Edge Davao 9 Issue 148

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

FREE AT LAST. President Rodrigo R. Duterte greets Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad (L) during their meeting in Davao City on Sunday evening, after Sekkingstad was freed by his Abu Sayyaf captors in Jolo, on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

6 MORE MONTHS AGAINST NARCO Prominent in Rody’s latest list are barangay captains

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

A

adlopez0920@gmail.com

DMITTING that he never expected hundreds of thousands of Filipinos to be involved in the illegal drug trade, President Duterte said the government will need six more months to combat the illegal drug menace that has continued to plague the country for years.

And Filipinos, through social media and informal opinion surveys conducted by radio networks Yesterday appeared to be in approval of the extension asked by

the President.

Speaking before reporters during the presentation of released kidnap victim Kjartan Sekkingstad last Sunday, Sept. 18, at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City, President Duterte said the drug problem has worsened over time, as people in government – particularly elected officials – are themselves involved in the illicit trade.

“So it will be government versus government,” the President said.

He noted that the nation has been rocked with various peace and security related problems, such as kidnappings in the South, terrorism attacks, and now, the illegal drug trade, which are all pulling the country down.

“I can say that we would need time to put everything in order,” he pointed out, reiterating he did not realize how serious the illegal drugs problem was until he became President.

It can be recalled that during

his presidential campaign, President Duterte gave a self-imposed timeline to eliminate the scourge of illegal drugs, criminality and corruption in government within a span of three to six months.

Since he assumed the presidency, the national government’s efforts to weed out the illegal drug problem have started to achieve results.

Through the nationwide implementation of the Philippine

F 6 MORE, 10

Charmed

by Camiguin: Mantigue Island A1

EDGEDAVAO Sports

Iran rules FIBA Asia Challenge P15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

NO EXEMPTIONS. A security personnel of San Pedro Cathedral inspects the bags of church-goers before they were allowed to enter the premises of the church on Sunday. Lean Daval Jr.

30 witnesses set to testify in narco trade House probe

A

TOTAL of 30 witnesses and resource persons including a former officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) will appear Tuesday before the Congressional panel investigating the alleged involvement of Senator Leila De Lima in the illegal drugs trade at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aquirre II in a press conference Monday said former BuCor officer in charge Rafael Z. Ragos, who was appointed by

former Justice Secretary De Lima from 2012- 2013, will be one of the resource persons.

Aguirre said that according to Ragos, during his time as BuCor Chief, he delivered collected money from the illegal drugs trade in NBP personally to De Lima. ”Si OIC Raffy Ragos na naging bureau director yan noong panahon ni Sec. De Lima magtetestify siya sa several instances na nagdeliver sya ng P5 million sa bahay ni Sec. De Lima, mismong si Sec De Lima ang nakareceive at

F 30 WITNESSES, 10

DFA: No Filipinos reported injured in New York blast

T

HE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said there were no Filipinos reported hurt so far in the New York City blast that injured at least 29 people.

DFA spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said based on the report made

by Philippine Consulate General in New York City Mario Lopez de Leon, no Filipinos were hurt in the attack.

“So far, wala naman but we are still coordinating wth authorities and our embassy officials for development.” Jose told reporters.

He said after the news about the explosion in Chelsea, New York broke out, the embassy immediately contacted the Filipino community in

Manhattan to inquire if their relatives or friends had been reported hurt in the blast.

He said there are more than 80,000 Filipinos living and working in New York City.

The spokesman said the New York City Police Department has yet to determine what type of explosive caused the blast.

Five suspects were reportedly collared by police who are now undergoing interrogation.

Police did not mention the nationalities of the arrested suspects.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said there were indications that the blast was “an intentional act,” but authorities have yet to find evidence that it was a terrorist attack. (PNA)

Dabawenyos to spearhead Peace Month observance

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

I

N line with the United Nations’ Peace Day Celebrations worldwide, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) has launched a week-long peace celebration in Davao City to prevent conflict and foster a culture of peace among Filipinos.

Guesting in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Davao at SM City Davao, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Communications Director Patricia Melizza Ruvivar said the theme of this year’s National Peace Con-

sciousness Month is “Tayo ang Pagbabago, Tayo ang Kapayapaan!”

According to Ruvivar, the ability to bring about sustainable peace in our country is already within the people’s reach.

She added the peace month is also a time to celebrate the milestones the country has achieved in the peace front, particularly the ongoing peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and he National Democratic Front (NDF).

The peace panels of both groups, Ruvivar said, will be hammering out the guidelines for a bilateral ceasefire in the next two months.

Meanwhile, Atty. Angela Librado-Trinidad who also guested in the same press conference, explained the interim bilateral ceasefire is necessary to provide an “enabling environment” for the peace negotiations to move forward.

“The ceasefire agreement shall be deemed interim in relation to the outcomes of negotiations leading to a Compre-

hensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces,” Librado-Trinidad said.

For her part, Ruvivar said, “the government and the MILF couldn’t have achieved these if not for the support of our people and other stakeholders.

However, “we will continue to strengthen our peace constituency in order to sustain the gains of the peace process,” she added.

Ruvivar said the OPAPP, together with other stakeholders in the peace process, have

organization.

The draft mentioned a central Federal Government with five Regional State governments namely: Mindanaw to include Palawan (MINSUPALA), Visayas, Southern Luzon, Northern Luzon, and Metro Manila.

It also outlined the concurrent functions and powers of the states; the Bill of Duties and Obligations; and a proposal to change the name of the country to Maharlika or Luzviminda.

According to Atty. Parcasio, the draft is still under

review and would be posted online, and will be open to comments from the public.

“We know the value of participative democracy,” he said, citing the country’s experience during the Martial Law. Gavino explained how the federal system promotes regional representation, saying “Each region would have a representative to the Senate.”

He lamented how some areas in the country, like Mindanao, have not been properly represented in the Senate because senators are chosen nationwide.

“Most senators are from Manila or Luzon,” he added.

Regarding the economic benefits under a federal form of government, Bantayan said such benefits would, “cascade to the provincial level.”

Through the federal states, he said, employment would not be centered in imperial Manila but spread across the different regions.

“The locals don’t need to go to Manila anymore for employment,” Bantayan added, as regions will be developed based on the resources they

F DABAWENYOS, 10

Advocates bare draft of federal gov’t

By RIA VALDEZ

P

ROPONENTS of federalism presented yesterday key features of the proposed federal republic, which provides a bird’s eye view of what the Filipino people can expect under a federal form of government.

Guesting at yesterday’s Kapehan sa Davao press conference at SM Ecoland, Arch.

Florencio Gavino III, Atty. Randolph Parcasio, and Rogelio Bantayan presented a draft document of the said federal republic which was crafted by the Kilos Pederal sa Pagbabago (KPP), a non-government

F ADVOCATES, 10

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

Dabawenyos score high in optimism survey

By RIA VALDEZ

D

ABAWENYOS are optimists.

This was among the main findings of a survey conducted by the University of Mindanao - Institute of Popular Opinion (UM-IPO) which looked into the people of Davao’s level of optimism vis-à-vis the improvement of their quality of life.

In particular, the survey asked Dabawenyos how happy they were with regards to how the government was addressing key issues such drugs and crime, infrastructure development, and corruption in government.

During yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw press conference, Dr. Adrian Tamayo of the UM-IPO said the survey was conducted last Aug. 2, 2016, exactly a month before the Roxas Night Market bombing incident.

According to Tamayo, systematic sampling was used for the survey, which covered a total of 1,200 respondents covering Davao’s three congressional districts.

He explained that the

results of the survey are expected to differ if it was done soon after the bombing.

But Tamayo pointed out that even if the survey was held after the blast, he thinks it would still reflect the Dabawenyos’ fundamental psyche of optimism.

“The Roxas bombing struck a nerve to their optimism,” he said, noting that one of the main reasons of Davaoenos’ optimism is the progressive, peaceful and graft-free nature of development in the city.

Tamayo however said Davaoenos will soon be able to recover from the tragic incident, as the survey indicates that “insurgencies and Moro problems affect Mindanao as a whole than the spurious bombings.”

When asked if the UM IPO would conduct a comparative survey after the bombing incident, Tamayo answered in the affirmative, saying the institute conducts the survey regularly and has the needed manpower to carry it out.

GRATITUDE. Freed Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad expresses his appreciation to President Duterte and the people who helped in his release from the clutches of the Abu Sayyaf Islamist militant group, as Norway’s

ambassador to the Philippines Erik Forner (second right) and Presidential Peace Adviser Sec.Jesus Dureza (leftmost) listen. Lean Daval Jr.

Norwegian thanks PH soldiers reminded of Rody for release constitutional mandate P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday reminded anew the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of its Constitutional mandate to serve the people and secure the Republic.

During the Commander-in-Chief’s meeting with the Star Troopers of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division at Camp Melchor F. De la Cruz here, the President declared, “Do not allow our country to disintegrate,” referring to the problems on drugs, corruption, and criminality which has adversely affected the nation.

President Duterte de-

scribed the country’s situation like an airplane taking off on the runway but cannot rise, which is likened to the nation beset with problems, especially by the illegal drug trade.

In fighting the “war” on drugs, the Commander-in-Chief stressed: “I will protect you. I will not allow one policeman or one military to go to jail for doing his duty,” as he stressed that he was willing to go to jail for them.

Presidet Duterte called on the AFP to be well trained, to re-orient and re-invent themselves to be good intelligence

F PH, 13

Cites others for new freedom

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ adlopez0920@gmail.com

“Y

OU travails in life are over.”

This was the message of President Duterte to Kjartan Sekkingstad, 56, the Norwegian national who was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) last Sept. 21, 2015 at the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte, together with two Canadian nationals and a Filipina.

Sekkingstad was released at around 2 pm on Saturday,

Sept. 17 in Patikul, Sulu.

The Norwegian kidnap victim stayed for one night with the group of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari in Jolo, Sulu, before he was turned over to Secretary Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Sunday, Sept 18.

Sekkingstad was released together with three Indone-

sian nationals who were also kidnapped months ago by the ASG. Sekkingstad was presented by Sec. Dureza to President Duterte on Sunday evening during a press briefing at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City.

“I like to express [my] thank[s] to President Duterte, Secretary Dureza and Chairman Misuari and his finest men who released me yesterday afternoon. They got me

F NORWEGIAN, 10

PPRD supports peace efforts of BUC - Sueno

I

MEMORIAL. Workers assemble a metal structure which is part of a canopy to be put up at the blast site along Roxas Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

out of captivity,” Sekkingstad said in his message.

He also extended his appreciation to the Norwegian embassy, the Norwegian diplomatic team, his Filipino family, and relatives in Norway for the support given to him.

“I’m very happy to be alive and free. It’s a beautiful feeling,” Sekkingstad said.

President Duterte lauded the efforts of Secretary Dure-

NTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Mike Sueno relayed President Duterte’s willingness to revive the role of the Bishops-Ulama Conference in achieving peace in Mindanao.

Speaking before more than a hundred bishops and ulama from across Mindanao, Sueno said it is easier to promote the culture of understanding and peace if negotiations are done primarily by people from Mindanao.

Sueno noted that the previous peace process failed because people representing the government were not from Mindanao but led by people from Luzon0.

“Now that all representatives come from Mindanao, we understand each other

since the other side of the negotiating table is also from Mindanao,” he said.

Sueno said the president supports all efforts to bring peace in Mindanao.

He said the president agrees that there is a need to strengthen the role of the BUC in peace-building efforts.

Sueno also said the DILG supports the president’s campaign to eradicate the drug menace and all forms of criminality in the country beyond his six-month deadline.

The DILG secretary said he is considering getting the support of ordinary people through the masa-masid program, where the people can act as “crime watchers.”

“This concept was devel-

F PPRD, 10

EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

35 youths take part in Bangsamoro Program T T

HIRTY-FIVE youth leaders from Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao are participating in a series of learning experiences in key cities across the country this week.

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in partnership with the Eisenhower Fellows Association of the Philippines (EFAP) and the Ayala Foundation launched last week the Bangsamoro Young Leaders Program-Leadership Communities (BYLP-LeadCom) 2016 at the ARMM Compound in Cotabato City.

