Edge Davao 9 Issue 194

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR. An exhibitor selling a wide variety of rare toys arranged the miniatures of Hulk and Voltron during the opening of Christmas Bazaar 2016 at the SM City Annex in Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

P50T AID FOR TODDLER’S KIN

Law to protect‘orphaned’children of OFWs pushed

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

T

HE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration formally handed over yesterday financial assistance worth ₱50,000 to the family of the two-year-old toddler who was killed by his guardian-relatives in Calinan, Davao City.

But at the same time OWWA XI director Eduardo Bellido called on lawmakers to come up with a policy that will address the issue of when parents need to work abroad--regardless of how uncertain the welfare of their loved ones who are left behind will be.

It can be recalled that twoyear-old child John Earl died on November 14 after he was placed in a sack and beaten up

by his guardians, identified as Sarah Jane and Ronilo Alcain at their residence.

According to OWWA XI Director Eduardo Bellido, John Earl suffered his fate at the hands of the couple with whom he was entrusted by his mother, a migrant worker in Bahrain.

“The police report said the child was killed due to excessive mauling after he urinated intermittently in his pants,” Bellido told the reporters on Monday.

Bellido said that most mothers who work overseas usually leave their children in the care of their relatives as in the case of Erlinda Cagalitan,

John Earl’s mother.

Aside from financial support, Bellido mentioned that OWWA would also provide livelihood and training assistance to the child’s mother and psycho-social counseling to the family members.

“Erlinda [John Earl’s mom] also requested that one of her children may be placed in a scholarship program to help ease expenses in education,” Bellidosaid, adding that OWWA may do such as soon as the new guidelines will be released.

Bellido added that all these are in line with the directive issued by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sec-

retary Silvestre Bello III to provide protection for the workers and their respective families.

He added that the cheque was personally given by OWWA deputy administrator Josefino Torres on Monday morning, November 21, 2016.

Meanwhile, the mother of the victim said she cannot believe what happened to her son.

“I even asked Sarah what to cook for Christmas to which she told me her plans. I also asked her about the children but suddenly, Teresita [grandmother] told me that my child died,” Erlinda said in an interview, adding that she demands

FP50K, 10

PSALM set to face probe on unremitted P27B dividends

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE state-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) will face an inquiry in the Senate in relation to the alleged non-remittance of P27.28 billion in dividends owed

to the national government over the past decade.

Senator Win Gatchalian, chair of the Committee on Energy in the Senate has filed Resolution No. 234 for the said probe, saying that

EDGEDAVAO Sports HOT ELLA

Nagayo wins Stuart Appleby Signature tournament P16

FPSALM, 10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

RESIGN NOW. President Rodrigo Duterte ordered all Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) officials to resign immediately due to reports of corruption during a press conference at Melia Hotel in Lima, Peru on November 20. KING RODRIGUEZ/ Presidential Photo

DA to host Christmas Bid to increase teachers’ Night Fruit Market salaries backed in Senate A S GRICULTURE Secretary Manny Piñol said on Monday the Department of Agriculture will host fruit farmers who would like to sell their products directly to consumers in a night market.

The hosting, he said, will be done at the compound of the DA office in Quezon City that will start on December 1 and will be dubbed as “Christmas Night Fruit Market”.

The move is in response to the complaint of fruit farmers that middlemen and trad-

ers are squeezing them to sell their farm products at very low prices because of alleged over supply, he added.

The secretary cited the case of the selling of lacatan bananas where instead of buying it at P27 per kilo, buyers and traders are procuring it at P15 per kilo.

“The traders are reportedly saying that there is an oversupply of fruits, a reason which I do not buy because I know for a fact that bananas from Mind-

FDA, 10

Human rights defenders files charges vs. De Lima for graft

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

H

UMAN rights defenders Temogen Tulawie and Abner Salahil Tahil filed complaints against Senator Leila De Lima and six others before the Office of the Ombudsman on Friday for graft and corruption.

Tulawie and Tahil claimed that de Lima and six other respondents violated Section 4 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10168, otherwise known as Financing of Terrorism.

Others in the complaint list are former Sulu Vice Mayor Abdusakur Tan, Philippine Bar member Atty. Wendell Sotto, former chairperson of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Atty. Mehol Sadain, and former commis-

sioner-in-charge of NCMF’s Bureau of Affairs Edilwasif Baddiri.

Tulawie said he and Tahil had personal knowledge of the acts complained against the respondents because the incident happened during the trial of a Criminal Case pending before Branch 19 Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Manila where they both stood as co-accused.

He explained that they have only managed to file the complaint now because at that time, Tulawie was still detained at the Manila City Jail while Tahil was detained at the Special Intensive Care Area (SICA) of Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

FHUMAN, 10

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ adlopez0920@gmail.com

AYING that the country needed more quality teachers than the sizes of classes and curricula, Senator Richard Gordon on Monday underscored the importance of raising the salary of public school teachers as a way of attracting and retaining the best educators in the country.

During the deliberations on the budget of the Department of Education (DepED) in the Senate, Gordon pointed out studies that showed neither class size nor school curricula produce bright and good students.

“But good and quality teachers do,” he stressed.

“Our country has the right population age to greatly contribute to the development of

our country. But we’re going to miss the bus if we’re not going to improve the quality of education of our young population,” the senator said.

He added that for the country to be able to educate our young population and enable them to compete with the best in the world, the government must provide students with good, well-trained and properly motivated teachers, especially in the public school sector.

DepED is proposing for P567.5 billion budget next year to address the entry of senior high school students with the full implementation of the K to 12 Program.

With the opening of Grade 12, DepED said the

agency must meet additional resources and to expand the alternative learning system.

Among the priorities the agency will implement next year are the building of 47,492 classrooms and 66,492 school seats.

DpeED will also hire around 53,831 additional teachers and procure 55.8 million learning materials worth P3 billion and 30,697 information and communications technology packages worth P6.9 billion.

The agency will also allocate P7.3 billion funds for 7,260 technical and vocational tools and equipment packages next year.

Senator Gordon also called on the DepED to strive

to become Asia’s intellectual superpower, saying: “We have to leave our mark in the sense that we made the country better. We have to make our people become better educated so that we can be the intellectual superpower of Asia.”

He also reiterated to DepED officials to “Never mind the class size and the school curricula, it is good teachers that we need. Our children would be smarter and more competitive if they have good teachers. How can we entice the best instructors to teach in our public schools when the salary of our public school teachers lags behind teachers in our neighboring countries in Asia? We have to give them better salaries.”

at the Waterfront Insular, Davao City on November 19.

She added that the Davao-Samal Bridge is one of the projects that President Duterte was excited about since it would boost Davao tourism alongside his agenda to increase infrastructure spending for tourism.

“Why would people go to Boracay if it is now easier to go to Samal?” said Teo.

She added that the Davao-Samal Bridge project will lessen the traffic in the city and would improve trade relations between Igacos and Davao City.

The initial proposal entailed the amount of PHP6-billion for the proposed 1.2-kilometer bridge connect Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGCS). It is considered one

of the most important projects being pushed during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte under the public- private-partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects.

“The initial report of the pre-feasibility study was already shown to us,” said Tourism Secretary for Mindanao Eden David.

According to her, fund-

DOT says Davao-Samal bridge to be implemented this 2019

BY RIA VALDEZ

D

EPARTMENT of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo gave assurance that construction of the PHP6-billion, 1.2 kilometer bridge spanning Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) will finally get underway in 2019.

“The money is there, all that needs to be done is the implementation,”Teo explained in a press conference

FDOT, 10

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Media group commemorates 2009 Maguindanao Massacre

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines in Davao City (NUJP-Davao) will commemorate on Wednesday, November 23 the 7th anniversary of the infamous ‘Maguindanao Massacre’ that claimed the lives of 58 individuals, including 32 media workers.

“Seven years have passed yet justice remains elusive for the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre,” said Ma. Cecilia Badian, officer-in-charge of NUJP-Davao in its invitation to members.

The group also described the massacre as “the worst poll-related violence and media killings in the country.”

NUJP-Davao will hold on

Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. a candle lighting ceremony at the Freedom Park in Roxas Avenue.

“The candle lighting ceremony will serve as an expression of our continued outrage and to highlight the slow grind of justice for all the victims of extra-judicial killings,” Badian added.

Relatives of the victims and members of the media had already started to visit the massacre site in Maguindanao province since Sunday.

Various activities, including offering of prayers and mass were also facilitated by the relatives of the victims and members of the media.

FMEDIA, 10

PHOTO EXHIBIT. Jelieta Walinski, Ph.D (second from left) and husband James (leftmost), together with Dr. Ronald Tangente, M.D., Luzviminda Ilagan (second from right) of Gabriela and Sister Mary Josephine Bacaltos, executive director of Kaugmaran Pagpagahum Foundation, Inc. (KPFI) led

the cutting of ribbon to formally open the KPFI fundraising photo exhibit at Rodriguez Hall of Ateneo De Davao University Jacinto campus yesterday.

The exhibit will be open until November 26 to feature the photography works of Jelieta Walinski. Lean Daval Jr.

TF Davao, city launch A anti-terror advocacy

P1-M reward up for info on Lachica murder: DOF

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

T

HE Task Force Davao , in collaboration with the City Government of Davao and other stakeholders, launched yesterday at the City Hall the “No to Terror” advocacy to raise people’s awareness and vigilance.

The launching was attended by City Administrator Atty.

Zuleika Lopez, Public Safety and Security Command Center head Benito de Leon, TFD Commander Erwin Bernard Neri, peace advocates, and other agencies.

“The launching of this advocacy to raise the awareness of the citizenry against terrorism,” Neri explained. pointed out.

TFD has also produced more than a thousand pins and distributed it to all attendees during the launching.

Neri said that advocacy would strengthen not only the

unit but also among Dabawenyos as the pin, as the symbol of anti-terrorism, would remind the locals that the city will not succumb into terrorism.

He mentioned that the pin symbolizes their commitment to promote peace, address terrorism and remind everyone to stand up and fight against terrorism.

De Leon emphasized that the public security is the responsibility of everyone.

“We should always help each other in achieving peace and security,” he said, adding that everyone must remain vigilant at all times.

Kent Jason Capute, 34, a resident of Davao City said that he is fully supportive of the anti-terrorist campaign of the security forces since it also meant to provide safety for civilians like him.

“I want the other people

to see that we Davaoṅoes are standing against terrorism and it can never bring us down, through this we will be more vigilant to have a safer city,” he said.

Task Force Davao commander, Col Erwin Bernard Neri said that the pinning of anti-terror pin is a sign that the Davaonoes stand up and fight against terrorism.

“After that incident on September 2, we emphasized that we have to raise the level of awareness and vigilance of the people against terrorism,” Neri said.

He said that the pinning symbolizes that the people of Davao can unite and go against terrorism.

“Security forces can’t do this alone, so we need the help of the community,” he added.

Neri also calls on the business sectors to replicate the

pins and put it on their employees to show unity within the city.

Last month, the Task Force Davao conducted an anti-terrorism seminar to the barangay officials to let their constituent know of the things that they need to do.

After the bombing that took 15 lives, the security forces implemented a strict security policy including on the checkpoint operation.

Neri said that they have been asking the vehicle owners to let their windows down and open their compartment for security purposes.

He said that since President Rodrigo Duterte declared the entire country under the state of lawless violence, security forces can look thoroughly at the vehicles entering the city. (with a story by F. Pearl A. Gajunera)

P1-MILLION reward awaits anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of persons behind the Nov. 17 murder of deputy commissioner Arturo Lachica Bureau of Customs (BOC), according to the Department of Finance.

