Edge Davao 9 Issue 153

VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

RODY’S TRUST RATINGS UP. President Rodrigo R. Duterte interacts with reporters during a news conference in this undated photo. Duterte trust rating or approval by Filipino people has increased to 97 percent according to a latest survey conducted by a news outfit. Lean Daval Jr.

DAVAO CHOSEN MOST CHILD-FRIENDLY CITY Also awarded in 1998, 1999, 2013, 2014 EDGE

DAVAO Sports

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

AVAO City has done it again!

On Monday, Davao City was adjudged anew as the Most Child-Friendly Highly Urbanized City in the country, this time for 2015.

This was announced by Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) who joined President Duterte during the presentation of the winners of the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACFMC) in Malacañang yesterday, Monday.

The announcement also came

with the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarian Act of 2016.

Taguiwalo lauded the municipalities and cities adjudged as last year’s child-friendly local government units (LGUs), saying the PACFMC recognizes the collective efforts of outstanding LGUs and local public servants who selflessly and tirelessly work to promote children’s rights.

“Their individual and organizational contributions, big or small, form part of these initiatives and achievements to make our country

a better place for our children. The awardees and finalists of the PACFMC all have done their best to provide Filipino children with quality and effective programs and services. We want their efforts to be sustained and replicated not just for our children’s welfare, but for those also of other marginalized and vulnerable groups and families that need our support and service,” the secretary said.

Aside from Davao City, municipalities who won the prestigious PACFMC award include the town of Buenavista of Guimaras province in the 1st to 3rd class municipality

category; the town of Dumalneg in Ilocos Norte in the 4th to 6th class municipality category; Iligan City in the component city category; and Santiago City in the independent component city category.

The PACFMC recognition given

by Malacañang should serve as a reminder for everyone that much still has to be done for the Filipino children, Taguiwalo pointed out.

She added: “Many of them do not still fully enjoy basic rights such as the rights to education, food and shelter. The task is certainly daunt-

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PASSING THE TEST P14

THE PACMAN TOUR A2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

BANANA TALK. Southern Agro Export Corporation (SAGREX) president Ferdinand Marañon (center) says banana industry players will present to President Duterte in the upcoming Banana Summit 2016 its newly-established Banana Industry Council (BIC) which aims to protect the interest of small banana producers in the region. Marañon was joined

by Federation of Cooperative in Mindanao (Fedco) chief executive officer Rene Dalayon (right) and Philippine Banana

Davao City model retirees get additional P20K cash

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AVAO City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte gave additional cash incentives to 69 model retirees as a appreciation for their service in the city government.

Mayor Inday approved the release of additional P20,000 cash for all the retirees, with some of them serving the government for 44 years, during a program held for them Monday morning at the Grand Menseng hotel.

The cash incentive was on top of the P20,000 cash given to those who served the city for a maximum of 40 years, P15,000 for those who served for at least 30 years, P10,000 for those who served at least 20 years, and P5,000 for those

who served at least 10 years.

In a message read by the Mayor Inday Sara’s Chief of Staff, Atty. Raul Nadela, Jr, the mayor emphasized that the city government has become a “fine, well-oiled machine” because of the 69 retirees’ contribution of “time, talents, and energy devoted to the performance of their respective tasks.”

Before the Grand Menseng program, the model retirees were also recognized by the employees of the Davao City LGU in a short program in front of the City Hall.

Civil Service Commission Regional Director Annabelle Rosell, who witnessed the

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Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) executive director Steve Antig during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao where they promoted this year’s summit set on October 6 to 8 at SMX Convention Center in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

CEO pushes for creation of drainage task group

By RIA VALDEZ

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HE City Engineer’s Office (CEO) has proposed a task force to be composed of personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Davao City Water District (DCWD), and private sector organizations that will monitor and address issues concerning the city’s drainage system.

Speaking at yesterday’s Kapehan sa Davao press forum at SM Ecoland, Atty.

Joey Felizarta, CEO officer-in-charge, the said task

force will not mainly focus on maintenance concerns, but facilitate collaboration among concerned agencies.

According to Felizarta, the body’s main role is to come up with a list of ongoing drainage projects, including reports on their slippage and timeframes.

“The other agencies must know the project of the other,” said Felizarta, who called the attention of other government agencies who carry out road construction projects “without the knowledge of others.”

Regarding the urgency of

setting up the task force, he said, “It is urgent now because of the traffic congestion.”

Felizarta said the task force has no name yet, as he explained the city government already has a Drainage Maintenance Unit (DMU).

He said the drainage monitoring body will be created through a city ordinance which only needs the approval of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

In the meantime, Felizarta said the CEO is collaborating with the DPWH in constructing a drainage line in main

roads and highways, which include Boulevard Trading and R. Castillo that had to be elevated to avoid flooding.

He said the CEO is also looking at ways on how to address traffic woes caused by the ongoing construction of drainage systems at the Quirino-Bankerohan area.

Felizarta clarified these construction activities are only meant to improve the city’s drainage systems and not to construct an underground cabling system, as some people have speculated.

long series of consultations with various government agencies and civil society organizations. The IRR contains the provisions on Centenarian Gift to be given to Filipinos residing in and outside the country, in recognition of the longevity of their lives that will come from the available funds of DSWD. These will be accompanied by Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines.

Posthumous awards will be given to deceased centenarians. Additional cash incentives will also be given by local government units, with due consideration to any local ordinance granting similar incentives for centenarians,” she

said.

Sec. Taguiwalo said that to fulfill the promise of the law, careful considerations had to be given to the documentary requirements.

“We all know that many of our elderly were born decades before us may not always have birth certificates, much less passports.This situation often holds true even for those who have been recently born, especially those from remotest areas. We also do not want them to stand in queues and then fail to be recognized because of the absence of legal documents that some of them may never have had,” she said.

“As such, the IRR provides that in the absence of birth

certificates or passports, centenarians can submit other government issued documents as proof of their age. The Centenarians Act is a momentous legislation we want actively enforced. Time is of the essence in implementing the law because we want the intended beneficiaries to enjoy the centenarian gift,” Taguiwalo added.

No need for Sebastian to testify in probe: DoJ Taguiwalo joins signing IRR of Centenarians Act

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HERE is no need for high profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian to appear at the on-going investigation of the House of Representatives Committee on Justice on the proliferation of drugs in the New Bilibid Prison(NBP).

Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, in a press conference on Monday, said Sebastian refused to disclose whatever he knows of the illegal drugs proliferation in the state penitentiary.

Aguirre said Sebastian, the alleged collector of Senator Leila de Lima of drug money in NBP, only wanted to talk about the alleged P10-million per month anomaly over the food rations of NBP inmates.

“Ayaw niyang umamin pagdating doon sa illegal drug trade. Ang gusto lang niya anomalya, corruption tungkol daw doon sa monthly PHP10 million tungkol sa food supply,” Aguirre said.

But Aguirre said he did not have any direct conversation with Sebastian regarding his testimony.

“May mga tao na nagsabi lang na gusto magsalita ni Jaybee. Tinanong nila ako kung ano ba gagawin dito but I rejected it,” Aguirre said.

He also explained that the House committee on justice does not have to issue a subpoena for Sebastian because, as an inmate, his political

F NO, 13

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EPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo today joined the signing of the IRR of the Centenarians Act of 2016. The law was signed on June 23, 2016.

The Centenarians Act covers Filipinos who have reached 100 years old, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad. They will be receiving official recognition from the President for their longevity, and given the Centenarian Gift. The law also declares the first Sunday of October of every year as National Respect for Centenarians Day. “The IRR is a product of hard work: it went through a

Indigent Senior Citizens Pension Fund In the meantime, Sec. Taguiwalo also shared information on the status of the department’s Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens.

She said that the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Peace deal to be done in 9 to 10 mos - Bello

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NO WATER, CAN WASH. Residents take their morning bath and do their laundry near a spring in Doña Pilar Subdivision as the area and its nearby communities are among those hit by the Davao City Water District’s water service interruptions. Residents said they have no water since Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

OVERNMENT of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) chief negotiator and incumbent Labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” Bello III expressed optimism that the peace talks between the National Democratic Front (NDF) will be concluded and signed within “nine to 10 months”.

He made this statement during the first ever Public Policy Forum of the Pamantasan Lungsod ng Manila, Monday.

The GRP chief negotiator added that Filipinos worldwide could expect this to happen by August 2017.

Bello attributed the smooth flow of negotiations between the GRP and the NDF to President Duterte’s commitment to free the jailed NDF consultants and announcement of general amnesty, with approval of the House of Representatives, once hostilities formally end.

He added the Chief Executive’s guarantees are the first to be made by a sitting President.

But Bello stressed the peace treaty would not bring lasting and just peace if the root causes of the conflict, which are extreme poverty, public belief

that the government is capable of bringing justice, and massive corruption among government ranks, were not addressed decisively.

To this end, the GRP chief negotiator is calling for the assistance and support of all Filipino youth so that the peace process will push through and allow them and the next generation to “reap the dividends of peace.”

NDF chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni, who was also a guest in the same forum, said both parties are working very hard to achieve the target of a final peace treaty within “nine to 12 months.”

“But I have to be frank also, a 47-year old conflict will not be so easy to resolve, there will be no real and just lasting peace if the peasants don’t have genuine land reform, (workers) national industrialization, (and) if students, women (groups), IPs (Indigenous People), urban poor will be able to get justice and their rights respects and implemented (as) well,” he added.

Jalandoni stressed the key

Braga spearheads gab for Davao educators Drug surrenderers trained in

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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DUCATORS from Davao are expected to converge for a one-day conference to discuss the state of education in the region .

The one day event, to be spearheaded by Councilor Pilar Braga in partnership with Pas-

tor Apollo Quiboloy, will be held on Sept. 28, 2016 at the Jose Maria College.

“The upcoming conference is a response to the mounting concerns and issues facing the local and national educators,” Braga said.

According to Braga, the consultative meeting is expected to produce declarations that would serve as a policy directions for local and national government units.

Braga added the proposed resolutions covering educa-

tion-related matters will be forwarded to the legislative branch for appropriate action.

Braga pointed out the consultative conference is a step towards addressing local education issues and concerns that

HE city government of Davao has entered into a memorandum of agreement with Fagel Tabin Agricultural Corp. for a property in Catigan, Toril that the Task Force Davao will use for free.

The signing was witnessed by the employees of the city government during the flag-raising ceremony held Monday morning in front

of the city hall.

The MOA is effective and binding both parties for a period of two years without any compensation.

“It has been the First Party’s contribution to the welfare and protection of the community and the populace,” the memorandum reads.

Fagel Tabin Agricultural Corp. was represented by its

President, Marcelo L. Fagel, while the Task Force Davao was represented by its commander, Col. Erwin Bernard L. Neri.

Also present during the signing were officials of the city government.

Following the signing of the MOA, the checkpoint of Task Force Davao in Toril will be transferred from Sirawan to

Catigan within 30 days.

Fagel said the decision to allow Task Force Davao to use their property was anchored on their commitment to keep Davao City and the Dabawenyos secured.

Task Force Davao has been created to ensure that the peace and order of the city and the neighboring areas are maintained and protected. CIO

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City, agri firm ink deal on TFD’s free land use T

DoJ set to install 2 jammers in NBP T

HE Department of Justice (DoJ) is set to install two donated signal jammers inside Building 14 at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

DoJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II refused to reveal the identity of the Filipino who donated the two jammers from South Korea worth P2 million which is 10 times more powerful than the improvised jammer inside the Bilibid.

