Edge Davao 9 Issue 200

VOL. 9 ISSUE 200 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

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Serving a seamless society

PUTTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS. President Rodrigo Duterte holds a glass of water to stress a point while answering questions during a news conference upon his arrival from Auckland, New Zealand and from the participation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting in Lima, Peru at the Davao International Airport in Davao City last week. Duterte pushes through with his scheduled visit to Lanao del Sur today despite an IED explosion that injured seven members of the Presidential Security Group and two other soldiers yesterday. Lean Daval Jr

RODY’S ADVANCE PARTY AMBUSHED 9 wounded, one seriously

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

CONVOY of Presidential Security Group together with technical personnel from the Radio TV Malacañang and army troopers were ambushed at around 10:30 in the morning on Tuesday, November 29 while en route to Marawi City, particularly in Barangay Matampay.

In a statement to the media, the Office of the Presidential Communications Opera-

tions Office (PCOO) said the convoy was hit by an improvised electronic device (IED) planted in a roadside exploded.

PCOO said nine persons were injured during the incident – seven were members of the PSG while the other two were regular members of the army.

Five of the wounded members of the convoy were immediately airlifted to an un-

disclosed medical facility for emergency care while the rest were given first aid treatment.

One of the five who were airlifted, one sustained serious injuries, the PCOO added.

“Rest assured that all shall be given immediate medical attention,” the PCOO said, adding that President Duterte has consistently expressed concern for uniformed personnel who bravely walk in harm’s

way so we can live in peace and freedom.

“We assure our brave men and women who put their lives on the line for duty and country that their Commander-in-Chief will never abandon them in their time of need,” the PCOO statement pointed out.

Meanwhile, the PSC also issued a statement saying that members of their command

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DCWD eyes waste treatment facility

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HE Davao City Water District is poised to propose to the City Government to establish a wastewater treatment facility once and for all.

Councilor Diosdado Mahipus revealed that the DCWD has already indicated it would help address wastewater issues by proposing the facility in Davao City.

Mahipus acknowledged that lack of proper sanitation is a constraint in the economic growth because of the water-related and airborne diseases, and environmental degradation.

“We will be only be saving the children and newborn babies from infections, and our mortality rate will be

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 200 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

AUTHENTIC HERO. A Philippine flag waves prominently in front of the statue of Andres Bonifacio, considered as the father of the Philippine revolution, at his monument along the junction of C.M. Recto Avenue and Magallanes Street in Davao City yesterday. The whole nation will be commemorating the 153 birthday of Bonifacio today. Lean Daval Jr.

2017 DENR budget Security forces intensify increased by 31% Davao monitoring efforts T P

BY RIA VALDEZ

HE Senate has approved the proposed P28.67-billion budget of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for 2017, which is 31% higher than last year’s.

“The budget increase mirrors the Duterte administration’s push for social justice where majority of the Filipino people truly benefit from the

country’s natural resources,” said DENR secretary Gina Lopez after the Senate approved the budget.

Senate finance committee chair Sen. Loren Legarda spearheaded the defense for next year’s budget increase from the current budget of the agency which is P21.8 billion.

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28th Philippine eagle hatched in captivity

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HE Philippine Eagle Foundation has announced the birth of the 28th eaglet from the PEF conservation breeding program.

The eaglet has hatched, with minimal assistance, on November 4, 2016 after 56 days of incubation. It is 4 to 5inches tall and weighs 488.3g

as of this writing.

The new chick is the third successfully hatched offspring of the Philippine Eagle pair, MVP (male) and Go Phoenix (female), after Sinag and Chick 27. Eagles MVP and Go Phoenix are the adopted eagles of PLDT and Edisy Trading re-

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By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA OLICE authorities have intensified their intelligence monitoring in coordination with other security forces outside Davao City following the recent incident in the US embassy in Manila where authorities found an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) similar to the Davao blast.

Police Regional Office 11 Deputy Regional Director for Operation and Commander of the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Night Market Sr.

Supt. Valeriano De Leon said that they intensified their efforts on intelligence gathering to secure the city.

“Other than we are still on high guard, there is intensified effort on intelligence gathering in collaboration of our neighboring regions (after an IED was found in US embassy),” he said.

He said that they are also working hand-in-hand with other security agencies to confirm if the perpetrators of the Davao blast were the same

group that left the IED in front of the US embassy.

An 81 mm mortar was found near the US embassy on Monday dawn. The explosive has a blasting cap, detonator, cellphone and 9 volts battery as power source.

Task Force Davao commander Col Erwin Bernard Neri said that the city remains to be in heightened alert status and they have intensified their security measures.

“We have intensified our fixed and mobile checkpoint

operations and other security measures such as foot, mobile, shoreline and maritime patrols,” he said.

Several members of the Philippine Navy were also seen patrolling the city and conducting checkpoint operations in the downtown areas inspecting the bags of the civilians.

Neri said that they have also coordinated with other law enforcement agencies and units within and outside the city.

ment, including insurance and assistance.

He also took note of cases where OFWs leave for abroad to work using the regular or tourist visa who he said are vulnerable to challenges and cannot receive assistance from OWWA and POEA. “We do not have the records of workers who go abroad to work using regular or tourist visas. These workers are oftentimes vulnerable to abuses,” he said, adding that their agency has no way of monitoring their conditions to provide support and assistance in times of troubles and

problems.

Bellido also called on residents in the region who are planning to work abroad to go through the correct processing and ensure that they are registered in OWWA and POEA. OWWA-11 made the call after two Filipina nurses from Davao City working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) met an accident last November 12.

Both nurses, considered

by OWWA-11 as undocumented workers because they used regular or tourist visas, were bumped by a speeding BMW in said country.

One of the victims, Estee Banaag from SIR Matina died on November 27 while the other victim, Melissa Roble from Cabantian, Buhangin suffered injury in her spinal column.

Another case that Bellido brought up involved Vilma Lastima, an OFW working in Jordan who went home November 24 and left her threemonth-old baby at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport .

Bellido said their office painstakingly looked for Lastima in her declared address in Maco town, Compostela Valley but they failed.

OWWA: 35,000 OFWs from Davao region T

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration revealed that the Davao region now has 35,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) working in various countries abroad.

The total count, OWWA11 regional director Eduardo Bellido said is based on the records of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in the region as of September this year.

Bellido added that OFWs registered with OWWA and the POEA are considered registered workers and are covered with benefits from the govern-

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Underground cabling expansion to be sought in Poblacion areas

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

I UNEXPLAINED. Empty seats are seen at the session hall of Sangguniang Panlungsod as the regular session of the City Council was adjourned early due to lack of quorum. Lean Daval Jr.

PNP transformation roadmap deemed doable: Dayanghirang

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Plan 2030 Roadmap that is being pursued by the Philippine National Police bring about good governance within the organization is doable and can be achieved.

This was the view raised

by Ednar Dayanghirang, the current chair of the advisory council of the PNP in Davao region to reporters on Monday.

“With the challenges that the PNP is facing nowadays, especially on drugs, I believe the organization can move on and achieve its goal of making every community in the country a safer place to live, work and do business in,” Dayanghirang said.

Dayanghirang also told re-

porters that a national summit of the advisory councils of the PNP in the country was recently facilitated in Iloilo City where the problems on illegal drugs that continue to haunt the organizations were also discussed.

The number of PNP involved in drugs in the entire country was also presented during the summit.

He said that from January to November of this year, a total of 1,048 members of the PNP are under counter intelligence watch for their possible involvement in illegal drugs.

In the same period, he added, 181 police officers were already tested positive on the use of illegal drugs; 17

were already administratively charged; 13 were criminally charged; 19 were killed when they opted to fight it out against arresting officers; 11 have died while under investigation; 40 were arrested; 43 were forced to surrender; and 5 surrendered voluntarily.

Dayanghirang said only a small percentage of the numbers of PNP involved in illegal drugs came from Davao region.

He pointed out that only few members of the PNP are suspected to be involved in illegal drugs and that a huge number of policemen in the country are still true to their tasks and mandates.

“This is the reason why I

believe the PNP can achieve their goals in their Plan 2030 roadmap. Majority of them are still true to their mandate,” he said.

The council chair explained that in order for the PNP to achieve the goals of their roadmap, certain steps are being done from the local police stations to the higher echelons of the organization.

Among these are on the level of resource management where the PNP must optimize the use of their financial and logistical resources; on the level of their learning and growth, to include the development of their competent, motivations, values orientations and discipline.

eco-tourism complex in Barangay Pasian, Monkayo town, Compostela Valley.

The provincial government of Compostela Valley reported on Tuesday that the mahogany trees have grown

more than 15 feet tall and now provide shade and comfort to those who visit the tourism complex.

