Edge Davao 9 Issue 135

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

DREAM COME TRUE. President Duterte grants Ethan Richmond Llanes’ wish to meet him in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday evening. Ethan is the owner of Ethan’s World Facebook page that went viral when he urged Duterte to run for president. ACE MORANDANTE/PPD

RED ALERT DUE TO ASG THREAT Terror attacks could happen anytime - DCPO “I SHARE YOUR GRIEF”

Rody visits wake of soldiers slain in Sulu clash

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

D

AVAO City is on heightened alert following the recent disclosure of Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Defin Lorenzana that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is planning to sow terror in the city as part of its diversionary tactics.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Sr. Supt. Michael John Dubria said that he is taking Lorenzana’ warning seriously and has already ordered his men to be on heightened alert in order to avert any terror attack.

Dubria revealed that the DCPO has in fact been on high

alert most of the time due to President Duterte’s frequent visits to the city.

“Davao has been always in alert status, this is the place of the President and he holds office here very often,” he said.

He stressed that “skirmishes or intensive military operations in nearby regions and provinces always pose the possibility of spill over to Davao City.”

Earlier, Lorenzana revealed that his office has received intelligence reports raising the possibility of terror attacks being perpetrated in major cities across the country,

including Davao, as the AFP has intensified its operations against the ASG. According to the police chief, the President fears that the ASG might launch such diversionary tactics in Manila, Cebu or Davao City.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 is closely coordinating with the military to ensure the safety of the entire city, said PRO 11 Director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan.

Gaerlan said the police are constantly in touch with their military counterparts to update each other on peace and security issues since Davao

City is the home of the President.

“Being the home of the president and the host of the Malacaṅang of the south, PRO 11 maintains a high level of alertness,” he said.

Gaerland disclosed that aside from the security measures the police and military are carrying out, they are also asking the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious person, groups or activities in their community.

“Security and protecting shall be everyone’s concern. The more eyes and ears

F RED ALERT, 10

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE live feed aired by the RTVM of Malacañang through the Facebook account of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Wednesday afternoon, August 31 was watched by thousands of Filipinos in the country and around the world.

President Duterte visited the wake of 12 of the 15 soldiers at the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters in Zamboanga City.

The soldiers were killed

during a clash with member of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf in Barangay Maligay, Patikul, Sulu on Monday, August 29.

The President personally talked to the family members of the fallen soldiers and consoled them, as he handed the government’s financial support.

President Duterte, after consoling each of the family, would pass at the side of every coffin, tapped each one, before making a salute.

He also spent time with

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

IRON FIST, SOFT HEART. President Duterte encourages 2nd Lieutenant Jerome Jacuba, who lost his eyesight in combat, to learn Braille during a fellowship dinner in Malacañang Palace’s Heroes Hall on Monday, National Heroes’ Day. TOTO LOZANO/PPD

Cop academy now accepting applications for scholarship

T

HE Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) has already started accepting applications for its four-year scholarship program, whose graduates will become officials of the PNP. PNP C/Inps. Andrea dela Cerna, in a press briefing yesterday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, said that applicants who pass the cadet admission test in Region 11 do not have to travel to Cavite to process their admission.

According to Dela Cerna, aspiring applicants in the region are not only required to take the cadet scholarship admission test, but also need to undergo general, physical,

neuro-psychiatry, medical, and agility tests as well.

The cadets, she added, will all be interviewed in Davao.

According to dela Cerna, the deadline for submission of requirements for the qualifying exams will be on Sept.

30, while the examinations are scheduled on Oct. 30.

Applicants should be at least 18 years old, but not older than 22 years old before the date of admission, she said.

Dela Cerna said male applicants should be at least 5’4” in height, while female applicants should be at least 5’2”.

Both must have good moral character, and are not facing

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Pulong to village execs: Join war against drugs

D

AVAO City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte urged all barangay officials to do their share in the war against illegal drugs.

Reacting to police reports that some barangay captains are unwilling to help in the anti-drug campaign of President Duterte, the vice mayor said it is the duty of all barangay officials to ensure the safety and security of their constituents against illegal drug users and peddlers.

“It is your mandate to protect your citizenry hence, you should partake in the war against drugs,” he said.

Being a former chair of the Association of Barangay

Captains in Davao City, the vice mayor, however, brushed off reports that some uncooperative village chiefs may be involved in the proliferation of illegal drugs or some are just scared to be part of the campaign.

“I don’t believe that because the barangay captains are always coordinating with the PNP regarding drug personalities,” said Paolo adding that barangay captains have always supported the anti-drug campaign of the President.

But he challenged the public to disclose information about possible involvement of local village executives in the illegal drug trade. CIO

PNP ‘surprised’ with large no. of drug surrenderees

By RIA VALDEZ

A

N official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 11 was surprised by the large number of drug pushers and users who have voluntarily surrendered since the Duterte Administration launched its aggressive campaign against the illegal drug trade.

This was the candid disclosure of C/Insp. Andrea dela Cerna during yesterday’s AFP Press Conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Based on the PNP 11’s summary of provincial accomplishments, dela Cerna said 11,403 of the “surrenderees”

came from the Davao Region, with most of them coming from the province of Compostella Valley.

“Just because there were a lot from Comval, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with their governance,” adding “This is still a case to case basis.”

She noted the surrender of these people was the result of the collaborative effort between local officials and the PNP. Dela Cerna noted that since the Duterte Administration’s war against illegal drugs began, the number of “surrenderees” across the country has dramati-

cally increased.

When asked about the reported overcrowding in prisons, dela Cerna said the PNP will coordinate with the LGUs and other organizations to address the issue.

“We do our best with what we have,” she said.

The police officer also asked for the drug users and pushers’ understanding, as she said that the problem of overcrowding is now being addressed by the PNP. In the meantime, dela Cerna disclosed that the PNP has put in place several programs that are designed to help drug

surrenderees reform.

“They think that if they will surrender, they will go to jail right away. That is not true,” said dela Cerna.

These programs include “Baktas sa Kausaban” or Walk for Unity wherein the surrenderees are asked to participate in order to demonstrate their desire to turn a new leaf.

Dela Cerna said the PNP would help these individuals get rid of their vices through detoxification, as well as other activities such fun runs other sporting events.

“We will be as resourceful as possible,” she said.

fice [from corruption] before President Duterte released his marching orders.”

“We have also adopted measures prior to that and it was further enhanced that is why the transactions in LTO is now smooth,” he said.

Gonzaga hopes that graft and corruption would be completely eradicated within the agency, as he called on everyone to “transact only with LTO employees and not with the fixers.”

Meanwhile, Gonzaga agrees that the President needs to be granted emergency powers in order to address

the many issues confronting the LTO, such as much-delayed release of new plates, plastic license cards, and stickers.

“There are 32,734 backlogs on the licenses and 65, 549 on new plates in Davao Region as of August 29 this year,” he revealed.

He added that they have been receiving complaints from motorists who have already paid for the new plates and stickers since last year, but still have not received them.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, it was already beyond our control,” Gonzaga said.

LTO-11 to eradicate corruption within its ranks F

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

OLLOWING President Duterte’s statement that corruption still exists at various branches and levels of government, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Regional Office 11 has initiated measures to eradicate corruption within its ranks.

Macario Gonzaga, LTO-11 acting director, said their office has been doing its best to improve the delivery of services for the past few years, yet they have been suffering from an image problem mainly due to “fixers.”

According to Gonzaga, LTO-11 has requested

the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to assist the former in eradicating fixers who usually deal with clients in front of the LTO office.

“Now that with the help of the police, I guarantee you now that our office is not chaotic anymore and we have cleared the fixers outside since the previous weeks,” he said.

On the other hand, Gonzaga said LTO-11 Regional Director Atty. Gomer Dy has already sent several memos to employees reminding them to avoid corrupt practices.

Gonzaga said the LTO-11 has in fact “cleared the of-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

PhilHealth launches new scheme for informal economy members

T MISTAKEN IDENTITY. Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 Spokesperson C/ Insp. Andrea Dela Cerna says Gov. Generoso Municipal Police Chief, C/Insp Arnold Ongachen, who was recently released by New People’s Army (NPA) after three months in captivity was mistakenly identified by his abductors

as involved in illegal drug activities. Dela Cerna made the statement during yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Lean Daval Jr.

Cop chief’s abduction, a case of mistaken identity – PRO 11

By RIA VALDEZ

T

HE capture of Gov. Generoso Municipal Police Chief C/Insp. Arnold Ongachen last June 3 by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) was a case of mistaken identity.

This was bared by C/Insp.

Andrea dela Cerna during yesterday’s AFP Press Conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, this city.

According to dela Cerna, Ongachen, is now under the care of the PRO11’s holding and accounting unit.

PO1 Michael Grande, who was also abducted and subsequently released by the NPAs, is also being held at the unit.

During Ongachen’s debriefing, it was learned that his abduction was a case of mistaken identity.

“The captors said it was a mistaken identity,” dela Cerna said.

The captors claimed they had been targeting a different police official and not Ongachen.

“The PRO 11 stands by Ongachen’s innocence,” said she said, adding that based on the PRO 11’s records, the police officer was conducting anti-drug operations in Gov. Genoroso when he was captured.

In the case of PO1 Grande’s capture, dela Cerna bared that

it was purely a case of harassment.

Grande had reportedly hit the son of an NPA member during a basketball game, Dela Cerna said, adding the son reported the incident to the NPAs in the area which led to his abduction.

In the meantime, Dela Cerna also called for the investigation of police officials who are allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade and acts of harassment in Gov. Generoso.

She said that if these cases are not investigated and acted on, they will tarnish the good name of the PNP in the community.

“Investigate first,” dela Cerna said.

And with the proliferation of illegal drugs in Gov. Generoso, the police officer pointed out that local police officials should also be investigated.

“There had already been an implication of a chief of police involved,” said dela Cerna referring to the circumstances behind Ongachen’s abduction.

However, she admitted that there are still no official reports on the personalities involved in the drug trade in Gov. Genoroso.

“We are just conducting validation,” said dela Cerna. “We will continue our fight against illegal drugs,” she said.

EastMinCom to send more troops to Sulu, Basilan

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

M

ORE troops from Eastern Mindanao Command are heading off to the provinces of Basilan and Sulu to participate in the ongoing military offensives against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has initially deployed the 10th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Battalion based in Compostela Valley last week.

But due to the escalating armed battle with the ASG, the AFP has decided to send in reinforcements from the 68th Infantry Battalion to support the Western Mindanao Command.

Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Spokesperson Capt. Rhyan Batchar, in a press briefing yesterday, said the government has started to deploy additional troops to Basilan and Sulu since the first week of August.

However, Batchar declined to provide the exact number of soldiers that have so far been deployed.

“[We] cannot say the number of additional troops for security reasons, but it is a big deployment, but currently, there are about 5,000 soldiers currently deployed in Sulu and about 3,000 soldiers in Basilan,” he added.

“We have to commit to the Abu Sayyaf since we do not see any movement from the New People’s Army (NPA),” Batchar said.

The army official noted that despite the pullout of soldiers from their original assignments and the unilateral ceasefire between the Philippine Government and National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP), the EastMinCom would continue to carry out its mandate of protecting its area of responsibility.

He explained that not all additional troops would be sent to the hinterlands at the same time “in order to take turns in case the soldiers need rest.”

F EASTMINCOM, 10

100% FIXER FREE. Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 assistant director Macario Gonzaga assures the public that LTO 11 is now 100 percent free of fixers after the current administration’s effort to eradicate this rampant

HE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has introduced a new enrolment scheme for members of the informal economy.

This, according to PhilHealth NSPMS Head Germaine M. Tan during the “Retooling Orientation on Group Enrollment Scheme for the Informal Economy” forum held yesterday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City.

Tan explained that under the PhilHealth’s group enrolment scheme, members of the informal economy can apply for membership by filling up a Group Enrolment Sheet, wherein one of them will be designated as a group enrolment point person.