Engineers who will install the jammers said a tower type cellsite jammer is needed for the Maximum Security Prison.

Aguirre said it is important to cut inmates’ communication outside to stop illegal drug transactions.

Each jammer can cover

1,200 square meter area and both will be installed from both ends of Building 14.

Building 14 is a 1,200 square meter property within the NBP’s Maximum Security Compound.

Its gate however is not accessible via the heavily guarded main entrance and has no access to the Maximum Security compound.

The facility’s gate is along the main road of the New Bilibid Prison leading to the Reception and Diagnostic Center and near the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Museum, formerly the lethal injection chamber.

The building currently houses 53 high profile inmates including Herbert “Ampang”

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NEW INFRA TASK FORCE. City Engineer Office Officer In Charge Atty.

Dominic Joseph Felizarta says the agency is planning to create a task force to be composed of personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Davao City Water District (DCWD), and other

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disaster response and mng’t

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T least 33 drug surrenderers in Davao City completed a weeklong training on disaster reduction and management, one of the activities that, according to authorities, is vital in their pursuit for a reformed life.

Initiated by the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) 11 of the Philippine National Police and Davao City’s Central 911, the training that ended Friday last week was aimed at equipping the surrenderers with the skills and knowledge needed during calamities.

The youngest surrenderee was only 17 years old.

Senior Supt. Joel Consulta, head of RPSB 11, said the

drug surrenderers were from barangays Tigatto, Maa, 76A, Matina Aplaya and Matina Pangi -- all flood-prone villages.

“After this training, the drug surrenderers will already be able to properly respond to emergencies or disaster,” he said. “The community can rely on them as they already know what to do in times of disasters.”

Training drug surrenderers is RPSB’s contribution to the anti-drug campaign of the national government.

The objective is to introduce rehabilitation and reformation activities to people who have been involved in the illegal drug trade. CIO

agencies from the private sector who will address issues concerning the city’s drainage system and other infrastructure projects. Felizarta made the disclosure during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

Sec. Piñol asks farmers to avail of crop insurance T D

EPARTMENT of Agriculture Sec. Emmanuel Piñol urged farmers in North and South Cotabato to avail of the insurance services of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to avoid getting empty handed when calamity strikes.

Piñol made the appeal after farmers in Tantangan and Norala, both in South Cota-

SouthCot releases P2.9M for educational program

bato and Mlang in North Cotabato sought help from him through the social media after strong winds damaged last week the soon to be harvested palay.

Piñol said disasters strike anytime and it is best for farmers to have their crops insured before PCIC so they can recover from losses.

“Disasters like this could

happen to a farmer’s life which is why we really encourage our farmers to join the crop insurance program of the government,” Piñol said.

“I know that PCIC is not known yet to the Filipino farmers so under the administration of President Rody Duterte, I have instructed its officials to conduct a nationwide campaign to insure the

Filipino farmers,” he added.

North and South Cotabato belonged to SOCCSKSARGEN region or Region 12, the number 1 rice producer in Mindanao.

It is also composed of the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and Gen. Santos.

(PNA)

takes charges of the road packages as well as the drainage systems, Zamcelco for power connections and ZCWD for the water connections.

Salazar’s call came as she expressed disappointment over the slow phase of implementation of the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) program.

The Z3R program is aimed to rehabilitate the areas affected by the 21-day September 2013 siege.

Salazar said based on record, the accomplishment for

the Z3R has not even reached 40 percent three years after the siege displaced thousands of families.

She said light and water connections can be finalized and completed by 2017 yet.

She stressed that the city government will not accept houses that are not substantial.

“What we are asking is a dignified housing and we appeal to the DPWH, NHA, ZCWD and Zamcelco to expedite our work because the IDPs (internally displaced persons) have been suffering for a long time now,” she added.

On Wednesday, Sept. 28, a total of 487 houses on stilts are set to be turned over to the IDPs who will be resettled to Valle Vista in Barangay Kasanyangan.

The turnover over is expected to be the biggest ever in terms of the number of houses awarded to the IDPs. On Sept. 9, 2013, hundreds of members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) loyal to MNLF Chairperson Nur Misuari infiltrated and laid siege in at least four coastal barangays in this city.

(PNA)

members’ money, competitiveness in delivering quality financial services and sustainability of operations in the years to come”.

This after careful validation was made by two auditors from MCN in August at Tagum Coop Main Office where documents submitted underwent thorough scrutiny.

In validating the documents, the validators used the PEARLS standards as indicated in the Model Credit Union Building (MCUB) methodology of the FOCCUS Brand.

PEARLS stands for Protection, Effective Financial Structure, Asset Quality, Rates of Return and Costs, Liquidity, Signs of Growth.

On August 26, an exit conference took place at the TC Boardroom where the valida-

tion results was bared showing within and above standard ratings accomplished by Tagum Coop.

“Overall, you (Tagum Coop) did very well” Ms. Rhoda Ruth Pillerin, MCN CEO, said in the conference.

In the awards night, Tagum Coop officers and the management led by Chairperson Monica L. Salido and General Manager Juris D. Perez were in full force to receive the award.

Chairperson Salido noted the “unified efforts of the officers, employees, and members” which have contributed to the achievement of the award.

She also thanked the MCN and all its member-cooperatives for the recognition assuring them that Tagum Coop

“would continue to uphold the FOCCUS prudential standards”.

Tagum Coop was first branded with FOCCUS in early 2000 and right then, the Cooperative continued to renew the brand levelling up its quality of service to the members every year.

History of the Cooperative shows how the adoption of the MCUB technology thru the Credit Union Empowerment and Strengthening (CUES) Philippines project of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) paved Tagum Coop’s way to FOCCUS. With the brand, Tagum Coop is “capable to secure members’ money” indicating its financial soundness and excellent service. (Tagum Cooperative)

Zambo mayor disappointed on slow Z3R implementation

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AYOR Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has aired an urgent appeal to agencies concerned to expedite work for the immediate return of the families displaced by the 21-day September 2013 siege.

Salazar’s appeal is addressed to the National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco), and Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD).

The NHA constructs the permanent shelters, DPWH

HE provincial government of South Cotabato has released an initial PHP2.9 million for the rollout of the educational assistance component of its flagship Kabugwason Paglaum Scholarship Program (KPSP).

Jerry Gamo, head of the South Cotabato Barangay Affairs Unit (BAU), said Monday the funds will mainly cover for the school fees of elementary and high school students in three municipalities in the province.

He said the beneficiaries in Banga, Tampakan and Tantangan towns comprise the first batch of the program’s recipients for the current school year 2016-2017.

“We’re targeting to fully release the grants to the beneficiaries in the other areas by December,” he said.

The provincial government has allocated around P12 million for the implementation this year of the KPSP’s educational assistance component within the province’s 10 towns and lone city.

The program is being implemented by the KPSP in coordination with the BAU and other local stakeholders.

Gamo said they are looking at increasing the allocation

next year for the educational assistance component to cater to the projected increase in the number of beneficiaries with the full implementation starting last June of the Senior High School program.

He said they are currently conducting consultations with school principals, barangay officials and parents-teachers association heads regarding the matter.

“The governor (Daisy Avance-Fuentes) already committed to increase the budget for the program to cater to our senior high school students,” he said.

Vice Gov. Vicente De Jesus confirmed such move but said they have yet to decide on the additional allocation for next year.

The KPSP, which was launched 12 years ago, mainly caters to “poor but deserving students” in the province.

It offers scholarships for undergraduate, law and medicine degrees and technical-vocational courses as well as educational assistance for elementary and high school students.

For the tertiary scholarships, the provincial government allocated around PHP28 million for this year. (PNA)

Tagum Coop achieves highest FOCCUS Brand Maguindanao power coop

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WEEK after bagging the ACCESS Silver Brand, Tagum Coop received the FOCCUS (Finance Organizations achieving Certified Credit Union Standards) Platinum Achievement Award, the highest recognition bestowed by Model Cooperative Network (MCN).

The award was handed during the 10th FOCCUS Awards Night on September 17 at the Davao Convention and Trade Center, Davao City attended by 13 FOCCUS cooperatives in Mindanao and Visayas.

Tagum Coop snatched the Platinum award after accomplishing “highest level of financial ratios in its savings and credit operations” Furthermore, the award cited assurance on “safety of

tells consumers to settle bills

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FFICIALS of the Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (Magelco) on Monday reminded member-consumers its disconnection team had been roaming around the province to disconnect power lines.

Magelco General Manager Ansari Maungko said the cooperative is strictly implementing automatic disconnection to consumers who failed to settle power bills on time.

“We need to do this to survive,” Maungko told reporters as member consumers flocked the cooperative office to pay bills.

“We have experienced a series of power outages in the province not because of technical problem but due to limited supply from power generators,” he said, adding the cooperatives’ mounting payables to

power generators forced the firm to cut power supply for Magelco.

He said Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) and National Power Corporation (Napocor) were forced to reduce supplies for Magelco due to its huge payables which led to sectional power outages in Maguindanao’s 36 municipalities.

“We need to be innovative,” Maungko said, adding that consumers were given ample time to settle their obligation.

“When all are exhausted, the Magelco disconnection team will come in,” he said.

Maungko did not reveal Magelco’s payables to power generators but said “we are regularly paying our obligations so enough power supply is restored.” (PNA)

Tagum Coop officers and management led by Chairperson Monica L. Salido (upper row, fifth from left) receive the FOCCUS Platinum Achievement Award on Sept. 17 at Davao Convention and Trade Center

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

BUSINESS PARTNERS. RDL Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Inc. Chief Executive Officer and President Leonora Lim represented by Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Robert Lim (5th from right), Vice President for Operations Mercedita Lim (3rd from right) and Vice President for Admin Alexander Lim (2nd from right) hand over tokens bearing the logo of the two companies partnership to PT. Amosys Indonesia Managing Director Kawiro Susilo

Mindanao has 80 ecozones - MinDA T

By RIA VALDEZ

HERE are now has 80 economic zones in Mindanao, according to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

“These ecozones are either operational, on-going, or proclaimed,” said Heidi Villanueva of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

According to Villanueva, these economic zones are located in Davao, General Santos City, among others.

She said that 26 of these ecozones are focused on the IT and BPO industry sector, 20 on agro-industry, 28 on the manufacturing industry, four on the tourism sector, and one on medical tourism.

Villanueva said MinDA has held consultations in Region 11 and 12 to promote these ecozones.

However, she explained that although these ecozones are already in place, some of them cannot start operations due to the lack of proper documents from the Philippine Export Zone Authority (PEZA).

Villanueva said 90 percent of these ecozones are being managed by the private sector, adding, “I think it is only Zamboanga who is from the government.”

“One problem is finding locators,” she added, noting that some areas in Mindanao were not developed as ecozones due to land issues.

Villanueva believes that the best way to develop these areas is to promote them among investors.

She also pointed out that the current peace and order

F MINDANAO, 10

DOLE chief, labor groups to attend hearing on‘endo’

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HE Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, chaired by Senator Joel Villanueva, is set to conduct its second hearing on Tuesday, with the aim of addressing the evils of contractualization and the “endo” scheme.

The committee invited leaders and representatives coming from both the public and private sector, academe, and trade unions.

Among those in the guest list are Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III; Guenter Taus, President of the European Chambers of the Philippines (ECCP); trade union leaders Atty. Raymond Mendoza (TUCP-PGEA), Atty.

Ruben Torres (TUCP), and Elmer Labog (KMU); UP School

of Labor and Industrial Relations Dean Rene Ofreneo; PCCI President George Barcelon; and SM Retail, Inc. President Jeorge Mendiola.

