Edge Davao 9 Issue 217

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

WHOOPING IT UP. A young girl is clearly having the fun of her life as she and her friends try a carnival ride at Rizal Park in Davao city yesterday. Dabawenyos can avail themselves of free carnival rides, free ice cream and porridge at the Rizal Park as part of the city government of Davao’s “Pasko Pahalipya Dabaw.” Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

DAR RULING SLAMMED Lapanday says it violated due process

DTI warns consumers vs. 12 ‘scammonsters’

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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HE Lapanday Foods Corporation has condemned in strongest terms the decision of the Department of Agrarian Reform to award some 145 hectares of land owned by Hijo Employees Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative-1 to the break-way group Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association, saying it “violated due process and was confiscatory in nature.”

In media statement, LFC assailed what it called the land grab on the part of MARBAI and DAR. It added that would not hesitate to file charges against buyers of MARBAI harvested fruits from HEARBCO-1 farms in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City.

LFC emphasized that HEARBCO-1 is the absolute and legal owner of these lands, which have been also been previously awarded by the DAR to HEARBCO-1 and its lawful agrarian reform benefi-

ciaries (ARBs).

LFC said the Cease and Desist (CDO) issued by DAR Secretary Rafael V. Mariano on December 14, 2016, has made members of MARBAI, the breakaway group led by Mely Yu, land grabbers of land owned by legitimate ARBs of HEARBCO-1.

In LFC’s previous statement, they said the DAR’s recent order cannot legally overturn the court’s final and executory decision.

“This lawful arrangement

was confirmed by the final and executory decision in Civil Case No. 33, 536-3010 of the Davao City Regional Trial Court, Branch 14 on September 30, 2011 that approved the compromise agreement between HEARBCO-1 and the company,” LFC further stated.

The rest of the media statement follows: “Since their illegal occupation of some 145 hectares, even destroying more than 20 hectares of farms owned by

F DAR, 11

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HE Department of Trade and Industry has issued an advisory to the public to remain vigilant against fraud and scam this holiday season.

In its Facebook page DTI

P14

Philippines, the agency uploaded an album dubbed, “12 SCAMonsters of Christmas” which states the twelve most common types of scam circulating in the community and on-line.

F DTI, 11

TOP PICK Teng goes first in D-League draft

EDGEDAVAO Sports

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

WISH FULFILLED. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte grants the wish of a senior citizen to attend the Christmas party with the President in Malacañan on Tuesday evening. RICHARD MADELO/Presidential Photo

DOJ files case vs De Lima for obstruction of justice

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HE Department of Justice on Tuesday filed an obstruction of justice complaint against former Justice Secretary and now Senator Leila De Lima for ignoring the summons issued by Congress and for instructing her former driver and lover Ronnie Dayan to snub the probe on the proliferation of illegal drugs at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

The agency filed a case against the lady senator for violation of Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code for disobedience to summons issued by the national assembly, its committee or subcommittees before the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court.

In the resolution written

by Assistant State Prosecutor Vilma D. Lopez-Sarmiento and approved by Officer-In-Charge Prosecutor General Jorge Catalan Jr., there is probable cause to charge De Lima for violation of Article 150 of the RPC. “Respondent’s advice to Mr. Dayan through his daughter to hide and not to appear in the house inquiry constitutes an act amounting to restraining another to attend as a witness in the national assembly (now Congress of the Philippines) and inducing disobedience to a summon,” the resolution said.

Violation of Article 150 has a penalty of arresto mayor or one month and one day

F DOJ, 11

BFP reminds public to practice fire safety

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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N line with the celebration of Christmas and New Year, Dabawenyos are being reminded by the Bureau of Fire Protection to practice fire safety to prevent the holidays from turning into a disaster.

“Decorations, Christmas trees, and candles add to the beauty of the holiday season, but they can also pose a fire risk,” told BFP F/Chief Inspec-

M

cases in the same period last year.

“It seems by all indications that those crime rate that went down were actually drug related cases,” Abella said.

The same data showed that crimes against property registered significant decrease of 42.48 percent from 52,075 crimes in July to November 2015 to 29,953 in the same period this year.

Overall, the crime volume from the PNP blotter went down by 12.44 percent from 279,378 to 244,637.

F PALACE, 11

Brañanola added that the Fire Stations in Davao have their respective campaign to remind the public of their responsibility to ensure safety as they celebrate this holiday season.

He also reminded Dabawenyos to make sure their Christmas lights are of high quality and do not short quickly as electrical short cir-

cuits had been one of the leading causes of fires during the holidays.

Residents were likewise reminded always to check their liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks before leaving their house to make sure they do not leak and trigger a fire.

“We want all Dabawenyos to have a safe and happy holiday season,” said Brañanola.

ate Commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles, and in order to preserve the evidence of such extortion activity, you are hereby directed to turnover within 24 hours, the remaining P20 million to this Department for safekeeping or to the National Bureau of Investigation, the agency conducting investigation on the alleged extortion incident,” Aguirre said in a one-page order, adding that Morente must submit a report stating his compliance with the directive not later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.

“It is understood that you are authorized to take any and all appropriate steps to secure and safely turn-over the aforesaid P20 million as directed,” he added.

The DOJ chief also directed Morente to furnish his office “any and all reports relative to the counter-intelligence operation made by General Calima before he was terminated from service as well as those action that you took after receiving the said reports.”

Aguirre said this will be part of the ongoing fact-finding probe of the National Bureau of Investigation after Argosino and Robles surrendered to his office last week only PHP30 million.

