Edge Davao 9 Issue 192

VOL. 9 ISSUE 192 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 - 19, 2016

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

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Serving a seamless society

CHARCOAL MAKING. A man peeks as he’s about to load coconut shells to the drums where they will be burned to produce charcoal near Tagum City.

The government is hinting at the option for cheaper energy source while the Philippines seeks for industrialization. Lean Daval Jr.

RODY: WE’RE OPEN FOR BUSINESS President Duterte set to push PHL in Apec Summit Edge Davao leads pack

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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RESIDENT Duterte on Thursday said there will be no mistaking the message he would unwrap at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit as he took the plane that would bring him bring him to Lima, Peru.

“My message to APEC will be clear: the Philippines is open for business,” he told reporters in his pre-departure speech at the Davao International Airport.

It will be Duterte’s first time to attend the annual meeting of 21 heads of economies, whose aim is to foster free trade in the Asia-Pacific rim.

He said that the country will do everything to make sure that business, particularly the micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) will thrive and flourish.

“I will highlight government policy support as well as efforts to address corruption

and criminality as building blocks of a strong and resilient economy aimed at inclusive and continued growth,” Duterte said.

He added that the government is working very hard to make sure that our economy “will finally take flight.”

Duterte mentioned he will bring up to the APEC meetings the components of the administration’s socioeconomic agenda, particularly improvements in doing business, more

responsive and efficient governance, massive investment in infrastructure, focus on rural development, and increased investment in human capital.

“We must harness the potential of this huge region to ensure that no one, especially our citizens, are left behind in the march for greater progress and prosperity – our people are at the core of our program on inclusive growth and sustainable development, we will

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in GMEA nominations

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DGE Davao emerged as the most nominated paper in Davao City for getting six nominations in various categories in the 2016 Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA).

Henrylito D. Tacio received four nominations while former reporter Armando Fenequito Jr. and photographer Lean Daval scored one nomination each.

Tacio was nominated for

Reporter of the Year for Print for his article, “What makes Davao City exceptional,” which was written after a day tour in some of the programs and projects being implemented by the city government.

His two-part series on dengue fever entitled “Dengue: Hope in the horizon” earned him a nomination for Explanatory/Investigative Story for Print.

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ON RETURNING OFWS. President Duterte says they have to improve the country to accommodate the balikbayans. Photo by Tiziana Celine S. Piatos

Rody says he will not hesitate to join Russia, China in new order

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ERU-BOUND President Rodrigo Duterte in a pre-departure briefing on Thusday said that he would have no second thoughts joining China and Russia once they create a “new order.”

“I will be the first to join if China and Russia would decide to create a new order,” Duterte said, adding that the Philippines might also decide to leave United Nations (UN).

He explained that there used to be a “League of Nations” before as the predecessor of UN. “Nothing happened – there is still war, United Nations, walang nagawa,” he said.

Duterte also warned that the Philippines might follow Russia’s lead and withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“I might follow their [Russia] lead. Why? These people only pick on small countries like us,” he said.

Duterte added that the ICC lets other countries get away with bombings that affect thousands of women and children in Syria and Iraq.

“That’s out lesson – just because it is America, it does not mean that it is good,” he said.

Moscow on Wednesday withdrew its signature from the founding statute of the ICC, saying the global court “did not live up to the hopes associated with it and did not become truly independent.”

It can also be recalled that CC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda expressed his deep concern over extra-judicial

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Tri-agencies firm up drive versus money laundering

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INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III yesterday revealed that the three government agencies tasked to run after suspected money launderers---Bangko Central ng Pilipinas, Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation--- have agreed to take steps leading to a closer working relationship to bring about results.

“The investigations of suspected crooks who make use of our tough bank secrecy law to stash their loot is expected to preclude from here on any miscommunication” said Dominguez. “All these agencies are equally committed as front-liners in the President’s war on criminals and grafters.” “[BSP Governor Amando] Tetangco, a respected mem-

ber of the economic team, has been providing valuable help in the pursuit of criminals engaged in money laundering,” Dominguez said.

The timely submission of documents needed by the NBI for its investigation after the initial “wrinkle” in their working arrangement illustrates that the concerned institutions have been up to the task but regrettably have had to observe the normally tedious procedures as required by law, he said.

Dominguez said “the BSP have not been remiss in doing their job supportive of the Duterte administration’s anti-graft crusade, but the tedious legal process that has from the start been a stum-

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Duterte assures justice for child-abuse victim

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday assured relatives of a child who was mauled by his guardians on Nov. 13 that justice would be handed out to those responsible for his death.

Duterte said it was very disturbing for a person who cannot defend his or herself to die in a brutal matter because of negligence.

“We will have to do something about this,” he added.

Previous reports indicated that a two-year old named John Earl died Sunday after he was reportedly put into a sack and beaten up by his own guardians Sarah Jane and Ronilo Alcain at their residence in Barangay Calinan.

Reports added that John Earl was handed over to the couple with whom he was entrusted by his mother, an overseas worker in Bahrain.

Meanwhile, the presi-

dential daughter Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio said the they would ensure swift justice for John Early and has already assigned a special prosecutor to handle the case.

President Duterte said the victim’s fate is also suffered by many children who are entrusted to the relatives so that their parents can work.

“Marami iyan, ‘yung mga anak nila iniiiwan lang sa mga kapatid, pinsan and

work as hard as they could,” he pointed out.

Duterte added that the efforts of some parents when they return home are put into waste either because the children are not par with their expectations to finish the education.

The President said he will discuss the matter with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) after he returns from the APEC Summit in Lima, Peru.

responsibility.

“Lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility has never resulted in lower crime rates. The Philippine experience, and the experience of other countries attests to this fact,” said Taguiwalo.

Taguiwalo also added that there was a need to distinguish between making children responsible for their actions, and criminalizing them.

“RA 9344 makes children responsible without making them criminal and holds them accountable in entirely non-punitive, welfare-based, and education-oriented measures,” she explained.

She further said that lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility runs counter to available scientific knowledge about the cognitive, psychosocial, and neurological development of children.

“A lower age of criminal responsibility results in more

children being detained; substantially higher public expenditures; and an even higher social cost of re-offending and graver offending which simply demonstrates that such a measure is not cost effective,” she said.

The welfare chief also said that lowering the age of criminal responsibility is anti-poor.

“Available data shows that a greater (number) of children in conflict with the law (CICL) come from lower-income families, where parents are either unemployed and/or where a greater number of siblings result in even less per capita resources,” the official said.

She cited also that lowering the MACR would violate the fundamental principles of social protection of children, as provided for by law, and by international treaties, and internationally-accepted standards and principles.

Meanwhile, she appealed

to lawmakers and concerned agencies to give their support for training and monitoring of prosecutors handling cases of CICL, to promote more child-sensitive and gender-sensitive standards and processes in the conduct of inquest, preliminary investigation and prosecution of all CICL cases.

“We will not support lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility. What we want and more and better support services for Filipino children including the enforcement of laws that protect and ensure their rights to education. We want a holistic approach to the implementation of laws protecting children. We want to protect them, not criminalize them. A society that genuinely cares for children will pour bigger allocations to programs that give children what they need to learn, be healthy, be intelligent, creative, compassionate and socially aware,” she said. (PNA)

DSWD nixes lowering age for criminal responsibility

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HE Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary has expressed strong opposition on Wednesday against the intention of House Bill No. 935 that sought to lower the age of criminal responsibility.

The House Bill No. 935 or an Act Amending Certain Provision of Republic Act No. 9344, Otherwise known as the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006: and for Other Purposes and House Bill No. 3973.

HB No. 3973 is also known as the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006”, introduced by Reps. Tobias Tiangco and Estrellita B. Suansing respectively, to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) from 15 years old to nine years old.

DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo said that the DSWD could not, under circumstance, consider endorsing the proposal to lower the age of criminal

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Lumads assured of assistance this December

By RIA VALDEZ

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avao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte has assured Lumad communities of assistance this December courtesy of the City Council and the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) as part of a year-end obligation.

The city mayor made the announcement during the first meeting of the Davao

City Peace and Order Council in Grand Men Seng.

According to her, the CSDDO would distribute grocery packs for each lumad family present in the city everyday from December 1-10.

Apart from that, the same services would also be released every day from December 7-21 to the Lumad areas in Paquibato and Mari-

log.

“We are giving our lumad brothers and sisters the option to go down to the city or to stay in their areas,” Inday stressed.

She added that this would be to the convenience to them since it would save them the effort to travel.

For the lumads in the downtown area, the CSSDO

would go to shelters to distribute the assistance.

Inday noted that there is a problem with the downtown shelters since the major shelters namely the gyms in Toril, Mintal, and Bankerohan are under renovation. However she assured that the CSSDO have spotted prospect areas for new shelters.