Villanueva urged the resource persons to present their side in addressing “endo,” or the “555” scheme.

“I vow to end contractualization and any other forms of labor abuse. I propose to prohibit labor-only contractualization and limit contractual services to highly specialized fields. We have to ensure that we adopt a law that will regularize workers and ensure that they will receive social benefits and protection. In addition, I am also pushing for a law that will create a support fund for workers who will be in between jobs,” Villanueva emphasized. (PNA)

(4th from left), Business Development Manager Budi Santoso, Rico Susilo and Sales and Marketing Director Mrs. Desirya during their contract signing on partnership in business held at the D’Leonor Inland Resort and Adventure Park Convention Hall over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

Watsons to establish first stand-alone store

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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ATSONS Personal Care Store has chosen Davao city to be the hub of its first stand-alone community pharmacy.

Watsons Philippines Managing Director Robert U. Sun has confirmed that this branch is one of the three more outlets the company plans to put up in Mindanao before the end of 2016, in addition to the existing 35 Watsons stores in the island- region and over 500 stores nationwide.

“Nationwide, we have

more or less 30 stand-alone stores,” Sun said.

The community pharmacy, she said, will be located in the city’s downtown area to make it more accessible, particularly for clients who can’t go to the malls to purchase their medicines.

According to Sun, the store’s construction will begin by the end of September.

He explained that even though Watsons is an anchor tenant of SM malls being a joint venture of the Hong Kong-

based AS Watsons and Philippines’ SM Group, its stores are also located in other non-SM malls.

Sun said their plan to establish these stand-alone community pharmacies was due to the absence of malls in some areas in the country where Watsons wanted to put up a branch.

Established in 1841, Watsons Personal Care Stores now operates over 12,000 stores worldwide, and is the largest health care and beauty care

chain store in Asia which has a presence in Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, Lithuania and Latvia.

Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, Watsons Personal Care Store tied up with Operation Smile Philippines in carrying out simultaneous cleft surgical mission in Cavite and Davao City from Sept. 17 to 23, 2016, serving over 250 beneficiaries.

tinued optimism over President Duterte’s commitment to bring real change through the implementation of transformative reforms not only in the economy but on the peace and order front as well,” Alvarez said.

She said the recent issue of P100 billion worth of RTBs, even when the auction commenced just days after the bombing of the Roxas night market in Davao City, highlights the strong confidence of investors in the Duterte administration’s capability to sustain the high growth—and even transform it into an inclusive one—via the President’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda.

“The BTr announced earlier that its fundraising exercise of auctioning the first set of RTBs on the Duterte watch aims to supplement the funds for the government’s planned infrastructure buildup and increased spending on human capital and social protection for the poor. The overwhelming success of the RTBs proves the high credibility of the Dute-

rte administration in delivering these commitments,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez said another positive development was Standard & Poor’s recent announcement maintaining the Philippines’ investment grade of “BBB” with a “stable” outlook. S&P cited the economy’s strong fundamentals and prudent economic management that point to the sustainability of the country’s economic gains.

Citing the statement made by the Investor Relations Office (IRO) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Alvarez said a rating within the investment-grade scale is a “seal of good housekeeping” that marks the ability of a country to pay its financial obligations given a variety of factors that include favorable economic conditions.

S&P cited the country’s “young,” “educated,” and “flexible” workforce, rising investments and stable financial system as among the bases for its projections that per-capita income in the Philippines would

rise by 4.4 percent to $3,000 this year, and growth would accelerate to 4.6 percent from 2017-2019.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has welcomed S&P’s “good news” on the economy, which, he said, “gives the new government greater resolve to transform the economy into a truly inclusive one by pursuing, among others, a tax reform plan that seeks to generate enough revenues to grow the middle class, energize the corporate sector, and raise investments in human capital and social protection to drastically reduce poverty incidence.”

In his meetings with foreign ambassadors from Spain, China, and the European Union as well as with leaders of international institutions such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the World Bank, Dominguez received expressions of support for the Duterte administration’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda.

The 10-point agenda

Confidence in PHL high growth remains strong -- DOF

T

HE latest positive developments reflecting the bullish outlook of investors, international institutions and foreign governments on the Philippine economy are telling marks that beyond the political noise, confidence remains high on the capability of the Duterte administration to deliver on its commitment of inclusive growth through its “transformative” 10-point socioeconomic agenda, Department of Finance (DOF) spokesperson Paola Alvarez said.

Assistant Secretary Alvarez said these positive developments include the recent successful auction by the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) of P100 billion-worth of Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs), the expressions of support from other countries and international institutions for the administration’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda, and the upbeat outlook of the business community on the economy.

“If one were to ignore the political noise generated by certain groups, one could clearly hear the voices of con-

F CONFIDENCE, 13

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

Edge Davao wins SSS ‘Balikat Bayan’award

I

N line with the 59th anniversary celebration, Social Security System (SSS) Southern Mindanao Division recognized its media partners during the recently held “2016 SSS Balikat ng Bayan” awarding ceremony held at the Seda Hotel.

Mario Daray, SSS Davao information officer, expressed his gratitude to the agency’s media partners for supporting its information drive by publishing press releases, news advisories and advertisements.

The insurance company recognized Edge Davao alongside Sunstar Davao and MindaNet Balita for the print media category.

For radio, Philippine Information Agency Region XI, DXDC RMN Davao, Philippine News Agency, DXRR MOR 101.1 For Life, DXFE 1197 AM Davao City, DXAW, DXRD Sonshine Radio Davao, DXRP Radyo ng Bayan, Aksyon Radyo Davao, DXAB Radyo Patrol 1296 Davao, and DXGM GMA Super Radyo were hailed as awardees.

For television, Sky Ca-

ble, ABS-CBN TV Patrol, GMA News TV received awards.

The SSS awards also showed its appreciation to other outstanding stakeholders in Davao City.

SPES Pauperum Foundation Inc. was hailed Division and Group Winner in the Medium Account category, while Davao Wisdom Academy received the award for Division and Group Winner in the Small/Micro account category.

Antonio Ajero, Edge Davao editor-in-chief and Richard Ebona, marketing supervisor received the award in behalf of Edge Davao.

Founded in 1995, the Balikat ng Bayan Awards continues to recognize top stakeholders and media partners at the regional and national level.

To recall, in 2011, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. De Quiros Jr began the tradition of SSS Balikat ng Bayan Awards for excellence in journalism, which honors the contribution of media in the development of Philippine society through good reporting practices. Jermaine L. Dela Cruz

DOF submits first package of tax reforms to Congress

T

HE Department of Finance (DOF) has submitted to the Congress the first package of tax reforms designed to lower personal income taxes rates while raising revenues to help fund the Duterte administration’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda for inclusive growth.

The first of four sets of tax reforms was submitted to the House committee on ways and means chaired by Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua on Monday morning.

Topping these proposals are the restructuring of the personal income tax (PIT) system; expansion of the value-added tax (VAT) base by reducing the coverage of its exemptions; adjustment of excise taxes imposed on petroleum products; and restructuring the excise tax on automobiles except for buses, trucks, cargo vans, jeeps, jeepney substitutes and special purpose vehicles.

The PIT reforms include adjustments in the income tax brackets to correct so-called income creeping; reduce the personal income tax maximum rate over time to 25 percent from 32 percent at present, except for highest income earners; and shift to a simpler, modified gross system.

A quarter to a third of the net gain from the proposed tax reforms would be allocated for the conditional cash transfers, lifeline electricity subsidies, direct discounts and higher Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth) coverage, among other targeted subsidies, for the sectors to be affected by the new fuel prices arising from the adjustments in the excise tax on petroleum products.

DOF Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has pointed out

that tax reform is crucial to the task of reconfiguring the Philippine economy to attain the Duterte administration’s goal of inclusive growth.

Dominguez said the DOF-proposed tax reforms is the linchpin of a broader reform package envisioned by the Duterte administration to attack generational poverty, restore peace and order, curb armed insurgencies, transform the Philippines into a high middle-income state and lift 10 million Filipinos from poverty by the end of the Duterte presidency in 2022.

“Without reforming our tax system so that it becomes fairer, simpler and more efficient, government cannot undertake the volume of spending required in achieving our goals” of reducing poverty from 26% to 17% in six years and elevating the Philippines to the status of a high-income country in one generation,” he said.

A comprehensive tax reform package that includes other measures will also augment the P1 trillion in investments needed to transform the country into a high-income economy in one generation or by 2040.

Earlier, an economic expert in the House of Representatives has similarly given his allout support to this comprehensive tax program.

Vowing his full backing for the tax program, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said the plan was much better than the one presented by the previous administration.

“Sir, you have my ardent support, and I’m sure my chairman will have the same…. I would like to congratulate you

F DOF, 13

WINDOW SHOPPING. A mall-goer views a collection of shoes on sale at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Growers push creation of nat’l banana council

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

M

INDANAO’S top banana exporters have renewed their call for the creation of a council that aims to address pressing issues confronting the local banana sector.

Ferdinand Marañon of Southern Agro Export Corporation (SAGREX), Rene Dalayon of the Federation of Banana Based Cooperatives of Davao (FEDCO) and Steve Antig of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) made this call during the Kapehan sa Dabaw media forum yesterday at SM Ecoland.

Marañon of SAGREX expressed alarm over a study which revealed that if the

government fails to address key issues facing the banana sector such as the Fusarium wilt or popularly known as Panama disease, the industry will be phased out within five years’ time.

The banana industry, he noted, contributes about 80 percent to the country’s total agriculture exports, and therefore needs to have a regulating body to be called National Banana Industry Development Council.

Marañon added the council will also be tasked to manage the banana research center soon to be established in Davao City.

For his part, Antig said that two new banana variet-

ies, 218 and 219, have been tested and proven to be resistant to the Panama disease.

“We continue to do the research on some areas that need to be improved such as the sweetness and number of bunches produced by these varieties.”

According to Marañon, the price of Cavendish bananas has dropped from P400 to P200 per box due to the influx of bananas coming from South America whose prices are significantly lower as compared to Philippine brands.

However, Marañon is optimistic the country’s banana industry will soon be back on its feet as major Chinese

importers have committed to continue patronizing Philippine bananas despite the ongoing West Philippine Sea dispute.

He added the establishment of a banana council is also expected to facilitate the crafting of the Banana Industry Roadmap which will address key issues affecting industry players.

Marañon, Dalayon and Antig are hopeful the National Banana Industry Development Council will finally be launched during the Banana Congress 2016 to be held at the SMX Convention Center on October 6 to 8, a national gathering of banana industry players held every two years.

GA, is currently pushing for the enhancement of transport connectivity systems within sub-region, particularly in strengthening transport facilities of Mindanao.

“We are still working on our goal to encourage people from the four [EAGA] countries to maximize travel tax exemption approved by the Philippine government for the travelers from Mindanao and Palawan heading to any of the four destinations [of BIMP-EAGA],” said Heidi Villanueva of MinDA’s ecozones planning division.

Villanueva explained that strengthening the links be-

tween Palawan and Mindanao and BIMP-EAGA will, in turn, enhance the sub-region’s economic ties with the ASEAN community.

She pointed out that enhancing transport and connectivity within the BIM-EAGA will help the sub-region strengthen its four socio-economic pillars which include “food basket, tourism, environment, and socio-cultural and education.”

The BIMP-EAGA initiative was launched in 1994 as a strategy to improve social and economic development of less developed areas among the participating countries.

BIMP-EAGA stakeholders to meet in Palawan to discuss transport links

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

K

EY officials and representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) will convene next week in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, to firm up initiatives that aim to enhance economic cooperation within the sub-region.