BYP-LeadCom is a yearlong leadership platform that aims to empower young leaders to respond to the chang-

ing demands of leadership in the context of health, education, livelihood, peace and security issues.

Governor Mujiv Hataman gave his full support to the young leaders who will eventually help their communities overcome challenges on issues on health, education, and community-level concerns.

“Don’t think that this program is in preparation for the world of politics because you might forget your families. I am hoping that this training with EFAP and Ayala Foundation will lead you to the right path.” Hataman said President and Member of the Board of Trustees of Ayala Foundation Incorporated, Ruel Maranan expressed his

TURN OVER. BSP National President Wendel E. Avisado turns over the Philippine Flag to Tagum Mayor Allan L. Rellon at the BSP National Office in Manila. Mayor Rellon will head the 27-man delegation of the Philippine

gratitude to the ARMM government.

“Our main concern is the youth. The support of the local government unit of the office of the regional governor is very much important. Since they are very open together with the rest of the ARMM agency to really invest in the youth, so we are just assisting in our own expertise in the areas that we could be of value,” Maranan said.

The selected young leaders went through a series of screenings, panel interviews and exams before they were chosen to be part of the said program.

One of the aspiring youth leaders is a graduate of Public Administration, Mus-Ab Adjinaser from the province

Zamboanga City sets mass rabies vaccination

of Marawi Lanao del Sur, who said his goal is to help his community.

“I hope that this program will create change in our community and as youth we can help in molding our society into a better one. I hope that Marawi City will soon overcome the issues especially on drugs and other crimes,” Adjinaser said The participants are expected to proceed to the next phase - project implementation - and they will be directly engaged in transforming their own communities, as they will use the opportunity to strengthen their newly acquired skills and knowledge as young leaders. (LTOBolongon/PBChangco/PIA-Cotabato City)

Contingent to the 5th ASEAN Jamboree slated from Sept. 15 to 20, 2016 in Tengku Muhammad Ismail Scout Camp in Malaysia. Edwin Lasquite/CIO Tagum

Tagum mayor heads PH delegation to 2016 ASEAN Jamboree

T

AGUM Mayor Allan L. Rellon will lead the 27-man delegation of the Philippines to the 5th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Jamboree to be held in Malaysia.

As the carrier of the Philippine flag, Mayor Rellon’s role will focus on leading the country’s contingent

to the annual scouting event which will gather thousands of Boy Scouts coming from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei Darrusalam, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines.

During the event, Mayor Rellon is set to submit Tagum City’s bid to host next year’s 3rd BIMP EAGA

International Scout Jamboree sometime in April 2017.

Boy Scouts of the Philippines National President Wendel E. Avisado officially turned over the Philippine flag to Mayor Allan L. Rellon and the Philippine Contingent last Sept. 13, 2016 at the BSP National Office in Manila.

Slated from Sept. 15-20

in Malaysia, the 5th ASEAN Jamboree will be held at Tengku Muhammad Ismail Scout Camp and is anchored on the theme “Cultural Diversity and Heritage.”

Mayor Rellon is currently the BSP’s vice president for Mindanao and is the council chairman of the BSP Tagum City Council.

(Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum)

UTONOMOUS Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM) has assured great cooperation between their offices, local government units and other authorities to make sure that infrastructure projects are efficiently implemented.

Just recently, DPWH-ARMM provided updates on the status of implementation of various infrastructure projects in the region.

DPWH-ARMM regional officials together with the

district engineers from the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi converged in Cotabato for the agency’s 23rd outbound staff meeting to present the status of project implementation, share positive experiences, and discuss discuss various challenges, issues and concerns.

DPWH Secretary Don Mustapha Loong admitted delays in the schedule in implementation of road infrastructure projects in Basilan and Sulu due to the ongoing military operations in some of the

provinces.

Loong assured close coordination between the district engineers, LGUs and security forces in so far as project implementation is concerned, citing the greater focus on eco-tourism development which will be carried out with the help of the Task Force and district engineers.

“As to tourism, district engineers have already identified investments sites. DPWH ARMM and district engineers are identifying tourist spots through close coordination with the LGUs” he said.

Way back from the year 1991-2011, he emphasized that roads were not yet concrete, making road access a major problem to faster movement of goods and produce to trading centers and markets in the communities.

He added the Hataman administration has prioritized road construction and concreting since 2012.

“Under the administration of Governor Mujiv Hataman for the past 5 years we see improvements in the construction of roads. Be-

HE Zamboanga City Rabies Eradication Control Coordinating Council (ZCRECCC) has passed a resolution directing the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet) and other agencies to conduct a mass rabies vaccination on Saturdays and Sundays.

This developed as rabies continues to pose a threat to pets and humans, according to the ZCRECCC. Dr. Mario Arriola, city veterinarian, said the mass rabies vaccination aims to address the low vaccination turnout during the first round of rabies vaccination

scheduled on weekdays from March 1 to Aug. 31, this year.

Arriola said the council likewise passed another resolution enjoining all barangay councils and barangay health workers to assist the OCVet in the campaign.

The schedule of rabies vaccination in the barangays is as follows: Sept. 17-18, Mampang; Oct. 1-2, Talon-Talon; Oct. 8-9, Tugbungan; Oct. 15-16, Tetuan; Oct. 22-23, Guiwan; Oct. 29-30, Putik; Nov. 5-6, Tumaga; Nov. 12-13, Sta. Maria; Nov. 19-20, Pasonanca; Nov. 26-27, Cabatangan; Dec. 3-4, San Roque; and Dec. 1011, Campo Islam. (PNA)

N a bid to increase awareness on organic agricultural practices, the provincial government of South Cotabato will launch next week a regular market day for organic farm products.

Emmanuel Jumilla, manager of the South Cotabato Productivity and Technology Center (Protech), said they will hold an “Organic Farmers’ Market Day” every Friday at the Protech Center compound in Koronadal City.

He said they have adopted the initiative as one of the regular year-round activities of the facility.

“This is in support of the provincial government’s efforts to promote more awareness on organic agriculture and healthy lifestyle,” he said.

Jumilla said his office initially allotted seven stalls at the Protech Center’s trade pavilion as display area for organic products during the market day.

He said they invited organic farming practitioners and producers from various parts of the province to join the weekly activity.

The featured products will include organic upland rice, vegetables, fruits, meat and processed farm products, he said.

“Consumers can expect a wide array of fresh farm produce to choose from during the market day,” he said.

If the activity will gain substantial support from local consumers, Jumilla said they will extend the market day to two days and eventually hold it on a daily basis.

He said the South Cotabato Economic and Investment Promotion Center has made initial plans and arrangements on such move.

The holding of the weekly market day for organic farmers in the province was earlier proposed by the South Cotabato Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

South Cotabato has a thriving organic agriculture industry and is among the major producers of organically-grown premium rice, specifically the “long grained and aromatic” black, brown and red varieties, that is exported by the region to various foreign markets. (PNA)

SouthCot to launch organic market day I

23 drug suspects killed in NorMin in 2 months

T DPWH-ARMM assures closer coordination with LGUs A F DPWH-ARMM, 10

WENTY three (23) illegal drug suspects were killed in Northern Mindanao since the police launched a nationwide anti-illegal drug drive two months ago, a police report said Friday.

Based on the data, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Cagayan De Oro each had six alleged drug suspects killed; two in Lanao Del Norte; one in Misamis Occidental and Iligan, from July to Sept. 15 of this year.

The 23rd alleged suspect was killed during a buy-bust operation in the village of Tablon in Cagayan De Oro City last Thursday.

Police Senior Supt. Ronnie Francis Cariaga, Cagayan De Oro City police chief, iden-

tified the suspect as Marter Coning.

Cariaga said based on official reports, Coning allegedly resisted arrest and attempted to attack a police officer who was pretending to be an illegal drug buyer.

During the buy-bust operation, authorities were able to corner Coning near a creek after he ran away from the raiding team.

Authorities recovered two caliber .38 revolvers, one improvised .22 caliber revolver, and sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu.”

Cariaga said Coning was among the suspected pushers in the area who was the subject of surveillance together with other suspects. (PNA)

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

DOLE opens 24/7 hotline for quick help to workers

T

O provide immediate response to all workers in crisis and emergency situations requiring urgent assistance and relief from unsafe, unhealthy, and unjust work conditions, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 recently launched its 24/7 Hotline Call Services to cater to workers in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.

DOLE-9 Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano said this effort is in line with DOLE Administrative Order No. 409 series of 2016 issued by Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, and consistent with President Rodrigo R. Dutertes’ directive to ensure timely delivery of services to the public.

The said AO # 409 directs all heads of DOLE’s attached agencies, regional offices and Philippine Overseas Labor Offices to set up 24/7 hotline services in their AOR. The hotline caters all work-related inquiries such as applicable wages and wage-re-

lated benefits like minimum wages, overtime pay, holiday pay including inquiries about claims of unpaid wages and benefits.

According to Gay Iris T.S. Tangcalagan, DOLE-9 information officer, the hotline will also extend its services to victims of illegal recruitment and trafficking-in-persons; separated workers claiming unpaid wages and benefits; workers engaged in temporary or atypical work arrangements and local overseas workers claiming social and health insurance benefits within the DOLE agencies’ jurisdiction.

Hotline numbers are the ff: DOLE Regional Office (09177244334); DOLE Zamboanga City (09177244339); DOLE Zamboanga Sibugay (09177244332); DOLE Zamboanga del Norte (09173003653); DOLE Zamboanga del Sur (09177244337); and DOLE Isabela City (09177244338).

(ALT/JPA/PIA9)

Use of solar rooftops pushed for Negrenses

G

REENPEACE Philippines, together with Climate Reality Project Philippines are urging Negrenses to use solar rooftops power their homes and offices.

A forum organized by the environmental groups in Bacolod City aimed to maximize the solar energy potential of Negros Island Region which is considered as the renewable energy capital of the country.

According to Greenpeace Philippines, Solar rooftops can create have a huge impact on households by lowering monthly electricity bills.

The growing availability of financial assistance for those who want to avail of solar installations is also a great opportunity to harness the power of the sun and break away from the country’s dependence on

fossil fuels, such as coal.

Reuben Muni, Climate and Energy Campaigner for Greenpeace Philippines, said that while NIR is already recognized as the country’s renewable energy capital, the region can still maximize its solar energy potential thru solar rooftop installations on homes and buildings.

“This will accelerate the country’s solar revolution, as more and more Negrenses will be able to enjoy the benefits of clean and renewable energy, in addition to the large solar power plants in the region,” Muni said.

NIR is host to several largescale solar power plants, including the 132-MW plant in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, considered as the biggest in Southeast Asia.

F USE, 13

DFA told: Promote ASEAN integration B

ACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia is seeking the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs in promoting the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Community 2015 integration across the country.

Leonardia said Bacolod must be aware of the impact of the said economic integration among local businesses, as well as on trade and industry, a statement from the City’s Information Office said.

“Bacolod City must align its development plans and goals with the opportunities and challenges that come with the ASEAN (Association

of Southeast Asian Nations) Community 2015, or the integration of the economies of Southeast Asia,” said Leonardia.

Leonardia added that Bacolod is the first local government unit (LGU) in the country to have asked assistance from the DFA with regard to the matter.

“We can no longer think of ourselves as simply a Philippine city, we must now think of Bacolod as a city of Southeast Asia, or even Asia, and align our goals with this,” Leonardia said.

Leonardia and City Ad-

F DFA, 13

BALANCING ACT. A lineman fixes a cable wire with his co-workers right at the center of Quimpo Blvd. in Davao City, unmindful of the risk of being hit by vehicles plying in the area. Lean Daval Jr.

DTI conducts consultations on PH European Strategy

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

I

N a bid to strengthen the Philippines’ Europe Strategy, the Department of Trade and Industry conducted a “One Country, One Voice” (OCOV) stakeholder consultation yesterday at the Seda Hotel, in Davao City.

Spearheaded by Bureau of International Trade Relations (BITR)-DTI XI, similar consultations were also held in Manila and Cebu.