Argosino and Robles earlier claimed that Sombero took the PHP2 million for his alleged commission while the other PHP18 million went to BI intelligence division chief Charles Calima Jr., who was

already ordered dismissed by Aguirre along with technical assistant for intelligence Edward Chan.

“It is a proof of corruption.

It should be surrendered immediately for accounting and safekeeping. The longer it remains unsuŕrendered, the longer the doubt persist,” Aguirre II said The money allegedly forms part of the PHP50 million “bribe” offered to BI officials for the release the Chinese referred to above.

“Money was given, money was taken, both in supposed violation of our criminal laws, it has to be surrended as part of our on-going investigation.

Corruption must stop,” said Aguirre. (PNA)

BI chief ordered to return P20M in bribe money bid

Palace elated by 31% D reduction in crime index ALACANANG on Wednesday expressed elation over the 31 percent reduction in the crime index from July to November this year.

“I think we should be happy for the fact that crime rate went down,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a press briefing.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) data, index crime slipped to 55,391 cases in the first five months of President Rodrigo Duterte, down from 81,064

tor Patricio Brañanola in an interview with Edge Davao, adding that using them correctly will help keep everyone safe.

As the public is anticipating the holiday season, BFP is also reminding the public to be extra careful with the use of matches, electronic gadgets and make sure lighted candles/lamps, and oven stoves are put off after use.

EPARTMENT of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Wednesday ordered Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente to return the P20 million from the P50-million cash received by two Bureau of Immigration deputy commissioners from the camp of online gaming operator Chinese gaming tycoon Yon Lok Lam alias ‘Jack Lam’ at the Fontana Leisure Park in Pampanga.

“In view of your express admission that you authorized General Charles Calima, the former acting intelligence chief of the BI, to conduct a counter-intelligence operation in connection of the alleged P50 million extortion purportedly committed by former Associ-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

MARINA fields more vessels for Zamboanga-Basilan route

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HE management of shipping firms here had been advised to field more vessels plying the Zamboanga-Basilan and vice-versa trips to cope with the increasing volume of passengers brought about by the yuletide season.

Lawyer Irving Saipudin, Maritime Industry Authority regional director, on Wednesday said that an additional of four vessels was needed to ply the Zamboanga-Isabela and Zamboanga-Lamitan routes to serve the public.

There are five ships, including a fast craft ferry and three Roll-on, Roll-off (Roro) vessels, owned by two shipping firms that are servicing the two routes at present.

Three of the five vessels ply the Zamboanga-Isabela

and vice-versa route while the remaining two serve the Zamboanga-Lamitan and vice-versa.

The coastguard on Sunday has denied departure clearance to one of the three Roro vessels due to loading of passengers beyond its capacity.

The vessel’s capacity is 900 passengers.

“There is a need for additional vessels,” Saipudin said citing there is an increase in the number of passengers traveling from and to this city from Basilan province.

He said that talks are ongoing with shipping firm owners from other regions to temporarily ply the Zamboanga-Basilan routes.

He said his office would issue special trip permits

REINVIGORATED. City Traffic and Transport Management Officer enforcers are all smiles as they go back to their respective assigned posts after receiving Christmas gifts from the City Mayor’s Office at the Davao City Recreation Center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

MEPI’s agri venture T best deal for ARBs 1,000 ARBs get benefits as landowners and employees F MARINA, 11

Nutritious food for kids sought in 2017 budget

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HE above-average incomes and fringe benefits that more than 1,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) of the town of Sto. Tomas in Davao de Norte enjoy under their agribusiness venture agreement (AVA) with Marsman Estate Plantation, Inc. (MEPI) tops other success formulas that make land reform work for small farmers, particularly in Mindanao.

In a statement, MEPI’s Finance Director Eden Miranda said ARBs working at the Marsman plantation not only own the land they till, but are paid handsome salaries and given benefits and incentives that are on par or even better

than those offered by large Metro Manila-based corporations.

The land that MEPI workers cultivate was donated by the Marsman-Drysdale Group, MEPI’s mother company, 16 years ago, yet they still receive payment for lease rentals on the property, Rizalito Abunda, retired MEPI employee and DAMARB MPC (Davao Marsman Drysdale Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Multi-Purpose Cooperative member noted.

On top of receiving salaries, MEPI employees get a separate set of benefits as ARBs, along with up to 17th month bonuses and up to 400% salary

incentives that are unmatched in the industry. Employees also get performance bonuses, dependent bonuses, and longevity incentives.

“Compared to other agribusiness venture agreements, MEPI ARBs receive the highest amount of benefits,” Anthony Karl Gaspar, MDAG’s HR Director said.

Their leave benefits are more than what the law provides, according to Gaspar.

“They get 30 days of vacation leave which can be accumulated over the years and sick leave of between 15 and 25 days.

Unused vacation leave credits above 60 days are convertible to cash,” Gaspar added.

A MEPI rank-and-file employee earns a gross income of P222,000 per year, which is on top of the P115,000 that he receives annually as an ARB. The ARB benefits of each MEPI employee include P40,000 in cash and another P75,000, representing the foregone land amortization that was supposed to be paid to the Land Bank, but which they now get to keep because the farm was already donated to them by MEPI. MEPI supervisors earn P395,000 each year and receive ARB benefits as well, also amounting to P115,000 per year.

F MEPI, 13

HE Senate has vowed to provide the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s supplementary Feeding Program an increased budget for the proposed 2017 national budget.

Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, revealed in a press release that the budget for the Department was realigned to increase P1billion for the SFP. “We would want to provide better support for this program, which aims to improve the nutritional status of the targeted beneficiaries, Legarda pointed out, adding that the program would enhance the knowledge, attitude, and practices of children, relatives, and caregivers in nutrition and health education since parents are managing the feeding program.