The DOF said an individual from the private sector is offering this cash reward of P1 million for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators of deputy commissioner’s murder.

The DOF did not identify the source of the cash reward and said the identity of the would-be informant would remain strictly confidential.

Those who have any information relevant to Lachica’s case can contact either head executive assistant Marc Gregory Crisostomo or technical assistant Alddon Christner Ang. Crisostomo and Ang can be contacted at 5239215 and 5239219.

According to the Manila Police District spot report that Faeldon had furnished the DOF, Lachica was on his

Justice still eludes victims of massacre 7 years after

E FUND SUPPORT. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 11 director Eduardo Bellido (left) told reporters of the P50,000 financial assistance to the family of John Earl Cagalitan, a two-year old boy who died

after allegedly mauled by his guardian in Calinan, Davao City. Bellido, together with Welfare Case officer Rey Elaya (right), made the announcement during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the SM City Annex in Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

way home to Caloocan City on Thursday night onboard his Toyota Altis with two BOC contractual employees—his driver Romulo Dumaua and bodyguard Ramon Hernandez—when the suspect wearing a face mask suddenly appeared from behind along España Avenue near the corner of Kundiman St. in Sampaloc, Manila and shot Lachica several times with a handgun.

Lachica was rushed to the nearby United Doctors Medical Center, where he was subsequently declared dead-on-arrival.

Lachica was a certified public accountant who was appointed deputy commissioner for the BOC Internal Administration Group (IAG) on 2014.

He was designated as deputy commissioner for the Revenue Collection and Monitoring Group in July 2015 and, since his posting there, had been active in filing cases against alleged smugglers and those involved in illegal and misdeclared imports.

Faeldon appointed Lachica back as IAG deputy commissioner last July.

DITHA Tiamzon’s eyes welled up with tears as she stepped into a fenced plot at a hill in Sitio Masalay of Barangay Salman here where white headstones stand in remembrance of the 58 people who died in a gruesome massacre seven years ago.

The site was one of the two spots where the remains of some of the victims, 32 of whom were media workers, were found hours after the Nov. 23, 2009 killings.

Editha, widow of victim UNTV driver Daniel Tiamzon, visited the site for the first time on Sunday afternoon along with around 80 family members and colleagues of the slain journalists to commemorate the seventh year of the carnage.

“Napakasakit. Bumabalik sa akin ang mga alalala at nakikita ko ngayon kung gaano ka-brutal ang

nangyari (It’s very painful. The memories were coming back and I can see now how brutal it was),” she said.

She finally agreed to visit the site after setting it aside these past years due to some concerns from her family, which is based in Metro Manila.

She joined a convoy from General Santos City, where some of the slain journalists hailed, to the massacre site to also retrace the events that took place during the incident.

The group held a mass, lighted candles and offered flowers at the headstones that carried the names of the victims.

The visit was part of the ongoing commemoration of the seventh anniversary of the infamous massacre, which had been

FJUSTICE, 10

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

Mindanao expects 20% rise in tourist arrivals annually

T

OURIST arrivals in Mindanao are expected to rise by 10 to 20 percent year-on-year if backed with logistic support from concerned government agencies, a tourism official said.

Department of Tourism-Mindanao (DOT-Mindanao) Assistant Secretary Eden David noted that she sees this possible with the creation of a Mindanao Tourism Agenda (MTA) to go on a full-blown scale by next year.

“The target that has been set is to at least increase it by 10 to 20 percent but it be dependent upon logistic support when it comes to infrastructure,” David said in a press conference in Davao City.

DOT earlier said that the MTA is expected to complement the department’s National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).

“The Mindanao plan will have to be started by 2017.

There would be a MOA (mem-

orandum of agreement) that would be undertaken next week and hopefully by end of the year we have initial draft to submit to Malacanang,” David said.

Data from DOT Mindanao showed that the island acquired around 8.5 million tourist arrivals in 2015 with the bulk of these arrivals coming from the Davao Region (Region 11) with around 2.8 million arrivals.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) acquired around 800,000 arrivals, Northern Mindanao (Region 10) acquired around 2.7 million arrivals, Soccsksargen (Region 12) acquired around 1 million arrivals and Caraga (Region 13) acquired around 1.2 million arrivals.

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo vowed to boost Mindanao tourism under her term especially since she herself and President Rodrigo Duterte hails from the same region. (PNA)

CHRISTMAS SERENADE. The Manila Symphony Orchestra double quartet serenade the crowd and shoppers with all-time favorite Christmas songs during Abreeza Mall’s Christmas launch at its activity center over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

SMC’s 300 MW power plant in Malita to start operation T

Tourist buses to improve Mindanao connectivity

BY RIA VALDEZ

S

MC Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMC Global Power), a wholly-owned subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation, has declared commercial operations for its 300 MW Power Plant in Malita, Davao Occidental.

The declaration comes after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) deemed the plant compliant through an issuance of a Provisional Authority to Operate (PAO) in favor of the company enabling it to operate and supply energy to its customers.

The issuance of a PAO means that the company has

been found compliant with financial, technical, and environmental requirements under the 2014 Revised Rules for the Issuance of Certificate of Compliance for Generation Companies/Entities with Self-Generation Facilities.

With the PAO, the company can already supply its customers at their contracted rates.

In a statement, SMC Global Power praised the ERC for expediting the approval process to ensure that end-users especially in Mindanao will have a stable and affordable supply of power. “We would

like to commend the ERC for its efforts to ensure that Mindanao will be able to benefit from the lower cost of power by allowing generation companies such as SMC Global Power to operate,” SMC President, , Ramon S. Ang said.

SMC Global Power through its subsidiary San Miguel Consolidated Power Corporation (SMCPC) is set to supply power from its power plant to the Mindanao grid particularly to ASELCO, SURSECO-2, COTELCO MAIN, ZAMZELCO, DASURECO, COTELCO PPALMA, LANECO, DANECO, MORESCO-1,

ZAMZURECO-1, and SIARELCO. SMC Global Power President, Ramon Ang also stressed that the WESM in Mindanao should be established soon.

“We are hopeful that the DOE in coordination with all industry stakeholders will expedite the establishment of the energy spot market in Mindanao. Considering the project over-supply in Mindanao in the next 3 to 5 years, a WESM is needed so generation companies and off-takers will have the opportunity to trade and benefit from the excess capacity,” he added.

change adaptation and mitigation measures in the country.

“Bamboo can absorb more carbon than other wood trees thus ensuring clean atmosphere. Bamboo industry and program can also help stimulate economy for inclusive growth,” the environment secretary said in her keynote address.

The resource plant has been proven to sequester more carbon at 400 percent per unit area and gives off 35 percent more oxygen than other trees. The bamboo dies if left unattended for more than 10 years.

However, if bamboo stems are harvested properly and at the right time, the root system survives and continues to store carbon as the harvested stems are being replaced.

The DENR chief related that the department is eyeing to provide financial support

for bamboo industry players as it seeks to establish one million hectares of bamboo plantation in critical watershed areas and other sites covered by the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) within the next six years.

The ENGP aims to rehabilitate an estimated 7.1 million hectares of unproductive, denuded and degraded forestlands from 2016 to 2028.

“Civil society should work with entrepreneurs in area management to help communities,” Lopez reiterated.

Meanwhile, Ilocos Sur Rep. Deogracias Victor Savellano stressed the importance of an organized and well managed bamboo industry development program.

Savellano disclosed that bamboo is now being recognized as a unique or separate forest product with huge industry potential for both local

and international markets.

The industry has generated employment to more than 190,000 people across the nation.

“The bamboo industry can be a key contributor to the development of rural areas in the country,” said the congressman.

Products that can be derived from bamboo can be used for house construction, farm implements, kitchen utensils, furniture and handicrafts.

Bamboo has also been found to reduce soil erosion preventing landslides that could inflict massive casualties.

To acknowledge the significance of bamboo on national development, Savellano has proposed to President Rodrigo Duterte to issue an executive order that will declare

DENR Sec. Lopez pushes for ecozones to venture into bamboo manufacturing D

By AEROL B. PATENA

EPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez has called on economic zones to venture into the manufacture of bamboo products as she highlighted the role of bamboo in ensuring sustainable development during the National Symposium and Exhibit on Bamboo and Climate Change held Monday at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City.

Lopez urged the government and the private sector to coordinate with each other in promoting the development of the bamboo industry as it is vital for attaining inclusive growth and for preparing the Philippines on the effects of climate change.

Bamboo is now a popular source of materials for furniture and other manufactured wood articles aside from it being utilized as part of climate

FDENR, 10

OURISM Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo, saying access to Mindanao rates high in her priorities, added that basic infrastructure support has to be in place for tourism to flourish in the island.

Teo gave the prognosis during the Hermes Club press conference at the Waterfront Insular Hotel on Nov. 19.

She said that DOT’s national tourism development plan included over 2.5 kilometers of roads constructed in Mindanao in 2015 meant to reduce tourist traffic to key tourist destinations. Accordig to her, the goal of DOT and DPWH is 80% of road connectivity in Minadanao.

“My focus is always Davao and Mindanao because I feel like Davao has been left behind,” Teo said. “Palawan, Boracay, Cebu are already known.

Now, it’s Davao’s turn.”

She also announced the operation of the Go Mindanao Tourist Bus which will transport tourists to almost 300 tourist bus stops along 3 routes: the Davao-Buda, Buda-Cagayayan de Oro and Davao-Butuan.

She added that the Davao Metro Shuttle would sponsor over 400 luxury bus units complete with amenities for land travel for the next 3 years.

The bus stops would be constructed by the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

“These tourist bus stops would house an information center, a mini-restaurant, shower and restrooms, and a prayer room which will be operated by the local community in that area,” she said.

“My goal is not to sell Davao, but Mindanao as a whole, “Teo stressed. She added that though these plans are all scheduled to be finished by 2020, the construction would start by 2017.

Tourist arrivals in Mind-

anao are expected to rise by 10 to 20 percent year-on-year if backed with logistic support from concerned government agencies, a tourism official said.

Assistant Secretary Eden David said this is possible with the creation of a Mindanao Tourism Agenda (MTA) to go on a full-blown scale by next year.

“The target that has been set is to at least increase it by 10 to 20 percent but it be dependent upon logistic support when it comes to infrastructure,” David said in a press conference in Davao City.

DOT earlier said that the MTA is expected to complement the department’s National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).

“The Mindanao plan will have to be started by 2017.

There would be a MOA (memorandum of agreement) that would be undertaken next week and hopefully by end of the year we have initial draft to submit to Malacanang,” David said.

Data from DOT Mindanao showed that the island acquired around 8.5 million tourist arrivals in 2015 with the bulk of these arrivals coming from the Davao Region (Region 11) with around 2.8 million arrivals.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) acquired around 800,000 arrivals, Northern Mindanao (Region 10) acquired around 2.7 million arrivals, Soccsksargen (Region 12) acquired around 1 million arrivals and Caraga (Region 13) acquired around 1.2 million arrivals.

Teo vowed to boost Mindanao tourism under her term especially since she herself and President Rodrigo Duterte hails from the same region.

Bus tours

FTOURIST, 10

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

5

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

Rody’s chairmanship of ASEAN seen as US, China fit new roles in 2017

G

IVEN President Duterte’s striking display of prescience in his early foreign policy pivot towards regional integration with Southeast and North Asia, his chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) when it turns a half-century in 2017 couldn’t have come at a more fortuitous time for this regional bloc amid the likelihood of its chief security and economic ally of choice—the United States—going isolationist and inward-looking under a Donald Trump presidency.