“We plan to give health, social, and security services aside from the grocery packs to each family,” Inday pointed out.

Aside from the CSSDO, the City Health Office (CHO) and the City Civil Registrar’s Office (CCRO) would also render medical missions and civil registry missions to the lumads both in the city and

DCPO to firm up curfew on minors to abate crimes

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BADJAO SELLER. A Badjao clings on a passenger boat to sell jewelry made from seashells and other materials from the sea at the seafront in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS). Lean Daval Jr.

in their areas.

Apart from these services, the CSSDO would also provide a caravan or showcase of talents for the lumads in their areas.

“Since our lumad brothers and sisters are gathered in one place, we believe it is a good time for other offices to render their services,” Inday remarked.

UE to the increase of petty crimes where the perpetrators are Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), Davao City Police Chief Senior Superintendent Michael John Dubria said that he would strengthen the implementation of the curfew of minors especially those loitering around the streets in the wee hours of night and early morning.

He told the reporters during the first meeting of the Davao City Peace and Order Council (DPOC) that he had ordered the city police to reprimand these minors.

“We won’t arrest them, we would just rescue them,” Dubria stressed.

He added that he didn’t want to violate any rights of the minor, henceforth, the rescued minor would be returned

to his or her respective family in his or her respective home.

“Children should be in their respective houses and not in the streets,” said Dubria.

With that note, he encouraged parents and guardians to discipline children and minors entrusted to them to discipline them against wandering in the streets especially at night.

Dubria stressed that he would sanction or file a case against those parents who let their children violate the curfew.

With December fast approaching, he said that children begging for donations and gifts from passengers in public vehicles are “putting themselves in harm’s way.”

Dubria called out to motorists and other vehicle owners to observe the speed limit

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Dabawenyos to have brightly-lit 2016 Christmas celebrations

By RIA VALDEZ

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QUARRYING. Workers haul sand on customized boats at the riverbank of Davao River in Davao City. Sand is one of the main components in producing hollow blocks and due to the construction boom in Davao City, sand mining became very popular among people living near the city’s riverbanks. Lean Daval Jr.

URING yesterday’s I-Speak media forum, Genrose Tecson of the City Tourism Office announced that Davaoeños would have a brightly lit Christmas celebration this December.

“Mayor Inday Sara-Dutere wants a festive mood for the Davaoenos,” said Tecson.

She added that the CTO had prepared a series of events in different parts of the city to cater these festivities.

The opening ceremony of the Pasko Festival 2016 would be on Dec. 2, 2016 which would herald the start of different festivities.

Other activities for the Davaoenos to look forward to are the Paskobahayan or the

lighting up of all the Christmas lights in the city by next week most likely.

According to Tecson, the CTO wanted lively activities such as Pasko Pahalipay where a live Santa Claus would be present in People’s Park; Panaygon sa Davao where various chorales would have carol in front of City Hall; Pasko Kadasig which is a marching band competition for schools.

Included also in the activies is the Parol Parade in Magsasay park which is participated by both private and public sector.

“The budget for the festival is farmed out to all offices,” Tecson said.

According to her, the bud-

DCER C. ESCUDERO, a columnist of Edge Davao for many years, passed away yesterday morning in Davao City.

He was in his 70’s.

Edcer’s daughter, Frances Angeli, told Edge Davao her father died at 8:55 a.m.

“This was after he had a serious bout with pneumonia last month and although he recovered from it, his body eventually deteriorated due to his COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),” Ms Escudero said.

“Thank you for giving him the opportunity to express his thoughts through your newspaper over the past several years,” she said, adding “my family is proud that he was a part of Edge Davao during his years of retirement.”

Details about the late writer’s interment will be announced later.

Escudero belongs to

the huge Cervantes and Escudero clans of Davao and Zamboanga who are related to the Bustamante-Alzate pioneer family in Davao.

The deceased was an early pillar in the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) movement serving the world-wide organization in Davao, Cotabato and other parts of the country.

Immediately before retirement, he worked with the government, particularly the Bureau of Treasury.

Escudero was one of the four community leaders in Davao City who passed away this month.

They were former Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Adoracion “Dory” Avisado, former Davao City district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways Apolinar Gaite and Efren “Boying” Veneracion, restaurateur and past president of the YMCA Davao.

Edcer Escudero, Edge columnist, passes away

Duterte’s admin E ‘very good’: SWS

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Social Weather Station (SWS) released on Thursday its September 24-27 survey that gave the government a “very good” net satisfaction rating from the public during the first three months of the administration of President Duterte.

The SWS also took note of the top marks that the Duterte administration got in its campaigns against illegal drugs and on the promotion of human rights.

Of the 1,200 adult respondents from Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, SWS said 75% were

satisfied with the general performance of the new administration of President Duterte, 17% were undecided while 8% were dissatisfied.

The results generated a +66 net satisfaction rating for the present government that is classified as “very good”, SWS added.

The current administration’s war on drugs also got high rating from the respondents with a +78 net score – of which 85% said they are satisfied, 7% dissatisfied and 7% undecided.

Amidst the criticisms, not only from local critics but also

Pinoy pugs take on Russian foes in championship bouts

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OUR Filipino boxers will be fighting against their respective Russian opponents in separate championship bouts in just one big card on November 18 at the DIVS in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

Interim Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super featherweight champion Carlo “The Ferocious” Magali (28W-8L-3D-10KOs) of Talibon, Bohol will be challenging undefeated WBC Asian Boxing Council Silver lightweight champion Pavel Malikov (8W-2KOs).

The 30-year-old Magali is accompanied by his trainers Joven “JJ” Jorda and Eric Santig of the Highland Boxing Stable from La Trinidad, Benguet.

The three other Filipino boxers are Dennis “Mr. Humble” Laurente, Jerry Castroverde

and Marvin “JaoJao” Esquierdo.

They all arrived in Russia after more than 24 hours of travel from Manila via Bangkok last Nov. 15.

Laurente (50-7-5), a former OPBF super welterweight champion from Butuan City, will challenge undefeated WBC Asian Boxing Council Silver super welterweight champion Magomed Kurbanov (8-0-0).

Castroverde (9-3-0) of Cebu will face another undefeated Russian Shavkat Rakhimov (6-0-0) for the vacant WBO Youth Intercontinental super featherweight crown.

The 21-year-old Esquierdo (7-1-1) of Cagayan de Oro City will clash against Mark Urvanov (7-1-0) for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Youth featherweight title.

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from other countries and international bodies saying that the war on drugs resulted to human rights violations with the increase of cases of extra-judicial killings (EJKs), still the Duterte administration gained high grade from the respondents.

The government got a “very good” or +63 net score in “promoting human rights” during the first three months of the new administration – 74% of respondents said they were satisfied, 11% dissatisfied and 15% undecided.

The government also had a high rating in helping the

poor, or +63 where 75% said they were satisfied, 12% dissatisfied and 13% undecided.

President Duterte’s administration also got high marks in other fields as a result of the recently-released SWS survey. +62 net score in promoting the welfare of Overseas Filipinos Workers (OFW); +58 net score in fighting crime; +57 net score in eradicating graft and corruption; +55 net score in fighting terrorism; +55 net score in defend-

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TOY BANCAS. Young boys living at a coastal community in Isla Verde show off their miniature bangka toys as they play at the beachfront near Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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6 ECONOMY

VOL. 9 ISSUE 192 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 - 19, 2016

7,000 has. in Northern Mindanao earmarked for organic farming

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TOTAL of 37,345 hectares in Northern Mindanao has been earmarked for organic agriculture in line with the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP), an agriculture official said Thursday.

Samuel C. Natindim Jr., focal person of the initiative of the Department of Agriculture in the region, said that the program aimed to encourage farmers to engage in organic farming.

According to Natindim, the DA has began the practice of organic farming involving 3,248 hectares of land in the

region, which represent 8.71 percent of the total agricultural area in Northern Mindanao.

He said that of the 3,248 hectares, 2,684 hectares of land were in Lanao Del Norte, now planted with organic crops like rice, vegetables, cacao, cassava, corn, and banana.

Natindim said that the development was a significant departure from last year’s statistics, which tallied zero production in organic farming until September 2015.

He said that the NOAP is anchored on Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act. (PNA)

DENR bats for preservation of vast Liguasan Marsh area

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IGUASAN Marsh, the 286, 000 hectare swampland situated in the boundaries of Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces, would remain a conservation area for bountiful flora and fauna resources.

This was underscored on Thursday by Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) Secretary Kahal Kedtag who told newsmen that a Php 164-million budget was set aside for the protection and development of the marshland for this year alone.