The SFP belongs under the DSWD’s contribution to the Early Childhood Care and Development program of the

be the political landscape of the country due to the May elections. Tan, together with newly-elected president Ronald Go, made the statement during yesterday’s Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

F NUTRITIOUS, 13

Task force in pursuit of abductors of 3 boat crew in the Celebes Sea

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PROGNOSIS. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) outgoing president Bonifacio Tan (right) says 2016 is a good year for business sector in Davao City although most part of the year was focus on what would

government that requires the Department to provide additional food to the meals of targeted children for a cycle of 120 days.

Target beneficiaries of the program are the kids’ ages two to five years old under the supervised neighborhood play, enrolled in Day Care Centers, and not yet enrolled in the Department of Education preschool.

Parents who are monitoring the program follows a prepared meal cycle using available indigenous food supplies.

The usual menu includes rice, meat or fish, and a vegetable dish like adobong manok with saba, pesang isda with kamote, sarciadong itlog with upo, vegetable patties, and fruits.

“I hope to improve the program further so that the raw ingredients are sourced from vegetable gardens in-house backyards, communities, and DepEd schools,” Legarda said.

OINT Task Force Sulu and its naval component, Naval Task Group Sulu, are tracking down the still unidentified armed bandits who abducted three crewmen of a fishing boat in the Celebes Sea Tuesday early morning.

Major Filemon Tan, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, in a statement Wednesday, identified the fishing boat as the F/B Ramona 2 which is owned by the Ramona Corporation and her missing crew as Reyjim Rocabo, the captain, Roy Ramos, marine diesel mechannic and Roel Liones, another crewman of the ill-fated vessel.

All three are residents of Tukuran, Zamboanga Del Sur. Tan said last contact with the missing crewmen was at

3:00 a.m. Tuesday and it was made by sister ship F/B Melissa.

“F/B Melissa 2 proceeded to the location of her sister ship at around 5:00 a.m. and found all crew members missing. The VHF Radio/GPS was stolen while other belongings are intact,” the military official added.

He added Joint Task Force Sulu has already deployed forces to conduct search and the Naval Task Group Sulu was instructed to initiate appropriate action.

Meanwhile, the Joint Task Forces Tawi-Tawi and Basilan were also alerted to conduct patrols.

Intelligence units are now determining who are behind the abduction. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY Banks to shy away from 28-dayTDF T

HE attractiveness of the Central Bank’s seven-day term deposit facility (TDF) remain unlike the 28-day facility, which monetary officials traced to banks’ higher liquidity requirement in line with the holidays.

Results of the TDF auction Wednesday, released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas , showed that bids for the shorter term facility reached PHP64.538 billion, more than twice the P30 billion offering.

The auction committee awarded the whole PHP 30 billion.

Accepted yield ranged between 2.95 percent and 3.075 percent while weighted average accepted yield stood at 3.0279 percent.

The facility’s bid coverage

ratio stood at 2.1513, higher than last week’s 1.9704.

On the other hand, undersubscription for the 28-day facility continued for the third straight week after bids in this week’s auction amounted to P137.462 billion, lower than the P150 billion offering.

Accepted yield is a range between 2.50 percent and 3.50 percent while weighted average accepted yield is at 3.4317 percent.

Bid coverage ratio stood at 0.9164, better than last week’s 0.8499.

Offering for the auctions on December 28 and January 4 remain at P30 billion for the shorter-term facility and P150 billion for the longer-term TDF. (PNA)

PHL agriculture seen growing by 7% to 8% in Q4 2016

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HE agriculture sector expects another bumper harvest to deliver an unprecedented growth of 7 percent to 8 percent in the fourth quarter this year, bringing the 2016 growth at 1.03 percent.

Agricultural production grew a measly 0.11 percent in 2015 in terms volume due to the effects of El Nino and other natural calamities.

“I assume the grains crops will be the main driver of the growth for the fourth quarter. The livestock sector has increased its production because of the expected greater demand for the Christmas season,” Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said in a press briefing.

The agriculture sector rose 2.9 percent in July to September quarter amid normalization of weather conditions, breaking five consecutive quarters of decline.

January to September figures, however, remained negative at 1.297 percent.

The sector posted negative growths in the first and second quarters at 4.53 percent and 2.34 percent, respectively, as the prolonged drought brought about by the El Nino reduced crop output.

“Hopefully, we will be able to recover. I have been traveling around the country, I can tell you as a farmer that this cropping season will be another bumper harvest. The climate is good,” Piñol said.

In 2017, the agriculture chief is optimistic the sector will accelerate 7 percent to 8 percent on the back of favorable climate and the opening of more export markets such as China and Japan.

“Not only there will be massive growth in the agriculture sector because of favorable climatic condition but mainly because of the huge markets,” Piñol said, noting that China and Japan are one of the largest export markets for the country’s agricultural products. (PNA)

BSP posts P15.3-B net income end-October‘16

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IGHER revenues along with the drop in expenses boosted the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) net income to P15.26 billion as of end-October 2016.

Central bank data show that its revenues in the first 10 months this year amounted to P62.33 billion, 30.2 percent up than year-ago’s P47.87 billion.

Part of this is half of the P1 billion supervisory action slapped against Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), paid last August, in connection to the Bangladesh Bank cyber heist last February.

Expenses, on the other hand, declined by 2.3 percent to P58.49 billion against year-ago’s P59.90 billion.