The consultation aimed to solicit inputs on the on-going Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with the Europe-

an Union (EU), and provide a briefing on the Philippine-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) free trade agreement and the EU Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)-plus.

The meeting was participated in by 114 delegates from the business sector, civil society, and other concerned department agencies.

According to DTI XI Assistant Regional Director Edwin Banquerigo, two key issues were highlighted during the consultations.

First, there is a need to

ensure that the country’s industry and trade strategy helps trade negotiation remain rational, responsive to, and grounded on the needs of the stakeholders, Banquerigo said.

And secondly, government efforts must focus on ensuring that local enterprises can take advantage of opportunities in the European market, he added.

“The consultation should end up with one thing: to expand market presence and strengthen market foothold,”

stressed Banquerigo.

He added the event served as platform to generate information from exporters and provided a venue for the agency to present the range of Phillippine products that can be introduced in the international market.

Banquerigo likewise cited issues that must be addressed by concerned agencies in the region, which include current productivity levels, the export of raw materials, logistics support, and the challenges con-

trative Order No.15 in 2010.

With various livestock agencies of the government and selected State Universities and Colleges as program partners, the program sought to promote the conservation and utilization of domesticated native animals for food. BAR is a member of PNAD and is the lead coordinator for research and development (R&D).

To date, the bureau has coordinated and funded a total of

21 livestock and poultry related projects, all geared toward the generation of technologies on livestock production, management and post-production, closely collaborating with the various project proponents and farmers’ organizations.

The projects cover a range of efforts from strategy to refinement of techniques.

These include sourcing of baseline data for native pigs; formulation of proper feed-

ing rations for native animals; information on the existing native pig gene pool; breeding management and production; developing selected strains of native pigs; upgrading of organic and free-range native chickens; and development of processing technologies for meat and skins from selected native strains.

There is an existing niche market for native animal meat

budget, P300 million would be allotted for branding, which is a huge drop from the P1.1 billion in 2016.

DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo explained the department still has unused funds from this year’s allocation that can fill the budget gap next year.

“Our country has so much to offer--we have the world’s best islands--and I think we haven’t advanced Philippine tourism as much as we should

in order to attract the same number of foreign tourists, or even more, as our neighboring countries,” Angara said.

The senator lamented that while visitor arrivals in the country continue to rise, with a total of 5.36 million foreign visitors in 2015, this only accounted for 1.9 percent of the total international tourist arrivals in the Asia-Pacific region, based on the latest data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

The Philippines falls far behind its Southeast Asian neighbors such as Thailand which has recorded 29.9 million foreign visitors last year or 10.7 percent of the total Asia-Pacific region international tourist arrivals; Malaysia with 25.7 million foreign visitors (9.2 percent); Singapore with 12.1 million foreign visitors (4.3 percent); Indonesia with 10.4 million foreign visitors (3.7 percent); and, Vietnam with

F DTI, 13

Gov’t eyes sustainable dev’t of native animals

P

RIOR to the creation of the Philippine Native Animals Development (PNAD) Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) was already coordinating with the DA’s Livestock and Poultry Program in supporting and funding various R&D projects on native animals.

Eventually, the PNAD was created through DA Adminis-

F GOV’T, 10

Angara urges gov’t to make tourism a priority

S

ENATOR Sonny Angara wants the national government to prioritize the development of the country’s tourism industry which, is an effective way to create jobs for Filipinos.

Angara also joined calls to increase the nation’s tourism budget as the proposed allocation for the Department of Tourism (DOT) was reduced from the current year’s P3.6 billion to P2.4 billion for 2017.

Of the total P2.4-billion

F ANGARA, 10

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

NGCP gives safety DATE 2016 to bridge reminders to public I gap among agri players S your community located near transmission lines?

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines I (NGCP) has recently issued safety reminders to help public avoid electrocution, prevent accidents, and prepare them for power interruptions.

In a recently held power forum on priority projects being conducted by the NGCP, Engr.

Reynaldo Bontogon delivered a presentation on transmission line safety reminders.

According to Bontogon, the planting of trees such as bamboo, which could grow at least 4 meters high, underneath the transmission lines, tower or within the power facility’s Right-of-Way, must be avoided because it could affect the flow of electricity and can cause power interruptions.

“If in case that there are already existing trees and nearly touch the transmission lines, never cut the trees on your own, instead inform linesmen of NGCP or AKELCO and let them do the dangerous job as they are trained to do so,” Bontogon stressed.

Building houses or any structures under the transmission lines are strictly prohibited by the NGCP. NGCP urged children not to fly kites, play with slingshots, or climb transmission towers.

“Playing slingshots and hitting insulators by stones could create continuous sparks, which is very dangerous that could even kill our children,” Bontogon warned.

Drying clothes and putting flaglets near transmis-

sion structures should also be avoided, he added.

As people regularly pass through transmission lines in rural areas, the NGCP reminded the public that when doing so, they should not carry long sticks or objects such as bamboo, which could create contact with the power lines.

“Since the NGCP power lines carry high voltage power, which in the case here in Aklan – 69KV to 138 KV, without touching or with just a distance of one meter, the electricity could leap and everything could be an electricity conductor, whether a wood or metal,” explained Bontogon, adding that never underestimate the clearance.

Moreover, tying animals such as carabao or cow at the NGCP tower and putting poultry near to it, must likewise be avoided.

Burning under transmission structures is also strictly prohibited, as the smoke could ionize the transmission facilities, and could compromise the integrity of the structures.

The common mistake of residents is putting an antenna near or under the transmission lines.

“This should be avoided because the risk of being electrocuted is very high,” said Bontogon.

Bontogon also advised people to never park vehicles or heavy equipment near or under the transmission lines.

NGCP appealed to the public to dutifully observe the safety regulations and reminders so that accidents can be avoided. (SQP/PIA6 Aklan)

HROUGH a P47 billion investment, Smart Communications in undertaking a major expansion of its mobile internet coverage nationwide in the next three years that aims to bring highspeed internet service to a country that is known for its digital savvy citizens.

Based on figures obtained by the Asia Digital Marketing Association and the Internet World in 2015, the Philippines has over 44.2 million internet users, which placed it at second in Southeast Asia (SEA) and the sixth in the entire Asia with the most number of netizens.

But the country’s online population is expected to double this year.

According to InternetWorldStats, the Philippines’ mobile connections reached 114.6 million outranking its total population, as there are people possessing more than one smartphone.

Realizing that being virtually connected to the net has been a way of life for Filipinos, mobile phone and internet ser-

vice provider Smart Communications is taking advantage of this reality by investing millions and boosting its coverage of LTE (long term evolution) and 3G mobile data services.

However, its major expansion efforts will focus on boosting its LTE coverage, as it envisions its LTE network to achieve data speeds that are 10 times faster than the current 3G network.

Ramon Isberto, head of the Public Affairs Group of Smart, said the three-year network rollout plan will focus on accelerating its LTE deployment, which will be soon available to users in 1,551 cities and municipalities throughout the country by 2018, with a roughly 95 percent coverage.

“LTE is the cutting edge of mobile technology. It is fast, affordable and reliable as well as has better indoor penetration,” said Isberto in a briefing to Cebu’s press.

Isberto said Sun and Smart subscribers would maximize its synergy to make available the best coverage for its cus-

LTE network in Cebu seen to improve T

F LTE, 13

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

T

HE 19th Davao Agritrade Expo (DATE) 2016, slated from Sept.

22 to 24 at the SMX Convention Center, will feature a series of lectures and seminars that aim to boost the region’s agriculture competitiveness.

Dubbed “Bridging the Gap: Global Opportunities for Mindanao Golden Crops,” the three-day event will be an opportunity showcase the island-region’s heritage through its culturally-inspired theme.

Speaking at yesterday’s the Kapehan sa Dabaw media forum at SM City, Ecoland, DATE 2016 Chair Tessie Pascual announced that about two hundred participants comprised of agri-traders, businessmen and consumers are expected to attend the event.

This year, DATE will highlight what Pascual referred to as “golden crops” - cacao, coffee, coconut, cassava, corn

and rice.

She said a ceremonial ribbon cutting will be led by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, together with the board of trustees and members of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII).

Officials from partner agencies which include the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will also take part in the ceremony, Pascual added.

She said a “Networking Night” will be held to gather businessmen, chamber members, exhibitors, sponsors and guests to give them the opportunity to socialize, build and renew connections, and talk about the emerging industries in the region.

The DATE 2016 chair also confirmed that foreign delegates will also participate in

the Expo’s “business matching activity,” as well meet with DCCCII, City Tourism Council and Board of Trustees to discuss potential investment opportunities.

Agri-Marketing Conference In line with the agri-trade expo, an agri-marketing conference will also be held on the second day of the expo to educate industry players on the latest production techniques, as well as discuss key financing, marketing and exporting issues.

The conference will likewise feature a meeting between Davao suppliers and traders, and provide participants the chance to listen to market updates and financing lectures by industry experts who will focus on Mindanao’s golden crops.

Among the key topics to be discussed during the event are marketing trends and updates on high value crops, cacao and

coffee sectors; techniques and strategies on packaging, labelling and branding agricultural products; industry road mapping for agricultural products; creating links to global value chains; and science-based farming in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, issues on Davao international Container Terminal (DICT) and other export-related matters will also be tackled on the second and third day of the conference.

Free Technical Seminars Technical seminars will also be conducted for free throughout the duration of the expo.

Sessions on “More than just Staple Food: Value-adding in Rice” and “From Bean to Bar: Opportunities in Cacao Farming to Processing” will held on Sept. 22 A “Lobster Training Seminar” and “Urban Gardening Seminar-Demo” will be held on the last day of the expo.

NOT SO FRESH. A fish dealer unloads what appear to be spoiled tuna from a cart to an ice box at the bagsakan area in Bankerohan, Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Total approved FIs up by 11.5% in Q2 T

OTAL foreign investments (FI) approved in the second quarter of 2016 by the seven investment promotion agencies of the national government (IPAs), have amounted to P40.4 billion.

This is higher by 11.5 percent compared to the same period of last year.

The seven IPAs are the Board of Investments (BOI), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as well as the Authority of the Free-

port Area of Bataan (AFAB), BOI-Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BOIARMM), and Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA).

Meanwhile, total approved FIs for the first six months of the year reached P66.6 billion.

This is an increase of 14.8 percent compared as compared to the previous year.

The top three prospective investing countries for the second quarter of 2016 are Singapore, Japan and South Korea. Pledges from Singapore amounted to P10.2 billion or 25.1 percent of the total approved FI. Meanwhile, Japan

and South Korea committed P7.1 billion and P5.1 billion, or 17.5 percent share and 12.7 percent share, respectively.

Manufacturing continues to receive the largest committed foreign investments, amounting to P14.2 billion or 35.3 percent share. Construction came in next with investment pledges valued at P8.2 billion or 20.4 percent share.

This is followed by Administrative and Support Service Activities with P6.2 billion which contributed 15.4 percent to the total FI. In terms of location, the bulk of the approved foreign

investments would be intended to finance projects in Region IVA – CALABARZON, reaching P15.9 billion or 39.3 percent share. The next highest investments would go to projects in Region VII – Central Visayas at P7.2 billion or 17.8 percentshare. The National Capital Region followed with P 7.1 billion or 17.7 percent share.

Approved investments of foreign and Filipino nationals amounted to P177.7 billion during the period, an increase of 97.5 percent compared to last year. Filipino nationals continued to dominate, ac-

F TOTAL, 13

EDGEDAVAO

7 HEALTH

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

Stroke can strike you out

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

T usually isn’t quite as scary as a Stephen King novel, but numbness can certainly be an unsettling experience.

In most cases, the tingling sensation you feel when your arm or legs goes numb is a harmless signal that you’ve momentarily pinched a nerve. Once you change position, the nerve revives in a few seconds.

Unknowingly, numbness can be a warning sign of an imminent stroke or what experts call as transient ischemic attack (TIA), a mini-stroke that temporarily causes symptoms of a major stroke such as paralysis or blurred vision.

As it lasts only a few seconds, most people ignore TIA. Without proper medical treatment, a TIA can lead to a full-blown stroke that may cause permanent physical or mental impairment.