Among those who appreciated the comfort of the fully grown mahogany trees were

officials and employees of the provincial government who recently conducted their annual thanksgiving during the 10th Provincial Government Office (PGO) Fiesta in honor of the

241 Mahogany trees flourish at eco-tourism complex in ComVal

A

TOTAL of 241 mahogany trees that were planted during the celebration of “Arbor Day” seven years ago are now fully grown and flourishing trees standing inside the agriculture and

Drought-affected Davao Farmers to get assistance

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HOUSANDS of farmers and fisherfolk affected by the onslaught of El Niño phenomenon last year until early this year in Davao City received assistance from the city government.

Chief Information Officer JefryTupas said on Tuesday that the continuing distribution of food assistance that include rice and canned goods started in the middle of this month and has already reached around 37,000 farmers and 927 fishermen in the city.

Tupas said the assistance was approved by the city government through a resolution declaring the affected areas under the state of calamity due to the prolonged drought.

Most of the farms devastated by the dry spell were in the districts of Calinan, Tugbok, Marilog, Paquibato and Toril.

The city government also handed to recipients 981 sacks of rice in the area of Tapak and 1,300 in Colosas, both in Paquibato District.

Meanwhile, the city government of Davao also extended assistance to 121 families and 27 individuals affected by the fire that hit Barangay Tomas Monteverde in Agdao District last Sunday.

The City Social Services and Development Office reported that most of the fire victims who lost their houses are temporarily staying at the

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F 241 MAHOGANY, 11

N its further bid for a worldclass status, Davao City will further expand its underground utility cables system within the Poblacion area.

Under the project, all utility cables and wires for telecommunications, electricity and other lines hanging in posts and dangling all around the city will be buried underground, and will be hidden from plain sight.

Councilor Diosdado Mahipus said Tuesday that the operation will be started by early 2017 and will have a one-year completion period.

“Just like abroad, all cables or wires hanging in wooden or cement posts will be a thing of the past and will never be an obstruction in the our skylines anymore,” Mahipus said.

The project is presently being undertaken only within the vicinity of the Davao City Hall which serves as a mere pilot area, but will eventually be spread all over the city.

Mahipus said there would be six phases for the underground cabling project in several downtown areas.

The first phase will be from corners San Pedro and Claveria Streets to Acacia; second phase will be at Acacia to Magsaysay Park; third phase from Paciano Bangoy Rotunda to Crooked Road; fourth phase would be at San Pedro Extension to Boy Scout Area; and

fifth phase will be from Roxas to Mega Harbour proposed reclamation project.

Mahipus said that the council required the Davao Light Power Company (DLPC), and telecom companies to comply and will be the ones spending for the project and that the cable wires should be placed beneath the sidewalks.

“We do not want to occupy the road lanes again and we must avoid creating heavy traffic,” Mahipus added.

He added that the council is doing its best to pass the revised ordinance before this year ends.

In an executive order signed by then mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte, the Davao City Wires and Cable (WAC) technical team was created to oversee and manage the underground cable project to coordinate with DLPC, a subsidiary of the Aboitiz Power Corp. (Aboitiz Power).

The WAC technical team is comprised of members of the applicable government agencies concerned, private corporations affected by the project and other private entities.

Arturo Milan, executive vice president of the Davao Light said in a previous media interview that the project was immediately implemented upon the approval of their application by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Release of bonus for teachers, personnel seen by year-end

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HE Department of Education will release the performance-based bonus to its teaching and non-teaching personnel before the end of the year, following the submission of ranking reports to the Department of Budget and Management.

The ranking reports form the basis of the amount of their bonus, which ranges from PHP5,000 to PHP35,000. The bonus recognizes the exemplary performance of teachers to

further motivate higher performance and greater accountability.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the department said the teachers and all qualified government employees will also receive the PHP5,000 annual productivity-enhancement incentive by December 15.

It said that aside from the performance-based bonus and the incentive, the year-end bo-

F RELEASE, 10

An electrician from the City General Office (GSO) installs Christmas lights at the façade of City Hall building few days before the opening ceremony of Pasko Fiesta 2016. Lean Daval Jr.

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PNOC to help city in sustaining renewable energies: Mahipus

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

T

HE PNOC Renewables Corporation was looking forward to helping the city improve by establishing clean and renewable energies, according to City Councilor Diosdado Mahipus.

In a statement, Mahipus said that the Davao City project is aside from the proposed initiatives to help sustain renewable resources.

Mahipus mentioned that he would pass a resolution to the council anytime next month to make the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) as a “green building” as soon as the agreement with the PNOC-RC will be approved.

“We will replace the current bulb lights with LED lights and install solar rooftops,” he pointed out, adding that they will adopt the net metering system.

Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid, allowing residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity from solar power to feed electricity they do not use back into the grid.

Mahipus said that the

PNOC will be the ones spending for the installation fees.

“I asked the PNOC not only to provide green technology in SP only but also to all government agencies and other private entities in Davao,” added Mahipus.

He also noted that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Davao City Water District (DCWD) have already their own solar panels.

“This is the trend now – sana magsucceed,” Mahipus stressed.

He acknowledged that the current problem right now in Davao City and Mindanao is the sufficiency of the electricity.

Mahipus said that the growth of the city grows on and on but the government is worrying about where they are going to get additional electric supply,” Mahipus added, hoping that by reducing the energy consumptions, everyone will “save a lot.”

“Kung mag green technology tayo, 30 to 40 percent ang masasave natin sa money and malaki ang difference sa energy consumptions natin according sa PNOC,” Mahipus added.

Delegates of Batang Pinoy 2016 National Championship shop for souvenir items at the makeshift stores inside the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex compound in Tagum City. Lean Daval Jr.

DOF: Raise tax on car to solve traffic crisis

BY RIA VALDEZ

Mindanao,Visayas OFWs T urged to fly out via Clark

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VERSEAS Filipino workers in Mindanao and the Visayas may now find it more comfortable to fly out of the Clark International Airport as more local and international airlines have announced increased flights at the CRK, Clark International Airport Corporation president Alexander Cauguiran on Monday said.

“With the launch of domestic and international flights starting December by the Philippine Airlines, increased flight frequencies by carriers such as Cebu Pacific and by other international airlines catering to OFWs, foreign-bound Filipino workers could avoid the monstrous traffic going to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) by flying through CRK,” Cauguiran said.

Among the international carriers flying in and out of Clark are Emirates, which will resume its daily flights to Dubai starting December; Qatar Airlines, daily flights to Doha; Dragonair, Hong Kong; Tiger Air, Singapore; and Jin Air, Busan, South Korea. Cebu Pacific services Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore.

CRK is currently averaging 114 domestic and international flights weekly from these carriers.

Cauguiran said a one-stopshop for OFWs has recently been set up near the CRK at the Clark Freeport Zone upon orders of President Rodrigo Duterte to provide for all the government services needed

by OFWs. In 2015, a total of 122,473

OFWs flew out of CRK. In January to October this year, 112,930 OFWs flew out via Clark Airport.

According to statistics, about 1.8 million OFWs fly out of the country on a yearly basis, for an average of 6,000 departures a day.

These are aside from returning OFWs who are coming home for vacation or whose contracts have ended.

Because of severe traffic, it usually takes as much as three hours to travel to the NAIA in Paranaque City from Quezon City, Caloocan and other cities in Metro Manila.

“CRK offers a less stressful departure and arrival point not only for OFWs and other travelers, that could also help ease traffic in Metro Manila, particularly on roads leading to the airport,” Cauguiran said.

From Quezon City, it takes only about an hour of road travel to reach CRK via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx).

Plans for a fast rail system from Metro Manila to Clark will make travel a lot faster, Cauguiran added.

Encouraged by the “Build, Build, Build!” development plans of the Duterte administration for the Clark Airport, an increasing number of carriers have recently either launched or increased their flights via CRK. After a series of negotiations, Cauguiran recently announced the launch of domestic and international flights from CRK by national flag carrier Philippine Airlines. (PNA)

HE Department of Finance batted for the congressional approval of the implementation of of the proposed restructuring of the excise tax on automobiles to help decongest traffic in Metro Manila and other highly congested urban centers such as Cebu and Davao.

This tax hike would be implemented in 2018, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. “If this thing is going to pass, it will probably be effective in 2018. So we have a year to fix it. So there, that’s the reason. By

the way, we are not imposing this merely to make life hard for people. We are imposing this to finance [our] infrastructure needs,” said Dominguez.

He explained that through the DOF timetable, the Duterte administration would have enough time to address the problems of the country’s rail transit system. Aside from that, this would also be the time to inform and encourage the public to invest in alternative modes of city travel by using public transport rather than ride cars.

“So we are going to make

public transport more available. We have to discourage new cars because just look at the traffic, It’s not moving,” he added.

Dominguez stressed that a highly progressive tax on automobiles will discourage the purchase of new cars, which, in turn, will help stop traffic congestion from getting worse, and reduce air pollution and the carbon footprint.

“What’s the point of buying a new car and not moving in the streets? That point of the matter is we want to direct the people to go to public trans-

port, and we are making big investments in public transport, particularly the bus rapid transit system, and we’re fixing up the trains, whose maintenance has been neglected over the years,” Dominguez said.