“Part of the budget is intended for relocation survey of the marshland sandwiched by the three provinces including the river basins,” Kedtag, who just passed confirmation on Wednesday as DENR-ARMM secretary before members of the Regional Legislative Assembly, said.

Rivers zigzagging the fenland include Simuay and Ambal, to which some portions are rich in coal deposits.

In the past, the Malaysian firm Petronas Corp. initiated gas exploration visits to the marsh and found out that it is rich in natural gas deposits.

However, Kedtag said such explorations were halted to give way to the preservation of the marshland.

A bigger part of the wetland is included into the territorial domain of Maguindanao province.

In fact, he said that Maguindanao side of the marsh is preserving a 21,000-hectare bird sanctuary in the southern side.

With such development, Kedtag emphasized that it is about time that ARMM have a well-founded environment code that should also include a responsible mining act.

“Mining, if not monitored, destroys the topography and natural habitat of the land,” he said.

Kedtag said mining operations in the region has been halted following a review by the DENR on their activities.

He said the DENR central office required five big mining firms a “catch up” plan for their operation in the region.

“DENR Secretary Gina Lopez is very strict on this,” Kedtag said.

At the same time, Kedtag said forest covers in the region increased by 6.8 percent according to the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

Being a DENR sub-agency, the NAMRIA is responsible for providing the public mapmaking services and acting as the central mapping agency, depository, and distribution facility of natural resources data in the form of maps, charts, texts, and statistics.

Kedtag said that ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman ordered a total log ban in the region some six years ago to give time for the land to recuperate from massive illegal logging operations in the past.

Also, the DENR – ARMM is pushing for the submission of local government units (LGUs) by the end of this month of their respective Solid Waste Management (SWM) programs or face appropriate cases in court.

So far, out of the two component cities and 116 municipalities in the ARMM, only three LGUs are dutifully implementing their SWM programs.

Kedtag identified them as the towns of Wao in Lanao del Sur, North Upi in Maguindanao, and Lamitan in Basilan. (PNA)

COCONUT FARMERS. Coconut farmers carve coconut meat out of the shells before sun drying them to make copra product at a farm in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Strong growth on PH economy lauded

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE reported growth in Philippine economy to 7.1 percent in the third quarter of 2016 gained commendations and applauses from various sectors especially from the business.

The recent economic increase was described by the government and the business sector said as the fastest among the major emerging Asian economies.

For economic gain is well within the government’s 6 percent to 7 percent growth target of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) within the first nine months of 2016.

The government said the GDP increased by 7 percent in July to September of this year.

“The Palace is pleased to announce that the country’s

gross domestic product (GDP) grew strongly during the Third Quarter of 2016 at 7.1%,” Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said in a statement on Thursday.

Andanar said that the 7.1% GDP growth is the highest GDP growth rate since the 2nd quarter of 2013 and higher compared to the country’s 6.2% GDP growth during the same period a year ago.

He added that Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominuez attributed the growth to President Duterte’s accelerated spending on infrastructure.

“There will be no letup in the Duterte Administration’s commitment to spend big on this growth driver as well as on

human capital and social protection to guarantee high and inclusive growth,” he added.

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), on the other hand said that the strong growth bodes well for continued poverty reduction this year.

NEDA added that the economic growth underscored that the present administration offers more than war on drugs and a sound economic vision and agenda that will spur growth to benefit the lives of the Filipino people, especially the poor and the marginalized.

The government said the services sector, which accounted for 4.1 percent of total GDP in the third quarter, accelerated by 6.9 percent during the

period.

The industry and agriculture sectors also rose by 8.6 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively.

Exporters also welcomed the strong growth as they also expressed optimism that the Duterte administration will be able to continue the high level of economic growth in the coming years.

The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) attributed the growth to the administration’s initiative to strengthen ties with Asian neighbors such as China and the Southeast Asian nations.

Philexport is also expecting more investments coming in from China, including increase in the number of tourists.

He added that tourist arrivals between both countries have also increased in 2015 with around 24,000 New Zealanders travelling to the Philippines and more than 17,000 Filipinos visiting New Zealand.

“Filipinos are valued members of the New Zealand. Kiwis appreciate their warm spirit and work ethic.

With the availability of Philippine Airline flights from Manila to Auckland, I am optimistic that the steady exchange of people will continue to increase,” said Strachan.

Strachan further remarked that Davao region’s average nine percent GDP growth has attracted inter-

est among investors and with the support of the central government, Mindanao is poised for a more peaceful and prosperous future.

According to Trade Commissioner Banal, there have been some notable investments into New Zealand from the Philippines in recent years, including Universal Robina buying into the Griffins brand and Alliance Select in New Zealand’s salmon industry.

“Alliance Select brings New Zealand salmon for smoking in Asia’s newest and most modern salmon and seafood processing and smoking facility in General Santos City,” Banal explained.

New Zealand envoy affirms strong ties with Philippines

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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O strengthen trade and economic ties between New Zealand and Davao City, New Zealand Ambassador David Strachan visited Davao on November 15 to 20, 2016.

The week-long visit was the last part of the series of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and the Philippines.

“There is no better way to end our celebrations than with an official visit to the ‘crown jewel’ of Mindanao,” said Strachan.

Ambassador Strachan was joined by Filipino-New Zealander Trade Commissioner Hernando Banal and

Regional Communications Manager for South and Southeast Asia of Education New Zealand Ben Burrowes.

During the closed-door discussion with Davao press yesterday at Marco Polo Hotel, Strachan explained the status of the countries’ bilateral relationship as well as the purpose of their visit in Davao City.

Strachan said that strong people to people links are at the core of the fast growing bilateral relationship of the two countries which is shown by the significant growth of the Filipino population in New Zealand in recent years to around 50,000 contributing to one percent of the population.

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SSS eyes infra investments to raise funding for pensions

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HE Social Security System was looking at investing in infrastructure to boost its revenues and to enable the fund to grant higher pensions and benefits for its growing membership and beneficiaries.

“This an opportunity for SSS members, who comprise the working class, to take part in the investment economy and experience owning a road development project, which would generate lifetime earnings,” said Social Security Commission Chairman Amado Valdez.

Valdez explained that individually, SSS members have financial limitations that prevent them from participating in investment activities.

“But through the pooled contributions of SSS members, we will be harnessing a powerful tool to empower them to become vital players in investing for road development projects,” he said.

He noted that road development projects has been dominated by large companies.

The SSS charter allows the agency to allot up to 30 percent of its investment reserve fund for domestic infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, ports and telecommunications, so long as these come with a government guarantee and would prioritize SSS in the distribution of earnings.

“Beyond our primary aim of enhancing SSS revenues so that the fund can provide higher benefits, investing in infrastructure also has a multiplier effect, which can boost national economic growth. Having better roads in terms of quality and reach helps promote local tourism and commerce,” Valdez said.

SSS took its cue from a similar move by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, two of the largest Canadian pension funds, which earlier this year part-

nered with a Mexican infrastructure company for a toll road development project in Mexico.

Valdez said SSS is open to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement that fully complies with the requirements set by the Social Security Act of 1997, also known as the SSS charter. The law provides strict guidelines to ensure the safety, liquidity and good yield of SSS investments.

“We plan to make it compulsory for PPP proponents to reserve for SSS the right of first refusal to 25 percent equity participation,” he added.

SSS is pushing for charter amendments, such as the reassessment of investment ceiling limits to allow more flexibility and enable SSS to be more responsive to the current market landscape as compared to two decades ago when the Social Security Law was enacted.

“Finding more ways to further improve SSS financial viability and giving more meaningful benefits are among the reforms we plan to pursue under the current administration. Generating revenues from innovative investments is one of the options we intend to take towards achieving these goals, especially that the challenge to improve the administration of our pension program is being discussed,” he said.

SSS manages an investment portfolio valued at PHP470.14 billion as of last September. Government securities accounted for the largest share at 39 percent or PHP180.46 billion, followed by equities at 24 percent or PHP111.22 billion and member loans at 18 percent or PHP85.93 billion.

Apart from enhancing the fund’s long-term viability and benefit levels, SSS also aims to improve the automation of its procedures and other aspects of SSS operations to deliver better services to members.

(PNA)

ECONOMY 7

New Zealand unveils supports to peace, economic initiatives

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

T

O restore agricultural livelihood in conflict affected communities in North Cotabato, the New Zealand government has provided funds to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to work with displaced and climate change-affected farmers and fisher households in North Cotabato.

During the close-door discussion with Davao press, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines David Strachan said that the memorandum of agreement, signed on October, will implement a two-year activity that will re-establish agriculture and fisheries-based livelihoods, improve the resilience of beneficiaries and to strengthen their food security.

