Edge Davao 9 Issue 216

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

THE ZERO HAS LANDED. The Boeing 747 of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force is being towed down after its arrival at the Davao International Airport yesterday morning. Twentyseven personnel aboard the plane including the aircraft crew to inspect the facilities of DIA in preparation for the state visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and a stopover in Davao City next month. Lean Daval Jr.

JESS: GOV’T SEEN TO AMEND CONSTITUTION Air Force One To address root causes of rebellion Japanese lands in Davao airport

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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O address the root causes of armed rebel resistance to the government, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza says the government is open to amending the 1987 Constitution.

“If you look up what they [rebels]are aspiring for, you have to open up our Constitution to accommodate them, and that is the reality,” Dureza said in his remarks during the recent Konsult Mindanao Peace Conference in Davao City.

Dureza noted that the existing Philippine Constitution had become a “stumbling block” in negotiating peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and National Demo-

cratic Front of the Philippines / Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (NDFP/CPP-NPA).

“They will never agree that they [NDFP/CPP-NPA, MILF, MNLF] would be circumscribed by a constitution or our laws if you talk to them,” Dureza explained, adding that the agreements previously signed with the major rebel forces made no reference to the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

He pointed out that the discussions on peace process are anchored to the international laws and protocols.

Dureza explained that, as government negotiators, they had to work within the “confines of the Constitution” to continuing to work on a final peace settlement despite op-

posing views and ideologies of both parties.

However, the head of the government peace process pointed out the desire of President Rodrigo Duterte to shift from a bicameral and presidential form of government to parliamentary and federal will require constitutional reforms.

It could also open up to other changes in response to President Duterte’s call for a more inclusive economic development strategy and direction.

Dureza mentioned that the failure of Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) could be attributed to some “perceived unconstitutionality” of several provisions of the proposed bill.

Instead of refilling an im-

proved version of BBL, Dureza said the controversial provisions of the BBL could be included in a proposed new charter.

Amending or writing a new charter could also accelerate the peace negotiations with the NDF, Dureza further added.

The government peace panel is set to leave for Rome in Italy on January 18-25for the third round of talks with the NDF. Topping the agenda in the Rome round of talks are the social and economic reforms that the rebels are putting across the negotiating table.

Negotiators from both sides are also expected to tackle and agree on the mechanics and guidelines for a

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By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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JAPANESE Air Force One plane landed yesterday noon at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport with local officials clueless if it is has something to do with the reported incoming visit of Japanese Prime The plane’s landing triggered speculations that Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

might visit the city anytime soon.

A Japanese media outfit once inquired about the information of the visit of Abe here in the City however; there were no confirmed information yet.

City Information Officer Jefry Tupas said that there was no information yet about

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EDGEDAVAO Sports

SHUTDOWN RAY Alab Pilipinas bows to Singapore Slingers anew P15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

PRESIDENT IN SULU. President Rodrigo R. Duterte chats with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez as the latter shows something on his mobile phone on the sidelines of Negosyo Para sa Kapayapaan sa Sulu: Christmas Town Hall with the President held in Malacañan Palace on Monday evening. Also in the photo is President Gloria Arroyo. ALBERT ALCAIN/Presidential Photo

President praises government workers P RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has commended the 15 individuals and four groups in public service for walking extra mile to do something special for the Filipino people this year.

“Please accept my congratulations and your extra walking another mile to do something for your fellowmen” President Duterte said in his speech during the 2016 Search for Outstanding Government Workers last Monday night at the Malacanang Palace.

In front of the awardees, President Duterte quoted a passage from anonymous

writer who said: “Expect to pass through this world, but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to my fellow creatures, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.”

“This is how I would characterize your virtues in life.

It’s really a virtue -- sacrificing extra time for your fellowmen, aside from your regular hours.

This is a virtue that is not present in everybody’s soul, spirit,” the President said.

The Civil Service Commission’s search for outstanding government workers is aimed

F PRESIDENT, 12

Zambo mayor orders probe on food poisoning case

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AYOR Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has ordered the City Health Office and other concerned agencies to investigate an incident of food poisoning that recently downed 33 people.

Salazar issued the order after she learned of the incident that occurred during a Christmas party on December 9 in one of the local hotels but was only reported to the City Health Office (CHO) on Sunday, December 18.

Reports received by the CHO disclosed that nine of the 33 patients were hospitalized while the remaining 24 were treated as out-patients.

Dr. Ivy Iturralde, head of the city epidemiology surveillance unit, said they are conducting “contact-tracing” to determine the cause of the food poisoning.

However, Iturralde said they are facing difficulty in the conduct of “contact-tracing” since several days had passed before the incident was reported to them.

Salazar has advised management of food establishments to ensure the foodstuffs they serve are fresh and wellcooked to ensure the safety of the customers especially this yuletide season.

“In the light of the Christmas season, we are calling all

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TF Haribon’s Gapay promoted to general

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE head of Task Force Haribon in Davao City was recently promoted to one star general in a ceremony held in Philippine Army Headquarters, Camp Andres Bonifacio in Manila.

Col. Gilbert I. Gapay, Task Force Haribon chief was pinned with a new star rank by army Chief Lt. General Glorioso V. Miranda.

Gapay also serves as the deputy commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom).

Promoted with Gapay to

brigadier general was Col. Jesus A. Manangquil Jr., the commander of 101st Brigade of army’s 1st Infantry Division based in Jolo, Sulu.

The army also promoted two other senior officers who are currently holding key positions in the command.

Brig. Gens. Robert M. Arevalo, the Army Chief of Staff and Danilo G. Pamonag, Commander of the Army’s Special Operation Command were promoted to Major Generals, respectively.

In his message during

the ceremony, Miranda pointed out that bearing a star on one’s soldier symbolizes the pennant of a fruitful military career after overcoming bumps and obstacles along the way.

“In the dedicated and committed service of our promotees, they have displayed nothing but exceptional leadership skills. Not only are they exemplars of professionalism and service excellence, they are also instrumental in the accomplishment of our mission to attain a just and

long-lasting peace,” he said.

The army chief also reminded the newly-promoted generals of the army’s major thrusts and priority tasks.

“The stars that you now bear on your shoulder come with greater responsibilities.

I count on your continued support for the successful attainment of our objectives and exert efforts in sustaining our operational readiness at the highest level possible. We must not forget that our core competency remains to be war fighting,” Miranda said.

ect by the DA, CAO, and the Allied Botanical Corporation.

The turnover signaled that the CAO has now full control over the project.

The garden, which is called Urban Edible Landscape Project, will serve as the laboratory for the planned massive urban gardening project of the Davao City local government.

“It is a demo unit for urban container gardening,” said CAO chief Leo Brian Leuterio. “We will open this to the public soon with the primary intention of inspir-

ing people in the community to replicate the concept in their own backyards.”

The plan is to make the roof deck an urban organic garden where people can learn the mechanics of food production and enjoy urban green space.

The project intends to encourage organic container gardening in Davao City -- where Dabawenyos can grow organic vegetables and herbs and spices right in their homes or offices and other small or limited spaces.

Monday’s event was at-

tended by DA Undersecretary Evelyn Lavina who expressed the full support of her department to the local government’s plans and programs on agriculture.

Agriculture is among the Mayor Sara Duterte’s 10 priorities.

The mayor has earlier expressed her commitment to making sure that Dabawenyos, especially the children, have enough food to eat.

The roof deck garden will be made accessible to the public starting next year.

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City Hall rooftop garden to inspire urban edible landscape

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HE once bare rooftop of the 4-storey Davao City Hall annex building burst into life as it has been literally transformed into a garden of colorful flowers and green herbs and vegetables.

The garden was opened Monday afternoon with the official turnover of the project by the Department of Agriculture to the Davao City Agriculturist’s office.

The 250-meter roof deck garden of plants in empty containers and plastic bottles was a collaborative proj-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

‘No PhilHealth ID, no benefits’ scrapped

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HE Senate has recently included a provision in the 2017 national budget to cancel the need for patients in hospitals to present their PhilHealth card as a condition to avail themselves of the health insurer’s benefits.

Senator Ralph Recto said in his press release that the scrapping of the “No PhilHealth ID, No benefits” policy is one of the provisions that

the Senate had created to ensure health coverage for everyone.

The budget provision, under 2017 General Appropriations Bill, stated that “No Filipino, whether a PhilHealth member or not, shall be denied of PhilHealth benefits in attaining the universal coverage; PhilHealth identification card is not necessary for the availing the benefits” and that

EJKs, barangay elections, budget highlight Senate centennial year

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HE centennial year of the Senate was highlighted by inquiries into alleged extrajudicial killings, the passage of a measure postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (village and student council) elections, and the ratification of the 2017 national budget of P3.35 trillion.

On Aug 22, Sen. Leila De Lima, then chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, led a Senate inquiry into the alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the intensified campaign against illicit drugs under the Duterte administration.

Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon replaced De Lima after neophyte Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao moved to declare vacant the entire Justice Committee membership only a few days after she presented surprise witness and self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato in the September 15 hearing on extrajudicial killings.

Matobato claimed that then Mayor now President Rodri-

go Duterte himself ordered the killings of several criminals and non-criminals in Davao City from 1998 to 2013. However, a number of senators, including Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, found Matobato’s testimony “inconsistent.”

The Senate panel in a 100page committee report later ruled out any proof of state-sponsored killings and the existence of the so-called vigilante group Davao Death Squad (DDS) and Pres.

Duterte’s alleged hand in unresolved killings.

Eleven senators have signed the committee report including Senators Gordon, Lacson, Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II, Loren Legarda, Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Nancy Binay, Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, and Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Franklin Drilon signed but have reservations and intention to make amendments and interpellate while Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan signed with the

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President Duterte is expected to sign the bill before the end of the month.

The major PhilHealth-related initiative, Recto said, was the one pushed by Senator Loren Legarda.

However, the Senate found a backlog “which will appropriate P3 billion to pay for the insurance premiums of an estimated 8 million uninsured Filipinos” was discovered

during their course of budget deliberation.

The P3 billion Senate infusion sponsored by Senator Loren Legarda “will close the last mile in the health insurance,” Recto said.

“The number of people covered by PhilHealth increased yearly. The individuals were included, including self-paying or those paying voluntarily, reached 78 million

by 2010. President Aquino, on the other hand, added 20 million new enrollees, and increased the paying members to 45 million, including the remaining the previous grantees and expanded the benefits,” he said.

As a result of the Senate augmentation, the budget for PhilHealth social insurance program had been raised to P53.2 billion.

It will cover 15.4 million needy families, including 3.3 to 5.5 million senior citizens, and 48,000 individuals under the government peace and reconciliation ‘PAMANA’ program, and the remaining 8 million uninsured people.

Recto pointed out that the inclusion of senior citizens “under the Medicare umbrella” was made under Republic

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CATNAP. A vendor takes an afternoon nap while it’s still not busy as customers usually visit the area during night time, at Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

Dole’s SoCot packing plant damaged in arson attack

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OVERNMENT security forces are now tracking down the eight unidentified men who torched the packing station of Dole Stanfilco in South Cotabato Monday night.

Reports reaching the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City said the incident took place around 6:50 p.m. at Barangay Sebuyon, Surallah town.

It added that eight armed men, without any warning, left the packing plant alight and

COMVAL TO DAVAO DE ORO. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Compostela Valley Provincial Director Lucky Siegfred Balleque bares the proposed change of name of Compostela Valley Province to Davao de Oro,

a move initiated by ComVal Province Governor Tyron Uy. Balleque made the disclosure during yesterday’s DTI 11 presentation of the agency’s 2016 accomplishments and next year’s plans. Lean Daval Jr.

Leaders want ComVal renamed ‘Davao de Oro’

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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OMPOSTELA Valley Provincial Director Lucky Seigfred M. Balleque disclosed on Tuesday that the provincial government plans to propose the renaming of Compostela Valley province into “Davao de Oro”.

During the Department of Trade and Industry-XI media interface on Tuesday at Pinnacle Hotel, Davao City, the provincial director explained that among the five

provinces in the region, only Compostela Valley is not named after Davao which is the reason for the confusion of many about the location of the province. “’Pag sinabing Compostela Valley, people do not know where is that. They don’t even know it’s in Mindanao,” said Balleque who added that there is even one municipality in Cebu named Compostela aside from another municipality in the ComVal

with the same name.

The provincial director stressed that the provincial government wants the province to be associated to the region where it got its name.