ASEAN member-states that have already cast their lot with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) are facing an uncertain future as this US-led trade deal looks virtually dead in the

water given Trump’s “America first” policy pronouncements during the recently-concluded US presidential campaign.

Hence, the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) appears as the ideal and lucrative market bloc for Southeast Asia at this point to sustain its economic expansion, now that President Obama himself appears to have all but given up on his pet initiative TPP following Trump’s upset victory.

And who else is better suited for this job of leading the ASEAN into this new strategic partnership beginning in 2017—just as Trump takes over the White House in January—than Mr. Duterte who had presciently shown to his fellow

by 20% next year,” said David. However, she called out to government agencies for logistic support in infrastructures.

“We want to make Mindanao accessible,” said Teo who added that they have talked to concerned agencies to improve or increase the number of infrastructures in Mindanao such as bypass roads connecting different municipalities.

“We want to improve on land, see, and air connectivity,” she added.

“We have met with Mind-

anao Development Authority (MinDA) and DPWH to collaborate on our future projects,” David remarked.

She added that the Mindanao Tourism Plan (MTP) would hopefully be implemented by 2017.

“We would have a memorandum of agreement (MOA) singing next week so that we could submit the initial draft by the end of the year,” said David.

According to her, Mindanao had around 8.5 million tourist arrivals last 2015, 2.8

million of which were from the Davao Region.

The Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) had around 800,000 arrivals, Northern Mindanao (Region 10) with around 2.7 million arrivals, Soccsksargen (Region 12) acquired around 1 million arrivals and Caraga (Region 13) with around 1.2 million arrivals.

Teo stressed that as long as she is the DOT secretary, she would boost tourism in Mindanao since the President hails from this island.

and their keen interest in investing in, among others, the fields of energy, tourism, technology and infrastructure, particularly in the construction of railways and bridges.

The NDRC is China’s chief planning and strategy agency.

“We have been informed of the 10-point economic agenda.

On our side we have the OneRoad One-Belt Initiative by President Xi Jinping and we hope that both sides can encourage these plans and encourage Chinese business to invest in the Philippines,” Deputy Chairman Ning said during the meeting.

Ning said the purpose of their visit was to discuss in detail, and implement, the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed between Manila and Beijing during President Duterte’s visit, particularly those on Investment Cooperation and on Transport Infrastructure.

These MOUs were signed by NEDA and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) on behalf of the Philippines.

“Developing the economy and promoting people’s livelihood will be the foundation of our governments’ cooperation,” Ning said.

In the meeting, Dominguez informed the NDRC delegation that President Duterte, as chairperson of the NEDA Board, already instructed the Investment CoordinationCommittee to ensure “good and close coordination” with the NDRC in executing the areas of economic cooperation between the Philippines and China.

“We want to do the best both for the Filipino people and the Chinese taxpayers. We want to make sure that the benefits go to the people who need it and the resources of the Chinese people, through the Chinese government, being made available to us will not be wasted,” Dominguez said.

The officials from both sides agreed to hold an investors conference sometime next year to discuss possible projects, after the Philippine government will have submitted its proposed ventures that are seen to benefit the most from Chinese technology and expertise.

To speed up the pre-investment process, Dominguez committed to provide the Chinese embassy with a list of such possible projects by December 1.

Besides Ning, the other NDRC officials present at the meeting were Li Xuedong, Deputy Direc-

tor General of the Department of International Cooperation; Zhen Chiping, Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Capital and Overseas Investment; Zhen Jian, Deputy Director General of the Department of Basic Industries; Hua Zhong, Director of the General Office; Chen Shuai, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Hu Fang, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation; Hu Jianwu, Director of the Department of International Cooperation of National Energy Administration; and Tang Tang, Third Secretary of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

They were accompanied by Charge d’ Affaires He Xiangqi and other Chinese Embassy officials.

The Philippine side was represented by Dominguez, Villar, Cayetano, Tungpalan, DPWH Undersecretary Karen Jimeno and Bases Conversion and Development Authority President & CEO Vivencio Dizon.

Assistant Secretaries Maria Edita Tan, Paola Alvarez and Mark Dennis Joven of the Department of Finance, and Director Robert Ferrer from the Department of Foreign Affairs were also present at the meeting.

Describing the MOUs as

TRY ONE. A mall-goer is lured to buy “balut” for P20 per piece at Maharlika Peking Duck stall at the SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

DOF in linkup to work out subsidy for poor commuters

T

HE Department of Finance has started coordinating with the Departments of Transportation and of Energy to find ways on how to deliver indirect subsidies to low-income commuters in the face of planned increase in fuel excise taxes.

Finance Assistant Secretary Paola Alvarez said among the possible social protection measures are the issuance of Pantawid Pasada or cash cards to drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs), setting up fuel depots with subsidized rates for PUVs or giving them cash discounts.

“For public utility vehicles, we are now linking up with the DOTr and the DOE to come up with measures to best implement the cash cards or oil subsidy program, to lessen the impact of the planned fuel excise tax on PUVs,” said Alvarez, the Department’s spokesperson.

Alvarez said that the first package of the tax reform plan, which includes the fuel excise increases, is planned for implementation in 2018 yet, giving the DOF and other government agencies a full year to devise ways on how to deliver the indirect subsidies to low-income commuters and other vulnerable sectors to be affected by the tax hike.

She explained that the main feature of the first tax reform package submitted by the DOF to the Congress last September is the reduction of the personal income tax (PIT) rate from 32 percent to 25 percent that will, in effect, exempt 4.7-M taxpayers, which already include the current 1.7 million minimum wage earners, from paying income taxes.

An additional 3 million taxpayers with taxable incomes of P250,000 and below would be included in the batch that would pay zero taxes under the tax plan.

To offset the revenue erosion from the PIT reductions, Alvarez said the reform plan is complemented by a set of revenue-enhancing measures that include adjusting the excise tax on petroleum products and indexing these to inflation, expanding the value-added tax

(VAT) base and restructuring taxes on automobiles, except for buses, trucks, cargo vans, jeepneys, jeep substitutes, single cab chassis, and special-purpose vehicles.

Alvarez acknowledged observations made by some sectors that the tax plan appears to be too “ambitious”, but she pointed out that this was in the sense of implementing hardto-make decisions to ensure that growth truly becomes inclusive on the Duterte watch.

“It is ambitious in a way that our President is very ambitious also in helping the country. I think he is the only President who actually wants to overhaul and improve our transportation system, wants to bring about inclusive growth, and wants the country’s rural areas developed,” Alvarez said.

She said the Duterte administration’s goal is to make the benefits of growth reach every Filipino by developing the country’s infrastructure, investing heavily in human capital development and social protection for the poorest of the poor.

Alvarez said the tax reform plan submitted by the DOF to the Congress ensures that the rich, rather than the poor, pay more in the form of taxes.

For instance, while diesel is widely used by both the rice and the poor, not doing anything to adjust its tax and indexing it later to inflation benefits the rich far more than the poor because the richest 10 percent of households in the country consume almost 60 percent of oil products and the top one percent use up 20 percent.

With the taxes on oil products unadjusted since 1997, the government, in effect, has been subsidizing the rich in their fuel consumption for the last 19 years, Alvarez said.

Alvarez said that adjusting fuel excise taxes would stop the fuel subsidy enjoyed by the rich and this instead to low-income households and other vulnerable sectors in the form of highly targeted transfer programs. (DOF)

FRODY, 11

Mindanao tourism plan for 2020 to focus on more infrastructures

BY RIA VALDEZ

D

EPARTMENT of Tourism Assistant Secretary Eden Josephine David revealed that the DOT’s tourism plan for Mindanao up to the year 2020 would be dependent on logistical support to infrastructures.

This was announced during the Hermes Club Press Conference on November 19 where David and DOT Secretary Wanda Teo announced their plans to improve tourism for the coming years.

“Tourist arrivals in Mindanao are expected to increase

RP, China to move forward on investment commitments T

OP Philippine and Chinese officials have agreed to move ahead on, and set up structures of coordination to effectively implement, the investment pledges forged between Manila and Beijing during President Duterte’s successful state visit to China last month.

Economic officials led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, along with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, met this week with officials of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, just days after President Duterte’s approval of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s guidelines on the pre-investment and investment stages of the prospective ventures.

NEDA Deputy Director General Rolando Tungpalan gave a brief overview of the guidelines during the meeting.

“I think this afternoon we have laid the ground work on moving ahead and we should continue this dialogue with specific projects in mind,” Dominguez said at the meeting.

Led by NDRC Deputy Chairman Ning Jizhe, the Chinese officials reiterated Beijing’s full support for President Duterte’s 10-point socio-economic agenda

FRP, 10

EDGEDAVAO

7 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

Regional showcase opens in GenSan T

HE 3rd Treasures of SOCCSKSARGEN that featured the best of Region 12’s products opened last November 16 at SM City in General Santos City.

The event that lasted until November 20, was facilitated with the convergence of national government agencies, provincial governments and local government units (LGUs) in the region.

Government agencies who joined the showcase include the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mines and GeoSciences Bureau (DENRMGB), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) , and Technology Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 12 and the Tri-Media Association of General Santos City helped in the promotion of the activities.

“Each of you here has the power to influence people to patronize the products in this Trade Fair. This is by telling stories about them and our MSMEs. “Assistant Secretary Albert Christopher Du Naga of the DTI Regional Operations Group said during the opening ceremony of the event.

The presentation was also joined by micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) exhibitors and Indonesian Consul General Berlian Napitupulo together with his team composed of Vice Consul General Wahyou Permana and communications officer Imam Aulia Rahman.

DTI-12 regional director Ibrahim K. Guiamadel expressed gratitude to the participating agencies and other stakeholders for the success of the event.

As agreed during the MOA

signing of agencies, the Treasures of SOCCSKSARGEN (TOS) will be institutionalized and the hosting of the next TOS will be done by the Department of Agriculture .

Different food and nonfood products were displayed by the 70 pre-identified MSMEs who occupied a total of 80 booths at the SM City Event Center.

T

HE Kidapawan City’s Call-911 Response Unit, the first-ever in the region, has stepped up its emergency medical capability following the upgraded procurement on Monday of a Php1-million ambulance for its operations.

“On Monday, the city has procured its first retrofitted ambulance with full-emergency apparatus amounting to Php 1-million in addition to its current fleet of five ambulances,” Psalmer Bernalte, city disaster risk reduction management officer, said.

With the top-notch ambulance, he said that from the current basic life support assistance, which only provides wound dressing and other first aide services, their group has evolved to an intermediate life support unit where respond-

ers can perform intravenous fluid transfers to victims upon orders of the on-duty medical director.

“This is a great boost up to our services as we can now be more effective in saving lives and reviving the victims,” he stressed.

Following the purchase of its modern ambulance, Bernalte said his office is set to conduct advance trainings and refreshers to their personnel for a more adequate, effective and professionalized response to accidents, disasters and calamities in the locality.

He added that a Php 1.3-M citizen mobile phone application would also be made available by the city government for their unit and the local community for faster response to residents requesting emergency assistance. (PNA)

brasswares, baskets, tinalak cloth, rattan and mixed media furniture, coco handicrafts, key chains, corn-husk Christmas decors, accessories and other novelty items.

The trade fair also featured exhibit of convergence photos, cultural display of the “First People” of Treasures of SOCCSKSARGEN”, a Craft Emporium and the BIMP-EAGA

Pavilion.