Among the central bank’s

expenses are loses from foreign exchange operations since the BSP joins the foreign exchange market to address extreme volatilities in the exchange rate.

The peso started the year at 47-level but is currently trading at the 49-level to a US dollar due to developments surrounding the Federal Reserve rates, which was hiked by 25 basis points to 0.5- percent and 0.75 percent mid this month, among others.

On Tuesday alone, the peso touched the 50-level but ended the day at 49.99 from the previous session’s 49.96 finish.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the exchange rate is normally the BSP’s first line of defense in adjusting to new shocks on the currency and the economy. (PNA)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

READY MARKET. Davao City Durian Council chairman Candelario Miculob (left), who is joined by Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) incoming chairman Antonio Dela Cruz, bares that China is asking

for a supply of 100 container vans of frozen Durian starting next year.

Miculob and Dela Cruz graced during yesterday’s Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

China wants 100 container vans of processed durian

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

C

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HINA has put out an order for 100 container vans of processed durian from Davao for next year, indicating a high demand for the exotic fruit an official of the durian growers group said on Wednesday.

Speaking before reporters at the regular Wednesdays Press Conference in Habi at Kape in Abreeza Mall, Larry Miculob, chairperson of the Davao City Durian Council said buyers in China expressed a requirement for 100 container vans of processed durian for 2017.

The high demand for durian, Miculob added, is the result of the reopening of the banana market in said country as President Duterte was able to rebuild the Philippines’ good relationship with China.

He said that last year, the council was only able to ship four container vans of processed durian to China.

Miculob attributed the low durian export to the decrease of production this year due to the onslaught of El Niño

phenomenon and the non-inclusion of durian as among the fruits for export to China and other countries in signed bilateral agreements.

Around 40 percent of durian productions in Davao City were destroyed by the long dry spell that affected most of agricultural lands in Mindanao from the last quarter of 2015 to early parts of this year.

On the problem of non-inclusion of durian, Miculob pointed out that only mango, banana, pineapple and papaya are included in the list of fruits that are for export to China.

He added that the council has already requested the Philexport to discuss with the Export Management Bureau of the Department of Trade and Industry to include durian in the list of fruits for export to China.

“If durian will be included in the list of exportable fruits to China then we can directly ship our products to our buyers,” Miculob stressed.

He said that the shipment

More support Miculob also aired out the industry’s need for more support from the government in order to improve their production to meet the increasing demand for durian in the international market.

“We requested the city agriculture office in Davao City to add 2,000 to 3,000 hectares of agricultural lands for durian plantation,” he said.

The durian council, which has 18 registered members, covers only around 150 hectares of lands devoted to durian, with an estimated yearly

production of eight tons per hectare.

Davao City has a total land area of 2,800 hectares planted to durian, he added.

Volume in durian production starts in July until October while lean months run from February to April each year.

Another support the council asked from the government is the provision of processing facilities.

“We have an existing request at the DTI for bigger production facilities not only for durian but also to other fruits,” Miculob said.

The high demand of processed durian in China will require huge processing facilities for growers as it will eat up around 60 percent of durian production in Davao City.

“If the delivery for China is materialized, only 40 percent of our durian production will be left for local consumption and market,” he added.

He also encouraged other durian growers in nearby provinces to increase their areas of durian production.

P50 to a dollar as a upper bound assumption for exchange rate because we have a steady inflow of dollars. In the past, we have a crisis in our dollar reserves but that is no longer the case,” Diokno said.

On Tuesday, the local unit finished the trade at 49.99 but touched the 50-level to a greenback mid-trade due to impact of external developments. It started the year at P47 to a dollar.

The Committee, on the other hand, maintained the target for domestic output and inflation rate.

The gross domestic product (GDP) target for 2016 is a range of six to seven percent while the 2017-22 range is between seven and eight percent.

In the first three quarters this year, the domestic economy expanded by seven percent, with the third quarter print alone at 7.1 percent, the highest in the region.

Inflation target for 2016 to 2018 is between two and four percent. As of last November, inflation remained below target after it averaged at 1.7 percent.

However, inflation has post-

ed upticks and have risen to within-target levels since last September when it rose to 2.3 percent from month-ago’s 1.8 percent. It remained at the said level last October and jumped to 2.5 percent last November.

Inflation fell to below-target levels in May 2015 due to drop in oil prices. It only went up to within the target range last September, in line with monetary officials’ projection, because of hikes of oil prices in the international market and impact of weather disturbances on food supplies, among others. (PNA)

of the four container vans of processed durian to China this year was coursed through other markets in Thailand because they cannot directly ship the same to their buyers.

“We are at the disadvantaged side on that situation because of the extra expenses that we incurred in the process of coursing our products to Thailand before reaching our buyers in China,” he lamented.

Economic managers revise 2017-18 forex goal

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CONOMIC managers have revised the government’s foreign exchange target for 2017-18 on latest weakness of the local currency given the negative external environment.

Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno, after the meeting of the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) Tuesday, said the committee has revised the 2017-18 foreign exchange assumption to 48-50 from 45-48 in the earlier projection for 2016-18.

“We are comfortable for the

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

ECONOMY 5

RP agriculture seen DTI assures no shortage to grow at 1.03% T

HE agriculture sector expects another bumper harvest to deliver an unprecedented growth of 7 percent to 8 percent in the fourth quarter this year, bringing the 2016 growth at 1.03 percent.

Agricultural production grew a measly 0.11 percent in 2015 in terms volume due to the effects of El Nino and other natural calamities.

“I assume the grains crops will be the main driver of the growth for the fourth quarter. The livestock sector has increased its production because of the expected greater demand for the Christmas season,” Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said in a press briefing.