“The meeting will gather some senior officials, representatives, and business leaders in the Philippines to take up several updates in the country’s business sector before heading to Indonesia for the trade expo conference and business matching on Oct. 14

to 16,” said Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chief of Investments and Promotion Ernie Tomas Jr. According to Tomas, the meeting in Palawan will assess the progress of the projects that are being implemented under the economic bloc and develop other studies for the year 2016.

Tomas added the future BIMP-EAGA meetings aim to boost air and sea linkages within the sub-region and “improve connectivity systems through the transport routes.”

MinDA, the Philippine coordinating office for BIMP-EA-

7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

The hunger games Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO “Food is literally the most important thing in the world. It is not even next to life, because it is life itself. Deprived of the right to food, man knows no other. For the hungry, there is no dignity, no human rights, no rule of law, no liberty, no celebration of the spirit… the most crucial task before world community today is to assure that enough food is available at the right place, at the right time, and at the right price.” -- Arturo R. Tanco, Jr., president of World Food Council *** OME years back, the Philippines was listed by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as one of the 13 low-income food-deficit countries in Asia (“those that do not have enough food to feed their populations and for the most part lack the financial resources to pay for imports”).

The other twelve countries -- most of them thickly populated -- were Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

“In many developing countries, rapid population growth makes it difficult for agricultural production to keep pace with the rising demand for food,” wrote Don Hinrichsen in a report published by “Population Reports.” “Most developing countries already are cultivating virtually all arable land and are bringing more marginal land under cultivation.”

Jacques Diouf, at the time when he was the director-general of FAO, echoed the same concern. “Population growth continues to outstrip food availability in many countries,” he pointed out during the 1996 World Food Summit in Rome.

S

Food security This alarms experts so much that the concept of food security came into existence.

FAO defines it as a “state of affairs where all people at all times have access to safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.”

People are said to experience lack food security when “either they cannot grow enough food themselves, or they cannot afford to purchase enough in the domestic marketplace.” As a result, “they suffer from micronutrient and protein energy deficiencies in their diets.”

Over the past 10 years, malnutrition among Filipino children below the age of five has changed very little, observed Carin van der Hor, Country Director of Plan International.

“The reduction of child malnutrition has been alarmingly slow,” said Hor, who convened the Koalisyon Para Alagaan at Isalba ang Nutrisyon (KAIN) in last year’s Hunger Summit organized by the National Nutritional Council.

Citing the National Nutrition Surveys done in 2011, Hor said that children below five years old who are underweight remain at 20 percent while children who are below the average height-to-age ratio remain at 30 percent.

According to Sen. Poe, without sufficient nutrition, children’s motor development slows down and their cognitive skills become stunted. “And this has a long-term negative impact on the development of our human capital. We cannot build the foundation of our future on emaciated bodies who are no longer in school. No nation on Earth can,” she decried.

Through FAITH At the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center, the staff believes that the war against hunger can be won right in our homeyard. And this is through FAITH, an acronym for Food Always In The Home.

“With minimum capital and lots of native enterprise, a family can be assured of a steady supply of nutritious food – and even extra income,” says Roy C. Alimoane, the current MBRLC director.

Aside from providing food, the non-conventional scheme can also reduce a farmer’s heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides which pose health hazards and wreak havoc on the environment.

“FAITH is a type of vegetable gardening that can provide the necessary protein, vitamins and mineral require-

ments needed by a family with six members,” Alimoane points out. “We designed it in such a way that it requires minimum labor.”

As the name suggests, there will be vegetables – and some fruits – all throughout the year if its recommended plant is properly followed. Based on a study, the garden can provide 300 grams (or one bowl) or fresh vegetables daily.

The recommended FAITH garden size is six by sixteen meters. The most fertile area in the backyard should be selected for this type of garden. The area should contain humus, a form of plant food. The types of soils needed for vegetable gardening are loam, silt-loam, or clay loam.

“Establish the garden on a light slope to provide drainage, especially during rainy season,” Alimoane says. “If the area is flat, dig drainage channels or ditches around the planting site. The garden site must also receive sunshine throughout the day as growing plants need sunshine to manufacture food.”

In addition, the garden site should be located near water sources. “Water is very important particularly during the dry season,” the MBRLC director explains. “During rainy season, however, canals must be built to drain the water out from the garden plots.”

The garden is divided equally into three sections, with one-half of each section held in reserve for later replanting. One section is planted with short-term vegetables that will be ready for use in two to four months. Examples: soybeans, tomatoes, pechay, cowpeas, bush sitao, radish, and sweet corn.

The second section is giv-

en over to crops which can produce vegetables for six to nine months, among them: ampalaya, okra, onions, garlic, eggplant, winged beans, golden squash, alugbati, and ginger. Vegetables that will produce for 11 to 12 months are grown on the third section like patani, kulitis, sayote, kangkong, camote, gabi, cassava, and kadios.

Along the boundary of the garden and in the year, permanent and semi-permanent crops are grown. Among these are malunggay, papaya, pineapple, calamansi, and guava. For fencing purposes, nitrogen-fixing species like Flemingia macrophylla, Desmodium rensonii, Gliricidia sepium (locally called “kakawate”), and Indigofera anil are planted; these can also be used as sources of green manures.

Basket composts The central feature in FAITH gardening is bas-

ket composts, a series of raised garden beds into which bamboo baskets are set about one foot in diameter and depth. These are filled with little animal manure (particularly goat) and some decomposed organic garbages and packed with leaves of leguminous trees and shrubs. If basket composts are too laborious to do, you can also make trench composts.

If manure is not available, the leaves of leguminous trees and shrubs (flemingia, rensonii, kakawate and/or indigofera) will do. These are stuffed into the basket or trench composts to provide nitrogen and other nutrients needed by growing crops.

“You can immediately use the composts without waiting for the usual three to four months period as is necessary in the old method of composting,” Alimoane differentiates.

However, the time to plant seeds or seedlings around the

“FAITH is a type of vegetable gardening that can provide the necessary protein, vitamins and mineral requirements needed by a family with six members.We designed it in such a way that it requires minimum labor.”

Roy C. Alimoane, current Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center director

basket or trench composts depends on the state of decomposition of materials inside the composts. “If the materials at the bottom part are nearly decomposed, seeds and/or seedlings can be planted immediately,” says Alimoane. “But if most of the materials are still fresh, planting may be done two to three weeks later.”

Like most gardening, good management is necessary. The reserved areas should be planted in time so that there would be continuous supply of vegetables throughout the year.

Since camote, alugbati, and kangkong are crawling plants, these should be planted in separate beds one meter wide and six meters long with a distance of 50 centimeters between beds. The plants should be set 20 centimeters apart. “Leafy vegetables are high in iron, calcium, vitamin A, and other minerals,” Alimoane says.

For patani and winged beans, two to three seeds per hill are planted around the composts. These two legumes are the main providers of proteins. Other plants which are good sources of protein are soybeans, string beans, and bush sitao.

Some crawling vegetables like cucumber, ampalaya, and patola should be provided with trellis; otherwise the vines will become a problem later on.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

EDITORIAL Not Trillanes game

L

EGISLATIVE bodies like the Senate and the House of Representatives may not necessarily be the domain of lawyers but when it comes to matters of procedure and articulation, it is a distinct advantage if one is.

In the ongoing Senate investigation, Sen. Trillanes, one with a military background, defended witness Edgar Matobato from the grilling he was subjected to from some Senators. He was of the opinion Matobato did not give accurate answers in his affidavit because he was asked in English and he only reached Grade One. Trillanes’ attempt to rescue Matobato was, however, slammed

by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, a lawyer, who schooled Trillanes with the procedural requirements of affidavit taking. Cayetano pointed out that nowhere in the affidavit taking was Matobato asked questions in English nor asked with intimidation or force.

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Trillanes wanted to save face by trying to elude Cayetano’s interpellation of him but no matter how he tried to wiggle out of the web he himself spun, Trillanes was caught in the losing end of the crossfire.

Trillanes is no lawyer and in this battle with Cayetano, he is clearly at a disadvantage. But whether or not one is a lawyer would not have mattered had Trillanes been careful with his manifestations which are made public. That is why Cayetano needed to ‘school’ him and correct the misimpression.

Last week, Senator Manny Pacquiao, a professional boxer with no college degree, articulated well in his interpellation with Matobato. He asked his questions clearly and spoke like a grizzled advocate.

In this ongoing televised probe, you need not be a lawyer to articulate your thoughts, you only have to be truthful and sincere.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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EDGEDAVAO

B

Y and large, people accept that happiness is a synonym for joy.

Unfortunately, there is a whale of a difference between the two.

Robert Louis Stevenson said: “The world is so full of a number of things. I‘m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”

Indeed, there are so many wonderful material things that the world offers us to make us happy. But does it follow that in happiness we have joy, too?

No. Because happiness is ONLY the substitute for true joy.

Happiness is a circumstantial situation.

Joy goes beyond circumstances; it transcends them but remains in the heart.

Because you can be joyful even when you are not happy, right?

That is why a positive thinker is joyful despite the circumstances. His positive thoughts enable him to stay right on target.

Joy is a state of being. It is not always seen from the outside because it emanates from the spiritual sense. Happiness is more

“T

HE degradation of our marine ecosystems has always been a gut issue as it pushes poverty deeper in the coastal communities through loss of livelihood, vulnerability to natural hazards, hunger and even health problems. We must all work together to bring back our coral reefs and the whole marine ecosystem to excellent condition so that our seas can benefit us in a sustainable manner.” – Senator Loren Legarda *** If we have to feed our growing population, we have to rehabilitate our ecologically-fragile coral reefs and beleaguered marine ecosystems. Unless we do that, we may not have enough fish and other marine resources that can be eaten by Filipinos.

Fish, touted to be the “poor man’s source of protein,” is a staple food of Filipinos. “Fish and seafood represent an important source of protein for the average Filipino, at around 41%of animal protein intake,” reports the Kuala Lumpur-based World Fish Center.

But the sad news is that fish catch in the open seas is getting smaller and scarce. In the past, Filipino fishermen used to catch 20 kilograms of fish each day. But today, they could manage to catch only around 4.76 kilograms a day – “barely a fourth of the amount during the good old days,” said a Rappler report.

Davao Region is not spared. In the past, Bago Aplaya used to be a haven of fish in Davao City. “When I was still younger,”

VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Happiness or joy? of an exterSPECKS OF LIFE nal armor that is worn for everyone to see.

Happiness is sometimes beguiling because it involves your Fred C. Lumba surroundings – your home, your finances, your friends, your health.

Joy comes from within. It is an unexplained exhilarating feeling that presupposes an unmistakable satisfaction in what a person achieves and learns regardless of the pain and the difficulties.

Happiness is temporary. When happiness subsides and ebbs, there comes a lull and you find you are back to square one.

Like when beauty fades, a person’s happiness is adversely affected.

Here’s the most important thing: happiness has little relation to God. Joy has everything to do with Divine Providence.

Happiness covers material satiety but joy is spiritual in nature. The former involves a physical life on earth that is here and now limited while joy revolves around inner peace, tranquility and eternity.

What about you? What makes you happy? What makes you joyful?

Consciously, people around us who live day to day get to experience happiness on a case-to- case basis.

This is because like the wheels of life, circumstances change for the better or for worse. It is either that people encounter their circumstances favourably or unfavourably.

The more subtle way to decipher whether you are happy or joyful is when you feel happy yet you also sense that there is something missing.

When a person thinks he has everything he needs and says life is satisfyingly good

yet something still feels a little off, then there is a problem.