“It will support 10,425 households (or 52,125 individuals) in at least 15 barangays in five municipalities of North Cotabato,” Strachan added.

The ambassador also mentioned two other similar proj-

ects they recently funded with the FAO in the Philippines: one which supported 22,552 households in Maguindanao, and another, dubbed, “Building Resilience: Addressing Vulnerability of Environs in Agusan del Sur (Partnership Fund Project), implemented by Save the Children in 2 barangays in Agusan del Sur. Strachan said the project supported integration of school disaster risk reduction management plans to community disaster risk reduction plans.

“In 2 years, the Project has trained 3,903 students in disaster risk reduction awareness, preparedness, and risk assessment,” he explained.

Save the Children promoted backyard food garden to ensure food security during disasters with 572 families established their food gardens to reduce their expenses during the recent drought that slightly increased food prices.

Strachan also mentioned

that the New Zealand Aid Program strengthened the response capacities of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) by retrofitting a PRC warehouse in Cagayan de Oro to withstand disasters and installed racking systems for more efficient response time.

He added that non-food items were also prepositioned in anticipation of disasters.

Aside from building resilience among communities, Strachan also bared the economic initiatives of New Zealand to the Philippines which particularly focusing on agriculture.

Strachan mentioned that the New Zealand Government is supporting in ACDI/VOCA in the establishment of a coffee demonstration farm and training center that will approximately benefit 40 farm families and train 100 people in coffee farming from indigenous peoples and migrant.

According to the ambassador, the project will help im-

prove the varieties and quality of Arabica coffee seeds and seedlings available to farmers and demonstrate good production and processing practices for high quality Arabica coffee.

Another project dubbed, “Philippine-New Zealand Dairy Project” is implemented by the National Dairy Authority with the primary objective of making dairy farming a profitable and sustainable enterprise.

In a press statement on June 2016, the ambassador stated that the New Zealand has funded a $3.71 million (roughly P170.66 million) grant package in the form of technology transfer and distribution of hundreds of milk-producing cows to farmers all over the country.

“We are working with six focus farms in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon to demonstrate New Zealand farm management techniques to lower

F NEW, 10

Aussie firm assures RP economy can withstand market volatility

A

USTRALIAN financial firm ANZ is optimistic that the Philippine economy would be able to weather current financial market volatility following the better-than-expected output in the third quarter of the year.

Domestic growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), rose 7.1 percent from July to September this year, higher than quarter-ago’s 7 percent and year-ago’s 6.2 percent.

This growth is the fastest turn-out for the economy since 2013 and the fastest in the region for the quarter.

It was driven by stronger domestic demand, a robust manufacturing sector that rose 6.9 percent from quarter-ago’s 6.2 percent, as well as the recovery of the agriculture sector, which expanded by 2.9 percent against the previous quarter’s 2.1 percent contraction.

“The economy is clearly

on a firm footing to weather financial market volatility,” ANZ said in a report released after the government’s third quarter growth report announcement Thursday.

The financial institution forecasts consumer spending to “likely continue to be shored up by increased remittance inflows, which typically pick up as the Christmas season nears, and the extent of which will be larger now amid the current weakness in the peso”.

“In addition to firm household consumption, increased infrastructure spending will buttress growth and provide an offset to subdued external demand,” it said in the report.

ANZ continues to see sustained domestic expansion for the economy in the last quarter of the year on strong fiscal spending.

“We are pencilling in GDP growth of 6.4 percent year-onyear in 2016 and 6 percent in 2017,” it added. (PNA)

ROAMING MERCHANT. This man prepares his morning for another day of travel by foot in major streets of Davao City to sell his crafts of table covers made out of bamboo. (Alexander D. Lopez)

DOTC says integrated transportation network vital in enhancing ASEAN competitiveness D

EPARTMENT of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade expressed belief that an integrated transportation network will help strengthen the competitiveness of countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

Tugade reiterated that the Duterte administration is hoping for a stronger and firmer ASEAN region as it pushes forward for economic integration.

“President Rodrigo Duterte wants us to get involved so that we will be able to have an ASEAN

that is united and strong. There should be no reason that we can achieve this as we share a common history and culture given the proximity of our direction. I firmly believe that our wish for a stronger and firmer ASEAN can be realized,” the transportation secretary said in his speech during the opening of the 22nd ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting (22nd ATM) held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

He explained that the summit is significant as it discusses initiatives that will help further efforts

on improving the efficiency of transportation connectivity within the ASEAN which in turn will strengthen transport connectivity within and beyond the region.

The 22nd ATM seeks to formulate vital decisions such as the adoption of key performance indicators to monitor the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan (KLTSP) which is the transport vision and blueprint for 2016-2025.

An integral part to the ASEAN economic integration, KLTSP aims to make the ASEAN community more integrated, competitive and

resilient.

The meeting also intends for the implementation of various air services agreement to realize the vision of liberalization of aviation policies to promote ease of doing business in the region. Relaxing restrictions and making airfares more competitive will help enhance tourism across the region.

It also seeks to conclude and sign the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Cross Border Transport of Passengers by Road Vehicles in order to facilitate movement of people, goods and

F DOTC, 13

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

T

OFW lending bank

HE plan by the government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines to buy the Philippine Postal Savings Bank (Postbank) with plans to transform the state-run thrift lender into a bank catering to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is a step in the right direction.

Once materialized, it will be a fulfilment of another promise by President Duterte who revealed such plan before OFWs in an official visit to Japan recently.

The process of acquisition as explained by Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III is that Land Bank, the country’s fourth largest bank in terms of assets, will buy Postbank from another government-owned firm Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost).

Postbank was earlier reported to be up for privatization or absorbed by Land Bank or Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

Instead, the LBP will acquire it and the whole process could take a little less than a year.

The move will make Postbank a wholly-owned subsidiary of Land

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Bank catering to the OFW market. The tie-up with PHLpost will also strengthen it as it vies against established commercial banks also catering to OFWs. However, the transition will require rebranding and additional capital infusion from the national government.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that Postbank’s total assets stood at P12.07 billion as March this year.

Established in 1906, the Postal Bank was closed down in 1976 as a result of competition with privately owned banks, but was reopened in 1994 pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7354, the charter of the Philippine Postal Corp.

With the proposed conversion of Postal Bank, access to loans

by OFWs has been widened--loans that will help OFWs as a way to achieve something that they could not have with their current resources, like sending their kids to a good school, buying a new house, or for OFWs, to comfortably move back to the Philippines or provide their family back home with what they need.

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EDGEDAVAO

W

HEN media reportage recklessly and mindlessly lumps and links all EJKs even if grudge kill to drug kill, giving impression to spiral of anti-drug killings, it’s what I call as ripple effect in EJK newsmaking sans a true journo probe. We’ve known this mindless ripple effect during DDS heydays whetted by paid media hacks and broadcasters and lazy and intentional police/SOCO blotter chroniclers. Now it’s going nationwide. ***** I was just struck by a quote on Facebook after the US election: “The number of documented cases of misinformation spread by the Trump campaign was much higher as compared to the fake news spread by Clinton’s campaign.” Awright! Prez Digz, the oldest presidential candidate in the last May polls, is digital tech aware, conscious, sold out if not savvy in terms of appreciating the internet and the social media as a platform for propaganda and hence investing political resources amid the bias mainstream media.

Ayehh on that. Old as he is than the Roxas, Poe, Binay and Santiago. Now besh, look what

S

HOULD a nuclear power plant be operated in the Philippines, it will not be during the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

That was what he told the media. “We have not reached the danger zone wherein we will die if there is no available energy,” Duterte was quoted as saying.

The Philippines, it seems, is not yet ready to have nuclear power as a source of electricity. According to Duterte, the government has “to come up with really tight safeguards to assure that there will be no disasters if there is a nuclear leak or explosion somewhere in the nuclear reactors that we will be building.”

But Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said that Duterte never changed his mind when he “approved a study on the feasibility of tapping nuclear power to beef up the country’s supply,” as the website of ABS-CBN reported.

The said study will determine whether to revive the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNNP) – the country’s first and only attempt at nuclear-power development – or build a new facility.

It must be recalled that during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy, Cusi said country currently has a national energy supply of 17,925 megawatts (MW), which is sufficient for the demand of 13,500 MW. But there were some instances the supply was compromised due to unexpected outages and simultaneous maintenance shutdown of power plants causing brownouts in some parts of the country.

By 2030, the country’s forecasted demand for energy needs will double to 30,189 MW. In order for this huge demand to be met one possible solution is to revive the BNNP, which could generate 620 MW of electricity.