The agriculture sector rose 2.9 percent in July to September quarter amid normalization of weather conditions, breaking five consecutive quarters of decline.

January to September figures, however, remained negative at 1.297 percent.

The sector posted negative growths in the first and second quarters at 4.53 percent and 2.34 percent, respectively, as the prolonged drought brought about by the El Nino reduced crop output.

“Hopefully, we will be able to recover. I have been traveling around the country, I can tell you as a farmer that this cropping season will be another bumper harvest. The climate is good,” Piñol said.

In 2017, the agriculture chief is optimistic the sector will accelerate 7 percent to 8 percent on the back of favorable climate and the opening of more export markets such as China and Japan.

“Not only there will be massive growth in the agriculture sector because of favorable climatic condition but mainly because of the huge markets,” Piñol said, noting that China and Japan are one of the largest export markets for the country’s agricultural products. (PNA)

of food during holidays T

HE Department of Trade and Industry has ensured the public that there will be no shortage of food supply this holiday season.

“As a whole walang kakulangan (there is no shortage). There could be some sporadic reported lack, but it is not a lack na wala ka na mabibili (that you can’t buy anything anymore) in any other place,” said DTI undersecretary Teodoro Pascua.

To avoid any spike in prices of food products commonly purchased this season, Pascua said they have asked

the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to loosen the window hours on the number coding scheme.

This is to ensure that products will be sufficiently delivered to grocery stores where shoppers are expected to arrive in the coming days.

DTI advised the public to do early shopping to avoid adding up to the worst traffic and the biggest number of shoppers expected this week, days before December 25.

The public is also advised to check the expiry dates and best before seals before purchasing any item.

Meanwhile, to ensure that grocery stores are compliant to the suggested retail prices (SRP), the DTI inspected at least 3 supermarkets on Tuesday.

One establishment passed the DTI standards for selling food products cheaper than their SRP. DTI has also placed a listing of SRPs as a guide for these stores. Pascua explained that the SRP serves as a gauge on the standard prices of goods.

He also clarified that the department is not ” in a regime of price control.”

“Ang regime pa rin natin

(Our regime is still) the law of supply and demand, free market forces. There is resemblance of what is tolerable, what is not.”

Meanwhile,Pascua disclosed that two supermarkets have been found violating DTI standards for lack of price tags and problems with pricing.

“May show cause order na sila (There is already a show cause order against them).

And then if their reasons may be valid or acceptable then we may issue a warning,” he said. — Joyce Balancio | UNTV News & Rescue

BOC to reach 97% of 2016 revenue target before yearend

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ITH only less than two weeks left before the end of 2016, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is looking to reach over 97 percent of its collection target for the year.

According to Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, this year’s revenue collection is estimated to reach P398 billion out of the P409 billion target collection.

“For this year we are targeting P409B. So far we are around P370+ B already. The lowest that we will be attaining for the year is 97.8 percent based on our estimate revenue collection efficiency,” he said.

Faeldon added, “We are confident that we are getting at least 97 percent for this year (revenue efficiency). It

includes January to December. That’s going to be around P398-B a little less than the target.”

On the other hand, BOC data showed, as of mid December 2016, it has so far reached 38.4 percent of its collection target for the month.

It added they have collected P13.482 billion out of the target P35.116 billion assessed/outlook target, as of December 12.

Likewise, the bureau reported it recorded higher collections for the months of July (3.2 percent), August (23 percent), September (2.1 percent), October (2.7 percent) and November (38.4 percent), compared to collections from the same month in 2015.

(PNA)

CENTERPIECE. EDC Ventures Corporation president Glenn Escandor delivers his Christmas message before the employees during the corporation’s employees Christmas party held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Tuesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

Top firms pledge P3-B investments for Sulu BOC seizes 2 oil tankers with C P700 million smuggled fuel

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HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) scored its first big break against oil smuggling in only six months on the Duterte watch with the seizure of two oil vessels carrying a combined 45,000 metric tons (MT) of smuggled fuel worth P700 million in the port of Limay in Bataan.

Newly appointed Deputy Customs Commissioner Edward James Dy Buco said the M/T Alpine Magnolia and the M/T Malolos, which were carrying the smuggled fuel, were also seized by the customs agents.

The two vessels have a combined estimated value of P300 million, Dy Buco said.

Dy Buco said the BOC caught its big haul when Limay Acting District Collector Julius Premediles received information from a reliable informant about the ar-

rival of the M/T Alpine Magnolia and the possibility that the ship could be carrying smuggled fuel.

“District Collector Julius Premediles called the attention of (Customs) Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon regarding the arrival of M/T Alpine Magnolia carrying huge amount of fuel products. Upon verification with the office of the DepComm for AOCG, it was noticed that the load Port Survey Report (LPSR) contained serious inconsistencies,” Dy Buco said in his report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Dy Buco said a team from the Commissioner’s anti-smuggling task force, armed with a Letter of Authority and a Mission Order, was immediately dispatched to the area to monitor the movements of the vessel and

F BOC, 13

LOSE to 20 top businesses have committed to invest Php3 billion in the development of Sulu province over the next few years, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said on Tuesday.

“This is remarkable. This is the first time actually in the peace effort of the government

that the private sector participated,” he told reporters.

Piñol cited San Miguel Corp. President Ramon Ang, who has pledged to construct school buildings and a 50-megawatt coal-fired power plant over the next three years.

He said Ang also planned

to start a poultry production project in Sulu wherein the conglomerate will process chicken into ready-to-eat food for export to nearby Sabah.