If someone asks you the regular “how are you?” what do you say in response? The knee jerk reaction is: “I am good or I am fine.”

In this day and age, it is almost a certainty that people make a frown when confronted by the issues of daily life. Low wages, chaotic traffic and transport problems, pollution, crime and criminality, the drug menace, corruption and poor governance, etc., etc.

These worldly concerns make people sad and unhappy.

But despite these, you can still live life joyfully.

When you strive to find God and His realm, you discover joy. When you joyfully accept His will, you can live life with contentment and without regrets.

Therefore, seek not happiness. Seek joy because it is a blissful blessedness. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.).

God bless the Philipines!

53-year-old THINK ON THESE! Ronnie Estrera recalled, “we used to catch a lot of fish. But it’s the case anymore today.”

As he was talking, his son Dondon came home with one Henrylito D. Tacio ice box full henrytacio@gmail.com of fish.

The 19-year-old lad, however, lamented that the fish were getting smaller and fewer. In some instances, they were forced to fish farther south into the waters of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur. “Fishers are already scarce in Bago Aplaya,” he said.

Bago Aplaya is part of Davao Gulf. With an area of 308,000 hectares, the gulf cuts into the island of Mindanao from Philippine Sea. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) considers Davao Gulf as one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. Diverse coral reefs, different mangrove species, cetaceans and a host of invertebrates contribute to the natural diversity of the gulf.

But since 2000, the volume and quality of the fish in the Davao Gulf have been found to be in constant decline, according to a decade-study conducted by the World Fish Center. The study looked at the volume and quality of the harvests of 10 commonly fished species in the gulf: matambaka, tamban, moro-moro, caraballas, bilong-bi-

long, lapu-lapu, danggit, molmol, talakitok, and maya-maya.

Except for maya-maya, the harvest numbers for the species have been falling. At the current rate of decline, the caraballas, bilong-bilong, molmol, and danggit may all disappear completely from Davao Gulf within a decade.

If you care to know, the country’s territorial waters include a 220-million-hectare fishing ground, of which 193.4 million hectares are oceanic waters and 26.6 million hectares are considered Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). As prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, EEZ is a sea zone which a state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources.

Within its territorial waters are 38,000 hectares of lush mangrove cover and 810,000 square kilometers of coral reefs. Of the almost 700 coral species known in the world, 500 of these can be found in the country. A single reef can support as many as 3,000 species of marine life.

The Philippines has the second highest number of seagrass species in the world (which are found between mangroves and coral reefs). The country is home to 16 of the world’s 50 seagrasses; it has more seagrass species than Indonesia, Malaysia or Brunei.

In a recent press statement, Senator Loren Legarda urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to boost efforts in rehabilitating the country’s coral reefs and marine ecosystems as she

expressed alarm over reports of significant decline in marine fish catch by 2050.

“We have one of the world’s richest ecosystems, but several factors, including unsustainable fishing practices, urbanization and climate change, have been posing serious threats to our seas. Oceans have acidified, having absorbed about a third of the carbon dioxide emitted which has resulted in coral bleaching. For an archipelagic country, this unraveling scenario is a nightmare because it will ultimately affect our food security,” said Legarda.

The degradation of our coral reefs has been cited as one of the culprits of the low production of fisheries in the country. “Coral reefs are the food basket for the fish,” Legarda said. “A square kilometer of healthy coral reef may yield about 30 tons of seafood every year. But 94% of our corals are in fair or poor condition, they will not be able to produce fish enough for our needs.”

Alexandra Cousteau, an ocean explorer, filmmaker and conservation advocate, who recently came to the Philippines urged Filipinos to work together to save the marine and coastal ecosystems before it is too late.

“Getting the right people engaged is a huge part of it,” Cousteau said. “We have to make sure small-scale fisherfolk are represented; they’re not the ones plundering the ocean. We have to stop illegal commercial fishing; we have to source the fish responsibly. It’s been done before, it’s not a magic formula. Increase the marine protected areas, stop bycatch, stop illegal fishing – et voila!”

Dwindling fish catch

10 NEWS Davao... FROM 1

ing. But with our collective commitment and hard work, we can achieve more milestones to celebrate in the future. We can reach out to many more of our children. We can all help build a better future for them.”

This is not the first time Davao City bagged the PACFMC award, Jefry Tupas of the City Information Office (CIO) of Davao City told the media on Monday.

Davao City won the same award in 1998, 1999, 2013, and 2014. Having won the award consecutively, the city is now a Hall of Fame awardee, according to Bermudo.

Mayor Inday Sara Duterte said the award was a proof that the programs and proj-

ects intended for the protection of the rights and welfare of the children of the city are yielding positive results.

“Congratulations to the people of Davao and the officials of the city government who made Davao City a safe and enjoyable place for children to live. Let us keep responding to the pressing needs of our children to be educated, fed, clothed, and provided with a safe home,” she said.

The Dabawenyos, she said, should claim this recognition collectively, but at the same time, take it as a challenge to continue making Davao a place where children can enjoy their freedom and a city where children’s rights are protected and upheld.

total budget allottment for CY 2016 is P8,711,203,000 which will benefit 1,368,941 indigent senior citizens aged 60 and above. Of this target beneficiaries, 83.47% or 1,148,538 senior citizens have already received their stipend.

In Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the Social Pension pay-out for a total of 71,087 target beneficiaries started on Aug. 6, 2016 and is still on-going until the 2nd week of September 2016.

Out of the P8,711,203 total budget for 2016, P5,166,181,674.87 or 62.41 % was already utilized excluding Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Sixteen Field Offices of DSWD with an allotment of P7,829,298,000 has already utilized 64.85% or P5,077,526,000.

It has also used 19.78% or 88,655,674.87 of 448,149,170.00 total allotment for administration cost.

In ARMM 50% or P215,849,178 of P433,755,830.00 its total allotment has already been utilized. The Social Pension fund for ARMM is withdrawn from the DSWD Central Office by the Department of Budget and

Management (DBM) downloaded to the Office of the Regional Governor.

All regions use three delivery schemes for the Social Pension pay-outs namely: funds transferred to the LGU, cash advances of Field Offices (FO) Special Disbursing Officers(SDOs), and funds transferred to service providers e.g., PhilPost and Philippine Veterans Bank.

Sec. Taguiwalo also reported that the DBM has already issued the 2017 National Expenditure Program (NEP) with a total budget of P17,940,258,000 for Social Pension for a total target of 2,809,542 indigent senior citizens.

“Our Social Pension Program’s objective is to augment the needs of our senior citizens who have no insurance, lacks any financial means to support themselves, and does not receive any financial support from their family. They are the ones abandoned, neglected, or their families unable to support them. The least we can do is to ensure the timely delivery of their social pension and continue to make our different programs available for them,” Sec. Taguiwalo said.

program, said the retirees are “just retiring from government service and not from life.”

“They should continue to enjoy a healthy life and be active in the community,” said Rosell.

Liwayway Caligdong, who worked with the Davao City

Social Services and Development Office for the past 24 years, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Dabawenyos.

She said she was happy and proud to be working with a local government that truly “gives prime importance to the people.” CIO

Colangco, Jaybee Sebastian and Peter Co who still allegedly to continue to manage drug operations despite incarceration.

But Aguirre said they still need to procure “more and bigger signal jammers’ to cover the entire NBP. He said that without cellular phones, the illegal drus trade in the NBP would be eradicated since mobile phones are the main communication devices used by convicted drug lords in running their illegal activities.

Members of the Special Action Force (SAF) took over the security at the NBP’s maximum

security compound in July this year. They still managed to seize almost 2,000 mobile phones and wifi devices.

The PNP-SAF contingent numbering more than 300 replaced the jail guards of the Bureau of Corrections in securing the maximum security compound where high-profile inmates are detained.

It will be recalled that upon his assumption to the top DOJ post, Aguirre called on supporters of President Duterte to help address the illegal drug trade at the NBP by donating signal jammers. (PNA)

Taguiwalo... FROM 2

Davao City... FROM 2

DoJ... FROM 3

EDGEDAVAO

Braga... FROM 3

VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

Peace... FROM 3

need to be addressed by the national government.

Mayor Inday Sara Duter-

te-Carpio and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte will lead the opening of the education conference.

situation in some of these ecozones has adversely affected their operations.

“When foreign investors hear ‘Mindanao’, they back out,” she said.

To address these concerns, Villanueva said MinDA plans to gather Mindanao’s ecozone locators in a forum this coming October to draw out issues that are affecting their performance, and come up with recommendation on how to address these concerns.

This convergence, she ex-

plained, will also be a way of strengthening these ecozones and providing them with a platform to market themselves.

Villanueva said that MinDA has a Mindanao Development Corridors Program whose task is to identify possible areas for new ecozones.

But as of now, Villanueva commended the development of these ecozones, naming Davao for having 19 IT and BPO parks, and the agro-plantations in Panabo and Tagum.

current regulatory minimum levels, even with the gradual implementation of the DSIB surcharge.

SM Investments Corp.

(SMIC), the controlling and majority shareholder, has expressed its full support for the Bank’s expansion plans and the rights offer.

factor in the peace talks is not the negotiation panel but the Filipino people.

“It requires the active participation of all, especially the youth,” he added.

The second round of talks between the GRP and the NDF is scheduled this coming Oct. 6 to 10 in Oslo, Norway.

It can be recalled that Duterte restored a unilateral and indefinite ceasefire on the eve of the formal resumption of the peace talks with the NDF on Aug. 21 to create a favorable condition for the negotiations.

This resulted in the NDF extending its seven-day goodwill ceasefire (Aug. 21-27) to also declare its own unilateral and indefinite ceasefire when the first round of talks in Oslo ended on Aug. 26.

This indefinite unilateral ceasefire from the NPA is considered “historic and unprecedented,” having been inspired by the release of the 22 detained

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of Unit with Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Mindanao... FROM 5

BDO... FROM 11

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Case No. 2016-XI-01677 (2012-XI-00646) MA. NORMA O. MARTINEZ, Petitioner-Vendor TEDDY T. BOISER, Petitioner-Vendee

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Case No. 2016-XI-01643 (98-XI-01386) NOEL S. YAÑEZ, Petitioner-Vendor

LIGAYA A. VILLANUEVA, Petitioner-Vendee

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by MA. NORMA O. MARTINEZ in favor of TEDDY T. BOISER of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ –DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: LASANG VIA BUHANGIN and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate is still valid and subsisting up to September 27, 2021.

Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by NOEL S. YAÑEZ in favor of LIGAYA A. VILLANUEVA of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ –DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: LUBOGAN and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate is still valid and subsisting up to January 27, 2019.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 24, 2016 at 09:40 p.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 17th day of August 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 25, 2016 at 09:30 p.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 17th day of August 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Case No. 2016-XI-01642 (2011-XI-00999) MA. IRMA ANINO, Petitioner-Vendor

MONIQUE IRVI J. ANINO, Petitioner-Vendee

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NDF consultants, the most number of prisoners released by the government to date.

In the 30-year history of government peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)/New People’s Army (NPA)/NDF, the talks have been disrupted for at least 15 times.

The breakdown in the talks was mainly due to two issues: the release of detained NDF consultants and declaration of ceasefire.

With both issues addressed, the formal resumption of peace talks on Aug. 22-28 in Oslo was made possible.

The ceasefire was one of agenda items taken up by both panels during the Oslo talks.

The parties earlier agreed to accelerate the peace process with the government peace panel expressing confidence that a final peace agreement will be signed within a year.