After cancer and heart disease, stroke is the third leading cause of death in Asia, according to the regional office of World Health Organization (WHO) based in Manila.

“Don’t confuse a stroke with a heart attack,” reminds Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, bestselling author of The Best Treatment. “A stroke is what happens when the blood supply to a portion of the brain is interrupted; a heart attack is what you suffer when the blockage is in an artery within the heart.”

The American doctor further explains: “Since the brain controls speech, movement, sensation, intelligence, and a host of other vital bodily functions, whether or not one survives a stroke, and in what condition, depends on the mechanism by which the blood supply to the brain was cut off, the size of the artery involved, and the specific area of the brain that was damaged.”

There are two types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. “About 80 percent of strokes are ischemic – due to a blocked artery,” explains The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “Brain cells, thus deprived of their blood supply, do not receive enough oxygen and glucose (a sugar) which are carried by blood.”

TIA is often an early warning sign of an impending ischemic stroke. “TIAs are caused by an inadequate blood supply to part of the brain but only for a brief time,” the Merck manual informs. “Because the blood supply is restored quickly, brain tissue does not die, as it does in a stroke.”

The other 20 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic – due to bleeding in or around the brain. “In this type of stroke, a blood vessel ruptures, interfering with normal blood flow and allowing blood to leak into brain tissue,” the Merck manual explains. “Blood that comes into direct contact with brain tissue irritates the tissue and can cause scarring, leading to seizures.”

The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, based in Minnesota, says one cause of hemorrhagic stroke is an aneurysm, which caused the death of martial arts icon Bruce Lee and American comedian John Ritter. This “ballooning” from a weak sport in a blood vessel wall develops with advancing age. Some aneurysms may also form as a result of a genetic predisposition.

“As aneurysm forms, the vessel wall becomes thin and stretched,” the Mayo Clinic points out. “An aneurysm that grows to at least threeeights of an inch in diameter (about the size of the head of a thumbtack) is most likely to rupture.”

But the most common cause of hemorrhagic stroke is high blood pressure (hypertension). “Two in every 10 Filipino adults, 20 years and over, are hypertensive,” reports the Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

“Too much pressure can cause the bursting of a vessel – especially if that vessel has been weakened by age and the excess pressure of hypertension,” writes Dr. Julian Whitaker, author of Reversing Hypertension. “Hypertension also contributes to atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, the narrowing and stiffening

“Hemorrhagic strokes are less common than ischemic strokes but more often deadly. About 50 percent of people who have hemorrhagic strokes die compared to about 20 percent for ischemic strokes. Strokes that occur in young adults are typically hemorrhagic.”

of the arteries that increases the likelihood of blood clots cutting off blood supply.

When either of these scenarios occurs in an artery in the brain, the result is a stroke.”

“Hemorrhagic strokes are less common than ischemic strokes but more often deadly,” warns the Mayo Clinic. “About 50 percent of people who have hemorrhagic strokes die compared to about 20 percent for ischemic strokes. Strokes that occur in young adults are typically hemorrhagic.”

Because early treatment can help loss of function and sensation, everyone should know what the early symptoms of stroke are. “The most common early symptom of an ischemic stroke are sudden weakness or paralysis of the face and leg on one side of the body; slurred speech; sudden confusion with difficulty speaking or understanding speech; sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in

one ye; loss of balance and coordination, leading to falls; sudden severe headache; and abnormal sensations or loss of sensation in an arm or a leg or on one side of the body,” the Merck manual says.

Symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke are largely the same as those of an ischemic stroke but may also include sudden severe headache, nausea and vomiting, temporary or persistent loss of consciousness, and very high blood pressure.

“In both types of stroke,” the Merck manual states, “an abnormal pattern of breathing can occur. Slow, irregular breathing may be caused by herniation of the brain.” In herniation, the brain tissue is forced through a small natural opening in the relatively rigid sheets of tissue that separate the brain into right and left compartments and into upper and lower compartments.

Stroke affects only one

side of the body as it usually damages only one side of the brain. “Because nerves in the brain cross over to the other side of the body,” the Merck manual notes, “symptoms appear on the side of the body opposite the damaged side of the brain.”

Up to 80 percent of strokes may be preventable through lifestyle changes or drugs. Some risk factors that cannot be controlled are: age (older people have a much greater stroke risk than their younger counterparts), being male, diabetes (although the disease is treatable, having it makes a person much more likely to suffer a stroke), heredity (risk is greater for people who have a family history of stroke), and prior stroke (the risk of stroke for someone who’s already had one is many times that of someone who has not).

While those mentioned above can never be treated, there are those that you can

do something about like: managing hypertension, stop cigarette smoking, not using amphetamines or cocaine, consuming alcohol only in moderation, exercising regularly, and, if overweight, losing weight.

If a doctor believes that a person runs the risk of suffering a stroke, he may well put that person on drug therapy that lessens the chances that a clot will form, blocking an artery either leading to the brain or within it.

Is there hope for those who suffered from stroke?

“Intensive rehabilitation can help many people overcome disabilities after a stroke,” the Merck manual informs.

“The exercise and training of rehabilitation help develop the plasticity of the brain (the ability of one area to shift to different functions) and teach the person new ways to use muscles unaffected by the stroke to compensate for losses in function.”

Studies have shown that up to 60 percent of people who have stroke develop symptoms of depression.

About one-third feel angry or anxious. Others have periodic bouts of sadness or crying.

Social isolation, meanwhile, initially stems from a physical disability but often continues even when physical limitations are overcome.

Feelings of depression or angry may cause a sense of isolation.

If you’re one of those who have suffered from crippling strokes, don’t be disheartened. There is life after a stroke. Look again at the case of Patricia Neal, who suffered a series of near-fatal strokes in 1965. Though pregnant at the time of the first stroke, she bore a normal child. She resumed her acting career in 1968 and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her electrifying performance inThe Subject Was Roses. Quite a feat!

American president Dwight David Eisenhower made a quick and complete recovery from stroke in 1955.

The following year, he was reelected a second presidential term. In retirement, he remained active in politics and wrote three books. An avid golfer, he scored his only hole in one in 1968, 13 years after his stroke and a year before his death.

And who can forget George Frederick Handel, a German-British composer suffered a stroke in 1737, at age 52? Five years later, he composed The Messiah and continued to compose until his death in 1759. (Photos from the net)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

EDITORIAL

I

Manny’s biggest punch

T had been sometime since Manny Pacquiao, the world champion boxer, delivered a knockout punch. The last one perhaps was against British fighter Ricky Hatton in 2009 that practically ended the career of the Mancunian fighter.

Yesterday, Manny, the Senator, delivered his biggest punch yet as a politician. So big perhaps it will obscure that Hatton KO punch.

After Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano delivered a privilege speech, Sen. Pacquiao got up from his seat and took the floor. No he did not interpellate. He filed a motion declaring the chairmanship and membership of the Senate Justice Committee vacant.

Manny was quick there. If he was fast with his punches in the ring, he was fast with his motion on Monday’s hearing.

The minority obviously did not expect the Pacquiao punch.

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

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

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

It also came at a time when the Justice Committee chair Sen. Leila de Lima walked out of the hearing and Sen. Trillanes also nowhere in sight.

The result was an overwhelming vote from the majority paving the way for the election of Sen. Richard Gordon as the chair of the Justice Committee.

Sen. Gordon, reluctant at first but lster accepted the task, promised to be up to the task fairly and will consider the arguments of both sides.

The shakeup comes three days before confessed hired killer Edgar Matobato testifies again in the Senate. With Sen. De Lima out as chair, will Matobato resurface on Thursday or will the hearing chart a new course? Everyone cannot wait to see what happens next. For now, Pacquiao’s punch was the play of the day.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

EDGEDAVAO

W

HILE checking my Facebook account recently, I came across a very interesting story posted in the wall of my friends. Below is the story: Once upon a time, an old man spread rumors that his neighbor was a thief. As a result, the young man was arrested. Days later, the young man was proven innocent. After he was released, he sued the old man for wrongly accusing him.

In court, the old man told the judge: “They were just comments, didn’t harm anyone…”

The judge, before passing the judgment, told the old man: “Write all the things you said about him in a piece of paper. Cut them up. On the way home, throw the pieces of paper out. Tomorrow, come here to hear the sentence.”

The following day, the judge told the old man: “Before receiving the sentence, you will have to go out and gather all the pieces of paper that you threw out yesterday.”

The old man said: “I can’t do that! The wind spread them and I won’t know where to find them.”

The judge then replied: “The same way. Simple comments may destroy the honor of a man to such an extent that one is not able to fix it. If you can’t speak well of someone, rather don’t say anything. Let’s all be masters of our mouth, so that we won’t be slaves of our words.”

The lesson of the story: Gossips are worse than thieves, because they still steal another person’s dignity, honor, reputation and credibility which are impossible to restore. So remember this: when your feet slip, you can always recover your balance; but when your tongue slips, you cannot recover your words.

Of the Ten Commandments God has given us, the one we break the most is the ninth – “Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”

Obvious reason for this is how we about people -- our neighbors, our subordinates, our boss, our relatives, even our friends. Remem-

I

F you were born in the 50s and you love reading historical writings about the metamorphosis of Philippine democracy, you will easily relate to the comparative expose of Pres. Duterte about the extent of US human rights violations in the Philippines.

I am not sure if young Filipinos today students especially - even bother to search libraries about the massacres at Bud Dajo in Sulu in 1906 where 1,000 Filipino Muslims were killed and at Balangiga, Samar in 1901 where 2,500 men, women and children were murdered indiscriminately.

I read about these twin “sidelights” of the American occupation in the old, now defunct Free Press news magazine when I was in high school. At that time, the sordid past was already almost buried in oblivion as even my teachers did not give them vital consequent importance but merely as footnotes of Philippine history.

When Pres. Digong spoke before the ASEAN leaders in Laos recently, he displayed an old photograph of the Bud Dajo killings as

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Control your tongue ber that great THINK ON THESE! minds discuss ideas, people of mediocre minds talk about events, and those of small minds chat about people.

It takes some of the sting out Henrylito D. Tacio of our own henrytacio@gmail.com failures if we can rub off the glitter of someone else’s crown.

Gossip is one of the favorite pastimes of Filipinos. Someone commented: “In the olden times, gossip were resorted to normalize and re-inforce moral boundaries in a speech-community; foster and build a sense of community with shared interests and information; entertain and divert participants in gossip-sessions; retail and develop stories and even legends; build structures and social accountability; and reflect unvarnished and spontaneous public opinion.”

In modern times, however, “gossip” has taken a new level. It simply means “spreading of rumor and misinformation, often through excited conversation over scandals.” Mostly, people don’t admit they are involved in gossip.

Someone may say, “I don’t mean to talk about her, but…” and what comes next is a litany of untruth facts. The more interesting the gossip, the more likely it is to be untrue.

Sometimes, a gossip takes the form of a false sympathy. “I really took pity of my neighbor who is being beaten by her husband once he goes home drunk.” Others start the conversation with a question: “Is it true that the 17-year-old daughter of our school principal pregnant?”

Gossips have been catalogued in three different types: vest-button type (always popping off), vacuum-cleaner type (always picking up dirt), and liniment type (always rubbing it in).

Which of these are very familiar to you?

“Gossip is one of the so-called ‘little’ sins that even Christians are often unable or unwilling to avoid,” said William McElroy. “It is, to be sure, a common sin, but can it truly be called ‘little’? Gossip can destroy reputations, disrupt families, divide neighbors, and cause widespread heartbreak, and all to no purpose except the satisfaction that some find in passing on idle or malicious tales.”

The person who brings those malicious talks is not the only one who does the gossiping. Even the person who listens commits the same mistake. “There cannot be a noise unless there is an ear to hear it,” explained Dr. Charles L. Allen, author of God’s Psychiatry. “A noise is caused by the vibrations of the ear drums. And neither can there be a bit of gossip without an ear to hear. The law holds the receiver of the stolen goods as guilty as the thief.”

Oftentimes, people who gossip about other people don’t mean to hurt those people. They think of tale-bearing as a bit of harmless pastime. But by talking of what those people have done, the gossiper is already judging them.

