Edge Davao 9 Issue 188

VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

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EDGEDAVAO

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Serving a seamless society

MENTAL HEALTH:

NOT JUST A STATE OF MIND

Inside Edge Suburbia P7

The legend comes home

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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WENTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD Jennifer felt nothing is interesting anymore in her life. This was after her boyfriend, Julius, broke up with her. She didn’t want to see her friends or talk with anyone. Everything seemed as exciting as having uncooked liver for dinner. This went on for about three weeks until her parents noticed something was wrong with their only daughter.

“You have to snap out of it before it’s too late,” her mother told her. “Snap out of what,” Jennifer asked. The loving mother put her arms around her daughter and said softly, “Out of your depression.”

“Depression?”

Jennifer replied. “That’s only for those

who have big problems in life, not me. I’m just feeling a little down.”

Whether she’s indeed just “a little down” or not, Jennifer is experiencing what experts call dysthymia. “It is a less severe but more continuous form of depression,” explains

the Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic. “It lasts for at least two years. Symptoms usually aren’t disabling, and periods of dysthymia can alternate with short periods of feeling normal. People with dysthymia have increased risk for major depression.”

Depression is a form of mental disorder that also include a wide spectrum of conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and obsessive compulsive disorders, among others.

The Geneva-based

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one out of four people around the world will suffer from a mental or neurological disorder at some point in their lives.

The United Nations health agency defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his/her community.”

“Mental health is a vital

F MENTAL, 2

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2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

Unique way to make Pinoys financially-literate PRU Life UK for inclusion of financial literacy in PH educational system

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Mental p.1 part of a person’s total health and that the problems on mental health contain not just the traditional mental health disorders but the issues of target populations susceptible to psychological risks caused by extreme life experiences such as disasters, near-death experiences, heinous and violent crimes, internal displacement brought about by religious and civil unrests as well as the psychosocial matters of daily living like preserving a sense of well-being in these complicated times,” explains Dr. Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte, a medical doctor who once studied psychology at the St. Paul University Manila.

Based on a survey conducted in 2000 by the National Statistics Office, mental illness is the third most common form of disability in the country – after visual and hearing impairments. For every 100,000 Filipinos, about 88 of them suffer from mental illness due to heredity, psychosocial development and substance abuse.

In most cases, mental illness is not easily understood by everyone. “We instinctively fear what we do not comprehend,” wrote Dr. Malaya Pimental-Santos, a long-time community health advocate having worked with several non-government health organizations.

“The negative perception of society towards mental

disorders is widespread, and represents an added burden for affected individuals, who are already faced with the burden of having to deal with the medical aspects of their illness,” Dr. Santos wrote in her column, “A Different Drum,” published in “Health and Lifestyle.”

A person diagnosed with mental disorder carries a lot of greater stigma and social burden than a person diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension. “These individuals often become subject to discrimination in their school, workplace, and community,” Dr. Santos wrote.

In addition, there is a tendency to “blame” the affected person for their condition, or expect them “to just get over it” – more so than with other medical illnesses. “As a result, most would resort to secrecy, and very few have the courage to publicly disclose their illness,” Dr. Santos notes.

According to Dr. Santos, people with mental illness can continue to function productively in society with proper medical management and sufficient psychosocial and community support.

As such, “there is a need to include the mental health in the public health and hospital system in order to render available, accessible, affordable and equitable quality mental health care and services,” suggests Dr. Villafuerte.

Dr. Santos believes that “increasing general awareness and understanding about mental health issues will lead to greater acceptance and help to reduce and mitigate the associated stigma.” She adds that “enacting laws and policies to protect the rights and dignity of those with mental health problems will help ensure their full and meaningful participation in society.”

In Davao City, Dr. Villafuerte – who is a councilor of the third district – has filed an ordinance entitled “Mental Health Code of 2016.” Already passed on with first reading, she says the policy will “uphold the right of the people to mental health and encourage mental health consciousness among them.”

The ordinance has eight objectives. The first four are: promote a shift from a hospital-based system to a strengthened community-based mental health care delivery system; reorient and modernize the existing mental health facilities; integrate mental health care in the general health care delivery system; and promote, prevent and manage mental health at all levels and treat and rehabilitate persons with mental disability.

The remaining four objectives are as follows: provide access to comprehensive health care and treatment to

ensure a well-balanced mental health program in the community and hospital; establish a multi-sectoral joint network of mental illness or disability and the management of mental health problems among vulnerable groups; protect and promote the mental health of the people through a multi-disciplinary approach; and provide adequate support and follow-up mechanisms for the discharged.

American president Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most people are about as happy as they choose to be.” He knew better. He went through much anguish in his life – the death of his fiancée, lost elections, the Civil War, and other major disappointments.

At one period of his life he was so depressed he considered suicide. But Lincoln chose to overcome his depression. He chose to be happy and obtained inner joy and peace in those last years before he was assassinated by a mentally-disturbed man.

“When we really think about it, individuals with mental illness are no different from everyone else,” reminds Dr. Santos. “We all have personal goals and we all strive to be the very best versions of ourselves and as such, attain our full potential. Ultimately, we all need support, compassion and understanding as we navigate this journey we call life.” (Photos from the net)

RITISH life insurer Pru Life Insurance Corporation of U.K. (Pru Life UK) has strengthened its commitment to promote financial literacy among Filipinos by hosting its third ChaChing Educators’ Conference on Financial Literacy at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila in Pasig City recently. The yearly conference brought together over 280 partners and teachers from both public and private partner schools nationwide.

With the theme “Building on the gains of Cha-Ching: Institutionalizing financial literacy in basic education,” the one-day conference included discussions and presentations focusing on the potentials of the incorporation of financial literacy in the grade school curriculum. The event also highlighted the best practices of Cha-Ching, providing the teachers a venue to exchange learnings and strategies from onthe-ground experiences in handling Cha-Ching lessons.

The panel discussions – which underscored developing, celebrating, and encouraging the reach of financial literacy and entrepreneurship in the Philippine educational system – were led by public and private sector advocates of financial literacy, including Atty. Tonisito Umali, the Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs, as well as Partnerships and External Linkages, of the Department of Education (DepEd); Norman Cualteros, the Lead Policy Officer of the Office of Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino; Shayne Rose Bulos, the Officer-in-Charge in Microinsurance of the Insurance Commission; Prof. Edwin Suson of the University of Santo Tomas; Bernadee Uy, the Social Enterprise Manager of the British Council; and Shanonraj Khadka, the co-founder of Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farms.

Rounding up the line-up of speakers and subject matter experts who shared their insights on teaching money management skills were Alexi Bautista of Generation Hope Philippines; Vivian Lau, JA Asia Pacific’s President, and Mark Valino, Pru Life UK’s Senior Manager for Investment Marketing.

Atty. Umali welcomed the participants by reiterating the importance of being financially literate to help them effectively champion the money-smart values not only in the classroom but also in their daily lives. “I’m very happy about Cha-Ching as well as Pru Life UK for being active in promoting financial literacy among children. We have already started taking on the challenge of imbibing these money smarts among our youth, and this makes me excited to look forward to a more financially literate Philippines.”

This year’s conference welcomed the addition of 17 public schools and four private schools to the current roster of 76 partner institutions implementing financial literacy lessons under Pru Life UK’s Financial Literacy for the Youth program.

Thumbs up from Cha-Ching teachers In the 2015 Cha-Ching Educator’s Conference, evaluation results of the third implementation year of Cha-Ching were discussed. The evaluation showed that students under the

Cha-Ching program experienced an immediate change in money management practices such as prioritizing savings and exploring entrepreneurship as a viable option for earning.

The same has also been observed with the financial skills of the teachers as more of them apply the money-smart lessons to their own personal finances.

Overall, 100% of teachers and principals who have implemented the Cha-Ching program said they would continue to implement it and recommend it to other schools.

“We are pleased the ChaChing program has been well received by children, parents, and teachers in the Philippines and across Asia. Building on the program’s successes, we see the opportunity to create a grade school curriculum on financial literacy using the Cha-Ching concepts,” said Prudence Foundation Executive Director Marc Fancy.

“Through this new Cha-Ching curriculum, we hope to reach as many children as possible, helping them to develop responsible money management habits at an early age.“

New and enhanced curriculum As part of its commitment to provide comprehensive and contemporary materials and initiatives to further improve the program, Pru Life UK launched during the program an enhanced curriculum which was developed

by Prudence Foundation in collaboration with JA Asia Pacific.

The said curriculum and its corresponding workbooks will target elementary school children and will be implemented in the grade 4 level – the recommended ideal grade level for administering the curriculum during the pilot test run. It consists of six 45-minute modular sessions, wherein each session is taught through experiential and hands-on learning that allows students to put into practice the knowledge acquired.

The program teaches children about the four key concepts of money management – Earn, Save, Spend, and Donate – and uses an integrated learning approach, featuring a Cha-Ching music videos, discussions on the concepts, in-class activities, and take home materials in each session.

Best practices among financial literacy partners Aside from the learning sessions, awards were conferred to the money-smart partner schools, educators, and students who participated in the following Cha-Ching contests:

School award Cha-Ching School Project Proposal Competition The competition encouraged schools to present strategies on how they can champion and actively promote financial literacy within the school and in nearby communities with the participation of teachers, students, parents, and community officials.

Gold award (PhP 25,000) Western Visayas Sanitarium Elementary School Silver award (PhP 20,000) Stonyhurst Southville International School – Batangas

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

BRIGHT CHRISTMAS AT PARK INN. Park Inn by Radisson Davao lights up its Christmas tree to formally kick off the yuletide season celebration on Friday evening. The event was graced by Elizabeth Sy, president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporations, and Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 director Roberto Alabado. Lean Daval Jr.

Cabreros named PHL Army vice commander

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OMMANDER of the 3rd Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Harold Cabreros, was installed as Philippine Army vice commander during a short ceremony at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Saturday.

He replaces Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Present during Cabreros’ assumption ceremony was Army commander Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año.

Cabreros, a member of the Philippine Military Acad-

emy Class of 1984, took command of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division in December 2015.

He spent most of his military career in Luzon and Mindanao.

His most recent field duties include as commander of the 50th Infantry Battalion; head of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade; chief of Unified Command Staff of the Armed Forces’ Northern Luzon Command; and deputy commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command. (PNA)

Ombud indicts ex-PA chief, 8 others at Sandiganbayan

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HE Office of the Ombudsman indicted a former commanding general of the Philippine Army and eight other officials before the Sandiganbayan for graft in connection with questionable purchase of more than Php 5-million worth of military supplies in 2003.

The Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) filed charges against retired Lt. Gen. Gregorio Camiling, Jr. of one count of violation of Republic Act No. 3019, or the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act”, and six counts of charges of falsification of public documents.

Also charged were Brig.

Gen. Severino P. Estrella, Colonels Cesar G. Santos, Jessie Mario B. Dosado, Barmel Zumel, and Cyrano A. Austria; Capt.

George P. Cabreros; Account-

ing Unit head Editha B. Santos; and chief accountant Rolando F. Minel The case stemmed from the approval of the then Philippine Army commanding general of the contract for the supply of combat clothing and individual equipment (CCIE) even without undergoing a public bidding.

The Ombudsman said that Camiling and the other Army officials derived benefits from Dantes Executive Menswear, who was the supplier of combat clothing, and was chosen as the sole supplier of the CCIE. Purchased from the sole supplier were long pants, caps, buttons and belt for the use of the Philippine Army Headquarters Support Groups and the Security and Escort Battalion. (PNA)

Rody allies want federalism now

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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LLIES of President Duterte came out to the streets in Davao City to press congress for a shift in government system – that is from presidential form to federalism.

More than 300 advocates for federalism joined a motorcade in major streets of Davao City on Saturday afternoon and marched in the major streets of Davao City and converged at the Rizal Park.

The activity was led by Isulong ang Federalismo Para saTunay na Pagbabago and the Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines

(HFMP).

Lawyer Joel Obar, the national chief legal counsel of HFMP said last Saturday’s movement was synchronized nationwide as other federalism advocates also staged their own motorcades and rallies in key cities and provinces in the country.

He said they expected more than 2,000 supporters had gathered last Saturday to call Congress to move on to change the system of the government.

The activity in Davao City was graced by cabinet undersecretary Peter Laviña.

Laviña, during the rally had called Congress to “hurry up with the government shift.”

He said federalism will find a configuration where each region will be truly powerful.

He also believed that federalism will help the administration of President Duterte to further improve the regions in Mindanao and boost the government’s programs and projects aimed to reduce poverty in the country.

“President Duterte has been an advocate of federalism and pushed for this during his campaign for the presiden-

cy,” Laviña said in vernacular, explaining that federalism will provide more autonomy and development to each of the country’s regions.

He added that federalism will be one of the key solutions to achieve peace in Mindanao, emphasizing that the Duterte administration, under a federal form of government, will allocate more than enough money into regions to combat widespread hunger.