(PNA) Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of Unit with Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. 2016-XI-01670 (2002-XI-00757) ARLENE B. ROMO, Petitioner-Vendor

LUKE ANTHONY B. ROMO, Petitioner-Vendee x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by MA. IRMA ANINO in favor of MONIQUE IRVI J. ANINO of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ –DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: BO. OBRERO and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on May 23, 2017. In the same petition filed on August 12, 2016, petitioners likewise request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by ARLENE B. ROMO in favor of LUKE ANTHONY B. ROMO of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ –DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: TIBUNGCO VIA CABAGUIO AVENUE and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on June 14, 2017. In the same petition filed on August 12, 2016, petitioners likewise request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 25, 2016 at 09:30 p.m. at this office at the above address.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 17th day of August 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 24, 2016 at 09:10 p.m. at this office at the above address.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 17th day of August 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO A guided tour in the Giant Clam Sanctuary begins with snorkeling through the assortment of giant clams of all ages, health and sizes. The tour ends going back to the mainland and passing by this lovely scenery of a white sand seabed just off the shore of Guinsilban.

Charmed by Camiguin:

White Island and giant clams IT WAS OUR SECOND DAY IN CAMIGUIN WHEN WE VISITED WHITE ISLAND. The night before, I had a fever and feared that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the whole trip. Our scheduled visit to White Island was early in the morning on day two. At exactly 6:00am, we were supposed to be at the jump-off area in Brgy. Yumbing in Mambajao.

LEFT: Giant clams also known locally as taklobo are preserved and bred in this quaint attraction in the southern coast of Camiguin in Guinsilban. Arranged tours can be requested to include this in your itinerary.

Since we were staying in Paguia’s Cottages in Mambajao, the jump-off area for White Island was just a three-minute walk away. Having pre-conditioned my fevered body to still take part of the activities, I thought to myself that as long as I could get in the ocean, I’d feel better.

Again, if you’re staying in Mambajao it would make perfect sense to visit White Island first thing in the morning before exploring other parts of Camiguin. This uninhabited white sandbar only appears when the tide is low.

It’s also best to either visit early in morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the sun’s harshest rays. If sunbathing is your thing, you can stay up to 10: 00am basking under the Camiguin sun. At around noontime the sun gets too hot that the little shade provided by the pop-up stores will not be enough.

There are times that the stores also run out of fresh water to sell so remember to bring your own bottle.

White Island is so photogenic, anywhere you go in the island is always an Instagram-worthy shot! Be sure to take time to explore every inch of this 700-meter sandbar. The

BOTTOM LEFT: Aside from its two main attractions – Mantigue Island and White Island, Camiguin also has a Giant Clam Sanctuary in Guinsilban, down south of Camiguin. This photo was taken right before sunset over the waters of the sanctuary.

area that faces mainland Camiguin, where the boat drops you off is mostly where the tourists set-up their beach blankets. It’s a bit crowded during peak season in this part of the islet though there’s always a spot for you if you walk further.

The other side of the sandbar, facing the open sea, is another sight to see. The edge is like a miniature cliff made of sand that drops to the knee-level water. It’s full of seaweed so it might not be that enticing for most to swim in but this spot does make picturesque photos worthy of all social media platforms.

For those daring enough to venture underwater, don’t forget to bring your fins and masks! It’s possible to snorkel around White Island safely since it’s quite shallow. Oh, I didn’t forget the nonswimmers! There are life jackets for rent at the jump-off area. They rent it out for the whole day and you can just return it to the shops afterwards.

Camiguin is truly such paradise of sea and mountains where every kind of traveler can find their next adventure. Looking for more adventures? You can check out my Instagram: @ferinasantos.

BOTTOM RIGHT: The blue background of the sky and the white sand below make a perfect contrast for this photo.

This area is located at the edge of White Island facing the open sea.

A2 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 20

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

TRAVEL

THE PACMAN TO

By Olan Fernandez Emboscado

WITHOUT A SHRE DOUBT, boxer turned p Senator Manny “Pacma quiao is the most famous ality who hailed from t Capital of the country, Santos City and Sarangan tened as the “People’s C the Pacman continues t pride to the Philippines put the country in the glo in terms of boxing and in general – something hometown cherishes the m

Adored and loved by many in the Philippines but around Manny Pacquiao charmed the only with his greatest triumph but with his humility, sincerity heart of helping and serving the pecially his people in the Provi rangani.

Together with his wife, Jinkee served as Vice Governor of the couple founded Emmanue kee’s Heart Foundation, Inc., a f

016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

OUR

ED OF politician an” Pacs personthe Tuna General ni. ChrisChamp”, to bring and has obal map d sports that his most.

y not only the globe, world not hs in sports y and pure e needy esince of Sa-

e who once Sarangani, el and Jinfoundation

which main objective is to help finance various activities and livelihood programs to help uplift the socio-economic life of the less fortunate people especially in their hometown.

As part of the Foundation’s Tourism Project, the couple opened the doors of some of their properties as tourist sites to tourists who’d like to take a peek of the life of the People’s Champ. Sites include Mansion 1, Mansion 2, Wildcard Gym, PacMan Stadium, Pacman Beach Resort, PacMan Farm and PacMan Hotel.

Accompanied by my Wrangler friends, we had fun visiting these properties and was astounded by the triumph and success of the great boxer exemplified by the places we visited. Like those who took the tour, we found ourselves inspired by the life’s story of the people’s champ who was once a struggling boxer rising to fame, eventually become a pound-for-pound king and now a Senator of the land.

The places and structures we visited are concrete proof of PacMan’s humble beginnings and his victorious road to become

who he is now. But what’s very noble about this is that some of the structures are utilized to hone and train more talents and athletes especially in the field of boxing and other sports.

Another property we visited is the 2-hectare Mansion 3 which is undergoing construction to this day. This will be the biggest residential property of the couple among the many properties they own. Taking photos are not allowed, so I can’t give you the picture of how big the property is but, swear, when I say BIG, it really is!!!

Our tour ended with a sumptuous lunch, of course, at the Manny Pacquiao Hotel which is also known as the Road Haus Hotel. Roadhaus is one of General Santos City’s finest business and leisure hotel. It is situat-

Pacman A4

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Serving a seamless society

EDGE DAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

TRAVEL ENTERTAINMENT Pacman A2

ed in downtown area and is 30 minutes away from the Airport, 15 minutes away from the pier and just a short ride to shopping malls, convention areas and other recreational spots. For bookings and reservations, you can reach them at (083) 5538888 or at 09174195727 and 09257002750. Aside from spacious and comfy rooms, PacMan Hotel has a restaurant serving delectable cuisines. Of course, must-try are the tuna dishes.

And so when in General Santos City, whether you are a PacMan fan or not, try the Pacman Tour and you’ll go home inspired by the life’s story of this living legend and you’ll end up prouder because of what this greatest athlete has contribute to our country – even to you as a Filipino.

LVA Travel Care and Allied Services arranges the PacMan Tour in General Santos City. You call them at 0933-104-6098 for booking and reservations.

If you’re lucky, the beautiful Vienna Q. Borro, the owner, will be your official tour guide and will inspire your more with the stories of our great Pacman. Part of the proceeds of the Pac-

Man Tour will go to the the Emmaneul and Jinkee’s Heart Foundation, Inc. Special thanks to Ms.

Vienna Borro for arranging this tour. Same goes to our handsome tour guide Jao. Salamat gayud kaayo!!!

September 22 – 27, 2016

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

PG

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

MAGNIFICENT SEVEN Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

1:00 | 3:55 | 6:50 | 9:45 LFS

STORKS Andy Samberg, Keegan-Michael Key, Kelsey Grammer Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

G

1:25 | 3:30 | 5:35 | 7:40 | 9:45 LFS

ANG HAPIS AT HIMAGSIK NI HERMANO PULI/ *TRAIN TO BUSAN Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG/ *R13

Aljur Abrenica, Allen Abrenica/ *Gong Yoo, Kim Su-an 1:00 | 3:10 LFS / *5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

BDO to raise fresh capital to support growth

B

DO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) announced the approval by its Board of Directors to raise P 60 billion (approximately USD 1.25 billion) in additional core capital through a stock rights offer.

The fresh capital will support the Bank’s medium-term growth objectives amid the country’s favorable macroeconomic prospects, and provide a comfortable buffer over higher capital requirements with the forthcoming imposition of the Domestic Systemically Important Bank (DSIB) surcharge.

The additional capital will allow BDO to sustain its momentum and take advantage of the country’s growth opportunities.

Over the past five years, the Bank’s customer loan port-

folio grew at a 19 percent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR), outpacing the industry’s 17 percent CAGR. Going forward, the Bank hopes to further expand its presence in emerging growth areas particularly the consumer, provincial middle market and SMEs and the underserved segments, as well as in infrastructure-related lending/project finance in line with the government’s thrust to promote countryside development and ramp up infrastructure spending.

As of June 2016, BDO’s consolidated Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio and Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 11.3 percent and 13.1 percent, respectively, are above the

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of Unit with Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of Unit with Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. 2016-XI-01653 (2008-XI-00161)

Case No.2016-XI-01427 (97-XI-00661)

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

ANTONIO C. CELESTIAL, Petitioner-Vendor ANTONETTE M. LU, Petitioner-Vendee

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

F BDO, 10

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by RUTH M. JUBAY in favor of ANTONETTE M. LU of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ –DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: MULIG and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on June 23, 2017. In the same petition filed on August 12, 2016, petitioners likewise request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer

and President and CEO, Pilmico The Aboitiz Group, through the Aboitiz Foundation, is considered to be among the companies who immediately respond during disasters in the country, providing much needed assistance as part of its thrust to promote the health and well-Being of Filipinos.

In 2015, the Foundation provided essential relief packs to 4,669 families affected by Typhoons through-

out the year, distributed by 114 team member volunteers nationwide.

“The lack of proper nourishment is a serious problem following any disaster, and can hamper meaningful recovery e orts. We hope that our Care Packages would be able to nurture our affected Ivatan brothers and sisters, and also feed them with the strength to rebuild and get back on their feet,” said Sonny Carpio, Aboitiz Foundation EVP and COO.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 17th day of August 2016 at Davao City.

to one full meal) each, designed as an efficient disaster relief solution that not only addresses hunger but provides adequate nutrition via a sustainable food supply.

“We believe in making a real change in the journey of recovery and aid for Filipinos. Today, we are giving you an answer to hunger, malnutrition and hopelessness in one package. The Care Package is in your hands.” Sabin M. Aboitiz, EVP and COO, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.,

ANTONETTE M. LU, Petitioner-Vendee

Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by ANTONIO C. CELESTIAL in favor of ANTONETTE M. LU of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ –DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: INAWAYAN and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on July 7, 2018. In the same petition filed on August 12, 2016, petitioners likewise request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

T

HE Aboitiz Foundation together with Pilmico, turned over to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 200 boxes containing 14,000 Care Packages for immediate distribution in Batanes.

The Care Package, developed by Pilmico, contains packs of 100-gram high-energy biscuits loaded with 450 kilocalories (equivalent

RUTH M. JUBAY, Petitioner-Vendor

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 26, 2016 at 09:30 p.m. at this office at the above address.

Aboitiz gives Batanes 14,000 ‘Care Packages’

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 25, 2016 at 09:00 p.m. at this office at the above address.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 17th day of August 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer

SENDING CARE PACKAGE FOR TYPHOON VICTIMS. The Aboitiz Group led by Aboitiz Foundation EVP and COO Sonny Carpio III (third from left ) turned over high-energy biscuits to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) today at Camp Crame, Quezon City. (L-R): Atty.