The completed form would then be submitted to PhilHealth for validation.

Informal members include, among others, self-earning individuals, street hawkers, Filipinos with dual citizenship, and foreign investors.

According to Tan, informal economy members could also register online by filling up the PhilHealth Member Registration form (PMRF) that can be obtained at any Local Health Office (LHO) or downloaded at philhealth.gov.ph.

The completed forms would then be submitted to the Phil Health Office.

In the meantime, PhilHealth’s Joana Grace Corpuz provided an update of the agency’s programs which include the Phil Health Z Benefits, Mandatory Phil Health Coverage for Senior Citizens, and the My Phil Health Portal.

Corpuz explained the Phil Health Z program caters to diseases like prostate cancer, breast, cancer, and cervical cancer, as well major operations which include kidney transplantation and orthopedic implants.

She also promoted the mandatory PhilHealth coverage for senior citizens in which all senior citizens 60 years and above can qualify as PhilHealth members.

On the other hand, Corpuz said the My PhilHealth Portal is an online service that hospitals can access in order to know the package of benefits a particular member should receive.

Tan and Corpuz likewise encouraged PhilHealth members and non-members people to view the qualifications for membership and other benefits they could avail through the agency’s website. Ria Valdez

City releases P843T cash aid for victims of 8 fire incidents

T

HE City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) has facilitated the release of P843,000 to the victims of eight fire incidents during the month of August.

A total of 146 families affected by separate fire incidents in Sasa, Matina Aplaya, Tibungco, Bunawan, Ma-a, Barangay 37-D, and Barangay 5-A received the cash assistance.

A CSSDO team has also been conducting psychosocial therapy interventions among affected family members,

especially for children to improve their esilience in dealing with problems brought by the disaster.

Although no amount of financial assistance can appease the emotional distress caused by loss of houses, the Davao City government has earmarked reasonable financial support for the fire victims to cushion the effects of displacement, shock, helplessness and anxiety.

According to Ruby Lopez,

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problem with the help of the personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Gonzaga made the announcement during yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Lean Daval Jr.

4 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

Davao Rotarians help school kids M

EMBERS of the Rotary Club of Davao, the first to be established of the close to 100 Rotary clubs in Mindanao, continue assisting pupils of the San Roque Central Elementary at the back of Victoria Plaza, Davao City’s first shopping mall.

The assistance comes in various projects pursued by the pioneering club for decades now.

Just recently, Davao Rotarians, under the leadership of incumbent president Romulo C. Diano Jr. and Rotary Foun-

dation chairman Ferdinand Y. Maranon, conducted a supplemental feeding activity in the school, benefitting not only the kindergarten and elementary pupils but also those living near the school.

The menu for the feeding was prepared according to prescribed standards of the Department of Health for malnourished and undernourished children.

As usual, the food was prepared by a committee of parents from the school under the supervision of school principal

Filipinas B. Samblingo and faculty committee chairman Roldan P. Roperos.

Taking advantage of the altruism of Rotary Club officer Rene Dalayon, who heads a federation of growers of Cavendish bananas, the club also serves the export bananas for supplemental feeding.

The organization, also called The Mother Club, has long adopted the school and has assisted its pupils and parents with various projects including those targeted for livelihood. JACKIE.

ROTARIANS IN ACTION. Members of the Rotary Club of Davao led by Jun Diano and Ferdie Maranon serve food to San Roque elementary pupils.

Solid waste management, a shared responsibility DavNor staff train

I

N keeping up with urban expansion and population growth, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental has been keen on implementing initiatives that are dovetailed to new policies and standards for ecological solid waste management.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang stressed that the subject of proper waste management is crucial in light of the looming garbage problem brought about by urban development, which if left unchecked, could impact adversely on the environment.

The Governor, however, was quick to point out that solid waste management is a shared responsibility among all sectors, including the community, and not just the sole obligation of the local government.

During the recently conducted Ecological Solid Waste Management Summit hosted by the Regional Office of the Environment Management Bureau at the Honey’s Hotel in the City of Mati, Governor Dayanghirang said he called

on the the active participation of all stakeholders.

“We are hopeful that a more collaborative undertaking shall be established. We need all the support that we can gather,” he said.

With the theme “Fostering Shared Responsibility in Integrated Waste Management”, Gov. Dayanghirang noted that the role of the government and the people themselves is essential in order to realize a sustainable solid waste management program and address waste management concerns in the area.

The governor said he is thankful for the national government’s extensive environmental campaign and hopes for its support in tapping resources that will strengthen the province’s solid waste management programs such as the establishment of standard sanitary landfills and waste management facilities.

Putting a premium on the environment, the Governor added that solid waste management is among the top priorities of his admin-

istration considering that the province is aggressively promoting its eco-tourism industry.

“We are now very keen on proper waste management since Davao Oriental has been declared a Tourism Development Area through RA 10560,” he said, stressing the fact that no tourist would want to visit a polluted area.

The province has already prepared a ten-year Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan which was crafted during the past administration.

The plan contains strategies for the implementation of efficient waste disposal and management system in the province.

Dolores Valdesco, assistant department head of the Environment and Natural Resources Office of the province, mentioned several strategies that the province has to carry out in order to have a sustainable solid waste management program.

Among these are the strict enforcement of policies in adopting a systematic, comprehensive and ecological

solid waste management program; provision of incentives to “most compliant LGUs” as positive reinforcement; provision of priority assistance to local tourism destination areas; massive information and education campaign; and provision of support to waste diversion, recycling and conversion to energy.

In light of the present issues and problems on climate change, she also mentioned the need for the adoption of debris management strategies in the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan.

Valdesco explained these strategies are part of the Ecological Waste Management Act or the Republic Act 9003 which is a landmark environmental legislation in the country aimed at fostering awareness on waste disposal.

She noted that following this plan would not only ensure protection of the environment, but also promote public health through proper segregation, treatment and disposal of solid waste. (By Karen Lou Deloso)

in communications S OME 40 liaison officers from the Davao del Norte Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) - Personal Staff Division participated in a personality development and public speaking seminar to improve their communications skills and enhance their role as representatives of the governor in official functions.

Provincial Information Officer (PIO) Sofonias Gabonada provided inputs on personality development, which included proper posture, good grooming and basic socialization skills that are vital to their task.

“Mapasalamaton mi kang Sir Ponyong kay daghan kayo mig nakutlo ilabi na kung unsaon nga mas madevelop pa namo ang among personality, how we carry ourselves ingon man sa pakig-atubang sa klase-klaseng mga tao sa community”, said Risa Martir,Executive Assistant II of PGO-PS. Keisha Therese Halili, Davao del Norte information officer III, gave a lecture

on public speaking.

The topics covered by Halili’s presentatoin included the essential parts of a speech, proper ways of engaging the audience when representing the governor, and how to create productive interaction with various sectors of the community.

“Bisan pa man sa among kadugayon sa pag-adto sa mga kabarangayan para maghatag ug mensahe sa mga katawhan, kinahanglan pa gyud mi matagaan ug mga seminar nga susama niini tungod kay daghan kaayog mga kabag-uhan in terms of how to deal with people”, said Ariel Pequero, who said that he has taken note of the tips given during the training and promised to put them in practice.

The personal staff are primarily tasked to monitor programs and projects of the provincial government and to represent the Provincial Governor in official functions, especially in activities involving government agencies, LGUs, and various sectors in the province.

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

Piñol: PRDP promotes “corrupt-free” dev’t A

griculture Sec. Emmanuel Piñol believes that a major World Bank-funded project designed to boost rural development is in line with the Duterte Administration’s efforts to create a “corrupt-free” government.

Sec. Piñol said that the World Bank-financed Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) is aligned with the national government’s goal of ensuring that public funds are spent for the reasons they are allocated for.

“I believe PRDP is the in synch [with] the advocacy of President Duterte to get rid of corruption in government,” Piñol said at the sidelines of the 7th SOCKCSARGEN Area Development Program Board meeting where he sits as chairman of the board.

With a total funding of P27.5 billion, PRDP is a sixyear flagship poverty alleviation strategy that targets the sustainable development of communities in the countryside.

Specifically, it aims to create a platform that would enable the agri-fishery sector to achieve its full potential, increase the income of farmers and fisherfolk and, and create more economic opportunities for residents in rural areas.

Sec. Emmanuel F. Piñol says that the World Bank-funded Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) implemented under the Department of Agriculture (DA) is a platform that aims to change the country’s political culture by promoting a transparent and corrupt-free government. (Photo

by Gian Enrique/PRDPMindanao) “World Bank has been very stringent on its policy to get rid of corruption and in implementing its projects.

There has always been clear policy that there should be no corruption,” Piñol said.

“I know this because I started with MRDP (Mindanao Rural Development Program, the predecessor of PRDP) as early as 1998. I was one of the first players of the MRDP Program as governor of North Cotabato,” he added, noting that the program was

in fact instrumental in making Mindanao one of the top performing agriculture areas in the country.

And now, with the thrust of the Duterte Administration to weed out corruption in the bureaucracy, the PRDP can serve as an example of an effective and graft-free initiative that can be replicated.

“With the culture of no corruption, we are contributing to changing the culture of the Philippine political leaders,” Piñol said.

In the meantime, Piñol explained the stand of the agriculture department regarding the observation of some LGUs that obtaining project approval from the agency is a tedious process.

“We have to respect and observe the process. If you want development you have to respect the process and (LGUs) have to abide by the rules and the guidelines of the program,” he said.

Meanwhile, PRDP National Deputy Director Arnel De Mesa, in a separate interview, pointed out that the best practices of MRDP in terms of transparency and accountability have been adopted and improved on by the PRDP. “The use of Geotagging

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

3-day national forum on environment opens

T

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) kicked off the “National Forum on Eco-Schools and Eco-Cities” in Davao City yesterday at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, this city.

The national forum, which will end on Sept. 2, aims to overcome challenges, upscale opportunities, and replicating good practices among ecoschools and eco-cities across the country.

The three-day event is being attended by 200 representatives from champion schools in the National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools, environmentally-sustainable cities, NGO’s and various government agencies in the country.

The gab will feature lectures and workshops that will not only serve as a platform for discussion of best practices through eco-school programs and eco-cities initiatives, but also aim to determine the role of local government units and schools in the creation of an eco-school and an eco-city.

Speakers from local government, academe, private and international sectors such as International Global Environment Strategies, European Union Switch Asia Policy and Thailand’s Department of Environment Quality Promotion are expected to attend the event.

In a press statement, DENR Assistant Secretary and Chairperson of the National Inter-Agency Committee on Environmental Education, Corazon C. Davis said the conduct of the national forum will expand the goals of the ASEAN Working Group on Environmentally Sustainable Cities with the ASEAN Working Group on Environmental Education by urging more cities and local government units to inject programs promoting environmental sustainability

to schools’ curricula, David added that through the event, LGUs will be urged to cooperate with the national government and private sectors in expanding the participation of schools in the 2017 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools.

Meanwhile, DENR Assistant Secretary for the Environment Juan Miguel Cuna said that for the next six years under Duterte Administration, DENR is set to institutionalize reform and environmental governance, empower communities, create a rational minerals management, strengthen biodiversity protection, heighten proper ecological solid waste management and enhance inter-agency collaboration towards clean air, clean water and develop transformative climate change policies.

“Sustainable city life is one of the 17 Global Goals that make up 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Under Goal 11, the intention is to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable,” said Cura added.

Cura identified some key features of a sustainable city such as its role in global development and impact to the world’s natural resources, emphasis on pedestrian and transit connectivity, and vulnerability to climate change.

Moreover, he stressed the importance of training children as they are the best subjects to hone for environmental sustainability since they are more teachable and more participative in promoting environmental awareness.