Under the DOF proposal, the tax for entry-level cars priced P600,000 and below would go up from 2 percent to 5 percent, while luxury vehicles priced over P2.1 million would be taxed 60 percent of the manufacture/import price, up from the current tax of P512,000 plus 60 percent in excess of 2.1 million.

nationwide for to roll out its new policies on extension and share the best practices on community and industry engagement.

In a press conference, Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo Director of Office of Planning, Research and Knowledge Management said that the objective of the conference is for all the participants to interiorize the idea that HEIs, both public and private, are platforms for innovations.

“Extension cannot be anymore separate from research,” he said adding that it is envisioned to be purpose-specific utilizing the best data, science, and evidences from a range of discipline to help society.

Under the new extension framework, CHED hopes to bring teachers and extension workers to be more aware of the problems in their communities and propose solutions that may be a product of their research resulting to mature

technologies, or accidental innovations from basic research or expertise.

Juanillo also said that HEIs should develop intellectual and human capital.

He added that the role of HEIs in attaining inclusive growth is to serve as platforms for innovations.

“In other words, they will create solutions, they try to discover, they try to search for answers, in so doing, they

Santos explained that their first target was only 85 stores but this expanded to more than 90 due to “the rigid campaign” of their Mindanao field office.

Santos added that being an international brand, 7/11 has shown an overwhelming acceptance by Filipinos.

The Cliqq brand manager also cited Davao City where there are already more than 40

stores established in which its first subsidiary was only put up in the city on May 2015.

“Also, the stores here are more spacious compared to those in Manila,” Santos said.

According to Santos, as of the moment, there are 92 stores in Mindanao, where more than 40 is located in Davao City, more than 20 in Cagayan de Oro, and the rest are distributed to other parts

of the island region particularly Digos City, General Santos City and Mati.

She added that 80 percent of stores in Mindanao are franchised while 20 percent are corporate.

In the Philippines,7-Eleven is run by the Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC) having more than 1900 stores nationwide. JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

HEIs dared to transform into‘engines of innovation’

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

T

HE Commission on Higher Education challenged higher education institutions (HEIs) to transform themselves into “engines of innovation” that will bring Filipinos to a sustainable path towards inclusive growth.

The 2nd National Extension Conference at Regal Hotel, Davao City on November 29 to 30, 2016 has gathered more than 200 extension directors, teachers and extension workers from HEIs

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Store chain targets 100-stores in Mindanao by year-end

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HE management of the International convenience store chain 7/11 has expressed optimism it will hit its 100-mark target in Mindanao before the end of the year.

In an interview, Deena Santos, Brand Manager of 7/11 Cliqq Loyalty, said the company may likely exceed its target mark by reaching 102 to 105 stores.

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Sowing the seeds of peace in Bangsamoro homeland

“Building bridges” over troubled past (Second of three series)

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Bangsamoro De- conflict-affected areas in the velopment Authority Bangsamoro,” he added.

(BDA) plays a major Current partnership berole in the preparations, iden- tween BDA and the governtification and implementation ment of Japan includes the of development programs and implementation of projects projects for the conflict-affect- through the Community Deed areas in the Bangsamoro, velopment in Affected Areas in particularly in Mindanao.

Mindanao (CD-CAAM) and the BDA is also working close- Quick Impact Projects (QIPs). ly with foreign governments A total of 150 beneficiaries and international donor agen- in six people’s organizations cies in the implementation of (POs) were already served said development projects, agriculture, fishery and infraincluding the peace process structure programs and projinitiatives of the government of Japan through its Embassy; the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); and the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD), a project implemented through the Socio-Economic Assistance Component Mohammad S. Yacob, executive director of the (SEAC) in the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) likened their Internation- collaborations with the government of Japan into al Monitoring “building bridges” that allows Bangsamoro people, especially those living in conflict-affected areas to Team (IMT).

BDA was cross to well-developed and sustainable communities.

(Alexander D. Lopez) established in June 2001 pursuant to the humanitarian, re- ects under the CD-CAAM in habilitation and development the towns of Sultan Mastura in aspects of the Government Maguindanao and Matunggao of the Philippines (GRP) – in Lanao del Norte.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front Another 130 beneficiaries (MILF) peace agreement. in 11 POs are currently reThe agency carries a vision ceiving support for extension of an enlightened, prosperous phase in agriculture, livestock and self-sustaining Bangsam- and fishery projects through oro living in a just and se- CD-CAAM in the towns of Sulcured life. As its mission as a tan Mastura in Maguindanao, development manager in the Matunggao in Lanao del Norte Bangsamoro, BDA is commit- and Panglima Sugala in Tated to implement a model of wi-Tawi. development anchored on its In QIPs, BDA and JICA also core values, geared towards implemented a total of 20 projinstitutional competence and ects that include the construcsustainability. tion of warehouses, school “JICA was among the first buildings and multi-purpose development partners that halls to 20 sites in six regions came to us … the first engage- in Mindanao, including the ment was the conduct of eco- island provinces of Sulu and nomic assessment in the con- Tawi-Tawi. flict-affected areas in the BangOf the total 20 QIP projsamoro,” said Mohammad S. ects, nine were already turned Yacob, executive director of over to their beneficiaries, five BDA in an interview. were recently completed and He added that assessment six are still under construction. resulted to the formulation of a comprehensive economic plan Support to human for the Bangsamoro areas. development “The collaboration with Among the beneficiaries the government of Japan start- of the J-BIRD projects through ed with the completion of the the grant assistance for grasscomprehensive plan and the roots human security is the start of the implementation of Community and Family Serprograms and projects to the vices International (CFSI), a

Students who undergo trainings and seminars are among the beneficiaries of the Center for Excellence and Humanitarian Service building in Cotabato City.

(Alexander D. Lopez) nership with the working in development and worth over $240 million for Mindanao State humanitarian agencies, both programs and projects in the University (MSU) in government and NGOs in Bangsamoro as of October this year. and the Catho- Mindanao.

Continuing projects being lic University of undertaken include the ComAmerica in of- “Building bridges” over prehensive Capacity Developfering masteral troubled past ment Project (CCDP) that is course on social Yacob likened the collabbeing implemented within the orations between BDA and work and educaBangsamoro core territory in the Japanese government as tion program.

Mindanao. “building bridges” to allow Emma D. The project, started in July Naga, adminis- Bangsamoro people, especially 2013 and extended until 2019, those living in conflict-affected trative assistant carries the components of inareas, cross from the troubled of CFSI, said 100 stitutional and organizational past towards well-developed slots for the masbuilding; human resources and sustainable communities. teral course was Noraida Abdullah Karim, director for Mindanao initially offered “You will find the govern- development; improvement of program of CFSI expressed gratitude to the government of Japan for the support they received and all those who ment of Japan in all fronts of public service delivery; and the through J-BIRD in the construction of the Center enrolled complet- the peace process – in the con- formulation of development for Excellence and Humanitarian Service (CEHS) ed their studies in tact group, in the IMT and in plan for the Bangsamoro. building in Cotabato City. (Alexander D. Lopez) JICA is also working on the development programs,” 2012. upland rice cultivation project the BDA executive director “This center within Camp Abubakar of the pointed out. non-government organization for excellence was the venue MILF covering the six municiUnder the J-BIRD initia(NGO) based in Cotabato City. of the masteral studies,” Naga palities in provinces of Magutive, the government of Japan CFSI is a humanitarian or- pointed out, adding that the already extended assistance ganization committed to peace 100 graduates are already F FEATURE, 10 and social development that was established in 1981.

Noraida Abdullah Karim, CFSI’s director for Mindanao program expressed gratitude to the government of Japan for the support they received through J-BIRD in the construction of the Center for Excellence and Humanitarian Service (CEHS) building.

The CEHS building worth P3 million is situated within the compound of CFSI and now serves as a venue of activ- The Center for Excellence in Humanitarian Service building at the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) ities of the Bangsamoro people in Cotabato City now serves as a venue of activities for the Bangsamoro people in the pursuit of peace and capacity in the pursuit of peace and ca- building through seminars, trainings and workshops. (Alexander D. Lopez) pacity building through seminars, trainings and workshops.

“The aim of the support to CFSI is on capacity development,” said Tamabayashi Yosuke, the first secretary of the Embassy of Japan and an advisor to SEAC-IMT. He added that CFSI proposed for the construction of the center and that Japanese government responded seeing the importance of the project Tamabayashi Yosuke (standing 2nd from right), the first secretary of the Embassy of Japan and an advisor to the for the Bangsamoro people.

Socio-Economic Assistance Component (SEAC) of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) visited the CFSI office and CFSI also worked in part- the Center for Excellence in Humanitarian Service building in Cotabato City. (Alexander D. Lopez)

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EDITORIAL

A vote of confidence

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AS it another case of “when you’re good, you’re bad”?

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez did not earn the nod of the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) and in effect her confirmation was bypassed.

But that is not the end of Lopez.