Pocket shows in between feature SOCCSKSARGEN talents like the Teatro Ambahanon, local singer Ms. Richielyn Mayoral and the SOX Performers of Sarangani.

The Department of Tourism also sponsored a cultural show in the second to the last day of the activity. (DTI 12 RO/ VTP)

The first batch of beneficiaries came from the Municipality of Carmen last Nov. 15 where some 424 senior citizens availed of the free eye checkup and received eyeglasses.

The activity also took place during the town’s 60th founding anniversary.

As the first town to benefit from the program, Carmen Municipal Mayor Rogelio Taliño said the eyeglasses will help many elders to cope up with their activities and in return will make them more active.

“Our beloved senior citizens lives will now change for the better especially those who cannot afford to see an ophthalmologist to have their eyes checked”, said Mayor Taliño.

Around 324 senior citi-

zens from the Municipality of M’lang also availed of the program last November 16; in Matalam town last November 17); and Kabacan on November 18.

More senior citizens will benefit from the program as upcoming activities are set to be implemented in other towns in North Cotabato – in Alamada on November 22, Tulunan November 24, Banisilan on November 28, Pigcawayan on November 29, Libungan on December 1, Midsayap on December 2, Aleosan on December 5, Pikit on December 6, Arakan on December 7, Antipas on December 8, President Roxas on December 9, Makilala on December 12, Kidapawan City on December 13 and Magpet on December 14.

A program initiated through “Serbisyong Totoo”

in 2013, the “Antipara para kay Lolo at Lola” has become a prominent activity every Christmas season along with other programs such as the much-awaited Pamaskong Handog Alay sa mga Bata”.

Provincial officials hope that a greater number of senior citizens will benefit on this year’s free eyeglasses and once again make a positive impact to their lives.

Meanwhile, other programs and services provided by the provincial government such as the medical-dental outreaches, animal and seedling dispersals, technical training, workshops, scholarships and the rest are continuously implemented to ensure that the constituents gain from genuine service, transparency and accountability. (Jimmy Sta. Cruz-PGO Media Center)

NorCot seniors given free eye checkup, glasses

T

Kidapawan’s 911 unit adds P1-M ambulance to its fleet

Food products presented include atchara, medicinal vinegar, turmeric powder, chocolate coated mangoes, pastillas, coffee blends, chili sauce, tuna chicharon, bottled calamansi juice, taro chips, kropeck, polvoron, salabat, powdered pepper, chocolate chips, jams, coco salvaro, and the latest is coffee chocolate. Meanwhile nonfood products include bags,

HOUSANDS of senior citizens in the Province of Cotabato availed of the free eye checkup and free eyeglasses under the “Antipara para kay Lolo and Lola”, as part of the early gift-giving program of the provincial government this Christmas season.

Jessie Enid, Provincial Focal Person on Health and Legal Matters said that the provincial government recognized the necessity for senior citizens to wear eyeglasses to help them in their daily activities.

Like in the previous years, eye specialists from both public and private hospitals were invited as partners and the provincial government again coordinated with local government units (LGUs) to make the program even more effective, according to Enid.

SLANG FESTIVAL. Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon mingles with Blaan elders in Malungon during the 9th Slang Festival celebration at the Sunken Arena Friday, November 18. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

F

A win-win solution

ROM a disputed territory to a marine sanctuary. That is the future of the Panatag Shoal.

After another meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping this time in Lima, Peru, President Rodrigo Duterte is mulling an executive order declaring Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc) as a marine sanctuary.

This was the outcome in a bilateral meeting where the two leaders are attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

If this pushes through, Filipino and Chinese fishermen will no longer be allowed to fish inside the fish-rich Panatag Shoal which is decribed as a triangle which has an area as big as Quezon City.

Fishing, nevertheless, will be allowed outside Panatag Shoal.

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

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

China supports the idea and will likewise mobilize government forces to promote the agreements, step up guidance to create favorable environment.

It can be recalled that the Philippines obtained a favorable verdict from the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the disputed waters. However, recent developments have seen the government pursuing a different direction. Instead of asserting its claim, the government is pursuing non-confrontational actions such as this one.

Filipino fishermen have started to return to the Shoal after President Duterte’s state visit to China recently.

With this next step of declaring Panatag as a marine sanctuary and preserve its rich biodiversity to be taken bilaterally by the two countries, the indications point to peaceful coexistence and cooperation instead of confrontation.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

the national association of newspapers

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

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

EDGEDAVAO

“H

EROES are more than just stories, they’re people. And people are complicated; people are strange. Nobody is a hero through and through, there’s always something in them that’ll turn sour... you’ll learn it one day. There are no heroes, only villains who win.” ― Joel Cornah in The Sea-Stone Sword

*** “I am not a hero,” Miep Gies was quoted as saying by “The New York Times.” “I just did what any decent person would have done.”

It was the beginning of World War II. Gies, who was a Christian, worked as a secretary in the food chemicals business owned by Otto Frank, who happened to be a Jew. To escape the Nazis, Frank, his family, and four other Jews moved into a secret apartment above the business. Gies was one of five people aware of their hideout and took food to them daily.

“The New York Times” recounted: “After the Jews were discovered and taken away to concentration camps on August 4, 1944, Gies defied Nazi orders to stay out of the no-longer-secret apartment. There she found strewn across the floor the handwritten diary pages of Frank’s younger daughter, Anne. At great personal risk, she retrieved and kept them.

“After learning that Anne had died in Bergen-Belsen, Gies gave her diary to Otto Frank, the only member of the family who survived the camps. Otto arranged for its publication in 1947, and ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ became an extraordinarily poignant and important document of Nazi oppression.”

“What’s a hero?” asked flight attendant Uli Derickson in the March 1994 issue of ‘People’ magazine. “I didn’t even think about it.”

T

HE idea of adopting an ‘independent foreign policy’ for the country is not an original Duterte concept. While the incumbent President, who was a former Davao City mayor, insists “on the time honored principles of sovereign equality, non-interference and commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes to best serve our people and protect the interests of our country,” the layers of inter-dependence is something that cannot be removed.

Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution clearly stipulated this policy, saying: “The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.”

Even the United States, despite having an uneasy alliance with China and Russia, continues to peddle her advocacies, especially in pursuing diplomatic ties. Duterte’s new policy is not about severing ties; rather, it has something to do with the position that foreign governments, whether former colonial masters or not, have to respect the country’s sovereignty.

Former Sen. Leticia Ramos-Shahani made a more definitive explanation, saying that going independent is not an adoption of a policy that negates alliances, and has nothing to do with being alone in a global community, trying to fend for oneself in order to survive. She wrote: “Rather, it means a long-term, deliberate government policy sustained and adjusted by several administrations aimed at making the government and its people responsible for

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

In search of a hero

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Wo r k i n g on TWA Flight THINK ON THESE! 847 from Athens to Rome, which was hijacked for seventeen days by Lebanese terrorists in 1985, she persuaded the hijackers to spare the lives of all but Henrylito D. Tacio one person henrytacio@gmail.com on board and maintained calm throughout the ordeal. Rejecting the “hero” label, she insisted that she was only doing her job.

A decade ago, when I visited my sister in Livingston, Montana, there was one incident that I could not forget. It was winter time and the garage was very slippery. Daniel, my sister Elena’s husband, was in his office some 30 kilometers away. We decided to go to the Walmart to buy some groceries in the nearby city of Bozeman.

We were going out when Phil, the youngest son, skidded and almost fell into the ground.

Erik, the eldest, saved his younger brother by holding him before the latter fell. Instantly, Phil hugged his brother and told him, “You are my hero.”

Whether you are a man, a woman, or a little kid, you can be a hero. Yes, anyone can be a hero. “A man can be a hero if he is a scientist, or a soldier, or a drug addict, or a disc jockey, or a crummy mediocre politician,” says American feminist critic Andrea Dworkin. “A man can

be a hero because he suffers and despairs; or because he thinks logically and analytically; or because he is ‘sensitive;’ or because he is cruel.

“Wealth establishes a man as a hero, and so does poverty,” Dworkin further said. “Virtually any circumstance in a man’s life will make him a hero to some group of people and has a mythic rendering in the culture—in literature, art, theater, or the daily newspapers.”

In “Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War,” Mary Roach wrote: “Heroism doesn’t always happen in a burst of glory. Sometimes small triumphs and large hearts change the course of history. Sometimes a chicken can save a man’s life.”

“I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom,” commented American singer Bob Dylan, who recently received the Nobel Prize for Literature.

“A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer,” noted Ralph Waldo Emerson. But definitely, to quote the words of John Barth, “Everyone is necessarily the hero of his own life story.”

Indeed, it is very hard to define what a hero is. Suzy Kassem, in “Rise Up and Salute the Sun,” wrote: “This is where people misunderstand war. When you attack another country for its resources, you are the pirate. But when you protect your country from the pirates, you are the hero.”

In movies, heroes abound. In fact, there are super heroes (Superman, Spiderman and Captain Barbel to name a few) and super heroines (like Darna and Wonder Woman). Again, how one can become a hero or heroine?

“It does not take a great supernatural her-

oine or magical hero to save the world. We all save it every day, and we all destroy it -- in our own small ways -- by every choice we make and every tiniest action resulting from that choice,” Vera Nazarian pointed out.

“The next time you feel useless and impotent, remember what you are in fact doing in this very moment. And then observe your tiny, seemingly meaningless acts and choices coalesce and cascade together into a powerful positive whole. The world -- if it could -- will thank you for it. And if it does not... well, a true heroine or hero does not require it,” she wrote.

There are no heroes, if there are no villains.

Your boss, for instance, can either be a hero or a villain. It depends upon which perspective you see him. If he develops you to be like him in the future, then he can be your hero but if he keeps belittling in front of visitors and subordinates, then the boss can be your villain.

How does a hero differ from a villain?

When screenwriter Ben Hecht arrived in Hollywood for the first time, his fellow screenwriter Herbert Mankiewicz told this secret: “In a novel, a hero can lay ten girls and marry a virgin for a finish. In a movie, this is not allowed. The hero, as well as the heroine, has to be a virgin. The villain can lay anybody he wants, have as much fun as he wants cheating and stealing, getting rich and whipping the servants. But you have to shoot him in the end.”

That’s why everyone wants to be identified with the hero. “The thing about a hero,” said Joss Whedon, “is even when it doesn’t look like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, he’s going to keep digging, he’s going to keep trying to do right and make up for what’s gone before, just because that’’ who he is.”

containing and FAST BACKWARD responding to internal and external threats to ensure the nation’s security.”

A. V. H. Hartendorp, in his Short History of Industry and Trade in the Philippines, written in 1952, in com- Antonio V. Figueroa menting on the support of the Philippines towards Indonesia, which was then a two-year-old struggling independent nation, observed: “The Philippine President [Elpidio Quirino] carefully avoided the hortatory in the several speeches he made, yet he found opportunity to suggest that in the existing world situation, an independent [foreign] policy, seen in effect as neutrality, to which Indonesia clung even at the expense of refusing Western aid, was of doubtful value and that the idea of the people of southern and southeastern Asia constituting themselves into a “third force” was not likely to be effective in practice.”

In 1961, in his State of the Nation’s Address (SONA), President Diosdado Macapagal spoke about the country’s ‘new prestige’ in the international community because of its ‘independent foreign policy’ which is anchored on the ‘bonds of friendship and mutual interest’ that linked the

country to the United States. The same is true today as it was fifty-five years ago.