Cura expects the cooperation of LGUs, the academe, private sector and civil society in working towards sustainable growth of their cities, where they could offer a good quality of life that ensures human welfare and healthy, pollution-free environment. JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

PILLOW ART. A sales attendant fixes her display of colorful pillow cases inside a specialty store at Abreeza Mall in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Rody assists returning OFWs from Saudi Arabia

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

P

adlopez0920@gmail.com

RESIDENT Duterte on Wednesday, Aug. 31 led the welcome honors for the 128 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who returned from Saudi Arabia after losing their jobs due to the weakening economy in the oilrich kingdom.

The President also handed over P5,000 each to the OFWs which they could use for fare, as they head back to their respective provinces.

He also vowed to extend support to them as they start rebuilding their lives.

“Kung talagang medyo hirap ka, even to survive to eat, let me know. I might enrol you to 4Ps in the meantime to support your family needs especially food.”

The 4Ps is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the government being implemented by the Department

of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The President also reiterated the recent move of the government to provide assistance to the OFWs, wherein most of the help will come from key line agencies of the government.

“May kailangan kayo pumunta kayo sa opisina. Present your situation and the services that you need. I told the government offices to provide the OFWs the lists of requirements.

These requirements could be easily accessed in government agencies tasked to provide immediate assistance to OFWs,” the President added.

With the on-going situation in Saudi Arabia, it is expected that more OFWs will return home in the coming days.

But the President said his administration is working to improve the economy in order

to provide more and better jobs to the returning OFWs. He told them to just wait and give the government some time to strengthen the economy.

President Duterte added that his administration is working hard to help OFWs who are still stranded in Saudi Arabia.

He said the onset of peace in Mindanao could also lead to economic gains and employment opportunities for all Filipinos.

The government is currently talking with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) as part of its efforts to end the decade-long armed conflict in Mindanao.

“Ang ating bayan maraming bukol. Ayusin natin itong mga bukol. Number one na

bukol ekonomiya. And even on illegal drugs,” he said.

Meanwhile, the President noted that in the government’s war against illegal drugs, about two soldiers or police officers are either killed or harmed every day during operations.

On the other hand, the fight against the Abu Sayyaf has already claimed the lives of 15 soldiers.

“We do not enjoy killing people. I do not enjoy this war.

I hate to sign documents that would procure things that would kill your citizens. Hindi ito ang laro na gusto ko. Gusko ko maghanap ng ibang kalaban huwag yong Filipino,” President Duterte said.

He added: “Kung maayos ito ang Mindanao holds the greatest promise – agriculture.

Sobra-sobra ang lupa. Mag land reform tayo.”

Global Action Program of the Post-United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESC) set to be implemented from 2005 to 2014 and the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development (AEEAP) for the year 2014 to 2018.

According to the DENR, the school system is comprised of students, teaching and non-teaching personnel which constitute a sizeable percentage of the national population, hence, it plays a vital role in basic learning and is seen as a powerful vehicle for change.

For schools to be considered ‘Sustainable and Eco-Friendly,’ they must have initiated and integrated environment-related programs in their instruction, research and extension services.

The competition has an elementary, high school and higher education category, which are judged based on their respective set of standards.

To recall, the Ateneo de Davao University-High School bagged the championship for high school division during the 2013 competition.

The elementary and high school category are judged based on clear articulation and integration of social, ethical and environmental responsibility in the institution’s vision, mission and governance (10 pts.); environmental dimensions of school operations (40 pts.); environment-related features of the school curriculum (20 pts.); presence of vibrant eco organizations in the campus (10 pts.); presence of envi-

150 policy experts bat for DENR launches search for eco-friendly schools climate change resilience

O

VER 150 multi-stakeholder representatives from the academe, government, private sector and civil society will meet here Thursday at the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) for a gathering of experts at the 2nd Mindanao Policy Research Forum (MPRF), and push for advocacy initiatives and policies to boost climate change resilience among Mindanao communities.

The conduct of the 2nd MPRF is in line with the 2016 Development Policy Research Month (DPRM), a nationwide event that aims to promote and draw nationwide awareness on the importance of policy research in the formulation of sound development plans, programs, and policies Following DPRM’s theme of “Investing in Risk Reduction for a Resilient Philippines,” the MPRF will showcase various

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

policy researches and best practices relevant to developing resilient communities in the island-region.

“This is a timely theme to discuss on a policy level since the current administration has consistently cited disaster risk reduction as among its top priorities,” said Undersecretary Janet Lopoz, executive director the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

She added the conduct of the 2nd MPRF will become a venue to raise local concerns and efforts in mitigating the climate change impacts to national partners in policy and research communities.”

This year’s forum is co-organized by MinDA through its Mindanao Knowledge Center (MKC), the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), and FSUU, which is also a member of the MKC network.

“Given the changing eco-

F 150 POLICY, 10

T

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources has launched the search for the 2017 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools during the opening of National Forum on Eco-Schools and Eco-Cities yesterday at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City.

According to Elenida D.R. Basug, Chief of Environmental Education and Information Division (EEID) who represented DENR Assistant Secretary Corazon C. Davis, the contest is implemented by the DENR through Environmental Management Bureau in partnership with Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Smart Communications Inc., Nestle Philippines, LANDBANK, and One Meralco Foundation.

“The contest is part of the

roadmap to the implementation of Republic Act No. 9512 which supports National Environmental Awareness,” added Basug.

The contest objectives are to encourage academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local level, develop skills and understanding among the students, faculty and school administrators in initiating active responses, and increase community awareness and participation on environmental concerns, The competition is held every two years as part of the implementation of the National Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development.

The contest was developed as the national government’s response to the

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY

7

Miners, stakeholders sked meet in Davao

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

S

‘MINAHANG BAYAN.’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 11 officer in charge lawyer Wilfredo G. Moncano (right) encourages illegal small-scale miners to legalize their businesses by applying the site of their operations to the “Minahang Bayan” which will be approved by the Department of Environment and

Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Regina Lopez.

Moncano, together with Mindanao Association of Mining Engineers (MAEM) Inc. Engr. Alexis Baligod, graced yesterday’s Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

Duterte admin is keeping seniors’20-percent discounts F

INANCE Department Spokesperson Paola Alvarez said the proposed tax reform program presented by Malacanang’s economic team to Congress last week aims to raise enough revenues to fund targeted subsidies for the poorest of the poor even as she stressed that the 20% discount on purchases or transactions along with exemptions from the value added tax (VAT) on food and medicines now enjoyed by seniors would remain intact.

Alvarez further said that in lieu of the VAT exemptions to be taken out from other sectors as part of the proposed comprehensive tax reform program, the government is putting in place direct subsidy programs for the benefit of the needy and other vulnerable sectors to be affected by the would-be VAT exemptions.

“But the VAT exemption granted to seniors when dining in restaurants, would have to be lifted,” Alvarez said, “because such discounts are usually availed of by affluent senior citizens who can well afford anyway to do away with this privilege.”

“In order to better utilize VAT collections, the amount that the government collects from lifting of VAT exemptions on restaurant dining enjoyed by seniors would be allocated for a fund that would be used to provide targeted subsidies to the poor, including indigent senior citizens,” Alvarez said.

“To illustrate, a senior citizen who can afford to eat at a fancy restaurant that charges him with a bill of 1,000 pesos, the exemption from VAT he will get is 120 pesos,” she said. “Now, this amount of 120 pesos is something he doesn’t really need because he can afford to spend 1000 pesos for a meal.”

“Now if we compare this to a senior citizen who has to make ends meet for him to be able to afford his maintenance medicine, the 120 pesos saved for VAT would go a long way.

This is how we want to distribute a little wealth through taxation,” she stressed.

Alvarez pointed out that “the 20 percent discount enjoyed by all senior citizens would remain as well as the VAT exemptions they enjoy for their purchases of medicines and food in its raw form.”

“To clarify our proposal, only the VAT exemptions in restaurants would be removed. The money the government collects from the lifting of the VAT exemptions for senior citizens in restaurants will be used instead to help other senior citizens who badly need the subsidy” she said.

Alvarez said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III had made it clear that VAT exemptions on food in its raw form, medicine and education would not be removed because these three essentials are what the poor need the most.

“The Duterte administration’s tax reform plan does not end with personal and corporate income tax cuts. It also includes revenue-generating measures not only to offset the collections lost from the tax reductions, but also to raise funds for higher spending on infrastructure, human capital and social protection initiatives,” Alvarez said.

She said the additional revenues would help bridge the chronic income gap between Metro Manila and the other regions, which is one way to cut the poverty rate from the current 26 percent to only 17 percent by the time President Duterte steps aside in 2022.

“As represented by the DBCC (Development Budget

Coordinating Council) to the House of Representatives, the comprehensive tax reform program of the Duterte Administration would allow us to generate funds that we can use to invest in areas where the per-capita income is lowest in the country,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez compared, for instance, the per-capita Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) for 2015 between that of the National Capital Region (NCR), which is the highest at P398,985, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which is the lowest (and 15 times smaller) at P26,757 in current prices.

The per-capita GDRP for ARMM is a mere 7 percent of that of NCR, which is nearly three times the national average of P131,026 and 9 percent higher than in 2014 based on current prices.

Compared to Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon region), which has a per-capita GRDP of P145,859 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with P131,110, ARMM remains at the losing end, she said.

Alvarez said that under the proposed P3.35-trillion “Budget for Real Change” of the Duterte administration, under spending which has hampered the implementation of social protection programs for the poor, would be a “thing of the past.”

Earlier, Domiguez had informed lawmakers that to help fund the massive infrastructure buildup and investments in human capital and social protection under the Duterte presidency, the government would raise the budget deficit to 3 percent of the GDP under the 2017 proposed budget, which will “substantially be offset by lower debt service.”

adlopez0920@gmail.com

TAKEHOLDERS in the mining industry in Davao region are set to converge in a two-day symposium in Davao City this coming Sept. 22 to 23.

This was announced by officers of the Mindanao Association of Mining Engineers (MAEM) during yesterday’s Kape and Habi press conference at the Abreeza Mall.

“The focus of the twoday symposium is to unite all stakeholders in the mining industry so that their voices will be heard,” said Engr. Alexis F. Baligod of MAEM. The activity will be a sustaining one, as media forums and caravans will be held after the two-day symposium that will culminate in Baguio City in November 2016.

“This will be attended by all sectors into the mining industry, the technical, business, the mine workers and even the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), the academe, local government units or LGUs and professionals,” Baligod added.

The group also clarified that the organizers and participants of the symposium will not pass a resolution that will be addressed to the government or even to the

secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR. “The event will be for the unification of all the pro-mining stakeholders so that they will be heard or there will be voice from their side,” said Engr. Wilfredo G. Moncano, a member of MAEM and now serving as officer-in-charge of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Davao region.

Moncano said the mining industry is currently not issuing any statement, and is focused on uniting the sector’s various stakeholders.

“We will attempt to unify the stakeholders through this forum in September,” Moncano added.

All regions in the country will be represented during the caravan from Mindanao to Manila and Baguio City, he said.

Moncano also noted that there are also mining companies in the region who remain silent in light of the national government’s efforts to clamp down on erring mining firms.

He was referring to the audit being conducted by DENR that covers all mining companies in the country.

“If you will notice, there are mining companies that are not actively raising their voice even they are not yet affected by any order or suspensions, these mining companies are just silent,” he said.

Moncano also expressed hopes that through the upcoming conference, mining companies would be able unite in order to effectively address the issues and concerns confronting the mining industry.

At present there are 36 approved mining tenements in Davao region, of which, four are already into commercial operations.

The approved tenements include exploration permits, mineral production sharing agreements and joint operating agreements.

The four mining companies currently operating in the region include the APEX Mining in Maco, Compostela Valley Province; the JB Management Mining Corporation in Diwalwal, Compostela Valley; the Holcim Mining and Development Corporation in Panabo City; and the Austral-Asia Link Mining Corporation in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

EDITORIAL

Boosting IP education

T

HE Department of Education (Deped) has put to among the programs of the Duterte administration. concrete action its commitment to its nationwide

This measure is also in harmony with the Indigenous Peo-

mandate of enabling “all indigenous children to ples Education (IPEd) Program of Deped which will address

have access to and complete free and compulsory primary the educational aspirations of IPs, as well as their vision for education of good quality.”