He further stated that the renaming is in preparation for the next years of Duterte administration whose one of the top priorities is Mindanao especially Davao Region.

“All roads lead to Davao that is why we want to be associated,” said Balleque.

The provincial director added that the thrust is supported by almost all sectors in the province especially the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprises Development (SMED) Council.

Balleque is looking forward that the proposal will be approved next year with the support of the Compostela Valley 1st Distrcit Representative Maricar Zamora and 2nd District Representative Ruwel Peter Gonzaga.

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satisfaction rating of 85 percent, a notch higher than the 84 percent recorded last quarter.

“We are thankful to the Filipino people for their continued expression of satisfaction on the Duterte administration’s war against illicit drugs. The success of the first

phase of President Duterte’s war against illegal drugs is evident,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.

The fourth quarter survey also showed a sizeable 88 percent of Filipinos saying there has been a decrease in drug problem in their areas since

President Rodrigo Duterte took office on June 30.

When it comes to the government’s seriousness in solving killings under investigation, the same SWS survey found 70 percent of Filipinos believing the Duterte administration is serious about solving these cases. F PINOYS, 11

Pinoys satisfied with drug war, believe crime went down GREAT majority of Filipinos remains satisfied with the performance of the Duterte administration in its campaign against illegal drugs, according to the fourth quarter survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

Conducted from Dec. 3 to 6, the SWS survey showed a

DOLE presses employers to grant 13th month pay

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HE Department of Labor and Employment renewed on Tuesday its call for private employers to release their workers’ 13th month pay.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III issued the call with only four days before the deadline of releasing the said benefit.

Under the law, all employers are mandated to pay their 13th month pay on or before Dec. 24, regardless of the nature of their employment, and irrespective of the methods by which their wages are paid, provided they worked for at least one month during a calendar year.

“In the spirit of Christmas, I appeal to employers to give your workers their 13th month pay. Better yet, pay them now,” he said in a statement.

The 13th month pay is a general labor standard. Private sector employers are duty-bound under the law to report their compliance with this worker benefit.

The Labor Code provides that every covered employer is required to make a report of compliance with the law to the nearest DOLE regional office not later than Jan. 15 of each year.

The employees’ bonus is

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quickly made their escape.

Workers and nearby residents hurriedly contained the blaze even as elements of the 27th Infantry Battalion and the Surallah police were deployed to pursue the suspects.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack which is now logged as the 10th arson incident in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

SOCCSKSARGEN stands for South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and General Santos. (PNA)

House ends 2016 on productive note T

HIS year saw the House of Representatives (HoR) set the bar high for congressional productivity with a total of 63 measures approved in only 56 session days during the first six months of the 17th Congress.

The lower chamber under the leadership of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has been faring well on the legislative end, processing an average of six measures per session day.

“So far, so good,” Alvarez said as he summed up the collective performance of the HoR in its initial stage of legislative work.

The House processed a total of 321 measures, broken down as follows: 63 measures passed; 201 referred resolutions on inquiries; 53 measures substituted/consolidated; and four measures in the Calendar of Business. Moreover, the House produced 46 committee reports.

As for the 63 approved measures, there were 18 bills passed on third and final reading; 11 bills approved on second reading; one enacted law; one ratified bicameral conference committee report; and 32 adopted resolutions.

The only bill enacted into law is Republic Act 10923, deferring the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections from October 31, 2016,

to October 21, 2017.

Alvarez also highlighted the passage of House Bill 3408 or the 2017 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) as early as Oct. 19, 2016, and both chambers subsequently ratifying the bicameral conference report last December 13, thus effectively making budget re-enactment a thing of the past.

Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas noted that “for the first time in history, the roll call was conducted and the quorum was established every morning”, referring to the marathon hearing of the Duterte administration’s first budget bill.

The GAB provides for a P3.35 trillion national budget for next year. According to President Rodrigo Duterte, the 2017 national budget embodies the people’s clamor for real change and a compassionate government.

The budget bill, however, faced a standstill during the bicam conference over the P8.3 billion allocation for development projects in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The House contingent eventually accepted the Senate’s position to allocate the P8.3 billion to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED to finance free tuition for students in all State Universities

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MAKING DO. Young boys make a fishing boat their play area while the owner prepares for his fishing equipment before sailing out to the Davao Gulf, at a coastal community near Magsaysay Park in Davao city yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

Customs confident to meet collection target this year

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HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has expressed optimism that the bureau will hit its full revenue collection target this year after surpassing its November collection by PHP3 billion.

During Tuesday’s press briefing at the Malacanang, BOC acting spokesperson for enforcement and intelligence operations Neil Anthony Estrella said “very likely” the revenue collection will exceed target.

“That’s our expectation,” Estrella told Palace reporters.

Estrella said the November’s revenue collection has exceeded by PHP3 billion and is expected to repeat the performance this December.

“As of now, all indicators are pointing that we will meet again the target for this month considering that last November, we exceeded around more than PHP3 billion,” he said.

For the first half of December, he said the BOC has already collected PHP19.947, which is 57 percent of the to-

tal PHP35.116 billion assessed target for December this year.

“Given this improvement, the Bureau of Custom is already 93.3 percent of the PHP409 billion assessed target for the whole year,” Estrella said.

Estrella attributed the enhanced revenue collection to the positive trust rating of the Bureau of Custom, reduction of corruption, cooperation of stakeholders, transparency in the bureau and full efforts of traders to increase revenue collection.

He said all CCTVs are now in place, removing the opportunity of corruption at least within the BOC premises.

“We installed first the CCTVs within the vicinity of the Port of Manila and then next in our airports where there are BOC personnel,” Estrella said.

Estrealla said the BOC, under the stewardship of Nicanor Faeldon, has also stepped up efforts to fight smuggling.

(PNA)

PHL posts USD1.67-B BOP deficit in November

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HE Philippines posted a higher deficit in its balance of payment position (BOP) in November 2016 at USD1.67 billion, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Monday.

Data released by the central bank showed that the BOP deficit last November was higher than month-ago’s USD183 million deficit and year-ago’s USD141 million deficit.

In the first 11 months this year, the BOP posted a USD206 million deficit, lower than the USD500 million surplus based on the latest assumption of the central bank.

Monetary officials have not replied to inquiries regarding the November BOP data.

Earlier, BSP Deputy Diwa Guinigundo traced the cut in the BOP assumption this year

to negative external developments.

“I think we need to emphasize that 2016, especially in the last quarter of the year, has been particularly challenging. There was a lot of unexpected developments in the market, most of which are anticipated but not in terms of the timing as well as the magnitude of those adjustments,” he said.

Other changes in the central bank’s economic assumption this year include the current account surplus, which last May was at USD5.8 billion but at USD2.5 billion today.

The financial account was slightly revised upwards to USD600 million from USD500 million earlier.

Gross International Reserves (GIR) assumption is now at USD83.7 billion from USD84.8 billion. (PNA)

THREE BUSINESSMEN. Two businessmen –Dr. Tomas J. Monteverde V, a physician into real estate development, and Fernando S. Ongkingco Jr., a civil engineer, now into hotel and restaurant business –are being inducted by Antonio B. Partoza Jr., a lawyer-

PRO-POOR PROGRAM. Department of Trade and Industry 11 director Maria Belenda Ambi discusses the Duterte administration’s planned implementation of “Pondo Para sa Pagbabago” (P3), a money lending program similar to 5/6.

The government will pour out P1 billion for the program with an objective to

give small business owners lending option other than 5/6. Ambi, together with DTI 11 assistant director Edwin Banquerigo and other officers in the region, interacted with the media during yesterday’s presentation of the agency’s 2016 accomplishments and next year’s plans. Lean Daval Jr.

Investment in Davao up by 16% in 2016 Highest bulk goes to manufacturing sector I

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ NVESTMENTS in Davao Region have surged by more than 60 percent in 2016.

Citing data provided by the Davao office of the Board of Investments, the Department of Trade and Industry during its media interface on Tuesday at Pinnacle Hotel, Davao City, reported a total of P7,684.69 billion was invested in the region as of October 2016, higher than the 2015 total investment of P4,708.14

turned-into- fruit grower, as new members of the Ambassador Club International-Davao recently. The Ambassador Club-Davao headed by Partoza will host the Davao leg of the international convention of the European-based Ambassador Club in 2017. AMA

billion.

For sectoral breakdown, manufacturing comprised 38 percent of the total investments followed by transportation & storage at 31 percent, real estate activities at 13 percent, accommodation & food service activities at 7 percent; electricity, gas, steam & air conditioning supply at 7 percent; and agriculture, forestry & fishing at 4 percent.

For the regional breakdown, Davao City recorded

the highest investment with P2,517.26 billion or 33 percent of the total investment followed by Davao del Sur with P2,244.17billion or 29 percent and Davao del Norte as third highest with P2,063.49 billion or 27 percent. The rest of the bulk comes from Compostella Valley, Davao Oriental and Davao Occidental respectively.

San Miguel Foods, Inc. (Davao del Sur) from the manufacturing cluster recorded the highest investment of

P2,244.17 billion which generated 307 jobs followed by Davao International Container Terminal, Inc. (Davao del Norte) from transportation & storage cluster with P1,885.

99billion, Damosa Land, Inc. (Davao City) of the real estate activities cluster with P596.59 million, FTC Group of Companies Corporation (Davao City) of the accommodation & food service activities cluster with P540.97 million, Euro Hydro

HE overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can enjoy duties and taxes-free balikbayan boxes worth less than P150,000 beginning December 25, according to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

“The Bureau of Customs is happy to announce that to our millions of OFWs, starting this Christmas Day, balikbayan boxes with value not exceeding P150,000 will be exempt from duties and taxes,” BOC acting spokesperson for enforcement and intelligence operations Neil Anthony Estrella said during Tuesday’s press briefing in Malacanang.

Estrella said the 15-day publication of the implementing rules and regulations of the Section 800 (g) of the Customs and Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) will expire on De-

cember 25.

He said the BOC and the Department of Finance (DOF) have already signed the Customs Administrative Order 05-2016 which lifts taxes on balikbayan boxes for Qualified Filipinos While Abroad (QFWA).

“Considered QFWA are OFWS, Filipino citizens who are residing abroad and Pinoys who are holders of student, investors, and tourist visas,” Estrella said.

“To be covered by this ruling, balikbayan boxes shall contain personal and household effects only, and content should not be in commercial quantities or intended for sale,” he added.

Estrella said QFWA can avail of the privilege to a maximum of three times each year.

The BOC official also announced that the bureau has created an online OFW corner

which serve as online portal for issues and concerns of the OFWs. “This is where our OFWs can file any balikbayan box related complaints or questions they have for the Bureau of Customs,” he said.

A link to the OFW corner may be found at the uppermost part of our website, customs.gov. ph.

Estrella also announced that BOC commissioner Nicanor Faeldon has directed all the bureau officials and employees to maintain heightened alert against illegal smuggling of goods in the country.

He said Faeldon has issued a memorandum in compliance with Republic Act No. 7183 which prohibits the importation of finished firecrackers and fireworks. (PNA)

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OFWs to enjoy duties-free‘balikbayan box’starting Dec. 25

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DTI launches Franchise Asia Philippines 2017

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EPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez spoke at the official launching of Franchise Asia Philippines 2017 on 12 December in Taguig City.

He called on franchisers to engage micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in a sustained business approach, providing the sector improved market access by involving it in the supply chain.

He also encouraged franchisers to help the government in its drive to attract more industry investments that will sustainably generate more jobs and more enterprise opportunities.

In the same event, which was also attended by members of the diplomatic corps, the trade chief shared President Rodrigo Duterte’s 10

point socio-economic agenda, as well as DTI’s current thrusts on its Comprehensive National Industrial Strategy (CNIS) and Manufacturing Resurgence Program (MRP) for MSME development. He also shed light on why the country remains a bright spot in the Asian region.

As a platform to the huge and consumption-oriented market in the country and the Asia-Pacific region, the Franchise Asia Philippines will be held on 19-23 July 2017 at the SMX Convention Center.

It is expected to highlight the Philippines’ and ASEAN’s dynamic and vibrant franchising sector, featuring networking and partnership opportunities, business solutions, global best practices and strategies on marketing, franchise management and expansion.

(PR)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

LOADING UP. A pump attendant fills up a vehicle at a gasoline station along Quirino Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Petroleum companies implemented another round of price increases in gasoline, kerosene and diesel yesterday, five days before Christmas. Lean Daval Jr.