During the Philippine-American Assembly held in Davao City on Feb. 22-26, 1966, President Ferdinand E. Marcos (who was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Nov. 18, 2016) also pursued a foreign guiding principle that would “establish an independent foreign policy in the Philippines” but to do this it has “to overcome difficulties stemming directly from the [United States] relationship.” If under the Duterte leadership the shift means to dissociate only partially from the US on account of treaty commitments, then the issue of total independent is a ruse.

Jose E. Romero, Sr., Floor Leader of the 1935 Constitutional Convention and the National Assembly during the Commonwealth era, in an article entitled ‘RP-US relations viewed in proper perspective’, wrote: “The leaders of thought in this country have been invited, nay, challenged, to come out and be counted for or against a new policy directed at the termination of our special relations with the United States. It is a timely appeal. The issues are too important, the stakes are too great, the consequences too incalculable for those who really feel a responsibility, be it large or small, for the well-being, peace and progress of his country to keep silent, for we have reached the moment of truth.

“For what it is worth I, for one, will express my opinion that this agitation springs from the quite inadmissible presumption that the greatest leaders that this country has produced - Quezon, Osmefa, Roxas, Quirino, Magsaysay and Laurel-

have been duped, bullied or hoodwinked by the United States. Those of us who in one way or another have collaborated with those great leaders just cannot swallow this blanket indictment.

In fact, one of the spokesmen of this new policy has quite candidly affirmed that we have always been free to follow an independent foreign policy, but that we chose not to follow such independent policy. Quezon, who said he would rather have “a government run like hell by the Filipinos than one run like heaven by the Americans” is now represented as a dupe of the Americans.”

The pursuit of an independent (whatever that means) policy is best described in an Inquirer editorial which goes: “By all means, the Philippines should have an independent foreign policy. In charting a new course in international relations, President Duterte is correct in wanting to ensure that the Philippines will be subservient to no one…. Declaring independence and pursuing new friendships, however, need not mean abandoning old friends and severing ties, especially with nations with which the Philippines shares long-held values that respect civil liberties, promote free market competition and uphold a democratic way of life… Genuine independence also means standing on one’s own feet, economically and in most other aspects of national life… Until the nation can do this on its own, it will need all the help it can get. And even when the nation achieves full capability to enforce its sovereign rights and protect its territory, it is always good to have all the friends one can get.”

Better said than done.

Quirino’s ‘independent policy’

10 NEWS P50K... FROM 1

for justice and wants to put the suspects in jail.

The mother of the victim is set to fly back to Bahrain for work next month.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

Enraged OWWA XI Director Eduardo Bellido condemned rising cases of child abuse following the recent death of John Earl, whose mother is an OFW. “It is frustrating to hear the news on how the child was killed,” Bellido told reporters in Tagalog.

He added that the welfare of the migrant workers’ must

also be protected the workers as mandated by OWWA. Bellido also expressed his apprehension towards OFWs who risk their lives and work hard to provide the needs of their family only to find out that the loved ones they left are dead.

He pointed out that many OFWs leave their children under the custody of their sibling or cousin or relatives and they work really hard.

Bellidovowed to coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) to make the OFWs come home without compro-

mising their families.

“We [OWWA] will have a meeting with Department of Socia Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine Counsel for the Welfare of Children, and other advocacy groups to strengthen the cooperation among the stakeholders, and to prevent and avoid child abuse particularly to the children of the migrant workers,” Bellido said.

Region XI has 35,000 overseas workers, 85% of which are from Davao City and Davao del Sur.

PSALM must provide the national government accounting of its liabilities.

The senator said on Monday that the 93% shortfall in expected remittances of PSALM must be investigated to uncover potential liabilities for poor corporate management or even malversation and corruption.

“We need to get to the bottom of this questionable misplacement of funds so that we can recover this money and have it delivered to its rightful place within the Na-

tional Treasury,” he added.

PSALM is a government owned and controlled corporation tasked with the management and privatization of energy assets inherited from the National Power Corporation (NPC).

It is also mandated by law, particularly Republic Act No. 7656 to declare and remit at least fifty percent of its annual net earnings as cash, stock, or property dividends to the Bureau of Treasury.

Gatchalian however noted that in its 2015 Annual

Audit Report of PSALM the Commission on Audit (COA) revealed that PSALM had only remitted PhP 2.11 billion from 2004 to 2015 despite declaring net earnings of PhP 58.78 billion over the same period.

“PSALM must provide a detailed accounting of its liabilities to the national government and give a satisfactory explanation as to why it has not complied with its clearcut responsibilities under the law for more than a decade now,” the senator said.

ing for the conduct of the full feasibility study (FS) and construction of the bridge has been allocated by the De-

partment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Teo said he DPWH had allotted a budget for the full

implementation of the FS including the plan, program of works and design of the bridge.

VISIBLE. Passing by.A pedestrian walked past a new street sign, which is more visible compared to the old one, along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

anao are sold for as high as P75 per kilo in Baler, Aurora,” Piñol said.

He also aired the sentiments of pomelo farmers from Mindanao whose products are only priced at P15 per kilo from as high as P50 per kilo.

“This is plain and simple price manipulation,” Piñol pointed out, adding that he is personally offended by the brazen exploitation of farmers who produce highly perishable products.

“Last week, when I learned of the slump in the prices of fruits, I directed officials of the Dept. of Agriculture to ask the permission of the Quezon City government so that our fruit farmers could use the frontage of the DA Compound to display their fruits at night,” he said.

He added that other offices under the DA which are located in the Elliptical Circle could also offer their areas for the night market.

Piñol also stressed that the spaces for night market at DA will only be available for the real farmers and no traders or middlemen will be allowed to use the spaces.

“I hope that this project will send a clear message to the traders and middlemen dealing with agriculture products that the Dept. of Agriculture will do everything it could to protect the interests of the small farmers,” he said.

The secretary also made an assurance that any attempt to exploit the farmers by manipulating the prices will be met by the DA with innovative ideas such as the night market.

He added that the agency is also pursuing its project to establish the Farmers Trading Centers in Bulacan, for farmers coming from the North, and another facility in Taguig for the farmers coming from the South.

“While I believe that traders and middlemen play an important role in the trading and commerce of agricultural products as they have been since Bibilical times, I cannot allow them to be so powerful that they literally have in their grips the poor farmers who work under the sun to be able to feed his family and send his children to school,” Piñol said.

ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

Special Intensive Care Area or commonly known as SICA is a special facility designed for high risk and dangerous inmates.

According to Tulawie, Tahil personally witnessed how the respondents entered into shadowy dealings with the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) detained in SICA for the purpose of producing witnesses to pin down Tulawie in the pending criminal cases against them before RTC Branch 19 of Manila.

“The respondents, through abuse of authority, deceit, dishonesty and bribery made it appear on official records with the Department of Justice (DOJ) headed by Leila de Lima and the NCMF headed

by Mehol Sadain that these ASG members were innocent Muslims wrongly arrested due to mistaken identity,” Tulawie mentioned.

He added that Abdusakur Tan, a long-time Governor of the Province of Sulu, often

bragged that whoever will question him in Sulu will be slapped with criminal cases.

“Because of Tan’s close relationship with de Lima, he was able to use the powers of the DOJ to release, finance, shelter and protect Mohammad Sali Said who is a high-valued Abu Sayyaf member,” according to Tulawie.

Tulawie said that de Lima did not bother to respond to written protests, media statements and official communications to her office condemning the release of the three ASG inmates and allowed a member to be placed under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) and was given security protection, financial assistance and shelter by her office.

“We are filing this Complaint to contribute to the much needed efforts to finish the Abu Sayyaf Group and dismantle their mantle of protection that permeates various government offices,” said Tulawie.

September as National Bamboo Month.

Savellano is the author of House Bill No. 904 known as the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program Act. The bill seeks to promote Philippine bamboo industry by providing a development program, discover and evolve

technologies that involve bamboo and provide incentives to investors.

For her part, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Usec. Zenaida Maglaya reported the achievements of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC). (PNA)

dubbed as the single deadliest event for journalists in history.

The activity was organized by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and the Justice Now Movement, which is composed of the relatives of the massacre victims.

In his homily, Passionist priest Fr. Rey Carvyn Ondap scored the country’s “compromised” justice system for the long-drawn trial of the massacre’s alleged masterminds led by members of the family of the late Maguindanao governor Andal

Ampatuan Sr. “After seven years, this is no longer an Ampatuan massacre.

This is a judicial massacre,” he said.

He noted that while the “Ampatuan kingdom” in Maguindanao is “gone already,” justice remained elusive for the victims due to apparent lack of “delicadeza” of those running the justice system.

The priest cited reports of maneuverings and manipulations of court proceedings as well as some rulings through supposed payoffs. (PNA)

PSALM... FROM 1

DOT... FROM 2 DA... FROM 2

DENR... FROM 4

Human... FROM 2

Justice... FROM 3

Media... FROM 3

More than a hundred gunmen led by former Datu Unsay, Maguindanao Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. gunned down the victims in Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman of the same town on November 23, 2009.

The victims, composed of the media, the family members and legal team of then Buluan Vice-Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, were on their way to the provincial capitol of Maguindanao to witness his filing of his certificate of

candidacy when waylaid and brutally killed by Mayor Andal Jr. and his men.

After seven years, around 197 persons were already accused in court, 28 of them were members of the Ampatuan family.

Three of the main suspects – Andal Ampatuan Sr., Andal Ampatuan Jr. and ZaldyAmpatuan were already charged and detained.

Andal Sr. died July 17, 2015 while in detention.

Alongside the agenda, DOT-Mindanao will also be offering missionary tours through Davao Metro Shuttle Company’s Go Mindanao Tourist Bus by March next year.

The company will invest in 400 luxury bus units, which will be strategically located all over Mindanao, to transport tourists to around 300 tourist destinations within the island.

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), an attached agency of the DOT, will mean-

while set up information centers to a house souvenir shop, a mini restaurant, shower, restroom, locker and even a prayer room.

DOT-Mindanao is also working on increasing road connectivity within the Davao Region by 80 percent next year through the construction of a Samal Circumferential Road and a bridge connecting Davao City to the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) or simply, Samal Island. (with story from PNA)

“good frameworks of cooperation” between the two countries, Ning said his instructions from China was to “bring these MOUs to reality.”

During Mr. Duterte’s state visit, Dominguez signed three agreements on behalf of the Philippines.

These included the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation, which provides Ma-

nila with a RMB Yuan 100 million grant to implement projects for “anti-illegal drugs and law enforcement security cooperation,” and the MOU Supporting the Conduct of Feasibility Studies for Major Projects, in which China will provide financing support to the Philippines in undertaking feasibility studies for big-ticket projects in infrastructure, agriculture and rural development.

Tourist... FROM 4

RP... FROM 6

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Cultural

TOKYO One of the many beautiful pieces at the National Museum of Western Art.

TOKYO IS FAMOUS FOR MANY THINGS, from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku, to the luxury shopping at Ginza and Omoetesando, from the many picturesque parks dotting the sprawling metropolis, to the many cheap eats around Shimbasi Station, there are literally a thousand-andone ways to experience the capital of Japan.

Although less popular to the Filipino tourist, Tokyo is also the place to learn more about art, science, and everything in between thanks to its myriad of well-curated museums. Shopping may seem exciting, but to be able to see the priceless pieces made by masters such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Dali, Monet, and Degas with your very eyes, is priceless.