“It will also quell the long-running armed conflict that has discouraged businesses from setting up in Mindanao,” Laviña said.

city fire offices.

“The changing of the guards is a usual practice in our fire organization in order to further strengthen the institution and avoid familiarity,” Sueno said.

“The basic considerations were the fire officers’ performance, seniority, ranks, relevant trainings, and the maximum 2-year tour of duty,” he added.

Implementation of the rules and regulations is also

upon recommendation of BFP Officer-in-Charge Chief Supt.

Bobby Baruelo.

The following BFP officers included in the reshuffle are F/ Sr. Supt. Manuel M. Manuel as the new Quezon City District Fire Marshal vice F/Sr. Supt.

Jesus F. Fernandez who is reassigned as Director, Directorate for Logistics of BFP-NHQ; F/ Sr. Supt. Jaime D. Ramirez reassigned as Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) of Region 9;

F/Supt. Crispo L. Diaz as the new CAMANAVA District Fire Marshal; F/Supt. Renato B. Marcial, reassigned as ARDA, Region 4-A; F/Supt.

Renato M. Genave, ARDA, BFPNCR; F/Supt. Rachel R. Verbo, Regional Chief of Staff, BFPNCR; F/Supt. Antonio N. Razal, Jr., Manila District Fire Marshal; F/Supt. Carlos T. Dueñas, Pasay City Fire Marshal; F/Supt. Arturo B. Marcos, Pasig City Fire Marshal; F/

DILG reshuffles BFP officials; relieves 3 from posts

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NTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno on Friday reshuffled at least 47 key officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFD) to strengthen the bureau.

Under provisions of Republic Act 9263 (Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Act Professionalization Act of 2004), reshuffling of key officers involve national headquarters, regional, district and

F DILG, 10

4 NEWS

North Cotabato drug pusher killed in shootout with police

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SUSPECTED drug pusher, who was on the police drug watch list, was killed Saturday when he opened fire at police officers implementing search warrant in his home in Libungan, North Cotabato.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police provincial office spokesperson, identified the suspect as Arlan Pulido alias Bimbo, a resident of Barangay Nicaan, Libungan town.

Tayong said police arrived at Pulido’s home at about 11 a.m. to serve the search warrant issued by a local court for possession of prohibited drugs.

But Pulido, who was armed with a gun, opened fire on lawmen, triggering a shoot out. He was hit in his chest and died while being rushed to a hospital in Midsayap, North Cotabato for medical treatment.

Police recovered cal. 22 pistol and spent bullets, 12 bullets for cal. 22 pistol and four huge sachets of shabu, shabu paraphernalia, a motorbike and a jungle bolo from the suspect’s home.

Pulido was known as one of the big time drug dealers operating in the first district of North Cotabato.

No one was hurt from the side of law enforcers. (PNA)

Fire hits South Cotabato prosecutor’s office

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FIRE erupted at the Hall of Justice compound in Koronadal City on Friday morning, damaging portions of the South Cotabato Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Lawyer Joseph Boyd Atensor, provincial prosecutor, said in a radio interview that the fire was initially reported

by Hall of Justice workers at around 7:30 a.m. originating inside their office.

He said no one was hurt in the incident as the office was still closed and their personnel have yet to report for work at that time.

Witnesses said the fire was first noticed by construction workers assigned to a building project inside the Hall of Justice compound.

The workers reportedly saw smoke coming out of the airconditioning unit and immediately alerted the Hall of Justice personnel.

Firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection station in Koronadal City rushed to the scene and declared a “fire-out” about 30 minutes later.

Atensor said BFP personnel are still investigating the cause of the fire but initial reports said it could have been caused by faulty electrical connection.

The official said among those destroyed were office files and documents, three personal compute sets and an aicconsitioning unit.

He estimated the damage at around P250,000.

Atensor said they have yet to determine the documents and files that were destroyed but said it would not much affect their operations.“We have secured backups for all our files and documents. Our activities will affected at first but we’ll be alright,” he added.

(PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

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Alquiza elected head of YMCA-Davao City Organization fund-raising drive nets P600,000

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U LT I - A WA R D E D official of the Department of Public Works and Highways Mariano R. Alquiza was unanimously chosen new president of the Davao chapter of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), a worldwide organization credited for many achievements including the invention of basketball and volleyball.

Alquiza will serve as head of the organization for one year, starting January 2017.

He will replace Fernando S. Ongkingco Jr., retired district engineer of Davao City, who was likewise elected first vice president of YMCA-Davao.

Both are civil engineers.

Other officers elected during a special meeting hosted by Russell U. Barrizo, reelected corporate D. delsecretary, were: Lawyer Leoncio P. Vil-

Alquiza

Ongkingco

Villa-Abrille

la-Abrille, second vice president; Ma. Lita A. Montalban, assistant corporate secretary; lawyer Antonio B. Partoza Jr., treasurer; Ulysses Y. Solis, assistant treasurer; Antonio M. Ajero, public relations office; Vicente R, Banez Jr., business manager; engineer Isagani G. Javier, auditor; and Manuel S. Tagud, Dr. Julius D. dela Victo-

ria, and Albor V. Batao Jr., members of the board of director; and Robert John Aljing, elected youth director. All officers were unanimously elected.

The officers of the incumbent and new boards officers agree to hold the installations of officers and new YMCA members on January 15, 2017 at the Marco Polo Hotel in

Davao City. Three members of President Duterte’s cabinet will be invited as possible inducting officer and guest of honor and speaker.

The joint meeting likewise approved the holding the annual Christmas gathering of YMCA members and members of their respective families.

the New City Hall, Mayor Rellon however pointed out that his treatment to all of the 12 members of the City Council of Tagum City is equal, but, when it comes to giving of extra or additional benefits, this is what he said: “sorry kay di gyod nako sila hatagan (sorry but I will not give them).”

Additional perks apply to a range of regular benefits and opportunities such as in mat-

ters to their travels, fuel, transportation and others including invitations to city activities.

The four councilors referred to who are not aligned to the mayor’s political party include Councilors Tete So, Ester Anggoy, Bong Aala and Joedel Caasi.

Mayor Rellon also clarified that he is not intervening with the affairs of the legislative department and denied that

he influenced the naming of chairmanship of chairmanship to the committees in the city’s legislative body.

He added that he had no hands in the giving of minor committees to the mentioned four city councilors.

“I’ve been there being then a vice mayor,” he said.

He also stressed that it’s practical and not strange for

col officer), I coordinated with the Marcos family and I asked them whether they have any concern we need to address, (and for the moment), they said they have none and they are still waiting for the final coordination on the date (of the former president’s burial),” he said in Filipino.

Hao earlier said the Army is ready to provide Marcos with military honors befitting his rank as former president.

“We will provide former president Marcos military honors befitting a president of our country. He will be given arrival honors by Army brigade-sized honor guards when his remains enter the LNMB,” he said. “He will also be given a 21-gun salute.”

The Army spokesperson said the former president’s casket will be carried by pallbearers, consisting of

active-duty senior sergeants and generals, to his final resting place at the cemetery.

An earlier directive said the Army is required to provide a vigil, a bugler, a drummer, a firing party, a military host, pallbearers, an escort and transportation, and arrival and departure honors.

Hao earlier said representatives of the Marcos family have begun cleaning and making initial digs at the regulation 100-sq.-meter plot former presidents are allotted in the LNMB’s 5,000-sq. meter Presidential Section.

The remains of three presidents, Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal and Elpidio Quirino have been interred in the heroes’ cemetery.

Hao said the Presidential Section still has room for 46 more. (PNA)

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No‘extra’perks for non political allies

By CHA MONFORTE

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AGUM City Mayor Allan Rellon has made clear that he will never give “extra” perks or benefits to the four city councilors who are not part of his political party.

Talking to reporters at

F NO, 10

More than sufficient troops to secure heroes’ cemetery for Marcos burial, says PHL Army

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Assistant Regional Director Tomas M. Rodriguez of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao region (DPWH-XI) delivered his welcome address during the 4th Regional Stakeholder Consultation on the development of revisions to the National Building Code of the Philippines and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to mainstream disaster risk reduction held at Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City on November 11, 2016. (DPWH-11)

HE Philippine Army has more than sufficient troops to secure the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, its spokesperson, Col. Benjamin Hao, has said.

When asked whether the Army has increased security in the heroes’ cemetery in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling allowing the interment of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos at the LNMB, Hao said they have more than enough troops, though he did not cite exact figures.

Militant groups have threatened to conduct lightning protest actions at the LNMB should the former president be interred there.

As this develops, Hao said no final date has been set yet for Marcos’ burial in the cemetery. “(As the designated proto-

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

Davao entrepreneur iconizes Duterte on perfume product

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

‘SANTA’ ON SALE. A hawker peddles miniature Santa Claus to motorists along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City more than a month before Christmas day. Lean Daval Jr.

Car sales up 8.6 % in Oct

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ALES of vehicles grew to 31,132 units in October, up 8.6 percent from 28,667 units in the same month in 2015, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and Truck Manufacturers Association reported Friday.

Sales growth of the industry in October was mainly supported by commercial vehicle segment with year-on-year growth of 12.6 percent while passenger cars also recorded a positive growth of 2.3 percent.

Passenger cars sold 11,499 units in October 2016, higher than October 2015’s sales of 11,235 units.

Commercial vehicle sales

increased to 19,633 units last month from 17,432 units a year ago.

Among its sub-segments, trucks and buses posted the robust growth. Sales of light trucks increased by 70 percent to 842 units, trucks and buses category IV by 85 percent to 347 units, and category V by 53 percent to 193 units.

Sales of Asian utility vehicle also jumped by 42.4 percent to 6,231 units in October of this year from 4,377 units in previous year.

Light commercial vehicles’ sales, on the other hand, slightly declined by 1.8 percent to 12,020 units last month from 12,246 units last year. (PNA)

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AVAOEÑOS never fail to show the world they take pride on President Duterte bringing the banner of the south on the national government, even on their “scent”.

A Davao-based entrepreneur pays tribute to the President by creating “Drigo”, a parfum product labelled with the silhouette of the national leader.

Alma Muyco, owner of Luna Parfum Collection said the President’s icon will tell the world that the product is made in Davao City.

“It is also to show the world that Filipino products can compete globally just like our president who is making a scene on the global arena,” she added.

Ever since, Muyco has always been a perfume enthusiast but noticing a lot of people lamenting over expensive perfume brands, she thought of starting a business on per-

fumes which are affordable but not compromising the quality of the product.

Learning about the Go Negosyo Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), she and her husband visited the local Negosyo Center and underwent a series of seminars on management, bookkeeping, and packaging and labelling.

Equipping herself with the right knowledge and tapping some friends who are business graduates, Muyco and her team started the business in July 2016 with a capital of P250,000.

Muyco who worked as an admin staff at a computer academy in Tagum City said the business has not only provided her additional income but an enjoyment as well.

She added that she found direct selling as one way to expand her resellers.

She also found her cli-

RODY’S ICON. Alma Muyco, a local entrepreneur and owner of Luna Parfum Collection showed some of her products with labels of President Duterte’s icon that will tell the world that her products are made in Davao City.

(Jermaine dela Cruz)

ents’ testimonials as living proof of their trust and satisfaction on her products.

Muyco and her team attended the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Summit held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang last November 10 to 11, not only to expand their knowledge on entrepreneur-

ship but also to meet President Duterte and personally ask permission to use his icon on the perfume labels.

Muyco expressed her optimism on the President’s approval and that she is looking forward to expand her array of products and help give more people a source of living through direct selling.

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

Holdings posts Davao City proposes P1.5B 8990 profit at P3.19 billion for dev’t programs in 2017 L

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AVAO City government is proposing a PHP1.5-billion fund for development programs, both infrastructure and non-infra programs/projects, for 2017.

Of the total amount, City Planning chief Ivan Cortez said funds are allocated for debt servicing at PHP321 million; social development, PHP248 million; economic development, PHP102 million; environment development, PHP165 million; and development administration at PHP182 million.

Cortez said non-infra projects would help address and speed up programs on

community development, education, food security, health, livelihood, resettlement areas, urban poor housing and creation of an investment-friendly environment.

It would also focus on the generation of employment, protection of the environment, public safety and disaster preparedness, support to cooperatives, enhancement of skills and sports development of the youth, women empowerment, empowering the barangays, tourism, and other socio-economic programs.

The infrastructure projects will have about PHP492 million appropriation and this

will cover road development program of PHP160 million; building and other structures, PHP166 million; drainage program, PHP78 million; electrification, PHP2.2 million; bridge program, PHP8.8 million; and water system at PHP76.5 million.

The infra projects include road improvement, pavement and pathways, repair of health centers, multi-purpose buildings, evacuation centers, footbridges, drainage system, electrification and water system as these will help promote the growth and development of the countryside.

Cortez disclosed that

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has given priority to projects that will benefit far-flung barangays, especially water and electrification programs.

He said that all proposals coming from these areas must be a “go” saying that the Mayor’s order is to find ways how the basic household requirements of water and light must be availed by them.