DTI-XI reports success Bank notes signed

by Duterte released in exceeding objectives T

WENTY-SEVEN million pieces or PHP8.75 billion worth of new generation currencies (NGCs) signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will be available starting Tuesday this week.

In a briefing, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said 100 boxes, each with 50,000 pieces, of the PHP20, PHP50, PHP100, PHP500, and PHP1,000 bills will be distributed to banks nationwide.

The number of PHP20 bills, on the other hand, was lower with only 40 boxes due to less demand for this denomination, he said.

“With the change over from President (Benigno) Aquino (III) to President Duterte, the signatory to the bank note series starting this year will be President Rodri-

go Roa Duterte,” he said.

Duterte’s official term as the country’s Chief Executive started on June 30, 2016.

Guinigundo stressed that the only change in the NGCs, which was launched in December 2010, is the signature of the President, citing that BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. is still the other signatory to the bank notes.

“The design, the size, the dimension, the security features – they are all the same, except the signatory, who is now the president of the republic, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” he said.

“Our SPC, this is the Security Printing Complex, will continue to produce this Duterte-signed NGC bank notes and we will continue to distribute this not only in NCR but also in areas outside NCR,” he added. (PNA)

‘Very challenging’year ahead for car makers; CAMPI chief

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S the automotive vehicle industry exceeds its target for 2016, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez said next year will be a “very challenging” year for car makers.

“2017 is a very challenging year,” Gutierrez told reporters Monday.

“2016 is a very good year.

It’s exceeding our expectations,” he added.

The CAMPI chief, however, refused to answer if the industry expects slower growth for 2017.

Since 2012, total sales volume of CAMPI and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) have been expanding by double-digit in five consecutive years.

Sales of CAMPI and TMA

members in 2012 grew by 11 percent; 16 percent in 2013; 30 percent in 2014; and 23 percent in 2014.

As of November this year, 11-month sales of CAMPI and TMA accelerated by 24 percent.

It is also in the last five years the industry posted continuous record-sales, according to Gutierrez.

The domestic automotive vehicle industry targets to sell a total of 370,000 units at end-2016, higher by 14 percent from last year’s sales of 323,928 units -- combined vehicle sales from CAMPI, TMA, and Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID).

From January to November 2016, combined CAMPI and TMA sales recorded a total of 325,468 units. (PNA)

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

T

HE Department of Trade and Industry-Region XI has exceeded most of its 2016 target services rendered.

In the Preliminary Annual Performance 2016 report presented by the agency during its media interface on Tuesday at Pinnacle Hotel, the target for job generation, MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) assisted, domestic sales generated and client satisfaction has reached more than 100 percent of the expected turn-out.

This is as of January to November 2016.

For most of the provincial directors, the achievement could be factored from the skills training, facilitation of investment, and convergence of the agency and stakeholders such as local government units, non-government organizations (NGOs) and institutions such as the academe.

DTI-Davao Oriental officer-in-charge Jose L. Calub

pointed out the success of the provincial office was facilitated by the establishment of Provincial MSME Development Council as well as the initiatives and financial assistance from the DTI Regional Office.

For jobs generated, DTI set a target of 32,000 but achieved 33,718 or 105 percent wherein 3,434 of this are Shared Service Facilities (SSF) jobs, and the rest are MSMEs who benefitted from loans, investments and assistance to large enterprises through training, etc.

For MSMEs assisted, DTI set a target of 9,500 but reached a total of 9,835 or 105 percent; almost half (55 percent) of which or 5,370 are new businesses while 45 percent or 4,465 are existing businesses.

For Domestic Sales, DTI has reported P1,336.01M or 111 percent higher than the P1,200M target. This was generated from trade fair (6%), market matching & facilitation

(4%), Pasalubong Center (4%) and monitored sales (86%).

For consumer complaints, 98 percent was resolved within the prescribed time or 103 percent based on target of 95 percent. Out of the 168 consumer complaints received for mediation, 164 (98 percent) complaints were resolved within 10 working days. All of the 5 (100 percent) consumer complaints received for arbitration were resolved within 20 working days.

According to DTI, the nature of most of these complaints were product quality imperfection, product & service warranty, unfair and unconscionable sales act and practice, etc.

Meanwhile, the agency has recorded a client satisfaction feedback of 98 percent (11,484/ 11,751) or 115 percent higher based on the target of 85 percent.

For other services, DTI may not have surpassed their target but data showedthat

the agency has achieved the following: 99.83 percent or 14,975 out of the 15,000 business name registered, 86 percent or 12 out of 14 Negosyo Centers launched, and 99 percent or 145 out of 156 Shared Service Facilities provided.

According to DTI Regional Director Maria Belinda Q. Ambi CESO V, the Preliminary Annual Performance report is an institutionalized event for both the DTI and the media as the agency’s partner for development and information dissemination.

Present in the media interface were Regional Director Maria Belinda Q. Ambi, Asst.

Regional Director Edwin O. Banquerigo, Provincial Directors Delia Ayano from Davao del Sur, Romeo L. Castañaga from Davao del Norte, Eulogio C. Orevillo from Davao Occidental, Lucky Seigfred M. Balleque from Compostella Valley and officer-in-charge Jose L. Calub from Davao Oriental as well as members of the media.

not handled very carefully, the Philippines will end up being dismembered.

The President told businessmen that he is negotiating with Nur Misuari and with the MILF. “I hope, I said that before the year ends, something concrete and positive will come out,” the President said.

“And ito ang gusto kong sabihin sa bayan: You have to heed us people, guys from Mindanao because we are telling you the truth, you have to really transform this country.”

The President renewed his initiative with business leaders to push for federalism in the country. The fact that the Mus-

lims are willing to go federal means that they will accept control of the national government, he noted.

In the spirit of Christmas, Go Negosyo through the KAPATID initiative started the Negosyo Para sa Kapayapaan sa Sulu: Christmas Town hall with the President.

Sulu is part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). It’s population of 824,731 is predominantly Muslim Tausug with 125,564 concentrated in the capital Jolo City.

It is the base for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Misuari. However the military is largely pursuing the Abu Sayyaf Group in

second district areas.

Negosyo Para sa Kapayapaan in the province of Sulu is an initiative for the private sector to get involved in supplementing government efforts to establish peace and development in the area.

Among the members of the private sector that committed for Sulu’s development were the Manuel V. Pangilinan group, which pledged development in telecom, hospitals, and coconut mill industry.

San Miguel Corp. made a commitment to build a power plant and to reorganize Sulu’s school of arts and trade. It also promised to create a feed mill supply chain. (PNA)

Duterte makes pitch for Mindanao P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte attended Go Negosyo’s Christmas Townhall with the President on Monday, Dec. 19, aimed at rallying support for development efforts in Sulu.

In his message, the President reiterated his campaign pledge to fight corruption, drugs and criminality.

On the economic side, the President said he wants to leave it to the economic managers to create the environment where businesses can thrive peacefully with the least intervention of government.

Duterte said that during the election campaign, he was dismayed that no candidate talked about Mindanao. If Mindanao is

EDGEDAVAO

7 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

Tagum City thanks T sectors, stakeholders

DOLE-12 steps up monitoring on compliance with new wage order

C

OME 2017, Tagum City is set to reach greater heights as the city government convened the members of various sectors and stakeholders for a 4-night series of appreciation, forum, fellowship and thanksgiving in its bid to strengthen partnerships with key community collaborators in the city.

Thousands of Tagumenyos gathered last December 13 until 16, 2016 at the New

City Hall Atrium to participate in the strings of discussions and year-end celebrations slated by the city government.

Among the participants are public security and safety providers, force multipliers, barangay governance service providers, members of the youth and the informal sectors, educators and literacy workers.

In his speech, Mayor Allan Rellon underscored that

the citizens’ participation in the government’s works and programs is a critical factor regarded by the LGU in sustaining inclusive growth in the city.

He also acknowledged the contribution furnished by these local sectors in the series of success Tagum City has attained within this year.

It can be remembered that Tagum City received the country’s attention for many times after winning several national

accolades including those that highlight business-friendliness, tourism, and efficient delivery of public services and for its successful hosting of huge events.

Given this triumph, Mayor Rellon urged these sectors for their continued alliance to the government in order to make 2017 more thriving thereby ushering every Tagumenyo toward better lives. (Roy Banias/CIO Tagum)

THANKSGIVING. Mayor Allan Rellon extended gratitude to all sectors and stakeholders for their continued support to the programs and projects of the City Government of Tagum during the four-night appreciation program series. (CIO Tagum)

General Santos hospital under Code White Alert for holidays

T

HE city hospital here was placed under Code White Alert starting on Monday in line with the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Dr. Marinel Lim, chief of the local government-operated Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital, said the move is aimed to ensure the hospital’s preparedness in catering to various emergencies related to the holiday revelries.

She said they have already completed the necessary preparations for the holiday operations, especially in terms of personnel, equipment and supplies.

“All the needed supplies are already in place. We made sure that our nurses will no longer need to look for them during emergencies,” Lim said.

The official assured that the hospital’s emergency room is fully equipped to handle patients with injuries caused by firecrackers and related devices.

A Code White Alert is declared when there is a mass gathering or national event and there is a possibility of emergency conditions that may need immediate medical attention, a Department of Health (DOH) briefer said.

The move refers to the “readiness of hospital manpower like general and orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiol-

ogists, internists, operating room nurses, opthalmologists, and otorhinolaryngologists, to respond to any emergency situation.”

During Code White Alert, the DOH said emergency service, nursing and administrative personnel are placed on an on-call status for immediate mobilization.

In the previous Christmas and New Year holidays, the City Health Office’s epidemiology and surveillance unit recorded at least 29 firecracker-related injury cases within the city’s 26 barangays.

A victim of a stray bullet was brought to the city hospital for treatment.

Most of the firecracker-related injury cases were caused by the banned firecracker piccolo and occurred at the height and after the Christmas and New Year revelries.

Lim urged parents to monitor their children during the holidays and make sure that they will not have access to firecrackers and related devices.

“Let’s avoid giving money to our children to buy firecrackers as they are the most vulnerable to injuries,” she said.

In the previous holiday season, she said a number of the reported firecracker-related injury cases involved children aged 10 years-old and below. (PNA)

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12 has stepped up its monitoring on the compliance of private employers with the region’s new minimum wage rates.

Jessie dela Cruz, secretary of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), said Tuesday they have launched another round of inspections on companies and commercial establishments in parts of the region to ensure the proper implementation of Wage Order No. RB XII-19, which took effect last Oct. 9.

The new wage order, which was approved by the board on Sept. 9, provided for a P15 to P20 increase in the daily wages of private workers in the region.

It raised the area’s floor pay to as high as P295 from the previous P275.

“Our labor laws compliance officers are currently conducting inspections to check if there are companies and commercial or business establishments that are not yet implementing the new wage rates,” dela Cruz said.

The official said the inspections or enforcement activities are focused on five priority industries in the region.

These are companies and establishments in security, manpower, manufacturing, construction and retail industries.

Aside from the regular inspections, he said they conduct surprise visits to employers that were subjects of complaints from their workers.

“We’re entertaining anonymous complaints from workers and we prioritize these companies for the inspections,” dela Cruz said.

Under the new wage order, workers in the non-agriculture sector received a P20 adjustment, bringing their daily wages to P295.

For those in agriculture and retail sectors, the RTWPB-12 raised the previous daily wage rate of P257 to P272.

Dela Cruz said they have not yet received any application from local companies and establishments for a one-year exemption on the implementation of the new wage order.

Based on the wage order’s approved implementing rules and regulations, he said concerned companies may apply for such exemption until Jan. 26, 2017.

He said companies that were severely affected by natural and man-made calamities like floods, earthquake and arson may seek for the one-year relief.

The applications would be subjected by the RTWPB-12 to stringent evaluation process, among them the analysis of the financial statements of the concerned employer, he added.

(PNA)

from the provincial government and other local leaders.

The new office building of the South Cotabato police will rise in a lot owned by the provincial government in Barangay Morales in Korondal City.

The provincial police is presently based at the old barracks of the defunct Philippine Constabulary in Barangay Zone 4.

The city government of Koronadal, which owns the site, had been pushing for the

relocation of the provincial police office.

Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel said they are planning to develop the site as the new base of the city police, which is currently occupying a portion of the old city hall compound at the city’s main commercial district.