The agriculture chief said the group of tycoon Lucio Tan would also resume Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights to and from Sulu.

Likewise, businessman Manny Pangilinan committed to rehabilitate telecommunication facilities and provide hospital equipment.

The newly launched “Save Sulu project” aims to reduce poverty incidence in the island province of Sulu by 25 percent in three years. (PNA)

dorsed the Solar City project.

This will definitely bring more economic development to our city,” Estrada said, recounting his previous meeting with the president in Malacañang when the latter expressed his support for the project.

Solar City, Estrada pointed out, is a rich revenue source for the city government as it is projected to generate up to P17 billion in taxes every year on top of the P10 billion in real property taxes.

It is also expected to generate 100,000 jobs during the construction phase and up to 500,000 more once it becomes operational, which Estrada be-

lieves would help Manila’s unemployment situation.

“When I assumed office in 2013, Manila has the most number of jobless people.

With the Solar City project, we can provide jobs to thousands of Manileños,” Estrada said.

PRA chairman Alberto Agra said President Duterte has ordered the speedy completion of the multi-billion-peso infrastructure projects to help usher in economic progress under his administration.

“We have more than 80 reclamation projects in the pipeline, in various stages.

There will be more, mostly in Visayas and Mindanao,” Agra

said. “So, clearly, this is a priority of the President to bring progress, to create more communities, ease traffic, and reduce poverty.”

As proof of his support for reclamation ventures, Agra said President Duterte’s last act as mayor of Davao City was to sign a joint venture agreement last June for the P39 billion port and coastal development project in the city.

The most notable in the planned reclamation projects set to be implemented by PRA is the multi-billion, state-ofthe-art Solar City, a new tourism, commercial and residen-

Reclamation authority to carry out 80 projects in 6 years

T

HE Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) will implement at least 80 reclamation projects in the country in the next six years, including the ambitious Solar City commercial and business district to be put up in Manila Bay. This as Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said the city government is almost finished processing the applications for permits and clearances of the Manila Goldcoast Development Corp. (MGDC), which won the joint contract with the city back in 1991.

“We’re happy that President (Rodrigo) Duterte has en-

F RECLAMATION, 13

EDGEDAVAO

6 COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

DTI assures MSMEs of market access through‘Go Lokal’ D EPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez on Monday (20 December) assured micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of the government’s commitment to provide better market access for MSMEs by mainstreaming their products in commercial establishments, particularly those from the agriculture sector.

Speaking at the Christmas Townhall with President Rodrigo Duterte: Negosyo para sa Kapayapaan sa Sulu at the Malacañan Palace, Sec. Lopez also urged businessmen to continue helping the government beat poverty in the country anew.

“Our call for today, to celebrate inclusive business, is to

provide continuous market access for the products of MSMEs, especially in the agriculture sector,” Lopez told President Duterte and representatives of the business sector.

To usher this initiative, DTI tapped mall chains to provide commercial spaces, where MSME products from around the country can be purchased by mall-goers.

“In DTI, we commit to mainstream the products of MSMEs, we‘ve had the cooperation of SM, Ayala, Robinson’s, Rustan’s, City Mall, Star Mall and even Puregold, and many retailers to allocate a specific place in their malls for free to mainstream and made available the products of our MSMEs,” Sec. Lopez explained.

With the “Go Lokal” stores stationed at mall-chains, agricultural products, including those from Sulu, will become a regular fixture in malls, according to him.

“It’s a model that can really provide sustainable market for our agriculture sector, especially our poor farmers,” Sec. Lopez added.

Meanwhile, the trade chief also reported that the government, through the Office of the President, will shell out an initial P1 billion financing to provide for micro and small entrepreneurs.

“The promise of the President is to provide P1 billion per region to help really the start ups,” he said. The budget will be coursed through DTI. (PR)

find jobs offered by Philjobnet in the different professions at the Discover Careers section of Edukasyon.ph.

“This partnership will help students explore all the opportunities that are tied to their specific choice of course for college or Senior High School track. On the other hand, jobseekers will also be given a chance to know more about how they can be able to expand their opportunities by providing them with information about educational resources that are available for them.” said Edukasyon.ph Founder & CEO, Henry Motte-Munoz.

The Memorandum on Agreement was signed on 21 December 2016 at the DOLE Ople Hall between DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Edukasyon Founder and CEO Henry Motte-Munoz.

Edukasyon.ph (www. edukasyon.ph) is a social enterprise that helps students discover, search and apply for the education that fits their career aspirations. They can

explore from a diverse list of careers and choose from more than 6000 senior high schools, 2000 colleges and universities, 4000 tech-voc schools and training centers.

DOLE, Edukasyon.ph partner for Online Career Awareness

T

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and education startup Edukasyon.ph (www. edukasyon.ph) have partnered to increase student awareness online on jobs and improve decision making of students and parents in getting the right education for the careers they aspire to.

“We are excited to be working with Edukasyon.ph in sharing with our thousands of senior high school students the career information they need to get the right skills for the jobs. As early as now, we want our students to know the different job possibilities out there for their chosen career path,” said Secretary Silvestro Bello III, DOLE Secretary.