He said there are still many areas not served by Davao City Water District (DCWD).

Only 70 percent of the total household in the city has been served by the water company, Cortez added. (PNA)

EADING mass housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. posted a flat profit in the first three quarters of 2016 amid the sharp rise in finance costs and higher cost of sales.

8990 President and chief executive Januario Jesus Gregorio Atencio reported a net income of Php 3.19 billion from January to September this year, up one percent from the Php 3.17 billion booked in the same period last year.

Atencio said revenues climbed three percent to Php 7.18 billion from Php 6.99 billion, while cost of sales rose 5.1 percent to Php 3.15 billion.

For the third quarter alone, earnings of 8990 Holdings slipped three percent to Php 1.03 billion, while revenues also declined 3.9 percent to Php 2.45 billion.

“This is at par with our internal targets for the third quarter and for the first nine months of 2016,” he said.

Housing units delivered inched up by two percent to 6,338 in the first nine months of the year from 6,443 translating to a three-percent increase in housing revenues to Php 7.13 billion from Php 6.94 billion.

A total of 5,676 fresh units were delivered to new home-

owners nationwide, with the Visayas accounting for 45 percent; followed by Mindanao with 36 percent, and Luzon with 19 percent.

In terms of value, Visayas contributed 50 percent, followed by Mindanao with 31 percent and Luzon with 19 percent.

8990 Holdings is optimistic about growing net income by 20 percent to Php 4.8 billion on the back of a 24-percent rise in revenues to Php 12 billion.

It expects to realize majority of sales during the latter part of the year.

It has launched six projects so far this year and is expected to launch five more in Iloilo, Cebu and Bacolod in the fourth quarter.

8990 Holdings has beefed up its landbank to 548 hectares with an expected yield of 109,818 units worth Php 129 billion.

It exceeded its Php 4-billion profit target last year after it registered a 23-percent growth in earnings to Php 4.05 billion.

The developer is riding on the country’s strong private consumption that continues to fuel strong economic growth.

(PNA)

Bello confident capitalists to continue investing in PHL

SLOW DAY. A fish vendor wears a stoic face while she waits for customers on a slow day at Agdao Public Market in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Energy dept pushing for Bataan nuclear power plant

T

HE Department of Energy (DOE) is pushing for the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) after President Rodrigo Duterte allowed Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi to study the possibility of re-opening it, with specific instructions to prioritize the security and safety of the public. ”I’d like the BNPP to really operate. The President has spoken and after he has spoken, I talked to him and

made clarification. I asked clearance if I should proceed to work for its implementation and full operation,” Cusi said in his speech at the inauguration of two power plants in Batangas province Friday. ”We have to put a closure to the BNPP. It could not just be there standing and spending millions of pesos. It is either we use it or we re-use it for some other (purpose),” he said in an interview.

The energy chief estimated the rehabilitation of

the facility to cost USD1 billion and to last from two to four years. If it is revived, it would be under the Philippine National Oil Company.

The rehabilitation of the plant would be a government-to-government collaboration or a build-operate-transfer agreement with the private sector, he said, adding that the power plant’s capacity could be reduced, depending on the recommendations of consultants.

Cusi further said that his department is still working on the roadmap for nuclear energy.

The energy department has since last year held public consultations on the possible re-opening of the BNPP. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, the country’s only nuclear facility, was fully commissioned in 1984. It was a project of former president Ferdinand Marcos, but had never produced power for the grid. (PNA)

pany Baker Hughes said Friday that the North American rig count is up 21 to 744 this week. The company reported earlier this week that the worldwide rig count for October this year was 1,620, up 36 from the 1,584 counted in September.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) crude production increased by 240,000 barrels

to 33.64 million barrels per day in October compared to the figure registered in September, according to OPEC’s monthly report released on Friday.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Thursday raised its forecast of oil output from countries outside the OPEC next year. It said non-OPEC nations will see a production growth of nearly

500,000 barrels a day, an increase of 110,000 from the agency’s estimate last month.

The West Texas Intermediate for December Delivery lost USD1.25 to settle at USD43.41 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for January delivery erased USD1.09 to close at USD44.75 a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange. (PNA/Xinhua)

Oil price continues to drop amid rising over-supply concerns

O

IL prices tumbled more than 2 percent on Friday as the market has rising concerns over persisting global oil over-supply.

Latest data suggested a recent global trend of over-supply and analysts said it is likely that the oil prices will stay at its current level in the next few weeks.

The oilfield services com-

W

ITH the government providing the right climate for the conduct of business in the country, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III is confident that foreign investors will continue to put up their businesses here.

“The President has provided all the business establishments local and foreign, the right climate for the conduct of the business. The most important to know. The most conducive climate is peace and order.

Wala nang gera. meron nang ceasefire between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF). Ibig sabihin factor ito. Pangalwa, the effort of the President to eliminate corruption in the government,” he said in an interview.

With this, he noted that those who would like to invest in the country do not want to get involved in politics.

“They did not come here to be involved in politics. For them as long as the climate is there for the conduct of their business they will stay,” Bello said.

He believed that the effort of the government to get rid of irregularities in government dealings would attract investors.

“Ang laking bagay niyan.

That is a very attractive climate to investors. Yung wala nang kotongan when they go to an office and apply for permits, the policy of the president that all applications and permits

should be acted upon within 72 hours. Ang laking bagay iyan. So ang laking incentive sa kanila yung walang irritant sa business. Kasi they come here for business,” the DOLE head said.

He added, “’Yung mga foreign investors, when they go to a place, they first look at the viability of the area. And that is, unang-una, yung peace and order situation. Yung infrastructure of the place kagaya ng effective transportation. Effective communication. Then iyon yung walang corruption.

Napakalaking bagay niyan.

Kapag walang kotongan. Iyang ang unang-unang kinoconsider kapag walang korakot sa gobyerno.”

Asked if there are concerns on the possible pull out of Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) companies in the country, Bello said, “Wala naman. Kasi so far makikita naman yung immediate ano results even with the very strong statement of the president’s position on independent foreign policy. Tuloy-tuloy naman yung pasok ng foreign investments.

On the other hand, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said the people should let first newly-elected US President Donald Trump to settle in and present his agenda.

OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac believed the coordination with the Philippine embassy in the US, the Depart-

F BELLO, 10

7 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

DavOr to host DAVRAA 2017 A

FTER Davao Oriental’s successful hosting of the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet in 2015, the province is again set to host Davao region’s biggest sports event next year.

Top officials from the Department of Education in Davao region (DepED-11) led by regional director Alberto Escobarte recently met with Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang to discuss initial arrangements and preparations for the highly anticipated sports event.

The final date of the DAVRAA 2017 is set in March next year.

Around 6,000 athletes and officials from 10 school divisions across Davao re-

gion are expected to participate in the upcoming sporting event.

Among the essential preparations discussed are the billeting, sports facilities, traffic management, water and sanitation, power, and security, among many others.

Declaring his commitment to host the event, Governor Dayanghirang asked the support of all stakeholders, including all local officials and concerned agencies to work together for the successful conduct of the activity.

Mayor Carlo P. Rabat of Mati City also committed its support to co-host the event.

Big events such as the DAVRAA 2017 will also provide opportunity to promote

14th PTA Day in Tagum City

T

HE Tagum City Federation of Parent-Teachers Association (FPTA) recently celebrated its 14th foundation day held at the Atrium in the New City Hall of the city.

The celebration was done in partnership with the Department of Education (DepED) and the city government of Tagum.

“The city government of Tagum will always be in full support to the federation”, said Mayor Allan L. Rellon who graced the event and spelled out his support to the programs of the FPTA. The mayor stressed out as well that he is happy to see pupils and students joining the activity.

“Tama lang gyud na kauban nato ang mga studyante karon kay importante gyud na makadungog sila sa lecture on drug abuse and gangsterism”, he added.

In his opening statement, Germe Piquero, president of FPTA expressed his overwhelming gratitude to everyone who joined the celebration and shared their time and efforts.

Piquero said the gathering was also timely and relevant

with the government’s drive against drug addiction.

Featured during the event was an advocacy campaign against drug addiction and gangsterism.

The campaign was given

by Dr. Edwin P. Santos, the social and moral recovery program coordinator of Davao del Norte.

In the same occasion, Warlito E. Hua, chief of Education Support Services Division of EdpED in Region XI shared important points on responsible parenthood.

Parlor games, raffle draws and handing out of instant prizes were also featured during the celebration.

Around 600 students, teachers and parents joined the one day event that was also graced by officials of DepEd -Tagum City Public Schools District Supervisors (PSDS), Education Program Supervisor, (EPS) School Heads, School PTAs. Members of the City Council of Tagum to include Hon. Ronald S. Eliot and Hon. Eva Lorraine E. Estabillo also joined the occasion. (Anwar E. Maadel & Ivy A. Palomo/ DepEd Tagum)

tourism which will spur economic activity in the city, Rabat said.

He added that the event also help promote Davao Oriental as a premier tourism

destination.

DAVRAA is an annual multi-level regional scholastic athletic competition for the elementary and secondary students, both from pri-

vate and public schools, in the region.

Selected athletes during the DAVRAA will advance in the Palarong Pambansa.

The sporting event also

“Nalipay ang tibuok katawhan. Gipakita nimo ang panaghiusa sa mga Pilipino pinaagi sa imong pagdaog sa laban,” said Sarangani District 2 Board Member Arman Guili in his congratulatory speech to Pacquiao.

“The crowd was in merriment. You have manifested Filipinos’ unity thru your victory.”

Guili added that last Sunday (November 6), the streets were notably peaceful, as people watched the champ’s fight.

Meanwhile, General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera recognized the boxing champ’s feat in history as he becomes the first senator who won a championship title in the whole world.

“All of us won as we won with him,” said Rivera.

Sarangani Vice Governor Elmer de Peralta, in behalf of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, called for everyone’s support to give back what Pacquiao has done for the country.

Furthermore, Pacquiao recalled he immediately went home right after the fight because he still has work to do in the Senate which he admittedly enjoys.

“May commitment ako para sa tao kaya umuwi ako,” the senator said. “Hindi ko nararamdaman yung pagod.

Kung puwede, wala akong absent para yung nagasupport sa akin, hindi mapahiya.”

Pacquiao has filed a bill which seeks to create a boxing commission which would help athletes become champions.

provides opportunities in the improvement of physical, moral, intellectual and social well-being of participants. It also serves as a venue of promoting education and health.

The legend comes home “I

AM not the greatest, God is,” was the statement of new WBO Welterweight champion, Senator Manny Pacquiao in a press conference which garnered a loud applause from the crowd.

The new champ was welcomed by local government employees and officials of General Santos and Sarangani province last Friday at SM City Gensan.

The Provincial Government of Sarangani spearheaded the Hero’s Welcome that was also joined by scholars and employees of Pacquiao Group of Companies.

Earlier, students carrying Philippine flaglets and banners lined along the streets for Pacquiao’s homecoming.

PACQUIAO THANKS EVERYONE. New WBO welterweight champion Senator Manny Pacquiao thanks everyone who supported him during the Hero’s Welcome ceremony at SM in General Santos City on Friday.

On the other hand, Pacquiao admitted there were some strategies in his game plan that were not shown because he was so cautious of the opponent, a taller Vargas.

Also, he emphasized that all of his opponents in all of his fights were the best respective of their varied styles.

Nothing is certain yet of his next fight. Pacquiao told the media it has still to be talked upon with his promoter. But one thing is sure, he still has a lot to help in the country.

“It takes dedication, sacrifice, time management and discipline to achieve one’s dreams,” Pacquiao concluded. (Cherry Marie Irish D. Cruz /SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pacquiao won againts Jessie Vargas of Mexico via unanimous decision last November 6. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

EDITORIAL

L

In the name of friendship

ONG before Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa became the country’s top cop ad long before boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao became Senator, the two have been very close friends.

Dela Rosa and his family were regularly part of the ‘entourage’ that Pacquiao takes with him whenever he fights in the US or in Macau. The entourage also included friends from government like congressmen, PNP, and LGU officials.

Were there any fuss before? None. Nobody questioned.

It was only after Dela Rosa admitted in the recent Pacquiao fight against Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas that questions on the propriety and possible commission of an offense emerged.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales had launched an investigation against Dela Rosa, who under the law might be liable for graft for accepting the gift from the Senator.

In an interview, Dela Rosa admitted that Pacquiao fully funded his and his family’s trip to watch the senator’s fight against boxer Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas.

The PNP chief said he did not spend a single centavo of his personal funds for the trip. He also said that the airfare, tickets, hotel accommodation, and even allowance for himself and his family were paid for by Pacquiao.

According to Presidential Decree No. 46, public officials are prohibited from receiving gifts or any other valuable thing on any occasion when the gift is given because of an official’s position, regardless of whether or not the gift is given for past favors, or if the giver is expecting to receive a favor or better treatment in the future. Receiving gifts may also constitute a violation of Republic Act 3019, or the anti-graft and corrupt practices act. RA 3019 also states that it is unlawful for any

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person knowingly to induce or cause a public official to commit corrupt practices.