The mayor said Secretary Sueno has pledged an initial P5 million grant for the construction of the new city police station. (PNA)

SoCot police gets new office building P

OLICE personnel in South Cotabato have started the preparatory works for the construction of its new office building at a new site in Koronadal City.

Sr. Supt. Franklin Alvero, South Cotabato police director, said Tuesday the bidding process has already started for the project, which received an initial allocation of P10.4 million from their central office.

He said the Police Region-

al Office 12’s bids and awards committee held last week a procurement conference as part of the process.

“The actual construction works are projected to start by January and it is due for completion by October,” he said in a radio interview.

The police official said Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno had endorsed the immediate funding and implementation of the project based on requests

AGRI PROGRAM. Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon speaks with Department of Agriculture Regional Director Milagros C. Casis, CE on Wednesday, December 15. Sarangani is the first out of 10 provinces that received the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program of the Department of Agriculture.

DA Regional Director Casis recognized the efforts and dedication of Governor Solon and the local government of Sarangani along with its Sulong Sarangani program, that enabled Sarangani to avail of the SAAD Program. (Kim Tiblani/ PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

EDITORIAL

Safer to the contrary

T

HE Philippines is now safer.

That is the general statement based on the latest report of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The PNP statistics shows that index crime volume declined by 25,673 from 81,064 a year ago to 55,391 in July-November 2016 period.

The index crime rate likewise went down to 31.67 percent in July to November this year as compared to the same period last year.

Index crimes are defined by the PNP as crimes against persons (such as murder, homicide, physical injury, and rape) and crimes against property (like robbery, theft, carnapping, and cattle rustling).

Further, crimes against property posted a significant slide to 42.48 percent, while crimes against person dropped 12.25 percent.

Overall, crime incidents continued to decline across the

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country since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office.

The PNP report showed crime volume had gone down 34,741 (12.44 percent) to 244,637 in July-November 2016 period as against 279,378 in the same period last year.

The PNP stats are a stark contrast to the statements made by critics of the Duterte administration who amplify the spate of killings involving drug suspects in the metro.

Containing criminality is one of the campaign promises of President Duterte—the other two being antidrug and anti-corruption. Given the figures, it showed where the Duterte administration is progressing in terms of its campaign promises.

What made things happen in the battle against crimes is the commendable work of the PNP organization under the stewardship of PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa whose no nonsense leadership is bringing back the trust and confidence by the public to the law enforcement agency.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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EDGEDAVAO

M

ANILA hemp (Musa textilis), or abaca, which is endemic to the Philippines, is a banana species that is different from the common hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Originally, the plant was cultivated to make twines and ropes for maritime use; today, its diversified uses include specialized paper, car upholstery, banknotes, textile, stylized bags, decorations, and tea bags, to name just a few.

Early foreign visitors observed that the plant, which could be found from Mindanao to certain regions of Luzon, can only be grown in areas “between the equator and 20 [degrees North].” This makes the plant unsuitable for cultivation in European climate. On the average it grows to a height of 9-12 feet, six inches in thickness, with its leaves colored dark green and measuring eight feet in length and one and a half feet in width.

Historically, the first account of the use of abacá in the country was given by William Dampier, an English explorer who recorded as the plant banana textoria and described it as edible and producing fiber. Antonio Pigafetta, the Venetian diarist of Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan, is also credited for having documented first seen the abaca but did not mention it specifically in his accounts.

The first sample of abaca that reached the U.S. was in 1820. It was brought to Salem, Mas-

“T

HE banner headlines of newspapers absorb our attention so much so that we tend to overlook a more deep-seated crisis – all the living systems on land and in the sea around us are being ruthlessly exploited.”

Thus, said the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in its pastoral letter in 1988. Today, 28 years later after the letter caught the attention of every Filipinos, nothing much has changed.

The exploitation continues unabated. “It is impossible to exaggerate the ecological crisis threatening the Philippines,” warned science journalist Alan Robles in 1991.

In 1996, the Environmental Management Bureau in its introduction of the Philippine Environment Quality Report, pointed the importance of the country’s natural resources: “The environment, one of its most precious capitals, should not be squandered away on short-term concerns but carefully managed for the benefit even of the unborn generation.”

Let’s take a closer look: Forests: In 1972, the country had about 10.4 million hectares of natural forests, which covered 34% of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares. Today, this has been reduced to 6.16 million hectares, or approximately 20.52% of the total land area. At least 163,000 hectares of forest cover are lost every year.

The destruction of forests has contributed to the depletion of food resources. “In modern times, it is unusual for people to get much food directly from forests, but most rural people still depend on forest foods to supplement their regular diets,” wrote Patrick Durst, regional forestry officer of the UN Food and

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Abaca and the Japanese sachusetts by FAST BACKWARD John White, a U.S. Navy lieutenant. Over the next few years, from 1824 to 1827, the hemp started to be used popularly for ropes and cords, espeAntonio V. Figueroa cially as twines for docked vessels. Production of abaca for export did not start until 1818 with a fiber extraction of 41 tons. From there, the exports rose dramatically to 500 tons in 1830, reaching 8,502 tons a decade later, and around 8,000 tons in 1850 at the time, when hemp became a global commodity. Between 1850 and 1860, export rose from 8,561 tons to 30,388 tons, and a decade later, production hit 31,426 tons. From 1870 to 1900 the export records show a delivery of 89,438 tons, the equivalent of 20,000 tons in increase compared to the previous decades.

The decade from 1850 to 1860 also showed an increase of from 8,561 tons to 30,388 tons; while that from 1860 to 1870 registered an appreciation of from 30,388 to 31,426, or only 1,100 tons. From 1870 until 1900, the exports rose from 31,426 tons

to 89,438 tons, with an average increase of about 20,000 tons in each decade. A 1907 government report expressed optimism of the growth of hemp in Davao: “The production of abaca in this region [Davao] is still increasing, which is proved by the fact that three or four steamers come here regularly for cargoes of the fiber. In all the towns on the Gulf of Davao new clearings are being made, which will be planted first with rice and, after that is harvested, with abaca (thus getting rid of all undergrowth), while sweet potatoes will be placed between the abaca plants.”

A compilation of official figures made by Murab Saleeby in 1915 covering the years 1900-1914, which is a length of 15 years, shows that abaca export from the Philippines to all countries during this period reached 1,940,311 metric tons with a value of US$276,237,942. The hemp export average was 51.19 percent, and the average local value per ton in the period studied was US$145.70 per metric ton.

During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1913, the total land area cultivated with abacá in the islands reached 909,849 acres, distributed as follows: Albay, 219,155; Camarines, 171,018; Sorsogon, 157,815; Leyte, 110,948; Samar, 68,143; Moro [Mindanao], 48,254; Misamis, 35,167; Surigao, 14,376; and other provinces, 84,973.

In 1920, occasioned by the expanding American interest, the fertile lands of Davao became a plantation region. During this period the entire province had 6,646 haciendas, with an average area ranging from seven to 208 hectares, covering 110,628 hectares in 15 townships and municipal districts, 30.8% of which were cultivated, and the remainder undeveloped. The largest concentration of farms was in Cateel (2,337 hectares), followed by Caraga (825 hectares), and Baganga (705 hectares). These were part of the old encomienda of the defunct Province of Caraga.

Other towns and districts that hosted plantations were Davao, with 414 hectares; Guianga, 76; Manay, 387; Mati, 505; Malita, 68; Monkayo, 146; Pantukan, 217; Samal, 132; Sigaboy, 356; Santa Cruz, 430; Tagum, 39; and Kapalong, 9. Helping till these lands were 5,530 carabaos. Agricultural lands, meanwhile, were classified into two regions: (1) the area in northern Davao drained by the Agusan River and its numerous tributaries, and (2) the watershed of Saug, Libuganon, Tagum, and Hijo Rivers at the head of Davao Gulf and on the west and south sectors to the area of Mt. Apo and Malalag Bay on the west, and east of the gulf to Mapanga Bay. In 1925, large-scale cultivation of the hemp was reported in Sumatra under Dutch supervision, followed by Central American (1929), and British North Borneo (1930).

Agriculture OrTHINK ON THESE! ganization.

Wildlife species: The Philippine archipelago has evolved into one of the world’s richest depositories of biological diversity.

There are about Henrylito D. Tacio 950 species and henrytacio@gmail.com subspecies of birds, 233 species and subspecies of mammals, more than 240 species of reptiles, and 6,000 species of wild plants living in the country.

“Wildlife habitat loss in the Philippines is about 79%,” reports the Green Forum-Philippines some years back. Already, eight species of fauna (including the Philippine eagle and tamaraw, both endemic) are included in the list of either rare or endangered, while 40% of total endemic flora are reported to be going extinct.

“A few decades ago, the wildlife of the Philippines was notable for its abundance; now, it is notable for its variety; if present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be notable for its absence,” deplored Dr. Lee Talbot, a well-known ecologist and geographer.

Lands: Lands, particularly those that produce crops, are extremely important resources. But they are vulnerable to a host of pressures including erosion. The hilly agricultural lands, which comprise 30% of the country’s land area, under cultivation have reportedly lost about two-thirds of their valuable topsoil.

“When soils are depleted and crops are poorly nourished, people are often undernourished as well,” wrote Lester R. Brown, former head of the Worldwatch Institute.

“Failure to respond to the erosion threat will lead not only to the degradation of land, but to the degradation of life itself.”

Harold R. Watson, who received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1985 for trying to help stop erosion in the uplands, decried: “Soil erosion is an enemy to any nation – far worse than any outside enemy coming into a country and conquering it because it is an enemy you cannot seed vividly. It’s a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land.”

Water: The country’s water resources are derived from rainfall, rivers, lakes, springs and grounds. The average annual rainfall is about 2,500 millimeters. A person needs at least 24 liters of water daily or one liter per hour.

“The rapid urbanization of the Philippines, with more than 2 million being added to the urban population annually, is having a major impact on water resources,” notes the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its Asian Water Development Outlook 2007.

Coral reefs: Some years back, leading marine scientists ranked the coral reefs in the Philippines as among the most threatened in Southeast Asia. Among those listed as culprits were overfishing, destructive fishing, sedimentation, and pollution.

The Inventory of the Coral Resources of the Philippines in the 1970s found only about 5% of the reefs to be in excellent condition, with over 75% coral cover (both hard and soft).

In the Philippines, destruction of coral reefs means disaster. “Coral reefs are home

to thousands of marine species, and losing them will spell disaster for our ecosystems, not to mention the thousands of Filipinos who depend on them for food and as sources of livelihood,” reminds Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.

“So, how’s everything,” asked Douglas C. Crispino in the opening of this short piece entitled The Black Moor.

“I don’t know the answer and neither do you,” wrote Chris Bright, a research associate at the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute, “but together we can probably find one.”

“Pressures on the environment are the result of the individual choices that millions of people about the way they lead their lives, the demands they make on resources, and the waste they generate,” pointed out John Gummer, an environment official from the United Kingdom.

“Environmental protection and enhancement is therefore more a matter of changing lifestyles than making declarations or passing laws,” Gummer added.

Campaigns also play a big part. Or so Tore J. Brevik, of the United Nations Environment Program, believes. “Education and public awareness,” he said, “are absolutely fundamental to achieving a sustainable future.”

To which, Mahatma Mohandas Gandhi dismissed, “There is sufficiency for man’s need, but not for man’s greed.”

When he was still writing a column for Philippine Daily Inquirer, the widely-read Conrado de Quiros wrote: “The end of the world won’t come from a falling asteroid or a raging virus. It will come, as most of the world’s tragedies have come, by human hand.”

Are you listening!

Ruthlessly exploited

10 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

Davao’s Ovu Manuvu benefit from training T

HREE months after completing SM Foundation Inc.’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training, members of the Ladian Farmers Association are preparing for their second harvest.

In June 2016, more than 100 farmers from the Davao city and neighboring provinces participated in the 12week training program. The

program is part SM’s continuous effort of providing technical and hands on training in producing high value crops, fruits and vegetables, in the hope of promoting food security and more sustainable livelihood opportunities to marginalized farmers.

In October, in time for the graduation, residents of Sitio Ladian in Marilog District who were recipients of the

SMFI-initiated program organized themselves and committed to practicing their new skills and knowledge as well as sharing it to others. The Ladian Farmers Association is composed of 49 families mostly of Manuvu descent.