The persistent President Duterte reaffirmed his full trust and confidence to Lopez after he reappointed her as secretary of the DENR. In the words of the President, his vote of confidence for Lopez is inequivocal.

“I like her and she’s okay. Very strict, I like that. She is not corrupt, I like that. And she cannot be corrupted, I also like that.”

For the record, 15 of the President’s appointees to the Cabinet were bypassed by the 25-member CA. The others who were bypassed were Secretaries Vitaliano Aguirre ll of justice, Leonor Briones of education, Fortunato dela Peña of science and technology, Ramon Lopez of trade and industry, Rafael Mariano of agrarian reform, Ernesto Pernia of economic planning, Emmanuel Piñol of agriculture, Rodolfo Salalima of information communications technology, Ismael Sueno of local government, Judy Taguiwalo of social welfare and development, Wanda Corazon Teo of tourism, Arthur Tugade of transportation, Paulyn Jean Obial of health and Perfecto Yasay Jr. of foreign affairs.

By far, only seven out of the 23 Cabinet members have been confirmed: Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Benjamin Diokno of budget, Martin Andanar of communications, Carlos Dominguez III of finance, Silvestre Bello lll of labor, Alfonso

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Cusi of energy and Delfin Lorenzana of defense.

The other 14 were likewise given by the President their re-appoinntment.

Mark Villar’s confirmation has yet to be submitted to the CA although he has already relinquished his seat in the House of Representatives. He is expected to get the nod of his fellow legislators though as a sign of courtesy.

The President has maintained that having people like Lopez in the government would make the country “at least relatively safe from every predators from all sorts.”

What Lopez’s case unique is that even if her hardline position on mining and other environmental issues sometimes run counter with the President, the latter maintains his trust on the judgment of Lopez.

You can also say the same with Secretary Taguiwalo who has openly declared her opposition of the Marcos burial despite public knowledge that President Duterte allowed the same.

The bicameral CA has always been the proverbial thorn of any administration as it has traditionally voted on political lines.

Those with political history like Secretaries Pinol and Sueno are expected to encounter rough sailing.

But that is the dynamics of democracy as a way of checks and balances.

The bottomline is that they can hold on to the fact that they enjoy the trust and confidence of their appointing authority—the President, who sets his own preferences and standards for the men and women who will work with him.

With that, the continuity of government service is not prejudiced.

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9

Team Baguio: Competing at the Batang Pinoy games hungry and lacking of sleep

SHOWED up at the City gymnasium of Tagum yesterday morning in the hope of watching the cream of today’s young karate players mix it up in both kata and sparring competitions.

Inwardly, I had made up my mind to root for my hometown team. But I was not prepared for what I saw and for what I was told afterwards.

I was expecting to see a team refreshed and relaxed. Instead, I saw a team, comprising of five boys and two girls, still shaken after a long tortuous journey.

It would be a miracle if the team would even bring home a medal, much less go home afterwards in high spirits.

According to William Colas, one of two coaches that accompanied the team, the group had to take the bus all the way from Baguio City to Batangas since the money provided by the City government of Baguio was not enough to defray plane fare.

There the team had to stay for the night because sea travel was deemed not safe due to inclement weather. But the next day, the vessel finally took off

for Cebu, and from REVERSED PUNCH (GYAKU ZUKI) t h e r e the team transferred to another vessel bound for Butuan.

From there, it was 6 to Jimmy K.Laking 7 hours by bus to Tagum, a ride that seemed to take an eternity because the bus seemed to stop at every town along the way.

When at least the team reached Tagum, the team---comprising of Khyzer Hans C. Kapawen, Ralph Galcon, Carl Delmundo, Jahzie Joaquin, Bonnie Batong, Mhekylie Allison Joaquin and Noemi Changluyen---had only a few hours to rest. There was no semblance of a decent meal.

Colas told me the team traveled practically on empty stomach or light

Is a 10% GDP growth achievable?

I

VANTAGE POINTS

T has already been lamented that the Philippines has the highest power and internet costs in Southeast Asia, it also has the highest personal income tax rates in the region. These have hampered further competitiveness and disallowed reinvestment of incomes in other pursuits such as small businesses that could have driven more employment.

The last elections have therefore pushed these issues in the limelight, especially since many voters feel this pinch in their pockets, given that majority of our taxes come from fixed income earners like them.

With about twenty to thirty percent of monthly salaries going to taxes, employees feel this crunch, all the more made painful knowing how these significant amounts sadly translate to the poor infrastructure they have to drive and ride on, inadequate public hospitals, and ill equipped and poor quality public education.

In the more advanced countries they or their relatives have visited and worked in, these essential public ser-

food.

The team has the seal of Baguio sewn into their uniforms but their appearance in the games under trying circumstances, does not seem to speak of the city they represent.

In contrast, many of the teams that came from Pangasinan and Cagayan valley took the plane, courtesy of their local governments and patrons. Some teams stayed in inns and hotels. One mayor in fact acted as coach and team manager for one municipal team.

Despite the predilection of Baguio’s officialdom for golf, sports hardly is not one of that city’s strong points. Years back I wrote about a girl chess player from Baguio who slept at the Luneta Park with her mother just so to compete in a national competition and for lack of money to spend for board and lodging. She is now of our country’s strongest players.

Most of the athletes and martial arts figures who excelled at their crafts and made a name for themselves and for that city, generally, can be said to have done it through their own efforts and

Tax reforms needed (Last of 4 parts)

vices need MY TWO CENTS’ not break the bank, being affordable or even free.

Had the quality and cost of these necessary public services been John Tria improved, then the low- ecisouth@gmail.com er and middle classes need not spend on costly private service providers and pay expensive tolls on highways and spend for private education and hospitalization. It is these last two items that force Pinoys to work abroad.

The high cost of these things, plus the pain of seeing them go to government makes living in the Philippines difficult and frustrating for many.

Thus, to achieve two goals, which is lower taxes for the middle class and better public services, and money to pump prime the economy requires

that sufficient revenue be generated over the nect five years. Towards this, government’s economic managers have begun pushing in Congress The proposed comprehensive tax reform program.

Called the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act aims to generate a net gain of P174 billion, equivalent to 1 percent of the GDP in 2018.

This initial proposal is to lower personal income tax (PIT) rates to make these at par with those in the region, expanding the Value Added Tax (VAT) base by limiting exemptions to necessities such as raw food, education and health care, while increasing excise taxes on oil and automobiles.

If approved in full will allow the government to“improve 44,000 kilometers of national and local roads; build 6,700 health centers and hire nearly 10,000 doctors, nurses and midwives; and attain 100 percent health insurance coverage, along with building 80,000 more classrooms and hiring 157,000 teachers over the next five years,” according to Finance Sec-

the support of friends. It is somewhat of an irony that a city that has well-manicured golf grounds and several tartan ovals can that stingy in the treatment of its sports ambassadors.

Without its local officials knowing it, the city of Baguio contributed in part to the history of Shotokan karate in the Philippines when Kunio Sasaki trained a pioneering group of four Filipino blackbelts in the 1960s that paved the way for the spread of this martial art nationwide. Of the four, three came from Baguio City.

Sports, seen another way is all about spreading goodwill, brotherhood and camaraderie. Above all, it speaks of respect for others and the rest of humankind.

Unfortunately for the sports ambassadors of that city, as in the case of that gutsy team of young karatedo, respect does not seem to appear in the vocabulary of some of their city officials.

So if perchance the Philippine Sports Commission or some friends of sports get to read this, here is one chance to help those who are certainly in need.

retary Carlos Dominguez III. Likewise important is the governments goal of lowering the poverty rate from the present 21% to 15% by the end of the Duterte government’s term. Dominguez said that this would achieved by implementing these initiatives, because raising productivity and improving competitiveness will, in turn, create more and better jobs—and thereby lift the economic status of the country’s impoverished sectors.

Truly, investments that drive growth in employment do not come without spending for the right infrastructure that has eluded us for decades. Perhaps its time we truly push these things.

We are all therefore encouraged to monitor progress of this important legislative proposals, ot only to see of we have paid less taxes, but whether we have better infrastructure, services, and less poor by 2022.

Check out my FB page at facebook. com/johntriapage/ for an archive of my column

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

SEASON GREETINGS. Dabawenyos walk through the sidewalk near Aldevinco Shopping Center which is now decorated with colorful Christmas lanterns.

The place is a favorite shopping destination for souvenir items of foreign and domestic tourists of the city which are expected to flock this yuletide season.

Lean Daval Jr.

DavNor, Comval films to be shown in Cavite

S

EVERAL short films from Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley will be shown in the 8th Cinema Rehiyon in Dasmarinas, Cavite which will run this November 28 until December 2.

Among these films are; Pagsalig, a short film shot in Talikud, Island Garden City of Samal, Tami-aw and Supot- a short films from Monkayo, Compostela Valley, Muted a Davao City film entered in the Nabunturan Film Exchange and Sim 2 from Nabunturan.

