

cepts from a mix of 18 local and Manila-based food establishments – Backyard Burgers, B. Wings, Café El Gato, Jam Foods & Co., Cucina Ilocana, Alibaba Shawarma, Kakimkris Lechon, Stellina’s Lemonade, Kai Artisan Chocolates, Sugarcane Bar, Crocodile Ice Cream, Mamboss Café, JR Pastry, The Griddle Burgers & Sandwiches, Bangkok Wok, Sea Green Café and Lifestyle Shop, Soul Kitchen, and The Fatboy’s Kitchen.

Now on its fourth year, the DGC offers a gastronomic feast like no other.

Festival-goers can enjoy delightful offerings such as whisky maple bbq ribs, Angus tapas, adobong puti, authentic pad thai, spicy chicken B.wings, and creamy smoked salmon linguini, among many others. Perfect for snacking are fresh salad wraps, homemade bacon sandwich, Ilocos empanada, shawarma, and Japanese Oishi burger, while cranberry almond chocolates, crocodile coffee ice cream, and brown butter finan-

ciers are mouthwatering dessert options.

Officially opening on August 19, 4pm, South by Mouth Kadayawan Food Fair DGC will be held in partnership with M Magazine, Air Asia, Solar Entertainment Corporation, ETC Channel, 2nd Avenue, and Davies.

This event comes after the South by Mouth kickoff at SM City Davao’s “Grillfest” on August 12 to 14. South by Mouth then goes to SM City Cagayan de Oro with the “Uptown Eats CDO” and concludes at SM City General Santos with the “Tuna Festival Grillfest” on September 2 to 4.

Festival-goers can also enjoy live DJ music at the Castaway Kadayawan Vibe Fest and ETC Paintensity events happening at the Fountain Court grounds on August 19 and 20.

For queries and event updates, visit SM Lanang Premier’s official account on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or search for #SxMFoodFestival.

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

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UP AND ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT

THE ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY IS HOSTING THE ADVANCED SCREENING of the #50FirstDays Documentary at the Finster Hall on August 18, 2016 at 9:00AM. The landmark documentary, produced by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), showcases the achievements of President Duterte’s administration in his first two months in office.

The event will be graced by Ateneo De Davao President Fr. Joel E. Tabora S.J. and the Davao Jesuit Community, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, Assistant Secretary Ramon Cualoping III, officials of Davao City, and 500 members of the academe.

“We are glad that the Ateneo de Davao has been very supportive of the President, hosting the

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women’s rights and reproductive health, housing, environment, participatory governance through the signing of the executive orders on progressive anti-poverty program and freedom of information, and the groundwork on constitutional amend-

#50FirstDays initiative of the Presidential Communications Office is further proof that they are a bona fide partner for change,” said Andanar.

The documentary, narrated by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, tells the story of President Duterte’s first 50 days from the eyes of cabinet secretaries, government officials, the media, and everyday Filipinos. It aims to break the hundred days tradition set by previous presidents.

“Change is happening everyday, so every day

is the first day of a new Philippines. It’s only fitting that the Ateneo De Davao is the first to see the documentary, as they have had first-hand experience of the kind of positive change President Duterte

brings,” added Andanar. #50FirstDays highlights the positive changes in law and order, bilateral and diplomatic ties, economy, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, traffic, social welfare,

ments for the shift to a federal system.

An interactive website housed on www.president. gov.ph, containing an indepth look of President Duterte’s early days in office will also be launched as part of the participatory governance agenda of the administration.

“We hope President Duterte’s #50FirstDays will inspire every Filipino to become a partner for change as we embark on this journey for a better Philippines,” said Andanar.

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“During the formal talks in Oslo, President Duterte and I shall be in touch with each other. We intend to per-

form our respective parts in order to make the talks successful and beneficial to our people,” Sison said.

numerous posts in the national government.

He represented the first district in Pangasinan during the 10th congress and was elected as a mayor in Alaminos, Pangasinan. He was also the secretary to the cabinet, press secretary, cabinet officer for development of Ilocos, and presidential adviser for political affairs.

Braganza met with key officials of the CPP and NPA in Surigao del Sur to facilitate the government’s plan to resume the peace talks and facilitate the release of police officers who were held captive by the NPA in 2014.

known human rights lawyer and a women’s rights advocate in Davao City. She currently serves as a Baranggay Chairperson in Matina Crossing, one of the largest barangays in the city.