Carmen Lambac, chairman of Sitio Ladian Women’s Council, said that since the completion of the program, there has been various or-

23) and until 7PM on Saturday (December 24). The Supermarket will open early on 7AM. Also, SM shoppers can make a child happy with the SM Bears of Joy. With P200, a shopper can purchase 2 cuddly bears—one for him/her to keep and the other will be donated to less fortunate communities identified by SM City Davao with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development XI. The SM Bears of Joy booth is located at the ground floor of the main mall.

In the season of gift-giving, create magical memories with your loved ones. This Christmas, there is no better company than family and there is no greater gift than time. Celebrate a Royal Christmas at SM City Davao!

T. Isidore High School is a Catholic school in a remote agricultural village called Zamboanguita in Bukidnon. It is situated more than 50 kilometers from the nearest city, Malaybalay, and almost 140 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City.

Getting access to technology that can aid learning is thus difficult. But with the help of generous sponsors, the students – some of whom belong to lumad tribes – can now use digital tools and content to enhance their education.

An executive of mobile operator Smart Communications, Debbie Tan, used her budget for Christmas gifts to donate a Schoolin-a-Bag to St. Isidore High School. Launched early this year by Smart, the Schoolin-a-Bag is a backpack

Tianjin reflects our strong confidence on China’s economy. This gives SM Prime a wider perspective on China’s shopping culture, allowing us to capture bigger opportunities as an international integrated property developer,” SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said.

SM Prime continues to expand in China as its consumer spending growth remains to be strong.

From 2000 to 2010, China’s consumption grew from

BOITIZ Power Corporation (AboitizPower), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Therma Power, Inc. (TPI), has recently secured approval from the Philippine government to acquire indirect partnership interests in GNPower Mariveles Coal Plant Ltd. Co. (GMCP) and GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD) TPI’s acquisition bid was approved by the Board of Investments and the Philippine Competition Commission last November 21 and December 19, respectively.

Under this cleared bid, TPI will hold indirect effective

ganizations who visited the demo farm. Carmen believes that if they will apply the new skills and technology they gained from the program, they can expect higher yields and better quality produce.

“Diri na mi nagdako, akong ginikanan diri na gyud nagpuyo. Sa 1980s, mga punuan ra among nahibal-an itanum. Bag-o ra mi katuon unsaon pag-alaga og mga gu-

lay…” Ladian Farmers Association chairman Allan Bero shared that his family learned how to farm properly only recently with the help of the city and the Department of Agriculture. He also added that he learned about land preparation, nursing, planting, pest management, among many others, from SMFI KSK program. During the KSK graduation exercises they also

toured the SM Supermarket where they appreciated the value of quality products.

The 113th KSK was also made possible with the support and cooperation from the Department of Agriculture XI, City Agriculturist’s Office, HarBest Agri Business, Department of Social Welfare and Development XI and the University of the Philippines in Mindanao.

Christmas parades, extended Smart, donor bring Christmas cheers to remote school mall hours at SM City Davao

S

M’S Grand Christmas Parade is all set to spread cheers on Christmas day at SM City Davao. The colorful, vibrant and magical spectacle is expected to excite and awaken the spirit of wonder not only among kids but also among every member of the family.

On December 25, catch the royal prince and princess along with the gallant toy soldiers, mystical elves, pretty snowflakes ladies, the giant gift box and more endearing characters around the mall at 2PM and 4PM. Also, meet and greet the adorable Santa Claus at the Annex event center at 2:30 PM and 4:30PM. Tick entries on your holiday shopping list at SM Davao with extended mall hours until 12MN on Friday (December

S

containing a solar panel for electricity, a laptop, tablet, mobile phone, pocket WiFi with starter load, LED TV, and digital learning modules.

The School-in-a-Bag is one of Smart’s initiatives under its umbrella corporate social responsibility program, Smart Communities. This aims to use technology to develop different social sectors, including education.

Linking the peripheries to the global knowledge economy “We are truly grateful for this early Christmas gift to our school. With the School-in-a-Bag program, our students and teachers here in Zamboanguita are able to expand their horizon of knowledge.

Our lessons become more

relevant and interesting,” said the school director, Fr. Ernald M. Andal, S.J. “As in all gifts, we receive it with a responsibility to share its benefits to the bigger community.

We hope to strengthen a culture that sees technology not just as a vital tool for today’s academic instruction, but as a link for those in the peripheries to reach out to the center and vice-versa,” he added.

In 2016, Smart has donated 10 School-in-a-Bag units to remote schools in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It hopes to get people and organizations to add to this number via sponsorships. One School-in-aBag unit costs P100,000.

This already includes the devices, learning modules aligned with the K-12 cur-

SM Prime soft opens AboitizPower to acquire stakes in GNPower thermal power plants 7th mall in China A R EAL estate conglomerate SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) soft opened on Saturday SM City Tianjin, its seventh mall in China with a gross floor area (GFA) of 565,000 square meters (sqm).

SM City Tianjin joins SM Prime’s China malls portfolio namely SM City Xiamen, SM City Jinjiang, SM City Chengdu, SM City Suzhou, SM City Chongqing and SM City Zibo, all with a combined GFA of 1.5 million sqm.

“The opening of SM City

F SM PRIME, 13

interests held by affiliated investment funds of The Blackstone Group L.P in World Power Holdings, L.P. and Sithe Global Power, L.P. As a result, TPI will own a 66.1% effective beneficial ownership interest in GMCP and 40% effective beneficial ownership interest in GNPD. The proposed acquisition consideration is priced approximately at $1.2 billion and will be funded by a combination of internally generated cash and financing from foreign banks.

GMCP is a 604-MW subcritical thermal power plant, which started operations in

F SMART, 11

2014, while GNPD is a new project consisting of 2 x 668MW supercritical thermal power plant, located in Bataan. The first of the GNPD units is currently under construction and is targeting commercial operations in 2019.

We welcome the government’s latest move to clear our planned acquisition of stakes in the GNPower thermal power plants, as we consider this an essential strategy in our commitment to securing a balanced energy mix to support the country’s energy security.

This is also in line with our target to increase our attributable

net sellable capacity to 4,000 MW by 2020. We consider this acquisition very strategic as it gives us immediate earnings from the operating asset and incremental capacity in the coming years from the plant under construction and its expansion,” said Antonio R. Moraza, AboitizPower President and Chief Operating Officer.

At present, AboitizPower has investments in various thermal and renewable power generating facilities and maintains a balanced mix of energy sources to provide ample and reliable power at competitive rates.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

STYLE

EDGEDAVAO Food is the most practical gift to give. It’s a gift than can be shared, and that is what Christmas is all about—sharing. On Randall & Vanessa: M&S Collection ensemble for men & women.

Randall is also involved in the selection of Christmas gifts for everyone on their list. On Randall: Blue Harbour shirt & M&S Collection sweater & jeans.

Gifts coupled with cheer

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IS TRADITIONALLY A FAMILY AFFAIR ESPECIALLY FOR US FILIPINOS.

We see it in holiday gatherings where I’ve noticed entire families dressed to the color-coordinated nines and even in gift cards where each family member’s identity is immortalized in quirky caricatures. This filial bond is so strong and celebrated during Yuletide that even our gifting style is influenced - making our choices for presents something that can be shared and enjoyed come parties and those meals where the tables are positively heaving with blessings. Just like many of us, married couple Randall and Vanessa Ong’s thoughts turn to food when it comes down to gifting.

“The key phrase is “smart gifting”, everything has to work within the budget and keep the gift exciting. One has to be very innovative these days, and practical,” shared Vanessa. Bangbang, as she is called by friends, is “For our kids’ list, which includes best friends, schoolmates and teachers, the M&S confections always do the trick.”

On Vanessa: M&S Collection ensemble.

Aside from Vanessa’s baked treats, the M&S Holiday food selections are on top of her list.

“They’re delicious and the packaging is always appropriate for the season- attractive and happy.”

On Randall: Blue Harbour top & M&S Collection chinos. On Vanessa: M&S Collection ensemble. one-half of this active, statesque duo who have been married for seventeen years. Blessed with three beautiful daughters, it is no wonder that their Christmas list reads like a merry web of friends, their daughters’ friends, teachers and colleagues. Being a creative at heart, Bangbang lends her hands-on side heavily when it comes to preparing gifts and making everything highly personal. “There is an appealing way to present the gifts, no matter how much it costs. I make sure each is wrapped with TLC, and that shows,” Bangbang shares.

The Ongs’ closest friends are always fortunate to receive Bangbang’s homemade goodies but

she sheepishly admits that she can only bake so much. “I wish I could but I can only bake as much. I also shop for the food I like best— stuff that I love, which I know everyone will love as well.” To top it off, Randall is a food enthusiast or what people nowadays like to call a ‘foodie’ and this attention to taste always dictates and guides Bangbang when choosing their food gifts.

“I always plan what kind of food I will give out every year and I always head to one of my favorite stores, Marks and Spencer. The food section is always on top of the list. I love their selection of red wines and chocolates. I always have it on stock at home year

round for personal consumption.

Although I give the same food sets to my friends and relatives each year, it has never let Randall and I down. The food basket always brings out the smiles from everyone who receives it.”

The food hall at every Marks & Spencer store is a veritable treasure trove with award-winning wines, chips and chocolates for delicious snacking and pantry staples done up classily like pasta sauces and canned stews. M&S always keeps things exciting as well with useful additions to their range of foodstuffs such as their selection of crackers to pair with cheeses. Christmastime is also the most festive time of the year for the brand as it brings out its holiday selection of chocolates and gift baskets. The packages of gummies and themed indulgences are also easy grabs for completing the kids’ Christmas lists. Equally drawn to taste as to art, this tastefully original couple highly appreciates the artful packaging at M&S. Indeed, heading there has become one of the couple’s favorite giving traditions as well. It is a place that complements their love for sharing quality-made things that come with just the right added notes of festiveness and originality. Undoubtedly, a gift from the Ongs is always a joy to receive at your doorstep.

Fashion: Marks & Spencer’s 2016 Winter Collection & Christmas Food Gifts are available at the Marks & Spencer stores in Abreeza Mall & SM Lanang Premier Photography: Brian Dexter Medija Make-up & styling: Otoi Mercado

EDGEDAVAO

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PEOPLE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

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“WE WANT TO GO WHERE PAPA HAVE HIS HAIRCUT,” said the Antepuesto boys. Martin, 14, Lance, 11, and Andy, 6, must really like how their dad’s haircut looks like every time their 44-year old dad, Bobby, have a haircut.

So dad takes them with him to Rocky’s Barbershop for the “all boys” trip to the barber.

“It’s also a good time to bond with the kids, adding to the movie marathons and out of town trips for vacation or football tournaments we take,” he said.

Good grooming is in Bobby’s DNA and he’s glad that it made an impact with his sons. The kids are showing signs that they have inherited the gene.

“In my line of business, I am in constant interaction with clients and suppliers therefore it is important that I always

look my best.”

Bobby puts importance to proper grooming. “You create a positive impression on people around you, most especially with those you meet for the first time. It may not be the most important thing in a business meeting but it helps boost one’s confidence, as ‘visual impact is as important as verbal impact’.”

He has learned that people are very quick in making assumptions based on one’s facial expressions, the clothes one wear or how well one is groomed.

This is why he never misses visiting Rocky’s every time he has a scheduled meeting, which means having a haircut more than once a month is always on his calendar.

It was in 1999 when Bobby had his first haircut at Rocky’s Victoria Plaza and remembered saying, “At last a real barber shop in Davao! I’ve always been a barber’s cut kind of guy.

In other words, predictable,” he admitted, smiling.

He instantly felt at home and found the service just as what he expected of a good barbershop. “Having been a long time customer of a famous barbershop in Manila, I automatically had a liking for Rocky’s as it was, I felt, what Davao City needed.”

For the past 13 year, his go to barber is Jun, who he refers to as “the presidential barber.” Bobby tailed him from Rocky’s

SM City to Abreeza Mall –and pleads to the owner not to move him to SM Lanang.

“He has excellent customer service, he is very personalized and thorough. I can sleep while having a haircut and not worry about anything.”

Through the years, Bobby has seen Rocky’s expand from its first branch in one mall to more branches in all the major malls in the city.

But what impressed him most is Rocky’s never compromised its service, and in fact, added more amenities for the clients, it’s the “extra mile” service is customer service beyond the usual” as Bobby calls it, such as free coffee, a wide variety of reading materials and free wifi, and his favorite— the extended back massage after haircut.

