Edge Davao 9 Issue 130

VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VIOLATOR. City Transport and traffic Management Office (CTTMO) personnel unload a minivan from the agency’s towing vehicle at the CTTMO headquarters in Davao City yesterday.

The said minivan was towed due to parking violation in Agdao. Lean Daval Jr.

COMVAL GOLD DOWN: GOV. UY BSP reports $145-M decrease in 2015

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

G

OV. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy has confirmed that Compostela Valley’s gold remittances to the Central Bank have declined.

In 2015, the Nationwide Development Corporation’s King-king Copper-Gold Project in Compostela Valley recorded a $145-million decrease in production.

One of the largest gold-copper deposits in the Philippines, the King-king project area in the mountains above the town of Pantukan on the Gulf of Davao has developed into a gold-rich por-

phyry copper deposit.

In an interview with Edge Davao after the Declaration of Compostela Valley Province as a Conflict-Manageable and Development-Ready Area (CMDRA) on Tuesday, the governor expressed confidence that ComVal’s gold production industry will be able to bounce back after the slump it experienced.

Gov. Uy is hopeful that the improvement of the peace and order situation in the area will serve as a springboard for more eco-

nomic opportunities in the region, particularly in the mining industry.

The ability of the local government unit to manage conflict in the provinces with the implementation of the Comprehensive Local Implementation Program (CLIP) will help address security-related issues in the province, making mining areas more accessible to potential investors.

Moreover, existing mining sites such as the Kingking Copper-Gold Project which have been listed as

one of the top priority projects by the Philippine Mines and Geosciences Bureau, can now be properly monitored with ComVal being declared as a CMDRA. “What I know is when it comes to the remittance sa Central Bank Wala ma’y problema since naa pa ta uban nga existing mines diri sa Compostela Valley (What I know is when it comes to the remittances with the Central Bank, we don’t have a problem since there are still existing mines in Compostella Valley),” assured Gov. Uy.

A steak for every Juan Indulge A1

Bringing science and technology to the fore Game Changers P7

EDGEDAVAO Sports Gilas now under young coach Reyes P15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

AFTERMATH. Personnel from the General Services Office (GSO) of Davao City are seen dismantling the bleachers along San Pedro Street three days after the culmination of the 31st Kadayawan sa Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Rody: No friends in war vs. drugs W ITH this statement, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte promised he would soon release a drug matrix involving a friend and Senator Leila de Lima who is allegedly the highest public official linked to the Muntinlupa drug trade.

The President did not name the friend, whom he identified as “a governor” during a chance interview with reporters in Malacanang after the oath-taking ceremonies for the newly-appointed Board of Directors and officers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Philippine Exports Confederation Inc (PhilExport), the Employers

Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA).

In his speech before the captains of the industry, President Duterte mentioned the gravity of the drug menace affecting 3.7 million Filipinos.

The success of the President’s anti-drugs war has its share of critics. President Duterte, however, remains unperturbed.

Quoting Abraham Lincoln, the President said, “‘If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how—

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Lawmaker wants to empower PNP-CIDG to issue subpoena

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

A

adlopez0920@gmail.com

S the drive against illegal drugs continues to intensify nationwide, a Mindanao solon is mulling the possibility of empowering members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to issue administrative subpoena or subpoena duces tecum.

“Police work in the on-going fight against illegal drugs, spearheaded by President Duterte could get to be a lot easier and possibly less dangerous if the CIDG is authorized to issue such documents,” said Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas II in a statement to the media.

Matugas authored and filed House Bill No. 2993 that will amend Republic Act No. 6975 otherwise known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1980 which gave the National Police Commission (Napolcom) the power to issue administrative subpoena or subpoena duces tecum in matters pertaining to the discharge of its own powers and duties but not the PNP-CIDG. An administrative subpoena and subpoena duces tecum are issued by a government agency to compel the recipient to appear and produce documents or other tangible evidence for use during an investigation, a hearing or trial

without prior judicial oversight.

“It is surprising that the PNP-CIDG, the main enforcement agency of the country does not possess such power to issue administrative subpoena which plays a significant role in any fact finding or investigation,” Matugas added.

He also noted that other agencies in the government were given the power to issue an administrative subpoena and subpoena duces tecum.

These agencies include the Ombudsman, Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Cybercrime Opera-

tion Center of the Cybercrime Investigation Coordination Center.

“With regard to the current fight against illegal drugs, the PNP-CIDG has been met with difficulty in conducting investigations because of its inability to procure documents and witnesses,” he said, emphasizing that the bill he filed will seek to remedy that situation by giving the PNP-CIDG administrative subpoena and/or subpoena duces tecum powers in relation to the conduct of investigations.

An administrative subpoena, he further stressed, is still a tool in the toolbox of police to build a drug investigation

She added that they do not want these funds to be underutilized, as they want to invest on trainings that will focus on environment-friendly practices.

Fuertes said their group’s study was patterned after a Latin American research which investigated how the incorrect practices of livestock farmers’ were adversely affecting their water sources.

The Latin paper revealed that the conditions in the country improved when the

farmers were assisted by businesses in implementing more environmentally-safe methods in raising livestock.

Fuertes, however, noted that consultations between all stakeholders to determine the feasibility of the proposed “payment scheme” would take a long time.

These recommendations were taken into consideration when they crafted the 20172019 agenda of the Water Management Council (WMC)

Comelec eyes technology for next nat’l elections ‘Payment scheme’for watershed protection eyed

W

ITH over three years away before the conduct of a national election, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is already weighing options on whether to use a new technology or stick to the old one, which they will use in future polls.

But, Comelec Chairman Juan Andres Bautista admitted that at this point, they have not discussed the possible technology they will use.

“We are not particular to any technology at this point… sa technology kasi ang bilis ng palit eh. So anong gagawin natin sa luma. Yan yong mga

issues na kailangan pagisipan. We have to weigh,” he explained.

The poll body used the precinct count optical machines (PCOS) in the 2010 and 2016 national and local elections.

Bautista noted that in case the poll body decides to use the same machines, it would need more than 20,000 vote counting machines (VCMs) to augment the present number of over 80,000 VCMs to reduce if not to totally stop the long queues during elections.

“Mga 110,000 ang kailan-

F COMELEC, 10

F LAWMAKER, 10

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

T

HERE is a need to create alternative livelihood opportunities that will help protect and sustainably manage Davao City’s watersheds.

This will be among the key recommendations submitted during the Davao Watershed Stakeholders Summit which opened yesterday at the Ritz Hotel, Garden Oases in Obrero.

Based on a study conducted by the Interface Development Interventions (IDIS), the group will look for ways in

which local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders can provide financial support to residents whose livelihood has been affected by the implementation of various water conservation laws.

This initiative will help lessen the negative impact of human activities on the city’s watershed areas.

“The ‘payment’ does not have to come in the form of financial aid,” explained IDIS Executive Director Mary Anne Fuertes.

F PAYMENT, 10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Chief‘Bato’denies SAF harming NBP inmates

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HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronaldo “Bato” Dela Rosa on Wednesday vehemently denied that elements of the Special Action Force (SAF) are physically harming some inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

Dela Rosa said that the drug lords were just making excuses because they had difficulty moving inside the NBP. He stressed the drug lords could not also sneak in contrabands because of the strict security measures being implemented by the SAF. Hence, Dela Rosa said, the

high-profile NBP inmates were just making stories.

The PNP chief noted that if he would have his own way, he would like to permanently isolate the drug lord Peter Co in a place where there was were no people and light.

Dela Rosa pointed out that the drug lords would not have the nerves to act arrogantly inside the NBP if no high government officials were giving them protection.

However, he leaves it to President Duterte to announce who are government officials who serve as protectors of drug personalities inside the NBP. (PNA)

GRP, NDFP panels agree on 3 substantive issues

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HREE substantive issues that were included in the recently opened peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (GRP) were agreed upon by both panels, an indication that the talks were off to a good start, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) reported.

In a statement to the media, OPAPP said that negotiators of the GRP and NDFP panels settled minor conflicting issues on the three of the five substantive issues during a marathon session held on Tuesday in Oslo, Norway.

Both panels also expressed commitment to accelerate the process of forging a political settlement during the term of President Duterte.

The three major issues that were settled include the affirmation of previously-signed agreements; the reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list;

and the accelerated process for negotiations, including the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda.

The two more issues to be agreed in the substantive agenda include socio-economic reforms, political and economic reforms; and end of hostilities and disposition of forces, including the Joint Monitoring Committee.

“It was a frank and honest discussion among friends. We are candid with each other, knowing that we share the common agenda of peace,” said Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III who led the GRP panel.

Bello also admitted that there were heated discussions, at times, but added that such were normal during negotiations.

“In fact, we have to call a break on several occasions to cool off. But the general atmosphere was cordial as the session was punctuated by laughter and light banter,” he added.

All agreements signed

F GRP, 10

BLACK PROPAGANDA? Captain Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, claims that the recent accusations made by progressive groups against the military such as militarization in Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities are all part of leftist groups’ black

AGAINST AERIAL SPRAYING. Dagohoy Mangaway of Mamamayang Ayaw sa Aerial Spraying (MAAS) has expressed his strong opposition against the Supreme Court ruling that Davao’s anti-aerial spray ordinance

NEWS 3

is unconstitutional during yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO). Lean Daval Jr.

Army denies presence of soldiers in IP schools

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Philippine Army on Tuesday denied reports claiming that their troops were inside a school in New Bataan town, Compostela Valley province as alleged by the group Save Our School Network in Southern Mindanao Region (SOSN-SMR).

In a statement to the media on Tuesday, 10th Infantry (Agila) Division chief information officer Capt. Rhyan Batchar said the command was deeply concerned over the allegations made by SOSNSMR, and immediately directed the 67th and 66th Infantry Battalions to explain their stand on the accusation.

On Monday, August 22,

the SOSN-SMR alleged, as posted in its Facebook account that soldiers belonging to 67th and 66th IBs were encamping inside the school building in Barangay Pagsabangan, New Bataan since Saturday, Aug. 20.

The SOSN-SMR further claimed that soldiers were also staying in households just 10 meters away from the school premises in Barangay Panansalan, Compostela town.

Batchar said the 67th IB denies the accusations made

by SOSN-SMR, as he explained that the command has no soldiers stationed in the said barangay, adding that the community was already outside

propaganda which aims to discredit the authorities. Batchar made the statement during yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO). Lean Daval Jr.

their area of operations.

In its statement, the 67th IB stressed that the SOSN-SMR’s allegations were “unfounded, baseless and malicious.”

On the other hand, the 66th IB, in the same statement, responded to the inquiry of the 10th ID, as it claimed that the battalion’s forces were staying in Purok 3, Barangay Panansalan, Compostela town.

The stay of the soldiers, the 66th IB added, was with the permission of Purok Chairman Artemio Magno.

Chairman Magno also testified that the soldiers were positioned in an area that was far from the school and house-

holds.

“Other documents provided by 66th IB and signed

by Purok Chairman Rex Basta and Purok Secretary Nerisa Gollodo stated that the troops were allowed by the Purok Chairman and the residents to enter and rest at Sitio Bongloy, Barangay Pagsabangan,” Batchar said.

He added that another document, issued by Purok Secretary Gollodo, stated that the same troops did not occupy the Salugpungan School.

A picture provided by 66th IB showed that the said Salugpungan school was about 100 meters away from

FTER law enforcers confirmed that illegal drugs are still being sourced from China, Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon on Wednesday urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) anew to work with China to put an end to drug-trafficking within both countries.

In a two-page letter sent to Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. on Tuesday, Gordon noted that a joint task force could be created to identify the patterns of passengers and gather collective intelligence against those who are involved in the drug trade.

He said the task force could also initiate capacity-building initiatives against drug trafficking and have the Chinese nationals involved in the drug trade to be arrested in China, among others.

“May I urge the Department of Foreign Affairs -through a vigorous note verbale submitted to the Government of the People’s Republic of China to raise the level of dialogue and cooperation requesting a more robust task force through our respective Immigration Bureaus and relevant law enforcement agencies to stress the urgency of the situation and thus the need for action by China to help in stopping the source of illegal drugs,” he said in the letter.

Gordon, meanwhile, said that China recognizes the problem of illegal drugs which is shown by its efforts to address its own problem by arresting Filipino drug personalities and subjecting them to the death penalty.