In sum, four laws actually come into play in possible commission of graft.

These laws, which regulate the act or practice of gift-giving to public officials, are: 1. Articles 210-212 of the Revised Penal Code; 2. Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act); 3. Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees); and 4. Presidential Decree 46 (Making it Punishable for Public Officials and Employees to Receive, and for Private Persons to Give, Gifts on Any Occasion, including Christmas).

Did Bato commit graft under the circumstances?

No case have been filed yet but the investigation may have commenced. As this may not foment sub judice at this stage, it is imperative to note that both the giver and the receiver in this case are punishable.

It is worthy to note that the generosity has turned into a practice involving Pacquiao’s family and friends. Perhaps, it is also of merit to consider the side of the giver on what motivated him to extend such privilege to friends like Dela Rosa.

Was it in consideration of a favor, past, present or future, or nothing but boosting his morale going up into a fight in a hostile land?

While the law does not reckon whether or not there is any consideration for the generous act, the Ombudsman must weigh in on the intent of the giver and the relationship of parties to the questioned act.

The law can be harsh, even punishing one’s kindness and getting between the ties that bind family and friends.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

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HEN some members of the Supreme Court voted to allow the dead body of Ferdinand E. Marcos to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB), there was a howl of protests among victims of the Martial Law. The Human Rights Watch, in a press statement, said: “(The burial plan) is a jab in the still-open wounds of tens of thousands of Filipinos and their families who suffered under the Marcos regime and to this day have seen virtually none of those responsible held to account or received redress for their loss.”

In 1972, Marcos declared martial law, which put the country on a path to dictatorship. “Under Marcos, the military and police routinely rounded up activists and suspected communist rebels and their supporters – many of whom were never heard from again,” the Human Rights Watch said.

All in all, the Marcos government killed more than 3,000 people and tortured thousands of others, a government commission estimated. “These abuses did not let up until the ‘People Power’ revolution of 1986 forced Marcos out of office. He subsequently fled the Philippines for the United States, where he died in 1989. His family repatriated his body in 1993 and has stored it in a refrigerated crypt in his home province of Ilocos Norte ever since,” the Human Rights Watch said.

The younger generation, particularly those who have never gone through the pains and suffering of Martial Law are quick to say to move on. Here’s one of the comments: “I haven’t experienced Martial Law therefore I have no right to judge those who are against the approved burial of the late president, Ferdinand Marcos. On the other side, as a citizen, I am respecting what the Supreme Court have agreed upon as a courtesy. In the end, moving on is an option.”

Here’s an opinion from Joel Pablo Salud, the editor-in-chief of “Philippines Graphic”: “Are Filipinos an

F

Much ado about burial

VANTAGE POINTS

9

angry people? I don’t believe so. THINK ON THESE! Our national anthem says, we are a ‘Bayang Magiliw’ – a happy nation. As regards to Martial Law and its atrocities, are we vengeful?

If we were, the Marcos family would’ve been brutally sawed in Henrylito D. Tacio half by now, body henrytacio@gmail.com parts dumped in landfills, and organs fed to the dogs. No. In fact, they still hold sway over many of our people.

“Is our outcry against Martial Law a sign that we are unforgiving? What is there to forgive when none in the Marcos family assumes responsibility? Filipinos are NOT an angry lot, nor are we vengeful. What we all want is healing, a sincere, heartfelt offer of reparation for those who have been brutalized under the Marcos regime. What we want, above all else, is closure.

“But closure doesn’t come by sweeping the memory of brutality under a rug, or soil reserved for heroes. Closure comes only when those who are guilty admit to their crimes and willingly, under no pretense, pay for their guilt or assume responsibility. No, the outcry against a Marcos burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani is not wrath or an attempt at vengeance, but the continuing lamentation of a people raped and brutalized, not anymore by might or greed, but by a continuing effort by the powers-that-be to force the poor and the weak into a corner, long enough for us to forget. Not all who choose to fight are angry; many are

simply tired of the abuse.”

The high tribunal voted 9-5 with one abstention to dismiss the petition filed by anti-Marcos groups and personalities to block the order of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. One of those who voted against was Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

This is the dissenting opinion of the chief justice: “Respondents may deny the implications of their actions today, but the symbolism of the burial will outlive even their most emphatic refutations. Long after the clarifications made by this administration have been forgotten, the gravesite at the LNMB will remain.

That is the peculiar power of symbols in the public landscape – they are not only carriers of meaning but are repositories of public memory and ultimately, history.

“For the Court to pretend that the present dispute is a simple question of the entitlement of a soldier to a military burial is to take a regrettably myopic view of the controversy. It would be to disregard historical truths and legal principles that persist after death.

As important, it would be to degrade the State’s duty to recognize the pain of countless victims of Marcos and Martial Law. Regardless of the promised national unity that the proposed burial will bring, I cannot, in good conscience, support such an expedient and shortsighted view of Philippine history.”

Revenge, closure, truth, and power. These are what the debate and resentments are all about. But all these can be summed up in the word forgiveness.

As Christians, we ought to forgive those who sinned against us. In the Lord’s Prayer He told us, Jesus said: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

“Without forgiveness, life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation,” said Roberto Assagioli. After all, as what Epictetus said, “Forgiveness is better than revenge, for forgiveness is the sign

of a gentle nature, but revenge is the sign of a savage nature.” To which Isaac Friedmann added, “Forgiveness is the sweetest revenge.”

Dr. David Augsburger, author of “The Freedom of Forgiveness,” revenge is the most worthless weapon in the world. Why? “It ruins the avenger while confirming the enemy in the wrongdoing. It initiates an endless flight down the bottomless stairway of rancor, reprisals, and ruthless retaliation,” he wrote.

American preacher Billy Graham also wrote: “If someone has harmed us by breaking the law, we have the right to bring that person to justice, both for our good and the good of society. But hurting someone only because they have hurt is another matter. We can’t change the past; we can only seek God’s forgiveness for whatever it is we did wrong.”

American poet Edwin Markham was approaching his retirement years when he discovered that the man to whom he had entrusted his wealth had squandered all the money. The poet’s dream of a comfortable retirement vanished. He started to brood over the injustice and the loss. His anger deepened. Over time, his bitterness grew more intensely.

One day, while sitting at his table, Markham found himself drawing circles as he tried to soothe the turmoil he felt within. Finally, he concluded: “I must forgive him, and I will forgive him.”

Looking again at the circles he had drawn on the paper before, Markham wrote these famous lines: “He drew a circle to shut me out – heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. / But love and I had the wit to win: we drew a circle that took him in!”

How many times should you forgive a person who has done you wrong? That was what Peter had in mind, too, when he asked Jesus. “Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?” Jesus replied. “Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times.” (Read Matthew 18:21-22.)

MINDAVIEWS

istration, a realization of and obedience to the people’s will.” (at pp. 701-02) Senior dissenting Justice Gutierrez, Jr. for his part puts it in terms of human rights for all: “…It was precisely the banning by Mr. Marcos of the right to travel by Senators Benigno Aquino, Jr., Jovito Salonga, and scores of other ‘undesirables’ and ‘threats to national security’ during that unfortunate period which led the framers of our present Constitution not only to re-enact but to strengthen the declaration of this right. Media often asks, ‘what else is new?’ I submit that we now have a freedom loving and humane regime. I regret that the Court’s decision in this case sets back the gains that our country has achieved in terms of human rights, especially human rights for those whom we do not like or those who are against us.” (at pp.

713-14) Might we hear that again not being set back these days: “the gains that our country has achieved in terms of human rights…”

Dissenting Justice Cruz, a renown constitutionalist and libertarian, said: “It is my belief that the petitioner, as a citizen of the Philippines, is entitled to return to and live — and die — in his own country. I say this with a heavy heart but say it nonetheless. That conviction is not diminished one whit simply because many believe Marcos to be beneath contempt and undeserving of the very liberties he flouted when he was the absolute ruler of this land.” (at pp.

714-15) Dissenting Justice Sarmiento, whose son and himself were martial law victims, was the most gallant to his tormentor, a despot nonetheless: “The power of the President, so my brethren declaim, ‘calls for the exercise of the President’s power as protector of peace.’…. This is the selfsame falsehood Marcos foisted on the Filipino people to justify the authoritarian rule. It also means that we are no better than he was…. . I am for Marcos’ return not because I have a score to settle with him. [My son] Ditto’s death or my arrest are scores that can not be settled….I feel the ex-President’s death abroad (presented in the dailies as ‘imminent’) would leave him ‘unpunished’ for his crimes to country and countrymen. If punishment is due, let this leadership inflict it. But let him stand trial and accord him due process…. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, let no more of human rights violations be repeated against any

one, friend or foe. In a democratic framework, there is no such thing as getting even.” (at pp. 727-29) Wow! Finally, for whatever it may be worth for the Marcos Libingan burial issue at hand, dissenting Justice Paras had this practical suggestion then: “It is therefore clear to me, all other opinions to the contrary notwithstanding, that the former President should be allowed to return to our country under the conditions that he and the members of his family be under house arrest in his hometown in Ilocos Norte, and should President Marcos or any member of his family die, the body should not be taken out of the municipality of confinement and should be buried within ten (10) days from date…. If we do this our country shall have maintained its regard for fundamental human rights, for national discipline, and for human compassion.” (at p. 717) As we said early on, the above quoted passages from the SC Decision in Marcos vs. Manglapus are mere obiter dicta, and were not decisive for that case. But as judicial pronouncements in a SC Decision that is already “part of the legal system of the Philippines,” what value if any do they have for the Marcos Libingan burial issue at hand pending in the SC? Some judicial notice had already been given 27 or “one score and seven years” ago to “the case of a dictator forced out of office and into exile after causing twenty years of political, economic and social havoc in the country.” Has change come after 27 years to that historical verdict of sorts? We do not think so. The historical verdict should stand. What perhaps remains in the Marcos Libingan burial case in the SC is to place that historical verdict in a constitutional frame. There appears to be sufficient constitutional ground to do so, starting with the history itself of that Constitution. May law and history collaborate in its resolution.

[MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. SOLIMAN M. SANTOS, JR. is presently the Judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 61 in Naga City. He is the author of a number of books, including Justice of the Peace: The Work of a First-Level Court Judge in the Rinconada District of Camarines Sur (Quezon City: Central Books, 2015). He has been a political activist and martial law detainee; a longtime human rights and international humanitarian lawyer; legislative consultant and legal scholar; peace advocate, researcher and writer]

Supreme Court on the Marcos Role, 1989

LASHBACK to 27 years ago. Marcos vs. Manglapus, G.R. No. 88211, September 15, 1989, 177 SCRA 668.

It is the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) Decision that law students are taught and recite on regarding “residual unstated powers” of the President. On this basis, the SC En Banc upheld President Corazon Aquino’s barring former President Ferdinand Marcos from getting his wish to return from his Hawaii exile to the country to die. The right to return to one’s country in issue then is certainly much more fundamental than the Marcos issue now at hand in the SC regarding his entitlement to be buried in the national cemetery of heroes, the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The full 15-member SC vote then was a close 8-7. The majority 8 were Justice Irene Cortes (the ponente or decision writer), Chief Justice Marcelo Fernan (with separate Concurring Opinion), Justices Andres Narvasa, Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera, Emilio Gancayco, Carolina Griño-Aquino, Leo Medialdea, and Florenz Regalado. The minority 7 were Justices Hugo Gutierrez Jr., Isagani Cruz, Teodoro Padilla, Abraham Sarmiento, Edgardo Paras, Abdulwahid Bidin and Florentino Feliciano, all of whom except the latter two had separate Dissenting Opinions.

While the vote was divided, turning as it did on the balance between presidential power to act on “a serious threat to national interest and welfare” on one hand and an individual’s right to return to his country on the other hand, the Decision and most of the separate opinions – whether concurring or dissenting -- were remarkably unanimous in their negative assessments of the role of Marcos in recent Philippine history, even by the dissenting Justices who voted to uphold his right to return to the country. To be clear, these negative assessments of Marcos were not the ratio decidendi (legal reasoning basis) for the Decision (and we are not going back here to the core constitutional argumentation therein). Those negative assessments of Marcos can be considered mere obiter dicta or side commentaries or opinions that may be relevant to but are not the actual basis, factual and legal, for resolving the constitutional issue. Those negative assessments of Marcos may however be more relevant to the Marcos Libingan burial issue at hand, pending in the SC, such as along the lines of the petition therein of martial law victim Etta Rosales.

BY SOLIMAN M. SANTOS, JR. The Marcos vs. Manglapus Decision itself, to start with, contains a “class by itself” caveat while summarizing that negative assessment of Marcos, thus: “This case is unique. It should not create a precedent, the case of a dictator forced out of office and into exile after causing twenty years of political, economic and social havoc in the country and who within the short space of three years seeks to return, is in a class by itself.” (at p. 682) But maybe no longer.