And what Matthew 7: 1-2 said: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

The person who talks about one who sins is worse than the one who actually commits the sin. That idea came from the mind of Dr. Allen. To prove this, he cited the situation that happened to Noah and his three sons in Genesis 9:20-27.

Noah was chosen by God to save man from total destruction. While it is a disgrace to be drunk in the public, it is a double shame for

someone who wears the royal purple of the prophet. Noah lay in his tent drunk and disgracefully naked.

The Bible states: “Ham saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers outside.

But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father’s nakedness.”

Many generations later, when the author of Hebrews writes of the great men of faith, he tells of Noah’s might work and does not remember his fall against him (Hebrew 11:7).

Undoubtedly, God forgot it also.

But what happened to the three sons?

“Shem and Japheth were blessed of God and they prospered,” Dr. Allen pointed out. “But Ham, the son who told of his father’s nakedness, was cursed and was condemned to the life of a servant.

“Maybe, after all, he who actually commits the sin comes out better than he who tells about it,” Dr. Allen concluded.

When it comes to gossip, the Holy Bible uses tongue to symbolize it. James 3:5-6: “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.

It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and it itself set on fire by hell.”

All this happens when a person uses his tongue to say something bad or embarrassing about another person. Apostle James warned that so far, no man has ever tamed the tongue.

“It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison,” he said.

Stop spreading the bad news. Proverbs 26:20 reminds, “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.”

a commenSPECKS OF LIFE tary to the hypocritical attitude of the American government which was hollering loudly against the rising incidence of killFred C. Lumba ings in the government campaign against illegal drugs.

A chorus of American allies in Europe has also registered its annoyance over the on-going illegal drugs trade, conveniently shoving aside the more important fact that the preservation of the life and future of the young Filipino generation looms far more important.

It seems - at this modern age and time the world does not still know that our coun-

try has been more than just ordinary victims of human rights violations for close to four hundred years of cruel foreign colonization.

It could do well then as more than merely a defensive posture if the Philippine government - Malacanang and the Department of Foreign Affairs in particular - continue to hammer on this American inhumanity so that those who are being cajoled by the US to spank us with their protests get a well-deserved dose of their own medicine.

Aha! It reminds me - what about the My Lai massacre in Vietnam? Doesn’t this also deserve attention by Ban Ki Moon and his UN aides? And the confinement of more than 125,000 Japanese-Americans in prison camps when the Pacific War erupted?

Closer to the American homeland, what about the systematic and methodological easing out of the native Injuns where they suffered the most tyrannical injustice under the white people.

As the biased Western press continue to dig in and gang up on Duterte, the Dep-Ed

should rise on its own to rectify glaring episodes in our history as mere incidents in our daily existence.

Filipino students can re-kindle their patriotic fervor if they get to read and fully understand how we are continuously being intimidated by the re-engineering of Philippine history, if not its being disregarded totally.

Duterte is telling us that we should first love ourselves before we un-conditionally offer ourselves to foreign machinations. Our innate hospitality and charitable kindness have been literally abused.

When the Philippine Senate expelled the American bases out of the country, or government did not collapse as many pro-Americans feared.

Can we not stand up and fight the cause that Duterte is fighting for instead of unnecessarily tooting our horns because he “blasted” the American government for its own inhumanity? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) God bless the Philippines!

US human rights violations

10 NEWS 6 MORE... FROM 1

National Police’s “Operation Tokhang,” thousands of individuals who are allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade came out and surrendered themselves to authorities.

On the other hand, police raids against suspected illegal drug traffickers have resulted to more than 2,000 deaths, as claimed by various local and foreign media outlets.

“So when I started to press everybody, it was like a worm out of the can and nobody would believe that there are about 700 thousand new guys in the drug business that have surrendered to the police and the military,” the President said.

He added: “Even if I wanted to, I cannot kill them all.”

Unfortunately, the President noted that barangay captains now top the list of those who are engaged in the narcotics trade.

“The barangay captains connive, cooperate or extend assistance to terrorists and drugs,” he said, pointing out

the country’s drug problem pushed him to join the call for the postponement of the barangay and SK elections.

“You know why? Because if you hold the elections now, drug money is still going around, and the barangay captains, most of them are really into it, they would just stay in power and this time they have the money. And they will win. So we will have narco-politics at the lowest government unit which is the barangay. And that would be the start of our, maybe, perdition and agony,” he said.

He revealed that a new list of alleged drug personalities has already been handed to him, but he ordered its revalidation to ensure its veracity.

“Barangay captains with guns, bodyguards, so we will just have to defang them, get the police out as bodyguards.

I will not allow any policeman to act as a bodyguard of a barangay captain,” the President said.

organized various activities in Davao to commemorate the event.

To kick off the National Peace Consciousness Week, she said the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) held an inter-religious dialogue at the Mergrande Resort yesterday.

Ruvivar added a Peace Forum and Conflict Sensitivity Workshop in Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) will be conducted today, while a Davao Peace Fair will be launched tomorrow at the SM City Davao Annex.

OPAPP, she said, has also organized a “Silent March” on Sept. 21 as part of the nation’s call for peace, and to mourn the death of those who perished in the Roxas Night Market bombing.

Now on its thirteenth year, the National Peace Consciousness Month envisions to promote a culture of peace and bridge the cultural and religious divide in the country.

OPAPP has been designed to lead the annual peace celebrations by virtue of Proclamation No. 675 series of 2004.

oped not only by us in government but also from the people in the church, both Catholic and Protestants and also from the Ulama,” he said.

Sueno explained the masa-masid is an umbrella organization to be organized in all barangays nationwide to initially eradicating illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.

He said that through the group, citizens can report to authorities on illegal activities happening in their neigh-

bourhood.

“The masa-masid people will talk to the target individuals and convince them to do away with their nefarious activities,” Sueno said.

He said through the masa-masid, children in the barangays will also be taught basic values like proper disposal of garbage.

Sueno said children will likewise be taught to plant trees and clean their surroundings. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

and other products and indications point to growth. Thus, there is need for efforts meant to strengthen the sector and, more importantly, empower the farmers to be locally-and internationally-competitive and enable them to lead in the niche’s progress.

Government is at the fore-

front and its support is essential for native animal production to be sustainable for the farmers. BAR supports the DA in ensuring that the country’s native animals are not only promoted, but conserved as well with the effective employment of its R&D arsenal. (Patrick R. A. Lesaca, DA-BAR)

7.9 million foreign visitors (2.8 percent).

The DOT said it is targeting 6.5 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2017, and up to 12 million foreign visitors by 2022.

“We must realize the potential of the tourism industry as a major economic driver and job generator for the country.

There’s still so much room for our tourism to grow,” said Angara, one of the authors of the Tourism Act of 2009 which helped gear the Philippines not only as a premiere travel destination but also as an investment haven for domestic and foreign investors. (Senate of the Philippines)

Dabawenyos... FROM 2

PPRD... FROM 3

Gov’t... FROM 5

Angara... FROM 5

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

WEATHER PROOF. A beggar braves the heavy downpour to ask for alms from pedestrians along San Pedro Street over the weekend. Dabawenyos experienced heavy rains on Sunday night that caused flooding in some areas in the city. Lean Daval Jr.

Advocates... FROM 2

possess.

Responding to the concern that a federal from of government would create to political instability, Parcasio emphasized that federalism will not lead to a downward spiral as some critics suggest, citing Malaysia as an example.

He also shared what he learned during a meeting with Geraldine Roman, a transgender congresswoman who studied in Spain, regarding the effectiveness of the federal form of government.

Roman, who had ob-

served how the federal system worked in Spain, said the country’s constitution explicitly states that federal states cannot secede from the federation.

In the meantime, Bantayan announced the KPP would conduct another consultation in Mindanao this upcoming October. “[But] we will also not confine these consultations to Mindanao alone,” he added, saying that their group will hold similar consultations in Visayas and Luzon.

za, Misuari and former Sulu governor Sakur Tan to facilitate the release of the Norwegian national.

“It was a long negotiation,” the President pointed out, saying he had talks with Misuari even during cabinet meetings.

“I had him called and he (Misuari) assured us that we would be able to recover alive and well Kjartan Sekkingstad,” the President said.

“The efforts actually belong to Misuari, Secretary Dureza and Sakur Tan. I was just there, up, directing the traffic of where and how to go about the job and simply investing upon them the full authority to negotiate and see to it that nothing of this will happen again,” he added.

President Duterte also described the release as “the best thing that happened this week to us because we were able to complete out promise to Norway.”

The President said that Norway has been instrumental in facilitating the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

The Chief Executive likewise expressed optimism the on-going peace talks with the various Moro groups will succeed.

“Hopefully in the fullness of God’s time, we would be able to establish law and order in this country. There are

simply too many gangsters and terrorists, simply too many battles here and there,” President Duterte said.

Norwegian Ambassador Erik Forner who was present during the turn-over of Sekkingstad, expressed gratitude to President Duterte for his help in ensuring the safe release of the kidnap victim.

“The President’s personal commitment, even before he took office, has been crucial in security the freedom of the kidnap victim, Forner said.

He also thanked Secretary Dureza for his tireless efforts in helping negotiate the release of Sekkingstad over the past several months.

“His (Dureza) dedication has been outstanding and has contributed enormously to get Mr. Sekkingstad out alive,” he stressed.

The ambassador also lauded the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other individuals who helped Sekkingstad get out alive from his captors.

Sekkingstad, together with Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall and Filipina Marites Flor were forcibly taken by the ASG in the evening of Sept. 21, 2015 from the Ocean View Resort in Barangay Camudmud, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte.

Ridsdel was executed by his captors last April 25, and Hall last June 13, while Flor was released on June 24.

Norwegian... FROM 3

30 witnesses... FROM 2

may kasama po yan another NBI agent kaya dalawa sila tetestigo at magpapatunay na si Sec. De lima ay tumanggap ng P5 million on two deliveries,” he told reporters during the press conference held at DoJ in Manila.

Aguirre added that Ragos made his affidavit after he was confronted when his driver-escort Junior Ablen, who is also still with the NBI, testified on the delivery of drug-money. ”Unang-una nagsalita yun ang kanyang NBI escort/driver Junior Ablen kasama sila magdeliver niyan confront namin siya tungkol dun sa statement ni Ablen at sinangayunan niya yung pahayag ni Ablen,” he explained.

He noted that high-profile inmates set to testify are convicted robber and drug dealer Herbert “Ampang” Colangco and kidnapper Genuine Ilocono Chief Noel Martinez.

The pair belong to NBP’s Maximum Security Compound. Incidentally, Colangco was included in the drug matrix earlier presented by President Duterte. ”We will be presenting at least 30 witnesses and resource persons on Day 1 alone to establish the why, the how, the where, the when, and most importantly, the who and the how much on the proliferation of prohibited drugs in our prisons,” said Aguirre.

Aguirre said that witness-

es will give details on how they collected money from the illegal drugs trade in the NBP which was then allegedly forwarded to De Lima who then used the funds in her senatorial bid.

He said that DoJ fully supports President Duterte’s war on drugs, as they are committed to assisting the President to fully eradicate the menace to society. ”To attain the foregoing ends, the perpetrators and those responsible for the drug trade should find nothing but prosecution and punishment under our laws. One area of conern for us is the proliferation and the escalation of the drug trade in the National Penitentiary. We believe that this will not have happened if the persons in charge and those in authority did their jobs. Apparently, the drug trade in the BIlibid Prisons had the consent and was condoned by the these people,” Aguirre said. ”To find out the truth, the DoJ will actively participate and will fully cooperate in the investigation on the proliferation of illegal drugs and other prohibited items in the National Bilibid Prisons,” he added.

The probe will be conducted by the Committee on Justice, House of Representatives on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the House of Representatives. (PNA)

fore it will take you almost 2 hours to travel from Adjun to Lamitan and residents are more vulnerable to lawless elements. Today, it only takes 5 minutes to travel the same route,” Loong said.

Secretary Loong further said the project have made a huge impact in the lives of residents in the ARMM because of the more efficient movement of goods and people.