Another film which will be shown in Cavite is Pakot, the

winner of the 2015 Mindanao Film Festival which was shot partly in Compostela Valley.

The Cinema Rehiyon is a project of the National Commission of the Culture and the Arts which gathers the best regional films from all across the country.

Now on its eighth year, Cinema Rehiyon has been focusing works of Filipino filmmakers from all over the Philippines, especially outside of Metro Manila, raising awareness on the efforts on and progress of filmmaking in the different regions.

Despite the interpellation of natural resources panel chief Sen. Cynthia Villar, Legarda stressed that DENR programs for conservation, rehabilitation and protection of biodiversity should be considered for a great allotment of budget.

With this, she further explained that P3.37 billion is allotted for DENR’s two line bureaus: the Environmental Management Bureau with P2.2 billion for solid waste management, clean air and clean water projects; and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau with P1.15 billion to strengthen mining regulation services and geohazard assessment and mapping.

Also included is P1.59 billion allotment for the DENR’s attached agencies namely National Mapping Resource and

Information Authority(NAMRIA) with P1.37 billion, P394 million of which will be used for the government’s unified mapping project.

Legarda continued that P129 million will go to the National Water Resource Boar to implement its two major projects: the Comprehensive Water Resources Assessment in Major River Basin and the Establishment of Monitoring Stations in Water Constrained Cities.

The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development would also receive a budget worth P92 million for the preservation of the island’s eco-tourist spots.

According to Lopez, the DENR would focus on responsible mining, forest protection, and biodiversity conservation for the next year.

have to really produce an army of thinkers,” he said.

Juanillo further said that college and universities should not be producing students who are looking for jobs, but as much as possible, create jobs.

“Be independent, be on your own, because we want a nation of thinkers, of creators of job collaborators. We want a nation that’s known to innovate, to create, imaginative people,” he said.

For the process to become

inclusive, the director pointed out that when it comes to education, one’s status in life should not be an issue.

“Pag dating sa brain, walang mahirap at mayaman”, stressed Juanillo.

He added that it doesn’t matter if one is “a Juan Dela Cruz or a Juan Ayala”.

Finally, Juanillo said that the end goal of every HEI is to produce students who can produce solutions to the persisting problems in the country.

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The festival is envisioned as a platform for these films from the regions, most of which in local languages and showing culturally-rooted narratives, to be exhibited and appreciated by a wider audience, and for the filmmakers to interact with fellow filmmakers and stakeholders.

More than 200 films will be shown in the festival. This 8th staging of the festival carries the theme “Creating Cinema Communities, Celebrating Cultural Legacies.”

Apart from film screenings, the festival will also have

film forums moderated by film scholars.

This year’s Cinema Rehiyon will also honor iconic Caviteno actors Leopoldo Salcedo, a former matinee idol who starred in socially relevant films such as the Moises Padilla Story, Edna Luna considered as the first actress to play the iconic mermaid Dyesebel and Ramon Revilla Sr. best known for portraying the Caviteno outlaw Nardong Putik. Screenings of their well-known films will be held during the weeklong film festival. (PIA/RG Alama)

The local family welfare officer in Compostela Valley has no record of Lastima indicating that she was a documented OFW when she left

the country.

Bellido believed Lastima used a tourist or regular visa when she went out of the country and worked in Jordan.

spectively.

“The chick showed no signs of deformities. It is active, and in fact, has a big appetite,” PEF Animal Keeper Colin Santander, said.

“It is just three weeks old but its growth is exceptional,” Santander added.

The birth of Chick 28 highlights the continuing success of what was once thought as a lost cause.

“In the midst of continued mortality and persecution in the wild, this hatching success underscores the importance of conservation breeding as a way of securing this species’

gene pool,” said PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador.

DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) chief Theresa Mundita Lim, also expressed her happiness and extends her congratulations to the PEF for the successful hatching of Chick 28.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation continues to serve its mission in saving the great Philippine Eagle from extinction. The PEF firmly believes that, with concerted effort, the critically endangered Philippine Eagle will someday fly freely in the wild. (Amira Marione Madrazo/PEF)

nus equivalent to one month’s salary and the annual additional cash gift of PHP5,000 were already given to all DepEd personnel.

The department noted that a public school teacher with an entry-level salary of PHP19,000 may receive a total of PHP23,000 per month, compared to the average starting salary received by a teacher in a regular provincial private school at PHP8,000.

The department meanwhile said they recognize

President Rodrigo Duterte’s promise to raise the salaries of 763,000 teachers.

“Given the widening salary gap with private schools and with other service sectors, the inflationary impact, the premium on teachers in Science and Math and senior teachers, and the huge Department population, DepEd must ensure that the fulfillment of this promise is carefully planned in terms of policy and financial requirements,” it said in the statement.

(PNA)

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are well-trained and prepared to protect and secure the President.

President Duterte is set to visit Marawi City in the province of Lanao del Sur today, Wednesday.

Full military offensives are being carried out for five days now in the town of Butig in said province after the Maute Group occupied the town that caused massive evacuation of civilian populace.

Latest count provided by the military said the offensives have already resulted to the death of 40 members of said terror group.

Twenty members of government forces were also wounded during the offensives.

Meanwhile, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte condemned the IED explosion that injured members of the presidential security group Tuesday morning in Marawi.

The attack, he said, was apparently intended to send a message to his father, President Duterte, saying “The

message of the attack was clear and it targeted my father and his administration. It was meant to terrorize the government and the Filipino people.

The vice-mayor added it meant to undermine the present administration’s peace efforts and development agenda in Mindanao and the entire country.

“The enemies of peace and meaningful change are out on a rampage now that the Duterte administration’s peace and development efforts are rapidly gaining momentum in Mindanao and many other parts of the country. There are groups who are not happy about what’s happening now,” the presidential son said.

The young Duterte also called on the public to help the government in its fight against terrorism.

“We have to be at all times vigilant because there are still people and groups who are out to destablize our government and terrorize the Filipino people,” he said.

reduced if we will be conscious about safety in the use of water and filtration, and septic waste disposal,” Mahipus said.

He hopes that DCWD will now be filling in because the city council is pressuring them to comply as the law mandates them to do so.

“If dili sila mutuman, mapugos mi na mag-invest or hire og private entities,” Mahipus added.

He also noted that simple and affordable technology should be employed in the waterwaste management to improve the current situation

in Davao.

Mahipus reiterated that there is a need to convert the wastewater to energy because the sewage system might not be the best solution for the city.

He added the facility will also help the city attract foreign investors because foreigners are very particular about wastewater.

Mahipus said he is meeting with DCWD next week and they can make a presentation about the proposal.

“We will discuss with them sa parameters sa project,” he said.

barangay covered court in the area.

The city government provided them with food packs, sleeping mats and medicines, the CIO reported.

Financial assistance will also be given to the victims – PHp10,000 for owners whose houses were complete-

ly destroyed by the fire and PHp5,000 for those whose houses were partially damaged.

Renters and boarders affected will also receive cash assistance while mothers and children will be provided with stress debriefing sessions by the CSSDO. (PNA)

indanao and Lanao del Sur. The cultivation project aims to improve productivity and income of 12 model farms within the camp and to develop the knowledge and skills of the former combatants of the MILF in rice farming.

The agency is also providing support to the on-going construction of agricultural roads in the conflict-affected areas of Alamada town in the province of North Cotabato and in the municipalities of Bumbaran and Datu Paglas in Maguindanao.

Construction of said agricultural roads started in February of this year and expected to be completed in November 2019.

SEAC in the IMT is also conducting socio-economic

survey in the field of agriculture, community development and environmental issues.

It is currently implementing the basic survey of seawage, solid management and water supply in Cotabato City and its surrounding areas.

As the peace process moves forward, the Japan government sees the importance of capacity building and, when the normalization phase in the peace process comes – the transformation of the MILF’s military camps into peaceful and productive communities through the provision of socio-economic assistance to former combatants.

(Next: Sowing the seeds of peace in Bangsamoro homeland: Helping secure a brighter future for children.)

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 200 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

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Fashion fusion

TWENTY-FOUR YEAR OLD DESIGNER, Wilson N. Limon, Jr., edged his way into the fashion industry with his fresh approach to casual and easy dressing. Inspired by symbols, patterns and lines which bring life and definition to various cultural sects, his works resonate the endearing charm of local folklore and tropical spirit.

His playful and eclectic brand, Niñofranco, continues to gain momentum, more so when Wilson captured the attention of a bigger audience and the discerning group of fashion icons. Just a few months ago, after countless of attempts in design competitions since year 2010, Wilson finally won his first award, which also happened to be the highest recognition, in the Mindanao Young Designers Competition.

“ Photography by Jowe Posadas Model: Rush Villa-Abrille Lelis and David Priego Walter HMUA: Glen de Guzman

Wilson’s recent collection showcased RTW pieces amplified with colors and shapes inspired by the rich culture of Mindanao --- all translated into light fabrics which exude a sporty appeal.