Like father, like sons.

Bobby’s kids are Rocky’s babies and have their own “suki” barber as well— Jun, which doesn’t come as a surprise since the boys look up to their dad as their role model.

Bobby knows his kids were in good hands the first time he brought them to Rocky’s for their first barbershop experiences: Martin in 2003, Andy in 2007 and Lance in 2007.

He felt secure the short moment he was gone to attend to an errand.

“Rocky’s is a very safe place because of it’s mall locations plus it helps that the staff already know you, therefore expect the same extended quality of

customer service. I can leave them and just come back after, without having to worry about anything.”

When asked why Bobby stayed loyal to Rocky’s and making it the Antepuesto men tradition, “I guess it’s the service that is beyond the usual. Personally I think Rocky’s has raised the bar in terms of the overall experience of a customer, which everyone else is trying to imitate making it the gold standard if you will.”

His most memorable Rocky’s moment?

“Hmm…when I got a free haircut and hair treatment coupon,” he shared while laughing.

On Rocky’s 20th year in the men’s grooming business, Bobby says, “Continue doing what you do best and soar even higher! Looking forward to the next 20! Cheers to you and your staff!”

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

2016 marks its 20th year in the business.

Bobby Antepuesto and his sons, Martin, Andy and Lance, are the featured Father and Sons personalities for December in the 2016 Traditions calendar of Rocky’s Barbershop.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

EVENT

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Alcatel opens first Ph concept store

By KENNETH IRVING ONG ALCATEL FORMALLY OPENED ITS FIRST CONCEPT STORE IN THE COUNTRY in simple ceremonies last December 8. Located at the Gaisano Mall of Davao, the opening follows the establishment of six kiosks in different parts of the Philippines.

“The store was three years in the making and today marks the formal return of one of the first digital mobile telephony brands to the consumer market,” said Tekpone’s Jimmy Yap. Inside the store, guests can check out the latest Alcatel mobile phones such as the popular PIXI 4+ Power which combines a large smartphone display and snappy processing speeds together with a powerful 5000mAh battery that provides for an allday multimedia experience. With one of the biggest capacity battery in the market, the PIXI 4+ Power can also do double duty as a powerbank if ever your friends need to charge up.

Also in store is Alcatel’s new flagship model, the Alcatel SHINE LITE. Sporting 2.5D glass on the front and back of the phone and a stylish metal frame, the AlcaCharlotte Koa and tel SHINE LITE is both stunning to see and the Alcatel MOVE sleek to the touch.

TIME smartwatch Aside from having a fast multi-core profor kids. cessor, the Alcatel SHINE LITE excels in taking photos. Its front camera comes with a front flash that makes photos brighter and more vivid under an lighting condition. Its rear camera has a dal tone flash that allows for more natural and accurate color toned images under low light conditions. Stylish and innovative, the SHINE LITE gives a feature-rich experience and targets young Filipinos who appreciate both premium design and an affordable price.

Alcatel’s concept store also carries tablets, unique wearables and digital gadgets for families and digital travellers. Uniquely Alcatel is the MOVE TIME 2G connected watch for kids aged five to ten. Designed for parent’s peace of mind, the smartwatch

From left: Charlotte Koa, Alcatel country manager, Jimmy Yap of Tekpone and his wife, Gaisano Mall of Davao’s leasing representative, and Jonathan Janorabon, Alcatel channel manager.

Left: The new Alcatel SHINTE LITE. Right: Jonathan Janorabon shows off the PIXI 4 Plus Power. allows parents to call or send voice messages to their kids. Kids can reply to calls from up to ten pre-set contacts and make calls to five registered numbers as the watch supports 2G network connectivity.

“The MOVE TIME allows parents to call their kids or have their kids call them from the safety of a secure device.” said Alcatel country manager, Charlotte Koa. “Parents

can also track their kids location on their smartphones with the help of dedicated iOS and Android app. They will be notified on their phone, when their children enter or leave a pre-determined safe zone.”

Check out the Alcatel concept store at the third level of the Gaisano Mall of Davao to see the latest Alcatel smartphones, tablets, and wearables today.

UP AND ABOUT

Catch DJs Mark Nicosia, Mia Ayesa at SM Lanang Premier’s NYE Party KICK OFF THE YEAR-END and raise a toast to a sparkling New Year!

On December 31, 9:30 pm till 1am, celebrate this festive occasion at SM Lanang Premier’s Fountain Court grounds for the New Year Countdown Party.

Welcome 2017 with a bang as top DJs Mark Nicosia and Mia Ayesa of “Those Damn Nerds,” a DJ/Live act which incorporates visual arts with stage theatrics, play the hottest beats at the party. Plus, enjoy songs from local band, Fifth Alley, and the sight of colorful glow orbs and balloons.

Vivo smartphones are also up for grabs at the said event.

For exclusive mosh pit access to the party, a minimum receipt of P500 dine-in purchase from any Fountain Court and Sky Garden restaurants of SM Lanang Premier entitles mallgoers to two tickets. Meanwhile, general admission is free.

On New Year’s Eve, dine with your loved ones at The Fountain Court

for a chill-out al-fresco experience.

Restaurants are open from 10pm to 12midnight. Bask as well in the spectacular view of the 122-meter musical dancing fountain and the 38-meter “Tunnel of Lights,” which comes decked with 20,000 LED lights.

For a perfect New Year’s Eve getaway within the city, book a hotel room at Park Inn by Radisson Davao just beside SM Lanang Premier. Call (082) 272-7600 for reservations.

Now on its fourth year, SM Lanang Premier’s Countdown to 2017 New Year Countdown Party annually draws locals and tourists to converge for a fun party sans fireworks at the Davao’s premier lifestyle destination.

Party your way into the New Year at SM Lanang Premier. For more information, call 285-0943 to 45.

Check out SM Lanang Premier’s official account on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event updates.

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

JESS... FROM 1

bilateral ceasefire agreement and political and constitutional reforms.

Meanwhile, Dureza underscored the need to strengthen further and expand the existing “peace tables” to ensure the success of the ongoing peace talks between both the Philippine Government (GPH) and rebel groups.

Dureza pointed out that the “negotiation tables” for the

Reds are “very small tables” compared to the “bigger peace table” which is the general public.

“If we cannot get the larger audience to know what is happening in the peace table[s] first, and if the public doesn’t understand what we are doing, chances are people will reject what we agree on in [those] the negotiations table,” Dureza added.

the visit of Abe in the City anytime.

Japan has previously poured investments and projects here in the city and has a good relationship with the city government.

Davao City’s former mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte recently visited the country. Abe then promised to continue the good relationship that they have with the Philippines.

Abe also pledged to continue Japan’s support for invest-

ment, infrastructure and military equipments in Mindanao especially Davao City.

The plane is reportedly operated by the Japan Self-Defense Force for the official use of the Prime Minister and other Japanese delegates for summit meetings and international conferences in foreign countries.

The plane is reportedly equipped to special specifications, and include an onboard Prime Minister’s Office, Secretary’s Corner and Conference Room.

food establishment operators to ensure the safety (of their customers) and the quality of food they serve,” Salazar said.

Iturralde said they have

assigned sanitary inspectors to check local food service establishments to ensure the food they serve are safe for consumption. (PNA)

Act 10645, the 2014 Recto-authored law mandating automatic PhilHealth coverage for people ages 60-year-old and above.

He added that the “No ID” rule in RA 10645 for seniors seeking medical services is being expanded to cover everyone in the insurance.

Government’s subsidy to PhilHealth, meanwhile, is “booked separately” from

the Department of Health’s (DOH’s) budget.

The DOH appropriations for 2017 is P96.33 billion.

Recto mentioned that the inputs in the crafting of “health-care-for-all provisions” in the budget came from Senate health committee chairman Risa Hontiveros and Sen. Sonny Angara who defended the DOH budget in plenary.

riculum, training for the teachers, and delivery of the unit.

Each bag will benefit hundreds of students in its expected working life span of five years.

that would ‘keep giving.’

“The students at St. Isidore High School get a helping hand to the future, and my friends and colleagues get their thanks and prayers,” she said.

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Smart... FROM 10 Sponsors needed for students in ‘unenergized’ schools “Right now there are 3,000 schools in the Philippines – serving more than a million students – without electricity.

There are still a lot of Filipino students who have not seen, much more used, a television, computer, or tablet that could help enhance their learning,” said Smart public affairs senior manager Stephanie Orlino.

“We don’t want children in remote areas to be left behind.

We want to help them gain access to the wealth of knowledge out there through digital learning tools. But we cannot do this alone, which is why we encourage companies, alumni associations, rotary clubs, local government units, and individuals to pitch in. Let us give these children a fighting chance for a better future,” she added.

Tan, vice president for enterprise risk management at Smart, said the School-in-aBag was “the perfect solution to my need for a Christmas gift

TechnoCart for schools with electricity While the School-in-a-Bag is meant for schools without electricity that are located in hard-to-reach areas, the Smart TechnoCart is targeted towards schools in more urbanized locations. This is a cart that contains 20 student tablets preloaded with the Batibot mobile application for kindergartners, one teacher tablet, one laptop, a Smart Bro pocket Wi-Fi, and a projector.

Since June 2015, Smart has distributed TechnoCarts to 30 public schools from as far as Pangasinan and Tawi-Tawi. Seventeen of these were donated by Smart, while the rest were given to beneficiary schools through the initiative of private donors. Each TechnoCart costs P200,000.

For more information on how to donate either a TechnoCart or a School-in-a-Bag, interested parties may send an email to TechnoCart@smart. com.ph or visit smart.com.ph/ learnsmart

MANNY PIÑOL IN SULU. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol delivers a speech during the Negosyo Para sa Kapayapaan sa Sulu: Christmas Town Hall with the President in Malacañan Palace on Monday night. TOTO LOZANO/Presidential Photo

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intention to concur in part.

Meanwhile the five senators who did not sign the committee report were Senators Leila de Lima, Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, Ralph Recto, Grace Poe and Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito.

Despite the lack of proof of state-sponsored killings, Gordon pointed out that lack of clear and quick action to resolve such killings and cops’ disregard on cleaning its ranks.

De Lima, meanwhile, filed a 150-page dissenting report to provide what she described as “alternative analysis of the facts presented and the conclusions” of the same hearing.

De Lima’s dilemma Also in August, embattled De Lima also faced several controversies after being implicated in the proliferation of illegal drugs in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) when she was then Justice Secretary. De Lima, however, has repeatedly denied her involvement in the illegal drug trade.

It was Pres. Duterte himself who revealed De Lima’s alleged involvement in the drug trade during a speech at the 115th service anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame where he mentioned how a certain senator had a “lover” who accepted drug-money from the penitentiary.

De Lima denied being a drug coddler but later admitted that she did have an affair with her former security aide and alleged drug money bagman Ronnie Dayan, who in a House hearing on November, admitted that he collected drug kickbacks for his former boss from self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa back in 2014.

He also claimed that De Lima ordered him not to appear before the House inquiry, which later led congressmen to file ethics complaints against the neophyte senator for “inducing disobedience to a summon issued by the Congress.”

In a Senate inquiry into the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa, the younger Espinosa backed the admission of Dayan that the De Lima did receive some millions in exchange for his protection to use in her campaign fund as she was running for senator in the May 2016 elections.

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“Killings under investigation are not state-sponsored,” Andanar reiterated, “Many of these murders are

Dayan and Espinosa eventually had a face-off in the Senate only for senators to cite ‘irreconcilable inconsistencies’ between their testimonies -- particularly on dates and how the exchange in funds was facilitated.

Lacson, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, said that his panel is set to submit a committee report on the Espinosa inquiry’s findings on January 2017.

The committee report on the slaying of Espinosa, to be prepared

by Lacson, will also be presented to plenary on its resumption on January 2017.

Aside from the complaint filed by House leaders, De Lima is also facing other ethics complaints including one filed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) grounded on the senator’s alleged violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act, another filed by former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officials Reynaldo Esmeralda and Ruel Lasala, citing the same violation and most recently another by high-profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian in response to her claim that Sebastian was a government asset.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales also ordered a probe into De Lima’s alleged culpability into the illegal drug trade, to which the Senator welcomed as a chance to finally clear her name.

Legislation feats In September, the Senate approved the bill postponing village and youth council or Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1112 on third reading with 20 affirmative and two negative votes.

Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto and Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV both voted against the bill while the rest of the senators voted for it.