“China recognizes the

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Gordon to DFA: Work with China vs. drugs A

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EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Govt. doctor nabbed Tagum Coop launches in Butuan buy-bust annual feeding program A T HE Tagum Cooperative launched its annual supplemental feeding program dubbed as “Hot Lunch Plus” in one selected community and two schools in Davao del Norte.

The program was launched at Brgy. Palma Gil in Talaingod on August 15, Kuyas Elementary School in Talaingod on Aug. 16, and at the Upper and Lower Mabini Elementary School in Kapalong, on Aug. 17.

The program, which is supported by the Department of Education (DepEd), aims to increase the weight of severely malnourished children within 120 days, with proper mon-

itoring to be done by the program’s implementers.

As part of the program, the beneficiaries’ parents were tapped to cook for their children’s lunch every day, on a rotating basis.

At the launching at Palma Gil, Director Evelia Sator, representing the Board of Directors chaired by Ms. Monica L. Salido, bared that the Tagum Coop had allocated a budget from its net income to implement its annual community development projects such as the Hot Lunch.

Director Edgardo Silagan added the program is a way of sharing God’s blessings, as he encouraged more parents to

be members of Tagum Coop not only as a way of earning extra income, but also to give back to the community as well.

Ms. Jacklyn Ino, a parent, shared how children, mostly IPs, cannot afford to have a decent meal every day.

On the other hand, barangay councilors, members ofthe Army, and Talaingod Municipal Councilor Sylbeth Gaila expressed their appreciation to the cooperative for its efforts to help provide for the needs of the children in the community.

Meanwhile, Dir. Eduard Amoguis, Curriculum Implementation Division Chief of DepEd Davao del Norte, graced the launching of the Hot Lunch

at the Kuyas Elementary School where the beneficiaries are all indigenous pupils.

The final leg of the feeding program took place at Upper and Lower Mabini Elementary School where its three classrooms are shared by more than 100 pupils of different grade levels.

During the program, Dir. Miriam R. Baloyo reaffirmed Tagum Coop’s unceasing efforts to support deserving student beneficiaries.

The Hot Lunch Plus was implemented after the signing of the Deed of Donation between Tagum Coop and the recipient institutions. (Tagum Cooperative)

GOVERNMENT surgeon and another suspect were apprehended and a sizable amount of illegal drugs, cash and drugs paraphernalia were seized from them in a buy-bust operation conducted by Butuan City Police, midnight Monday.

Butuan City Police reported that at 11:25 p.m. Monday night, the City Anti-Illegal Drugs Unit (CAIDU) headed by P/Supt. Rowena Martinez and the Butuan City Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team supervised by P/Supt. Excelso Lazaga, Jr., conducted a drugs buy-bust operation at Gloreto Guest House, along Ilang-ilang St., Purok 5, Brgy. Limaha, this city.

Arrested during the drug buy-bust was the subject of the police operation Jefrix N. Galon, alias “Jepoy” 26, a resident of of Purok 4, Brgy. San Ignacio, this city.

Galon was included in the illegal drug watchlist of Butuan City Police.

Aside from Galon, the police also apprehended a certain Dr. Frederick A. Padilla, 36,

a surgeon of the Butuan City Medical Center.

Recovered by the police from the possession of Galon were eight sachets of suspected shabu, three cellular phones, P5,120.00 cash and the two P500.00 peso bills used as marked money.

Confiscated from the possession of Dr. Padilla were three sachets of suspected shabu, cash worth P1,700 and a glass tooter pipe.

Police estimated the seized illegal drugs to be worth P47,200.00 based on the dangerous drugs board (DDB) price.

In a press statement from the police regional headquarters here P/Supt. Rolando B. Felix, PRO 13 Regional Director, said the “PNP’s crackdown against illegal drugs is continuous in the region through the relentless implementation of the Project Double Barrel.”

The arrested suspects and the evidence gathered during the police operation have been brought to Butuan City Police Station 1 for proper disposition. (PNA)

Kidapawan City LGU approves Army’s PDOP

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IP children of Kuyas Elementary School enjoy thier lunch served by Tagum Coop

SouthCot lass to compete in‘Miss Planet’tilt S

OUTH Cotabatenios are beaming with pride because, as one of their own will represent, not only the province but the country as well, in an international beauty pageant next year.

“I will try my best, I will do all to win to give honor to our country,” said Hazel Templonuevo Arbening, this year’s Miss Planet Philippines International, who hails from Surallah town.

On Monday, Arbening paid

a courtesy call to South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance Fuentes and the members of the South Cotabato provincial board.

“We are very proud she made it to the national contest,” Fuentes told reporters.

“I hope she will make it in the international pageant.”

Arbening will represent the country in the international beauty pageant to be held on September 3 to 11, 2017 in Bulgaria.

The 25-year-old Arben-

ing was crowned Miss Planet Philippines 2016 during the beauty pageant held in Pasay City. The contest aims to raise awareness on environmental protection.

Speaking to Radyo Bida Koronadal, Arbening said it was her first time to join a beauty pageant at the national level. “I was only exposed to barangay and municipal beauty contests,” she said in the vernacular.

She vowed to carry the

name of South Cotabato and will promote the province’s culture. She will be wearing a T’nalak inspired gown during next year’s pageant.

She is the second woman from South Cotabato to compete the in the renowned international beauty search.

Early this year, another lady from Surallah, Aiza Faeldonia won fifth place in the 2016 Miss World Next Top Model in Beirut, Lebanon.

(PNA)

The Manila-based Information Technology Business Solutions (ITBS) Corp. would undertake the project after it presented on Tuesday the computer program that would handle all online transactions of the local government.

“This program uses intranet or a connection between base computers to work,” Halima Ibrahim, city information officer, said.

Aside from desktop or laptop computers, she said an application would also be made available for clients who can download the app on their smartphones.

“Business license applications, building permit applications, cedula, and even payments can be made online,” Ibrahim stressed.

The ITBS noted though the program would be created on a “phase-by-phase

basis,” with the first stage to center on services handled by income-generating sections of the city government.

The second phase would contain information on human resources, job vacancies, and tourist destinations, among others.

Vice Mayor Cynthia Sayadi, acting city mayor, said the budget preparation for the program is in progress.

Cotabato eyes P30-M computerization program

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HE city government here is embarking on a P30-million full computerization system with the initial phase set to be launched before the end of this year.

The initiative intends to place the city at par with other highly urbanized centers in the country, as the local government aims to be globally competitive in terms of information and services.

F COTABATO, 10

HE Kidapawan City legislative body has issued the green light for the implementation of the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in 14 of the city’s 40 villages, officials said Wednesday.

In a special session Tuesday, the Sanguniang Panglungsod unanimously approved proposed Resolution No. 16-176 or “A Resolution Approving the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP)” of the 39th Infantry Battalion for Kidapawan City.

Councilor Francis Palmones, SP committee on peace and order chairperson, who authored the resolution, said the legislative body affirmed the program which primarily aims to assess the needs of the community and bring them to the attention of proper agencies for appropriate intervention.

The SP action came after the Kidapawan City Peace and Order Council (CPOC), chaired

by Mayor Joseph Evangelista, publicly expressed his support to the initiative.

During the SP “question hour,” Lt. Col Adele Belvis, civil military operations officer of the 39th IB, explained that the PDOP is a community-based program that will enhance military-community relations in their collective quest for peace and development in their communities.

He added PDOP aims to integrate the military’s presence in the community, as this will enable them to hear the sentiments of the marginalized sec-

tors to determine the causes of poverty and other social problems in the area.

“This is a civil-relation; we will not go to war nor combat (operation) but rather to engage the society with our peaceful intentions,” Belvis said.

The program will be implemented in 14 far-flung villages in the city that include barangays Perez, Sikitan, Singao, Balabag, Marbel, New Bohol, Gayola, Sto Nino, San Roque, Mateo, Linangkob, San Isidro, Malinan, and Katipunan.

Belvis disclosed that based on the Army’s intelligence unit, communist rebels were sighted there asking residents for money, food, and other supplies.

A symposium will also be conducted for minors so they won’t be swayed to join the New People’s Army.

Evangelista earlier met with military officials and announced his support to the initiative, as he asked military officials to prevent human rights violations and ensure the public;s safety.

“The program is good with its core purpose to hear our constituents’ needs and expectations from the government but the military should always uphold human rights,” he said.

The LGU backed the PDOP despite the protest of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP-North Cotabato), saying the military’s presence in the barangays complicate the peace and order situation on the ground and increase human rights violation cases against the civilians. (PNA)

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Anti-spraying ordinance lacks evidence: Mahipus

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

C

OUNCILOR Diosdado Mahipus admitted that Davao’s City’s ordinance on aerial spraying which was junked by the Supreme Court last Aug. 16 lacked evidence to support its claims that the agriculture practice posed a clear and present danger to the populace.

Mahipus said that even during initial City Council deliberations on the ordinance way back in 2004, he already manifested that they “cannot ban something which is not inherently illegal.”

“My manifestation before was we cannot make a conclusion unless we have very strong validated information that this is really detrimental to public health and then there is a clear and present danger,” he said.

He said the content of the ordinance merely contained “speculations” that aerial spraying was dangerous to people’s health and the environment.

Mahipus, a lawyer, said that he voted for the approval of the ordinance because it was the “consensus” of his party.

He said the City Council should instead look for supporting evidence to back up its claim that that aerial spraying is indeed detrimental to people’s health.

This move, he added, is expected to spark fresh discussions in the City Council and even in the courts.

Meanwhile, an anti-aerial spraying group, IDIS expressed its dismay over the decision of the Supreme Court to declare the ordinance as “unconstitutional.”

Mary Ann Fuertes, IDIS executive director said that after waiting for seven years

for the Supreme Court to rule in their favor, the High Court’s decision sadly turned out to be the opposite of what they expected.

“It pains us! We are angry about the decision, we waited for 7 years, but it turns out that they have favored the opposition,” Fuertes said.

She said that even when the Supreme Court was still deliberating on the ordinance, IDIS lobbied for the support of different environmental and health agencies to support their appeal.

Fuertes added that their group even went to the extent of asking a government agency to issue a department order banning aerial spraying.

She said that their group is now hoping that a national law will be passed to ban the use of aerial spraying not just in Davao City, but in the entire country as well.

In the meantime, Mahipus said that despite the presence of the aerial spraying ordinance, there were still banana plantations that continued to conduct aerial spraying due to an injunction they secured from the court.

For its part, the City Health Office (CHO) agrees with Mahipus’ claim that the ordinance lacked sufficient study and evidence to support the claim that aerial spraying is detrimental to public health and the environment.

CHO chief Dr. Josephine Villafuerte said the Council should have first created a regulation on aerial spraying before they decided to pass the ordinance.

“The spraying should be regulated and also the chemical, distance and many more, but it wasn’t present in the ordinance,” she said.

Surigao City hosts 25th Mindanao Business Conference

Traders see Mindanao as ASEAN business hub

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE 25th Mindanao Business Conference (MBC) formally opened on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at the Gateway Hotel in Surigao City with the theme: “Mindanao: ASEAN’s Emerging Economic Hub”.

This year’s conference is hosted by the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) where 800 to 1,000 participants from various parts of Mindanao and the country are expected to participate.

The conference opened with a corporate exhibit showcasing the different products and services of Mindanao-based companies.

At the event’s opening ceremony, Trade Fair and Exhibit Chair Candy Lanugon, said the exhibit will not only showcase products and services, but will also highlight the contributions of the business sector in

Mindanao’s economy.

The event will provide a venue to build good relationships among business leaders in the island-region, she added.

This year’s MBC will bring together key leaders coming from Mindanao private and public sector, said Concepcion Paqueo, president of SCCI. The gathering also seeks to resolve pressing business-related issues, identify opportunities, and build partnership to sustain economic gains, Paqueo added.

“We gather here today to witness the ingenuity of our local producers, the private sectors constituting the small and medium entrepreneurs, corporations, producers, farmers, associations and cooperatives,” she said.

Meanwhile, Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas welcomed the participants to

the 25th MBC and lauded the efforts of the SCCI and other groups that paved the way for the realization of the event.

This year’s MBC is being supported by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte, the city government of Surigao, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

“Promoting trade in fairs and exhibits like this activity has been proven effective not only in terms of generating sales, but more importantly in providing exposures,” Mayor Matugas said.

He also expressed hope that the event will help drive entrepreneurs to double their efforts, as he noted that the challenges being confronted by the business community today is great, especially the stiff competition brought about by

globalization.

He, however, noted that such competition also offers numerous opportunities and a much larger market especially for those targeting the ASEAN market.