The Bicolana ponente Justice Cortes goes on to say: “We cannot also lose sight of the fact that the country is only now beginning to recover from the hardships brought about by the plunder of the economy attributed to the Marcoses and their close associates and relatives, many of whom are still here in the Philippines in a position to destabilize the country, while the Government has barely scratched the surface, so to speak, in its efforts to recover the enormous wealth stashed away by the Marcoses in foreign jurisdictions. Then, we cannot ignore the continually increasing burden imposed on the economy by the excessive foreign borrowing during the Marcos regime, which stifles and stagnates development and is one of the root causes of widespread poverty and all its attendant ills.

The resulting precarious state of our economy is of common knowledge and is easily within the ambit of judicial notice.” (at p. 698) “Of judicial notice,” meaning recognized as fact without need of further proof.

Chief Justice Fernan had this to say in his separate Concurring Opinion: “… It must be remembered that the ouster of the Marcoses from the Philippines came about as an unexpected, but certainly welcomed, result of the unprecedented ‘people’s power” revolution. Millions of our people braved military tanks and firepower, kept vigil, prayed, and in countless manner and ways contributed time, effort and money to put an end to an evidently untenable claim to power of a dictator. The removal of the Marcoses from the Philippines was a moral victory for the Filipino people; and the installation of the present admin-

10 NEWS

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

Senator fears ‘mass PRU Life UK... FROM 2 retrenchment’at DOH

A

S thousands of public health personnel may face a possible “mass retrenchment”, a senator on Saturday urged his colleagues to take action to save these jobs or at least cushion the effects.

Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto made this call expressing alarm over how the proposed 2017 budget for a program of the Department of Health (DOH) will not be able to retain some public health personnel currently hired.

Recto said that the DOH’s Rural Health Practice Program (RHPP) would lead personnel to face the dreaded “endo” (end of contract) at the end of the year.

The proposed cut stemmed from the payroll ceiling given to DOH for 2017 which could not accommodate the retention of all RHPP personnel since it has to fund the second round salary increases for its regular personnel under the Salary Standardization Law IV.

Recto said that unless the law is rectified, the number of doctors hired under the RHHP will be slashed by one-half, and nurses, by one-third. The RHPP’s proposed budget for 2017 is Php 7.03 billion.

The only solution, he said, is that the Congress will override the government’s plan to drastically downsize the number of health personnel.

He proposed to Congress to infuse funds or insert a provision in the national budget which would state that the affected personnel should have first priority in being absorbed by other or new programs of the RHHP. A third option is to insert a “firewall” provision, exempting poor, distant towns from the personnel cuts, particularly for 3rd class to 6th class towns.

The senator is currently working with DOH Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial on how to minimize the displacement. (PNA)

apply at the nearest GSIS branch office. Pensioners who are also active members (after reentering government service) may apply for the loan only once.

Loan proceeds are electronically credited to the borrower’s GSIS electronic card (eCard) or Unified Multipurpose Identification (UMID) card. (PNA)

GSIS... FROM 11

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region Branch 33 Davao City

IN RE: PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF LUKE MIKHAEL CUGAL BALIDAN

SPOUSES MITCHELLE ANNE CUGAL OPPAL AND ZAHED AMIN OPPAL Petitioners

SPL.PROC.CASE NO. R-DVO-16-04120-SP

X--------------------------------------------X

ORDER This is a verified petition for the adoption of Luke Mikhael Cugal Balindan, file by Spouses Mitchelle Anne Cugal Oppal and Zehed Amin Oppal, praying of this Honorable Court that upon due notice and hearing, judgment be rendered.

1. Declaring that the requirements of certification of the alien’s qualification to adopt in his country and of residency be waive since the alien petitioner is married to a Filipino citizen and seeks to adopt jointly with his Filipino spouse the illegitimate child of spouse; 2. Declaring that the minor child LUKE MIKHAEL CUGAL BALINDAN be freed from all legal obligations with respect to his biological father’

3. Declaring that the minor children, LUKE MIKHAEL CUGAL BALINDAN, who is the illegitimate biological child of petitioner Mitchelle Ann and is the step son of the petitioner Zahed, for all intents and purposes, be declared as the legitimate child of herein petitioners; 4. Ordering that the minor LUKE MIKHAEL CUGAL BALINDAN be known and registered in the civil registry as LUKE MIKHAEL CUGAL OPPAL;

5. Ordering the proper Civil Registrar and/or the Civil registrar of Isabela City to issue the proper Birth Certificate in accordance with law.

6. Declaring the petitioners to be exempt from the supervised trial custody as the petitioner Mitchelle is the biological mother og the child to be adopted, and Petitioner Zahed is married to a Mitchelle, a Filipino citizen and seeks to adopt jointly with his spouse the latter’s relative within the fourth (4th) degree of consanguinity pursuant to Section 15 c of the Rules on Adoption and the same would insure the best interest of the child to be adopted.

Finding the verified Petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the preliminary conference of this petition on March 27, 2017 @ 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon and pretrial conference and hearing on April 27, 2017 @ 8:30 o’clock in the morning.

Pursuant to Section 11, Article IV of the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998, petitioners are hereby directed to submit themselves to Ms. Lorelie Basillote.

Social Worker of the Court for the preparation of the required case study, within ten (10) days from receipt of this order who is hereby directed to conduct a case study on minor LUKE MIKHAEL CUGAL BALINDAN, his biological parents and petitioner, and to submit reports (child study and home study reports) and recommendation thereon within thirty (30) days from receipt of this Order.

Pursuant to sec. 12 (5) of A.M. No. 02-6-02-SC, Ms Lorelie Bassillote, is likewise, directed to conduct coundeling sessions with the biological parents (if know) on the matter of adoption of the adoptee and to submit her report before the date of hearing.

Petitioners are hereby directed to cause the publication of this Order at their expense, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation, which has been selected after a raffle, in the City and the four (4) provinces of Davao.

Likewise, petitioners are further directed to furnish the Office of the Solicitor General A copy of their petition and to submit proof of compliance thereto.

Any person interested or who seeks to oppose the instant petition may appear to state why the petition should not be granted.

SO ORDERED.

Davao City Philippines, September 26, 2016

(SGD) LOPE L. CALLO Judge

Edge 11/7,14,21

Bronze award (PhP 15,000) Tagaytay City Central School

Individual awards Most Distinguished Cha-Ching Educator Award (PhP 25,000) The competition aimed to recognize and award the best financial literacy educators currently implementing the ChaChing Money Smart Kids Program in their schools.

James Earn A. Esperida – Pagatpat Elementary School, Calabanga, Camarines Sur

Cha-Ching Lesson Plan Competition Teachers were encouraged to create a unique lesson plan that will effectively teach the money smarts to students.

First place (PhP 7,000) – Vanessa B. Soldevilla, Pavia Pilot Elementary School Second place (PhP 6,000) - Elizabeth V. Sullano, Southville International School and Colleges Third place (PhP 5,000) – Claudine P. Katigbak, Stonyhurst Southville International School – Malarayat

Students were invited to create a poster illustrating at least one of the Cha-Ching money-smart values: earn, save, spend, and donate.

First place (PhP 6,000) Kurt Sebastian M. Manalaysay – Grade 2, Baliwag North Central School Second place (PhP 5,000) Kyle C. Tiotangco – Grade 3, Baliwag North Central School Third place (PhP 4,000) John David De Castro – Grade 3, Santa Rosa Elementary School Central I Fourth place (PhP 3,000) Kirby R. Paderan – Grade 2, Baliwag North Central School Fifth place (PhP 3,000) - Erbert Jr. Lebriza – Grade 3, Western Visayas Sanitarium Elementary School Sixth place (PhP 3,000) Shakira Rein R. Esperano – Grade 3, Baliwag North Central School

Cha-Ching Poster Competition

Continuing the Cha-Ching milestone As Pru Life UK’s flagship corporate social responsibility program, Cha-Ching is the first multi-country, multi-platform program that aims to help par-

Supt. Junito F. Maslang, Deputy Director, Directorate for Logistics, BFP-NHQ; F/Supt. Douglas M. Guiyab, Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO), BFP-NCR; F/Supt.

Leonida G. Rosales, ARDA, Region 1.

F/Chief Insp. Eddie F. Jucutan, ARDO and Concurrent Chief of Staff, Region 1; F/Chief Insp. Salud A. Apilado, Chief, Regional Administrative Division, Region 1; F/Chief Insp. Ramon G. Capundag, Deputy Chief, HEMD, Directorate for Operation, BFP-NHQ; F/Chief Insp. Roy D. Quisto, Chief, Fire Suppression, Operation Division, Directorate for Operation, BFP-NHQ; F/Chief Insp. Victoria A. Domingo, Executive Assistant, Office of the OIC, BFP-NHQ; F/ Chief Insp. Flor-ian A. Guerrero, Taguig City Fire Marshal; F/ Chief Insp. Stephen A. Requina, Caloocan City Fire Marshal; F/ Chief Insp. Jessie Y. Calumpiano, Las Pinas City Fire Marshal; F/Chief Insp. Ruben B. Ramirez, Jr., Administrative Officer, Office of the Chief, Directorial Staff, BFP-NHQ; F/Chief Insp. Mary Joy M. Candelario, Dumaguete City Fire Marshal; F/Chief Insp.

Reynaldo D. Enoc, Chief, Fire Safety Enforcement Section, Pasig City Fire Station; F/Chief Insp. Christopher C. Angot, Chief, Fire Safety Enforcement Section, San Juan City Fire Station; F/Sr. Insp. Jan Garry D. Lunas, Chief, Fire Science and Standard Development Division, Directorate for Plans and Standards Development, BFPNHQ; F/Sr. Insp. Eric F. Sabiano, Station Commander, Paco Fire Sub-Station; F/Sr. Insp.

Crossib C. Cante, Chief, Fire Safety Enforcement Section, Fire District 1, BFP-NCR; F/Sr. Insp Joanne L. Intia, Concurrent Chief, Legal Affairs Services, BFP-NCR. F/Sr. Insp. Gilbert I. Valdez, Chief, Fire Safety Enforcement Section, Quezon City Fire District; F/Sr. Insp Rico S. Odad, Chief, Operation Section, Pa-

ranaque City Fire Station; F/ Sr. Insp. Alexander Q. Baena, Chief, Fire Safety Enforcement Section, Pasay City Fire Station; F/Sr. Insp. Jeanny S. Calvario, OIC, Davao City Fire District; F/Sr. Insp. Lowyn G. Amoyar, Chief, Fire Safety Enforcement Section, Caloocan City Fire Station; F/SInsp Ronaldo E. Sanchez, Station Commander, Manggahan Fire Sub-station, Pasig City Fire Station; F/Sr. Insp. Jerlin Jerden S. Sales, Chief, Fire Safety Enforcement Section, Paranaque City Fire Station; F/Sr. Insp. Jackie Lou A. Maslang, ORD, BFP Region IV-B; F/Sr. Insp. Sonny A. Cario, Deputy Chief, Plans and Programs, BFP-NCR; F/Sr. Insp. Jenny Mae C. Masip, concurrent Chief FMD, Negros Island Region; F/Sr. Insp. Peter S. Se, Chief, Intelligence and Investigation Section, Taguig City Fire Station; F/Insp. Neil M. Branola, Station Commander, Senate Fire Station, Pasay City Fire Station; and F/Insp. Nestor G. Buta, Disbursement Officer, BFPNCR; F/Insp. Lyndon C. Yap, Chief, Fire Safety Enforcement Section, Taguig City; and F/ Insp. John Frederick Y. Castro, Station Commander, Central Fire Station, Paranaque Fire Station, and concurrent Chief, Education Section of the Paranaque Fire Station.

Meanwhile, three officers were relieved from post following alleged property and money accountabilities.

They are F/Chief Insp.

Dennis A. Molo as Chief, Fire Suppression, Operation Division, Directorate for Operation, BFP-NHQ; F/Chief Insp.

Ernesto S. Pagdanganan, as Chief, Legal Affairs Services, BFP-NCR; and F/Sr. Insp. Liher L. Barrios as Chief, Intelligence and Investigation Section, Taguig City Fire Station.

The DILG chief said affected officials were required to clear themselves of allegations before reporting to their new assignments. (PNA)

DILG... FROM 3

ents in Asia teach children basic money management skills to children aged seven to 12. It was launched in Hong Kong in 2011

by Prudential Corporation Asia, the regional headquarters of Pru Life UK. The Philippines became the first country to integrate ChaChing in the grade school curriculum following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with DepEd in April 2012 for the integration of the Cha-Ching in the grade 2 curriculum.

Piloting in Upper Bicutan Elementary School in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Tagaytay Central School in the Southern Tagalog Region for academic year 2012-2013 through DepEd’s Adopt-A-School program, the implementation has expanded its coverage to a total of 64 public schools in NCR, Northern and Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao for academic year 2016-2017. Cha-Ching is likewise concurrently being integrated in the syllabi of 33 partner private educational institutions. To date, the program has benefitted more than 100,000 students and trained more than 1,500 teachers

across the country.