Under the partnership, DOLE’s Philjobnet and Edukasyon.ph will be linking up their website systems to jointly share school and job information with senior high school students and parents. Students who want to know what are the available jobs out there can

PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP. On the sidelines of the presidential visit to Singapore, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez recently (December 15) met with representatives from Filipino entrepreneur groups, including BDO Unibank Inc., Philippine National Bank, PLDT Singapore, Filipino Overseas Workers in Singapore (FOWS), FILTREPS (Filipino Entrepreneurs), ASKI (Alalay Sa Kaunlaran, Inc.) Global Limited and the Global Filipino Investors, among others, to exchange views on strategic ways to strengthen entrepreneurial collaboration and synergy among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Singapore. They expressed strong interest to partner with DTI to provide

About Edukasyon.ph Edukasyon.ph was established by French-Filipino Henry Motte-Muñoz in 2014. A graduate of the London School of Economics and Harvard Business School, Henry was inspired to launch an education website in the Philippines because of the poor sources of information on academic opportunities in the country and overseas. He is the only Filipino who made it to the Class of 2015 Asia 21 Young Leaders, a network of young leaders from across the Asia Pacific, representing the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Henry is one of 10 Filipinos included in the Forbes 30 under 30 for 2016. The list features young entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders in Asia across 10 fields.

NEW OASIS. The iconic Aeon Towers residential condominium and business tower along J.P. Laurel Avenue is now on the last floor of its 33-level construction. The project, a maiden venture of FTC Group of Companies, will soon be topping off.

SmartTravelWiFi offers worry-free global mobile data service

S

MART Communications has unveiled a mobile data solution that will expand revenue streams amid the increasing propensity of Filipinos to travel abroad

training on entrepreneurship for OFWs and their families. Future projects will include mentoring activities for entrepreneurs in cooperation with Go Negosyo, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PCCI), Philippine Franchisers Association (PFA), Association of the Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) and other government partners. Specifically, DTI will pursue possible engagement with the enablers on the sharing of best practices and on promoting partnerships, in support of the internationalization objectives for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The trade chief also shared current DTI’s programs and initiatives on MSME development. (DTI Photo)

for business or leisure.

Smart Travel WiFi is the latest product offering from Smart to both Smart and nonSmart subscribers aimed at encouraging mobile data usage especially when abroad with its value proposition of convenience at the best possible rates.

Smart Travel WiFi is a handy hotspot device that connects Wifi-enabled gadgets to the Internet. With LTE speeds of up to 42 megabytes per second, Filipinos traveling with family or friends abroad can connect up to five devices to the Internet for 24 hours.

For Filipino travelers who need more data, the Smart Travel WiFi is the perfect travel companion for them. Smart and non-Smart subscribers can book a Smart Travel WiFi to enjoy up to 1 gigabyte of high-speed mobile data when traveling to over 100 countries starting at P390 per day.

“Rising personal incomes and the availability of budget fares and accommodations have encouraged more Fili-

pinos to travel abroad. While there, they would need mobile data to browse the Internet to look up directions, book a ride or hotel, discover interesting places to go, update their social media posts, or keep in touch with loved ones back home. With Smart Travel WiFi, they can stay connected anytime and anywhere they go,” said Tina Mariano, First Vice President for Global Access and International Services of Smart.

“Making it easier for Filipino travelers abroad to stay connected allows us to monetize on the growing data consumption wherever they may be.”

Payment is made convenient. Qualified Smart Postpaid/Bro subscribers get to enjoy waived deposit fees and can charge their day pass subscriptions to their plan consumables, thereby allowing them to make the most out of their plan. Smart Prepaid subscribers can charge day pass subscriptions to airtime load. Non-Smart subscribers can avail through ATM/debit and credit card accounts.

7 HEALTH

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

This Christmas, watch what you eat and drink!

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

C

HRISTMAS is the time of the year when almost all people are happy. After all, it reminds us that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into this world to save us. “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people,” the angel of the Lord said to the shepherds (Luke 2:10).

Since it is a time of celebration, there are lots of eating and drinking. No wonder, a lot of people gain weight during this time. But since eating and drinking can’t be prevented, we suggest that you eat the right kind of food and drinks – those that are proven healthy and good for your body.

Let’s start with foods. Chocolates abound during the Christmas season, so you can eat that. But select the dark ones. The real benefit of chocolate comes from the extremely high level of antioxidants found inside the active components. In fact, a Harvard study reviewed 136 scientific articles published between 1996 and 2005 on chocolate and its ingredients.

Their analysis found that eating 50 grams of dark chocolate per day may reduce the risk of heart disease by 10.5 percent. In addition, eating dark chocolate may lower the risk of dying from heart disease by 19 percent. Plus, dark chocolate contains antioxidants universally praised for their ability to fight off free radical damage (which causes aging) and make you look and feel younger.

Some people may not like nuts but they are very healthy. “Nuts are nutritional powerfoods, packed in protein, minerals and fats,” writes Dr. Willie T. Ong, author of How to Live Longer. “Yes, they’re fatty but don’t worry, the fats founds in nuts are good fats – monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.”

Dr. Ong, a multi-awarded physician, adds, “Instead of eating junk foods reeking in unhealthy saturated fats (like potato chips and doughnuts), nuts can reduce your bad cholesterol (LDL) while raising good cholesterol (HDL).”

Peanuts and ca-

shew nuts also contain vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. Almonds are very expensive but they’re very nutritious. The bad side of nuts: they are salty and are high in uric acid, so they’re bad for high blood pressure and those with gout.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, so goes a popular adage. Mayo Clinic ranks apples as one of the world’s healthiest fruits. “Apples are excellent source of pectin, which is a soluble fiber that can lower blood pressure and sugar level,” Dr. Ong informs. “Pectin also binds with heavy metals like lead and mercury and helps the body eliminate these pollutants. Fresh apples are also good sources of vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects your body cells from damage.”