“Based on my knowledge, based on what I’ve seen, based on what I studied, based on

VOL. 9 ISSUE 192 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 - 19, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Tok-Bang! both Trump and Hillary did. ***** T a l k s about suspension of the writ of habeas corpus lead to speculations about eventual declaration of martial law. Sige daw sugdi if mo pullout ba sa present coalition si Ka Joma Sison and his tuta orgs? If that’s the scenario, ayeh another 40 years of struggle that outlive Joma and his immediate brain successor. That’s easier said than done. But truth to tell, it’s not drab, monotonous under the Martial Law Part II under Pres. Digong as galls now have a social media to enjoy with unlike before when bomba films were clamped down by Marcos soonest after he declared ML. That’s besides the social media being used a a platform for dissent and rebellion. Remember, morag puspuro pangdagkot lang tong one

tweet calling for emergency rally vs. Trump a day after he won, and then it spread so anti-Trump rallies continue until now. If in our wildest imagination, PDigong declares ML II, will one incendiary tweet ignite PH to be aflame in nights and days of rage and disquiets anew? But I’m tired now seeing that scenario. I’m more gung-ho to see Mindanao becoming like Singapore to better give massive employment and opportunities to Moro people than their youths be preoccupied experimenting to be with ISIS, Abu Sayyaf, fanatical Islamists. ***** Naglipana na naman ang mga fake news re Trump invites PDigong on his Jan. inauguration while anti-Soros fake news fly left and right, too. I check the the mainstream media in the Phils, nothing about that invite. Hummmm. Not that we don’t want that to happen, we just want Filipino netizens to be cautious that there arew lots of fake news in the internet, FB. ***** As Kris managed to get near to PDu30 and his top execs Mocha fired her first shot

to Kris. Is Mocha envious? Kris vs. Mocha tweets war coming? ***** Russian TV put Duterte without Philippines. That’s how popular he is now worldwide. It’s gleaned how international editors make a headline for Digong. PDut could not have done that had he not lambasted US, EU, UN then embraced China. ***** TAGS & HASHES: When cops do operational shortcut it’s called Tok-Bang!...We seem to have more TokBangs than TokHangs these days.... “Ba’t ba nya inadmit pa?”

Cougars & matronas throughout the country made sign of the cross and chorused recently. #DelimaHumanFrailties.... Ting init na kasi lapit na Pasko. It’s summertime heat in the Philippines during Christmastime. #climatechange.... Blame the creative human mind why there’s a fake news problem in the social media and it flourishes due to dull minds....

So if Delima admitted she had slept with her driver, the first question should be: Did they recorded on cam one of their temptation nights?

the experience of other coun- THINK ON THESE! tries that we have heard, it is a good option for our country.

It is safe to use,” Cusi explained.

Nuclear power is one of the two major alternatives to Henrylito D. Tacio fossil fuels; the henrytacio@gmail.com other one is renewable energy (whose sources include solar power, wind power, hydroelectric, geothermal energy and biomass energy).

Nuclear power is the use of sustained nuclear fission to generate heat and electricity.

Nuclear power plants provide about 5.7% of the world’s energy and 13% of the world’s electricity, according to Nobel Prize winner Al Gore. In 2007, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported there were 439 nuclear power reactors in operation in the world, operating in 31 countries.

There is an ongoing debate about the use of nuclear energy. Proponents, such as the World Nuclear Association, the IAEA and Environmentalists for Nuclear Energy contend that nuclear power is a sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emissions.

In the United States, nuclear power became popular in the 1970s and proliferated in the early 1980s. In 1989, there were 110 nuclear power plants in the US providing about 20% of its energy needs.

But the growth of nuclear power dramatically declined during the late 1980s due to safety. The Three Mile Island accident in 1979 in Pennsylvania (which became the basis of

the movie, “The China Syndrome”) raised public awareness of safety problems with nuclear reactors.

“A nuclear reactor controls nuclear fission and uses the energy it releases to generate electricity,” H. Steven Dashefsky explained in his book, “Environmental Literacy: Everything You Need to Know about Saving Our Planet.”

“Nuclear reactors allow a chain reaction of nuclear fission to occur in which one atom is split and the particles released are used to split other atoms, etc.”

A supply of a radioactive elements such as uranium-234 is placed in a reactor in the form of fuel rods. “A slow-moving neutron from another element strikes the uranium, initiating the chain reaction,” Dashefsky wrote. “The energy released from the chain reaction super heats surrounding water, which is removed from the reactor and used to drive turbines and generate electricity. (The water also acts a coolant in the system, keeping it from having a meltdown in which the fuel rods melt from overheating.) The speed of the chain reaction is controlled by control rods containing cadmium and boron, which absorb the nuclei.”

Accidents do happen. “The accidental release of radiation from a nuclear reactor could cause catastrophic results,” Dashefsky said.

“Nuclear power plants use many safety features to prevent accidents, including: systems that automatically shut down the reaction in case of an emergency such as a loss of coolant; concrete and steel walls surrounding the core of the reactor to prevent the release of radiation; concrete and steel containment walls around the entire reactor to contain radiation if the core ruptures; emergency cooling systems in the case it does fail.”

But even with all these safety features, plus others, accidents have happened. The 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Pripyat, Russia is

considered as one of the worst nuclear plant accidents in history. Then, there was the Fukushima nuclear plant incident in Japan after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.

Besides accidents, there are serious concern about nuclear waste disposal of the spent radioactive materials. “A typical nuclear power plant produces 30 metric tons of radioactive water per year,” Dashefsky wrote. “Since the radioactive material remains dangerous for tens of thousands of years, this material poses a significant threat to all forms of life, indefinitely.”

As such, Dashefsky suggested that “a definite solution to the disposal of spent nuclear waste must be found.”

“The Economist” said nuclear power “looks dangerous, unpopular, expensive and risky,” and that “it is replaceable with relative ease and could be forgone with no huge structural shifts in the way the world works.”

The Fukushima nuclear disaster prompted a rethink of nuclear energy policy in many countries. Germany decided to close all its reactors by 2022, and Italy has banned nuclear power.

Meanwhile, four respected climate scientists – Dr. James Hansen, a former top scientist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Dr. Ken Caldeira, of the Carnegie Institution; Dr. Kerry Emanuel, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and Dr. Tom Wigley, of the University of Adelaide in Australia – acknowledge that there are risks to using nuclear power, but say those are far smaller than the risk posed by extreme climate change.

“We understand that today’s nuclear plants are far from perfect,” they wrote in a letter asking environmentalists to support the development of safer nuclear power as one way to cut fossil fuel pollution.

The coming of nuclear power

10 NEWS Edge... FROM 1

For writing “Water vs.

Dengue” in his regular column, “Think on These,” Tacio got a nod for Columnist of the Year.

His fourth nomination was for the digital categories. He was shortlisted for the Reporter for Online News Portal for his three-part series entitled, “Where have all our fish gone?”

Fenequito will compete with Tacio in the Explanatory/Investigative Story for Print category. The former is nominated for his in-depth report, “Beyond 4Ps: What ails the country’s education programs?”

Daval was nominated for Photojournalist of the Year his captivating photograph entitled, “Bayanihan.”

Tacio won two awards last year: one for Reporter of the Year for Print and another one for Explanatory/Investigative Story for Print. In 2013, he was named Reporter of the Year for Print. The following year, he was given the Columnist of the Year.

Aside from Tacio and Fenequito, the following were also shortlisted for Explanatory/ Investigative Story for Print: Mike Baños (of Mindanao Daily News), Lina Reyes (of BusinessWeek Mindanao), and Jesse Boga (of Mindanao Times).

Daval, on the other hand, will be competing against two other Davao photographers: Mindanao Daily Mirror’s Robinson Niñal and Mindanao Times’ Bing Gonzales. The other nominees were Zamboanga Today’s Remus Ong, Sun.Star CDO’s Erwin Mascariñas, Brunei Times’ Edwin Espejo.

In the Reporter of the Year for Print, Zamboanga Today earned three nominees: RG Antonet Go, Hader Glang and Nonong Santiago. Baños is again nominated for his article which appeared in The Philippine Graphic. The other nominees were Jigger Jerusalem (Sun.Star CDO), Nitz Arancon (Mindanao Gold Star Daily), Rhealyn Pojas (Sun.Star Davao) and Yas Ocampo (Mindanao Times).

Aside from Tacio, the following were also shortlisted for Columnist of the Year: Nef Luczon of Sun.Star CDO and Stella Estremera and Reuel John Lumawag, both from Sun. Star Davao.

In addition, two columnists each from these papers received nominations: Zamboanga Today, Mindanao Gold Star Daily, and Mindanao Bulletin.