In pursuance of that vision, the Deped has set among its

their ancestral domain.

We have seen in the past how many times the IPs went

main objectives of building at least 251 new public schools down to hold protest rallies in front of Deped offices to upin Mindanao during the school year 2016-2017. It will also hold IP rights to education and complain of militarization. hire teachers to fill the requirement needed to implement IP education.

With the Deped’s strong commitment to IP education and

the reforms it is currently implementing under a new lead-

This will surely strengthen the drive to provide quality ership, the unrest in the mountains where the IPs have been

education to the indigenous people of Mindanao, which is left in neglect in the past will now be eased.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

The economic growth we need is Inclusive

S several economists and businessmen undoubtedly declared that Mindanao’s growth will lead the nations’ the promise the island of our forbears will finally be fulfilled, a recent speech of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez at a recent conference eof Banco de Oro clients in Davao City is even bolder and more encouraging: “There will be no want of business opportunity, not only in the Davao region but all throughout the island. From being a net exporter of its population, Mindanao can look forward to inward migration, especially of young talent.

The next generation will be suitably employed in high technology industries, BPOs (business processing outsourcing) and support businesses of every sort.”

That our President is Mindanaoan ought to make us proud, but that the head of his economic team also comes from the island is a fact that gives us a foretaste of the kind of development that will come.

His job is tough but not insurmountable, having to steer our economy away from present patterns that mirror the last twenty years,

a growth in GDP MY TWO CENTS’ that sadly, has been hungry (consistently between 2530%) and jobless (our unemployment rate have not progressed beyond a 8-10%, underemployment John Tria figures even ecisouth@gmail.com worse).

Being a former Agriculture Secretary and trustee of the Philippine Stock exchange, former banker and plantation manager, Carlos Dominguez is in the best position to understand the vital symbiosis between agriculture, rural livelihoods, development and food security to build a sustainable people- centered growth.

With that, economic development cannot take off if food prices remain high while wages cannot keep up, and these food prices cannot

go down if we remain a net importer of important commodities like rice, beef, coffee and chocolate, whereas growing them locally can spur the livelihoods of millions, creating a demand for more production, and in turn, more jobs to produce them.

Over the last ten years reeling from the asian financial crisis of the late 1990s, our economic growth has been a rumble of fits and starts, often undercut by calamity and recent agricultural decline that have kept food prices beyond reach of a third of Filipinos. Sustainability, much less inclusivity, has bee a bit elusive. The GDP gains and ratings increases of recent years have yet to create a long term stability that will create jobs. Without that important element, inclusive growth cannot be achieved.

Lowering food prices is the key to cutting poverty, since this is both the first expense, and the immediate livelihood starter for the rural poor. This fact was underscored heavily during the Malaksakit at pagbabago conference here in Davao by Ateneo School of government chair Dr. Ronald Mendoza, who declared that slashing rice prices creates an immediate reduction

in poverty. Of course, that is easier said than done.

All other finance secretaries, like Virata, del Rosario, Teves and Purisima, were either bankers or accountants who, understandably, were finance guys concerned with Keynesian monetary and fiscal controls that was the rage of the last century.

Dominguez is the first secretary in recent years who knows how to grow businesses, and can drive performance, just as he did as Chairman of Philippine Airlines and a slew of other corporations.

With him at the helm of an economic team, we are confident that a set of priorities for inclusive growth is in order, and that a focus on the countryside is certain.

What is next is up to us, and will be a challenge to our local business chambers, farmers and fisherfolk groups and industry associations to capitalize on the opportunities as the economic policy winds blow towards the country’s southern isles. How well we work together to create, sustain, and spread this growth to the poor depends on us.

“Unless you speak words easy to understand, how shall it be known what it spoken?”

– II Corinthians 14:9 ***

rewarding. SciTHINK ON THESE! ence writers cover fields undergoing some of the most rapid advances in history, from stunning advances in genetics and biotechnology to exotic Henrylito D. Tacio discoveries in henrytacio@gmail.com astrophysics. A science writer’s week may include coverage of new discoveries about viruses, the brain, evolution, artificial intelligence, planets around other suns, and global climate change and its environmental impact, to name only a few topics.”

Yes, science reporting is more than just writing. Aside from being a good writer, you also need the following in order for you to write an excellent output: asking the right questions, gathering facts and figures, analyzing what you have gathered and asked, and figuring out which among them is the most important.

Once you have all the details, then that’s the time you can write the article. But wait, it’s not just writing what the experts have told you. You have to write them in layman’s terms so the readers will understand what the experts are telling you.

For instance, an expert may tell you these words: “An exercise that seeks quantitative answers relating to a period which is some distance away in the future must, by its very nature, be highly tentative”?

So, how will you write it? If you try to analyze what he has said, then you get an idea that what he meant is: “What followed was largely guesswork.”

A lot of people asked me: “Where do you get your ideas?” Anywhere, everywhere, anything. We are surrounded with things that can be considered as science. When you are walking (What are the benefits of walking?), running (Which is the best method of exercise: running or walking), sleeping (How much sleep do we need? What happens when we sleep?), or eating (What food that are healthy or loaded with cholesterol?).

With a boring subject like rock, you can turn out a very fascinating article. Consider the ball pen, which you use in writing: When was it discovered? Who discovered it? What makes a ball pen? Can ball pen be used as a weapon (James Bond comes to mind)? What kind of ink is used in ball pens? When ball pens are produced, it is environment-friendly?

How many tons of water is used to produce 100 ball pens?

Now, let’s learn some tips from the experts on writing themselves. Frank E. McElroy, an editor of business and industry-related publications, enumerated four ways of what makes a good copy. First, define your purpose and learn your subject. Second, organize your material in the light of your readers’ abilities and interests. Third, write to best express yourself (and your ideas). Final thought: Edit and polish your writing so that it is easy to read, is easy to understand, and is good English.

Joseph Pulitzer, the Hungarian-American Jewish newspaper publisher of the “St. Louis Post Dispatch” and the “New York World,” had

the same view when he said: “Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it, and above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.”

Will Conway, a Hollywood actor, once said in a television series: “The most important attributes a writer must have are: faith, hope, and clarity.”

I’m sure the three attributes are very familiar to you, but then Conway used clarity instead of charity (as what the Bible stated).

Thoughts like that can become funny in a way although spoken in a serious manner. You can do that if you keep on improving what you have written. That’s where revision comes in.

The first copy is always a draft and you can improve it further by rewriting again and again. Margery Allingham, an English writer of detective fiction shared this tip: “I write every paragraph four times – once to get my meaning down, once to put in anything I have left out, once to take out anything that seems unnecessary, and once to make the whole thing sound as if I have only just thought of it.”

During my lectures on science reporting, more often than not, the question on how to begin and how to end an article or feature is often asked. I usually used this illustration from the novel, “Alice in Wonderland.”

The White Rabbit put on his spectacles.

“Where shall I begin, please, your Majesty?” he asked.

“Begin at the beginning,” the King said very gravely, “and go on till you come to an end; then stop.”

I hope this short piece helps those wanna-be science journalists!

S

OME people don’t like (others actually abhor) writing because they say it is hard. In the beginning, it is. But as you continue writing, if you keep on writing every now and then, writing becomes a breeze. It’s just like eating peanuts, so goes a saying.

Journalism – “the work and distribution of reports on the interaction of events, facts, ideas, and people that informs society to at least some degree” – is a little bit more challenging when you equate it with writing.

Now, you don’t write because you want to write. Journalism entails more than just writing. People pay in order to read what you have written. That’s why you should have good command of grammar. You need to know when to use is and was, are and were, have and had, the past, present and future tenses, and a wider vocabulary of words.

When doing reporting, you have to answer the five basic W’s (what, where, when, who, and whom) and H’s (how). If you have all the necessary details to those questions, then you can write your story.

However, it is a different thing when you are writing about science (medicine, environment, agriculture, technology and weather to name a few). You have to do more than the basics in writing.

The Council for the Advancement of Science Writing in the United States pointed this out: “Of all the journalism specialties, science writing may well be the most challenging and

On science writing

10 NEWS

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

Poblacion-A District Head of CSSDO, it is important for victims to verbalize their emotions because a house razed by fire does not only involve the loss of their homes, documents, and treasured belongings but, also their sense of safety and security.

She said that while children react differently from adults, their ability to cope still depends on how their par-

ents deal with a crisis such as emergencies and disaster.

Lopez added that because adults and parents are the sources of security in times of crisis and children look up to them for guidance and support, they should act as role models.

Children have a separate session for debriefing in a child-friendly area set up by the CSSDO team in the evacu-

ation center. It involves therapeutic play to ease the trauma.

Aside from financial aid, CSSDO also provided hot meals for the victims temporarily housed in nearby schools and covered courts that serve as evacuation centers.

Basic needs like cooking or kitchen wares, beddings and clothes were also distributed to the victims. CIO

nomic and environmental landscape of Mindanao, it has become even more necessary for us to strengthen our policy research and development network through the MKC, since they will be the key play-

ers in our pursuit for a green Mindanao economy,” Lopoz said.

MKC operates under Min-

DA, along with its partners from higher education institutions and research societies across Mindanao.

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RAMPING UP. Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, bares that another batch of troops will be deployed to the Western Mindanao Command to support military operations

against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan and Sulu.

Batchar was among the guests of yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Lean Daval Jr.

RED ALERT... FROM 1

against enemies of peace, the better,” he added.

As part of the police and military’s heightened alert ,

the Task Force Davao is implements strict checkpoint procedures in all exit and entrance points of the city.

the families of the four Muslim soldiers.

As members of the grieving family would present the President the framed pictures of the slain soldiers, he would kiss them before rendering a snappy salute.

The President, during the visit was accompanied by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Army Chief Lt. General Eduardo Año and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya.

He was met by top officers of the Westmincom and Mayor Bing Climaco of Zamboanga City.

“I share your grief,” President Duterte told the families of the slain soldiers in his message.

“Nakikiramay ako sa hindi natin pagkaka-intendihan. We want to end this war, I do not want to continue even for a day,” the President said.

He said that there are on-going peace negotiations with Moro groups, particularly with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF. The President noted the government has no problem with the MILF, saying the only problem he sees now is with the Abu Sayyaf because it is considered a terrorist group who kill and behead both civilians and the soldiers.

“I hate to see this,” President Duterte said.

Duterte also told the grieving families that he too has Moro roots, and therefore, he is also hurt when Muslims and Christians are killed during war.

“Ano ang kasalanan ng mga Bisaya, Tagalog, Maranaw

and Sama? Sana maintindihan nila. Every time na may makita ako na namamatay, kahit Abu Sayyaf nasasaktan ako,” he said.

He also informed the families of the fallen soldiers that they are now automatically enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the government.

They can now receive monthly financial support and rice subsidies through the said program.

“I salute these soldiers. I consider all these fallen soldiers as heroes,” he added.

The President said he already instructed the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to accept the widows of the slain soldiers as government employees.

“Ang asawa kailangan magka-trabaho, either in the national or local offices, basta hanapan ng trabaho,” he said.

The families can also enrol their orphaned children at public schools or state colleges in their respective places.

“I am sorry that this has to happen. I do not want it happen again,” he added.

He also called on the Abu Sayyaf not to desecrate the dead bodies of slain soldiers, saying “kung away lang naman then let’s fight. But do not add grief to the families by destroying the body.”

The President said he would not allow such brutality to be done to public servants, particularly to soldiers who risk their lives during battle.

In his final message, President Duterte said he is imploring the divine intervention of “Allah” for understanding among Filipinos.

technology, one of the best practices in MRDP proven to be very effective in monitoring and evaluation as well as in transparency and governance, will be widely applied PRDP,” De Mesa said.