She was a city councilor and chaired the Sangguniang Panglungsod’s committee on women and children, and authored several ordinances on the establishment of the city’s gender and development office particularly on upholding the rights of the children who are in the conflict-affected areas.

Librado-Trinidad previously worked in the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and in a non-governmental organization (NGO) that provides legal aid to abused women and children.

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Rene Sarmiento, former commissioner Born in Catanduanes, Sarmiento is a respected legal practitioner in the country. He was a member of the 1986 Constitutional Convention which drafted the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

He became the vice chairman of the panel in 1996. He was also the head of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAAP) in 2006 prior to his appointment as the commissioner of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and was nominated twice for a post in the Supreme Court as an associate justice in 2010 and chief justice in 2012.

Similar to Bello and Braganza, Sarmiento was also a part of the two peace negotiating panels during the CPP/ NPA/NDF talks.

Atty. Angela Librado-Trinidad Librado-Trinidad is a

Atty. Antonio Arellano Prior to working for the government, Arellano was a staunch advocate of justice and human rights, as she helped the underprivileged and handled numerous human rights cases.

Arellano started as a state prosecutor II back in 1991 and was appointed as the regional state prosecutor of Northern Mindanao in 1998, Central Visayas in 1998, and Davao in 2007 until he retired in 2015.

He also became a member and an officer of different lawyer groups which shares his advocacy.

Arellano is a 2011Datu Bago Awardee, the highest award given by Davao City to its constituents for their significant contribution to the growth and development of the city.

The OFWs, however, have managed to survive despite the lack of food, medical care and other support services.

The Philippine delegation is composed of officials and technical staff from DFA, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The main goal of the group is to provide immediate humanitarian, legal and other consular assistance to the OFWs stranded in work camps across the kingdom.

DFA Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. and Secretary Bello, after learning of the sad plight

of our OFWs, called on Saudi Ambassador to Manila Dr. Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Bussairy last Aug. 3, 2016, to facilitate cooperation between both countries to address the situation.

The Saudi Ambassador assured the Philippine government that his government would exert all efforts to assist the affected workers.

Meanwhile, Jose said the DFA has continued to facilitate the immediate repatriation of OFWs who want to return home.

He added that the monetary claims of the workers would be the next mission of the high level delegation even after their repatriation. (PNA)

Duterte that the court was investigating a judge whose name was not included in the list presented by the Chief Executive.

“The judge will be facing a formal administrative complaint and has already been suspended until further no-

tice,” the SC said in a statement read by Te. The SC did not reveal the name of the judge.

“His identity cannot be revealed as administrative complaints are confidential in nature until resolved,” the court added.

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NEWS 11

FREE WI-FI ZONES. People have been trooping to Davao City’s public parks where they can avail of free wi-fi connections, a project initiated by the city government of Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Ombudsman to file charges against envi laws violators

T

HE Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday assured that violators of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, or Republic Act 9003, will be held accountable in the next few months.

“Not to my knowledge, but I can promise you within the next few months, there will be,” Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Gerard Mosquera told reporters when asked if there had been violators of the 15-yearold law who had been made

liable.

Mosquera said appropriate criminal and administrative charges would be filed against local officials who have committed violations against Republic Act 9003.

“So if we find that there are violations, the Office of the Ombudsman through the fact-finding panel headed by Atty. Teologio (Myla Teona Teologio), will make sure that appropriate criminal and administrative charges will be filed, also before

of 2011, and Labor Advisory No. 10, series of 2016 which prohibits labor-only contracting.

“In spite of the DOLE order prohibiting labor-only contracting, labor groups have decried the continuous abuses on the system,” Villanueva pointed out. “Government agencies practice such work arrangement and we have to know why so we can address the problem.”

Government data show that 56% of the country’s 37.6 million labor force is either employed in contractual, temporary, probationary, seasonal and odd jobs.

The construction sector has one of the highest rates of contractual employment at 81 percent and the quarrying sector at 59 percent.

Certain business groups believe that the complete phasing out of contractualization would result in the loss of jobs for an estimated 850,000 contractual workers.

“We hope that through this discussion, we would be able to propose amendments to the Labor Code addressing the loopholes in the law that paves the way for unscrupulous practices such as the ‘5-5-5’ or ‘Endo’ scheme,” Villanueva said. (PNA)

Steering Committee, as well as its support for the Better than Cash Alliance, an international coalition working to shift global use of physical cash to digital transactions.

It also acknowledged the

BSP’s leadership role in the Global Alliance for Financial Inclusion and its being a front-runner among central banks in the issuance of enabling and proportionate regulations. (PNA)

collection office will be closed on August 29.