With the goal to and uplift the socio-economic conditions of people in the area, DPWH-ARMM will not only focus on constructing roads and bridges to improve con-

nectivity.

The agency will also prioritize the construction of water systems to provide potable water in far-flung communities and villages and undertakes shore protection activities in riverside communities.

The DPWH-ARMM’s budget for 2016 is P10.103 billion, and is earmarked for infrastructure projects which include the construction of 485 kilometers of roads, 26 bridges, shore protection and water systems among others, Loong said. (LTOBolongon/ PBChangco/PIA12-Cotabato City)

DPWH-ARMM... FROM 4

INdulge!

LAST WEEK, WE GAVE AN OVERVIEW OF THE BREATHTAKING BEAUTY OF CAMIGUIN PROVINCE. From mountains and waterfalls, to cemeteries with amazing sunsets and pristine white beaches, there’s a place for all types of travelers. Though for mermaids like me, what holds extra charm are two islets – White Island and my personal favorite, Mantigue Island.

To get to Mantigue Island, we rented a multicab from our hotel in dow ntow n Ma mbajao and traveled for about 30 minutes to reach the drop-off area near Benoni Port. After buying tickets and waiting for our assigned boat (again only a maximum of 5 persons per boat) we headed for nearby Mantigue Island.

It took us around 20 minutes to get to Mantigue Island and I was really excited when I saw the expansive white sand and the clear blue green waters. The shoreline of Mantigue doesn’t have the same smooth and powdery-white sand that the White Island has, and yet it has a more robust underwater ecosystem. This is actually quite obvious, as you can already see the colorful corals even before the boat docks at the island’s shoreline.

The older people in our group immediately secured us a table at their al fresco dining area, which were just plastic tables and chairs under a natural tree canopy cover. The rest of us millennials started to explore the island. What got me all pumped up was seeing stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) near the cottage where you can rent and reserve equipment for boat tours, snorkeling, and a guided tour of the island.

One side of the island, the one facing mainland Camiguin, has a seaweed bed immediately at the shoreline. For those uncomfortable stepping on seaweed or seagrass, you can ride on your SUP which is what we did. If I remember correctly, the cost of renting one is around P500 for an hour. If customers are few in between, they allow you to use the SUPs for an extra hour. How awesome is that?

Trust me, an hour paddling around the beautiful Mantigue Island is not enough.

It takes quite a while to get used to paddling on an SUP. For beginners who aren’t quite confident yet of their balancing skills, you can begin by kneeling on the board and paddle like the way dragon boat rowers do. Once you are already comfortable with your balance and paddling skills, you can start standing up and feel like a pro.

There’s an anchored floating bamboo raft a few meters off the shore of Camiguin. It’s ideal as a resting place for those who’d want to explore Mantigue Island underwater. There weren’t few people around when we went there so I wasn’t able to ask locals what kinds of marine creatures are endemic in the area.

Mermaid A4

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

Charmed by Camiguin:

“

Wasting no time, we started snorkeling around and saw lots of still healthy corals (they were still colorful), lots of fish and seagrass almost everywhere.

”

Clockwise from top: With mainland Camiguin and Mt. Hibok-Hibok as your backdrop, the bamboo raft serves as the perfect platform for those aiming for Instagrammable adventure shots.

The water here was around 10 feet and goes deeper as you go further.

The millennial group en route to Mantigue Island. Only a maximum of five people, including the boatman, are allowed per boat. Diving underneath the bamboo raft, you can observe seagrass everywhere. The bamboo raft is held by large rubber-like ropes and tied down on a piece of heavy metal placed unobtrusively in the sand. After paddling on our rented SUP, my sister and I suited up to go snorkelling around the area. Behind the raft, the water gets deeper and colder. Unused rental boats which take you around Mantigue Island sometimes dock nearby.

A2 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 201

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

EVENT

Jocanima holds first Kapihan sa Kasagingan I N N O VA T I V E NESS, QUALITY, N ET WOR K I NG , PARTNERSHIP – these are the seeds that Jocanima Corporation, a Filipinoowned and managed agrochemical company, has planted and nurtured since 2001.

As part of the Jocanima’s efforts to provide to-

tal agricultural solutions and excellent service to its clients, the company hosted “The Kapihan sa Sagingan: A Seminar on Integrated Crop Management for Profitable Banana Production” recently in Tagum City.

The seminar, which presented topics such as pest and disease management, plant nutrition, sanitation and disinfec-

tion, sprayer technology and maximum residue level for export products, was attended by independent banana growers from Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostella Valley, Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. Celso L. Evangelista, president and chief executive officer of Jocanima, encouraged growers to

implement an integrated approach on banana production, combining high-quality and effective chemical and biological input with good agricultural practices.

The speakers at the forum, who are experts in the field of banana production and operations, shared information and techniques that could help improve farmers’ production and yield. In particular, their presentations highlighted current efforts to address key plantation concerns such as Fusarium and Sigatoka management.

The forum did not only serve as a venue to exchange ideas, but also served as a venue to share actual experiences and critical issues affecting banana plantations in different areas across Mindanao. Growers also shared

16

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

local production practices that have been proven to be effective and practical.

The multi-million dollar banana export industry has thrived due to the major contributions of plantations and growers coming from

13 provinces in Mindanao.

There is therefore a need to address the concerns affecting the banana industry, which has been a major contributor to Mindanao and the Philippines’ economic progress.

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

TRAVEL ENTERTAINMENT Mermaid A1

Wasting no time, we started snorkeling and saw lots of still healthy corals (they were still colorful), lots of fish, and seagrass which almost covered the whole sea floor. I was actually pleased that the underwater ecosystem here is healthy. The fishes weren’t only juvenile ones; there were also big ones and a lot more corals further out the island, meters away from the bamboo raft.

Feeling braver, my sister and I ventured further from the bamboo raft to a natural coral barrier. It turns out the current in the area was stronger than our paddling, and so we had to paddle faster lest we drift further away.

I think the five hours that we spent on the island was not enough to see all that that the place had to offer. We weren’t able to take the guided tour through the Mantigue forest – there’s actually a guided trail on the island that takes you through a forest. We spent all our time on the SUPs, paddling and snorkeling on one side of the island that we didn’t realize our time was up.

We had to hurry back to the mainland as the

next stop on our itinerary was the Sunken Cemetery, which we had to reach before sunset. I guess Mantigue Island deserves another trip to fully explore and appreciate the area,

including the forest and back side of the island.

Definitely coming back!

See more of our adventures in Camiguin by following: @ferinasantos in Instagram.

September 15 – 16, 2016 only

BARCELONA: A LOVE UNTOLD Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla Guaranteed Seating & One Time View ing Only

PG

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

PETE'S DRAGON/ *BLAIR WITCH Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley/ *James Allen McCune, Callie Hernandez Guaranteed Seating & One Time View ing Only

PG/*R13

1:15 | 3:30 LFS / *5:35 | 7:40 | 9:45 LFS

BRIDGET JONES'S BABY Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey Guaranteed Seating & One Time View ing Only

R13

1:30 | 4:10 | 6:50 | 9:30 LFS

TRAIN TO BUSAN Gong Yoo, Kim Su-an Guaranteed Seating & One Time View ing Only

R13

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

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

CanCham Pres visits Davao City and DICT T

HE National President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CanCham) Julian Payne visited Davao City from Sept. 9-10 to view the expanded facilities of the Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) that was inaugurated

by President Duterte early this month.

During his twoday visit to Davao, Payne also paid a courtesy call to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, and attended the Business and Tourism Industry Town Hall Meeting organized by the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) to brief stakeholders on developments regarding the recent bomb attack in Davao.

According to Payne, he welcomed the opportunity to visit Davao soon after he heard about the tragic incident.

“CanCham believes it is critically important that the private sector, including foreign chambers of commerce, demonstrate their continued confidence in the potential opportunities and growth of Davao City and more generally in Mindanao,” he stressed.

“The best way to do this is to visit the city in person, to see the expansion of private sector facilities, and to participate in stakeholder discussions as how to proceed constructively in the aftermath of the recent bomb attack.”

“I have been highly encouraged with my discussions with the private sector representatives and public officials about the immediate and future potential in Davao for growth in business,” Payne added. “CanCham, which has an office in Davao and over 40 members in Mindanao, will continue to explore and promote opportunities for Canada-Philippine business interests in area,” he said.

In response to questions about his visit to DICT, Payne said: “Modern, state-of-theart transportation facilities, including ports, are critical for long-term and sustained economic growth. The DICT is one of the most modern, if not the most modern container port facility in the Philippines.”

“In the future I am confident that there will be more international shipping lines routed directly to Davao than

Julian Payne of CanCham with Giovanni Pimentel (Anflocor Executive) at Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) via Manila and Cebu with trans-shipments to Mindanao. DICT is now also [facilitating the import and export] of products from the Philippines, but also serves as a strategic Southeast Pacific trans-shipment point for trade between

third countries,” he pointed out.

In the meantime, Payne also praised the role of the Anflocor Management and Investment Corporation (ANFLOCOR), DICT’s operator, for pushing for the development

of the industrial and agricultural sectors in Mindanao.

“DICT is a private sector investment built, owned, and operated efficiently by the private sector. It serves not only companies of the Anflocor group, but is also open to

other parties for their imports and exports. The investment in DICT is another demonstration of the confidence of the private investors in the economic future of Mindanao, including Davao City,” he concluded.

planting this season.

Corn production plays an important role in the country’s food security as it is a major component in the production of animal feed. If the decline in corn production continues, the livestock and poultry industries will be affected.. “Five kilos of animal feed is needed to produce that one kilo of meat your family will consume, 1 kilo of that animal feed is made up to 40 percent of corn,” Philippine Maize Federation, Inc. (Philmaize) President Roger Navarro said.

Philmaize believes that the best strategy to address this challenge in corn production is to provide farmers more corn seed types that they can choose from. “Farm-

ers can assess for themselves which seeds will grow best in their farms. Thus, farmers should always be given the freedom to choose what they feel is best for them; With a continually worsening El Nino, certain corn traits are needed to ensure we have increased yields and increased income in the coming harvest year,” Roger Navarro, Philmaize president, said.

Corn farmers are thus urging the Department of Agriculture (DA) to immediately approve the permits for corn traits that are still awaiting renewal, so that farmers can immediately avail of several corn varieties this planting season. Corn varieties, such as MON 89034 and NK603, that are resistant to corn borers,

cutworm and earworm which are prevalent during the dry season are especially preferred. Without a corn crop’s ability to thrive around pests, an estimate of 24%, 14% and 18% income loss out of the entire corn yield and farm production would be incurred from corn borer, earworm and cutworm infestations, respectively.

“Philmaize supports the administration’s push for inclusive growth and believes that agriculture is a key factor in promoting socio-economic development in provincial areas. Together with the government we can achieve a more successful agriculture sector if farmers are given more room to decide on critical farming processes,” Navarro noted.

Mindanao researchers Corn farmers call for availability of Bt corn varieties and universities cited 2017 PH food security may be affected if corn production continues to decline

F

ACULTY members and researchers of UP Mindanao were listed among the top 453 Filipino scientists in the website “Ranking Web of Universities” (www. webometrics.info), which is being administered by Cybermetrics Lab of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (Spain).

Faculty members from the Dept. of Biological Science and Environmental Studies who were listed in the prestigious academic website including their corresponding rankings were: Cleto Nañola-#127; Reynaldo Abad-197; Lyre Murao-272; Aleyla de Cadiz-276; Annabelle Novero-313; and Ruth Gamboa-354. From the Dept. of Food Science and Chemistry were: Juma Novie Alviola-221; Noreen Fundador-346; and Dominica Dacera-376. From the School of Management were: Larry Digal-247; Sylvia Concepcion-254;

Pedro Alviola-346; Marilou Montiflor-349; and Luis Hualda-443.

In the same website, UP Mindanao was ranked number 12 in the list of 100 higher educational institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines. Other Mindanao HEIs included in the list together with their corresponding rankings were: Universidad de Zamboanga-#10; University of Southeastern Philippines-11; Mindanao State University (MSU)-Iligan Institute of Technology-14; Western Mindanao State University-15; Fr. Saturnino Urios University-28; Ateneo de Davao University-29; Xavier University-31; Ateneo de Zamboanga University-34; St. Michael’s College of Iligan-43; Central Mindanao University-47; University of the Immaculate Conception-68; Caraga State University-69; MSU-Marawi-70; University of Southern Mindanao-71; University of Mindanao-75.