“Despite the seeming difficulties as we strive to produce, penetrate and establish markets there is always a brighter side and opportunity lurking in every problem and situation,” he stressed.

The mayor likewise challenged the members of the business sector to pursue their goals, rise from every fall, and learn from their mistakes.

He told the participants of the 25th MBC that almost 95 percent of the businesses in Surigao City are composed of small and medium enterprises.

“Events like this are every important in strengthening

F TRADERS, 10

Dominguez: Infra to be PHL’s pillar of growth

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RESIDENT Duterte’s economic team plans to significantly boost government spending on infrastructure, which Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III described as “the country’s next pillar of growth.”

Infrastructure spending will cover the sub-areas of logistics and transportation, information technology, telecommunications, and power.

It will also focus on areas outside Metro Manila to achieve a more geographically broadbased economic growth.

During a recent conference call, arranged by multinational banking giant Credit Suisse and the Philippine government’s Investor Relations Office (IRO), Dominguez assured portfolio investors and fund managers that under the Duterte administration, the intended spike in public spending would go hand in hand

with strict observance of fiscal discipline.

He said the targeted budget-deficit ceiling of 3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) up to 2022 will be religiously observed, citing infrastructure and social services for the decision to raise the deficit ceiling.

“We are fortunate that the last two administrations have managed government finances well, as this has given us headroom for higher public spending,” Dominguez told over 70 financial market players from Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Manila.

In the same conference call facilitated by IRO Executive Director Editha Martin, National Treasurer Roberto Tan said that with the targeted budget-deficit ceiling of 3 percent of GDP, the government would be able to sustain the drop in

F DOMINGUEZ, 13

UNCONSTITUTIONAL. Fruit vendors sort out bananas according to variety at the fruit and vegetable bagsakan area in Bankerohan yesterday. The Supreme Court recently ruled Davao’s anti-aerial spray ordinance unconstitutional, a development which was lauded by banana players in the region. Lean Daval Jr.

Tamugan water project needs to completed soon – DCWD

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

A

N OFFICIAL of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) believes that the Tamugan Surface Water Development Project (TSWDP) may have to be completed earlier to ensure the high quality and continuous supply of water for the city’s residents.

It can be recalled that DCWD and Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (AAII) held a contract signing agreement last March 17 in Davao City for the implementation of the TSWDP. Atty. Bernardo Delima Jr., DCWD spokesperson, bared during an interview at The

Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases yesterday that there has been a marked increase in new water connections which he attributed to the rising number of migrants in Davao City.

Delima revealed that the expected number of water connections in the city could increase by up to 260,000 by the end of the year.

“We are expecting more connections because Davao City is being visited due to President Rodrigo. People [want] to find [a] residence here,” Delima said.

He said that DCWD could still provide about 117.265 million cubic meters of water

to its customers.

However, he noted the need for the water facility to increase its water supply in order to catch up with rising demand.

This move, he said, can be sufficiently realized if the Tamugan project is completed ahead of its 2017 schedule.

According to Delima, only selected areas in the city will benefit from the water expansion project, which include Dumoy, Tugbok, Cabantian, Panacan, and Calinan On the other hand, Lubogan, Malagos, Riverside, Toril, and the Tibungco water supply systems will still operate

using ground water.

He explained that quality and quantity issues have hindered DCWD’s efforts to explore new water sources, particularly for the Panacan and Cabantian areas.

But the good news is that DCWD has found new aquifers for the Dumoy area because of its proximity to the country’s highest peak, Mount Apo, Delima said.

According to DCWD’s website, the water facility had already eyed the use of Tamugan River as the best alternative water source for the city as early as the 1990s.

F TAMUGAN, 10

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Davao City hosts 1st SSF Regional Convergence

T

HE 1st Shared Service Facility (SSF) Regional Cooperators Convergence will be held today at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City.

The event, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 11, will be participated in by around 175 delegates composed mainly of members and representatives of SSF cooperators in the region.

The event aims to present the achievements of the SSF Project since its establishment on 2013, promote DTI’s programs, as well as share the success stories of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) who have benefitted from the SSF. In addition, MSMEs who are beneficiaries of the SSF who are composed mainly of cooperatives, associations or groups including individual entrepreneurs, will have the opportunity to showcase their products through a product exhibit at the event.

Moreover, the activity will highlight the Best Shared Service Facility Project implemented in Region XI through special recognition and award.

Cooperators from successfully-operated SSF projects shall likewise present their Best Practices and Success Stories which aim to help other MSMEs improve the implementation of the SSF. A major component of the MSMED Program, the SSF project aims to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by providing them with machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge under a shared system.

Data from DTI-XI showed that among the SSFs established for the past three years include facilities for banana powder production; banana powder processing expansion; handicraft-upcycled handicraft project; coffee processing; coco coir, twining and weaving processing; banana fiber processing project; organic fertilizer processing; meat processing facilities; organic rice packaging equipment and bamboo craft.

In 2013 the DTI-XI was able to set up 46 SSF facilities which helped 1,206 MSMEs and generated 3,261 jobs. JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

BSP awards ARMM investment agency F OR the second time in two years, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has adjudged the Regional Board of Investments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOIARMM) as “Outstanding Partner for Report on Regional Economic Developments of the Philippines.”

The region’s board of investment first won the same award in 2015 and Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman was convinced the board will win the same award this year and the next three years.

RBOI, together with various institutions that have continuously supported the BSP’s statistical initiatives, information requirements, and advocacy programs, was recognized during the 2016 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for Stakeholders Tuesday, August 23, at the Greenleaf Hotel, Pandan Ballroom, General Santos City.

Lawyer Ishak V. Mastura, chairman and managing head of RBOI received the award in behalf of the investment arm of the autonomous region.

Mastura said the RBOI was nominated by BSP-Cotabato Branch and won over other nominees due to the value, comprehensiveness, and timeliness of the information and reports the agency has provided to BSP, which were necessary in the annual pub-

lication of the Report on Regional Economic Development in the Philippines (REDP).

The agency also has a high track record of cooperation which is another criterion for the said award category.

Mastura said the agency has been open to the public in highlighting its accomplishments through its official website, and intensifying its information dissemination through the help of its media networks.

“This is part of our active participation in upholding transparency and open governance by the Hataman administration and in support to President Duterte’s Executive Order on Freedom of Information that we in the government are mandated to full public disclosure,” Mastura said in a statement.

“We make sure that relevant information is being shared to its stakeholders and partners who need ARMM investment related data like the BSP. This is also our way of providing useful knowledge that will further contribute to the advancement of an informed government and society as a whole,” Mastura added.

This year, RBOI has approved the registration of Gintong Agri Corporation engaged in the development of oil palm plantations in Maguindanao worth PHP1.3 billion.

(PNA)

AFFORDABLE. A trader displays “tamban” dried fish at her makeshift stall inside Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Declaration of ComVal as CMDRA to boost tourism

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

“O

NE ComVal. One Vision.”

This is the goal of Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy, as Compostela Valley was recently declared as a Conflict-Manageable and Development-Ready Area (CMDRA), a development that is expected to create more business and tourism-related opportunities for the province.

In an audio-visual presentation during the declaration ceremony, the ComVal provincial government highlighted the vast economic opportunities in the province, and the efforts carried out by the LGU to realize the area’s full growth potential.

These initiatives include, among others, the Modern Shelter Assistance Program; improvement of irrigation facilities which has benefitted 77 local cooperatives; the al-

location a P9.8 M budget for agriculture; the implementation of the Comprehensive Local Implementation Program (CLIP), and the construction of farm-to-market roads.

On the other hand, some of the major projects the ComVal LGU has implemented in partnership with the Gawad Kalinga include the “Bayanihan sa Paaralan” and the “Kusina ng Kalinga,” a campaign to alleviate malnutrition among school children.

In an interview with Edge Davao after the declaration ceremony at Nabunturan Comprehensive High School last Aug 23, Gov. Uy said explained how his administration intends to further boost the tourism potential of the province.

“I have many plans [on] tourism. We are located in

the Southeastern corridor of Mindanao and based on the national government’s plans under the Mindanao Development Authority, Compostella Valley is [located] in [a strategic] area of [tourism] development which could be developed together with Davao Oriental, Agusan and Surigao.”

Compostela Valley, which located in southeastern Mindanao, was once a part of Davao del Norte. The province is not only known for its gold mining industry, but is also home to breathtaking landscapes that have attracted local and foreign tourists.

Tagbibinta Falls, the folkloric Marangig Falls, the therapeutic waters of the Mainit Hot Springs, the beaches of Kopiat Island near the municipality of Mabini, and the lush mangroves of St. Anthony Island (Lunod Island) are

among the many tourist destinations in the province.

Aside from these mustsee tourist attractions, ComVal also boasts of animal sanctuaries and hiking trails at the 100-hectare Camp Manuel T. Yan Ecotourism and Tribal Park at Nabunturan, as well as the Mahayahay Cave, a sanctuary of interesting stalactites, stalagmites, pools of water and kabyaw (small fruit bats).

Another cultural attraction in the area is the Mansaka village in Maragusan, which is considered the home to the province’s first settlers.

Moreover, the province is also popularly known for the Rafflesia mira, a parasitic plant which has the world’s largest flower and is notorious for its rotting odor. About 10 species of the flower are found in ComVal, including the foothills of Mt. Candalaga.

INDANAO and Palawan-based exhibitors will be participating in this year’s Sabah International Expo (SIE).

The SIE is a major international trade event held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah every two years wherein exhibitors from different participating countries showcase their finest products.

Amhed Jeoffrey J. Datokan, Development Management Officer III, described the Expo as a venue to promote Mindanaoan products “not just for domestic trade, but for import and export.”

According to Datukan, who guested in yesterday Habi at Kape press confer-

ence at the Abreeza Mall, DTI helps facilitate the participation of Mindanao and Palawan exhibitors to the SIE. He said the Philippines has been a regular participant of this international event since 2000, but it is only this year where all regions in Mindanao as well as Palawan, are represented.

During the previous SIEs, only one region represented Mindanao, he added.

Mindanao and Palawan products that will be on display this year’s SIE include dried tropical fruits by TWS Ventures Incorporated of (Reg. 12); tinalak and pandan materials by Crystal Seas Handwoven and Handcraft-

ed Products (Reg. 11); and abaca handicrafts produced

by Jaymark Handicraft Zamboanga (Reg. 9).

In the meantime, Marilou Laguting, Chief-of-Staff of DTI Reg. 11, said their office had proposed a bigger budget for the Expo in light of the agency’s success in promoting Mindanao-made products in key international markets.

“We will only subsidize the booth rental which costs around 50-60,000 pesos,” Laguting said.

She explained the booth rental at the Expo had increased to P60,000 - P70,000 this year, but added that more exhibitors are expect-

ed to take part in the event.

Laguting noted that Mindanao’s signature products can compete internationally in terms of quality and design.

For his part, Datokan noted Mindanao’s coco sugar producers are doing well in international markets, proof that the island-region’s products are indeed worldclass.

The DTI officials said the agency continues to encourage exhibitors to take part in local and foreign trade expos and exhibitions not only to promote their products, but more importantly to help boost Mindanao’s trade and tourism industries as well.

DTI promotes local products in int’l expo M

7 GAME CHANGERS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Bringing science and technology to the fore

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO Photos by HENRY DE LEON

“In science it often happens that scientists say, ‘You know that’s a really good argument; my position is mistaken,’ and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn’t happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful.

But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion.” ― Carl Sagan, American astronomer, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, author, science popularizer, and science communicator in astronomy and other natural sciences

D

R. FRANK CO TUI, who made a name in medical research in the United States, was given the task to survey the state of the science and technology (S&T) in the Philippines. This was during the administration of Carlos P. Garcia. Upon his recommendation, the Congress passed a law establishing the National Science Development Board on June 13, 1958.

Twenty-three years later, on March 17, 1981, NSDB was reconstituted as the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) with the vision of “a competent and competitive science and technology community with a social science.”

On January30, 1987, NSTA was elevated to full cabinet stature by virtue of Executive Order 128. Today, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the premiere S&T body in the country charged with the twin mandate of “pro-

***

viding central direction, leadership and coordination of all scientific and technological activities, and of formulating policies, programs and projects to support national development.”

This must be the reason why the DOST was one of the most coveted posts among the cabinet members of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. No one knew who will be appointed -- not even the person who was selected.

“I was surprised when I was told to go to Davao in the morning of May 31,” recalled Prof. Fortunato T. Dela Peña, the new DOST Secretary. “I got the call while I was in Ilocos Norte in the afternoon of May 30.”