This foray into fashion did not seem impossible a dream for this young creative. After all, the passion for fashion runs in the family. “My grandmother is a dressmaker who learned how to seam clothes on her own,” explains Wilson. “My uncle is also a fashion designer and I grew up seeing him sketch clothes for clients.

The discipline and artistry fascinated me, while the business side of it fostered a deep respect for artists.

Clothing business has been our family’s bread and butter ever since I was young, and the challenges

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 200 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

DOT Davao leads campaign for violence-free Phl IN SUPPORT OF THE CAMPAIGN TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Davao led the launch of “Orange Your Icon”, an 18-Day campaign to end violence against women (VAW) advocacy last November 25 at People’s Park.

Attending the event were members from the various local government offices, private sector representatives, the Mutya ng Dabaw and her court, as well as members from the media who took part in the Orange Zumba at eight in the morning followed by talks from guests who imparted their dreams and goals to build a VAW-free Davao and Philippines as well as a variety show.

In her opening statement DOT Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Satellite Office Eden Josephine David said “The Department of Tourism, being the lead in hospitality industry ensures that respect for women and

children’s rights is upheld and more importantly laws for equality of gender is observed.”

To make people more aware of the “Orange Your Icon” campaign, the areas around People’s Park were dressed in orange.

The bright and optimistic color represents hope and was chosen by the United Nations to symbolize the

brighter future of a world free from violence against women and girls.

This year’s theme, “Violence-free community starts with me” enjoins everyone to pursue a common vision of a VAW-free community. It gives emphasis on everyone’s commitment and contributions to end VAW.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 200 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

Alexa Ilacad shows pop rock side in music debut TEEN ACTRESS ALEXA ILACAD IS MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE. With a blossoming acting career and armed with singing talent, she is ready to dive into a new territory as Star Music’s newest pop rock artist.

Alexa, who considers singing her passion, got a taste of performing when she joined reality music competition “We Love OPM” and has been in love with it ever since.

“Their first reaction was: Aren’t you an actress? Later on, they said that I was a revelation. I also realized that I love performing, especially with a live band. When the show ended, I truly missed singing and performing on stage,” she shared.

With the release of her debut album “To the Moon & Back” under Star Music, Alexa feels “grateful and blessed.”

“Now I’m happier because I get to sing my own songs, and they are more personal,” she said.

“To the Moon & Back” contains the spunky carrier single “Pakipot, Suplado,” whose Kean Ciprianodirected music video was recently unveiled to the delight of her fans. It has also proven to be a hit because it has consistently charted in MOR 101.9’s “Biga10” list for weeks now.

Alexa is also proud to share that all the songs in her album are original and were written by Eunice Jorge, the vocalist of rock band

Gracenote, one of her musical influences. These songs are “Not Too Young,” “Kung Pwede Lang,” “Kahit Saan, Kahit Kailan,” “Dream Boat,” and “Puso.”

“Whoever listens to my songs will be blown away by how well-written they are. My fans are used to seeing me as an actress playing sweet or dramatic roles. In my album, I get to showcase my pop rock side – ‘yung ako talaga!” said Alexa.

The album also features her love team partner Nash Aguas, who sings with her on the acoustic version of “Kahit Saan, Kahit Kailan.”

“To the Moon & Back,” produced

by Rye Sarmiento and Darwin Hernandez, can now be streamed on Spotify and is now available at all record bars nationwide for only P199.

Digital tracks can also be downloaded via online music stores such as ABS-CBN Store, iTunes, Mymusicstore.com.ph, Amazon.com, OneMusic.ph, and Starmusic.ph.

For more information, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/starrecordsphil, and @ StarMusicPH on Twitter and Instagram.

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Smart expands roaming services BEEFING UP ITS LINEUP OF ROAMING SERVICES TO SUIT THE DIVERSE NEEDS OF TODAY’S TRAVELERS, leader in mobile Smart Communications recently launched Chat Abroad, the country’s first “chat apps only” data roaming service for Smart Prepaid subscribers.

Smart Chat Abroad allows prepaid subscribers to use 6 popular chat messaging apps—Facebook Messenger, Viber, Telegram, WeChat, Line, and WhatsApp—while travelling in over 130 countries. The service comes at a fixed rate of only P150 per day.

With Smart Chat Abroad, Smart Prepaid subscribers now have another option when communicating back home or even with their travel companions abroad.

“Smart Chat Abroad is the best data roaming service for those who just want to use messaging while abroad. It is designed for budget travelers, so they can stay connected with people who matter to them at rates that are friendly on the pocket,” said Tina Z. Mariano, head of Smart’s Global Access Group. The service was unveiled during the Smart Unboxed 3.0 event held recently at the Smart Store in SM North Edsa.

“Expanding the suite of services to address the needs and budget of Filipinos traveling abroad either as tourists or as expatriate workers enables us to corner a bigger share of the roaming market. We will continue to design products and services that are in synch with the evolving needs of the market.”

With Smart Chat Abroad, one can send and receive text chats or messages, stickers, photos and GIF images.

Mariano said the service is also user-friendly. To avail of Smart Chat Abroad, simply dial *133# once abroad, select 5 (Data Roaming), 2 (Chat Abroad), then the number of days that you wish to avail of Chat Abroad.

The service is available when traveling to over 130 countries. For a list of countries and more information on Smart Chat Abroad and other roaming services, visit www.smart.com.ph/chatabroad.

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and successes I witnessed while growing up fueled my desire to weave my own future in the same industry my family has

embraced.”

In a short span of time, since its conception, the brand, niñofranco, has presented idiosyncratic design ethos as translated

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in the play of forms and patterns. The juxtaposition of functional pieces and ethnic representations became Wilson’s creative backbone. While his collections follow minimalistic structures, the eccentric prints gave his pieces a distinct character that produced maximum impact. What appealed to the public are the edgy and vibrant tinges of colors over basics, which strikes a perfect balance between allure and sophistication, as well as function and form.

Wilson’s recent collection showcased RTW pieces amplified with colors and shapes inspired by the rich culture of Mindanao --- all translated into light fabrics which exude a sporty appeal. “I wanted to channel what we call the athleisure look. It’s effortless, trendy, and perfect for anyone on the go.”

Wilson is excited for his upcoming project, a collaboration with kaayo, another brand which promotes Mindanao culture.

“The aethetics behind this upcoming collection will focus on the Tboli in Lake Sebu, Cotabato. It will also serve as a livelihood program for the Lumad.”

“Sustainable fashion for me is all about social responsibility. My brand, ni-

ñofranco, aims to preserve the beauty of Mindanao culture and make a positive difference in the community. This is fashion

VOL. 9 ISSUE 200 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

culture in the making and I want to make a stand by encouraging people to celebrate and wear our art.”

Check out styles by

Wilson Limon by following www.facebook.com/ ninofranco.ph on Facebook and @ninofrancho. ph on Instagram.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 200 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

Maa abattoir acquires Double A rating

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

L

IVESTOCK owners here can now expand their market to nearby cities and even in the national market, after the Maa slaughter house has been accredited with a Double A rating by the National Meat Inspection (NMIS) audit team last November 24.

City Veterinarian’s Office head Dr. Cerelyn Pinili

said that due to the good maintenance and quality of meat by the Bankerohan Livestock dealers Cooperative the slaughter house has achieved was able to pass the requirements for accreditation.

The Double A accreditation means that the vendors can now deliver their products to the different market

outside Davao City.

“Double A accreditation means the vendors can now deliver products to the nearby provinces of Davao City and even in the national,” Pinili said. “They can now expand their market through this accreditation.”

She said that there were several members of the BLDC who received orders

coming from Cebu, Palawan and other nearby cities.

“This would mean that they can now deliver their goods to other areas legally since we have now the Double A accreditation,” she said.

Pinili said that prior to the accreditation; the meat producers only deliver their products to Bankerohan and

Agdao Public Market and to the different malls in the city.

She said that their office has been constantly monitoring the quality of meat that the slaughter house has been producing to ensure the public’s safety and quality of food that they eat.

The City veterinarians Office is strictly implementing the anti-mortem or the

SM Investments sets interest rates for P15-B retail bonds

C QUALITY STANDARDS. Photo shows SSS Vice President for Management Services and Planning Division Eleonora Y. Cinco (3rd from left) receive the plaque from GQMC Chairperson and concurrent Department of Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno (3rd from right). Also onstage were (from left) Development Academy of the Philippines Vice President

Magdalena L. Mendoza, Office of the President’s Deputy Executive Secretary for Internal Audit Alberto A. Bernardo, Department of Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Ester A. Aldana, and Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Ireneo V. Vizmonte.(SSS Photo)

SSS to invest in utilities to give members voice in rate hikes

T

HE Social Security System (SSS) plans to expand the use of its investment funds to empower its over 33 million members, who represent the country’s working population, by giving them a “louder voice” in sensitive key issues such as rate increases for electricity, water and other basic utilities.