“The third Cha-Ching Educators’ Conference provides an opportunity for Pru Life UK to take concrete steps and expand wider reach in instilling financial literacy in Filipinos, therefore contributing to nation-building,” said Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer Antonio De Rosas. “We hope that with this event, our Cha-Ching teachers are even more equipped to champion the money-smart values in the classroom and mold money-smart kids who will, in the future, lead a more money-smart Philippines.”

The third Cha-Ching Educators’ Conference coincides with Pru Life UK’s 20th anniversary in the Philippines. In 1996, the Insurance Commission granted the British subsidiary the license to operate and sell life insurance in the country. Since then, Pru Life UK has expanded its reach to over 80 branches in the Philippines, with the biggest life agency force at 14,000 licensed agents, and has emerged as one of the top five life insurers. Pru Life UK is headquartered in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City.

After the special meeting Saturday, outgoing first vice president Jose Custodio, current chairman of the chapter’s ways and means committee, reported that the YMCA Fund-raising Drive culminating in the draw last November 10 netted some P600,000 that will to the repairs of the YMCA multi-purpose gym and headquarters and other programs for youth development during the watch of President Alquiza and his team.

Custodio thanked the officers, specially incumbent president Ongkingco and incoming president Alquiza, for going out of their way to see to it that the fund drive was a success.

The officers also decided to pay tribute to past president Boying Veneracion who passed away Sarturday morning at the age of 68. Veneration is considered one of the pillars of the YMCA movement having served the organization for a long time. AMA

the majority to get powerful and major committees such as the finance committee.

“But mind you, the making of a committee to be powerful really depends on the councilor. Say, he’ll conduct regular consultations to be with the people… to work out of the box,” Rellon said.

Rellon’s 10 ally councilors who won under political party of President Duterte’s PDP-Laban Party include Councilors Atty. Eva Lorraine Estabillo, Agripino Coquilla, Macario Bermudez II, Ronald Eliot, Jan Dmitri Sator, and Rey Cyril T.

Alba.

The City Council of Tagum has two members who were not elected during the regular election.

These are the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) representative Prospero Estabillo, Jr. and Indigenous People (IP) mandatory representative Datu Damiano Cipro.

The minority councilors Aala, Angoy, So and Caasi belonged to Liberal party who ran under former Mayor Mayor Rey Uy, whom Rellon had defeated with a margin of only 2,112 votes.

ment of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the US government should be established to be able to know the concerns of overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) there.

“Sa ngayon, everything lies in the future so kailangan pa natin malaman ang patakaran ni incoming President Trump.

So kailangan pa natin ng sapat na kaalaman at coordination with our embassy in the US, DFA, and of course with the US government patungkol sa patakaran nila sa hinaharap.

Wala pa akong masasabi sa effects dahil hindi pa naman natin...kumbaga bigyan muna natin at tiyansa makapasok at maluklok ang President ng US,” he said.

Cacdac is convinced that

with the good traits of Filipinos, they should not be afraid as many countries would welcome them.

“Basta sa akin ang marka at tatak ng isang OFW ay kalidad dedikasyon sa trabaho.

Kapag iyan ay taglay ng isang OFW. Nang halos lahat ng OFWs ay patuloy ang pagpapatingkad ng pangalan Pilipino sa abroad,” he said.

The OWWA chief added, “Talagang napakalaki ng pagtitiwala natin sa OFWs. Bukod sa pagmamahal nila sa bayan ay sabi ko nga ang kanilang dedikasyon sa trabaho. Yung getting out one’;s way para makapagserbisyo sa mga kliyente sa abraod. Nanalig tayo sa kanilang dedikasyon nila parati.” (PNA)

Alquiza... FROM 4

No... FROM 4

Bello... FROM 6

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Top 2 Broker: Charito Torefiel

WITH ONLY FIVE YEARS IN THE REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY, Jenson Land and Realty Development Corporation can already take pride in having three projects being developed for 2016 and 2017. The fast rising company started in 2011 and has now declared its upcoming housing projects in Toril Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, and General Santos City.

Although new to the industry, Jenson Land is no stranger to Dabawenyos with their two famous subdivisions: Villa Señorita and Twin Palms Residence both in Ma-a.

Correctly, the owner credits the company’s growth to its dynamic sales force, a reason Jenson Land held its 2015 Sales Awards, an annual awarding ceremony for top brokers, top unit managers and top sales persons. Held for the first in its history, the event was black and white themed attended by different realtors, brokers, sales agents and marketing officers of the company headed

by Keith F. Cabañog. The owner of the company himself, Nelson Chua, escorted by his family was present. The awarding was held at the Star Hotel along A. Mabini Street, Davao City last October 22.

Engr. Sol A. Lagmay, project director of Jenson Land, gave cash incentives to the top sales awardees. Aside from that, they also awarded plaques and certificates of appreciation to all top sales producers in recogni-

tion of their impressive collective sales performance in 2015.

Aside from the awarding, Jenson Land also presented an overview of their upcoming project in General Santos City: a video presentation on the house model of Villa Señorita II. Jenson Land hired a very competent architect from Far East Associates: Architect Daniel Lim , a prominent urban planner and former president of the multi-awarded Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc, for the Villa Senorita project in GenSan. The company’s top three producers were: top brokers Aimee P. Maturan, Charito G. Torefiel, and Dennis M. Hoponia ; top unit managers Fernan U. Maturan, Nina M. Duo and Joy M. Berro; and top sales persons Rey Velasco, Gemma A. Orcullo, and Ma. Carmelita A. Balingit.

Left to right: Keith F. Cabañog, marketing manager of Jenson Land; Top 1 Broker Aimee M. Maturan of Maturan Realty; Nicole M. Chua, president of Star Hotel; Engr. Sol A. Lagmay, project director of Jenson Land.

JENSON LAND HONORS TOP SALES PERSONNEL

Fast rising firm based its awards on 2015 outstanding sales performance

By RIA VALDEZ Top 2 unit Manager: Nina M. Duo

Top 3 Broker : Dennis Hopinia III

Top 1 unit Manager: Fernan U. Maturan

Top 3 Unit Manager: Joy M. Berro

Ablas Realty Bungabong Realty

Allea Realty

Brokers Leo Moreno & Mercidita Balio

Hiponia Realty

A2 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NO

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

PEOPLE

One man’ HE WEARS MANY HATS and with each, he has a standard to meet if not for himself, for other people who rely on him, family, constituents, friends.

Who hasn’t heard of Al Ryan Alejandre?

He was a familiar face on TV hosting local variety shows for five years from 1999 in two giant networks before he shifted to delivering the morning news. He was quite the heartthrob.

In 2003, he put on another hat, gave up single life and became husband to Florence.

The succeeding couple of years added a couple more important roles for Al Ryan to play—fatherhood in 2004 and taking his public life to a higher ground, he ran for councilor and eventually became an elected city official in 2005—on his first try.

“My family is in the academe and politics was never in our genes,” Al Ryan confessed, ”They were not too keen with my plans to become a politician but when the campaign period came, they were all out with their support.”

Being a TV personality and local newscaster may have paved his interest to become a public servant.

Through his news assignments, the constant exposure to the needs of the communit y and interaction with the politicians surely picked his interest into joining the world of politics, “It seemed that ever y thing

pointe Afte anothe with a assignm mittee Wit and offi maint father

OVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

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’s callings

ed me to that direction,” he said. er the 2010 elections, when he won er term in office, he was blessed a son at home and at the office, an ment as chairperson of the Come in Tourism. ith busier days at the home front ffice, how does this 36-year old man tain being a devoted husband and r and a dedicated politician at the same time?

“The first six months as politician was a challenge when even our home was open to constituents 24/7. I wasn’t use to the political life, so was

my family. Through the years, I have learned to separate the two and put a balance to personal and political lives.”

Weekends and afternoons after school are the designated bonding time.

“I also take my kids to social functions if it’s in a mall and we get to have our time together after the socials.”

Adding to it, “I make sure I wake up at 5:30 every morning to prepare the kids for school, bathe them and make their meals. I make sure I see every morning and talk with them.”

With his job as city councilor, when he sees his peers and constituents on a daily basis and accepts invitations to functions of government and private sectors, he says good grooming is a must.

“You have to respect the people that elected you into position. Looking neat and clean is a way of showing that.”

For his grooming, Al Ryan goes to Rocky’s Barbershop.

It was in 2002 when he first visited Rocky’s Victoria Plaza when the brand’s marketing tagline “ang barbershop ng tunay na lalaki” heard over the radio got him curious.

He has never shifted his loyalty for the past 14 years.

“It’s the service that got me hooked,” he said,” The barbers are friendly and the after haircut massage was good. I can enter any branch, sit on the chair and get a good haircut

from any of the homegrown barbers.”

For the past three years, when his son turned three, he has been making the visits a father and son tradition.

“Sabay kami ng anak twice a month. It’s another bonding moment for the boys.”

“Alwin was thrilled because he went to the ‘big boys’ barbershop and got treated as one of the boys,” said Al Ryan on his son’s first visit to Rocky’s.

Alwin felt at ease right away, so it has never been a problem getting the boy to go for a haircut. Like Al Ryan, he doesn’t mind which barber cut his hair.

“I see my son growing up with Rocky’s,” he said.

Who knows, perhaps the councilor’s grandchildren too. That won’t be surprising as Rocky’s is servicing three generations of patrons today.

To Rocky’s barbershop, AL Ryan extends his wishes, “Congratulations on your milestone of 20 years in the business, I wish you another 20 successful years ahead!”

Rocky’s Barbershop is the first barbershop to open in a mall in Davao City in 1996. All its five branches today are conveniently located in malls- Victoria Plaza, Abreeza Mall, GMall, SM City & SM Lanang Premier in Davao City, and Centrio Ayala Mall and SM City in Cagayan de Oro City. 2016 marks its 20th year in the business.

Al Ryan and Alwin Alejandre are the featured Father and Son personalities for November in the 2016 Traditions calendar of Rocky’s.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Serving a seamless society

EDGE DAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

BPI Family Auto Madness returns BPI FAMILY AUTO MADNESS IS BACK IN DAVAO and ready to help fulfil another Filipino family’s dream of getting their own car as it brings its second wave of mallbased Auto Madness sorties to a complete circle. Running from November 10 to 13 at the Activity Center of the Abreeza Mall, Dabawenyos who dream of having their own cars now have the chance to make it happen.

“This is the biggest BPI Auto Madness in Davao with 14 different car brands represented. All the latest car models are under one roof with our friendly BPI Family Loan Advisors on stand-by to help with great deals on auto financing.” said BPI Family Savings Bank retail lending group for vice president Dennis Fronda.

BPI Family Auto Loan enables one to own the car of their dreams quickly through expert financial advice through the BPI Family Loan Advisors, fast and easy application process, free auto insurance, free chattel mortgage, and affordable monthly payment terms.

With BPI Family Auto Madness, Dabawenyo families may find the best way to make this Chrsitmas season meaningful and complete.

For more details about BPI Family Auto Loan, visit bpiloans.com.

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE positions PHL as Aboitiz firm implements project DOT diving hub in new book for children with special needs T S EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

PECIAL children have special place in the heart of Cotabato Light and Power Company and Aboitiz Foundation Incorporated, the power firm’s officials said Friday.

Anna Lea Nataño, head of the Cotabato Light communication office, said the two firms are in deep gratitude to be part of this project in helping these special children.

“It has been part of our company’s thrust to always give back to the community,” she told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

“And it has been the mission of Aboitiz Foundation, where Cotabato Light is a member, to help people help themselves,” she said adding

“over the years, the biggest chunk of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget goes to education.”

Arlene Hepiga, speaking for Cotabato Light, said Dr. Concepcion F. Balawag, Al Hajaa, Cotabato City school division superintendent, has recommended to Cotabato Light to look into the needs of the Special Education Division.

Hepiga said an assessment team visited Cotabato City Central Pilot School and found out the school indeed needs assistance for the enhancement of the kitchen for 41 pupils with special needs.

In partnership with CCCPS, which provided labor as their counterpart, “we are very happy that we have materialized

this project that would eventually equip these kids to live productivity and independently,” Nataño said.

On Wednesday, the project was turned over to school authorities.

“Would just like to remind the faculty, and the pupils to always take good care of the materials, appliances, and the building itself to have a longer impact for the next generation of pupils,” Hepiga said.

In partnership with CCCPS, which provided labor as their counterpart, we are very happy that we have materialized this project that would eventually equip these kids to live productivity and independently.

The “Transition Program

for Children with Intellectual Disabilities” in the Philippines was initiated by the Special Education Division, Bureau of Elementary Education of the Department of Education set with the main objective of developing career awareness and work skills through school-towork transition among children with intellectual disabilities.

Hepiga said the power firm provided materials for the renovation of the room converting it to kitchen for the children with special needs. Cotabato Light provided kitchen supplies, appliances and utensils.