“In PRDP, we [have] ‘lev-

eled up’ our transparency measures by putting additional scientific tools so that our targeting of LGUs, beneficiaries and interventions are appropriate for the location and the people,” De Mesa added. (Sherwin B. Manual/PRDPMindanao)

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any pending criminal, administrative or civil cases, she added.

Dela Cerna said applications forms are available for free and can be obtained from police stations, camps, jail offices and other government agencies.

These can be photocopied also, she added.

According to dela Cerna, completed applications should be submitted to the Police Regional Office 11.

The police official said applicants can also mail their applications to the PNPA’s Office of the Registrar (The Director, (Attn: Registrar), Philippine National Police Academy, Camp General Mariano N Castañeda, 4129 Silang, Cavite) Dela Cerna added that cadets would receive a salary

and other benefits during their scholarship.

A PNPA graduate, she explained, is conferred the rank of inspectors, with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Public Safety, and could join, depending on his or her inclination, either the PNP, the Bureau of Fire Protection, or the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Dela Cerna said the PNPA’s vision main goal is to produce highly-trained professional police officers with good moral character.

The PNPA was established on Aug. 26, 1977 as a police and fire service training institution, through Presidential Decree No. 1184 or the Integrated National Police Professionalization Law of 1977. TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

“It is unfortunate that many of our brothers lost their lives, however, we are really going full force and have an allout operations there,” Batchar added.

It can be recalled that President Duterte renewed his directive to “destroy” the Abu

Sayyaf during his press conference last week in Davao City.

This developed after a teenager who was abducted by the bandits in Sulu was beheaded due to the failure of the victim’s relatives to pay the P1 million ransom demanded by the terror group.

ronmental partners and linkages in various programs, projects and activities (9 pts.); socio-cultural sustainability (6 pts.); and finally, economic sustainability (5 pts.).

Meanwhile, HEIs are judged based on the administration (10 pts.), curriculum and instruction (20 pts.), sustainability programs (40 pts.), research (10 pts.), extension services (10 pts.) and student engagement (10 pts.).

Special awards will also be given such as The Nestle Water Leadership Award, The Meralco Energy Leadership Award, and LANDBANK Green Leadership Award.

The panel of judges will

be composed of individuals in the areas of environmental education coming from government, private sectors and civil society.

Public elementary and high schools are reminded to submit their entries to DepEd Division offices while private elementary and high schools, colleges and universities should submit to EMB regional offices.

The deadline for submission of entries is on Apr. 28, 2017, while the announcement of winners will be on Nov. 15, 2017 in line with the National Environmental Awareness Month celebration.

SSS Senior Vice President for Luzon Operations Group Josie G. Magana said that all SSS branches will simultaneously conduct the Members’ Day on Sept. 1 from 8:00 to 5:00 pm.

Free medical services will be

provided in selected branches such as monitoring of blood pressure, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and bone scanning. Exciting freebies and raffle prizes shall also be given to lucky visitors.

EastMinCom... FROM 3

DENR... FROM 6

SSS... FROM 11

ENVIRONMENT... FROM 12 io, Cebu and Davao will most likely experience severe water shortage by 2025. What we are experiencing right now are telling signs that point in that direction,” Henry Schumacher, ECCP vice president, was quoted as saying.

Those cities mentioned were also cited by a study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) a few years back. Other “water critical areas” included in the JICA study were Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga.

Another study, funded by the US Agency for International Development, said that “every single major city in the Philippines is expected to face some form of water shortage by 2025.”

The Washington, D.C.based World Resources Institute, in its newly released study said the Philippines will experience a “high” degree of water shortage by 2040. The country ranks 57 out of 167 countries that are highly vulnerable to severe water shortage.

“Population growth, increased economic activity and improved standard of living are placing tremendous pressure both on the reserve supply and service delivery systems,” declared Dr. Sevillo D. David, Jr., executive director of National Water Resources Board, during the trade fair and business leaders’ conference of BIMP-EAGA Summit held in Davao City in 2014.

In his presentation, Dr. David said the Philippines has 12 water resources region, 421 principal river basins, 18 major river basins, and 72 lakes.

The country’s annual average rainfall is 2,400 millimeters.

The dependable surface water supply of the country is estimated at 125,790 million cubic meters per year.

The groundwater potential is around 20,200 million cubic meters per year.

But due to surging population, the current water supply may not be enough. “The rapid urbanization of the Philippines, with more than 2 million being added to the urban population annually, is having a major impact on water resources,” observed the Asian Development Bank in its “Asian Water Development Outlook 2007.”

In Metro Manila, for instance, the more than 12 million residents often complain of lack of water during the summer months. In some parts of the metropolis, the water supply situation reaches a vulnerable state that the little amount water some residents get is not enough even for emergency purposes like cooking and drinking.

“For many residents in Metro Manila, coping with ‘water supply crisis’ has been part of their daily woes for years,” stated the databank and research of Ibon Foundation, Inc. To cope up with water shortage, especially for drinking, people has to buy bottled waters, which comes in various sizes. Shortage of potable water has created a business phenomenon in water refilling stations that dotted the country like the “hot pan sal,” “lechon manok” and pearl shakes. – (TO BE CONCLUDED)

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

FOOD

WHENEVER I SIT DOWN TO EAT AT A RESTAURANT THESE DAYS, I OFTEN ASK MYSELF. “WHAT MAKES A GOOD RESTAURANT AND WHAT MAKES A GREAT RESTAURANT?” With the Internet, as well as social media, bridging the gap and creating new food trends as fast as people can develop, one restaurant in Davao stands out by choosing to be low-key but still serve honestto-goodness good food. This restaurant is Open Table.

Throwing out a loud and “bongga” opening, Open Table, which has been operating over past six months, has been slowly making its mark in Davao’s busy dining scene with its own brand of Filipino comfort fare.

Co-owners Vincent and Tricie Arnecas describe the cuisine at Open Table as “An open concept, where we brought all of the favourite dishes our friends loved throughout our years as restauranteurs.”

Going through the menu of the restaurant, I see a lot of favorite dishes - from Salutti, their Chef’s Salad with Raspberry Dressing, Beef Salpicao and Shrimp Ceviche, as well as Imbao with Chorizo, Brown Steak Rice and Seared Tuna Steak from Cellar de Boca, an earlier collaboration of Carlo Lorenzana who is also their partner at Open Table.

“Our food here at Open Table is designed to be simple but well-

made.” said Tricie, “We also utilise as much local produce as we can in our dishes as we believe that the closer we are to the farm that produce the food, the better it tastes.”

Aside from the old favourites, which I am sure everyone loves, there are also new dishes to tickle the palate of foodies.

Pork lovers will definitely adore the Crunchy Pork with Spicy Miso Sauce.

The pork belly was crispy and well-seasoned, the earth and spicy miso sauce rounds out the flavour of the rich dish.

For those who might want to grab a beer or wine along to accompany their food, I would

Cozy fare at the suggest ordering Open Table’s Cheese Fundido, a gooey, salty, savory treat that pairs well with any cold beer or cocktail (with tsismis on the side).

Open Table is located at the Damosa Complex and just a stone’s throw away from the Damosa IT Park, as well as from the gated communities in the area.

The resto also has brunch offerings with dishes such as Sausage and Egg, a mean Eggs Benedict, as well as the Pinoy favourite but taken to gourmet levels, Tapsilog.

And to end a good meal, there has to be

dessert and Open Table aces this department. I suggest trying out their Tablea Banana Cake.

Served in a classic bibinka tin, the tablea banana cake was rich but had a good balance of flavours, earthy and nutty with bight banana notes.

Pairing this with Open Table’s house blend coffee makes a perfect combination which made me forget the calories I needed to burn at the treadmill.

Have any travel tips, foodie finds, or happenings you want to share? Reach me on Twitter or on Instagram at @kennthkingong.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 201

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

SILKAIR TO LAUNCH MORE FLIGHTS TO SINGAPORE

Now offers ten weekly flights from Davao to Singapore.

SILKAIR, THE REGIONAL WING OF SINGAPORE AIRLINES, will be launching an additional flight from Davao to Singapore every Wednesday evening, from 30 October 2016 onwards. With the commencement of this new flight, SilkAir will operate ten weekly services from Davao to Singapore.

The additional flight will operate a circular route, departing Singapore for Cebu, followed

by Davao, before heading back to Singapore. With the addition, travelers will enjoy additional flexibility of having two flight options every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday to Singapore and beyond.

The new service will be operated with SilkAir’s modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft, featuring both Business and Economy class cabins. Customers will be provided with a full service

experience, including in-flight meals, in-flight entertainment on SilkAir Studio, baggage allowance of 40kg and 30kg for Business and Economy class respectively, as well as through check-in if they are connecting to or from another SilkAir or Singapore Airlines point via Singapore.

All flights are already available for booking through SilkAir.com and travel agents.

The full service airline operates almost 400 weekly flights to 49 destinations in 13 countries. Recent additions to the network include Cairns and

Male. SilkAir’s network will increase to 52 destinations when Vientiane and Luang Prabang commence operations in October 2016, and Fuzhou in November 2016. The airline currently has a fleet of 31 aircraft, comprising 4 A319s and 11 A320s and 16 Boeing 737-800s.

In August 2012, the airline announced the largest order in its history of up to 68 Boeing 737 aircraft, with firm orders comprising Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

For more details on SilkAir, visit silkair.com or http://www. facebook.com/SilkAir

016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

FOOD

The Royal Chef A4

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Tita Rosita’s Meaty Salsa (fb:@TitaRositasMeatySalsa) This is my happy pill. Every bottle is guaranteed to bring out your best smile. And I am not kidding. Perfect for chips, homemade nachos, on top of piping hot rice or eaten on its own, their meaty salsa is just so addicting you’d love to stack on them in an instant. PS: best as a pasta sauce too.

Gourmet Daing (For orders: Call or Messsage 0917 799 8716) For a skeptic like me, this broke the record. Its aroma alone takes you on a Filipino cuisine high that’s reflective of how we like our food – simple yet bursting with flavours. Love the versatility too.

Can be made into a pastil topping, pasta sauce (oil, capers, olives and cheese) and even as a dip for fresh veggie slices.

Real Confections (fb:@real.confections) Davao’s fave is also mine. Pieces of rich baked goodies perfect for

any time munching. I love the bars, the brownies and specially the cheesecake cups that are so creamy. Their many flavours make for a best conversation piece – that is, if you want to share. Try this: place bars inside the fridge, take them out and let them stay in room temperature for a while then eat.

You’d thank me later.

Cheat Time BakeHouse Yema Cake (fb:Cheat Time Bakehouse) Creamy individually baked yema cake is something you must try.

The cake alone is already delicious –that addition of generous sticky yema on top is something else, which can be paired with coffee or tea. Or for that added oomph, on top of a freak shake.

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

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

A4 INdulge!

FOOD ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT USED TO BE AN ORDEAL IS NOW MADE EASY … with the advancement of technology, that is.

Nowadays, everything is made possible - with every click of the mouse.

From updating oneself on the latest fashion trends and whathaveyou’s, to stuffing the self with mouthwatering dishes, all you need is a smartphone, a reliable internet connection and you are all set.

With the many social media avenues readily available online, it’s no wonder why many have moved beyond the usual “relationship building” in social media to actually utilizing it as a source of income. To be sure, online selling is not new.

It was launched since the very first website went online. It’s just that, nowadays, selling online has taken on a more eclectic approach – from ready to wear apparel, to hard to find items, and of course, everyone’s favor-

ite - food.

In Davao, and in the world over, selling food online is one way to enjoy and share the many gastronomic options that are within our reach. From the seller’s point of view, selling their creations opens infinite possibilities that can make or break their journey into the business realm. Whatever side you you’re in, it’s a winwin situation that meets the expectations of both spheres.

True, there are more than a handful of online sellers in the city. Each has their own niche and set of followers. Most of them cater to sweet treats and hard to find nibbles/ candies. But, there are also sellers who can whip up dishes that are worthy of every calorie.

Here’s my list of top

EDGEDAVAO

Davao online food sellers you must check out.