The measure, which is the first measure to be approved in the 17th Congress, seeks to postpone the polls from October 31 this year to October 23, 2017.

The bill has so far incorporated two key reforms during plenary debates which are meant to ensure that important services of the government will not pause during the campaign period for village officials.

Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto, who proposed the two

perpetrated by common criminals wrongly attributed in news reports as part of police operations,” he

amendments, said that the implementation of village-funded projects, such as roads and bridges, will be suspended 10 days before the elections so as not to influence voters’ choices. Another amendment is the lifting of the ban on the hiring or promotion of government employees.

The Senate also ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the PHP3.35-trillion national budget for 2017 in December before going on a Christmas break after holding a series of conferences with the House to reconcile their differences.

After ratification, the 2017 national budget also known as the General Appropriations Act (GAA), will be sent to President Duterte for signing.

Seventeen senators voted to pass the measure, two voted against it -- Lacson and Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, and one abstained -- Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. Among the most important amendments introduced by the Senate is the P3-billion increase in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) budget so that all Filipinos will now be covered by the universal healthcare program, a P2-billion worth of Irrigation Fees Subsidy in the budget of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and additional allocation is also provided for state universities and colleges (SUCs) for scholarships for all indigenous peoples and indigent students, especially those under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and for across the board capital outlay increase for all SUCs. The proposed national budget for 2017 is an 11.6-percent increase from the P3.002-trillion budget for 2016. It represents 20.4 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017, higher than the 20.1 percent GDP share this year.

Last minute approvals The Senate adopted 33 resolutions, most noteworthy is concurring the ratification of Articles of Agreement of the China-led international financial institution, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Senate Resolution No. 241 was passed on third reading with 20 affirmative votes, one negative

vote from Senator Risa Hontiveros and zero abstention.

Hontiveros explained that she cast a negative vote noting that the Philippines should first verify whether the loan agreements the country has entered into with these institutions are in accordance with the principles on responsible sovereign lending and borrowing published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

The AIIB is formed by 57-founder member states like China, India, Russia, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The Philippines signed the Articles of Agreement of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank last December 31, 2015 in China.

Pres. Duterte himself ratified the Agreement last October 19 and accordingly submitted it to the Senate for concurrence, in accordance with the 1987 Constitution.

The Senate also passed a resolution for an immediate increase of P1,000 in the monthly pension of all pensioners under the Social Security System (SSS) starting this month.

Gordon explained that the release of the pension will come in two tranches -- the initial P1,000 increase this month or early 2017 and the additional P1,000 in 2020 or earlier as second tranche.

SSS previously mentioned the releasing the P2,000 pension increase in two tranches to avoid putting the SSS funds at risk.

To recall, SSS cautioned that immediately implementing the full P2,000 pension increase will threaten the SSS funds.

The P1,000 hike would benefit pensioners without compromising SSS from maintaining its long-term financial viability, Gordon said.

When the Senate resumes its sessions on Jan. 16, 2017, it is expected to tackle bills on the re-imposition of death penalty, and amending the 1987 Constitution to a shift to a federal form of government by either constitutional convention (con-con), or a constituent assembly (con-ass).

Also expected to be discussed are measures on Personal Income Tax Reform, the Amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, emergency powers bill, and the end of contractualization (endo), among others. (PNA)

added.

The Duterte administration assures the Filipino public that it respects the

law and uphold the basic rights of our people, regardless of beliefs and political persuasions. (PNA)

12 HEALTH Much ado about dengue vaccine EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

N the last 50 years, dengue has spread from being present in a handful of countries to being endemic in 128 countries, where about 4 billion people live, reports the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO).

Each year an estimated 390 million dengue infections occur around the world, according to website of Eliminate Dengue Program. Of these, 500,000 develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever, a more severe form of the disease, and dengue results in up to 25,000 deaths annually worldwide “Dengue is the world’s most important viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes,” declares Dr. Duane Gubler, health administrator of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on someone who has the virus.”

Dengue comes from the Swahili word which means “a sudden overtaking by a spirit.” Also known as “break-bone fever,” it is caused by four distinct virus serotypes (varieties recognized as distinct by the immune system) and is a distant cousin of yellow fever.

Like death and taxes, dengue exempts no one: fat or thin, ugly or beautiful, rich or poor, educated and illiterate. Children, who are exposed in open areas while playing, are more prone although adults are not spared.

I had a friend, a lawyer and a staff of a former senator. He was based in Manila but at one time he went to Baguio, where he contracted dengue. A few days after bitten, he suffered high fever, severe headache, and pain behind the eyes. There was also an outbreak of rashes in some parts of his body.

From Baguio, he was brought to Manila. But it was already too late; he suffered hemorrhage in the liver and died three weeks after being confined in one of the well-known hospitals in Makati City.

Even doctors die from it, too!

There was a case of a lady physician whose daughter suffered from dengue. Unknowingly, a mosquito which bit her daughter had bitten the doctor. A few days after the daughter died, as a result of dengue, the doctor also showed manifestations of having dengue. She also died of the same disease.

In 2000, my very first article on dengue came out in the Asian edition of Reader’s Digest. Most of the doctors I interviewed for the feature said a dengue vaccine is very difficult to produce as there are four distinct strains of dengue.

Here’s a better explanation from Dr. Richard T. Mata, a pediatrician from Panabo City: “The vaccine must cover for all four strains because if there is a strain not included, it can become a dangerous vaccine that may give potential harm than good.”

And what seemed to be a breakthrough, a dengue vaccine was introduced in May. The world’s first dengue vaccine for human use was approved in three countries, including the Philippines, according to Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of France’s Sanofi. (The two other countries are Brazil and Mexico.)

“Approval of the first dengue vaccine in Asia, which bears 70% of global disease burden, is a major milestone in dengue prevention and public health,” pointed out Olivier Charmeil, president and chief executive officer of Sanofi Pasteur in a press statement.

The vaccine has undergone testing on more than 29,000 patients worldwide. The Philippines

reportedly participated in all three phases of the clinical development of the vaccine called Dengvaxia®. The New England Journal of Medicine published the pooled efficacy and integrated safety analyses from the 25-month Phase III efficacy studies and the ongoing long-term studies.

But there’s a big but.

“Dengvaxia is not for children below 9 years old because there were findings that those given had more chances to be hospitalized of dengue than those not given,” said a report.

The dengue vaccine is not also recommended to people aged above 45. A study conducted in Australia showed that people aged 46 to 50 had a very low antibody response to the vaccine. This means that “it is likely to be less effective at protecting people in this age group from dengue.”

“Primum non nocere” (First, do no harm), so goes the cardinal rule which physicians follow. This rule, according to Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, editor-in-chief of Health and Lifestyle, must be observed in connection with the government’s dengue vaccination program.

Last year, Professor Scott B. Halstead, an acknowledged figure in dengue research in the past 50 years, published an article claiming that the dengue vaccine may even enhance the development of dengue rather than prevent it.

“The vaccine appears to cause antibody-dependent enhancement or ADE, a phenomenon whereby the dengue vaccine literally predisposes the dengue-naïve recipients of the vaccine for a more severe clinical expression of the disease,” explained Dr. Castillo in his editorial piece.

“Dr. Halstead was the first to identify this phenomenon, and he explained that in ADE, infection with one of the four strains of the dengue virus produces antibodies to that strain and cross-reactive antibodies to the other dengue strains.”

Here’s what Dr. Halstead said: “Over time, you make and keep protective levels of antibody from the initial infection, but you lose the cross-reactive antibodies. That allows a second dengue infection to cause severe illness, including dengue hemorrhagic fever.”

Alarmed by the program initiated by the Department of Health to vaccinate one million children against the dengue virus, doctors and health advocates, led

by Dr. Antonio L. Dans, Dr. Leonila F. Dans, and Anthony C Leachon, submitted a position paper to the Congress Committee on Health and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

“There is a lingering uncertainty about the long-term safety of this new vaccine against dengue fever,” the position paper said.

“Evidence from the manufacturer’s trial shows that there may be a paradoxical increase in the incidence of severe dengue beginning a few years after children are vaccinated, and possibly continuing for the rest of their lives. This danger especially applies to children who have never had dengue fever before,” the position paper explained.

Clinical trials were conducted to assess the danger of dengue vaccine. Sadly, the danger has been confirmed. “A trial that included Filipinos showed that the incidence of severe dengue increased up to five times more, three years after children were vaccinated,” Dr. Dans, an epidemiologist from the University of the Philippines

College of Medicine, was quoted as saying by the Health and Lifestyle.

The position paper reported: “In one study involving Asian children aged 2-14 years, vaccination increased the incidence of severe dengue by 400% on the third year of vaccination.”

The authors of the aforementioned study concluded that the reasons for the rise in dengue need further investigation. “We agree,” the doctors said. “Until these trials are completed, we recommend, as many other groups have, that children should be tested for past dengue infection before vaccination.”

The position paper also observed that the cost-effective study assessing potential use in the Philippines was funded by the manufacturer instead of an independent body. “The study was biased in that there were clear measures to minimize expenses (it did not account for the potential cost of increased disease severity arising from the vaccine) and maximize savings (effectivity was assumed to last 10 years when it is clear that protection wanes by the third year). These strategies make the vaccine seem highly cost-effective,” the paper said.

According to the position paper, in terms of easing the dengue burden in the country, the current program is not a feasible strategy. It gave this bit of information: “The program cost the Philippine government P3.58 billion, for just one million children in only three regions, representing a mere 1% of the population. Scale-up this program, even for the lowest quintile of wealth, is simply not a viable option for the country.”

Because the program was done hurriedly, the community was “inadequately prepared” for the implementation. From the time the Formulary Executive Committee issues guidance, some 12-18 months is allotted to prepare health workers and communities to introduce a new vaccine.

“Administrative orders and guidelines needs to be issued to local government units. Field manuals need to be produced and translated into dialects. Health workers

need to be trained to give the vaccine and answer questions from parents and children. Referral systems for adverse events need to be activated and tested, a research protocol for monitoring on adverse events should be in place,” the position paper explained.

And these were done only in a matter of 26 days. “Many parents, teachers and health care workers claim they were never fully informed about the benefits and potential side effects of the vaccine,” the paper said.

To proceed or not to proceed – that is the question.

“I am not against it having been registered for Phase IV but it should have been physician-supervised like most drugs launched in Phase IV trials,” says Dr. Teodoro Javier Herbosa, former undersecretary of health. “Up to this point, I consider dengue vaccine as experimental and therefore should never have been implemented as a school-based program without having completed 5-6 years of Phase IV implementation.”

Dr. Mata echoes the same concern. “I am not against Dengvaxia,” he says. “They could have started low profile in private sectors and allow more good feedback. And probably further research on safety for less than 9 years old, just to satisfy the doctors who are meticulous.”

The well-designed critical trial will end by 2017 yet. By that time, a solid data can be provided “whether or not we can prevent more deaths and severe dengue with vaccination than without it.”

The dengue virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Most Aedes mosquitoes are found indoors than outdoors. The Aedes aegypti prefers to rest in shaded places while Aedes albopictus prefer to rest in shrubs and trees.

When the dengue-carrying mosquito gorges on the blood of an infected human, the virus enters the insect’s salivary gland, where it incubates for eight to ten days. After that, the mosquito can pass the virus on to the next person it bites.

(Photos taken from the net)

Power (Asia) Holdings, Inc. (Compostela Valley) of the electricity, gas, steam & air conditioning supply cluster with P517.77 million, PNX Chelsea Shipping Corporation (Davao City) of transportation & storage cluster with P507.60 million, AVLB ASIA PACIFIC Conglomerate, Inc. (Davao City) of manufacturing cluster with P500.00 million, Grupo San Pedro Realty Corporation (Davao City) of real estate activities cluster with P372.10 million, Anflo Banana Corporation (Davao Oriental) of agriculture, forestry & fishing cluster with P342.00 million, and Cocohaus Corporation (Davao del Norte) of manufacturing cluster with P177.50 million of investments.

DTI-XI Regional Director

Maria Belinda Q. Ambi CESO V pointed out the increase of investments dovetailed the entry of Duterte administration.

She explained that aside from the fact that the President comes from Davao City, the regional director said that the President Duterte’s socio-economic agenda has been a factor on the boost of investment particularly his agenda on inclusive growth and MSME prioritization.

Meanwhile, Asst. Regional Director Edwin O. Banquerigo said 2016 is “much better than 2015” because of the key projects launched in the region.