Here are a few of the museums I was able to visit during my stays in Tokyo which I feel every traveller should try to visit at least for a day.

National Museum of Western Art If there is only time to visit just one museum in your itinerary, the National Museum of Western Art at Ueno Park is the place to be.

Located close to the JR, Ueno Train Station, the National Museum of Western Art is the premier public art gallery in Japan specialising in art from Western nations.

More popularly know as

Standing in front of the Tokyo Bay aquarium exhibit at the Sumida Aquarium. special, seasonal exhibitions may cost more.

the NMWA, it was established on June 10, 1959 and exhibits works from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, many having been acquired since the museum’s opening.

The museum houses about 4,500 works, including examples of painting and sculpture from the 14th through the beginning of the 20th century. Artists of note who have pieces in the museums collections include Rubens, Manet, Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Gaugin, Miro, Pollock, Picasso, Rodin, and Cezanne.

Entrance to the museum is an affordable 400 Yen although access to

Van Gogh and Gaugin at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Located a short walk from the National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum features special exhibitions as well as exhibitions, expositions, and talks on art.

Although there are no permanent museum collections, the special exhibitions are what draws people to it. I was lucky enough to catch an exhibition of Van Gogh and Gaugin while I was there and I would suggest to do some research first before visiting.

National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo Located just off to the Imperial Palace East Gardens, the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo or MOMAT is Japan’s foremost museum that collects and exhibits modern Japanese Art as well

The Miraikan’s Geo-Cosmos.

20th century Westernstyle art. Pieces to look out for are many Meijiera paintings and scrolls as well as contemporary Western prints. There are also galleries featuring the pieces of more modern, Japanese artists.

Adjacent to the museum’s main hall, there is also a Crafts Gallery which exhibits textiles, ceramics, laquer, and other Japanese crafts as well as craft and design from around the world dating from the late 19th century to the present. Its collection focus in particular is the work of Japanese Living National Treasures.

National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation or more popularly known as Miraikan, is the museum to visit for travellers who love science and the future of technology.

Created by Japan’s Sci-

At the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. ence and Technology socioeconomic topics. The Agency and located in a Geo-Cosmos spherical modern structure in Dai- screen consists of 10,362 ba, the Miraikan features OLED panels, each 96 x96 six floors of the latest mm in size. technologies and science Children and children concepts. at heart will also love the Dominating the main robot displays with Asiexhibition hall of the mu- mo occasionally coming seum is the Geo-Cosmos out to entertain and eduhigh resolution globe cate visitors. which displays near real-time events of global Edo-Tokyo Museum weather patterns, ocean For Japanophiles who temperatures and vegeta- want to learn more about tion cover among other the history and developgeographic, scientific and ment of Tokyo, I would suggest a visit to the EdoTokyo Musem.

Established in 1993, the museum showcases the growth and development of Edo which was the old name of Tokyo from a fishing village, to becoming the seat of power of the shogunate, to eventually becoming Tokyo as it is today.

The museum features intricate dioramas of the old streets of Edo as well

URBANISSIMO A2

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL URBANISSIMO A1

as model houses throughout the years. The main feature of the museum is the life-size replicas of the Nihonbashi, a bridge over the Sumida river leading into Tokyo, and the Nakamuraza theatre.

National Art Center, Tokyo Encased in a glass and steel building with a wave-like form, the National Art Center, Tokyo or NACT is a joint project of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the National Museums Independent Administrative Institution, it stands on a site formerly occupied by a research facility of the University of Tokyo.

Unlike Japan’s other national art museums, NACT is an ‘empty museum’, without a collection, permanent display, and curators. This is offset

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

with the holding of many exhibitions featuring art masters. In my last visit, the museum featured the surreal works of Salvador Dali.

Sumida Aquarium Although strictly not a museum, the Sumida Aquarium located at the Tokyo Skytree Town is one of the newest aquariums in Japan and features freshwater and saltwater displays.

True to its name, the aquarium explores the underwater ecosystem, from the freshwater regions, through the marshlands, and on to the sea. They also have an exhibition on the types of fish that can be found within the rivers and canals of Tokyo in the past.

Highlights of the aquarium include a giant aquarium featuring the denizens of Tokyo Bay, a

Catching Dali at the National Art Center, Tokyo.

National Art Center, Tokyo’s massive hallways and architeture make for pretty Instagram posts. seal enclosure, as well as a penguin exhibit which is the aquariums main attraction.

These are just a few of the museums I have visited and I am pretty sure that I missed some along

Minature model of Edo at the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

the way, which is why you visit Tokyo, maybe you can try to visit these as well as find new museums to visit. *** Want to arrive in Japan early in the morning fuss

free? SilkAir recently announced Davao to Japan connectivity through a short connection via Singapore, Changi Airport. With three additional evening services to Singapore, SilkAir now connects Davao to Japan quickly and conveniently with Singapore Airlines.

Depart Davao in the evening for a short hop to Singapore, for your immediate connection to Japan on Singapore Airlines. With our award winning service and optimal flight times, arrive in Japan fresh in the morning for an entire day of new adventures.

SilkAir is now offering an exclusive Japan winter promotion to Tokyo

Haneda, Tokyo Narita, Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya from Davao only.

All inclusive round trip economy fares start at USD450 from now till 30 November 2016, for travel between 1 January 2017 – 28 February 2017. Fare includes free 30kgs of check in baggage, inflight entertainment, inflight meals and through check in baggage services. Singapore Airlines flies direct to these destinations from Singapore.

To purchase or enquire about these promotional fares, simply book through SilkAir’s Mobile App, SilkAir.com, SilkAir Ticketing Office or accredited agents in Davao.

SilkAir a joy to fly.

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Tel No. 082.221.3601/224.1413 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com marketing@edgedavao.net

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Pre-Christmas Abreeza Mall welcomes Christmas Silkair Sale and giveaways with the Manila Symphony Orchestra

ABREEZA MALL gave shoppers a taste of the heartwarming season that lies ahead by filling its halls with twinkling lights and sweet symphonies.

On November 19, Abreeza Mall held the Christmas Launch, its annual activity that heralds the holidays through a grand musical performance and the lighting of the Christmas tree for the first time.

The Christmas Launch kicked off with a performance by female vocal trio Zhalia, a Davao-based group that earned multiple gold medals at the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2015 competition held in Long Beach, California.

Following Zhalia’s performance was the lighting of the Abreeza Mall Christmas tree. Designed by T’nalak Home, the tree lit up to reveal warm gold and bright red ornaments against a traditional dark green base and was a heartwarming sight that hiked up the holiday glee among spectators.

Taking the stage as the main act was a double quartet from the acclaimed Manila Symphony Orchestra, which treated the audience to symphonic renditions of both classic Christmas melodies and popular Filipino carols.

The performance is part of the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s 90th anniversary celebration, as the group has set out to stage fantastic shows this year

to honor its founding in 1926. Through its performance at Abreeza Mall, the Manila Symphony Orchestra carried out its long-held mission among its Davaoeño audience: “to enrich the Filipino’s vibrant cultural life through fine orchestral music and to enable more people to experience the power of music.”

Present to experience the joys of Christmas anticipation were kids from Love the Children Foundation, Inc. in Toril, a non-government, nonprofit, and residential care institution for disadvantaged children. Besides witnessing the Christmas Launch, the kids enjoyed a day out at Abreeza Mall that included a trip to Timezone and a

hearty dinner with the members of the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

Giving Davaoeños more reason to troop to Abreeza Mall for the Christmas Launch was the Pre-Christmas Big Sale which took place from November 14 to 20, a mall-wide discount extravaganza perfect for shoppers looking to get a headstart on their holiday shopping.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

EXPERIENCE A JOY TO FLY THIS NOVEMBER with SilkAir’s Pre-Christmas Sale and Giveaways. From now till 30 November 2016, besides attractive fares, customers who purchased SilkAir flights during this period can enjoy complimentary shopping vouchers, free admission to attractions and exclusive dining privileges.

Promotional fares are available for purchase from now till end November 2016 for immediate departures till 31 March 2017, return fares to these great destinations include flights to Singapore at USD 180, Malaysia at USD 209, Australia for USD 559, and Thailand for USD 209.

With every purchase of at least two SilkAir return tickets to Singapore, customers may redeem a SGD10 shopping voucher eligible for use at selected shopping malls in Singapore. In addition, every ticket purchase to Singapore from now till 25 November 2016, for travel in February – March 2017, SilkAir will offer a complimentary entry to Flower Dome or Cloud Forest attraction at Gardens by the Bay. Dining privileges are also available for our customers, simply present your SilkAir boarding pass to selected dining establishments to enjoy these exclusive discounts. Terms and conditions apply, for more information please visit silkair.com.

Beyond Singapore, each ticket purchase to Penang will also allow our travellers to redeem a free ride on the Penang Hop on Hop off bus from now till 30 June 2017.

Customers can visit www.silkair.com for bookings and more information.

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

TRAVEL

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

Destressing in Dahican I HAVE PROBABLY SAID IT PLENTY OF TIMES THAT SEAWATER HEALS EVERYTHING. A bad case of sniffles, a little wound or maybe you’re tired of seeing the same concrete slabs day after day – whatever that is stressing you out, I’d recommend ocean therapy the soonest.

My personal quick fix is a trip down to my favorite respite to the turquoise waters of Dahican in Mati, Davao Oriental.

Easily accessible by land from Davao City, it only takes three hours to get to Mati City by private car or commuter van. If you prefer the comforts of riding a bus, it takes around 5 hours to get there since the bus stops at every terminal along the way.

Driving out of the city can be a rewarding sight.

Seeing the views along Pantukan in Compostela Valley and most especially the coastal roads in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental immediately calms you down and gets you into vacation mode. The roads are considerably well maintained and there isn’t much traffic too.

Once you’ve passed

through Mati City and followed the signage that says ‘Dahican’, you’ll notice further up a few resort signs on the left side of the road. The first noticeable signage is from Tropical Kanakbai, a high-end exclusive resort that’s located at the left most side of the Dahican shore stretch.

Further as you move into the center of Dahican’s shore, you’ll see numerous signs like from Menzi Beach Park and

I think this sign says it all. Welcome to the stress-free side of Davao Oriental.

Campsite which is a develMy personal favorite is oping joint project by the the lone artsy signage that city government of Mati says “Surf, Skim, Drinks” and the Department of from Dahican Surf Resort.

Environment and Natural You’ll immediately want Resources (DENR). to stop and check it out. I know I did when I first visited Dahican in May 2014.

Totally no regrets stopping by to check out this place and true enough to their promise of Dahican being the ultimate place to chill and flee from stress, I’ve always kept coming back.

Thoughtfully designed to stimulate guests to chill, the laidback and basic amenities all point to enjoy the sand, the sea, sun and the company you have.

Head out to the shore and you’ll see different shades of blue of Dahican’s inviting waters.

From Menzi Beach Park up to Amihan sa Dahican has the finest sand around.

Go further out from the center of Dahican’s shore, With more signs like this along the entrance of the resort, it’s quite you can notice the reefs taken an attraction for Instagram-worthy photos. and stones. These places are usually great for surf- skimboarding to try to get other adventures, head ing when in season. If the stoked with. over to my blog at www. waves aren’t that optimal For more details and millennialmermaid.com for surfing, there’s always stories about Dahican and and say hi!

Dahican’s shore still has its own captivating beauty even on a gloomy day.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

RODY... FROM 6

ASEAN leaders the way to such a pivot with his successful trip to Beijing last month.