Prof. Dela Peña told his family about it. “My family was also surprised when I told them I was supposed to fly to Davao the following day,” he said, adding that he had no previous meeting with Duterte.

Lilibeth P. Padilla, who is with the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), privately messaged me if Prof. Dela Peña is the new DOST head. I answered negatively since I had no idea. I was watching news then in the television and right there, it was announced some of the new cabinet members of Duterte and it included Prof. Dela Peña.

I immediately messaged Padilla and she answered back: “Good choice at walang bahid ng corruption. He is media-friendly and humble. Araw-araw bumibili ng pandesal.”

When asked about Prof.

Dela Peña, Framelia V. Anonas, the editor-in-chief of S&T Post, replied: “He’s actually one of the secretaries we never had.

And now we have.”

Once he assumes his work as Science Secretary, he will review all the on-going and proposed Research and Development (R&D) programs/projects. “This is to ensure that our R&D will be supportive of the president’s priorities particularly in the area of agriculture and food, health, education, small enterprise development, and poverty alleviation.”

Prof. Dela Peña also plans of doing an expanded program of services to the various regions in the country. “I will see to it that capable state colleges and universities in the regions are given an opportunity to

have their share of R&D work to address the concerns of their regions,” he says. “I will work out a program to immerse our scholars in order to do work that will help communities in the regions. I will also work for a better utilization of our research outputs, our scientific and technological facilities and expertise.”

Among the programs he is lining up are those pressing issues pertaining to legislation that will improve the delivery of scientific and technological services. “Bureaucratic procedures that slow down R&D activities will also have to be addressed,” he says.

Asked how his management will differ from previous science secretaries, he replies: “My style is participative management. I also value benefits derived from consultation. If other government agencies have a stake in the R&D work we are doing we have to collaborate closely.”

Prof. Dela Peña also wants to harness the services of its collegial bodies like the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) “for policy advice.”

As Science Secretary, he wants to focus on how science and technology can be put to good use by government agencies, by the productive sectors and by ordinary citizens. “We will have focus areas, although not so many, where we will go all out to get the best results,” he says.

According to him, his programs are in line with the plans of the president. “I believe that we need a wise and rational system of resource allocation, in so-called ‘value for money’ undertakings, in hands-on monitoring and in motivating fellow workers in a variety of ways,” he explains.

In terms of science and technology, the Philippines is way behind among some members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “In general, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand are already ahead in science and technology. Our country, Indonesia and Vietnam are catching up. The others are still in the start-up or initial stages, so to speak,” he says.

Prof. Dela Peña dreams that under the Duterte administration, the Philippines will be in the league of Malaysia and Thailand. “We see that within six years,” he says, adding that it could be accomplished by honing the country’s assets in S&T: human resources, R&D institutions and universities.

“The investors who want to op-

Prof. Dela Peña dreams that under the Duterte administration, the Philippines will be in the league of Malaysia and Thailand. “We see that within six years,” he says, adding that it could be accomplished by honing the country’s assets in S&T: human resources, R&D institutions and universities. “The investors who want to operate in our country can also be considered assets.” erate in our country can also be considered assets.”

The boy who grew up in Bulacan, Bulacan has gone a long, long way indeed. He is the youngest and the only boy among three siblings. His father, Emilio Banzon Dela Peña, who hailed from Bataan, was a postmaster, telegraph operator, and postal bank officer all rolled into one. He served the government from the early 30’s to the late 60’s.

His mother, Luz Fajardo Tanseco, was from Bulacan herself and was a full-time housewife taking care of the three children. Not too many know that his great grandmother was a cousin of General Gregorio del Pilar.

Prof. Dela Peña admits that he misses the kind of life while growing up in his hometown.

“Life was very simple (then) where we practically knew ev-

eryone,” he recalls.

When he was still a little boy, he wanted to become a medical doctor. It was his two sisters, both graduates from the University of the Philippines (UP), who suggested that he should take up engineering.

Perhaps, it was divine intervention for he did!

At the age of 19, he graduated from UP College of Engineering in 1969. “This was because I started elementary schooling early,” he says. “I worked for an oil company which supported me in college after graduation but felt the urge to do something else.

“I was invited to each at UP and loved it,” he continues.

“The liberal atmosphere, the very good students, and the excellent professors in UP were impressive. I decided to teach there because I was quite sure

F GAME CHANGERS, 13

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

A

Beggar identity

N international human rights leader is the most recent critic of the Duterte administration’s all-out drive against drugs.

Phelim Kine, Deputy Asia Director of Human Rights Watch, raised the alarm on the increasing number of deaths related to the Philippine government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

He said what we have seen is the unprecedented number of victims in the country with only seven weeks of the Duterte presidency. He stressed that Duterte was not elected to trample on the Constitution, to absolutely ignore and abuse human rights and to take the country down the road of martial law.

Like many other critics, Kine is over-reacting. He even said that HRW is taking their concern to governments like the United States and the European Union to remind the Philippine leader of the consequences of his actions and paying what he says as diplomatic

EDGEDAVAO

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and economic price. By that he means foreign aid and support for Philippine agencies and programs.

Klime need not remind us. Not even President Duterte who is not a sucker for foreign aid and support.

If the HRW looks at third world countries like the Philippines as one who could not survive and undertake its own policies and actions, let alone unpredented and bloody like this one we are having, if it does not get aid and support from rich economies, he is terribly wrong.

The Philippines can pass up on the doleouts if that is the cost of implementing a war to end a drugs crisis. But we cannot kiss the asses of these big economies the HRW is hitching its cause with threats of an embargo.

It’s enough that we knew how they see us as a country--that beggar’s identity.

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

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ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ KENNETH IRVING K. ONG JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters 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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EDGEDAVAO

O

NCE in a while, outside the roster of celebrated crimes, some cases, especially controversial ones, find their way into the country’s jurisprudence. One of these legal thrillers involves two men with German descent, and the case qualifies into what reporters call as a ‘love triangle’.

Alfred Fritz Frenzel, an Australian with German blood, was an electrical engineer by profession working as a pilot with New Guinea Airlines. Arriving in the Philippines in 1974, he engaged in business and married Teresita Santos, a Filipino. They separated in 1981without obtaining a divorce or annulment.

Two years later, while on vacation in Sydney, Australia, Frenzel met Ederlina Catito, a native of Bajada, Davao City, who was working as a masseuse at King’s Cross, a nightclub.

She went to Sydney in search of greener pasture, leaving behind her German husband, Klaus Muller, presumably a person with little means, in Germany. Their meeting culminated in a three-day tryst at Alfred’s hotel with the Davaoeña receiving “sums of money for her services.”

The recurrent reunion at the club blossomed with Frenzel asking Ederlina to stop working and instead return to Manila “[to] engage in a wholesome business of her own.”

True enough, she agreed and got her plane fare home. The closeness resulted in a business partnership and an offer to marry her as soon as Alfred had divorced his wife in Australia. She asked for a little time before deciding whether to accept the proposal.

Ederlina’s first business was a beauty parlor, with Frenzel shelling out funds to cover

T

ODAY, we live in a world where everything seems to be larger than life. People don’t pay attention anymore to things that are trivial. Most people don’t say, “Thank you,” anymore. If you do, the recipient won’t reply, “You’re welcome.”

But is there really small things? “Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things – a chance word, a tap on the shoulder, or a penny dropped on a news stand – I am tempted to think… there are no little things,” Bruce Barton commented.

We think so, too. In 1776, one vote gave America the English language instead of German. In 1800, one vote in the Electoral College gave Thomas Jefferson the Presidency over Aaron Burr. In 1868, only one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from impeachment. In 1876, one vote gave Rutherford D. Hayes the Presidency of the United States.

David used a small stone to kill the giant named Goliath. Three simple words – “I love you” – can start a lifetime commitment. Only one fling can destroy a relationship. And, yes, it only takes a spark to start a fire. “Men trip not on mountains; they stumble on stones,” goes a Chinese saying.

Great men and women from the past – such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mother Teresa – changed

VOL. 9 ISSUE 129 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Timeserving ‘love triangle’ property rights FAST BACKWARD of the building and the capital to purchase equipment and furniture.

While on a visit to Germany, she appointed her brother as attorney-in-fact Antonio V. Figueroa by executing a special power of attorney on Dec. 13, 1983, mentioning in the deed her status as married to Muller. During this time, Frenzel also returned to Papua New Guinea to resume work as a pilot.

Upon his return to the country, Frenzel dropped by Ederlina’s residence and found it unfit for her occupancy. Though he knew he was disqualified from owning lands in the Philippines being an alien, Frenzel bought a house and lot and registered it in the name of his lover. He had in mind that should his proposal to marry her be realized they would jointly own the property. On Jan. 23, 1984, a contract to sell was signed between the property owner and Ederlina for the purchase of a house and lot, which cost Frenzel US$20,000. When Ederlina returned to Germany to visit her spouse, she left behind her father and two sisters to occupy the property.

Frenzel eventually decided to permanently stay in the country and live with the Davaoeña.

He sold his fiber glass pleasure boat in Australia and his television and video business in

Papua New Guinea. He also shipped his personal properties to Manila and deposited it in the residence he bought for her. Without doubt in his decision to settle with Ederlina, the lovers opened a joint bank account In Hong Kong, while Ederlina opened a separate savings account where Frenzel transferred his deposits from his savings account.

On July 28, 1984, while Frenzel was in Papua New Guinea, he received a letter dated Dec. 7, 1983 from Klaus Muller, then residing in Berlin, Germany, informing him that Ederlina was married to him since Oct. 16, 1978, saying they “had a blissful married life until Alfred intruded therein.” Frenzel inquired from Ederlina’s friends about the veracity of the marriage and got confirmation. When confronted about his discovery, the woman admitted but assured the man she would divorce Klaus. Appeased by the assurance, their amorous relationship continued pending the supposed result of the petition for divorce she filed. She even retained a lawyer in Berlin, which was paid by Frenzel, to inform her of the progress of the case.

Meanwhile, Frenzel acquired more properties, including a house and lot in Peña Street, Bajada, Davao City. He also purchased a parcel of land in Moncado, Babak, Davao del Norte.

Both properties and their transferred titles were made in the name of Ederlina as vendee.

The couple also opened a beach resort on a four-hectare land in Camudmud, Babak, Davao del Norte.

In the letters to her family, Ederlina always informed her loved ones about her life with the Australian, the financing he made for some real estates, her beauty parlor, and the cost of

the petition to divorce her spouse. The petition, however, was denied after Muller opposed it. A second petition was also filed but it was similarly junked. Worse, Klaus “wanted half of all the properties owned by Ederlina in the Philippines before he would agree to a divorce… [and] threatened to file a bigamy case against [her].”

To untie the knot, Frenzel proposed the creation of a partnership or corporation with his paramour owning a third of the assets, which she accepted. A legal advice was sought but on the last minute the woman insisted on claiming ownership of the properties acquired during her relationship with the Australian. Without a divorce in sight, their relationship started to sour up and ended in a court battle.

On Oct. 28, 1985, Frenzel filed before the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City a complaint “against Ederlina… for recovery of real and personal properties located in Quezon City and Manila.” Similarly, on Nov. 7, 1985, he also filed another complaint with the RTC in Davao City “for specific performance, declaration of ownership of real and personal properties, sum of money, and damages.” Frenzel won his case in Quezon City, but lost it in the Davao City trial.

The cases eventually reached the Court of Appeals where Frenzel lost in both counts.

The court argued “that even if Alfred was the buyer of the properties; he had no cause of action against Ederlina for the recovery of the same because as an alien, he was disqualified from acquiring and owning lands in the Philippines.” This position was later affirmed by the Supreme Court in the case docketed as G.R. No. 143958, which was decided on July 11, 2003.

the course of history by perform- THINK ON THESE! ing a serious of little things.

Benjamin Franklin points out how important the little things are if we wish to reach our goals: “For want of a nail Henrylito D. Tacio the shoe was henrytacio@gmail.com lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost; being overtaken and slain by the enemy, all for the want of care about a horseshoe nail.”

Henri Frederic Amiel reminds, “What we call little things are merely the causes of great things; they are the beginning, the embryo, and it is the point of departure which, generally speaking, decides the whole future of an existence. One single black speck may be the beginning of a gangrene, of a storm, of a revolution.”

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen,” John Wooden reminds.