Green Rocks Pastries Homemade Gelato (fb:@ GreenRocksPastries) Known for their decadent cakes and cupcakes, Green Rocks Pastries now offers homemade gelato that is creamy, rich – and delicious.

With that ‘melts in your mouth’ moment, you’d still be craving while you’re eating. No exaggeration – it’s that delicious. Personally, I love that it’s light and something that wipes the remnants of your main course in an instant.

Mamou’s Puto Pao (ig: @mamousputopao; fb:@ itsmamousputopao) Stuffed and packed to a tee. Every bite takes you into a savory realm of food combinations that’s never ending. The steamed cake (puto) is very light thus creating a smooth canvass for the itlog maalat and chicken asado stuffing without altering any of the flavours. How do I love them? Heat up cold puto pao for a minute and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. Now, that’s perfection right there.

The Royal Chef A3

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

SI PLANTS 1000 SEEDLINGS. Therma South Inc., a subsidiary of AboitizPower, planted a total of 1,000 seedlings of fruit trees last August 19, 2016 as part of its commitment to giving back to the environment. More than 80 volunteers participated in the activity, which is also the company’s celebration for the 31st Kadayawan Festival 2016. Last July

Water service interruption slated September 2-3 & 3-4

D

AVAO City Water District advises customers of two separate water service interruptions.

First set is from 8:00 PM of September 2, 2016 until 3:00 AM of September 3, 2016 affecting most areas served by Line 2 of Dumoy Water Supply System (WSS).

No water are Robinsons Highlands Subd. in C.P. Garcia Highway and some areas in: Buhangin: Buhangin-Tigatto Road, portion of Buhangin-Cabantian Road (from Crossing Milan to Holy Trinity) and immediate environs, Laverna Hills, Pag-ibig Subd. and Ciudad De Esperanza (with Dumoy WSS connections only); Bacaca Road; Poblacion: Madapo Hills, Marfori Heights I and II, Napaka Village, Doña Vicenta Village I and II, Davao Medical School Foundation, EMP Village I and II, Diho Subd. III, San Rafael Village, Ledesma Subd., Circumferential Road, Stella Maris Homeowners Assn., Garcia Heights, Morning Side Heights, NCCC Housing Bajada, San Antonio Bajada and Hilltop Village

and elevated portions of Lanang, Pampanga, Sasa and Panacan: Doña Asuncion Subd., Summerhill Village, Guadalupe Village, portion of Fortune Executive Homes, portion of Nova Tierra Village, Belen Homes, Pampanga Executive Homes, San Roque Village, Don Lorenzo Homes, Bolton Village, Doña Pilar Village, Southern Homes, Doña Paz Village, Hacienda Village, Old Airport Road, Doña Aurelia Village, Lougemar Village, Marla Compound, Doña Salud, Bel Air Subd., Crystal Meadows, Tierra Verde Village, EMI Ville Homes, Empress Subd., Vista Verde I and II, Camp Catitipan, AFP Mutual Homes and Davao International Airport.

Low water pressure to no water will be experienced in portions of Carlos P. Garcia Highway: from Jade Valley Subd. to Davao International Airport; Buhangin: Buhangin proper, St. Jude, Sta. Teresita, Dragon Compound, NHA, Diho Village, Pareñas Compound, Green Heights Subd., Sandawa Village, San Pedro Village, Pag-asa Village, Ladi-

F WATER, 13

September 1 – 2, 2016 only

DON'T BREATHE Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS/ *TRAIN TO BUSAN Kevin Hart, Lake Bell, Ellie Kemper/ *Gong Yoo, Kim Su-an Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

G/*R13

12:00 | 1:45 | 3:30 LFS / *5:20 | 7:35 | 9:50 LFS

MECHANIC: RESURRECTION Jason Statham, Jessica Alba, Tommy Lee Jones Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

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12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

CAMP SAWI Andi Eigenmann, Bela Padilla, Yassi Pressman, Arci Munoz Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

12:20 | 2:40 | 5:00 | 7:20 | 9:40 LFS

16, 2016, TSI also planted more than 2,600 seedlings in a 2.4 hectare area in Marilog, Davao City during the groupwide simultaneous tree planting, a continuation of the Aboitiz Group’s commitment to help in the government’s National Greening Program.

80 Pantawid youth to join students’ congress in DC S

OME 80 Pantawid Pamilya college scholarship grantees will participate in the 4th Expanded Student Grant-In-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGPPA) Students’ Congress at Eden Nature Park and Resort from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.

This year’s student congress will focus on training student grantees to become junior Gender and Development (GAD) advocates in their respective campuses.

Topics up for discussion during the 3-day activity include: Adolescent Reproductive Health Issues and

Concerns; Gender, Sexuality and Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE); Stigma and Discrimination; Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI); Human Rights and Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 (RA 8504); and Tips in Counseling and Communication.

“The ESGPPA started in 2012 in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). ESGPPA ensures that grantees are enrolled in selected State Colleges and Universities (SUCs)

duly recognized by CHED, and channeled to CHED priority courses and be extended the needed support that will guarantee completion of studies and qualify them for a high-value added jobs in the future,” said DSWD XI Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat.

“ESGPPA aims to contribute in the increase of number of higher education enrolmees in line with the national government’s priority degree programs among poor households and support college graduates’ entry to labor markets through placement assis-

tance,” she added.

The Davao Region currently has 2,028 college scholars in eight state colleges/ universities, which include the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) in its Mabini, Tagum, Obrero and Mintal campuses; Davao Oriental State College for Science and Technology (DOSCST) in Mati City; Davao del Norte State College Panabo (DNSC) in Panabo City; Southern Philippines Agri-Business, Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) in its Digos and Malita campuses.

(DSWD)

to facilitate LRP applications based on their transaction volume. The NCR Operations Group, for instance, has designated 43 branches to render services for LRP availment namely in Cubao, Deparo, Diliman, Fairview, Kalookan, Malabon, Navotas, Novaliches, Paso de Blas, San Francisco del Monte, Valenzuela, Antipolo, Cainta, Mandaluyong, Mandaluyong-Shaw, Marikina, Marikina-Malanday, Pasig Pioneer, Pasig Rosario, Pasig-Rotunda, San Juan, San Mateo, Tanay, Binondo, Legarda, Manila, Pasay-Roxas Boulevard, Pasay-Taft, Recto, Sta. Mesa, Tondo, Welcome, Alabang, Alabang-Zapote, Las Piñas, Makati-Ayala, Makati-Gil Puyat, Makati-Guadalupe, Makati-J.P. Rizal, Parañaque, Parañaque-Tambo, Taguig and Taguig-Gate 3.

Meanwhile, 31 branches in Luzon namely in La Union, Cauayan- Isabela, Tuguegarao, Balanga, Dagupan, Tarlac, Angeles, Baliuag, Malolos, Meycauayan, Olongapo, Pampanga, San Jose del Monte, Sta. Maria, Bacoor, Biñan, Calamba, Dasmariñas, Lucena, Rosario (EPZA), San Pablo, Batangas, Boac, Calapan, Lemery, Lipa, Odiongan, Puerto Princessa, San Jose Occidental Mindoro, Iriga and Legaspi will also

provide special services in the whole month of September.

Branches located in Central and Western Visayas namely SSS Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Tagbilaran, Talisay, Ormoc, Tacloban, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Kabankalan, Victorias, Kalibo, Iloilo-Central, and Roxas are also assigned to process LRP applications in all Saturdays of September.

SSS Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, CDO-Lapasan, Gingoog, Iligan, Ozamis, Valencia, Bislig, Davao, Davao-Ilustre, Digos, Panabo, Tagum, Toril, General Santos City, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Dipolog, Ipil, Pagadian and Zamboanga branches in Mindanao will also participate in extending servicing hours for LRP availment.

Members who are residing or working overseas can also visit the nearest SSS foreign offices for LRP availment. “Foreign offices shall put up a special lane to accept and process members’ applications as well as to answer their inquiries related to posting of LRP repayments,” Ocay added.

The 21 SSS foreign offices are located in Brunei Darrusalam, Hongkong, Kaoshiung, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taipei, Taiwan, London, UK, Milan and Rome in Italy,

Abu Dhabi and Dubai in UAE, Al Khobar, Jeddah, and Riyadh in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, San Francisco, California and Toronto, Canada.

“Members should bring all the requirements such as identification cards, duly accomplished application form, and affidavit of residency to ensure the smooth processing of applications. These forms are downloadable from our website,” Ocay said.

Meanwhile, Ocay also reminded those who have already availed of their LRP to be diligent in their payments whether they are in full or installment. “LRP has a conditional waiver of penalties. Penalties shall only be condoned after full payment of LRP balance. If a borrower becomes past due again under restructuring, the penalty will not be condoned. ” he explained out.

In related news, SSS is celebrating its 59th founding anniversary with the theme “SSS at 59: Kaagapay at Kabalikat sa Pagbabago.” The pension fund emphasizes its continuing reforms to further improve its operations and service delivery to all members and beneficiaries.

SSS to accept LRP applications on Saturdays of Sept

A

S part of its 59th Anniversary celebration, the Social Security System (SSS) shall open 109 branches on all Saturdays of September to accept Loan Restructuring Program applications from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm starting on Sept. 3.

“We understand that most of our members cannot visit the SSS offices during weekdays given their working schedule so in celebration of our anniversary month, 109 branches will be open on all Saturdays of September to accept LRP applications,” SSS Assistant Vice President for Member Loans Department Boobie Angela A. Ocay said.

LRP is open to members with past due loans for at least six months as of April 28, 2016 when the program was launched. Qualified applicants are those who reside or work in a calamity area as declared by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) or the national government. Under the LRP, penalties are condoned as soon as the outstanding principal and interest of the loan is paid.

A total of 54 small, 36 medium, and 19 large SSS branches nationwide were selected

F SSS, 10

12 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

The looming great thirst Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(First of Two Parts) “Whiskey’s for drinkin’. But water is for fightin’ over.” – Mark Twain

T

HERE is this joke among Filipinos who have transferred their residence in the United States.

You know it’s a Filipino house because you will find a big pail filled with water in their bathrooms. The reason: they were used to have them when they were still living in the Philippines.

That’s what Armando A. Mortejo, a college professor in Davao City, is doing. Before he goes to sleep at night, he sees to it that the huge bucket in his bathroom has water. “Otherwise, I will go to school without taking a bath,” he says.

In fact, there was a time when he was washing his clothes that the water stopped running from his faucet. “I was supposed to attend a birthday party that afternoon but I didn’t go since I wasn’t able to finish washing my clothes,” he admits.

Water is one of the great necessities of life. Ideally, a person should have at least 50 liters of water each day to meet

***

basic needs – for drinking, food preparation, cooking and cleaning up, washing and personal hygiene, laundry, house cleaning.

Davao City, the home residence of the current president, Rodrigo R. Duterte, may not experiencing a water crisis yet.

But if there is no alternative source of water for its residents to be identified, it may undergo the same thing that is happening in big cities like Manila and Cebu.

Davao is the third largest urban area in the country. In 2012, it has a population of 1.52 million. It is predicted that by 2030, the population will swell to 2.5 million. With population growing at a fast pace, demands for water could double in 50 years. By that time, the underground reservoir – located mostly in the Dumoy area where 200,000 gallons per minute are pumped out – may be depleted.

“Davao City will soon be running short of supply of potable water if the Davao City

Water District won’t be able to find a new source in the next three years as the demand continue to increase due to rapid growth in population,” wrote reporter Cheneen R. Capon when she was still with EDGE Davao.

Every month, the number of new customers increased an average of 2,000, according to Atty. Bernardo Delima, Jr, the DCWD official spokesperson.

“Water demand in the city is expected to reach 117 million cubic meters three years for

now, higher than the current annual 112 million cubic meters requirement of the city,” Capon wrote.

As early as 2012, the DCWD already sounded the alarm. “Davao City cannot rely solely on underground sources as the danger of salination is real,” said an official at that time.