In the meantime, the company’s offices in the Davao del Norte area, namely its Panabo branch and the Sto. Tomas collection offices, will have

normal operations on August 19 and 22, as these are not covered by the holiday proclamation.

Emergency services will be available 24 hours through 229-DLPC (3572).

Senator... FROM 4

PH... FROM 10

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the Office of the Ombudsman,” Mosquera said.

“And if in those administrative and criminal proceedings, there is ground for the imposition of administrative penalties, then we will not hesitate to impose those penalties and ensure that the full force of the law is brought... upon the non-compliant LGUs (local government units),” he added.

Mosquera said laws that may be included in the investigation are Republic Act 3019,

or the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act; Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees; and Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code.

“Theoretically, one of the provisions in the anti-graft law is when a party causes undue injury to any party, including the government,” he said.

He, however, clarified that “we have not yet found grounds for any indictment.” (PNA)

needing our help. For them to yield to authorities means that they are willing to go back to

the fold of law and they trust the government to help them recover,” Sueno said. (PNA)

the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila on Jan. 30, 2017.

The PHC, led by the DOT, presented to President Rodrigo Duterte a draft administrative order that would organize at least 12 agencies “to map out the master plan for holding the event”.

PHC members include the Office of the Executive Secretary; the departments of Public Works and Highways; Foreign Affairs; Trade and Industry; Information and Communications Technology; Interior and Local Government; Transportation; Health; Bureau of Immigration of the Department of Justice; Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Internal Revenue of the Department of Finance; Philippine National Police; and the Manila International Airport Authority.

Officials representing the various member agencies of the PHC have

pledged full support to the DOT in hosting the prestigious event, which is also expected to help boost the country’s tourism industry.

Other issues discussed during the meeting include facilitating the arrival and admission of Miss Universe participants from over 90 countries and organizers; security at the various pageant venues; and coordination with partners in the private sector.

Pres. Duterte has agreed to host the pageant in the country with the assurance that the government would not spend a single centavo for the event.

Teo had assured the public that private sponsors would shoulder the expenses for the pageant.

She earlier said that hosting the pageant would cost about USD11 million or roughly more than PHP500 million. (PNA)

DILG... FROM 2

Traffic... FROM 4

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13 COMPETITIVE EDGE

DLPC customer services open on Aug. 19, 22, 29

D

AVAO Light and Power Company’s (DLPC) frontline customer service offices will serve the public on August 19 and 22 – both special non-working holidays - in celebration of the 31st Kadayawan, and on August 29, a regular non-working holiday in commemoration of the National Heroes Day. DLPC’s payment and customer services at SM Lanang Premier and at SM City Davao in Ecoland will be open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

The company’s full service center at Ponciano will be open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Meanwhile, DLPC’s Panabo branch will accept payments from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for customer-related services.

The company’s Toril and Calinan payment offices will also be open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon, and from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. However, DLPC’s Tomas

F DLPC, 11

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATES WITH WAIVER AND RENUNCIATION OF RIGHTS

Notice is hereby given that the Estates of the late ROMEO S. IBAOS has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH WAIVER AND RENUNCIATION OF RIGHTS executed among his heirs per Doc. No. 15; Page No. 3; Book No. VI; Series of 2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC JENNIFE DP DUMALAG-BORONG 8/4,11,18

Marco Polo Davao continues to shine M ARCO Polo Davao, Mindanao’s first and only premier hotel, has been awarded by the Department of Tourism with its Five-Star Plaque at the DOT Head Office in Makati, Philippines.

The prestigious award was handed over to Halifax Davao Hotel, Inc. (HDHI) president Francis R. Ledesma

by DOT USEC. Bong Bengzon and head of standards monitoring and enforcement division Joey Tolentino. MPD general manager Dottie Würgler-Cronin, director of sales

and marketing Pearl Peralta-Maclang, and sales executive Janina Almonte also witnessed the simple yet meaningful ceremony.

“In behalf of Halifax Davao Hotel, Inc., I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Department of Tourism for re-affirming Marco Polo Davao’s leadership in Mindanao as a 5-Star Hotel. We recognise the fact that excellence is only attained with a dedicated team such as ours. We are also privileged by the opportunity to welcome and pamper our guests as they choose Marco

Polo Davao as their home. We are truly blessed to be ‘The Heart of Davao,’” says Halifax Davao Hotel, Inc. (HDHI) president Francis R. Ledesma.