“Let’s think and move as one. Let’s raise one hand to help ourselves and one hand to help others,” stressed Banquerigo.

Investment... FROM 5

President... FROM 2 at motivating and inspiring government employees to improve the quality of their performance and instill deeper involvement in public service.

The awards given were Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award conferred to an individual or group, the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees (Dangal ng Bayan) Award, and the CSC Pagasa Award.

The Lingkod ng Bayan awardees were Dr. Jose Bacusmo, Professor, Visayas State University, Baybay, Leyte; Dr. Mario Capanzana, Director IV, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, DOST; Aida Maniego, Teacher I, Malita South District, DepEd-Division, Davao del Sur; M/Sgt. Perfecto Perez, 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, PAF, LapuLapu City, Cebu; The Verdant Movers, Bala Elementary School, DepEd-Division, Davao Del Sur; Bayawan City Local Flood Early Warning and Rescue Team, City Government of Bayawan, Negros Oriental.

Listed as Dangal ng Bayan finalists were Nixon Aquino, light equipment operator, Don Mariano Marcos State University, Agoo, La Union; Wenceslao Caranguian, mechanical plant operator III, NFA, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Lanie Castanares, municipal civil registrar, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao; Darwin Domingo, punong barangay, San Lorenzo, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte;

Joselito Florendo, assistant professor, UP-Diliman, Quezon City; Rio Ador Gabaisen, Teacher I, Dapa Central School & SPED center, DepEd, Surigao del Norte; Sonia Ipang, Social Welfare Officer III, DSWD, Cagayan de Oro City; Abner Lawangen, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer II, Tublay, Benguet; and Noel Polaron, Secondary School Principal III, Belison National School, DepEd-Division, Antique.

The CSC Pagasa finalists were Artemio Baylosis, General Manager B, Baliwag Water District, Baliwag, Bulacan; Ma. Corazon Rubio, Head Teacher I, Lucena City National High School, DepEd-Division, Lucena City, Quezon; Provincial Rice Program Implementing Team, Provincial Agricultural Office, Lingayen, Pangasinan; and The Synergist, Provincial Government of Bulacan.

Presidential Lingkod Bayan awardees receive P200,000, gold gilded medallion, presidential plaque citation, scholarship grant and other incentives.

Dangal ng Bayan awardees also get P200,000, a trophy designed by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva, a scholarship grant, and other incentives. CSC Pagasa awardees, on the other hand, receive P100,000, gold gilded medallion, a plaque of citation, scholarship grant and other incentives. (PNA)

and Colleges (SUCs) and additional funds for incentives and grants.

Of the 18 bills approved on third reading, nine are of local significance while nine others are of national significance.

One of the controversial measures heatedly debated upon before its final approval was House Bill No. 4144, which seeks to retain the two-tier excise tax system on tobaccos instead of the unitary rate.

Several lawmakers, including Taguig City Rep. Pia Cayetano and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, sounded the alarm regarding the negative health impact of the bill, but the bill’s sponsor, Quirino Rep. Dakila Cua, described it as a balancing act meant to protect the welfare of tobacco farmers, promote public health, and increase government revenue.

The new rates under HB 4144 are P32 per pack for cigarettes with a retail price of up to P11.50 and PHP36 for those

selling above P11.50 per pack.

The 11 measures approved by the House on second reading include the long-awaited Joint Resolution No. 10 which increases the monthly pension of the Social Security System (SSS) pensioners, with the first tranche of P1,000 to be given starting January 2017 and the other P1,000 to be given in January 2019.

The previous Congress was able to approve the SSS pension hike but former President Benigno Aquino III vetoed the measure earlier this year because he believes the pension hike would result in the fund firm’s bankruptcy.

Meanwhile, notable among the 32 resolutions adopted by the House is House Resolution No. 105 containing Committee Report No. 14 about the investigation conducted by the justice committee, in aid of legislation, on the proliferation of drug syndicates at the New Bilibid Prison. (PNA)

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Holiday schedule of DCWD collection centers and offices I

N line with the declaration of nationwide holidays for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, Davao City Water District’s collection centers in Victoria Plaza, SM Lanang Premier, Felcris Centrale, and Felcris Toril will be closed on December 24, 25, and 31, 2016 and on January 1 and 2, 2017. DCWD’s Bajada and Matina offices will also be closed on said dates including December 26 and 30, 2016.

However, the collection centers will be open from

10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on December 26 to 30, 2016 while the offices will be open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM from December 27 to 29, 2016.

Normal operation of all DCWD collection centers and offices will resume on January 3, 2017.

The DCWD management assures that even when its collection centers are closed on aforementioned schedules, its technical and Central Information Unit (CIU) / Call Center operations will not be disrupted to ensure continuous water service and offsite

customer assistance.

For queries and further updates, the general public may visit DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/davaowater) or contact DCWD’s CIU/Call Center through the 24-hour hotlines 297-DCWD (3293), 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293 and 09084410653. They may also course water service concerns especially leak reports to the CIU through the chat feature of DCWD website.

(Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

defined to mean one-twelfth (1/12) of the basic salary of an employee within a calendar year.

The basic salary includes all remunerations or earnings paid by an employer to an em-

ployee for services rendered, but may not include cost-ofliving allowances (COLA), profit-sharing payments, cash equivalents of unused vacation and sick leave credits, overtime pay, premium pay,

night shift differential pay, holiday pay, and all allowances and monetary benefits which are not considered, or integrated as part of the regular or basic salary of the employee.

(PNA)

around USD 650 billion to USD 1.4 trillion, creating the largest consumer market in the world. China’s consumption has been growing faster than any other country’s in absolute terms.

In the Philippines, SM Prime has 60 malls with the recent opening of SM City East Ortigas in Pasig City last Dec. 2 with a GFA of more than 80,000 sqm; SM Cherry Congressional in Quezon City

last Nov. 25 with more than 13,000 sqm in GFA; SM City San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan last April with 101,000 sqm in GFA; and SM City Trece Martires in Cavite last May 2016 with 84,000 sqm in GFA. This brings SM Prime’s combined GFA to 9.1 million sqm both in the Philippines and in China.

Meanwhile, SM Lifestyle and Entertainment Inc. (SMLEI) has introduced its first

concept cinema at the Mall of Asia over the weekend.

SMLEI President Edgar Tejerero earlier said the new concept cinemas will be launched in the coming year as part of a massive infrastructure lineup aimed to change the lifestyle of Filipinos.

It will launch next year Café Cinemas, the Children’s Cinema next year and interactive and stand-alone cinemas.

(PNA)

DOLE... FROM 4

SM Prime... FROM 10

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 216 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016

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Alab Pilipinas bows to Singapore Slingers anew

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HERE wasn’t any record-shattering performance this time for Ray Parks as his Alab Pilipinas bowed to the Singapore Slingers, 71-68, in the ASEAN Basketball League Sunday at OCBC Arena in Singapore.

A week after setting the league’s highest scoring output by a local with 41 points, Parks was limited to 15 markers in Alab Pilipinas’ first road game of the tournament.

Parks only made three out of his nine baskets for a 33 percent clip, although he had a near-perfect night from the line by sinking nine out of his 10 free throws.

He also managed to grab 10 rebounds and three assists in the losing effort.

It was the second loss of Alab Pilipinas against the Slingers who won, 71-66, in their first encounter on November 27. The Philippine club settled at third place with a 2-2 record.

Alab Pilipinas will next take on Kaohshiung Truth on January 8.

Pinoy boxer Palicte scores smashing Las Vegas debut

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HE winner by split decision is from Bago, Cebu, Aston Palicte” so said the ring announcer after 10 hard fought rounds of boxing that featured heavy exchanges phone booth style last night at the D Hotel Event Center at downtown Las Vegas, a huge chilly tent that was barely heated by the giant halogen lights of the center boxing ring.

With that, Palicte (22-20, 18KO) wins the NABF belt previously held by the now ex-champion and formerly undefeated Oscar Cantu (14-1-0, 1KO) of Kingsville, Texas as well as the vacant WBO International Continental belt.

Cantu came in the fight with apparent mind set to dominate Palicte with his excellent boxing style honed by his amateur days where he was said to be a dominant figure. But unfortunately, he and his Team failed to include in the equation that Palicte is really hungry for a victory. As soon as he tasted a solid left counter from Palicte in round 2, his game plan changed.

He was forced to slug it out in closed quarters.

“I promised my manager Jason Soong that if he found me

another fight abroad, I will train extremely hard and leave everything in the ring on fight night” he said in the vernacular as we sat in the holding area while the main undercard fight was going on. “So, tonight is the night” he added. “to pay him back for all the good work and the money he spent for me to get to this point”.

Cantu, to the surprise of Team Palicte exhibited a tremendous Latin heart and more importantly, a granite chin to withstand the booming counters from the Filipino slugger. “He was a smart boxer,” Palicte said after the fight, but also a “little bit dirty especially after he got frustrated by the action.

He tried to trip me several times and he pushed me down and wrestled me to the canvas,” said Palicte The ultimate game changer in the slugfest came in the 10th round. Palicte, using his experience from his more than 20 fights, dominated the exchanges and used ring smarts to keep away from Cantu who at that point knew he needed a great round 10 to salvage a victory.

He waged a desperate attempt to chase down Palicte.

But for Cantu, it was all for

naught.

With that, two judges gave Palicte the win, overriding the third judge who obviously showed bias for the ex-champion. “That is boxing”, someone said after the fight. “Sometimes even if you dominate, someone will still think you didn’t do enough to win”. “But it didn’t matter”, I shot back at him. “A win is a win”.

After the fight, the people from the Roy Jones Promotions invited the whole Team to an after fight party at the Hyde Bar inside the Bellagio Casino Resort. Too bad however, inside the bar, it was so loud that you won’t hear a train if it came through.

So we just stayed a short while for some photo ops and called it a night.

Palicte is scheduled to meet more media people and reps from Roy Jones before the Team motors back to LA late Sunday morning.

It will be a long cold ride back. But, it really does not matter. No matter how long is the ride and how cold it gets, the two new belts compensates for everything.

Anish Giri (41/2 points); Armenian Levon Aronian, British Michael Adams and French Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (4 points); and Bulgarian Veselin Topalov (2 points).

So, who has an ELO rating of 2794, had accumulated 36 points at the end of the Tour.

He has a total cash purse of USD295,000.

Nakamura (2779) placed second with 24.5 points and USD144,166 while Caruana was third with 23.75 points and

USD108,750.

Aronian (2785) and Anand (2779) were tied for fourth with 21.75 points, followed by Vacher-Lagrave (2804) with 17.5 points, Giri (2771) and Topalov (with 10.75 points).

So left for the United States to study at the Webster College in Missouri after winning the gold medal in the 2013 Universiade Summer Games in Kazan, Russia. (PNA)

Former PHL GM wins Grand Chess Tour title

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ILIPINO Grandmaster Wesley So won the 2016 Grand Chess Tour title after ruling the London leg on Monday.

So, the world’s No. 5 player, ended his campaign at the London Chess Classic six points from three wins and six draws.

American Fabiano Caruana was second with 51/2 points, followed by Russian Vladimir Kramnik, Indian Viswanathan Anand and American Hikaru Nakamura (5 points); Dutch

FRUSTRATED. Ray Parks Jr. of Alab Pilipinas couldn’t stop thinking how Singapore got another win over Alab Pilipinas in the 2016-2017 ABL season. Teammate Val Acuna walks to console him after the match.

NBA tweaks All Star voting rules

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HE NBA is adding players and media to the voting process in a change to the way starters for the AllStar Game are selected.

Fans will account for 50 percent of the vote, while all current players and a panel of basketball media will each account for 25 percent.

The NBA has used fan voting to select the

starters for its midseason game since the 1974-75 season.

Voting begins Sunday during the NBA’s fivegame Christmas lineup.

Players can each complete one ballot, featuring three frontcourt players and two guards in each conference, and may vote for themselves or teammates.

WORKING BREAK. Top junior golfers Ella and Daniel Luis Nagayo took to the Apo Golf and Country Club yesterday for practice. The two are now based in Melbourne, Australia under a golf scholarshhip and are in town for the Christmas break.

Fans can submit one ballot each day through NBA.com, the NBA App, Twitter, Facebook and Google Search, as well as via Sina Weibo and Tencent Microblogs in China.

Voting will conclude Jan. 16. The All-Star Game is Feb. 19 in New Orleans.

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