In the Reporter for Online News Portal, Tacio will be competing against Davao Today’s

Mart Sambalud, Mindanews’ RA Colina, Rappler’s Bobby Lagsa, Interaksyon’s Erwin Mascariñas; Hader Glang, RG Antonet, and Nonong Santiago (all three of Zamboanga Today); Kagay-anon’s Mike Baños, Brunei Times’ Edwin Espejo and Philippine Star’s John Felix Unson All in all, only 89 were shortlisted out of the 444 entries submitted for consideration. The entries came from the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos and Zamboanga.

GMEA is now on its fifth year, it “continues to recognize excellence in journalism exemplified by members of the print, broadcast, online, and social media in Visayas and Mindanao.”

The recognition was launched by Globe Telecom in Cebu and Davao in 2012 as part of “its advocacy in supporting press freedom by honoring media practitioners who demonstrate excellence and professionalism in their field of work.”

This year, all submitted entries considered for the awards in various categories “touched on any or a combination of the four sustainability focus areas: care for the environment, innate care for our people, positive societal impact, and digital nation.”

In a statement, Globe said that the GMEA is anchored on the company’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as part of its advocacy to help create a Wonderful Philippines.

“The critical role of media organizations and online communities in forming and shaping public opinion makes it imperative for technology organizations like Globe to encourage excellence in this field as we all aspire to effect societal change,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

Aside from print, the broadcast media will also be recognized. Awards will be given to the reporter of the year for radio, public affairs story of the year for radio, reporter of the year for television, and explanatory/investigative story of the year for television.

For digital media, aside from reporter of the year for online news portal, honors will also be given to the blogger of the year, social media campaign of the year, and social media advocate of the year.

The awarding night will be held at the Marco Polo Hotel on November 22, 2016.

get for the entire festival is no less than 5.6 million pesos.

Atty. Zuleika Lopez, City administrator, said “No sector should be left behind.”

She explained further that city offices will create activities as “pahalipay” to all sectors such as the children, senior citizens, women, LGBT, and to the lumads.

With December fast approaching, Lopez said Davao City is prepared for tourists.

“We had a 20% increase in

Kadayawan alone,” Lopez remarked. She added that the city has handled traffic and waste management properly despite increase of tourists.

As to the festivities for the Pasko Festival, Lopez encouraged all busines establishmets to light the facade of their building to contribute to the city’s theme of brightness or “hayag.”

“We not only give ‘pahalipay’ but we promote tourism as well,” Lopez remarked.

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EDGEDAVAOVOL. 9 ISSUE 192 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 - 19, 2016

DAILY ROUTE. This barge is among the four regular barges that carry passengers and vehicles from the Island Garden City of Samal to Davao City and vice versa. (Alexander D. Lopez)

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spare no effort to realize this in the context of APEC,” he said.

Duterte mentioned that Filipino businesses must be ready to further deepen and broaden our engagement with South America, especially those that straddle the Pacific, as economic partners.

The APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Peru takes place on November 19 to 20.

This year’s summit is expected to be overshadowed by worries over the protectionist policies of US president-elect Donald Trump.

The President is also expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the said summit.

The APEC is an association

dedicated to the trade, cooperation, and economic growth of nations along the Pacific. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) works to remove trade tariffs and other obstacles to trade in the area. The organization was established in 1989, and 21 nations are members. The APEC’s headquarters are in Singapore. The countries involved are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, China; Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, The Republic of the Philippines, The Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States of America, and Viet Nam.

killings (EJKs) under Duterte’s administration as well as the statements that seemed to condone such killings.

“Let me be clear – Any person in the Philippines who incites or engages in acts of mass violence including by

ordering, requesting, encouraging or contributing to the commission of crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC is potentially liable for prosecution before the Court,” Bensouda said. TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

bling block to the immediate prosecution of suspected money launderers underline the urgency for the Congress to pass new legislation relaxing the country’s bank secrecy law, which has among the world’s most restrictive regulations.”

He said “this is one reason why the future success of

the comprehensive tax reform program that the Department of Finance has proposed to Congress to pass as a way to partly raise enough funds for the government’s anti-poverty agenda is contingent on our legislators’ passage of a complementary law relaxing the country’s bank secrecy law.”

to prevent accidents.

Despite the dangers for the children, people still give them donations, according to him. He added that the city police could not prevent these

children from putting their lives in danger since they have been doing this for the spirit of Christmas, but they could regulate the vehicles to lessen the dangers. RIA VALDEZ

production cost and increase milk yield,” said Strachan.

The New Zealand Government has supported Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT) in developing a 6-month dairy farming programme.

The programme is being

certified with TESDA for nationwide implementation to other vocational education institutions.

Established on 1966, the 50-year diplomatic relations of Philippines and New Zealand continues to go on “smooth sail”, said Strachan.

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Tri-agencies... FROM 2

DCPO... FROM 3 New... FROM 7

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

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI Service.

Case No. 2012-XI-00595 ERICSON C. SABANDAL, Petitioner

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

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

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. 95-XI-00032-DP DAVAO TRANSPORT SERVICE COOPERATIVE Petitioner-Vendor x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 31, 2016.. In the petition filed on October 19, 2016, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: TAGUM CITY – LUPON (DAVAO ORIENTAL) AND VICE VERSA and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of FIVE (5) units, which Certificate has expired last October 20, 2015. In the petition filed on October 19, 2016, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate along the same route with the use of Two (2) units out of the Five (5) units previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on DECEMBER 5, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ, Chief Transportation Development Officer/OfficerIn-Charge, this 20th day of October 2016 at Davao City.

MARIE JEAN A. JARALBA Administrative Officer IV Acting Administrative Officer V

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on DECEMBER 5, 2016 at 09:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ, Chief Transportation Development Officer/Officer-InCharge, this 20th day of October 2016 at Davao City.

MARIE JEAN A. JARALBA Administrative Officer IV Acting Administrative Officer V

COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 192 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 - 19, 2016

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

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. 2012-XI-000311 IREL F. LAGANSON, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: LASANG VIA BUHANGIN and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on October 18, 2017..

In the petition filed on October 27, 2016, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on DECEMBER 14, 2016 at 09:20 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ, Chief Transportation Development Officer/OfficerIn-Charge, this 28th day of October 2016 at Davao City.

MARIE JEAN A. JARALBA Administrative Officer IV Acting Administrative Officer V

Ormoc students get tech boost with Smart TechnoCart donation T

HE three preschool kids sitting in the front row couldn’t keep still, fidgeting in their seats or suddenly standing up and sometimes talking too loudly until they are hushed by their teacher.

When the Smart-powered TechnoCart was rolled next to them, their excitement reached fever pitch.

“Naay tablet, naay tablet (there’s a tablet, there’s a tablet),” Salvacion Elementary School kindergarten students Ryan Rivera, Giovanne Galan, and Carl James Landero chorused, pointing at the green cart housing the components of Smart Communications’ mobile digital laboratory.

Kindergarten teacher Christopher C. Magallanes

said they’ve been anticipating this moment since August, when they first learned they were going to be the beneficiary of a TechnoCart learning package. The 2x2 ft cart contains 20 tablets for students, as well as a laptop, projector, and mobile WiFi for the teacher. Each tablet is preloaded with Batibot, the first mobile application in Filipino that is aligned with the kindergarten curriculum of the Department of Education.

TechnoCart units are donated to schools by Smart, or by individuals and organizations wanting to help spread the benefits of digital learning to more public schools.

“We’re very thankful for this generous donation. Dako kaayo matabang ani sa mga

He explained further that by utilising all the provisions of the ASEAN Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, competitive and premium salmon products are exported to the rest of the world from the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Banal noted that New Zealand agritech companies have been supporting Mindanao by providing technologies to support the banana and the dairy industries as well as assisting the renewable energy sector.

Trade Commissioner Banal added, “Although many New Zealand companies have been actively doing business in Mindanao, we are very excited and still consider Mindanao as an unchartered market with massive potential for more business opportunities.”

Strachan added that New Zealand firmly expressed support to the efforts of the Duterte Administration to promote the

peace process in Mindanao.

He said that New Zealand was has funded a US$3 million FAO agricultural livelihood project in conflict-areas of North Cotabato over the next three years.

During the visit, Ambassador Strachan and Burrowes also promoted to Ateneo de Davao University and the University of Southeastern Philippines New Zealand as an education market and raised awareness of New Zealand Aid’s scholarship program.

New Zealand has been providing 24 post-graduate (Masters and Doctorate studies) scholarships to Filipinos (23-39 years old) in the fields of agriculture, disaster risk management and renewable energy where New Zealand has proven expertise.

“I encourage young Mindanaoans, including Moro and Lumad to apply for scholarships. It is critical to give young people a stake in their future,” said Strachan.