“By means of water,” says the Koran, “we give life to everything.” But the life-giving fresh water is soon to dry.

“Water, water everywhere,”

wrote Samuel Taylor Coleridge in “The Time of the Ancient Mariner,” “but not a drop to drink.”

Today, the world is at a critical over water. Water supplies and water-dependent resources are declining as the world’s population continues to increase. Demands for water in many areas exceed supplies.

“There is no water one earth now than there was 2,0000 years ago,” notes the US National Wildlife Federation,

which has been working for years to protect water resources not only in the United States but throughout the world.

“This limited supply of freshwater must meet the needs of a human population that has tripled in the last century and continues to grow at almost 80 million people per year.”

Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, an Austrian businessman, thinks so, too. “Water is a far more pressing problem that climate change. Even if climate wouldn’t change, we have a water problem and this water problem is much more urgent,” he points out.

The Philippines may be surrounded with large bodies of water but it is already experiencing water crisis. The problem will be more severe in the coming years. The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) warned early this year that in a decades’ time, key cities in the country will face “drought in water supply” unless “immediate measures in improving water security are put in place.”

“Metro Manila along with several key cities in the country including Angeles, Bagu-

F ENVIRONMENT, 10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

NEWS 13

3 ‘shabu’ pushers nabbed in GenSan, Koronadal Water... FROM 11

P

OLICE operatives arrested three suspected illegal drug pushers in separate buy-bust operations in the cities of General Santos and Koronadal on Monday.

The suspects, who were included in the area’s drug watchlist, were nabbed after weeks of surveillance operations.

Chief Insp. Oliver Pauya, head of the city anti-illegal drug special operations task group, said Tuesday they arrested suspect Princess Garcia in a buybust at a bakeshop located at the public market of Barangay Lagao on Monday afternoon.

He said the suspect initially sold a sachet of suspected shabu to one of their “assets” who posed as a buyer.

In a subsequent search, he said they found two more plastic sachets containing suspected shabu hidden inside her socks.

Pauya said Garcia is a known shabu pusher in Barangay Lagao and had been claiming to be a niece of a police official.

“We’ve been monitoring and tracking her down for some time already but she’s quite slippery.

So, this time we used somebody she knew and finally got her,” he told reporters.

The police official said they also arrested suspect Richie Bombales alias “Nognog” in another entrapment operation along the Rajah Muda highway in Barangay Bula on Monday night.

He said Bombales was

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late DOMINADOR FIEL CARILLO who died on June 19, 2015 in Davao City has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.51; Page No.11; Book No. I; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC IZABEL F. SERIÑA. 9/1,8,15

nabbed after selling a sachet of suspected shabu worth P200 to a police officer who posed as a buyer.

Pauya said they recovered from the suspect’s possession one small sachet and another large pack of shabu worth around P9,000.

He said the suspect was included in the top 10 of the Bula police station’s drug watchlist and is allegedly linked to an illegal drug syndicate operating in the area.

Bombales’ mother and another sibling are currently in jail for drug-related violations, he said.

In Koronadal City, anti-drug operatives arrested an alleged “big time” drug pusher identi-

fied as Nono Feca in a buy-bust operation Monday afternoon.

Supt. Barney Condes, Koronadal City police chief, said the suspect was nabbed near his house in Purok Leganes in Barangay Zone I. Seized from Feca were two sachets of suspected shabu and a P500 marked bill used in the buy-bust.

Condes said the suspect was included in the city’s police’s drug watchlist and earlier subjected to extensive surveillance.

The three suspects would be charged for violation of sections 5 and 11 or possession and selling of dangerous drugs as provided for in Article II of Republic Act (RA) 9165 of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.(PNA)

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FE OCAÑADA CARILLO who died on October 17, 2015 in Davao City has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.92; Page No.19; Book No. I; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC IZABEL F. SERIÑA. 9/1,8,15

slawa Village, Orange Grove Hotel, Mt. Carmel, Dumanlas and San Vicente; Poblacion: Bankerohan Public Market, Datu Bago St., Quirino Extn., Don Isidro Village, San Pedro Extn., Malvar St., Lopez Jaena St., Jose Abad Santos St., Toms Alley, Arellano St., Pag-asa St., V. Mapa St., Mabini St., Pedro Taverra St., Oriental St., Araullo St., Mt. Apo St., Avanceña St., portion of E. Jacinto Extn., Villamor St., Davao Doctor’s Hospital, Davao Doctor’s College, University of Immaculate Conception, Sampaguita Tourist Inn, Tower Inn Hotel, Mt. Apo Medical Clinic, Green Meadows Hotel, portion of F. Torres St. and Davao City National High School; J.P. Laurel Avenue: (from Durian Hotel to Davao-Agusan Road) and immediate environs; Agdao: portion of Cabaguio Road (from DECO Machine Shop to J.P. Laurel Avenue), RGA Village, Cory Aquamarine, Sarphil Subd., Park View Avenue, SOS Village, YCF Village and Freedom Settlers Village; Angliongto/Mamay Road: Hillside Subd., Belisario Village, Diamond Village, Liceralde Village, JLA Subd., St. Anthony Village, Mamay Village, Roseville Subd., Victoria Heights, Vincent Heights, Leah Subd., Damosa, Grand Regal Hotel, Ramos Village and Villa De Davao Subd.; and portions of Lanang, Pampanga and Sasa: Davao-Agusan Road (from Lanang to Philippine Ports Authority).

DCWD needs to install isolation valves at Dumoy WSS production well no.’s 28, 29 and 34 for preventive main-

tenance purposes which will also result to the temporary shut-off of production well no.’s 13, 15, 31, 35 and Tugbok 7 under same water supply system, thus the first set of water service interruption.

Second set of water service interruption will be from 8:00 PM of September 3, 2016 until 2:00 AM of September 4, 2016 affecting entire Susana Homes in Baliok and immediate environs. This water service interruption will give way to installation of gate valves and bypass pipe for the proposed District Metered Area in the said affected area which will help reduce non-revenue water.

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

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

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

Pinoy attitude towards fuel efficiency W

HEN it comes to buying a new car, more than 80 percent of Filipino consumers say that fuel efficiency is more important than power.

That is just one conclusion of a survey of more than 9,500 drivers in 11 market sacross the Asia Pacific region conducted on behalf of Ford Motor Company in June 2016.

When asked the reasons for prioritizing fuel efficiency, 87 percent of respondents from the Philippines cited the need to save money. Other top reasons included concern about high fuel prices (64 percent) and an interest in being more environmentally friendly (61 percent).

In fact, fuel efficiency is such a major factor that more than one-third (36 percent) of drivers who currently own a powerful car say that they regret not purchasing a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

“We conducted this survey to learn more about what consumers’ attitudes are towards fuel efficiency when they are shopping for a new car,” said Kevin Tallio, chief engineer, Engine Engineering, Ford Asia Pacific. “Fuel efficiency remains one of the top concerns. Drivers continue to be sensitive to fuel costs, no matter what the price is at the pump.”

The survey revealed that the need to save money was

also reflected in fuel-purchasing habits.

Many Filipinos said they already apply tactics to save at the pump such as waiting for lower fuel prices to top up (52 percent). Forty five percent say that they only go to fuel stations where they get points for filling up, and 20 percent say that they use fuel comparison apps to find the cheapest rate in town. Only 39 percent say that they fill up whenever, regardless of price.

Drivers are starting to change their driving behaviors too. More than 39 percent of consumers are planning on taking more public transport over the next 12 months, and 37 percent say they will change their driving habits to use less fuel.

These thrifty behaviors extend to what Filipinos would do if they could save even more on fuel. Four in five respondents said that if they saved 20 percent on fuel every month, they would put the extra money towards their savings. Another 61 percent say that they would put the money towards their family.

This all coincides with a general wariness about the Philippines’ fuel prices. More than half (58 percent) of respondents say they don’t trust fuel prices to stay stable over the next year.

But while Filipinos are eager to protect themselves from

the sting of the pump, surprisingly many are unaware of longer-term strategies for saving money: More than half (55 percent) of those surveyed admit that they do not consider the total cost of ownership – fuel and vehicle maintenance – when shopping for a new car Only 40 percent say that they would invest more money at the time of purchase on a more efficient engine in order to save money on future fuel costs However, there may be signs that behaviors are changing. Many consumers who are planning to buy a new car in the next year are considering more fuel-efficient vehicles: Sixty six percent plan to buy a vehicle with a more fuel efficient engine Nineteen percent plan to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle Eighteen percent plan to downsize to a smaller vehicle Their choice is also made difficult by the fact that Filipinos also value performance.

More than three quarters (78 percent) of all respondents say they consider performance as a factor when buying a new car.

Suburban residents disproportionately said that they were motivated by performance (79 percent vs. 63 percent of rural residents).

“Filipinos are very practical consumers, and getting much

more sophisticated in their purchase behaviors,” said Lance Mosley, managing director, Ford Philippines. “They expect their vehicles to be fuel efficient enough to deal with the country’s traffic congestion, but also powerful enough to fit their respective lifestyles.”

It was exactly this need to offer the combination of fuel economy and power that drove Ford to develop the EcoBoost family of engines.

Since 2009, EcoBoost engines have been showered with awards, in fact the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine was voted best in class at the 2016 International Engine of the Year Awards for the fifth year in a row. EcoBoost technology can now be found under the hoods of more than 20 Ford nameplates around the world – from the feisty Fiesta to the iconic Mustang.

“EcoBoost gives drivers mileage when they need it and power when they want it,” said Tallio. “When driven efficiently, EcoBoost technology has the capability to help save on fuel, save you money in the long run and reduce CO2 emissions.

And when that extra ‘oomph’ is needed, it provides effortless performance.”

To see how the Ford EcoBoost engines stacked up against the other makes, check out the Petron Department of Energy Euro-4 Fuel Economy Run.

al connection with women, as they help to make car shopping less intimidating for them.”

Now in its 16th year, the study examines six factors that contribute to overall customer satisfaction with the new-vehicle purchase experience. In order of importance, they are sales initiation (20 percent); delivery process (18 percent); delivery timing (18 percent); salesperson (17 percent); dealer facility (15 percent); and deal (12 percent).

Overall satisfaction with the sales and delivery process is 758 in 2016. Satisfaction improves in sales initiation and delivery process—essentially due to significant improvements made by dealers in reducing the greeting and vehicle handover times— but decreases in each of the other factors.

Following are additional key findings of the study: Dealer Website Usage Increases Dramatically: More than half (58 percent) of all new-vehicle buyers used the Internet to shop for their vehicle. Among them, 69 percent visited their dealer’s website, a 32 percentage point increase from 2015.

In contrast, fewer customers have visited vehicle manufacturers’ official websites year over year (42 percent vs. 48 percent, respectively). The information

most often sought by buyers is vehicle price (69 percent); vehicle features and accessories (43 percent); and dealer information (34 percent).

Test Drives at Purchase Dealer Increase Significantly: The proportion of customers who took a test drive at their purchase dealer has increased to 64 percent in 2016 from 42 percent in 2015. However, the test drive is failing to impress customers, as only 7 percent of customers are delighted (providing a rating of 10 on a 10-point scale) with their experience in 2016, down from 19 percent in 2015.

Customers Are Getting Better Deals, but Paperwork Problems Lower Satisfaction: More shoppers are negotiating their vehicle price, up to 92 percent in 2016 from 77 percent last year. Furthermore, 81 percent of them were successful in getting a cash discount. Additionally, the proportion of customers taking a car loan has increased to 84 percent from 76 percent year over year, further compounding the amount of paperwork involved and leading to lower satisfaction with the timeliness of completing the final paperwork process.

Satisfied Customers Are More Loyal and Provide More Recommendations: Among highly satisfied customers (overall satisfaction scores of 834 and higher), 44 percent say they “definitely would” purchase the same brand of vehicle and 51 percent say they “definitely would” recommend the brand to family and friends. In contrast, among customers who are highly dissatisfied (scores of 708 and lower), only 21 percent say they “definitely would” repurchase the same brand and only 34 percent say they “definitely would” recommend the brand to others.