Kristoffer James E. Purisima, deputy for administration, Office of Civil Defense; Rodolfo Demosthenes Santillan, deputy for operations, Office of Civil Defense; Ricardo B. Jalad, undersecretary, Department of National Defense; Felino Castro, director, Department of Social Welfare and Development; DJ Sta. Ana, FVP Government Relations, Aboitiz Equity Ventures.

PLDT Group brings SmartLife to global Pinoys

W

ITH most Filipinos working and living abroad going digital, the PLDT Group has launched a new mobile application to meet their special needs.

Called SmartLife Global, the app offers carefully curated digital content such as Philippine movies, music, and news that enable overseas Filipinos to stay touch with home. The app also features relevant services such as easy bills payment for utilities; and load sharing for families in the Philippines.

“Smartlife Global provides Filipinos abroad with a lively digital connection to home,” PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

Delivered through its international marketing and operations unit PLDT Global Corp. (PGC), SmartLife Global is initially available in the US, Canada,

UK, Spain, Italy, Hongkong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Guam and Australia.

SmartLife Global is free upon download and users can enjoy a 30-day trial period during which they have unlimited access to local news and free access to a rich library of Filipino movies, concerts, original Pilipino music (OPM) and premium magazines.

After 30 days, users can extend their usage for only US$2.99 per month for music and US$4.99 per month for movies and concerts.

The app currently has over 20,000 downloads, with more than 3,000 movies watched, more than 2,000 songs listened per day, more than 600 magazine downloaded, and more than 15,000 news feeds read.

“We are seeing increased adoption of the

digital lifestyle by our overseas Pinoys as most of them are already using smartphones and tablets.

With SmartLife Global, we are giving them a convenient way to connect back home using their digital devices,” said PLDT EVP and Head of Enterprise, International and Carrier Business Ernesto R. Alberto.

The SmartLife mobile app was initially launched in the Philippines for Android smartphone users to enable them to discover exciting perks and free digital content.

“Through the SmartLife app, we want Filipinos to explore the best mobile entertainment and perks available out there and ultimately empower them to live a richer digital life,” PLDT EVP and Head of Consumer Business Ariel P. Fermin said.

Supporting further the

digital lifestyle of Filipinos abroad, PLDT has established its first full data Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Japan where a mobile data SIM bundled with a pocket Wifi in a monthly prepaid subscription was introduced.

This data bundle includes free remittance of up to 100,000 Japanese yen a month, and free calls and text messages to the Philippines and other popular international destinations.

Meanwhile, PLDT Hong Kong has also launched the PayMaya payment solutions of Smart digital innovations unit, Voyager Innovations, for its subscribers. This allows them to do online shopping, pay bills such as for Meralco and Maynilad, purchase airline tickets, and send remittances even without a debit or credit card.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 153 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

EV Fest 2016: Electric vehicles in West Australia

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

E

njb@edgedavao.net

LECTRIC versions of luxury cars Porsche, BMW and Tesla were easily the eye-catchers of the EV Fest 2016 last Sunday at the King’s Square in Fremantle in Perth.

Hosted by the Western Australia branch of the Australia Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA), the EV Fest 2016 featured top of the line cars like the Porsche Cayenne (e-Cayenne) and was participated in by carmakers, car associations, environment advocates and universities.

The event showcased the latest and greatest electric vehicles from the likes of Tesla, BMW, Holden, Nissan, Mitsubishi and many others, along with a diverse range of converted commuters (bicycles), classics and workhorses. The exhibit also included an electronic jetski.

The vast development of electronic vehicles is giving every commuter and motorist a glimpse of the future of transportation.

The City of Fremantle has been supportive of electric cars and even will be part of the

‘Electric Highway’ from Perth to Margaret River with a charging station in place.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt wrote on Facebook “I am of the view that the future of transport is going to be increasingly electric and Freo has been supportive of these emerging and transformative technologies.”

According to Wikipedia the number of highway-capable plugin registered electric cars in Australia in December 2014 was only 2,314. To put that in perspective. 95,423 new vehicles were registered in Australia in August 2015.

Australians are of the opinion that when electric cars become cheaper, when charging times come down significantly, and when creative ways are used to include solar energy in the power mix for electric vehicles, we might get much higher numbers of electric cars on our roads. Up to then governments, especially small councils, should be prudent with their finances and invest in projects that make a difference to a large number of people and road users.

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No... FROM 2

rights are suspended.

Aguirre, however, clarified that Sebastian could still decide to voluntarily appear in the House inquiry, but stressed the leader of the Presidio Side at the maximum security compound in NBP might not enjoy the same immunity like the other inmates.

Should Sebastian be willing to tell all, Aguirre said the DOJ is not closing its doors to granting him immunity as the other inmate witnesses already presented in the investigation, in spite of his participation in the drugs trade.

In the House inquiry last week, Sebastian’s fellow inmates told lawmakers they were ordered by Sebastian

to sell drugs to fund the campaign of de Lima in the 2016 election, where she ran as a senator in the administration slate.

They said Sebastian was feared inside the NBP because of his connections and closeness to de Lima.

Sebastian, convicted of kidnapping for ransom and car theft, is among the influential inmates in Bilibid who is allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade.

In a related development, Aguirre also announced that former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Franklin Jesus Bucayu has sent feelers to the DOJ, after his name came up in the House probe. (PNA)

for your latest tax reform measure. It’s a very good measure,” Salceda told Dominguez during a House ways and means committee hearing on this tax plan.

Dominguez has thanked Salceda for his support, saying that it was “very heartening” coming from the congressman, who is considered an expert in the field of economics.

The finance chief has said that the two benchmarks to make the year-2022 goals of the Duterte administration achievable are 1) sustaining annual economic growth at 7 percent, and 2) preventing law enforcement from becoming so weak and the judicial system so corrupt as to nourish a criminal oligarchy that keeps most Filipinos mired in poverty.

“This is not a pipe dream.

The medium- and long-term goals are eminently achievable. There is one benchmark we need to consistently attain year after year: this is to keep growth at 7% for the next generation,” Dominguez said.

“Such a sustained growth performance cannot be achieved if our economic performance is exclusive: enriching only a few and impoverishing the many. Nothing can be achieved if the nation slides into the cauldron of drug addiction and narco-politics. The nation cannot be at its best if law enforcement is weak and the judicial system is corrupted. Such conditions will only nourish a criminal oligarchy that keeps the majority mired in poverty,” he added.

DOF... FROM 6

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NEWS 13

INVESTMENT PROSPECTS. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Investments Promotions Division Head Ernie Tomas Jr. (right), together with ecozones planning division’s Heidi Villanueva, discusses strategies on how to expand economic opportunities in Mindanao during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Confidence... FROM 5 aims to: continue the sound macroeconomic policies of President Duterte’s predecessors; introduce a tax reform package that will ensure both fairness as well as broad participation; improve the ease of doing business through more efficient and responsive governance; invest massively in new infrastructure to close the gap between what the country needs and what it doesn’t have; focus on rural development to assure that our agricultural sector will be an engine for wealth-creating rather than the poverty-trap it has been; reform the land administration system to free

up land as a component of our nation’s capital base; increase investments in human capital; increase support for science, technology and the arts; consolidate social protection programs; and, expand reproductive health services.

Both foreign and local business organizations also remain bullish on the economy under the Duterte administration, Alvarez said.

These include the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport), and the Management Association of the Philippines.

George Barcelon, PCCI president, said it is “business as usual” despite the government’s strong campaign against narco-trafficking and illegal drugs.

Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., who is Philexport president, even dared critics to name one or two (investors) who have closed shop here or changed their mind about doing business in the Philippines amid the current political noise.

Other PCCI executives, such as its chairman, Benedicto Yujuico and Francis Chua, the group’s chairman emeritus, have attested to the growing interest of foreign investors in the Philippines despite the negative reports from some

sectors on the government’s campaign against crime and illegal drugs.

Perry Pe, MAP president, has expressed support for President Duterte’s recent declarations to ensure law and order following the Davao City bombing.

John Forbes, senior advisor at the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, said it was within the constitutional authority of the President to carry out measures to ensure the security of Filipinos.

Barcelon and Ortiz-Luis also expressed their support for the President’s drive against crime and terrorism.

(DoF)

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PASSING THE TEST Nietes scores UD win over ex-champ Sosa

D

ONNIE Nietes hardly showed trouble moving up in weight as he easily dispatched former world champion Edgar Sosa in his flyweight debut Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Nietes was dominant throughout the 12-round match, gamely putting on a boxing clinic against his badly-outclassed opponent from Mexico.

The former two-time world champion from Murcia, Negros Occidental scored a shutout on all three judges’ scorecards, who all saw the bout at 120-108.

The main fight of Pinoy Pride 38 marks the first time the 33-year-old Nietes fought at 112 lbs. in his bid to win another world crown in a higher division. He was actually going after the IBF and World Boxing Association (WBA) titles of Mexican Juan Estrada, who unfortunately relinquished both belts as he also moved up in weight just days before the Nietes-Sosa match.

“Yung gusto ko na kalaban umakyat sa super-flyweight,” he said afterwards.

Still, Nietes said he plans to stay at flyweight and give himself a shot for the vacant titles. He improved to 39-1-4,

with 22 KOs. He didn’t have trouble in his first bout as a flyweight, proving to be the better fighter than the 37-year-old Sosa, the former WBC light-flyweight title holder.

Sosa obviously was no longer the fierce warrior he once was who’s now in the twilight of a career that spawned more than a decade.

But that shouldn’t take the victory away from Nietes, who staggered the native of Mexico City twice, including one in the 10th round when the Filipino landed a solid punch straight in the face that forced Sosa to clinch and avoid an onslaught from

`Ahas.’

“Hindi ako nagmamadali na i-knockout si Sosa para matesting ko lakas ko dito sa 112,” said Nietes.

Two other Filipinos who fought as part of the main undercards of the event presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, also fashioned out contrasting victories.

Arthur Villanueva hacked out an impressive technical knockout win against Mexican Juan Jimenez in a rematch of their controversial fight in Bacolod City four months ago.

Villanueva left no doubt who’s the clear winner this

Palmer, King of Golf, passes away A

RNOLD Palmer brought a country-club sport to the masses with a hardcharging style, charisma and a commoner’s touch, at ease with both presidents and the golfing public, and on a first-name basis with both, “The King,” died on Sunday in Pittsburgh (Monday, Manila time). He was 87.

Alastair Johnson, CEO of Arnold Palmer Enterprises, confirmed that Palmer died Sunday afternoon of complications from heart problems. Johnson said Palmer was admitted to the hospital Thursday for some cardiovascular work and weakened over the last few days.

Palmer ranked among the most important figures in golf history, and it went well beyond his seven major championships and 62 PGA Tour wins. His good looks, devilish grin and go-forbroke manner made the elite sport appealing to one and all. And it helped that he arrived about the same time as television moved into most households, a perfect fit that sent golf to unprecedented popularity.

“If it wasn’t for Arnold, golf wouldn’t be as popular as it is now,” Tiger Woods said in 2004 when Palmer played in his last Masters. “He’s the one who basical-

ly brought it to the forefront on TV. If it wasn’t for him and his excitement, his flair, the way he played, golf probably would not have had that type of excitement.

“And that’s why he’s the king.”

Beyond his golf, Palmer was a pioneer in sports marketing, paving the way for scores of other athletes to reap in millions from endorsements. Some four decades after his last PGA Tour win, he ranked among the highest-earners in golf.

“Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs,” Woods tweeted Sunday night. “Your philanthropy and humility are part of your legend. It’s hard to imagine golf without you or anyone more important to the game than the King.”