New Zealand... FROM 6

bata. Labi na kay apil na ang mobile app na Batibot nga in line pud sa among curriculum (This will be a big help to our kids. The Batibot educational app is in line with the kindergarten curriculum and will be a handy teaching tool.),” he added during the turnover of the TechnoCart to the school last November 3.

Helpful gift A high school student from Makati, Gabriela Aldaba, raised funds to sponsor a TechnoCart for Salvacion Elementary School. Aldaba raised P100,000, which was matched by Smart to provide one TechnoCart.

“I wrote letters to my Titos and Titas, family friends, and anyone interested in giv-

ileged children, was important as it would level up learning and open students to the digital world.

ing some amount. Fortunately, more than 10 people responded and we were able to raise over P100,000,” Aldaba said, adding they used the excess funds to buy other things the preschool kids needed, such as bags and slippers.

Aldaba picked Salvacion Elementary School in consultation with her mother Sally Aldaba, Smart vice president for corporate communications, to pay homage to her roots. Her great, great grandfather settled in Salvacion and was a former mayor of Ormoc.

The current city mayor Richard Gomez said introducing technology in education, especially in government-run schools where there are a lot of underpriv-

Level up learning Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Pedro T. Escobarte said the technology tools and solutions would improve the output of public schools and help learners catch up with their private school counterparts.

He added that they would knock on the hearts of well-off residents, groups, and companies to bring the TechnoCart to each of the 92 public schools in Ormoc.

Those interested to donate Smart TechnoCarts may email TechnoCart@smart. com.ph for more information.

tions that would place retail conveniences at the palm of today’s most enterprising individuals and companies, Globe myBusiness aims to be the partner in bringing the needed technological boost to one’s business.

One shining example of exciting mobile business solutions powered by Globe myBusiness is Shopify, the leading international eCommerce platform utilized by over 300,000 merchants around the world. With its first break in the Philippine market through Globe myBusiness, it aims to make room for more, by enabling small and medium Filipino businesses to effortlessly launch a dependable and efficient commercial presence— with thoughtful display interface and easy-to-use point-ofsale access—in the infinite world of e-commerce.

Globe myBusiness extends Shopify’s enterprising efficiency by offering low monthly rates and 0% transaction fees for new sign-ups, opening a whole world of business possibilities in the greater worldwide web. For only P599 monthly for a Ba-

sic Shopify account, P2499 monthly for a Regular Shopify account, and P4999 monthly for an Advanced Shopify account, Globe myBusiness’ Shopify Plan offers flexible commercial connectivity to match your scale of business, while giving you access to billions of consumers worldwide.

“Retail is a very competitive industry. This is why we provide relevant & timely industry information to all our partners, so that you can adapt and serve your customers better. Your success is our business,” Heng guaranteed, addressing hundreds of eager attendees at this year’s eCommerce Show Philippines.

So get ahead of the market curve, and let new technology work for your business, with a network that has your best business interest in mind. Armed with the proper tools, the right data at the right time, and an infinite venue for commercial possibilities, Globe myBusiness Plan opens your micro, small, or medium businesses into even bigger and brighter possibilities. (PNA)

Globe myBusiness revolutionizes PHL eCommerce

I

N an economy where micro, small, and medium enterprises comprise 99.6% of all registered business, navigating through commerce in the Philippines can prove to be a hefty lot.

Much of it is headlined by the humble sari-sari store, where anyone can purchase every good imaginable at his cost and convenience. But right at the cusp of the information age, even our mom and pop shops would have to learn to grow to sustain their economic presence and performance.

This was what Globe myBusiness championed at this year’s eCommerce Show Philippines 2016, in a gathering of the country’s leading technology enablers that aimed to revolutionize retail, in a ripe market place of over 100 million potential consumers, by offering the right tools in the increasingly changing rules of today’s trade.

“It is Globe myBusiness’ mission to help every business owner achieve success,” offered myBusiness Head Derrick Heng. By introducing innovative business solu-

12

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EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 192 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 - 19, 2016

DOTC... FROM 7

services as well as enhance trade and investment in the region. It also envisions interconnecting ASEAN cities with maritime infrastructure.

Tugade also related that the ASEAN RORO encompassing the

Davao-Gen. Santos-Bitung route was discussed at the bilateral meeting between the ASEAN RORO during the 32nd ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group Meeting held last October in Bohol province. (PNA)

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Duterte... FROM 4

NEWS13

ing the country’s territorial rights; +53 net score in distributing lands to deserving tillers under land reform.

The national government also garnered “good” scores in eight other issues, that include: “developing science and technology” (+49), “providing jobs” (+46), “reconciliation with Muslim rebels” (+42), “foreign relations” (+39), “ensuring an efficient transportation system” (+39), “reconciliation with communist rebels” (+39), “ensuring that no family will ever be hungry” (+37) and “fighting inflation” (+33).

The SWS said that the government’s net ratings in 10 fields rose by at least one grade from the last survey it conducted on Governance Report Card.

These increases in net ratings include: Promoting human rights with “very good or +63 from the “good” +31 in September

2015; Fighting crime with “very good” or +58 from June’s “good” or +31; Eradicating graft and corruption with two grades up to “very good” or +57 from June’s “moderate” or +27; Fighting terrorism” with three grades up to a “very good” or +55 from a “neutral” or +7 in April; Defending the country’s territorial rights with “very good” or +53 from June’s “good” or +45; Distributing lands to deserving tillers under land reform with “good” or +53 from a “good” or +36 in December 2012; Reconciliation with Muslim rebels with “good” or +42 from “moderate” or +25 in June; Reconciliation with communist rebels with “good” or +39 from a “moderate” or +25 in June; Ensuring that no family will ever be hungry with

“good” or +37 from June’s “moderate” or +25; Fighting inflation with “good” or +33 from a “moderate” or +19 in June.

The SWS also noted that the national government fared relatively well across geographic areas and socioeconomic classes during the September survey, as it gained net rating hit compared to the survey conducted last June.

The said net rating hit includes: A record-high “excellent” +81 in Mindanao, 21 points up from a “very good” +60; A “very good” +66 in Metro Manila that was 34 points up from a “good” +32; A “very good” +62 in the Visayas that was flat from the previous reading; A “very good” +60 in “Balance Luzon” that was 15 points more than June’s “good” +45.

Meanwhile, Malacanang expressed gratitude to the Filipino people for giving the administration high net satis-

faction rating.

“We thank the Filipino people for giving the highest initial net satisfaction rating obtained by an administration to the Duterte administration,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar said in a press statement on Thursday.

The high rating, Andanar added will become the source of inspiration and strength of President Duterte and his entire team to double their time and energy to rid society of drugs, criminality and corruption. ”Let these survey results not lull us to complacency. The President, as we all know, has been elevating the consciousness of our people from the gravity of the drug problem and the threat of terrorism and lawlessness. This means much work has to be done and we all need to roll up our sleeves and buckle down to work and get things done,” he added.

Pitted in the main event are interim WBC Silver welterweight champion Dmitry Mikhaylenko (21-1-0) of Russia and challenger Breidis Prescott (30-8-0) of USA. The main supporting bout is the battle for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental super featherweight title between undefeated Evgeny Chuprakov (160-0) and Jeremiah Nakathila (11-0-0).

The boxing card is promoted by German Titov of Titov Boxing Promotions and will be televised by the Russia Boets TV and Russia Match TV. Magali has trained for two months and is ready to fight.

Magali had earlier captured his OPBF crown via a 10th round technical decision against Mark Gil Melligan last April 1 in Bacolod City.

However, Magali lost by a

9th round TKO to WBA International lightweight champion Emmanuel Tagoe in their championship fight held July 15 at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana.

Malikov, on the other hand, is making his first title defense of the vacant crown he won via a 3rd round technical knockout win against another Filipino boxer Leonardo Doronio last July 11 also at DIVS. The 30-year-old Malikov

also won the vacant Russia lightweight crown by a split decision against Nikolay Buzolin last February 22.

Laurente, 39, is also a former WBC Asia Boxing Council super welterweight and Philippine super welterweight title-holder. He lost his OPBF title only by a split decision to Japanese Takayuki Hosokawa last November 22, 2015 in Osaka, Japan. (PNA)

Pinoy... FROM 4

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EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS15

Boxing confronted with endorsement problem L AST Saturday, the sport of boxing presented its latest offering to the mainstream public – a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Jessie Vargas. The macro diagnosis of the event is that Pacquiao won a convincing decision absent of much fanfare, with fans still reeling from last year’s Mayweather-Pacquiao debacle.

Canelo Alvarez vs Alfredo Angulo But one thing you probably missed as Manny walked into the ring was the signature Nike swoosh missing from his trunks.