Laurie Beth Jones, author of The Power of Positive Prophecy, related her own story about

a former boss who didn’t want her to spend so much time with clients. “Go after the big clients,” she was told. “Leave the peanuts to the others.”

But still she did what she wanted to do.

“When the numbers were totaled,” she wrote, “my combination of small sales outtotaled his few big ones.”

Jones resigned from her job and started her own company. “Dinosaurs became extinct yet rabbits still abound,” she pointed out.

Now, let me tell you a story that was featured in 365 Moments to Cherish by Robert Strand: At age 21, Jacques Lafitte, a son of a very poor carpenter from a small city, set out to seek his fortune and future life’s work in Paris. He had no references from influential people no brilliant academic career behind him, but he was young and full of hope.

With his usual thoroughness, he started looking for a job. Days became weeks, and still he had no job or income. But he kept at it. Nobody in Paris noticed this determined young man.

One morning, he applied at the office of a famous Swiss banker, Monsieur Perregaux. The banker asked him few questions about himself.

Then, he slowly shook his head and said there would be no job offered at the moment.

Sadly, and more discouraged than ever, Jacques left the bank and walked slowly across

the courtyard. As he did so, he paused, stopped, and picked something up. Then, he continued into the busy street, wondering if perhaps it wasn’t time to return home.

At about that moment, he was overtaken by a man who tapped him on the shoulder. “Excuse me, sir,” he said, “I’m an employee at the bank.

Monsieur Perregaux wishes to see you again.”

For the second time that morning, Jacques faced the famous banker. “Pardon me,” the banker said, “but I happened to be watching you as you crossed the courtyard of the bank. You stopped and picked something up. Would you mind telling me what it was?”

“Only this,” the young man replied, wonderingly, as he took a bright new straight pin from the underside of the lapel of his coat. “Aaah,” the banker exclaimed. “That changes everything.

We always have room here for anyone who is careful about little things. You may start at once.”

Sweat that small stuff! Julia A. Fletcher Carney wrote this short poem as a reminder: “Little drops of water, little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land. Thus the little minutes, humble though they be, make the mighty ages of eternity.”

An unknown author penned these words: “Little dreams can lead to greatness, little victories to success. It’s the little things in life that brings the greatest happiness.”

Little things mean a lot

10 NEWS Lawmaker... FROM 2 which can be used like a doctor’s prescription pad on their desk.

“In the mobile age, one of the biggest targets of the administrative subpoena appears to be the cellphone,” Matugas said.

If HB 2993 is passed, Matugas said that a typical PNP-CIDG investigation might start with an informant or an arrested dealer suspected of drug trafficking and use an administrative subpoena to get that target’s phone records, both incoming and outgoing calls, and text-message logs of the numbers of incoming and outgoing texts.

The PNP-CIDG will then administratively subpoena that same information for the phone numbers disclosed from the original subpoena, and so on, he added.

“It must be noted that the

life blood of investigation is the flow of fact, the gathering, the organization and the analysis of evidence,” Matugas explained in the bill’s explanatory note.

He also emphasized that investigations are useful for all administrative functions, not only for rule making, adjudication, but also for prosecuting, for supervising and directing, for determining general policy, for recommending legislation, and for illuminating obscure areas to find out if anything should be done.

It is for these reasons, the Mindanao solon said, that the PNP-CIDG, an investigative unit, should be given the power to issue administrative subpoena and subpoena duces tecum in the furtherance of its mandated functions, especially in the fight against the evil of drugs.

to be funded by the City Government of Davao.

The annual Watershed Summit is a gathering of key stakeholders under the Watershed Management Council (WMC) which aims to tackle pressing issues confronting the city’s water resources, and formulate recommendations on how to address these concerns.

The organizers of the Davao Watershed Summit include IDIS, Davao City Water District (DCWD), Philippine Eagle Foundation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 11, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 11, Hydrology for Environment, Life and Policy, Davao Network and the Davao Medical Society.

the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.

If the end brings me out all right, what’s said against me won’t amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.”

The President earlier vowed that the fight against drugs shall be sustained and relentless.

“This fight against drugs will continue to the last day of my term,” Duterte underscored. (PNA)

problem of illegal drugs as shown by its assiduous efforts in arresting Filipinos and nationals of other countries who are arrested upon arrival as drug mules and now face the death penalty,” Gordon said.

The senator said the joint efforts to fight against drug trafficking will be beneficial to both nations.

Yasay, during the organization meeting on foreign relations the same day, agreed to heed Gordon’s request.

He said he has already met Chinese envoy to discuss a joint operation among law enforcement agencies.

In Monday’s (Aug. 23)

senate inquiry into extrajudicial killings, Gordon asked Philippine National Police (PNP) Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa where the country’s drug supply came from, to which the latter’s reply was China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Gordon called on the DFA to write to the countries respective governments to inform them that they are the cause of the Philippines’ drug problem.

“We have to write to them to tell them that ‘When Filipinos enter your country with drugs, you hang them but your people come here to sell drugs to us’,” he said. (PNA)

She said one of the priorities of the city government this year is to streamline its services and make information about Cotabato City available to the public.

“We are eyeing a solution that can expedite transactions in our city for us to become more client-friendly and efficient in serving our fellow Cotabateños”, Sayadi said. (PNA)

However, based on previous assessments, the undertaking would entail high development costs.

This prompted the water utility to postpone the project and focus its efforts on watershed rehabilitation.

DCWD had a major

breakthrough when JVACC submitted an unsolicited proposal for a joint venture to develop the Tamugan River.

This led to the creation of DCWD’s Joint Venture Selection Committee to facilitate the realization of the TSWDP.

Payment... FROM 2

Rody... FROM 2

Gordon... FROM 3

Cotabato... FROM 4

Tamugan... FROM 5

EDGEDAVAO

WAR ON ILLEGAL DRUGS. Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Chief Inspector Catherine Dela Rey gives updates and results on the city’s Oplan Double Barrel operations and other anti-illegal drugs efforts. Dela

Comelec... FROM 2 gan so ilan ba ang dati 80,000 yata. Kasi ang gusto mo ngang gawin pababain ang voter to machine ratio. Kapag mas maraming makina mas konti ang pila.(Some 110,000 would be needed, so how many is the old ones, I think 80,000, We wanted to lower the voter to machine ratio. Moremachines less queue,” he said.

Bautista added that discussing the matter this early would give them sufficient time to think over the COMELEC’s future plans.

“That’s why it is important we start early. So, that we can consider all our options,” he

said.

The poll body chief added that they would be looking at local firms for their innovation as far as automated election system (AES) is concerned.

“Of course we should tangkilikin ang sariling atin.

But what thing also we don’t want to gamble on elections because it is the heart of our democracy. That’s why we want a system that is tried and tested. With that said, if there is a Filipino made product and if it is shown as soon as possible that they can be evaluated by various stakeholders, why not,” he said. (PNA)

during peace negotiations from the time of President Corazon Aquino up to the present were re-affirmed, Bello said, but these are also subject to enhancements that may be mutually agreed upon later by both panels.

“We may need these enhancements in the future as we do not want to be tied down by the rigidity of the past. Learning from mistakes of the previous negotiations, we want to explore all options to move the process fast forward,” he said.

The agreements that were re-affirmed include The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992, Breukelen Joint Statement of 1994, the JASIG, and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRHIL).

Both panels also agreed to activate the Reciprocal Working Committee on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) as well as the Reciprocal Working Groups (RWGs) on Political and Constitutional Reforms (PCR) and End of Hostilities-Disposition of Forces (EOH-DOF) to accelerate the pace of the negotiations.

RWC and the RWGs would hold simultaneous discussions on substantive issues separate from formal meetings being scheduled at the panel level.

“RWC and the RWGs may

hold discussions on their own at the venue of their choice. We agreed that all RWC meetings will be held in Oslo, but RWG discussions may be held in the Philippines,” Bello said, adding that the panels also agreed to exert best efforts to complete discussions on socio-economic reforms within six months so that a comprehensive agreement on the issue may be signed at the panel level.

On JASIG, the reconstitution of the list of NDF consultants who shall be immune from arrest in order to allow them to participate in the peace process was also carried, as the NDFP leaders informed the government panel that the list would contain the names of 54 consultants who are classified as “publicly-known” and the “assumed names” of 87 guerrilla leaders who are still underground but involved in the consultation for the peace process.

In the same statement by OPAPP, Bello also reported that only two of the five issues up for discussion in the Oslo talks remained unresolved and will be included in the scheduled talks on Thursday.

These issues include the mode of interim ceasefire and the amnesty proclamation for the release of all detained political prisoners, subject to concurrence by Congress. ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Rey was among the guests of yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO). Lean Daval Jr.

Army... FROM 3

the position of the soldiers.

“As we have always said, the 10th ID welcomes reports against our troops and encourages those who were victimized to file their complaints with appropriate agencies as we do not tolerate any misbehavior by our soldiers,” Batchar said.

He added the command has time and again called on affiliated organizations of the National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao Region (NDF-SMR) to go beyond mere propaganda by filing charges against misbehaving troops so that the 10th ID can purge their ranks of misfits.

our MSMEs,” he said.

In the meantime, Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas threw her support behind the 25th MBC. .

In her message read by Vice Governor Carlos Egay, Gov. Matugas said that Surigao del Norte offers a wealth of opportunities in terms of commerce and trade, modern leisure facilities, and other investment ventures.

“It is a place of abundant natural resources as manifested by its major growth drivers which include agriculture and aquaculture, responsible mining and ecotourism.

She pointed out that over the years, the province has been successful in reducing poverty incidence among its people by seizing opportunities for socioeconomic growth, while efficiently utilizing the area’s resources.

“Our socioeconomic growth has become our prime motivation in securing the progress we have taken hold for our people,” Gov. Matugas

said.

The governor also thanked MinBizCon’s organizers for giving Surigao del Norte the opportunity to host the event.

Gov. Matugas said that she hoped the conference will be able to firm up Mindanao’s position as an economic hub, and gain the confidence of both local and foreign investors, while creating more fruitful partnerships to bring about more inclusive growth and sustainable development to the island-region’s people.

“Let us work together in making Mindanao, the entire Philippines and Southeast Asia even more globally competitive in terms of our economy,” the governor said.

The three-day Mindanao Business Conference will also feature presentations on the various industries in Mindanao, as well as the opportunities and challenges, confronting the island.

Business matching sessions will also be held at the sidelines of the event.

of back-and-forth between victim and aggressor which tends to continue the behavior.” Make sure to educate your teen about being respectful of others’ feelings and privacy online. Tell your child that you understand the impulse to retaliate, but that in the long-term it’s best to not get involved in that way.

10). Hold Bullies Accountable Parents should be holding bullies accountable by alerting school officials and the bullies’ parents. Bullies need to understand that their actions have consequences, and everyone deserves to live without fear.

For more advice on protecting children on the Internet, visit kids.kaspersky.com.

Information about a technical solution to these problems can be found at Kaspersky Safe Kids.

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9). Stand Together It’s important to stand together and look for long-term solutions to cyberbullying.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

A steak for

A FOODIE KNOWS GOOD FOOD CAN BE FOUND ANYWHERE, even in the most uncommon of places. For instance, fine dining need not always be in a chic Chinese or French restaurant. One can always find a reason to enjoy a gastronomic meal minus the stereotypical labeling of a resto as “low-end” or “high-end.”

This writer believes that beyond the so-called ambience of a restaurant, one’s dining experi-

every Juan

ence is best defined by his or her experience – on the dining table.

All over the world, what matters most being able to share a meal with family and friends. And when dining in Davao, you have the chance to enjoy not only international dishes, but also popular home-grown ones.

Davao will certainly not disappoint when it comes to serving great meals.

Now there are times when we, as foodies, are categorised according to what is in our plate. But the real story lies on how we approach a gastronomic challenge without losing our identity as eaters.

It’s just like eating steak.

Steak might not be what regular food buffs think of as a cheap meal. But Steak ni Juan, Davao’s newest food-hub-favo, breaks the stereotype of fine-dining, as it is a place for ordinary people (with ordinary budgets) to come together and appreciate the delicate flavours of a tender flamegrilled prime piece of meat without maxing out their budget (sounds interesting, right?).

Though a restaurant’s

location is not exactly a deciding factor on where we want to eat, this quaint steak house’s location is a dead giveaway for people who loathe the hustle and bustle of going “off the radar” just to enjoy good steak. And thank God, it’s located in downtown Davao.

Steak ni Juan serves delectably marinated flame grilled steaks cooked according to your preference.