On the golf course, Palmer was an icon not for how often he won, but the way he did it.

He would hitch up his pants, drop a cigarette and attack the flags. With powerful hands wrapped around the golf club, Palmer would slash at the ball with all of his might, then twist that muscular neck and squint to see where it went.

“When he hits the ball, the earth shakes,” Gene Littler once said.

Palmer rallied from seven

shots behind to win a US Open. He blew a seven-shot lead on the back nine to lose a US Open.

He was never dull.

“I’m pleased that I was able to do what I did from a golfing standpoint,” Palmer said in 2008, two years after he played in his last official tournament. “I would like to think that I left them more than just that.”

He left behind a gallery known as “Arnie’s Army,” which began at Augusta National with a small group of soldiers from nearby Fort Hood, and grew to include a legion of fans from every corner of the globe.

Palmer stopped playing the Masters in 2004 and hit the ceremonial tee shot every year until 2016, when age began to take a toll and he struggled with his balance.

It was Palmer who gave golf the modern version of the Grand Slam — winning all four professional majors in one year. He came up with the idea after winning the Masters and US Open in 1960.

Palmer was runner-up at the British Open, later calling it one of the biggest disappointments of his career. But his appearance alone invigorated the British Open, which Americans had been ignoring for years.

Palmer never won the PGA

Championship, one major short of capturing a career Grand Slam.

But then, standard he set went beyond trophies.

It was the way he treated people, looking everyone in the eye with a smile and a wink. He signed every autograph, making sure it was legible.

He made every fan feel like an old friend.

Palmer never like being referred to as “The King,” but the name stuck.

“It was back in the early ‘60s. I was playing pretty good, winning a lot of tournaments, and someone gave a speech and referred to me as ‘The King,’” Palmer said in a November 2011 interview with The Associated Press.

“I don’t bask in it. I don’t relish it. I tried for a long time to stop that and,” he said, pausing to shrug, “there was no point.”

Palmer played at least one PGA Tour event every season for 52 consecutive years, ending with the 2004 Masters. He spearheaded the growth of the 50-and-older Champions Tour, winning 10 times and drawing some of the biggest crowds.

HIT. Donnie Nietes smacks Edgar Sosa straight in the face during their 12-round flyweight fight at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

time as his overhand right perfectly landed on the jaw of Jimenez for the knockout punch from which the Mexican never recovered.

The referee waved off the fight at the 2:20 mark of the second round.

Villanueva is now 30-1 with 16 KOs and has won his last three matches since his failed bid to win the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight title against McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico.

Mark Magsayo on the other hand, kept his perf e c t record at

15-0 (6 KOs) after pummeling last-minute replacement Ramiro Robles of Mexico in 12 rounds of their featherweight bout.

The 21-year-old fighter from Tagbilaran City, Bohol won it by scores of 119-107, 118-108, and 120-106.

It was the first fight for Magsayo following his sixth round technical knockout win over former world title conteder Chris Avalos.

Magsayo pulled off the dramatic victory after he was knocked down by Avalos in the third round, marking the first time in his pro career that he was sent to the canvas.

ARNOLD PALMER. He brought the clubhouse sport to the masses.

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Strengthen implementation of Arnis law -- Arnis ambassador

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

A

FIL-CANADIAN Arnis master has stressed the need to intensify the implementation of Philippines’ Arnis Law during a recent media forum held at Waterfront Insular Hotel.

According to Allan Shishir Inocalla, despite the passage of RA 9850 declaring Arnis as the “Philippine National Martial Art and Sport,” there seems to be a lack of support in the implementation of the said law.

The Arnis Law, authored

by Sen. Miguel Zubiri, was passed by Congress in 2009 and signed into law by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Inocalla, however, noted that “Arnis is yet unknown to many Filipinos, creating a misconception that it is not a Filipino sports and worse, other countries such as Brazil, Germany, USA, Russia, Korea and more have better Arnis programs compared to the Philippines.”

The Arnis ambassador pointed out that even though

some schools have incorporated the program in their curriculum since its passage, there is a still need to equip Arnis teachers with the proper knowledge and skills for the sport to flourish.

“Many Arnis schools in the Philippines have been divided, we are losing out in our own country and in the world community,” added Inocalla.

He said that Arnis schools in the Philippines are experiencing problems in funding, while local Arnis instructors have no choice but to offer their services to foreign martial arts training centers such as taekwondo gyms.

Inocalla, who played the role of Michelangelo in the 2016 movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, said he landed the role by showing off his Arnis skills.

He also called on his fellow Filipinos to support other Filipino Martial Arts that have been “taking the world by storm” as evidenced by the growing number of foreign practitioners.

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EDGEDAVAO

PH cagebelles win SEABA title P ERLAS Pilipinas completed a sweep of the 2016 Seaba Championship for Women after dispatching long-time rival Thailand, 72-52, on Sunday in Melacca, Malaysia.

Allana Lim had 15 points, while Afril Bernardino poured 14 markers for Perlas Pilipinas, which trailed by three at the end of the first quarter before outscoring Thailand, 19-9, in the second period.

And the rout was on as the Philippines went on a 2212 rampage in the payoff period to settle the score.

With the victory, Perlas Pilipinas completed a six-

game sweep of the single round-robin tournament, which formally ends after Monday’s tripleheader where Perlas drew a bye.

The Philippines beat Malaysia, 77-73, on Saturday to clinch the crown.

It was the first Seaba championship for the Filipina cagebelles since 2010.

“This is a defining moment for Philippine women’s basketball. I’m happy for the girls. I’m happy for our supporter, Blackwater and I’m happy for the country. We did it,” said Perlas Pilipinas coach Patrick Aquino.

By winning its first five games, Perlas already guar-

anteed itself the championship.

Even if the Philippines loses to Thailand, only Malaysia could catch up with Perlas at 5-1. The Filipinas will still be declared champion in such a scenario by virtue of the winner over the other rule.

Lim led the way for Perlas Pilipinas in the pivotal win over Malaysia with 16 points while Bernardino and Ambi Almazan finished with double-double performances.

Bernardino tallied 14 points and 10 boards, while Almazan had 10 points and 12 rebounds for Perlas Pilipinas, which equalled the feat

of the 2010 Philippine women’s team coached by Heidi Ong. But the Philippines had to survive a late rally by Malaysia, which held the Filipinas without a field goal in the last three and a half minutes.

The Philippines saw its 15-point lead in the final three and a half minutes nearly evaporate as Malaysia unloaded an 11-0 run.

Malaysia was in the thick of the fight at 77-73 in the closing seconds and got a big break when Raiza Dy missed from point blank range. But the Malaysians turned the ball over, allowing the Filipinas to secure the win.

Villanueva stops Jimenez in 2 F

ILIPINO pugilist Arthur Villanueva left no doubt in his second encounter with Juan Jimenez by knocking out the Mexican boxer on the undercard of Pinoy Pride 38 on Saturday, September 24 (Sunday, September 25 in Manila) at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

The 27-year-old native of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental settled the score with Jimenez by delivering a solid right cross that turned the lights out on the Mexican at 2:20 of the second round.

Jimenez was seeking to avenge his odd fourth-round knockout loss to Villanueva last May when he was rendered unconscious by an inadvertent head-butt from his Pinoy rival.

Following Villanueva’s

controversial win, ALA Promotions acceded to the request of Jimenez’s camp for an immediate rematch as the opposite party claimed that it was caused by an accidental head-butt and not by a legitimate punch.

Villanueva validated his first win over Jimenez with a vicious second-round knockout triumph as he uncorked a wild right hand that planted the Mexican fighter face first on the canvas.

With the impressive victory over Jimenez, Villanueva improves his professional record to 30-1 with 16 KOs and retains the WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title.

Meanwhile, Jimenez downgrades his win-loss slate to 22-11, 15 KOs and tastes his tenth knockout setback in his career.

DOWN AND OUT. Arthur Villanueva of the Philippines satnds over a fallen Juan Jimenez of Mexico.

LONG WAIT OVER. Perlas Pilipinas players celebrate the country’s first Seaba title in six years.

McIlroy wins 2 trophies to end season R

ORY McIlroy holed two shots on the 16th hole at East Lake that made him a most unlikely FedEx Cup champion on Sunday (Monday, Manila time).

The first one he didn’t even see go in.

Three shots behind with three holes to play at the Tour Championship, McIlroy holed a pitching wedge from 137 yards for eagle that gave him the spark he needed to close with a 6-under 64 and join a three-way playoff with the FedEx Cup title riding on the outcome.

“I knew I was right back in the golf tournament,” he said.

Four playoff holes later on the 16th, after Ryan Moore made a par putt from just outside 15 feet, McIlroy knocked in his 15-foot birdie putt to win two trophies that he desperately wanted — the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup. “Just to see that ball drop, and everything that’s come together for me this year ... to pull it off was really special,” McIlroy said, his voice still hoarse from screaming over so many quality shots, so many clutch moments over the final

two hours at East Lake.

McIlroy picked up US$11.53 million in one day — the US$10 million FedEx Cup bonus and US$1.53 million for the Tour Championship, his second victory in three weeks that made him the first player to win four FedEx Cup playoff events.

His only hope was to win the Tour Championship and have Dustin Johnson finish worse than second alone.

Johnson closed with a 73 and tied for sixth.

In its 10th year, the FedEx Cup never had a finish like this.

Moore missed an eightfoot birdie putt by the slimmest of margins on the par-5 18th hole in regulation for a 64. In the playoff, he holed a 10-foot birdie putt with McIlroy facing a six-foot eagle putt for the victory. McIlroy missed.

Even on the final hole, Moore gave McIlroy everything he had. His chip over a ridge raced well past the hole, and it looked as though McIlroy would only have to twoputt for the victory. Instead, Moore holed another big putt.

“I just wanted to make him earn it for that much money at least,” Moore said. “I wanted

him to make the putt. It was nice to get up and make it, but you give a great player like him that many opportunities, and he’s going to make one eventually.”

Chappell had a two-shot lead with two holes to play when he made bogey on the 17th hole — only his third of the week at East Lake — and Moore birdied it in the group ahead of him. Chappell was woefully short on a 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th for the win, and he was eliminated with a par on the first playoff hole when he made par.

They finished at 12-under 268.

Johnson surprisingly was never a factor and he hit too many errant shots on the front nine and never recovered. He still would have won the FedEx Cup had either Moore or Chappell won the tournament, which he said “would have been really cool.”

“It didn’t feel right because I didn’t win the Tour Championship,” Johnson said. “That’s why I was here to win. I knew I controlled my own destiny.”

Johnson was second in the FedEx Cup and received a US$3 million bonus.

McIlroy had control of this all along once he got into the playoff, except for one nervous moment.

He looked to put the perfect finish onto his big day when he hit out of the rough and over the water to six feet for an eagle putt on the par-5 18th in the first playoff hole.

McIlroy was ready to pump his fist until his eagle putt slid by, and he removed his cap in disbelief.

Returning to the 18th, McIlroy missed an 18-foot birdie putt for the win. On the third extra hole, the par-3 15th over the water from 201 yards, McIlroy had to make a 7-foot par putt just to stay in the game.

Nothing was bigger than that birdie at the end. McIlroy stiffened his back, clutched both arms and shouted above the raucous cheers at East Lake.

“I’ve made it no secret that it’s one of the last things I feel like I had left on my golf CV, and I made it a big goal of mine to win it,” McIlroy said. “To be here and to win the FedEx Cup ... to play the way I have in the last few weeks to get it done, is very special.”

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