After his inflammatory remarks regarding the LGBT community earlier this year, Pacquiao lost his Nike sponsorship, a deal he’s had for years. Instead, Manny’s trunks were adorned with lesser-known entities such as Motolite and Café Puro.

If you hadn’t guessed by now, boxing has an endorsement problem. If the world’s most popular active fighter can’t even garner a decent sponsorship, where does that leave the rest of boxing’s roster?

Look at every other league in the world. When you watch any soccer game, every player is outfitted with kits swamped with high-profile advertisements. Flip the television to a stream of commercials and you’re bound to see LeBron James raving about Samsung’s newest phone. Even boxing’s combat sports competitor, the UFC, attracts top-tier companies to their brand.

The real issue, though, isn’t the lack of sponsorship revenue waiting to be capitalized on by boxing big-wigs. Boxing’s decimated past largely owes its genesis to an abundance of money in the industry. No, the real omen is that no one seems to trust boxing, its model, its characters, or its viability as a major player in the realm of sports.

It’s a scathing referendum.

Endorsements offer visibility to sports. They legitimize the segments of culture they support out of a sea of endless choices for entertainment. Let’s say someone who loves Coca-Cola has never ob-

served any sports in his or her life.

If they suddenly turn on a football game and see a Coca-Cola promotion play in the middle of the telecast, he or she might give that sport a chance because he or she can draw ties between an interest of theirs and this foreign game. It’s fallacy, but it works.

In a much less overt way, boxing faces the same dynamic. The sport constantly looks to expand its audience outside of its niche.

Yet the absence of endorsements eliminates any cross-cultural publicity that could normalize boxing’s mistakenly jaded reputation to the masses. Boxing doesn’t benefit from discount deals and promotions that incentivize newer viewers to tune into big fights, other than the occasional Tecaté rebate on a pay-per-view. And even though Gennady Golovkin and Andre Ward have filmed spots for companies like Air Jordan and Apple, they are exceptions, as most fighters struggle to find any airtime at all, even on local television plugs. And having no fighters in front of the camera equates to less people aware of who they are.

An even more significant group of potential consumers boxing always aims to rope in are the former fans – those who once loved the sport but are now disillusioned by its politics and recklessness. In this respect, brands are incredibly helpful. Big-name companies have a lot to lose when they throw their name behind anything, let alone an entire industry like boxing, so their stamp of approval is highly valued.

If, for instance, Taco Bell sponsors a big name fight, places all of its weight behind this event, and then the event ends with minimal action and a miserable decision, consumers will negatively connote that brand with negativity (stemming from the event). And quite honestly, boxing doesn’t offer a plethora of opportunities for companies to promote. Factoring in the constant possibility of awful judging with the unfiltered nature of post-fight interviews contrives a set of circumstances that results in poor exposure for endorsing brands.

NEW ENDORSEMENT. Manny Pacquiao has signed with lesser known Anta after his breakup with Nike.

‘SLAYER’ STRIKES... FROM 16

his putt out to the right and got his second bogey ,” Danny told Edge Davao.

With a one-over par scorecard, Nagayo needed to birdiehis last hole—the long par-5 1st—in order to catch up with Gong.

“I told him to go for the green and put a one pin left target because there’s more room to play than missing it right off the green,” Danny

said.

Nagayo did just that with his 5 iron second shot but it bounced left landing in the bunker for his third shot and another eagle putt which landed 10 ft just below the hole.

He missed his birdie putt by just an inch and ended up with a par for second place.

“It was a good finish. Now, we have to prepare for the State Finals,” Danny said.

RUNNER UP. Ateneo de Davao University finished first runner up in the recent Davao City Athletic Association (DCAA) Meet losing to rival Holy Child in the finals of boys basketball. Stalwart Francis Gabriel Escandor (center)

suffered an injury in the semifinals and sat down the championship. Also in photo are 6-6 Zhou Go (left) and Josh Barrientos. Lean Daval Jr.

CMO blasts Navy C ITY Mayors Office blasted Philippine Navy, 114-82, to win two in a row following a slump in the 2016 AFP-PNP basketball tournament on Wednesday night at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. League scoring-leader

Sec. Christopher “Bong” Go scored 32 points with eight three pointers as the CMO bolstered its chance to make it to the semifinal round.

Go, the special assistant to Pres. Duterte, got plenty of support that makes things easy for the CMO to improve its standing at 3-3.

Spot-up shooting Presidential Assistant for Sports Glenn Escandor fired 10 points as Adriano and Lomotos chipped in a combined 23 baskets.

Navyman Botor topped with 15 points for Team NFEM that drew 13 from Pagsuguiran and 12 from

Calogcog.

CMO’s big win came after avoiding a virtual early exit in the league with a victory over gritty Special Action Force.

The City Hall dribblers was in the midst of a three game losing skid before toppling SAF that kept its Final Four bid alive.

Spurs to retire Duncan’s jersey T

IM Duncan, who played almost two decades with the same team and captured five NBA titles, will have his No. 21 jersey retired by the San Antonio Spurs, the team announced on Wednesday.

The Spurs said the ceremony would take place on December 18 when San Antonio host the New Orleans Pelicans.

Duncan will become the eighth Spurs player in franchise history to have his number raised to the rafters, joining Bruce Bowen (12), Sean Elliott (32), George Gervin (44), Avery Johnson (6), Johnny Moore (00), David Robinson (50) and James Silas (13).

Duncan and coach Gregg Popovich have the most wins by a player-coach duo in NBA history (1,001) and

the forward finished his career in San Antonio as one of just three players in NBA history, along with John Stockton of the Utah Jazz and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, to spend 19 seasons with one franchise.

Duncan, selected by the Spurs as the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA entry draft, helped the franchise post a 1,072-438 regular-season record during his time in San Antonio.

In his NBA career, the 15-time all-star appeared in a total of 1,392 games and averaged 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He shot .506 from the floor and .696 from the free-throw line.

RETIRED. Tim Duncan’s no.

21 will be hanged on the rafters of Alamodome on December 18.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.99ISSUE ISSUE192 192••FRIDAY FRIDAY- -SATURDAY, SATURDAY,NOVEMBER NOVEMBER18 18- -19, 19,2016 2016

‘SLAYER’ STRIKES Daniel Nagayo makes it to Victoria Junior State Finals

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

A

njb@edgedavao.net

USTRALIA -- This time, the ‘Slayer’ did not have to be at the top.

He just needed to get where he wanted—to the State Finals.

Davao’s latest golfing phenom Daniel Nagayo fired a one over par over 9 holes to finish runner-up in the 2016 Victorian Primary Schools regional finals at Keysborough Golf Club in Melbourne on Thursday.

The 11-year old son of Melbourne-based businessman nurse Danny and former city councilor Rachel, representing Park Ridge, won runner-up honors via countback over former champion Jackson Green of Coatesville.

Starting at the par 5 hole no. 2, he had a one over par 38 in the multi-tee start.

Josh Gong of Mount View ruled the tournament with an even par scorecard.

The strong finish sent Nagayo to the Victoria State Finals on November 30 at The Koringal Golf in Altona.

Tournament rules allocate the Top 8 in every regional finals to advance to the Sate Finals.

Playing alongside flightmates Green, Maxwell Oldham and Luke Sullivan of Our Lady of the Assumption, and top-ranked two-time champion Eric Zhuang of Mt. Waverly, Nagayo had a nice drive off the tee and managed to get his second shot in front of the sloping green. He pulled a wedge to 20 meters, missed an eagle putt and settled for par.

Zhuang asserted his bill-

ing right from the first hole with a birdie 4.

In no. 3, Daniel hit the green in regulation and had a sidehill putt for par Zhuang got mired in the left bunker, didn’t get out in his first attempt and had to make his second shot short of the green. He had three putts and ballooned to a fat 7.

In the par 4 4th, Nagayo had another well-planted tee shot that left him just 55 meters to the green. He pitched to just eight feet below the pin and two-putted for par.

Zhuang had a bogey five after missing the green and was all spent after two holes and three over par.

The sweet-swinging Nagayo went on to save par n the next two holes after hitting the bunker in succession.

Zhuang momentarily recovered with a birdie on no. 5 but dropped another bogey on 6th.

Another monster drive in the 7th and a well-placed iron approach gave Nagayo an eagle putt that he made into a birdie from two feet.

Nagayo pulled a 9-iron on the par 3 8th but landed short of the green, then missed a five-footer to settle for a bogey. Zhuang was even worse with a double bogey 5.

Facing trouble with an errant drive in the 9th, he landed his approach on a rough and used a lob wedge to roll 6 feet below the cup.

He muffed his par putt and settled for a bogey.

“I told him just putt right edge firm contact, but pushed

F ‘SLAYER’ STRIKES, 15

THE SLAYER. Daniel Nagayo hits his drive.