This is what Anthony Bourdain would call perfection.

The staff asks you how you would like your steak to be done. This puts you in charge of how you want to enjoy your meal - your steak, that is.

Now, the choice is yours.

Do you want your steak medium rare, medium well

or well done? See, wishes do come true.

But the next best thing about Steak ni Juan is that their food is affordable. Yes, at Php149 for a T-bone, you cannot go wrong with that.

Owners Mon, Tristan, Eric and Mike emphasized that they may be affordable, but make no mistake - each

steak they serve is of prime quality. Beyond what you would expect for a surprisingly low-priced steak, it is big, juicy and something you’d crave for on a regular basis (every day, I would say.

Their menu, though, is quite straight forward.

Choose between a T-bone

or a Porterhouse (Steak ni Juan Chef, Mike, said that the difference lies only on the size of the steak).

Each order comes with a generous cup of rice and a more generous serving of gravy – which, by the way, is awesome on its own.

Other add-ons include a plate of lusciously seasoned baby potatoes or a brightly grilled corn cob. They also serve a pitcher of home brewed iced tea. And of course, everyone’s favourite staple - unlimited rice.

Steak ni Juan is located at V. Mapa corner Tionko Avenue, Davao City and is open Mondays to Sundays 11:00AM to 2:00PM for lunch and 5:00PM to 10:00PM for dinner.

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

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FOOD

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

ED

Home-style treats

and festive e

FILIPINOS LOVE TO EAT, BE IT FOR MEETINGS, DATES, OR FAMILY OCCASIONS, but the most lavish dining spread is always reserved during fiestas. The festival spread is a literal banquet and every Filipino family loves to show off their own versions of kare-kare, adobo, and even lechon.

Wanting to share her family’s love for good food, Pauline Benedicto, the chef and owner of Rekado Filipino Comfort Cuisine, recently hosted lunch for some blogger and media friends last August 18 to revisit some of Rekado’s old time favorites.

For starters, she served the Spicy Tuna with Mango Salad, Rekado’s version of the kinilaw or the tuna ceviche, and a healthier

DGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

eats version of a Pinoy favorite—the Tofu with Mushroom Sisig.

Rich and creamy, the Spicy Tuna with Mango Salad features diced fresh fatty tuna tossed in a crab fat dressing with a hint of sweetness from fresh, ripe mangoes. This is paired with crispy wanton chips which add texture to the dish.

Those on a diet will want to try Rekado’s best selling Pomelo and Danggit Salad. Locallygrown salad greens are tossed in a tangy pomelo vinaigrette and mixed with chunks of fresh juicy pomelo and sprinkled with nutty sunflower seeds and danggit flakes. The smoky, and salty danggit flakes add a crispy touch to the dish.

“In the spirit of Kadayawan, I want to show you how it’s like to have a fiesta in my home.” said Pauline, “Let’s start with our version of fried lumpia, Rekado’s tuna roll. We use fresh tuna loin that is shredded and marinated in aromatics, rolled in a lumpia wrapper and fried to a perfect crisp. Served with our seasoned vinegar and sweet chili sauce.”

The highlight of the lunch was Chef Pauline’s Lechon Roll which was recently showcased at the World Food Expo at the

Urbanissimo A4

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

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FOOD ENTERTAINMENT

Urbanissimo A2

SMX Mall of Asia. Infused with garlic, peppercorn, lemongrass and other spices and left to marinate for 24 hours, the lechon roll is eventually slow cooked for three hours to create a dish that is tender, while producing the thin crispy skin that every lechon-lover craves.

Chef Pauline bares another secret to the dish, the special fruit sauce she concocted. “The lechon is served with a Malagos dessert wine reduction with mangosteen pulp sauce. The sweet and sour flavors of the mangosteen is complemented by the fruitiness and acidity of the wine. A hint of muscovado sugar ties the two perfectly. The Malagos

wine also gave my sauce a beautiful deep red color.”

The sweet and slightly tart mangosteen Malagos wine sauce reminded me of the cranberry sauce one would usually pair together roast turkey on a festive Thanksgiving or Christmas table, truly a wonderful feast for the tastebuds. Also served alongside the dish was a side of pickled mangos

EDGEDAVAO

and Kinilaw na Malasugi.

And what is a feast without ending on a sweet note?

Tender and crispy, Rekado’s famous Churros were sweet with a hint of cinnamon and served with Malagos tablea chocolate and salted caramel to dunk them into.

The perfect comfy treat to end a festive meal.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Cyber-bullying causes depression, nightmares

A

CCORDING to the study Growing Up Online – Connected Kids, conducted by Kaspersky Lab and iconKids & Youth, cyberbullying is a far more dangerous threat to children than many parents think. The consequences for the majority of young victims of online harassment include serious problems with health and socialization.

Cyberbullying is intentional intimidation, persecution or abuse that children and teenagers may encounter on the internet. Interestingly, children aged 8-16 are more wary of this threat than their parents are. According to the study, 13% of children and 21% of parents consider it harmless.

At the same time, 16% of the children surveyed are more afraid of being bullied online than offline, while half (50%) are equally afraid of both real-life and virtual bullying.

Parents should not downplay the dangers of cyberbullying. Despite the fact that the study found only 4% of children admitted to being bullied online (compared to 12% in real life), in 7 out of 10 cases the consequences were traumatic.

Bullying on the Internet seriously affected their emotional well-being: parents of 37% of the victims reported lower self-esteem, 30% saw the deterioration of their performance at school, and 28% cited depression.

In addition, 25% of parents stated that cyberbullying had disrupted their child’s sleep patterns and caused nightmares (21%). Another 26% of parents noticed that their child had started avoiding contact with other children, and 20% discovered their child had anorexia.

Just as worrying are the statistics showing that 20% of children witnessed others being bullied online, and in 7% of cases even participated in it. The survey shows that children often hide incidents of cyberbullying from their parents, making the task of protecting them even more complicated, though, fortunately, not impossible.

“In an effort to protect our children from danger, we mustn’t forget that they not only live in the real world but also in the virtual world, which is just as real to them. On the Internet, children socialize, learn new things, have fun and, unfortunately, encounter unpleasant situations,” said Andrei Mochola, Head of Consumer Business at Kaspersky Lab. “Cyberbullying is one of the most dangerous things that can confront a child on the Internet, because it can have a negative impact on their psyche and cause problems for the rest of their lives. The best solution in this case is to talk to your child and to use parental control software that can alert you to any suspicious changes

to their social network page,” he explained.

Top 10 Ways to Stop Cyberbullying Bullying has certainly evolved from the days of after-school fistfights or shakedowns for lunch money. In fact, it has kept up with the times and made the move to emails, texting and social media. And while you may have some notion of the damage caused, statistics show that this is a widespread and dangerous problem. Here are top 10 ways to shut down online attackers.

1). Tell Someone Kids worry that telling an adult will make harassment worse once the bully finds out, or that teachers and parents won’t be able to do anything to stop the abuse. It’s critical for you to reach out if you believe your kids are being bullied online. Look for practical ways to address the issue, such as involving school administrators or contacting social media sites directly.

2). Keep Everything In some cases, bullying crosses the line from aggravation to criminal harassment or threats. If your child is the victim of cyberbullying, make sure to save all posts and messages from the bully by taking screenshots, or photos on your smartphone, in addition to recording the time and date.

3). Don’t Engage Those observing the attacks must be willing to report problems to friends, family members or teachers, while those being bullied are often better off ignoring the attacks rather than responding.

4). Learn More It’s crucial as parents to learn everything you can about what your children are doing on the Internet and with their smartphones.

5). Understand the Scope Many adults believe social media sites are the likely stages for the bullying behaviors, and they’re right. Bullying can occur on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or through Snapchat, emails and texts coming directly from bullies.

And since these phones are never far from teen hands, the harassment can become almost constant. With technology changing so rapidly, it’s important to always monitor your children’s mobile devices and their online behavior to get ahead of any potential threats.

6). Recognize the Signs A cyberbullied child looks the same as any adolescent— often unwilling to talk about his or her day or disclose personal information. But according to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), you should look for other signs, like a loss of interest in favorite

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

Donita shares Jolly Heart Mate recipes at Kadayawan Festival T

HE rewarding experience of sharing a feast is just one of the many perks of cooking especially for Filipinos, and Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil ambassador Chef Donita Rose happily shared her passion in cooking during the first leg of her Regional Festival Tour, Davao’s Kadayawan Festival.

Kadayawan Festival, being the city’s biggest annual party, is a week-long celebration in which the entire city transforms into a colorful place with people celebrating in the streets. The festival’s 31st anniversary cannot be any bigger, with Chef Donita sharing her satisfying recipes that are all a perfect fit for the fiesta gathering.

The celebrity chef did a series of promotional cooking demo mall shows. Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil kicked off its festival tour at Gaisano Mall, last Aug. 20, wherein Chef Donita showed off a unique signature dish using her cooking techniques and unique ingredients fresh from Davao.

Davao mommies and foodies had a chance to try the sample dish made by chef Donita and took part in some mini games to win Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil freebies, as part of their Kadayawan experience. The celebrity chef also shared insights on hearthealthy cooking and getting picky when it comes to the ingredients while showcasing her culinary skills.

“Filipinos, especially the Davaoeños, really love to eat particularly during the Kadayawan, our culture is practically centered on food which brings families closer, so we should also be aware of how we prepare the food and what ingredients we use for the dishes that we serve,” said Donita.

With the thanksgiving festival of Davao showcasing their bountiful harvest of fruits, vegetables, livestock and poultry seafood, Chef Donita wanted to help Davaoeños prepare delicious dishes using their harvest, but making it heart healthy with the use of Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil. “We must always be con-

scious that the ingredients we use should be good for the heart, like Jolly Heart Mate Canola oil which contains the lowest amount of bad fats (saturated fats) but packs in the good kind like omega 3 and 6 that are good for the heart,” Donita shared.

Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil also contains Vitamin A and has a pale golden color, light texture, and neutral taste that makes it good for all kinds of cooking. Aside from being versatile, it also has one of the highest smoking points which make it very ideal for frying.

Chef Donita Rose noted that the preparation and the ingredients we use in the cooking process makes a difference. She shared tips on how to make any simple dish more flavorful, or any sinful dish a lot more heart-healthy.

“We are very happy that Donita continues to be the brand ambassador of Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil; she easily connects well with her audience given her lively personality. Her passion for cooking can be easily seen, and we

believe that she can inspire others to live a healthy lifestyle by using a healthy oil like Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil in all the dishes we cook at home and especially in festivals such as the Kadayawan,” added Zen Prudentino, Fly Ace Corporation Senior Product Manager for Jolly Heart Mate Canola oil.

Aside from the festive cooking demo at Gaisano Mall, Davaoeño customers who purchased Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil products during the cooking demo availed of a free check-up consultation with a Registered Nutritionist and Dietician, to promote the value of health and wellness.

They also won exciting prizes such as VIPs backstage passes to meet Chef Donita.

After the Kadayawan Festival, Donita is scheduled to have a stopover in Naga next month for the Peñafrancia Festival as part of her nationwide festival tour. For more information on Chef Donita’s Festival Tour with Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil, visit their facebook page on www.facebook.com/ JollyHeartMateCanolaOil.

Smart Bro offers best deals for UFC Fight Night Manila

S

MART Bro subscribers all over the country are in for the ultimate UFC experience as the country’s leading mobile broadband brand is backing the much anticipated UFC Fight Night Manila headlined by BJ “The Prodigy” Penn vs Ricardo “The Bully” Lamas on October 15 at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Smart Bro recently unveiled the best deal ever in the market – the iPad mini 2 at only P599 a month. Now, the number 1 mobile broadband provider unleashes yet another exclusive and amps the broadband experience as the official mobile broadband partner of UFC in the Philippines.

Under its multi-year partnership with the world’s premier MMA organization, Smart Bro has also sent lucky subscribers to watch the recent UFC 200 live at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and has been hosting UFC live viewing parties with special perks for Smart Bro subscribers.

“We expect the return of the UFC Fight Night in Manila to be more explosive than ever, and our subscribers can watch out for an unrivaled UFC experiences that only Smart Bro

activities, skipped classes, and changes in sleeping or eating habits. While any of these may be indicative of multiple concerns, you might also notice a sudden lack of interest in using the computer—or in the case of a child who is the aggressor, extreme anger if you take his or her phone or computer

Ricardo “The Bully” Lamas and BJ “The Prodigy Penn” show their fighting stance before Kenneth Berger, UFC Executive Vice President and General Manager, Asia (middle). The two fighters headline the UFC Fight Night Manila at SM MOA Arena on Oct.15. With Smart Bro as the official mobile carrier partner of UFC in the Philippines, subscribers can look forward to exclusive perks and experiences in the much anticipated event. can deliver,” said Gary Dujali Vice President and Consumer Broadband Marketing Head.