C

ORN farmers expressed worries that corn yield will plummet come harvest season on the first quarter of 2017 as some hybrid seeds are not yet available.

The country’s corn production in the first quarter of this year was affected by one of the most severe El Niño to hit the country in years, resulting to lower yields at harvest season. Corn production was at 2.1 MT in Q1, 12.4 percent lower than the 2015 level of 2,37 million MT. For 2017, with the possibility of another severe drought affecting the Philippines, farmers fear that the country might experience more difficulty in corn production with some Bt corn hybrids still not available for

All systems go for 6th Health R&D Expo R

ESEARCHERS, students and professionals from all over the region will converge for the 6th Health Research and Development Expo.

With the theme “Research and Innovations for Better Health Outcomes,” this annual activity provides researchers the opportunity to showcase the results of their studies, and provide a venue for educating the public on these research papers.

The Expo, organized by the Regional Health Research

and Development Consortium XI (RHRDC XI), will feature a seminar/forum, a competition on oral health research, and a poster-making contest with undergraduate, graduate and creative research categories.

Winners will receive cash prizes and will have the chance to

represent the Davao Region in the 11th Philippine National Health Research System Week Celebration.

To learn more about the recent health-related advancements and researches, you may visit the expo slated from Sept.

22-23, 2016 at the Grand Men

Seng Hotel, Pichon St., Davao City. Admission is free and open to all.

The RHRDC XI is a member consortium of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). With the partner institutions and agencies in the region, RHRDC XI aims to improve the health condition of people in the Davao Region and Mindanao through relevant and quality health researches. (DOST XI S&T PROMOTIONS)

EDGEDAVAO

12 MOTORING

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

Nissan announces GT champions N

ISSAN Philippines Inc. (NPI) has announced the six Filipinos who qualified to compete in the Nissan GT Academy Race Camp Week in Silverstone, United Kingdom.

Out of the 20 finalists who participated in the Nissan GT Academy Season 2 National Fi-nals held last September 6 and 7 at the Megatent in Pasig and Glorietta Activity Center in Makati, the six participants who emerged as top finalists are: Jan Millard Lacuna, Elysse T. Menorca, Richard Dean D. Jose, Mervin John Mallen, Kim Jiger A. Chong, and Francisco F. Adriano IV. In a speech, NPI President and Managing Director Ramesh Narasimhan said, “This is the second year Nissan has democratized motorsports by making the Nissan GT Academy more accessible to Filipino gamers nationwide. This time, the Live Events held in key cities drew over 21,000 trials and even allowed a female participant

to be drafted to the top 20.”

“In its last two days of competition, Nissan witnessed how the finalists went through grueling tasks that made each one of them tougher, stronger, and even more competitive, with each one getting more and more ready for the Race Camp Week in Silverstone in UK which starts on October,” he added.

The Nissan GT Academy National Finals this year consisted of a four-part skills test spread into two days of competition. On day one, each of the contestants went through vigorous physical challenges like the sergeant jump, planking, push-ups and the bleep test. This was followed by a driving challenge, supervised and mentored by none other than the famed George Ramirez, who is the official Nissan GT Academy driving instructor.

The second day involved pod time attack challenges where each of the players were rat-

ed according to their best lap time, consistency, and super pole time. Finally, on the last leg of the competition was a panel interview by motoring journalists as part of the communication and personality challenge for the participants.

Each of the player’s scores from all the connected parts

transforming these machines into something more masculine. While all higher-end models benefit from beefy 18-inch alloy wheels, the Trailblazer Z71 looks off-road ready with the blacked out chrome, hood decals, and all-terrain Goodyear Wrangler tires.

Apart from aesthetics, work is done to refine the chassis to the point that Chevy cannot quantify the changes in a percentage. Everything from the engine and transmission mounts, stabilizer, springs, dampers, and seals have been changed or optimized. The end is impressive: 8 to 10 decibels quieter than before. Plus, there are crazy details like how the

with soft-touch materials highlighted by stitched inserts. The new horizontal layout also promotes better ergonomics and usability while toggle switches that operate functions like the stability control and hazard lights are a nice touch. The over-styled Camaro gauges are now gone and in its place are straight-forward ones that are much more legible. Even the seats are new. Apart from the better leather material, it also incorporates various firmness rates to reduce pressure on the spine and back.

Chevrolet is also proud of the new infotainment system that’s essentially “Future Proof”.

It offers the latest MyLink

thicker front side glass necessitates a slight drop, coupe style, whenever the door is opened or closed to equalize air pressure; otherwise, the doors would be harder to shut.

Beyond the vastly improved NVH, Chevrolet is most proud of the new interior and they have every reason to be. It’s now genuinely a good place to spend some time in.

The entire dashboard is fitted

system that’s by far the easiest to use in the segment. It’s also intuitive with clean, crisp graphics and is lighting fast in operation. Plus, not only does it integrate GPS, voice recognition, and Bluetooth, but is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—the first in its class to do so.

Driving both vehicles on the road first, they immediately impress with their newfound

Meet the 2017 Trailblazer, Colorado

C

HEVROLET has one mission when it comes to updating the Trailblazer and Colorado. Knowing they have the segment’s best mechanicals that still deliver class-leading numbers, they simply needed to make both exude a more premium feel.

Chevrolet acknowledges the criticisms leveled at their less than stellar interiors before, and now, they’ve come back with a vengeance. The 2017 Trailblazer and Colorado may very well be the best in their segments.

The change happens even before you see, let alone step inside one of these Chevrolets.

Invigorating their employees with a passion for quality, the first order of business is to achieve new levels in assembly quality. Tightening process controls and adding automation processes enables the Rayong, Thailand assembly plant to reach new benchmark levels in quality.

Improved quality is just the first step. The next is to create a thoroughly modern, well thought of SUV and pickup truck. Leveraging a global development program as well as getting local market feedback, the result is the 2017 Colorado and Trailblazer.

Upfront, it’s far removed from its predecessor. It takes on a styling that echoes the North American trucks and that’s deliberate because Chevy wants to tap into its one hundred year truck heritage. The new squared off lights, large grille, and hood all play a part in

of the two-day competition determined the six qualifiers.

The top six will then compete against each other and against finalists from Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, North Africa, and Thailand at the Race Camp Week in Silverstone.

The Nissan GT Academy

champion coming out from the Race Camp in Silverstone will then undergo the Nissan Driver Development Program (NDDP), where he or she will be fully trained to finally become an international race car driver to professionally run under the proud banner of Nissan.

Narasimhan expressed confidence on this year’s candidates.

“This season saw a more diverse batch of contenders, with a female finalist joining the top six. Nissan is looking forward to celebrating another Filipino Nissan GT Academy Champion soon.”

refinement. The new electric power steering not only reduces steering effort (perfect for negotiating U-turns), but also gives better precision as the speeds build up. It makes the Trailblazer and Colorado much easier to navigate in tight city streets. On the highway, it lends better confidence thanks to less steering pull. On rougher roads, it mitigates any judder that otherwise might crawl up the steering rack. Both models now have a much more planted and stable feel thanks to the revised suspension. It also improves the overall riding comfort, though it’s pretty obvious that the unladen Colorado would ride firmer. The Trailblazer also has a noticeable edge in braking performance thanks to its fourwheel disc brakes with a larger booster for better pedal bite.

In this particular occasion, the drive didn’t require it, but it’s good to know that both the Trailblazer and Colorado now

come up with a beefed up set of safety equipment. Both now have a driver’s knee airbag, tire pressure monitoring, lane departure warning, and front and rear parking assist. While, the Trailblazer builds on that by adding vehicle stability control, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert, and side blind zone warning.

Stepping onto the off-road course, both the Trailblazer and Colorado remain extremely capable in traversing any kind of terrain. It has all the same key numbers from before such as the approach, breakover, and departure angles, water wading depth, and ground clearance.

Despite lacking a rear locking differential (or even stability control for the Colorado), it made short work of a 35-degree tilted road, 500-millimeter river crossing, large undulating mounds, and a 45-degree uphill climb. And in terms of power output, it keeps its king of the

hill status: 200 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque from its 2.8-liter Duramax. What’s more, the shift to the electric power steering system means less parasitic power loss and improved emissions. Meanwhile, the lower-end models continue on with the 160 horsepower, 380 Nm of torque output.

Chevrolet recognizes that its brand recall isn’t as strong as they want it to be in this part of the world. However, they are planning to change that in a big way. With the 2017 Trailblazer and Colorado, Chevy has dug deep, making both the Trailblazer and Colorado lead their respective categories. More than ever, they’re now carrying Chevrolet’s century-long experience in building some of the best trucks in the world. In that regard, the Trailblazer and Colorado have signed, sealed, and delivered on the brand promise and heritage.

Use... FROM 5

Meanwhile, Philippine Branch Manager for the Climate Reality Project Rodne Galicha said ordinary Filipinos should be able to have access to clean and environment-friendly electricity.

“Solar rooftop installations provide this opportunity to Filipinos, as investments in both climate and the economy, since these address the need for a clean source of energy and long-term investment in infrastructure and commerce,” Galicha added.

The forum is part of the

Solar Rooftop Challenge, which highlights the benefits of using solar energy, while addressing misconceptions that hinder individuals and companies from utilizing the power resource.

The forum showcased existing solar rooftop installations in urban middle class households, celebrities, churches, schools, government buildings and private establishments, as well as stories of empowerment of people who have joined the solar rooftop revolution in the country. (JCM/dEAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

ministrator lawyer John Orola had a meeting with Hellen de la Vega, the Philippine director-general for ASEAN, last Friday at the Foreign Affairs headquarters in Manila.

Likewise, Leonardia said Bacolod would be able to sell offer its natural and human resources to the ASEAN market.

Meanwhile, Leonardia is asking the DFA to conduct meetings with other national

government agencies in order to provide a comprehensive briefing on the ASEAN integration.

The ASEAN Community 2015 is composed of the economies of the ASEAN member-states Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar. (JCM/CBA/ PIA6-Negros Occidental)

DFA... FROM 5

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 85718 under Loyola Contract No(s). 619508-5 issued to ATTY. BARTOLOME AMOGUIS 066857 under Loyola Contract No(s). 872640-6 issued to ARSENIO BAJAO were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

9/6,13,20

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

Sen. Trillanes asks Senate to investigate ‘DDS

S

ENATOR Antonio Trillanes IV filed Monday a resolution urging the Senate to investigate, in aid of legislation, the alleged extrajudicial killings purportedly committed by the Davao Death Squad (DDS).

Trillanes said his Senate Resolution No. 151 aims to come up with remedial legislation to ensure the protection of the people’s basic human rights, right to life and obser-

vance of due process.

The senator based his proposed Senate inquiry on the article written by Fr. Amado Picardal, who claimed 1,424 people were killed by the DDS from 1998 to 2015. ”This does not include unrecorded incidents, as well as victims from other cities and municipalities to which DDS has spread, franchise-style,” he stated in his resolution.

According to the Coalition

operatives against the threat of urban terrorism which he said will be a long fight.

Furthermore, the President announced that he is giving up his presidential planes

to be used as air ambulances.

He also said that under the government’s peace initiatives, the ongoing talks with the communists is “doing well.”

(PCO)

tomers, adding that more improvements are coming.

“Tourism destinations will be the priority areas because usage is high. User behavior is changing,” noted Isberto, adding that the Philippines is still transitioning from SMS use to becoming a data country.

Work is now underway in boosting LTE coverage and 3G mobile data services in Metro Cebu to “greatly improve the reach and quality of our mobile phone and mobile internet services in Metro Cebu which is the central hub for businesses, education, and tourism in

the Visayas region,” said Joachim Horn, chief technology and information advisor at PLDT and Smart.

Isberto said the major improvements being implemented by the company would result to occessional service disruption, but stressed that these upgrades are being done during periods when most users are inactive.