Toyota PH tops JD Power Sales Satisfaction Index

A

FTER releasing the results of its Customer Service Index or CSI study last July, JD Power is now releasing the results of the Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) study. And among the 11 mass market brands in the industry, Toyota ranks the highest in new-vehicle sales satisfaction.

This marks the third year that Toyota has topped the survey.

Meanwhile, Isuzu ranks second and Kia third (the full results are available below).

The 2016 Philippines Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study is based on responses from 1,679 new-vehicle owners who purchased their vehicles from August 2015 through April 2016.

The study was fielded from February through June 2016.

The study finds that the proportion of women buying new vehicles has steadily increased in recent years to 45 percent in 2016 from 31 percent in 2013. While overall satisfaction among men and women is nearly the same, trends for women are on the decline (758 on a 1,000-point scale in 2016, down 7 points from 2015) while those for men are going the other direction (757 in 2016, up from 752). This should be a concern for automakers and dealerships, as more and more women are purchasing new vehicles.

The study also finds significant differences in the shopping behavior between women and men. Women rely more on recommendations from friends, relatives, and other owners of the same make, while men tend to spend more time on the Internet researching performance features and technical specifications. Additionally, only 7 percent of women visit a dealership alone—the others are accompanied by a friend or family mem-

ber—compared with 21 percent of men.

However, what is similar between the two genders is that the majority of both women (91 percent) and men (88 percent) say they knew the exact car model or make they wanted to purchase prior to visiting the dealership.

“As more women are buying cars in the Philippines, dealers have to understand that what may appeal to men in the shopping process may not resonate with women,” said Loïc Péan, senior manager at JD Power.

“Satisfaction is critical since willingness to recommend and repurchase is more than double for customers who are highly satisfied.”

Further, the study finds that female salespeople are more effective in engaging with female customers, as they exhibit more empathy and concern for their needs. Satisfaction is higher among women who are served by female staff than among women served by male staff (777 vs. 754, respectively).

“The problem at dealerships is that there are too few female employees on the showrooms to cope with the increasing number of female shoppers,” said Sigfred Doloroso, country manager at JD Power. “Female salespeople have the edge in making the emotion-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

Diaz gets house and lot from PSC H

IDILYN Diaz was formally awarded the title to a new house and lot from Deca Homes as part of her incentives for winning a historic silver medal in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics.

The incentive was finalized after a memorandum of agreement between the Philippine Sports Commission and Deca Homes’ holding company 8990 Holdings was formally signed on Wednesday.

The property worth P450,000 is located in Clark, with the location to be chosen

by Diaz.

The MOA was signed by PSC chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez and 8990 Holdings president and chief executive officer JJ Atencio. Also present during the signing were Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco and Joey Romas-

anta, chief of mission of the Philippine delegation to the Rio Games.

“We believe that sports development is an important thing. I always remember my mom who said that, ‘I will give you all the support in sports because in sports, you are too busy to do drugs,’” said Atencio in a press conference on Tuesday at the PSC office.

Diaz thanked Deca Homes, saying their gesture will help boost the morale of other national athletes.

“Itong ginawa ninyo, pinapakita niyo na rine-recognize niyo ‘yung ginawa ko. Pinapa-inspire ninyo ‘yung ibang atleta na makamit din sila ng medal sa Olympics,” said Diaz.

Aside from the house and lot, Diaz got P5 million from the government by virtue of Republic Act 10699 or the Sports Benefits and Incentives

HOUSE AND LOT. Rio Olympic Games silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz receives the symbolic key to her new house and lot as incentive from the government thru the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). The turnover was presideed by

PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and POC president Pepig Cojuangco.

Witnessing the turnover are PSC commissioners Mon Fernandez, Charles Maxey, Arnold Agustin and Cecil Kiram, and chef de mission Joey Romasanta.

Act for ending the country’s 20-year medal drought in the quadrennial showpiece.

quiao threw in an unspecified amount. Members of Congress also pooled a cash reward

amounting to P1.4M for the 26-year-old weightlifter from Zamboanga City.

NDY Murray got off to an easy start at the US Open in his attempt to become the fourth man in the Open era to reach all four Grand Slam finals in a single season.

The 2012 champion at Flushing Meadows and seeded No. 2 this year, Murray beat Lukas Rosol, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manial time) to get to the second round.

Murray lost to No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the finals of the Australian Open in January and French Open in June, and then won his second Wimbledon title last month.

Only Djokovic (last season), Roger Federer (2004, 2006 and 2007) and Rod Laver (1969, when he completed a calendar-year Grand Slam) have been to a season’s

four major title matches since the professional era began in 1968.

Murray has won 23 of his past 24 matches, including an unprecedented second consecutive Olympic singles gold medal at the Rio Games this month.

American teen Jared Donaldson has upset 12th-seeded David Goffin for his first career win over a top-30 player.

The 19-year-old qualifier won, 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-0, in the first round of the US Open for his first victory at a major.

He had lost in straight sets in his two previous Grand Slam matches, both at Flushing Meadows. Donaldson is ranked a career-best 122nd.

Goffin reached his first major quarterfinal at this year’s French Open.

his particular category.

He qualified to the Rio Paralympics after winning two gold medals in record-breaking fashion and a silver in last year’s Asean Para Games in Singapore.

Gawilan recently concluded his year-long training under the watchful eyes of coaches Antonio Ong and Ral Rosario.

He said everything was doing well until he was downed by fever and was out of the pool for two weeks.

“Medyo kadtong niaging bulan sir nagkasakit ko pero naka balik rako tungod sa pagsalig nako sa Ginoo dili nako ni kaya kung ako ra isa sa Ginoo rako nagsalig (Last month I got sick, sir, but I was able to get back because of my faith in God. Without Him I cannot make it, I trust everything in Him.),” he said.

He was close to his personal best clocking when illness struck.

“Medyo naka dikit rako sa best time nako sir dili na bad

time kay naka dikit dikit man pud (I came close to my best time. Not that bad really.),” he said.

In Rio, the Speedo-backed Gawilan is setting his sights on making it to the finals. “Paningkamotan nako sir na maka tungtung sa finals (I will try hard to make it to the finals.),” he added.

He will see action beginning on September 8 for the 400-m freestyle.

Gawilan said he has not met with President Duterte but wished he would before leaving for Rio. However, if it doesn not happen, he vowed to dedicate his performance to his fellow Dabawenyo.

He also cited the reinvigorated support of the government to athletes with disabilities like him.

“Maganda na ang suporta sa amin (We are getting better support now.),” said Gawilan who also acknowledged the support of vitamin supplement Herbalife to the entire delegation.

President Duterte later added another P2 million while Senator Manny Pac-

Pagunsan trails Korean in Splendido A S

EOK JUN Min of Korea birdied the 18th for a 66 and a one-stroke lead over Rey Pagunsan in the first round of the ICTSI Splendido Classic on Wednesday in Tagaytay.

Michael Bibat was in third after firing a 68 at Splendido Taal Golf Club.

Pagunsan highlighted his round with eagled on par-5 No. 2 and went on a shootout with Seok, who took control on the

closing hole.

Tony Lascuña fired a 69 for a share of fourth with Jhonnel Ababa and Micah Shin of the US. Jay Bayron, back-to-back winner at Wck Wack and Riviera Classic, carded a 70 to join brother Rufino Bayron and Mhark Fernando in joint seventh.

Clyde Mondilla winner at Mt. Malarayat last week, had a 74 for joint 24th with Orlan

Sumcad and Marvin Dumandan, eight strokes off the pace.

Bibat got to six under with a four-foot birdie putt on No. 16, but he dumped his tee shot into the bunker on the par-3 17th and wound up with a double-bogey and slid to third.

“I’ve been playing solid until I got a bad break in the bunker on the 17th,” rued Bibat, who missed an eagle putt from six feet on No. 10.

Cassius Casas, John Rey

Pactolerin and Aussie Peter Stojanovski all carded 71s while Jobim Carlos, Keanu Jahns, Jun Bernis, Erwin Arcillas and Mars Pucay matched par 72s for a share of 13th in the P2 million event sponsored

by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and backed by Custom Clubmakers, adidas, KZG, Summit Mineral Water, Srixon, Pacsports, TaylorMade, Sharp and Champion.

Duterte even bantered about the Tornadoes passing for Philippine representatives for a beauty pageant due to their height and charm.

He also asked Menta about his coaching record. And when the 54-year old Italian answered he’s been coaching for more than 20 years, he said: “Oh good, I know we will win.”

It was the second time for President Duterte to shake hands with members of a national sporting delegation after opening the palace’s doors to athletes, coaches and officials headed to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics last month.

It, however, was his first time to mingle with volleyball

players from the Superliga.

“Sports is my passion because it takes the youth away from (doing) drugs,” he told the Tornadoes during their brief meeting. “I will try to watch your games if I have time. All I can say now is (wish you) good luck and mabuhay kayo!”

Aside from Usher, Stalzer and Menta, also present were Jovelyn Gonzaga, Maika Ortiz, Rhea Dimaculangan, Jen Reyes, Ivy Perez, Patty Orendain, Carol Cerveza, Angeli Araneta and Jaja Santiago, who will skipper the squad that aims to come up with a semifinal finish.

Team owner Rommel Sytin was also there as well as team manager Joma Angulo.

The Tornadoes will be opening their campaign against Pocari Sweat of Hong Kong on Saturday followed by Thongtin Lienvietpost Bank of Vietnam on Sunday.

Other teams seeing action are NEC Red Rockets of Japan, Bangkok Glass of Thailand, Altay VC of Kazakhstan, Sarmayeh Bank of Iran, Jakarta Elektrik of Indonesia, Taichung Bank of Chinese Taipei, Ba’yi Shenzheng of China, Malaysia and 4.25 Sports Club of North Korea.

The country’s hosting of the event was made possible

by PSL President Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara and league chairman Philip Ella Juico.

Foton Pilipinas gets PRRD support

F

OTON Pilipinas got the thumbs up from President Duterte on Tuesday night during the team’s courtesy call in Malacanang ahead of its campaign in the AVC (Asian Volleyball Confederation) Asian Women’s Club Championship set from September 3 to 11 at the Alonte Sports Center in Binan City.

Led by Philippine Superliga American imports Ariel Usher and Lindsay Stalzer as well as Italian mentor Fabio Menta, the Tornadoes came in full force to apprise the President of the tough battle the Philippine representatives face against the best club teams in Asia.

During the light discussion,

WITH THE PRESIDENT. Foton Pilipinas players with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Murray off to solid start in US Open

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16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 135 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

Dabawenyo Paralympic swimmer Ernie Gawilan leaves with high hopes to Rio

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

I

njb@edgedavao.net

F LIFE’S battle scars were tattooes, Ernie Gawilan will have been the most inked man alive.

Ernie is far from being detached to his sad past, his misfortunes have been his motivation to dream big from being an orphan to becoming an Olympian.

Today, Ernie leaves with four other paralympic athletes

forming part of a sall Philippine delegation to the Rio Paralympic Games, the equivalent of the Olympics for athletes with disabilities.

Joining Ernie, who will compete in swimming, are Josephine Medina (Table Tennis), Adeline Dumapong Ancheta (Power Lifting), Agustine Kitan (Power Lifting), and Jerrold Pete Manglinaw (Athlet-

ics).

The lean delegation will continue the country’s fruitless hunt for a gold medal in the quadrennal games.

“Excited nga kulba sir kay mao na ni akong pinaka dako na competition sa tibuok dula nako maong all out na ni kay tsamba ra kaayo makasulod sa paralympic (I am excited and nervous, sir, because this is my

biggest competition ever. I will give it my all because it is not easy to get here.),” Gawilan told this writer in private chat yesterday.

Gawilan, born with underdeveloped extremities in the hinterlands of Paquibato, will compete in the 400-meter freestyle,100-meter freestyle and 100-meter backstroke in

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