The hotel has 245 well-appointed rooms and suites, and for the past seventeen (17) years, it continues to live up to its distinct elegance and rare brand of Asian hospitality and Western Comforts. It has (6) six dining outlets, which are Café Marco, Lotus Court, Polo Bistro, Eagles Bar, The Lobby Lounge and the exclusive Continental Club Lounge.

“We are very proud to

have achieved this milestone as a team, and this will surely inspire us to retain this prestigious status in the years to come. Our hard-work, dedication and commitment to create the best value in every encounter with our guests is imbibed by every associate of the hotel” says GM Dottie Würgler-Cronin.

Last year, Marco Polo Davao bested 13 other properties in the growing Marco Polo Hotels chain, as they were awarded with a 2015 Hotel of the Year, Bold Leadership Award by the group.

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SPORTS15 Filipino-Nigerian teen to join Batang Gilas

F POOR SHOWING. Marestella Torres-Sunang fared poorly in the women’s long jump.

Poor showing by Torres-Sunang M

ARESTELLA Torres-Sunang said she hurt her left hip during warm-ups and she ended up jumping a little too cautious in the competition proper of the women’s long jump in the Olympics on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time).

“Hindi ako maka-atake ng husto. Pinipigilan ko kasi kapag binibilisan ko ‘yung takbo ko, may sumasakit,” said Tor-

I

res-Sunang.

The three-time Olympian failed to reach the finals after coming up with a disappointing 6.22 on her first attempt and even shorter leaps in the next two.

Just last month, Sunang jumped 6.72 to qualify for Rio and a few months back won the national open with a 6.6 leap.

Her 6.22 put her in 14th

spot in Group B. It was sadly a repeat of her London stint, where the best she could do was also 6.22 after earlier registering 6.71 to win gold in the Southeast Asian Games.

Torres said she landed awkwardly during the warmup, hitting the same spot a competitor from Great Britain also landed into.

“Dun ako na-shoot dun sa

tinalunan nung sinundan ko.

Sumakit ’yung hips ko,” said Torres-Sunang.

Sunang noted a spot in the finals was achievable, with the last spot in the finals claimed

by Britain’s Jazmin Sawyers with a 6.53-m leap.

“Sayang kasi kung makikita mo ’yung result talaga, kung makuha ko lang ’yung 6.40, 6.50, mababa rin halos lahat,” said Torres-Sunang.

like a dream to everyone who is here.”

The Maracana is Brazil’s most famous football stadium, having hosted two World Cup finals — 1950 and 2014 — and being home to some of the nation’s most important moments in club competitions.

Brazil coach Rogerio Micale, who will be making his coaching debut at the Maracana, took the time to walk onto the pitch of the empty venue after his pre-match press conference on Monday.

“It’s a great pleasure to be in a stadium like the Maracana, which represents so much to Brazilian football,” Micale said. “It will be a privilege for me and for my team to play such an important match at a stage like this.”

The stadium was home to the opening ceremony at the Rio Games, and will also host the closing ceremony. The first Olympic soccer match at the Maracana will be the women’s semifinal between Brazil and Sweden on Tuesday.

“I used to pass by the Maracana when I was just a fan and dreamed of one day playing there,” said Brazil midfielder Renato Augusto, a Rio de Janeiro native.

Brazil didn’t play at the Maracana at the World Cup in 2014 but it won the Confederations Cup at the venue the year before, in a final against Spain. If it beats Honduras, it will be back at the stadium for Saturday’s final.

Led by Neymar and

promising youngsters Gabriel Jesus and Gabigol, Brazil is playing in its third-straight Olympic semifinal, and seventh overall. It lost to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in 2008 in Beijing, and made it to the final in 2012 in London but lost the gold to Mexico. Brazil has three silver medals and two bronze. The gold is the only significant trophy the fivetime World Cup champions haven’t won in soccer.

Honduras reached the semifinals for the first time after eliminating two-time Olympic champion Argentina in the group stage and getting past South Korea in the quarterfinals.

“An Olympic semifinal to be played in a stadium with 80,000 people is a motivation for everyone. The world will be watching our game.

Our players have to motivate with it and feel that they have to give their best in the field,” Honduras coach Jorge Luis Pinto said. “I am thinking a lot about Neymar and how I can control him. I’m looking for that player to mark him.”

Neymar struggled when Brazil opened with consecutive scoreless draws against South Africa and Iraq, but he and the rest of the team are coming off convincing wins against Denmark and Colombia.

IL-NIGERIAN prospect AJ Edu quietly slipped into town on Tuesday night after expressing interest to play for the Philippine team beginning with the Batang Gilas youth side.