As jointly announced

by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia while Duterte was still in China, the Chief Executive has rebalanced Philippine foreign policy by ordering his Cabinet to move quickly towards regional economic integration with ASEAN and North Asia’s powerhouses--China, Japan and South Korea.

“President Duterte’s early moves on the foreign policy front thus makes him the right person to chair the ASEAN as it turns 50 next year against the backdrop of fresh challenges attending the advent of an apparently new global order shaped in large part by the new relations of the US and China with the rest of the world,” Dominguez said.

In an online report by The Edge Markets, it quoted Citi analyst Kit Wei Zheng as saying that the pivot to China within the ASEAN countries will continue to pick up speed.

“With current account surpluses under pressure in some countries, Chinese savings may become increasingly key in financing ASEAN’s investment cycle, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia, where improvements in basic balances this year were dominated by the surge in Chinese foreign direct investments (FDI),” said Kit, adding that Philippines could stand to benefit in the future.

Kit said the uncertainty now surrounding the TPP under a Trump presidency could affect markets that rely heavily on US demand.

“Dependence on China to plug external financing gaps will only accelerate if protectionist trade policies in the US keep current account surplus of Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam under pressure,” he said.

Citi said Singapore would be the hardest hit among ASEAN countries as its estimates show that 8.4 percent of that country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is exposed to the US, particularly in the services trade.

Vietnam would also be affected as it has an 8 percent exposure, followed by Malaysia with a 6.3 percent exposure, although the latter also relies heavily on China.

Even before an impending pivot to China, ASEAN has already seen increasing FDIs from the Asian economic giant.

FDIs from China and Hong Kong into the ASEAN-4 (Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand) totalled $9.4 billion in the first quarter of 2016, accounting for 36.9 percent of total FDI inflows, according to The Edge Markets report.

“That was nearly as high as the cumulative $10 billion from 2013 and 2015, and is far ahead of the $919 million in FDI from the US in the same period,” it added.

Even before the victory of Trump, who had bashed the TPP during the US presidential campaign, Dominguez already

said that the Duterte administration was keen on joining RCEP rather than the US-led trade pact, which is being championed by outgoing President Obama.

With the TPP’s uncertain fate, President Duterte’s China pivot could not have come at a better time, especially with the Philippines chairing the ASEAN next year on its golden anniversary as a regional trade bloc.

In accepting the Philippines’ chairmanship of the ASEAN during the 28th-29th ASEAN Summits in Laos last September 6-8, Duterte said the Philippines was ready to do so and that, “We will highlight ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player, with the interest of the people at its core.”

Dominguez said the Philippines is more than ready to chair the ASEAN in 2017, which coincides with the 50thanniversary of the founding of the 10-member regional bloc, as President Duterte had apparently foreseen correctly the need to turn ASEAN’s attention toward China, the world’s second largest economy that wants to establish a larger economic presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN summit in 2017, with the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World,” is the third time for the country after it was held in Manila in 1987 under the late President Aquino and in Cebu in 2007 under then-President Arroyo.

Dominguez recalled how Duterte had come under heavy fire for his sharp foreign policy turn, earning harsh criticism from certain sectors in the process, only to be now seen as the leader who had presciently seen that a timely pivot to China is in the best interests, not only of the Philippines, but of ASEAN as a whole.

“No one seems to be raking President Duterte over the coals nowadays with the unexpected triumph of Trump, who won on a campaign message of US protectionism and scaling down American engagement in international trade blocs in order to save jobs in the US,” Dominguez said.

President Obama had framed the TPP as the centerpiece of America’s “pivot to Asia,” but the pact excludes China.

The TPP was supposed to “write the rules for global trade” to “help increase Made-in-America exports, grow the American economy, support well-paying American jobs, and strengthen the American middle class,” by eliminating more than 18,000 taxes and other trade barriers on US products across the 11 countries in the trade bloc, according to the website of the Office of the US Trade Representative.

The TPP includes 12 participants: the US, Australia, Canada, Japan, Chile, Mexico, Peru and New Zealand plus four ASEAN members—Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei. (DOF)

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

City taps Japan female niche to boost tourism T

HE city government of Davao is tapping a new niche market in Japan called “joshi tabi” or Japanese women travelers to boost its tourism numbers, the Department of Tourism said on Thursday.

DOT made this announcement after the conduct of familiarization tour held in Davao City Nov 10-13 which was participated in by at least 12 major Japanese travel executives and bloggers.

The group, which included three Tokyo-based women executives, particularly enjoyed the visits in Davao City’s Malagos Garden where they viewed exotic birds on display.

They also pampered themselves with gourmet and massage services at the honeymooners’ paradise Pearl Farm Beach Resort in nearby Samal Island.

Taking after the tour’s success, DOT said that it will be organizing more joshi tabi tour packages to cater to tourism geared towards Japanese women.

DOT Mindanao Office Assistant Secretary Eden David said that Davao City is banking on its biodiversity, pristine beaches, exotic gourmet and amenities for wellness services in offering all-female Japanese tour packages.

Tourist Attaché to Tokyo

Gwen Batoon echoed David’s views, noting that Davao City’s soothing nature tourism and Class-A wellness services could prove to be irresistible attractions to Japanese women.

Batoon explained that women travellers are an important travel segment, citing a 2016 Japan Tourism Marketing Company research that says 60 percent of women make travel decisions by themselves.

She said Japanese women travellers are likely to come to the Philippines for “its multi-gateway destination, providing easy access to both urban and natural attractions,

and the Filipino’s uniquely warm hospitality.”

The tourist attaché further said that it seems “more reasonable” for Japanese travellers in general to fly low-cost carriers to the Philippines and stay in a luxury hotel with luxury amenities.

Japan is currently the fourth biggest source of inbound tourists in the Philippines, with already more than 360,000 arrivals for the second quarter of this year, data from the DOT showed.

Meanwhile, Japanese arrivals in the country counted more than 490,000, generating 9.25 percent of the total market share in 2015. (PNA)

and on-going implementation of the various Project components including infrastructure, enterprise development, planning and support to implementation.

As of November 2016, Mindanao has a total indicative portfolio of 252 subprojects P12.93 billion under the infrastructure development component, of which 173 subprojects worth P7.65 billion are approved and the rest are undergoing various stages of approval, preparation and procurement. Most of the projects are farm-to-market roads (FMR).

For the enterprise development component, Mindanao has a total portfolio of P654.22 million worth of subprojects, of which P163.39 have been approved, under various stages of preparation or ongoing implementation.

Since the first review mission, 26 provinces or 100% of PLGUs, and other five City LGUs had already entered into Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DA. PRDP had

completed the preparation and packaging of 26 or 100% PCIPs duly approved by the Provincial Development Councils.

DA Undersecretary for Operations Engr. Ariel T. Cayanan, who also serves as the PRDP’s national project director, said that while the agency has diligently focused on attaining the Project’s development objectives, the department also wants to highlight that there have been unintended outcomes that have emerged from the Project’s implementation.

“We are in the process of comprehensively documenting these emerging benefits— which may be social, economic and even environmental and political—and we are encouraging our grassroots partners to harness these to optimize future Project outcomes,” Cayanan said.

Among these benefits documented by the Project include improved access to education and healthcare facilities, higher retention rates among students, increased number of

tourists, increased real estate value, among others.

“The PRDP will ensure that good governance will be mainstreamed through transparency and accountability measures at all stages of the project development cycle” said PRDP national deputy project director Arnel de Mesa.

He said the Project has utilized science-based tools to innovatively institutionalize proper planning of project interventions.

“PRDP uses value-chain analysis, vulnerability and suitability assessment tools, and geotagging technology as empirical basis to our interventions,” De Mesa added.

PRDP is a six-year special program of the Department of Agriculture focused on establishing a modern, value chain oriented, and climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries sector. It is jointly funded by World Bank, national government and the local government units throughout the regions in Mindanao. (Jay M. Rosas with Jan Dacumos/PRDP)

World Bank to visit ComVal projects for PRDP review

T

HE World Bank is set to conduct its third Review Mission for the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in Mindanao on November 22-23, 2016.

The World Bank review mission team, headed by Frauke Jungbluth, lead rural development specialist, will visit farm-to-market road (FMR) and enterprise subprojects in Compostela Valley province.

These projects are the Pangutosan-New Alegria FMR project, which connects internal barangays in Nabunturan and Compostela, and a proposed a tablea (cacao) processing and marketing project in the town of Maragusan.

The mission follows the second implementation support mission conducted in April this year that earned PRDP a satisfactory performance rating from the World Bank, similar to the first review mission held in November last year.

The review will also look into the planned, proposed

MISSION KICK-OFF. The 3rd World Bank Implementation Support Mission to the DA-PRDP commenced earlier today with the ribbon-cutting of the mission exhibit at the DA’s central office in Quezon City. Gracing the ceremony was Frauke Jungbluth, World Bank lead agriculture economist and task team leader

for the mission (second from right); Douglas Forno, World Bank institutions specialist; PRDP National Director and DA Undersecretary for Operations Ariel Cayanan (right) and PRDP National Deputy Project Director Arnel de Mesa (left).

(Photo by Kathrino V. Resurreccion, DA-PRDP NPCO InfoACE Unit)

12

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

Drug pusher nabbed in NorCot

P

OLICE arrested in Midsayap, North Cotabato a big time illegal drug pusher during a buy bust operation Sunday night in Barangay Poblacion 8 and seized close to half million worth of illegal drugs, a police official said.

Supt. Jerson Birrey, Midsayap town police chief, identified the suspect as Darrex Guiapal, 35, a resident of Abdullah Sangki town in Maguindanao.

Birrey said a joint police and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Region 12 and Region-10 (Northern Mindanao region) was conducted after intelligence information confirmed the presence of Guiapal in Barangay Poblacion 8.

After Guiapal handed over

the stuff to a police poseur buyer, joint police operatives arrested him at about 6:30 p.m.

Seized from him were seven sachets of shabu with estimated market value of Php450,000 and shabu paraphernalia.

Birrey said Guiapal was in the Midsayap town police narcolist.

Birrey said the suspect was a known supplier of prohibited drugs in Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Northern Mindanao, particularly Cagayan de Oro City and Bukidnon.

Now detained at Midsayap lock-up cell, Guiapal, also known as Said, is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

NEWS 13

P10.6-M worth of seized drugs burned in Tagum

P

URSUANT to Presidential Proclamation Number 124 issued on November 26, 2001, declaring the 3rd week of November of every year as Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week with this year’s theme “Makinig Muna: Ang Pakikinig sa mga Bata o Kabataan ay Daan Upang Tulungan Silang Lumaki na Malusog at Ligtas”. In support with the Dangerous Drugs Board, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency undertakes activities to enhance of public awareness on the evils of drugs and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

In commemoration with

the said celebration, DIRECTOR II JOEL B PLAZA, Assistant Regional Director, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office XI conducted burning/destruction of illegal drugs last November 18, 2016 at around 2:00 P.M. at RDR Gym, Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

A total of 850.60 grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride known as “Shabu” and 8,035.50 grams of Cannabis Sativa L known as “Marijuana” with a street value of Php 10,689,330 worth of illegal drugs were destructed/ burned in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The activity were

witnessed by HON. ANTONIO RAFAEL DEL ROSARIO, Provincial Governor of Davao del Norte, JUDGE DOROTHY P MONTEJO-GONZAGA, Presiding Judge, Regional Trial Court, Branch 30, ATTY SHARON ROSE F SARACIN, Assistant City Prosecutor, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, representatives from Department of Justice, Civil Society Group and our friends from the media. The burning of seized/ confiscated illegal drugs is pursuant to Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002” which provides the powers and duties

of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to have all dangerous drugs, plant sources, controlled precursors and essential chemicals as well as instruments and paraphernalia or laboratory equipment that are confiscated/seized or surrendered. It was also done to erase the skepticism of the public that there is a recycling of seized/confiscated illegal drugs by the law enforcement agencies.