The project cost is P100,000. Hepiga said labor was the school’s counterpart.

(PNA)

Coop holds medical outreach in Digos City T AGUM Cooperative recently conducted a oneday medical outreach program that benefited more than 280 residents from Digos City and neighboring municipalities.

The program was facilitated at the Cagas Gymnasium inside the Digos City National High School.

Offered for free services during the medical outreach were medical consultations, dental check-ups and tooth extractions and eye screenings.

Tagum Cooperative also provided the beneficiaries with free medicines and vitamins.

The cooperative was joined by Dr. Jenny Lopez, Dr. Vicente Gerona, and Dr. Viel Roxas who are all experts in Internal Medicine.

Dr. Hermenegilda Ebba served as the attending dentist during the event while a team from Prosight Optical, Inc. manned the eye screening of the patients.

Medical personnel and volunteers from Bishop Joseph Regan Memorial Hospital also helped during the registration, FBS monitoring and Blood Pressure check-ups of the at-

tendees.

Forty year old Abdul Jecksol, a member of Tagum Coop Digos Branch for more than two years now expressed gladness for the medical services he received through the outreach program.

He also wished that the same will be facilitated again so that more people will benefit from the outreach program.

“I am thankful to Tagum Coop for these medical services and I hope this will continue,” he said.

Some teachers and students from Digos City National High School led by its principal, Mr. Roger Malapol also extended their support to the outreach program.

The activity was led by Monica Salido, chairperson

and Fe Adlawan, vice-chairperson of Tagum Coop.

The recent medical outreach program in Digos City was already the second major medical service activity of Tagum Coop this year.

The first one was in June that was held in Mintal, Davao City that was joined by more than 200 residents in the area.

(PR)

OVERNMENT Service Insurance System (GSIS) allots a total of P4.6 billion in emergency loans for its members and pensioners hit by typhoon “Lawin” in Northern Luzon, GSIS said Friday.

There are a total of 138,886 active members and 24,483 old-age pensioners in Abra, Apayao, Aurora, Benguet, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Kalinga, La Union, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino.

GSIS said that active members and old-age pensioners

in the 13 provinces may apply for the loan until Dec. 2.

Likewise, GSIS allotted some P6.8 million in emergency loan for its 277 active members and 61 old-age pensioners in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay, which was declared under a state of calamity due to landslides and flash floods.

Loan application for the municipality will be accepted until Dec. 3.

Eligible borrowers are active members residing or working in the areas, not on leave of absence without pay, have no arrears in paying pre-

mium contributions, and have no unpaid loans for more than six months.

Members who want to avail of the loan for the first time may apply for a P20,000 emergency loan, while those with loan balance may borrow P40,000.

The loan is payable in 36 equal monthly instalments at a six percent interest rate per annum computed in advance. It is covered by a loan redemption insurance, which deems the loan fully paid in case of the borrower’s demise provided the loan repayment

is up to date.

Active members may apply through any GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosk located in all GSIS branch and extension offices; provincial capitols; city halls; selected municipal offices; large government agencies such as the Department of Education; Robinsons Malls; and selected SM City branches in North Edsa, Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, and SM Aura in Taguig.

Old-age pensioners may borrow P20,000. They may

GSIS earmarks P4.6-B emergency loan for Lawin-hit members, pensioners G

F GSIS, 10

OURISM Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo presented the first ever coffee table book on Tubbataha Reefs, at the sidelines of this year’s World Travel Market (WTM).

“This book encapsulates the depth and breadth of our magnificent and rich marine heritage, and strongly amplifies our country’s proud position as the center of marine biodiversity. More than enticing global divers to enjoy this God-given gift, this book will drive forward our advocacy on environmental conservation and protection.” Secretary Teo said at the ExCel Convention Centre in London on 08 November 2016.

According to her, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is doubling its efforts to position the Philippines as a sports tourism hub, banking on the country’s growing niche markets such as diving and marine sports.

While latest data from DOT show that the Philippine diving industry only makes up 1.7 percent market share of the 7.3 million active divers worldwide, country draws a strong fol-

lowing from diving enthusiasts and environment advocates for possessing 97,030 hectares of waters and reefs comprising Southeast Asia’s only purely marine UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country is also proud for it being declared an ASEAN Heritage Site and a Flyway Network Site.

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park was established in 1988 by then Philippine President Corazon Aquino. It exists as a wonderful testimony of biodiversity being home to 600 species of fish, 360 species of corals (half of all the coral species in the world), 21 species of sharks, skates and rays, 13 species of dolphins and whales, and two of seven species of marine turtles, namely the hawkbill and green. It is also an important source of livelihood and is a revenue generator being a leading dive tourism site.

The Tubbataha: A National Treasure coffee table book is published by Marissa Floirendo of the Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Foundation (AOF) with photos by Maria Teresa “Tet” Lara. (PR)

DAR, PCIC offers crop insurance S

OME 300 farmer-beneficiaries consisted of cooperative officers, administrative staff and members of nine Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) in the province of Agusan del Norte actively joined the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) orientation and training on the Risk Mitigation and Management for Agricultural Investment and Crop Insurance Education.

Through a partnership with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) the farmer-beneficiaries were informed on the low-cost crop-insurance packages with an array of benefits.

DAR-PCIC Point Person Luningning Buque-Ycoy said the activity aims to make farmer-groups understand the crop insurance program of the government and encourage them to insure their crops to avoid losses brought by natural calamities, pest and diseases, and climate change.

“The agricultural insurance is anchored on the

DAR’s Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) and this program empowers eligible ARBs to avail the package of credit assistance coupled with agricultural insurance,” Ycoy added.

PCIC Resource Person Ernesto Chaves said providing agricultural insurance to the farmers will mitigate the possibility of farm-losses associated with extreme weather events such as drought or typhoons and other calamities.

Lucita C. Onde of Duque ARB Cooperative (DAREBCO) said, “Ang crop insurance usa ka oportunidad kanamo mga mag-uuma aron ma-secure ang among tanum batok sa katalagman ug kampante na ang among huna-huna.” (“The crop insurance is a great opportunity for many farmers to secure our crops and give us peace of mind.”)

The crop protection is one of the DAR’s mandate in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to mitigate the risk involved in agricultural production.

(DAR)

12

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

KORONADAL PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

GENSAN PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 13

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DavNor bags another SGLG award T

HE provincial government of Davao del Norte received another Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) during the convocation program last Monday, November 7, 2016 at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan, Mankilam Tagum City.

DILG Provincial Director Alex Roldan delivered the great news that out of the 1,700 LGUs in the country, the province of Davao del Norte, together with the city of Tagum, Panabo and Island Garden City of Samal

and the town of BE Dujali are included in the 316 local government units (LGU’s) who passed the SGLG standards.

“There are only about 316 LGUs nationwide out of the more than 1,700 who made it and one of these is the local government of the province of Davao del Norte.

I’d like to inform everyone that all three component cities of the province, Tagum City, Panabo and Samal Island, your IGACOS and one municipality, BE Dujali,” Roldan said.

Despite not having a 100% SGLG on all Davao

del Norte LGU’s, Davao del Norte is one of the few provinces who received a perfect mark in the seal of good housekeeping.

“However, we are only the few of the provinces nationwide with 100% passing in seal of good housekeeping,” Roldan added.

He clarified that an LGU can be a recipient of SGLG if it passes the three core assessment areas se by the DILG. These areas include good financial housekeeping, social protection and disaster preparedness.

An LGU, he said must

also be business friendly and competitive, with good peace and order and environmental management.

The SGLG succeeded the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) award, of which the province was also a recipient in the past years.

Aside from recognition, Davao del Norte together with other SGLG recipients will also receive incentives.

“For LGUs who did not make the mark, the department will provide capacity development interventions for them to help win the seal,” Roldan said. (PIO DavNor)

14 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

Cebu Landmasters build structures in business park

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NOTHER upscale, modern office development will rise at Cebu’s preferred business address, Cebu Business Park, the Latitude Corporate Center. A joint venture development under BL CBP Ventures, Inc. and the newest addition to the city’s progressing skyline. A project that is proudly developed and managed by Cebu Landmasters, Inc. in partnership with the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. Latitude Corporate Center is a Grade A office building offering future-ready spaces for businesses of all sizes.

It has 3 main uses for 3 types of offices; BPO (large), Enterprise (medium), and Executive (small). Sizes range from 2,000 sqm for BPO’s, 151 – 320 sqm for Enterprise, and 51 – 105 sqm for Executive.

Latitude drew inspiration from a successful predecessor, a high-end office project of Cebu Landmasters at the Cebu IT Park, the Park Centrale.

A pioneering winner of the Best Commercial Development (Cebu) by the Philippine Property Awards 2014 and later on garnered the Highly Commended Best Commercial Development Philippines at the Southeast Asia Property Awards held in Singapore.

Latitude will stand at 24 storeys to become the highest office building within Cebu Business Park with 8 high-speed elevators, a sky lounge, garden deck, five level podium parking and a 2 level retail at the ground floor that has a grand entrance plaza with a tree sanctuary.

To be built with a green heart, Latitude Corporate Center will also feature an eco-friendly design that is registered with BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive

Design Excellence) green building rating system.

A Philippine version of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

“Businesses will benefit from its green features while caring for the environment,” said Cebu Landmasters Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jose Soberano III. “Its features coupled with its services gives you a stellar advantage along with its prestigious location which is home to 150 local and foreign companies.” It forms part of the largest ICT hub in Cebu as well as the rest of the VIsayas.

“Latitude Corporate Center is Masterfully Crafted for Great Business. The building iwill be PEZA registered and will be fully equipped with Property Management Services closely monitored by Cebu Landmasters itself,” said Soberano.

The new corporate center will be officially launched and unveiled in an exclusive event with businessmen, top brokers, and prospective investors On November 21 at the Marco Polo Grand Ballroom.

“Having your new office in a business district where all crucial players are located is a major convenience and Latitude brings you that modern, upscale business lifestyle you have been looking for.

Adding to it is a 2-level retail that will support the needs of the building tenants and give more choices and opportunities for the neighbouring areas”, said Soberano.

Latitude Corporate Center is designed for great businesses who deserve a great office. For inquiries, feel free to contact the Cebu Landmasters Head Office at the direct line (032) 401-1120 or email sales@cebulandmasters.com.

T

VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

Aeon Towers: Living in style

HANKS to its floorto-ceiling glass walls that should put most of Aeon Towers at your feet, it can be difficult to focus on the luxury found inside the condominium of the next iconic residential building in downtown Davao.

“That’s why we’re building up here,” says FTC Group of Companies president Ian Y. Cruz with a chuckle.

Cruz, whose company is venturing into real estate construction for the first time, should know. His influence and ideas are very much translated into the full design and concept of Aeon Towers.

The 33-level 4,574-square meter condo has every luxury and convenience you would find in a suburban home with select, elegant fixtures. The windows of Aeon Towers face the best panoramic views of Davao City—the island view on one side facing Island Garden City of Samal and the Davao Gulf, and the city view on the other side with the vast expanse of Davao and Mt. Apo in the horizon.

Designed by Syndicated Architects Far East Associates with Ian Campbell and Associates as project and construction manager, the condominium has been tastefully decorated in a sophisticated but comfortable and convenient style. Set for topping off on December and completion by 2017, the condo has been laid out in a rounded edged shape around the building’s core to maximize its views of the south, west and north sides of the city.

Each unit provides a breath-taking view of the metropolis. Once you adjust to the view – which could change by the season and time of day – the setting is luxurious and relaxing.

While the living spaces may either be partitioned and

not depending on size, their functions are separated by ceiling treatments and flooring areas.

Aeon Towers provide homebuyers with options of furnished and non-furnished units.

Some of these units have balconies from which you can gaze at the landscape below or chill at the cold of night.

For entertaining, there’s going to be an upscale bar at the Skydeck that leads from the infinity pool. The sports bar is conceptualized to feature large screen viewing of major sports channels.

For the health conscious, a modern gym fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and a rubberized jogging lane are rolled out for the daily

grind.

The first few levels will house a luxury hotel, BPO center, and shops. A restaurant on will likewise serve residents and guests alike a convergence area for meetings or for simple catching-ups.

The Aeon Towers indeed has all trimmings of the lifestyle one sets the mind on.

(NJB)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 188 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 14, 2016

SPORTS 3 NEWS15 EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

MOA SIGNING. Davao del Norte Gov. Antonio Rafael “AGR” G. del Rosario and Philippine Sport Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and city sports coordinator Ma. Virginia Obero representing Tagum City Mayor Alan Rellon sign a memorandum of agreement to host the Batang Pinoy 2016 national championship, Nov. 27-Dec. 2, in the state-of-the-art Davao del Norte Provincial Sports Complex in Tagum City. Signing as witnesses were PSC Commissioner

Dr. Cecilia Kiram, Vice Gov. Alan Dujali and two other officials. At left is Giovanni Gulanes, Davao del Norte provincial sports coordinator, who was chosen by the PSC to study development, management and other aspects of sports in Australia as a government scholar. PHOTOS by Jermaine dela Cruz

PSC picks DavNor as 1 of 5 reg’l sports hubs Ramirez bares Australia scholarship of Gulanes

BRIGHT CHRISTMAS AT PARK INN. Park Inn by Radisson Davao lights up its Christmas tree to formally kick off the yuletide season celebration on Friday evening. The event was graced by Elizabeth Sy, president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporations, and Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 director Roberto Alabado. Lean Daval Jr.