Social Security Commission Chair Dean Amado D. Valdez said that while SSS investments primarily serve to boost the pension fund’s earning capacity, enabling it to afford giving higher benefits for members, SSS should also find ways to capitalize on its huge potential to promote social justice.

“It is already a given that SSS serves as a tool for social justice through the cross sub-

sidies it provides – the young subsidize the old, the healthy subsidize the sick, those earning more subsidize those earning less, and even males subsidize females through SSS maternity benefits,” Valdez said.

But he added that “SSS should seek to bring this concept of social justice further by maximizing the use of SSS funds to gain representation in corporations involved in basic utilities such as electricity and water. This gives SSS members a louder voice during deliberations on water and power rate hikes, since these have a significant and direct impact on the lives of workers and SSS pensioners.”

SSS can use its investment funds to seek 25 percent ownership in utility corporations

in return for the same percentage of their income. If rate hikes are justifiable and necessary, then SSS members will still benefit since the agency will receive higher income from its 25 percent share in the earnings.

The proposal of SSS to implement the Php 2,000 pension increase in two tranches, with the initial Php 1,000 across-the-board pension hike scheduled in 2017 and the remaining Php 1,000 in 2022 or earlier, will provide SSS with additional funds that it can invest to enhance its generation of revenues.

Valdez said the initial Php 1,000 pension increase offers a win-win solution since SSS pensioners will immediately get much-needed financial assistance. At the same time, it

puts SSS in a better position to manage the impact of the pension increase on SSS’ financial viability and earning capacity.

“If we immediately increase pensions by Php 2,000, SSS funds will be depleted. It will force us to dip into our investment reserve fund just to afford the higher benefits.

We also lose the opportunity to invest in utilities as well as infrastructure projects with a sovereign guarantee,” he said.

He said that granting the Php 1,000 pension increase for the meantime gives SSS the chance to allocate its investible funds to more income-generating ventures, making it possible for SSS to grant the second Php 1,000 pension increase sooner without compromising its longterm financial viability. (PNA)

Smart expands distribution channels in Davao

M

ORE people can now enjoy the improved Smart network in Davao, as Smart Communications has partnered with homegrown business chains to make its products and services more accessible to Davaoeños.

Smart prepaid load and SIMs are now available in all branches of the Davao Central Convenience Store (DCCS) and Ros-ver Pawnshop.

DCCS has 70 branches in Davao City, all of which are open 24/7. In Mindanao it has a total of 118 branches.

Meanwhile, Ros-ver Pawnshop has 73 branches in Mindanao and Cebu, 29 of which are in Davao.

In the photo are Smart representatives led by Re-

inspection of the animal before it was slaughtered and post-mortem inspection or the internal inspection of the meat to ensure the quality of meat that the slaughter house produced.

The Maa slaughter house has been producing 400 to 500 hogs meat everyday, 7 to 10 large cattle and 15 to 20 goat’s meat per day.

ONGLOMERATE SM Investments Corporation (SM) has set interest rates for its P15-billion retail bonds.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, SMIC said the rate for its peso-dominated Series G, seven-year retail bonds will be at 5.1590 percent per annum.

The conglomerate will issue an aggregate principal amount of Php15 billion of the Series G bonds, with an option to issue an additional amount of up to Php5 billion.

The bonds are scheduled to be offered by SMIC to investors through underwriters from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2, 2016.

The retail bonds are set to be issued on Dec. 9, 2016.

This series of SMIC bonds due 2023 is the fourth offering

by SMIC of peso-denominated retail bonds to the public.

The bonds have been rated

PRS Aaa by Philippine Rating Services Corporation (PhilRatings). A rating of PRS Aaa is the highest rating assigned by PhilRatings, and is assigned to long-term debt securities with the smallest degree of investment risk.

This rating denotes that SMIC’s capacity to meet its financial commitment is extremely strong.

The SMIC bonds’ joint issue managers are BDO Capital & Investment Corporation and China Bank Capital Corporation, which are also acting as joint lead underwriters and joint bookrunners together with BPI Capital Corporation and First Metro Investment Corporation.

SB Capital Investment Corporation is a co-lead underwriter for the bond issue.

SM is primarily engaged in retail, banking and property development. (PNA)

Water service interruption in C.M. Recto St. Dec. 1-2

D

AVAO City Water District advises of a fourhour water service interruption from 9:00 PM of December 1, 2016 until 1:00 AM of December 2, 2016 affecting portion of C. M. Recto St., particularly, from corner Palma Gil St. up to corner Ramon Magsaysay St. (Starlight Hardware) and immediate environs.

Said water cut is needed to allow DCWD to tap and install a 100 millimeter diameter gate valve to the existing 200 millimeter diameter Polyvinyl Chloride pipeline for the accommodation of additional new service connections.

The DCWD management asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers and advis-

es them to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruption. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial for the latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293 and 09084410653 for other updates, complaints, queries, and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (JJLeonida)

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary.

Most of the PGO officials and employees were the ones who planted the mahogany trees seven years ago, or on June 25, 2009.

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in the area attributed the high survival rate of said mahogany trees on the visit, inspection and maintenance that the employees regularly conduct after the tree

planting activity.

Provincial Administrator Virgilia Allones emphasized the significance of the mahogany trees as she also lauded the efforts of PGO officials and employees in maintaining the tress until they are fully grown and provided comfort at the complex.

“We can do another like this, under the trees that have been planted by the employees,” she added. (PNA)

241 Mahogany... FROM 4 gional Development Head for Mindanao Arnold Dellosa (fifth from left) and Smart’s partners, including DCCS Operations Manager Gregorio Asoy (third from right) and DCCS Operations Consultant Constancio Mancera Jr. (sec-

ond from right).

Smart has posted big speed improvements in its LTE (Long-Term Evolution) service in Davao following the completion of its network improvement program in the area. Under this program,

Smart tripled the number of LTE sites in the area and utilized low-band frequencies for its 4G service, setting the pace for the network improvement efforts in other major urban areas of the country.

EDGEDAVAO

12 MOTORING Nissan Phils wraps up drive to discover maiden season with Bacolod MassKara celebration

VOL. 9 ISSUE 200 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

N

ISSAN Philippines Inc (NPI) once again stages the “Visit the Philippines, Drive to Discover with Nissan”, taking select media guests to celebrate the Electric MassKara Festival in Bacolod, Negros Occidental. The program was made in conjunction with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT). “Visit the Philippines, Drive to Discover with Nissan” aims to boost local tourism through the promotion of road travel to tourism destinations recommended by the TPB.

“We at Nissan are happy to end on a high note with a visit to the famed “City of Smiles” that is Bacolod, and see all the attractions of the city while celebrating its notable festival,” said Ramesh Narasimhan, NPI President and Managing Director. “And to really live it up, we’ve gone around using the Nissan Juke as our choice of vehicle this time around. It’s a fitting match to the fun, celebratory tone of both the city and the event,” he added.

After an early-morning flight, the team had breakfast at the heritage bakery of El Ideal in the town of Silay, the first known settlement in the island of Negros. Then the group took the brightly-colored fleet of Nissan Juke compact crossover vehicles for a quick trip to the Cadiz port, where a boat ride ferried them to the beach destination of Lakawon, a banana-shaped white sand island off the coast town of Cadiz. From here, it was but a short hop to the Tawhai Floating Bar, said to be the biggest floating bar in Asia.

The guests then took a tour of Balai Negrense, a museum showcasing the lifestyle of the Gaston family, a 19th century Negrense sugar baron. A type of “bahay na bato”, this architectural landmark is designed along the lines of American colonial influence, and served as a dramatic visual backdrop to the boldly flowing lines of the Nissan Juke vehicles parked in front of it. It served as a postcard-worthy visual, the melding of the old and the new, and the group took advantage of the sight to take

plenty of photos of the scene.

The Nissan Juke once again proved its traveling chops when it transported its passengers through the meandering on-and off-road conditions of the trip to Rapha Valley, a wellness desti-

nation at the Don Salvador Benedicto municipality. An hour and a half drive away from Bacolod city, the Nissan Juke’s 1.6L engine with Xtronic CVT, made driving less of a chore and more of the fun trip that it was. Lunch was a refreshing affair, what with the organic produce of the venue complementing the exhilarating ride to the destination.

The day’s highlight was the team joining in the Electric MassKara festivities along Bacolod’s Lacson Avenue. As night fell, the spectacular sights and sounds of the revelry matched the visual treat of the Nissan Juke fleet in their standout design and colors.

The finale of the Bacolod leg saw the group descending on the iconic structure of the Ruins, another famous tourist and wedding destination in the area. The heat of the day was no match to the Nissan Juke’s I-CON system, which pulls double duty as the command module for both climate control and driving modes. Through the Juke’s I-Con system, the driver can simply switch from D-Mode with a selection of various driving modes to Climate Mode that allows the driver to adjust interior temperature. It is this feature that made the next driving destination — Bob’s Restaurant — an interesting experiment in mixing and matching the driving conditions to the Nissan Juke’s capabilities.