“Beyond offering the country’s fastest, widest and most reliable mobile broadband connection, Smart Bro is big in enriching the passions of our subscribers with unparalleled experiences. By getting a Smart Bro Pocket WiFi or our iPad mini 2 for as low as P599 a month now, Filipino privileges away.

7). Keep Data Secure It’s important for you and your teen to be diligent when it comes to posting data online. It’s a good idea to limit the number of personal photos and information your teen posts online. Make sure they

UFC fans have the chance to unlock exclusive Smart Bro UFC experiences.”

Smart Bro gives Filipinos the best way to own the iPad Mini 2 for only P599 a month, by simply adding P300 on top of their Smart Bro Plan 299 monthly and pay P2,500 cashout. Powered by Smart Bro’s fast and reliable connection, subscribers can seamlessly enjoy the UFC Fight Pass, a

know to always keep passwords secure and change them regularly. Bullies have been known to “hijack” victims’ profiles to post rude and offensive comments. Likewise, teens should always set social media profiles to “private” and ignore messages from people they don’t know altogether.

digital platform providing fans with exclusive UFC content and access to the world’s largest library of fight content.

To find out more about the upcoming UFC consumer promotions for Smart Bro subscribers, visit www. smart.com.ph/UFC and follow Smart’s accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram (@LiveSmart).

8). Don’t Get Turned Around As noted by Nobullying. com, some victims do fight back against bullies, and then become bullies themselves.

While this may seem like one way to solve the problem, what often happens is a “sort

F CYBER-BULLYING, 10

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Aliwagwag falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental is one of the regions most beautiful tourist destination.

Oodles of money for Davao tourism

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ adlopez0920@gmail.com

D

ATA SAID THAT FOR THE PAST In 2006, foreign NINE YEARS, the tourism industry tourists who visited has been pouring in billions of pesos the city reached 46,728 to Davao City. while domestic visiWith more money in circulation come various opportunities – from the establishment and expansion of businesses to employment and the opening of the city to more investments.

At the first quarter of 2016, hotel rooms in Davao City has already reached to more than 8,000 as construction of new hotels in the city were completed.

The increase of the number of hotels and rooms in the city is attributed to the steady increase of tourist arrivals, both foreign and domestic.

Foreign and local tourists flood Davao City mainly due to conventions, trade fairs and the yearly festivities that the tourism industry dubbed as the Festival of all Festivals – the Kadayawan sa Dabaw, “Araw ng Dabaw”, “Paskuhan sa Dabaw”, etc.

This year is the 31st Kadayawan Festival, a week-long celebration from August 15 to 21 that will feature a variety of presentations showcasing the identity of Davao City, its culture, people, services and products.

Records said that from 2006 to 2015, millions of local and foreign tourists flock to Davao City that also brought in billions of pesos in terms of receipts and economic benefits.

According to Arturo “Art” Boncato Jr., former assistant secretary and regional director of the Department of Tourism, “economic benefits” include revenues/incomes for allied services as a result of a tourist visiting a destination, e.g. taxi, rent-acar, shopping, spa and wellness center, and supplies communities (source of food, crafts, etc.)

tors were counted at 519,350. These numbers increased in 2007 when 51, 840 foreigners were listed as visitors in the city with 581,943 domestic visitors who also arrived during that year.

The combined number of foreign and local visitors in the city in 2006 also brought in P7.03 billion in terms of tourist receipts and P15.47 billion in economic benefits.

By 2007, the money increased to P7.85 billion in tourist receipts and P17.28 billion in economic benefits.

The two year performances in the tourism industry in Davao City improved by the next two years, from 2008 to 2009 in terms of the pouring in of economic gains.

Though the number of foreign tourists in 2008 slightly dipped to 48,949 compared to 2007, the number

of domestic visitors continued to rise on that year with a count of 603,103 and the increased income of P9.18 billion in receipts and P20.19 billion in economic benefits.

Visits of foreign tourists went up in 2009 with 52,240 and the domestic with 616,457 while tourist receipts also rose to P9.42 billion and the economic gains to P20.92 billion.

Steady increase in the number of visit and economic benefits of tourism in Davao City steadily increased from 2010 to 2012.

Data said that in 2010, around 52,602 foreigners visited Davao City; 55,232 in 2011; and 81,081 in 2012. Domestic visits also grew during those years – 624,551 in 2010; 683,092 in 2011; and 983,315 in 2012.

Growth in terms of economic gains were also recorded in those three years – P9.55 billion receipts and P21.01 billion in economic

gains were registered in 2010; P10.42 billion and P22.92 billion in 2011; and P12.81 billion and P28.19 billion in 2012.

Domestic visits to Davao City reached more than a million in 2013 as records indicated of 1,322,852 local visitors flocked to the city during the period with 100,831 foreigners.

The visits in 2013 were translated to P22.87 billion in terms of receipts and P50.31 billion in economic benefits, the data added.

Though the number of foreign and local visits continued to increase by 2014, decrease in terms of receipts and economic gains were also recorded during the year.

The number of foreigners who visited the city was 111,553 and the domestic was at 1,411,342 in 2014 but tourist receipts dipped down to P17.13 billion and economic benefits to P37.70 billion.

Last year, 2015 around 1,586,688 local visitors and 128,622 foreigners entered Davao City that left, so far, the biggest gains to the city’s economy.

Cash receipts by foreign visits in 2015 reached up to P26.32 billion, the records said that translated to P57.72 billion in terms of economic benefits to the city.

Numbers for this year is expected to increase or even double from that of the previous years, a challenge that the present administration of Mayor Sara Duterte and her team in the City Tourism Office headed by Generos Tecson will have to face.

Optimisms are high the city will gain such increase with President Duterte, the former mayor of Davao City now leading the country towards real change.

Tourism promotions to position key tourist areas in the city will also be vital on how the industry will perform for this year.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

GAME CHANGERS... FROM 7

that my life will be of good use teaching there.”

He was already an assistant professor at the UP College of Engineering when he got married at the age of 29. “My wife, Mariquit Banzon, a nurse, is the daughter of our town doctor. We were school bus mates as we commuted to and from school in Malolos. Her simplicity and beauty attracted me.”

The couple is blessed with five children. The eldest, Margarita, is a medical doctor while next to her, Emil, is a veterinary doctor. The third, Fortunato, Jr. is an assistant professor of industrial design in UP Diliman while another son, Miguel, is an artist/entrepreneur. The youngest, Federico, is an engineering geologist.

“My wife is a full-time housewife and mother,” Prof.

Dela Peña says. “She worked for some years at the UP Infirmary during the early years of our marriage. She is very supportive of me and all our children.”

Aside from his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Prof. Dela Peña had masters in Industrial Engineering and special training certificates in business administration, also both from UP in Diliman.

Prof. Dela Peña pursued a graduate studies in Operations Research in Polytechnic Institute of New York and obtained

a diploma in Industrial Quality Control from Bouwcentrum International Education in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

His stint in DOST started when he became head of planning service division of the NSTA in the early 1980s. In 1989, he was appointed director of DOST’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute where he stayed for three years. In 1993, he returned to UP Diliman as vice president for planning and development.

From 2001 to 2014, Prof.

Dela Peña served as Undersecretary for Science and Technology Services of DOST. During this time, he was the Chairman of the e-Government Committee under the Information Technology and e-Commerce Council. His technical expertise was also solicited in designing the roadmap towards e-governance in the country in collaboration with the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Perhaps, one his significant contributions in field of S&T is the PICWIN (PAGASA Philippine Interactive Climate Weather Information Network), an information system that provides direct public access to the frontline services, including weather forecasts and typhoon warnings, of the country’s weather bureau.

“PICWIN was not my idea,” he admits. “I only coached the

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO proponents on how to make the presentation to get funding.”

Prof. Dela Peña is also credited for the Tests, Analyses and Calibration Information System, which establishes computer-based product and equipment testing, analysis, and calibration services.

Robotics is also one of his advocacies and research focus because he believes it is a platform the country can use. “Robotics,” he points out, “attracts many young people to go to science and technology.”

One of the country’s brilliant scientists, Prof. Dela Peña has been honored by various award-giving bodies, both national and international. In 2013, he was given the Honorary Fellow of the ASEAN Foundation of Engineering Organization. Also in the same year, he was commended by the DOST as one of the 10 Outstanding Researchers for his significant research on industrial and chemical engineering.

But he considered the Dangal ng Bayan award as one of the most prestigious. “Dangal ng Bayan is a great honor for me,” he says.

The award is conferred on an individual’s consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior such as commitment to public interest, professionalism, justness and sincerity, political neutrality,

responsiveness to public, nationalism and patriotism, commitment to democracy, and simple living.

Prof. Dela Peña was reportedly cited “for his key role in the formulation of the National Science and Technology Plan for 2002-2020, and in the conceptualization and institution of several e-Governance programs topped by the e-Library Project.”

The NSTP 2002-2020 outlines the direction and policy framework for S&T efforts in the country. The e-Library is an inter-agency project that modernizes a network of major government libraries such as the National Library, and libraries of DOST, Department of Agriculture, and Commission on Higher Education, among others using information and communication technology tools.

“Simplicity and determination” -- these were the qualities he sees on Duterte when he met him the first time. That may be the reason, too, why he accepted the offer to head the DOST. “Any citizen called to serve should serve with dedication, sincerity and to the best of ability,” he points. “I believe in participatory management. I believe that good example is the best way to lead. I believe in building up the ones who will succeed us.”

Hundreds get medical aid from Maguindanao IPHO

H

UNDREDS of indigent residents here and in nearby municipalities availed of medical services offered by the Maguindanao provincial health office during its “Gamutang Pangkalahatan” program Tuesday.

This medical clinic is part of the week-long celebration of Universal Healthcare “Harirayang Handog” of IPHO Maguindanao, Dr. Tahir Sulaik said.

Sulaik, head of IPHO Maguindanao, said the first day of medical service included free consultations, major surgical operations, and distribution of free medicine to indigent fami-

lies.

Most of those who availed of the health services at the Maguindanao provincial hospital were residents of Datu Hofer Ampatuan, and composed mostly of senior citizens, children and farmers.

Sulaik said he was pleased by the assistance extended by physicians from as far as Davao City, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, PhilHealth and other partners for the successful opening day of the oneweek health program.

Health Undersecretary Achilles Bravo was guest of honor at the event, Sulaik said.

the country’s debt ratios.

Tan said the outstanding debt of the national government was projected to settle at 42.66 percent of GDP this year and 40.86 percent in 2017. The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to sustain the yearly decline until falling to about 35 percent by the end of the Duterte administration.

The deficit-to-GDP ceiling of 3 percent set by Duterte’s economic team is a percentage point higher than the 2-percent limit observed under the

previous administration. This ratio is still very comfortable based on international standards, according to the economic managers.

They said significantly higher government spending is indispensable if the government is to make economic growth truly inclusive and if the goal of reducing poverty incidence in the country, from 26.3 percent in the first semester of 2015 to just 17 percent by 2022, is to be realized.

(PNA)

Dominguez... FROM 5

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Mahindra hailed for ‘Best New Product’ M

AHINDRA was hailed as “Best New Product” at the recently concluded 2016 Transport and Logistics Show at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, August 18-20, 2016. The award recognized Mahindra’s introduction of its latest product offerings – noted for their innovation, dependability and competitiveness – in the threeday transport fair.

Displayed during the 3-day show was Mahindra’s Business Solutions line featuring the Xylo E2, the Enforcer Panoramic Van, and Enforcer Transporter. The Xylo E2 is Mahindra’s latest competitive offering in the Philippines’ AUV market. Powered by a 2.2 liter, 4-cylinder mHawk CRDi engine, the Xylo E2 can load up nine passengers with ease.

Thanks to three rows of seats

that can be easily stowed and folded, all nine passengers can fit with more room to spare for baggage and other cargo. The Enforcer panoramic van, on the other hand, highlights the vehicle’s versatility both as a 12-seater air-conditioned people carrier and as a cargo mover, while the Enforcer Transporter (the model currently in use by the PNP) boasts its capability and efficiency as a troop carrier with its modular seats.