Rody allies want C federalism now Veteran sportswriter Nathanielsz dies at 81 Cabreros named PHL D Army vice commander

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

AVAO del Norte Gov. Antonio G. del Rosario Friday thanked Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” OMMANDER of the 3rd Ramirez for choosing the Infantry Maj. province as oneDivision, of the regional Harold Cabreros, sportsGen. training centers of the was installed as Philippine Philippine Sports Institute Army (PSI). vice commander during a short ceremony at Fort BoniChairman Ramirez said facio, Taguig City Saturday.

PSI will be the commission’s He replaces Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Present during Cabreros’ assumption ceremony was ONNIE Nathanielsz, one Army commander Lt. Gen. of the Philippines’ most Eduardo M. Año. recognizable and diviCabreros, a member of sive sports media personalithe Philippine Military Acadties, died in San Francisco, California early Saturday morning.

He was 81.

Nathanielsz’s family pulled him off life support days after rushing the sports broadcaster to a hospital days ago, where he wasHE under care.

Officeintensive of the Ombudsformer Heman was indicted in the USaand was commanding general of expected to join a TV broadthe Army andManny eight castPhilippine panel covering other officials theJessie SanPacquiao’s fightbefore against diganbayan for graft 5,inwhen conVargas on November nection with questionable he felt chest pains on the purway chase more than Php 5-milto Las of Vegas. lion He worth of military later sufferedsupplies cardiac in 2003. arrest.

The of respected the Om“He’s Office loved and budsman (Ombudsman) filed by majority of sports fans becharges against retired Lt. Gen. cause of his contributions in Gregorio Camiling, Jr. of one boxing journalism, although count of violation of RepublicI do understand there are Act No. 3019, or that the “Anti-Graft significant who and Corruptpeople Practices Act”,don’t and like him because of his six counts of charges ofhistory falsifiwith Marcoses, ” said ABScationthe of public documents.

CBNAlso sports broadcaster TJ charged were Brig.

Manotoc.

Gen. Severino P. Estrella, Colobig loss. ” Manels“He’ll Cesarbe G. aSantos, Jessie Nathanielsz wrote Zumel, a colrio B. Dosado, Barmel and Cyrano Austria; Capt. umn for the A. sports section of George P. Cabreros; Accountthe Manila Standard-Today

R

main arm in implementing the government’s grassroots sports program.

Davao de Norte’s choice as one of the five regional hubs emy 1984, took comof theClass PSI of was announced by mand of during the Capiz-based Ramirez the signing3rd of Infantry Divisionofinagreement December memorandum 2015. of the PSC with Davao del He spent mostTagum of his miliNorte and the City tary career in to Luzon and Mingovernment jointly host danao.

Batang Pinoy 2016 National His most recent field duties include as commander of the 50th Infantry Battalion; head of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade; chief of Unified Command Staff of the Armed newspaper and the PhilipForces’ Northern Luzon Compine Daily Inquirer, and was mand; and deputy commandinvolved in several sports er of the Eastern Mindanao promotions, particularly in Command. (PNA) boxing.

He worked on camera covering the Philippine Basketball Association games in the 1980s and early 1990s, but reporting and providing analysis in boxing were his bread and butter. ing Unit head Editha B. Santos; and His chiefbreak accountant Rolando came in 1975 F. Minelhe was appointed by when The case stemmed from Ferdinand Marcos to act as lithe approval of the then aison officer between the Philgovippine Army ernment and the commanding organizers of general of the contract for the the fight between Muhammad supply combat clothing and Ali andof Joe Frazier, dubbed individual equipment (CCIE) “Thrilla in Manila.” even“Itwithout undergoing was a memorable timea public bidding. in our life and we got close The Ombudsman said that enough for (Ali) to call me Camiling and the other Army ‘brother, while benefits I called from him officials ’derived ‘champ, ’ “Nathanielsz wrote in Dantes Executive Menswear, awho column paying tribute Ali, was the supplier oftocomwho died in June. bat clothing, and was chosen When Pacquiao rose to as the sole supplier of the CCIE. fame, Nathanielsz wastheonesole of Purchased from the first local personalisupplier weremedia long pants, caps, ties to refer the world chambuttons andtobelt for the use pion “a national treasure. of theasPhilippine Army Head-” He became a go-toGroups punditand by quarters Support theand Security Escort BattalTV radioand shows whenever ion. (PNA)or any Filipino boxer Pacquiao

Ombud indicts ex-PA chief, 8 others at Sandiganbayan

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Championships.

At the same time, Chairman Ramirez also announced the PSC choice of Giovanni Gulanes, DN provincial sports coordinator , as scholar to study sports development and other aspects in Australia.

During the MOA signing at T’nalak meeting room Seda Hotel in Davao City, Gov.

del Rosario expressed his support to the PSC’s initiative of putting up the PSI at the old Ultra Sports Dome in Metro Manila.

He added that the provincial government will warmly welcome any opportunity to be offered by the PSC as he expressed his gratitude to the agency for once again choosing the province to

host a national sporting event after the Palarong Pambansa held in Tagum on 2012.

“Basta kami Chairman (Ramirez), we’re ready,” stressed del Rosario.

Meanwhile PSC Chair William “Butch” Ramirez bared that a P55-million peso budget was already allocated for the establishment of Philippine Sports Institute and

the five regional subsidiaries which will be formally launch on Jan. 1, 2017.

The creation of the PSI is in accordance to Republic Act 6847, mandating the PSC to craft a genuine grassroots sports program that caters to community sports in towns, cities, municipalities, and provinces. With a report from Antonio M. Ajero

LLIES of President Duterte came out to the streets in Davao City to was upcongress for a major press forbout. a shift in Nathanielsz was –respectgovernment system that is ed bypresidential his peers inform boxing and from to fedbasketball eralism. media circles, but drewMore occasionally irrational than 300 advocates scorn from sports fans.a motorfor federalism joined staunch loyalty to the cadeHis in major streets of Davao Marcoses was a thorn in his City on Saturday afternoon reputation. and marched in the major In of a Davao columnCity titled “My streets and conFilipino thatPark. he wrote verged atHeart” the Rizal for The the activity Standard-Today was led last by month, said he Isulong Nathanielsz ang Federalismo was by na his Pagbabafather to Para offered saTunay work in the Australia where some go and Hugpong Federal of his family based, but Movement of was the Philippines that wasn’t where his heart was.

“I declined much to (my father’s) annoyance so much NTERIOR and Local so that he pointedly askedGovme Secretary Ismael whyernment I was so much in love with Sueno on Friday reshufPresident Marcos, ” Nathanfled at least 47 key officials of ielsz wrote. the “I Bureau of Fire told him thenProtection that Mar(BFD) strengthen cos hastobestowed on the me buthe reau. cherished right of citizenship, UnderI would provisions of Refor which be eternally public Act 9263being (Bureau of grateful because acceptFireasProtection andthe Bureau of ed a Filipino was highest Jail Management and Penolohonor one could receive. ” gy Act Professionalization Act Nathanielsz, who was of 2004), reshuffling of key born in Sri Lanka, was granted officers involve national headFilipino citizenship

by Marcos quarters, regional, district and in May 1973, citing his “long

(HFMP).

Lawyer Joel Obar, the national chief legal counsel of and continuous service to the HFMP said last Saturday’s Filipino people the field of movement was in synchronized journalism. nationwide” as other federHisadvocates unabashedalso allegiance alism staged to theown Marcoses wasand in ralfull their motorcades display andandjournalistic lies in key—cities provinces virtues challenged — when as in the country. hostHe of the Nation” said“Face theytheexpected talk the late 1970s, moreshow than in2,000 supporters Nathanielsz to task had gatheredwas lasttaken Saturday to by Aquino his loyalty callNinoy Congress tofor move on to to the dictatorship. change the system of the govBoxing expert and lawyer ernment.

Ed Tolentino saidincritics The activity Davaowent City after Nathanielsz for being was graced by cabinet under-a Marcos “when they secretaryloyalist Peter Laviña. have nothing else to throw at Ronnie.”

“The thing with Ronnie is that he doesn’t mix his dual city fire offices. personalities, ” Tolentino said.

“Thehe changing of the “When talks sports, it’s guards a usualPolitics? practice He in all aboutis sports. our firethere organization in forum order knows is another to further for that.” strengthen the institution avoid familiarity, WhenandNathanielsz ex-” Sueno said. pressed his opinion, Tolentino basic considerations said“The he was “firm but fair.” were“What the fire officers’ perfor-a makes Ronnie mance, boxing seniority,commentator, ranks, relegreat vant trainings, the maxibroadcaster is and simple: He is mumbeholden 2-year tour of duty,””Tohe not to anyone, added. said. lentino Implementation of the “He is not just another rules in and is Philalso voice theregulations wilderness of

Laviña, during the rally had called Congress to “hurry up with the government shift.”

He said federalism will find a configuration where each region will be truly powerful.

He also believed that federalism will help the administration of President Duterte to further improve the regions in Mindanao and boost the government’s programs and projects aimed to reduce poverty in the country.

“President Duterte has been an advocate of federalism and pushed for this during his campaign for the presiden-

cy,” Laviña said in vernacular, explaining that federalism will provide more autonomy and development to each of the country’s regions.

He added that federalism will be one of the key solutions to achieve peace in Mindanao, emphasizing that the Duterte administration, under a federal form of government, will allocate more than enough money into regions to combat widespread hunger.

“It will also quell the long-running armed conflict that has discouraged businesses from setting up in Mindanao,” Laviña said.

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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DILG reshuffles BFP officials; relieves 3 from posts

I

upon recommendation of BFP F/Supt. Crispo L. Diaz as Officer-in-Charge Chief Supt. the new CAMANAVA District Bobby Baruelo.

Fire Marshal; F/Supt. RenaThe following BFP officers to B. Marcial, reassigned as included in the reshuffle are F/ ARDA, Region 4-A; F/Supt.

Sr. Supt. Manuel M. Manuel as Renato M. Genave, ARDA, BFPVETERAN SPORTSWRITER. Ronnie Nathanielsz holds a copy of Edge Davao the new Quezon District NCR;during F/Supt.

R. Verbo, with managing editorCity Neilwin Joseph Bravo oneRachel of the Pinoy Pride Fire Marshal vice F/Sr. Supt.

Regional Chief of Staff, BFPcards. Lean Daval Jr. Jesus F. Fernandez who is reas- NCR; F/Supt. Antonio N. Razal, signed sports. as Director, Directorate Jr., Manila ippine He freely spoke very close toDistrict him.” Fire Marfor mind Logistics BFP-NHQ; F/ shal;InF/Supt.

Dueñas, his aboutofevery issue and his lastCarlos tweet,T. NathanSr. Supt.more Jaimethan D. Ramirez re- ielsz Pasayblasted City Fire offered the provertheMarshal; leadership of assigned as Assistant Arturo B. Marcos, bial 10 cents’ worth ofRegional opinion. the F/Supt.

Philippine Olympic ComDirector for Administration Pasig City Fireway Marshal; F/ He cared about every athlete, mittee for the it handled (ARDA) of Region DILG, 10 particularly boxers9;as boxing is the election of itsF leaders.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.99ISSUE ISSUE188 188••SUNDAY SUNDAY--MONDAY, MONDAY,NOVEMBER NOVEMBER13 13--14, 14,2016 2016

P15 MILLION MAN ‘The Blur’stays witn TNT for a new P15-M deal

J

AYSON Castro is going nowhere.

The two-time best point guard in Asia will remain with the PBA, specifically with Talk ‘N Text after agreeing to a three-year maximum deal with the franchise on Saturday.

The package was worth more than P15 million, which Castro signed after the Texters’ tune-up game against Star at the Moro Lorenzo gym.

The new contract finally ended speculations of the star combo guard taking his act to the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where at least three teams had expressed their interest in his services as an Asian import.

“Triple max ang saya,’ was how Castro describes renewing his ties with the Texters.

According to his longtime representative Danny Espiritu, no concrete offer came for the versatile guard from any of the Chinese teams until the November 10 deadline set by his agent.

“Sabi namin kasi kung walang offers by November 10 we will no longer have the CBA as option. Nag lapse na yung deadline kaya we already accepted yung offer ng TnT,” said Espiritu.

“Ang gusto kasi namin formal offer, hindi yung kakausapin ka lang na interesado sa inyo.

May feeler lang na pinapadala,” he added.

NO CHINA DEAL. Jayson Castro is staying put with a whopping contract.