Just 16 but already 6-foot9, Edu arrived with his mom Josie to meet with Samahang Basketbol ng Plipinas (SBP) officials and hopefully come into an agreement to play for the national team in the future.

Batang Gilas team manager Andrew Teh told SPIN.ph the United Kingdom-based, Cyprus-born prospect is very much eligible to play for Gilas Pilipinas since he only owns a Philippine passport.

“He doesn’t have any other passport,” said Teh, unable to hide his excitement over the arrival of a player who could potentially give the youth program - and possibly Gilas - a major boost.

“He’s very promising. May alam, bata pa at higit sa lahat, mabait,” he added.

At posting time, Edu was at the Moro Lorenzo Gym inside the Ateneo campus where

he was made to go through his paces by Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin.

Teh said Edu, through his mom who hails from Surigao, has signified his interest to play for Batang Gilas, prompting SBP officials to bring them over for talks.

The Batang Gilas team manager is hopeful of striking an arrangement with Edu and his family, saying they plan to draft a program for the teenager that will be integrated into the youth program.

“The kid really wants to play for the Philippines,” said Teh. “So hopefully, we can come to an agreement, then gagawan namin ng programa para sa Batang Gilas.”

But since Edu already turned 16 last January 1, Teh said the earliest he can suit up for Batang Gilas will be in the 2018 Fiba Asia Under-18 Championship.

But with a prospect like Edu, there’s no doubt the national team is willing to wait.

“Mukhang malakas, ganoon s’ya kalaki pero three, four ang laro n’ya,” said the Batang Gilas manager.

Neymar leads Brazil vs Honduras

T’S time for Neymar and company to turn those boos into cheers.

Olympic host Brazil takes on Honduras in the men’s semifinals of the Rio football tournament on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time).

It’s been a rocky road for the Brazilian team so far — starting with two draws against non-powerhouses South Africa and Iraq but following with shutout wins over Denmark and Colombia.

Neymar was outstanding in the 2-0 win over Colombia despite being heavily marked.

Up until then, Brazil’s top star had been jeered by hometown fans. A photo of a Brazil jersey with Neymar’s name scratched off and replaced with the name of his female Brazilian counterpart Marta has gone viral.

Nigeria and Germany play in the other semifinal.

Brazil will look for inspiration from playing at the historic Maracana Stadium.

The decisive game will mark the debut of many of Brazil’s youngsters at the famed venue, which is expected to be packed with nearly 70,000 fans hopeful of seeing Brazil stay on track for its first soccer gold medal.

“We know about the importance of Maracana in the history of Brazilian football,” Brazil defender Marquinhos said. “We grew up hearing stories about the stadium. For everything that has happened there, it’s a special place for us. To be playing a semifinal and a final at the Maracana is

Neymar and the hosts are two wins away from the title. AP

AJ Edu with Batang Gilas team manager Andrew Teh, coach Michael Oliver, Gilas manager Butch Antonio, and his mom Josie.

Yi close to signing with Lakers

Y

I JIANLIAN is reportedly close to making an NBA comeback four years after the Chinese forward and former lottery pick last played in the world’s premier basketball league.

According to a report by ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Los Angeles Lakers are in ‘advanced discussions’ to sign Yi after their initial talks during last year’s free agency failed to push through.

The Lakers have renewed interest in Yi after the Chinese big man’s impressive fourth trip to the Olympics, where he averaged 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in Rio de Janeiro.

The deal is not yet secure, but league sources told Stein that the Lakers hope to add Yi in time for training camp next month.

Yi was selected sixth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2007 but had a journeyman five-year career in the league with stints in New Jersey, Washington, and Dallas, averaging just 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 22 minutes per game.

The 28-year-old forward spent his last four years playing for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association.

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Cray crashes out E

RIC CRAY bowed out of the semifinals of the Olympic 400-meter hurdles on Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro (Wednesday, Manila time).

The Fil-American track athlete clocked 49.37 for a disappointing seventh in the first semifinal, failing to match or much less surpass his 49.05 in the qualifying heats

two days ago after failing to clear one hurdle.

American Kerron Clement topped the first of three semifinal races with a 48.26-second run, towing Kenya’s Boniface Mucheru (48.85) to the final.

BOWING OUT. Eric Cray stumbles on a hurdle during the semifinals of the 400m hurdles.

Four runners from the second semifinal led by Jamaica’s Annsert Whyte in 48.32 advanced to the gold medal run.