“Our commitment to our subscribers is that they will have the best possible experience, particularly for mobile data,” said Isberto. (rmn/fcr/ PIA7)

PH... FROM 3

LTE... FROM 6

Against Summary Execution (CASE) and the Tambayan Center for the Care of Abused Children, the documented death squad killings from Aug. 19, 1998 to Feb. 1, 2009 was 814.

Trillanes said the Constitution provides that government should value the dignity of every human person and guarantee full respect for human rights. ”No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the law,” he quoted Article 11 of the 1987 Philippine Consti-

tution.

Trillanes said when the Commission on Human Rights conducted public hearings in Davao City with regard to the killings, it identified 206 deaths attributed to the DDS between 2005 and 2009. ”These killings do not signify justice and a successful crackdown on crimes but indicate a breakdown in law and order,” he said.

In last week’s Senate inquiry, self-confessed former DDS member Edgar Matobato confirmed the presence of the squad, which he linked to former Davao City mayor and now President Ruterte. (PNA)

fronting the country’s banana sector.

He stressed the ultimate goal of the FTA is to achieve a zero tariff on Philippine exports in the European market.

Meanwhile, DTI XI- Bureau of International Trade Relations (BITR) Asst. Director Angelo Salvador Benedictos said that compared to the

Philippines’ GDP per capita which is $3,000, countries under EFTA have a $30,000 to $50,000 per capita which is comparatively higher.

However, Benedictos expressed optimism that the regional OCOV consultations would boost the country’s competitiveness in the global market.

counting for 77.3 percent or P137.3 billion worth of investment pledges.

Proposed projects of foreign and Filipino investors approved by the IPAs in the second quarter of 2016 are

expected to generate 53,998 jobs, higher by 49.2 percent compared to the previous year.

Out of these anticipated jobs, 74.2 percent would come from projects with foreign interest.

(PSA)

DTI... FROM 5

Total... FROM 6

14 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

Aeon Towers join cleanup drive

T

HERE is a time to repay the bounties of this world by showing love to mother earth.

As simple as that.

That simple deed became a special occasion for mem-

bers of the Aeon Towers team under the FTC Group of Companies who joined the cleanup drive on September 17 led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The cleanup drive was

World Bank backs DOF’s tax reform program

T

HE World Bank has expressed its full support for the tax reform that the Department of Finance (DOF) is proposing in line with President Duterte’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda that is focused on sustaining high economic growth and making its benefits felt by all Filipinos.

In a meeting with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, World Bank officials led by Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific Victoria Kwakwa offered to provide the new government with technical assistance and to share best practices and experiences in other countries to help the DOF effectively implement its proposed reforms on tax policy and administration.

World Bank Country Director Mara Warwick noted that these reforms can be game changers that could improve transparency, monitoring and efficiency in tax administration, which could in turn further expand tax base.

The World Bank’s offer of assistance came after Dominguez had explained to its officials the “transformative” reforms that the Duterte admin-

istration aims to carry out to help bring down the poverty rate from 26 percent in 2015 to 17 percent by the time the President steps aside in 2022.

These reforms include progressive tax reform packages to increase revenue collections while alleviating the tax burden on the middle class and vulnerable sectors; measures to ease business processes and cut red tape; initiatives to intensify social protection programs for the poorest of the poor, and accelerating spending on infrastructure by strengthening partnerships with the private sector.

“It was a very productive meeting with the World Bank officials,” Dominguez said.

At the onset of the meeting, Dominguez congratulated Kwakwa on her appointment last April 15 as the Bank’s VP for East Asia and Pacific.

Kwakwa was previously the World Bank’s Country Director for Vietnam.

Following the Bank’s expression of support for the DOF’s proposed tax reform, Dominguez requested the Bank to discuss with BOC other possible areas of coopera-

held around the surroundings of the Aeon Towers project along JP Laurel Avenue.

Aside from taking part in the regular cleanup drive of the DENR and the city government, the Aeon Towers have

also exemplified the corporate thrust of sustainable construction and green building concept.

The Aeon Towers is a fully UV-protected structure using PVC glass to contain the harm-

MOA Signing. The Davao Light and Power Co. and the Ateneo de Davao Univesity’s Mindanawon Initiative for Cultural Dialogue (AdDUMICD) signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the capability building training of the officers and selected members of an Indigenous People’s organization, the Indawhong Agroforest Farmers Association (IAFA). IAFA is the organization that is managing the Solar Charging Station set up by Davao Light to energize an IP community in Marilog area. tion, including strengthening the Bureau’s capacity to improve its collection and reduce red tape.

Besides reducing poverty, Dominguez informed the World Bank delegation that the priority goals of the Duterte administration include upholding the rule of law and order and seeking lasting peace with armed rebels, as

well as strengthening peaceful and cordial relations with the Philippines’ neighbors in the international community.

During the one-and-a-half hour meeting, Dominguez also conveyed the government’s strong interest in aligning the current Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) with the World Bank to President Duterte’s 10-point socioeconomic agen-

ful effects of ultraviolet rays. It also uses LED lighting system.

Prior to embarking on this ambitious project, Aeon Towers took the initiative to replace the small drainage system with large ones in order to

prevent flooding in the area.

By far, heavy flooding is no longer a problem in the area unlike the previous years where the area is known for flooding during heavy downpour. (Neilwin Bravo)

In photo are (from left to right) IAFA Vice President Ronie T. Anim, Davao Light Community Relations Manager Fermin P. Edillon, Davao Light Vice President for Engineering Engr. Rodger S. Velasco, Ateneo de Davao University President Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ, AdDU-MICD Director Perpevina C. Tio and Davao Light Streetlight and Pole Utilities Dept. Manager Daniel Cabigon. da and the forthcoming Philippine Development Plan, which focus on inclusive growth.

Dominguez also thanked the World Bank officials for their continued assistance in helping attain long-lasting peace and development in Mindanao.

Dominguez cited, in particular, the Harnessing Agribusiness Opportunities

through Robust and Vibrant Entrepreneurship Supportive of Peaceful Transformation (HARVEST) Project for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which is now in the pipeline.

The World Bank’s Philippine portfolio comprises 15 operations with a total net commitment of around $3 billion.

EDGEDAVAO Sports 15

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

DACS CHAMPION. Ateneo de Davao University players and fans celebrate their cahmpionship conquest in the 2016 DACS Basketball Tournament. Right photo, Ateneo’s Francis Gabriel Escandor receives his medal after topscoring for the Blue Knights with 16 points.

MADDIE COMEBACK P Davao’s Madayag hopes to return to Lady Eagles roster by November

I

NJURED Ateneo Lady Eagles standout Maddie Madayag hopes to get back in full health both physically and mentally in time for the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament.

Although the volleyball season will start next year, the incoming third year middle blocker, who was sidelined due to right knee ACL she suffered during practice on March 15, is not wasting time

in her recovery.

The 18-year old Davao native spends four hours of therapy every day and constantly goes for her regular check-up with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Raul Canlas. “(I’m) getting better, ongoing pa din ang therapy. I have I think four more months to go.

Hopefully I can play sa UAAP,” shared Madayag.

But the trauma still haunts Madayag six months after her

injury.

“It’s actually mentally hard kasi sometimes I watch their (Lady Eagles) games and some of them land on one foot lang, eh I landed in one foot that’s why I got injured,” she said.

“So I was like, ‘Whoo!

Chill!’ Trauma talaga pero mindset lang talaga na kaya nga nagte-therapy para mas lalakas ‘yung knee,” she added.

Madayag hopes to be cleared to join practice by November and will be able to participate in the drills.

“I’m not cleared yet by doctor Canlas to join the practice. Sabi dapat eight months ang recovery ko, so by November siguro I can train with them,” she said. “Sometimes (I go to training), noong na-injure pa nga lang ako miss ko na maglaro but ayun talaga, it takes time for the recovery.”

and was off the pace of his rival and Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg in all three practice sessions, qualifying and the race. That was compounded by a hydraulic failure in practice that cost him a lot of long-run practice.

Given that, a third place finish and an eight-point championship deficit to Rosberg represented an accept-

able level of damage limitation.

“A very trying weekend, these ones come along sometimes and you just have to take it on the chin sometimes,” a philosophical Hamilton said post-race.

Hamilton has overcome championship adversity already this year. When Rosberg won the opening four

races of the season, the points gap was 43, but seven races later, the Briton had pulled ahead. Now he has to do it again.

“It’s not as tough as you think, I don’t know why,” Hamilton said. “We’ve come from 43 points down, so theoretically, eight points isn’t anywhere near as steep as that.

Seounghyun Lee scored 13 points for Korea.

Jordan took third place with a 94-72 win over Iraq, while China beat Japan, 7567, in the battle for fifth place.

India beat Chinese Taipei, 80-68, to take seventh place.

With Iran’s win and the

top five finish of Jordan and Iraq, West Asia has been given an three additional slots for the 2017 Fiba Asia Cup while East Asia, with the second and fifth place finish of Korea and Japan, has been given two additional spots.

West Asia will now have five slots in the Fiba Asia

Cup next year, while East Asia will have four. Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and South Asia will have one spot each, while the Gulf will have Qatar as its representative.

Australia and New Zealand, and the host country round out the Fiba Asia Cup roster of squads.

Hamilton hopes to win F1 title with 6 races left

H

AVING seen his title rival win three straight races in four weeks, Lewis Hamilton could be forgiven for fearing the worst about the destiny of the 2016 Formula One title, but the Briton still believes he can reverse the current championship tide.

Hamilton had a frustrating weekend in Singapore

I

Iran rules FIBA Asia Challenge

RAN won the 2016 Fiba Asia Challenge title on home turf after beating Korea, 77-47, on Sunday in Tehran.

Hamed Hadadi punctuated Iran’s dominance in the gold medal match, registering 20 points, 23 rebounds, and three blocks.

CHAMPS. The Iranians go unbeaten in eight matches at home. Photo from fiba.com

Broadhurst’s late birdie gives him victory at Pebble Beach AUL Broadhurst birdied the par-5 18th at Pebble Beach on Sunday (Monday, Manila time) to win the PGA Tour Champions’ Nature Valley First Tee Open.

The Senior British Open winner at Carnoustie in July for his first victory on the 50-and-over tour, Broadhurst made a six-foot-birdie putt on 18 after running his first attempt past the hole.

The 51-year-old Englishman finished with a 4-under 68 for a one-stroke victory over Bernhard Langer and playing partner Kevin Sutherland. Broadhurst joined Ben Hogan and Tom Watson as the only players to win at both Pebble Beach and Carnoustie.

“Obviously, the scoreboards are all around the last four holes so I was well aware of what was going on and knew I needed to birdie the last to avoid a playoff,” Broadhurst said. “Probably hit two of the best shots I’ve ever hit up 18. Perfect tee shot and a really good utility into the green just on the front edge.

I managed to two-putt from 30 feet, so yeah, absolutely delighted.”

Langer birdied the last for a 66, and Sutherland birdied the final two holes for a 70.

Sutherland, from Sacramento, missed a chance to win the home event for this first senior title.

“I waited to the end to make some birdies but better late than never, I guess,” said Sutherland, a stroke ahead of Broadhurst entering the round. “One thing about Pebble, I didn’t get the first seven holes. I didn’t make any birdies on those holes, so it kind of gets you behind a little bit. But I played the back side solid, so it’s a little disappointing coming up one short.”Joe Durant bogeyed the 18th — lipping out a 3-footer — for a 67 to finish fourth at 9 under.

Broadhurst finished at 11-under 204 for two rounds at Pebble Beach and one at Poppy Hills. He won six times on the European Tour and played in the 1991 Ryder Cup. “It certainly felt more relaxed today, definitely,” Broadhurst said. “I don’t know if it’s because you’re older or whether it’s experience or just getting in the frame at the British recently helped an awful lot, but I felt fairly comfortable. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but I felt fairly comfortable out there apart from 14, which I made a bit of a mess of.”

DBL. City Sports Development Office officer-in-charge Mikey Aportadera tosses the ceremonial ball of the Duterte Basketball League (DBL) InterPolitical District tournament which opened recenty at the Davao City Recreation Center.

16

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 148 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016