Along with the Business Solutions line, Mahindra showcased its customized Enforcer 4x4 double cab featuring custom bumpers with 9,500lb Winch hook, solid wraparound steel framings, 51-inch roof-mounted LED light bar, 288/75/16 tires, and higher ride height. This iteration of the Enforcer brings further the

Ssang Yong upbeat about Tivoli M R. YOUNG Han Song, SsangYong’s Executive Managing Director is one straight talking corporate executive. After forging a partnership with SsangYong Berjaya Motor Philippines (SBMP) in January of this year, the partnership is starting to bear fruit with the local

launch of four models: Korando, Rodius, Tivoli, and Tivoli XLV. Among the four models launched in the Philippine market, Mr. Song is particularly upbeat about the Tivoli, SsangYong’s B-segment crossover. He credits this bullish attitude towards the Tivoli because of the in-

creasing preference of Filipino buyers toward

crossovers and SUVs. It’s a fact reiterated by Mr. David Macasadia, SBMP’s Managing Director who said that the small SUV segment is growing at more than 30 percent year-on-year.

Zeroing in on the segment’s best-seller, the Ford EcoSport, Mr. Song is says that the Tivoli offers more than its American counterpart, particularly on the area of design.

Citing the huge strides that SsangYong has done thanks to its new “Nature Born 3-Motion” design philosophy, Mr. Song says the Tivoli has the sporty and aggressive styling that buyers, particular first-time car buyers crave for.

This is a trend already seen in SsangYong’s home country where 30 percent

rugged nature of the vehicle with its go anywhere attitude.

Also on show was the Enforcer Mobile Service Unit complete with tools and equipped with under-roller, towing device and other utilitarian accessories. Designed and customized exclusively by Mahindra Philippines, the Enforcer Mobile Service Unit is an example of how Mahindra can customize any vehicle to adapt to the customer’s needs.

The Enforcer is currently the No. 1 light commercial vehicle in India. It is also the mainstay not only of the Indian military and security forces but also of other country’s military establishments which have found in the Enforcer the toughness, ruggedness and dependability best suited to secure their borders and maintain homeland peace and order.

of first-time car buyers below the age of 30 flock straight to the Tivoli. Despite stiff competition, it’s currently Korea’s best-selling compact SUV selling 45,021 units last year compared to the Renault-Samsung QM3 (24,560) and Chevrolet Trax (12,727).

In SsangYong’s biggest overseas market, Europe, the Tivoli is also the brand’s best-selling nameplate, overtaking the Korando compact SUV. Apart from styling, the Tivoli also boasts of SsangYong’s next-generation powerplants: two in-house designed 1.6-liter gasoline and diesel engines. The e-XGi gasoline engine found in the standard Tivoli boasts of 126 horsepower and 156 Nm of torque while the e-XDi diesel engine in the Tivoli XLV has 115 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. They can both be mated to an Aisin-sourced 6-speed au-

tomatic with shift responses “as fast as a dual clutch automatic”.

Developed as a strategic global model (the first one developed after SsangYong’s acquisition by the Mahindra & Mahindra Group), the Tivoli serves as a cornerstone in SsangYong’s turnaround plan. The Tivoli alone is expected to achieve 100,000 units of annual production for the brand.

Whether or not you agree with Mr. Song’s statements, the Tivoli is already doing its job of turning the company around. Not only is SsangYong raising its domestic sales target thanks to increasing popularity, but it also helped improve SsangYong’s sales to a 17.5 percent jump year-on-year with a profit of US$ 17.7 million. All in all, 64,000 Tivolis were sold globally, the best annual performance among the brand’s vehicle models.

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Gilas now under young coach Reyes N

ATIONAL coach Tab Baldwin has expressed his full confidence in Josh Reyes amid questions on whether the young coach deserves to be put in charge of the Gilas Pilipinas team to the Fiba Asia Challenge Cup next month.

“We have confidence in Josh or else we wouldn’t put him there,” said Baldwin of Reyes, who has been part of the national team staff since his dad Chot’s time in charge of the Gilas program.

The young Reyes was tasked to lead an all-amateur Gilas team to the September

9-18 showpiece in Iran in place of Baldwin, who is focusing on his new role as Ateneo coach with the UAAP wars just weeks away.

Judging from reactions in our comments pages, not a lot of fans agree with the appointment of Reyes, even if his fellow assistant coaches at Gilas Alex Compton, Norman Black, Jong Uichico and Nash Racela - all are apparently unavailable to take on the Fiba Asia Challenge Cup assignment.

But for Baldwin, there’s no doubt that Reyes deserves the Gilas assignment.

“Josh is a valued part of the

Gilas program,” said the American-New Zealander. “Josh has far more experience than people give him credit for. He’s an extremely knowledgeable young coach.”

“Where he doesn’t have a lot of experience is in he head-coaching role but how do you get that experience if somebody doesn’t put you in that role?” Baldwin added.

Baldwin explained there has never been a question about Reyes’ ability to read games, judging from the times the young coach sits beside the national coach during matches.

she was dealing with a right shoulder problem, while Djokovic said his left wrist was sore.

Williams could have been overtaken atop the WTA rankings by No. 2 Angelique Kerber but stayed at No. 1 this week. The US Tennis Association adhered to the men’s and women’s rankings

in announcing the seedings Tuesday.

This is the fifth time Williams is the top seed at Flushing Meadows; she has won the tournament six times.

Last year, she was stunned in the semifinals by Roberta Vinci, stopping the American’s bid for a calendar-year Grand Slam.

NEW MENTOR. Longtime Gilas assistant coach Josh Reyes gets the chance to prove his worth when he leads an all-amateur national team in the Fiba Asia Challenge Cup in Iran next month.

Spin.ph

US Open: Novak, Serena installed top seeds

S

ERENA Williams is the No. 1 seeded woman for the US Open after barely holding on to the top spot in the rankings, and Novak Djokovic is No. 1 among the men.

Neither Williams nor Djokovic has played a match since early exits at the Rio Olympics. Williams later said

Garbine Muguruza is seeded No. 3, and Agnieszka Radwanska is No. 4.

Djokovic, the defending champion, is followed by No. 2 Andy Murray, No. 3 Stan Wawrinka and No. 4 Rafael Nadal.

The draw for the year’s last major tennis tournament is Friday. Play begins Monday.

TOP SEEDS. NOvak Djokovic (left) and Serena Williams (right) are the top seeds inthe US Open.

A

Reid sacked by Beermen

Z REID has been given the boot by San Miguel after a tumultuous game where he blasted teammates for poor defense then later claimed he will have to sit out the Beermen’s next matches because of injury, sources said.

The decision will leave the Beermen without an import when they play Alaska on Wednesday - a game Reid’s agent said he will sit out anyway because of an injury which SMB coach Leo Austria claimed no knowledge of.

Sources said the Beermen are now burning the lines looking for a replacement for Reid, who led the team to last year’s PBA Governors Cup championship but has made a couple of contentious deci-

sions this season.

On Friday, a visibly frustrated Reid scored 41 points in a 92-98 loss to GlobalPort but later said he will have to miss games because of an Achilles heel injury, telling reporters, ‘I’m not a machine.’

Strangely, Austria told SPIN.ph the next day that the import never informed the coaching staff about the injury.

In the same interview, the flamboyant import with the long, flowing dreadlocks hit out at teammates for their defense on the GlobalPort duo of Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo.

“I’m not calling anybody out. I just said we weren’t playing defense,” Reid said.

“They went one-on-one the

whole game – Stanley, Joseph, and Romeo. We were late on every defensive rotation.”

Last July 27, Reid ignored Austria’s calls for a timeout and decided to take a last-second shot in an upset loss to Mahindra. He later told reporters, ‘What do we need a timeout for?’

Reid’s looming departure followed a similar SMB episode with Tyler Wilkerson,

But by putting in charge of the national team for the first time, Reyes, Baldwin said, is given chance to grow and expand his knowledge which, in the long run, will also benefit the Gilas program.

“This is a way of strengthening what he gives to Gilas. You give him a head-coaching

experience in a non-critical tournament (like the Fiba Asia Challenge Cup) - it’s important but not critical - we give him now the opportunity to flesh out and strengthen his own resume, his own experience background.

“He brings his own knowledge to the role, so the great thing now is that he will be tested in the decision-making role during games. Josh certainly reads the game, I had him next to me in many games, and he reads the game well. So now, it’s a question of when the pressure is on, how is he going to perform his duties?

Go explodes for 70, lift CMO

S

EC. CHRISTOPHER “Bong” Go scored an admirable 70 points in the City Mayors Office 98 – 88 victory against the team of Congressman Lord Allan Velasco in the second game of their friendly match over the weekend at the Genesis 88 Gym. Go, the special assistant to President Rodrigo Duterte, was sizzling and rolling the entire game to dish out a remarkable performance and lead his team to second win in a row.

The sweet-shooting guard nailed 12 three pointers on top of thirteen field goals within the arc and eight from the foul line.

The visiting team put up a more resilient fight than the first outing.

They had a pretty chance to steal the win and take re-

venge behind a solid performance led by Gullas.

Go was relentless in a great display of offensive firepower to foil the visiting team once again for second straight loss.

Gullas scored 20 points in a losing effort as Cabahug had 13. Hernandez and Tugna made 12 apiece for the visiting team.

The sensational performance came a day after Go led his team to a 102 – 87 rout of the same visiting team with 50 points.

The Presidential Management Staff (PMS) boss went to play never thinking of surpassing his first game output.

But the outpouring long shots in the early going paved the way for the one of the most remarkable performance of his time.

Meet Sosa, Nietes’next foe

F

AZ Reid who was sacked by management after throwing a tantrum in the dugout after a loss to Rain or Shine in the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

ILIPINO fight fans will get a real insight into Mexican flyweight and former world light flyweight champion Edgar Sosa who will be the first world-ranked flyweight who will face former WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes who has relinquished his title to move up to 112 pounds and face some of the big names in the flyweight division.

The longest-reigning Filipino world champion is stepping up training at the Wild Card Gym of Hall-ofFame trainer Freddie Roach in preparation for the Sosa showdown and hopefully fights down the road against WBO/WBA champion Juan Francisco Estrada and pound

for pound No.1 Roman “Chocolatio” Gonzalez.

This week’s special to be telecast over Pinoy Box Office/Sky Cable at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday with a replay at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday will include a pre-departure interview with Nietes and trainer Edmund Villamor plus his 9th round demolition of mandatory challenger Moises Fuentes whom he dropped three times to seal a knockout victory at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The show will showcase Sosa’s 8th round TKO victory over veteran Southpaw Juanito Rubillar in a title on November 29, 2008 and another 8th round TKO over Japan’s Takashi Kunishige in Mexico City also in late 2008.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 130 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Dabawenyo making waves for Stags F

ORMER Davao high school cage hotshot Allyn Bulanadi is making wwaves in the NCAA Season 82.

The spitfirish Bulanadi hit the game-winning basket for San Sebastian, stunning San Beda, 72-71, on Tuesday in the NCAA Season 92 seniors basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Scoring consistently this season for the Stags, Bulanadi hit the marginal basket with 3.8 seconds to play as the Stags

DABAWENYO GUNNER. Allyn Bulanadi celebrates with a teammate after helping lift San Sebastian to its second straight victory and third in 12 outings.

Photo by Arvin Lim

scored their second straight win and only the third in 12 outings.

San Sebastian trailed 47-58 after three quarters but managed to turn things around.

“The boys didn’t give up. I’m very happy because they are showing character right now.

They really wanted to win,” said San Sebastian coach Egay Macaraya.

Bulanadi topscored for the Stags with 16 points, while Alvin Capobres added 13. Michael Calisaan had 11 points and 10 rebounds for San Sebastian.

Javee Mocon had 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Red Lions, who played minus Donald

Tankoua for the first time this season.

Tankoua will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee in the Red Lions’ match against Emilio Aguinaldo College.

The scores: San Sebastian 72 — Bulanadi 16, Capobres 13, Calisaan 11, Ilagan 9, Fabian 6, Valdez 6, Mercado 5, Costelo 2, Serajosef 2, David 2, Baetiong 0, Gayosa 0.

San Beda 71 — Mocon 15, Sara 12, Adamos 11, Bolick 9, Tongco 9, Potts 7, Soberano 6, Noah 2, Alas 0, Bahio 0, Bonsubre 0, Carlos 0, Navarro 0.

Quarterscores: 13-17; 3727; 47-58; 72-71.