The Nissan Juke is available in two variants – the Juke 1.6L CVT variant priced at Php 980,000, and the Juke 1.6L CVT N-Sport, which offers an sportier, more dynamic look, priced at Php 1,039,000 – in all Nissan dealerships for test-driving and outright sale. For more details, visit nissan.ph.

13 PROPERTY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 200 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

Anticipation builds up for Enclaves’ turnover

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

B

ACK when the time when they were faced with a life-changing decision, these homeseekers took a plunge on an investment for a dream abode.

Now, that dream is just within reach.

As Christmas approaches, so is the much-anticipated turnover of the Matina Enclaves’ Building B of The Residences, the prime property’s condominium sector.

There is no formal announcement yet as to its schedule but this early the an-

ticipation is building up.

“We are excited to see the turnover of our first building,” said project head Gerald Kent Garces who has seen the project rise from Day One. Four other condominium buildings of the initial venture of homegrown developer Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) are set for construction with the second one already underway.

Building B is about 90 percent complete.

Future residents of the sprawling complex will be

waking up with the majestic view of the picturesque Mt. Apo virtually framed on their windows. At night, the city’s flickering lights are a spectacle to behold like moving images set on time lapse.

And it’s not just the ordinary concept of condo living.

Matina Enclaves is a virtual patch of nature where a community thrives amidst a metropolitan setting.

A few steps away is the Davao City Golf Club, a vast ground of lush greenery for one enamoured with the

sport.

Around the complex are pathways dotted with trees where one can walk, jog or bike. The amenities too are

family-oriented--a clubhouse with recreational facilities for both the young and old, lap pool, and soon, the Arcadia which is a modern gaming

complex right across the road.

And since it is a gated complex, exclusivity is one so unique with condo living the Matina Enclaves way.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 200 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO Sports 15

VOL. 9 ISSUE 200 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

FIRST DOUBLE GOLD MEDALIST. 12-year old triathlete Moira Frances Erediano (center) of Cebu Province topped the 11-12 year old girls division of the triathlon competitions in the ongoing 2016 Batang Pinoy National Finals in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

Erediano became the first athlete to win two gold medals in different disciplines after she earlier bagged the criterium gold in TRIATHLON GOLD. Karen Andrea Manayon (center) of Cebu Province won the gold medal in the girls 13-15 cycling on Sunday. Winning the silver is Alison Noble of San Fernando, La Union while the bronze medal went to Jeanna Mariel years old girls triathlon in the ongoing Batang Pinoy National Finals in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Bagging Canete of Cebu Province. (DZSR photo) the silver is Everly Macalalad of Muntinlupa City while Nicole Eijansantos of Quezon City took the bronze.

AVALANCHE

Gensan pug captures PBF bantam title DC bets win 5 golds in mountain biking P D AVAO City won five golds in the mountain bike event to underscore its dominance in the cycling competitions of the in the ongoing 2016 Batang Pinoy National Finals at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex (DNSTC) in Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City.

Myra Regina Acedo scored a golden double after topping the girls Categry B 14-15 and Category A 16-17 while teammates Mario Buro topped Catefoy A 13 under boys and Richard Handumon ruled Category A 16-17 boys divisions.

Karen Andrea Manayon of Cebu province won the gold medal in the girls 13-15 category of the triathlon competition.

Manayon, a Grade 8 student at the Talisay City Science High School, completed the 400m swim, 12km-bike and

3km run in 40 minutes and 16 seconds.

Everly Janirie Macalalad clocked 20:20 for the silver while Nicole Danielle Eijansantos got the bronze with a time of 40:49.

“Masaya ako dahil at least nakamit ko na sa wakas ang asam ko na manalo ng gold medal dito sa Batang Pinoy.

(I’m so happy because I finally earned a gold medal here in Batang Pinoy.) I practiced hard for this competition pero ngayon nawala ang lahat ng pagod ko dahil nanalo na ako (all my efforts have paid off because I won),” said Manayon, who finished 10th last year in this competition held in Cebu City.

“Gusto ko sana makasali sa (I want to join the) Southeast Asian Games in the future. It’s my dream to be in the national team,” added the 14-year-old Manayon, who placed fourth in the same cat-

egory during the Subic Bay International Triathlon last April.

In the boys’ 13-15 category, Juan Francisco Baniqued of San Pedro, Laguna won the gold medal with a time of 37:08.

In the 11-12 category (200m-swim, 4km-bike and 1m-run), Zedrick James Borja of San Pedro, Laguna clocked 22:21 to win the boys’ division while Moira Frances Gabrielle Erediano of Cebu province won the girls division in 24:19.

Winners in athletics were Raymund Lopez of Agusan del Sur (boys 5,000-meter run), Trixia de la Torre (girls long jump), Jil Iron Tabuena of Numancia, Aklan (boys shot put), Francis James San Gabriel of Pangasinan (boys 2,000-meter walk) and Rose Bok of Naga City (girls 2,000-meter walk).

In archery, Jem-

six-window qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. And with Southeast Asian teams improving in the recent years, Gilas Pilipinas will need all the help it can get to avoid a disaster.

If former national team coach and current Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach Jong Uichico will have his way, he wants the national team to be at full strength in the SEABA event.

“That’s just my opinion.

We have to send the best team and the best players because SEABA is a must-win for us,” Uichico told InterAksyon.com. in an exclusive interview.

But there’s a problem: SEABA, slated in April, will be running in conflict with the PBA calendar as the league will have the Commissioner’s

Cup ongoing by that time.

Uichico said Gilas Pilipinas will start training early next year. Based on the agreement between the PBA and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, 12 current rookies led by Mac Belo can be pulled out from their mother clubs to represent the country.

But whether other PBA players will be able to play in the SEABA event remains to be seen, Uichico said.

Gilas cannot take SEABA lightly now

T

HE Philippines, undisputed kings of Southeast Asian basketball, usually sends an all-amateur squad in the biennial Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Championship.

Despite not having the country’s best professional players, the Filipinos have always dominated the tournament which pits them against the likes of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore-all minnows in Asian basketball.

But next year’s SEABA Championship will put a lot of pressure on Gilas Pilipinas: the team needs nothing less than a title to qualify for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup which will then determine the teams that will participate in the

uelle James Espiritu of Baguio City captured two gold medals after winning the 20-meter yeoman boys Olympic round and qualification round.

Neo-Jene Daciego, on the other hand, dominated the 20-meter yeoman girls qualification round and Olympic round.Other winners were Jeremiah Adrian Basadre of Koronadal (30-meter bowman boys Olympic round), Danielle Jasmine Espiritu of Baguio City (30-meter bowman girls Olympic round), Vynes Jade Diano of South Cotabato (30-meter bowman girls qualification round) and John Carlo Margarito Loreno (30-meter bowman boys qualification round).

(PNA)

OWER-PUNCHING Ryan “The Fire Fist” Lumacad of General Santos City stopped Juan “Punisher” Purisima in the second round to capture the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) bantamweight title over the weekend in Mandaluyong City Sports Center.

The undefeated Lumacad landed a solid body punch to score his 7th knockout win in 11 victories and two draws.

The 24-year old Lumacad received a golden belt donated and awarded by Thailand boxing patron Naris Singwangcha, who also gave a cash bonus to the new champion. Purisima, a former PBF flyweight champion, dropped his record to 11 wins, 10 losses and 1 draw.

Lumacad previously fought Ardin Diale for the interim OPBF super flyweight title held Sept. 30 at the Strike Coliseum in Bacoor, Cavite.

The fight, however, ended up in a controversial technical draw after Diale decided not to continue fighting due to a nasty cut on his eyebrow.

Lumacad used to fight under the MP Davao Stable and Sonshine Boxing Promotions in Davao City before joining the Highland Boxing Promotions in La Trinidad, Benguet of international boxing promoter-manager Brico Santig.

The Lumacad-Purisima championship fight topbilled the “Tagisan ng Lakas” was promoted by the Highland Boxing Promotions. (PNA)

PBA sets Manila Clasico on Christmas day tiff

T

HE PBA will be bringing its biggest draw in the Oppo Philippine Cup elimination round to the country’s biggest arena on Christmas Day as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Star Hotshots renew their Manila Clasico rivalry at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Star and Ginebra will clash in the main game at 5:15 p.m. after the curtain-raiser between the rejuvenated

Blackwater Elite and Mahindra Floodbuster at 3 p.m.

The league usually holds its Christmas Day games either at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena, but the two venues have already been booked on that date.

That prompted the PBA to schedule the doubleheader in the humongous Philippine Arena as the league tries to eclipse its all-time attendance record high of 52,612 which it set two years ago during the PBA Season 40 opener.

That was the last and only other time the Iglesia Ni Cristo-owned structure hosted games which featured the PBA debut of Mahindra’s Manny Pacquiao versus Blackwater, and Ginebra against TNT.

CALL OF DUTY. Mac Belo, now playing for PBA ballclub Blackwater, may be called for national duty along with the rest of the Gilas cadets.

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