ISIDRO S LAPEÑA, PhD, CSEE, Director General, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency commends the untiring effort of the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office, Media and the community for their untiring support in the fight against illegal drugs. This collaborative effort of the 5 pillars of the criminal justice system serves as a warning to all drug perpetrators that we are working hand in hand to suppress the supply of illegal drugs in our country.

14 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

Matina Enclaves’ Condo 1/B now 88% complete

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

M

ATINA Enc l a v e s ’ much-anticipated first condominium building is now nearing its completion.

Construction of the first condominium building of prime real estate property development of local firm Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) has reached 88%, according to project head Gerald Kent Garces.

Esdevco released its recent updates for the ongoing construction works at the sprawling Matina Enclaves residential estate.

Garces said that Building 1/B already has an overall accomplishment status of 88 percent as of November 19.

“We are excited to see its completion and turn it over soon to the future residents of this building,” said Garces.

Building 1/B is the first tower of The Residences segment of the Matina Enclaves project and is due for turnover early next year.

The vast mixed use residential estate lo-

cated along Quimpo Boulevard in Ecoland is one of the fast-selling pieces of property in Davao City today.

Completion of Building 1/B is expected by the end of the year.

On the other hand, construction of Building 2/C is also underway.

Matina Enclaves is one of the most sought after pieces of property in the city as the project is riding on the crest of the current property boom.

As a testament to this, Matina Enclaves’ first three residential buildings have been sold out.

Building 4/D was fully sold out as of last month while Building 5/E has only a few remaining units left.

“Credit also belongs to the very efficient sales team of Esdevco as well as our affiliates from the realty business,” said Garces.

Esdevco has institutionalized a rewards system that gives back in return to its agents recognition for their efforts by way of monthly top sellers banquet.

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

3rd BMV Invitational Golf set Dec. 3

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

T

njb@edgedavao.net

HE 3rd Batacan, Montejo and Vicencio Law Firm Invitational Golf Tournament hits the rolling fairways of Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club on December 3.

The by-invitation only golf event is expected to draw some 120 golfers who will be playing 18 holes of golf following System 36 Format of scoring with shotgun start at 7 a.m.

The tournament, held in celebration of the 18th founding anniversary of the BMV Law

Firm, will have three divisions for Classes A,B and C with current club handicaps on play.

BMV managing partner lawyer Ramon Edison Batacan and senior partner Vincent Montejo and their associates will lead the 18-hole tourney with guests from the business, government and private sectors.

Trophies await winners for Overall champion, Gross and Net Class champions and their runners-up.

For those who luckily sink

a hole-in-one on designated pr-3 holes, the prizes are two motorcycles sponsored by Motortrade.

The major raffle prizes are five pocket televisions while the minor prizes are appliances, golf merchandise and gift checks.

Backing up the tournament are Ron Daniell Construction, Bilrey Construction, Alveo (An Ayaland Company), BenLife, 2020 Media Streaming Inc., and GOLFING LAWYER. BMV managing partner lawyer Ramon Edison Batacan BMV senior partner lawyer Vincent Paul Montejo.

Microtel Inn and Suites.

Fil-Am Kiefers strike for gold T

WO-TIME Olympian Lee Kiefer and brother Axel, who trace their roots in Davao, struck for gold medals at the 2016 Garret Penn State Open in University Park, Pennsyvania.

Lee and Axel, whose mother Teresa Bacani Orpilla is a doctor from Davao, dominated their respective divisions to lead their school University of Notre Dame fencing team snared podium finishes over the weekend.

Senior foilist Lee Kiefer won the women’s foil event and sophomore Axel took home the men’s foil gold.

In her first college event since winning 2015 NCAA

Women’s Foil Championship, Lee snatched the top spot in the foil event at Penn State’s White Building, going 15-1 in pool play and winning three of four elimination-round matches by more than 10 touches as the top seed.

After falling to Ohio State’s Eleanor Harvey in her only loss of pool play, Lee defeated Harvey 15-8 in the gold-medal bout for the tournament victory.

Lee was a quarterfinalist in the 2012 London Olympics and was the favorite to win ggold in Rio in 2016 but suffered an upset loss to a Chinese rival.

Sophomore and reign-

ing Atlantic Coast Conference men’s foil champion Axel turned in a nearly perfect day Sunday to collect gold in the event at Penn State’s White Building, while his freshman teammate Zachary Zeller impressed in his second collegiate event to snare bronze in men’s epee.

Axel went 10-1 in two rounds of pool play before dominating in direct elimination to take the crown.

The Lexington, Kentucky, native did not allow more than six touches during the elimination rounds and defeated Penn’s John Vaiani 15-6 to claim the championship. (Neilwin Joseph Bravo)

BASKETBALL PROGRAM. University of Mindanao president Dr. Willie Torres tosses the ceremonial ball ushering the first ever GET Inter-National High School Basketball Tournament at the UM Matina Gym. Behind him is Presidential Sports Assistant Glenn Escandor. (Roy Geonzon)

Kings beat Raptors 102-99 R

UDY Gay and the Sacramento Kings were glad to benefit from a rare bit of good fortune.

Gay had 23 points and nine rebounds, and the Kings beat Toronto 102-99 on Sunday night after waiting out a video review to see if the Raptors had forced overtime on Terrence Ross’ 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Following a timeout with 2.4 seconds left, Ross grabbed a deflected pass, took two dribbles and made a 33-footer - but the officials ruled time had expired.

Official Mike Callahan said a replay review showed the clock didn’t start when DeMarcus Cousins deflected the ball. The actual elapsed time was 2.5 seconds, resulting in no basket and a celebration at Golden 1 Arena.

‘’I’ve got to hear another explanation better than that because we reviewed it about 10 times in there,’’ Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. ‘’Even if the clock started once DeMarcus Cousins deflected it, T-Ross caught it, shot it, and still had shot it at .5 (seconds) with plenty of time.’’

The only explanation the Kings cared about was the disputed shot didn’t count. ‘’We never get these kinds of breaks,’’ Gay said. ‘’It felt good to get off the court and celebrate this win.’’

While the Kings were ecstatic, the Raptors bemoaned their fate. ‘’I’m going to save my money and say no comment,’’ Kyle Lowry said.

The NBA’s scoring leader, DeMar DeRozan was defend-

ed tightly by Gay for much of the game and missed 12 of 15 shots while finishing with a season-low 12 points for Toronto.

The Kings snapped a fourgame losing streak and beat the Raptors for the second time this season. DeRozan, who entered averaging 33 points per game, missed all eight shots and had three second-half points as Toronto was outscored 44-36. ‘’We gave up 36 in the second half. That’s fantastic, because the first half wasn’t so nice defensively,’’ Kings coach Dave Joerger said.

Sacramento defeated Toronto for the second time this season. In the first meeting, DeRozan shot 7 of 20 and had 23 points. He has reached 30 points in 10 of 13 games this season.

THE KIEFERS. Axel and Lee Kiefer, children of Kentucky-based Dabawenya doctor Teresa Orpilla, show their trophy won at the Penn State Open last weekend.

HOT ELLA... FROM 16

to be able to get the ball out of the hazard and she did,” Danny added.

Nagayo muffed a 20-foot birdie putt and got out for par.

She was in trouble again in the 18th after she hooked her drive hitting the left thick rough.

“We were given five minutes to look for the ball. We were very careful looking as you know Australia has a lot of snakes. Luckily, before we ran out of time, the caddy of Ella’s flight mate Sayumi de Costa found the ball buried in the rough,” her father said.

She got the ball back into play and pitched from 90 meters. She bogeyed the hole to go two over par.

Two straight pars in the first and second kept her scorecard aloft but she tumbled again with back-to-back bogeys in the 3rd and 4th.

She saved par in the 5th from the greenside bunker and then closed out the round with an easy par in the par-3 7th.

“There we some fantastic scores in the overall nett section, but in the end Alessandra Nagayo took top honours. The 13-marker hailing from Wa-

verley Golf Club effortlessly broke her handicap by a massive 9 shots for a round of 63 and the victory,” read a story in golfvic.org.au, the official website of Melbourne’s Golf Victoria.

Gardiners Run hosted the Stuart Appleby Signature Tournament for the second consecutive year.

The event has a strong history of great champions, with the likes of USLPGA professional Su-Hyun Oh and 2016 Isuzu Queensland Open champion Brett Coletta as former winners.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

HOT ELLA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 194 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

Nagayo wins Stuart Appleby Signature tournament

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

A

njb@edgedavao.net

USTRALIA – There is no stopping sweet-swinging Ella Nagayo.

On a scorching Sunday morning in Melbourne’s links-type Gardiner Run golf course in Chirnside Park, the 12-year old girl from Davao was as hot as the weather.

The Waverly Golf standout fired a net 63 to pocket the girls Under 14 net title and finish first runCHAMPION. Under 14 net girls champion Ella Nagayo.

ner-up in the gross scores in the tournament held in honor of one of Australia’s greatest golfers.

Brandishing a 13-handicap, Nagayo had a par-birdie-birdie-par start in her first four holes before going down with back-to-back bogeys. She finished with a flourish though with threestraight pars for a gross four over par 76.

Nagayo began her round at the par 5-8th where she teed off with a line drive to center followed by an easy 3-wood approach to get to the front of the sloping green.

She had an 8-foot birdie putt, missed and walked off with a tap in par.

Already warmed up and in the groove, she waxed hot in her next two holes. She birdied the 9th and 10th getting on the green using a 54-degree wedge and holing out from three feet to go 2-under.

After saving par in the 11th, Nagayo gambled with a 58-degree wedge that had

too much backspin on it, rolling out to the apron. She used the same wedge to land close to the hole but she babied the contact and she was left with 14 feet par-putt. She settled for her first bogey.

She had another bogey at the short par-4 291-meter 13th where she had an uneven lie in the left center of the fairway then miscalculated the distance from the pin placement on the right back edge putting the right bunkers in play. She got out of the sand 20 feet from the cup, two-putted for another bogey.

She matched par in the next two holes, dropped a bo-

1ST GET HOOPS. Presidential Assistant for Sports and Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas regional director Glenn Escandor (center) presides over the ceremonial jumpball opening the 1st GET Inter-National High School Basketball Tournament at the University of Mindanao Gym. Looking on is University of Mindanao president Willie Torres. (Roy Geonzon)

gey in the 16th after her range finder read exactly 138 meters to the pin and a 7-iron tee shot bounced in the center and landed at the back of the green.

At the 17th, her Australian coach PGA Professional and RSA Secondary Golf Trainer Tim Wendel watched from the sidelines. She impressed him with a good drive using a PING G-30.

Her father-caddie Danny adWINNERS. Winners of the 2016 Stuart Appleby Golf Tournament pose for a group photo at Gardiner Run vised her to use her PING G-hygolf course. brid club for the second shot and

put the ball just 40 meters right of the green since a wood would put both left and right bunkers in play.

“She decided to use her 5-wood to try to reach the green,” Danny narrated.

The ploy did not work. She hit a high draw and the ball landed left side deep in the bunker for her third shot.

“I asked her to take her time and make three practice swings

F HOT ELLA, 15