The Philippine counterpart of apple is of course banana. Bananas are chiefly eaten raw, as a dessert fruit; in the ripe state they are sugary and easily digestible. Alexander the Great was so fascinated by the virtues of it that he described it as “the heavenly fruit that tasted like nectar sweetened in honey.”

A major study reveals that diets loaded with potassium-rich bananas may be able to cut the risk of strokes by one third. Scientists feel that many people can be protected against strokes and heart attacks by minimizing sodium (common salt) intake and by consuming plenty of potassium-rich foods of which banana is one.

Tropical Fruits, however, cautioned: “Banana fruits contain serotonin and other compounds that increase blood pressure and might contribute to certain heart conditions if used in large quantities.”

Forget the lechon and the ham. Settle for oily fish. “If you eat a modest amount

of fish, you dramatically decrease your risk of dying from a heart attack,” says Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a researcher of the Harvard School of Public Health.

Findings from 30 large studies conducted around the world show that people who consume just one or two servings of fish per week lower their risk of a fatal heart attack by an average of 36 percent.

An article which appeared in Journal of the American Society for Clinical Nutrition said omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil prevent heart disease by exerting an anti-arrhythmic effect on the heart, by inhabiting the developing of narrowing arteries, by reducing the levels of undesirable lipoproteins in the blood, and by reducing blood clots within intact blood vessels.

So, what drinks you should gulp? Highly recommended is red wine. It’s not only healthy but it also makes you young and vibrant. The reason: Resveratrol. In a review study conducted by Harvard University – which released their findings in the Nutrition and Metabolism Journal – it was found that Resveratrol can extend the life expectancy of every organism that, so far, it’s been fed to, including yeast, worms, and fruit flies.

“The wonder substance seems to work in the same way as does drastic calorie cutting,” the researchers wrote. “Dramatic reduction of calories has been shown to increase the life span.”

Next in line is green tea. According to the Harvard Women’s Health Watch, green tea’s health benefits are largely due to its high content of flavonoids – plant-derived compounds that are antioxidants. Green tea is the best food source of a group called catechins.

In test tubes, catechins are more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties. Studies have found an association between consuming green tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including, skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder.

Additional benefits for regular consumers of green and black teas include a reduced risk for heart disease. The antioxidants in green, black, and oolong teas can help block the oxidation of bad cholesterol, increase good cholesterol and improve artery function.

Just a reminder: tea contains caffeine which may cause heart palpitation, anxiety and high blood pressure. So, don’t drink too much of green tea.

Coconut water comes in handy during the season. So drinks lot of it. “Medically, the buko juice is one of the purest sources of energy in the world,” says Dr. Jose P. Naval, an occupational physician based in Davao. “It is considered to be sterile because of its sealed enclosure in the nut shell.”

American nutritionist Jon-

ny Bowden, author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, considers coco water to be a “perfectly good option” for people who want to stay hydrated.

“It’s high in heart-healthy potassium, with most brands providing about 700 milligrams in an 11-ounce serving – that’s lots more than you get in a banana,” he wrote. “It also has only about 60 calories per 11-ounce serving.”

Don’t forget milk! “The perfect and complete food” – that was how the late Dr. Saturnino Ador-Dionisio describes milk. After all, milk is loaded with carbohydrates, proteins and fats. “Milk is teeming with calcium, protein, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, vitamin A and zinc,” Dr. Ong says. “It’s perfect for growing kids and desirable for preventing osteoporosis in menopausal women.”

What about beer? Nutritionists claim beer contains vitamins B and B2 (as well as B6, which is needed to make hemoglobin, the red coloring

in blood) and essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Dark beer is better for you than light. It contains more flavonoids which are natural oxidants that help to protect the body from disease.

In the United States, a researcher at the Texas Southwestern Medical Center reported that those who consume moderate amounts of beer (one to two a day at the most) have a 30-40 percent lower rate of coronary heart disease compared to those who don’t drink.

But don’t drink too much. “Beer,” commented Thomas Jefferson, “if drank in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit, and promotes health.” Drinking over moderation can lead to liver damage, dangers of drunk driving, and damage to fetuses of pregnant women who are drinking – just to name a few. (Photos taken from the net)

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

EDITORIAL

Sweeping statement

U

NITED Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein has branded President Rodrigo Duterte a murderer.

The UN High Commissioner said President Rodrigo Duterte committed murder when he — as he himself declared — killed suspected criminals while he was mayor of Davao City.

That, Zeid said, without having to browse through the pages of the country’s criminal laws.

Zeid has joined those who called on an investigation of Duterte over his admission that he “personally” killed when he was his city’s local chief executive.

Zeid, without hesitattion, said “the killings committed by Mr. Duterte, by his own admission, at a time when he was a mayor, clearly constitute murder.”

To Zeid’s mind, Duterte’s acts while still mayor “directly contravene” the rights enshrined in Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, and violate international law, including the right to life, freedom from violence and force, due process

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and fair trial, equal protection before the law, and innocence until proven guilty.

Zeid said Duterte may also have committed incitement to violence when he encouraged others to follow his example in killing suspected criminals.

It is very disturbing that a UN official of Zeid’s status could utterly lay such judgment without having to appreciate facts, which is a modicum requirement in dealing with member-nations.

Being an officer and representative of the United Nations does not give one the privilege to make such sweeping generalities based solely on self prognosis and one’s knowledge of laws.

Where laws are not universal and are unique in each of these supposed independent member-nations of the UN, its representative must exercise prudence, decorum and even restraint when unsure of his knowledge of the legal landscape in a certain country.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

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

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

EDGEDAVAO

S

9

Of drug menace and death penalty

OON, it will be Christmas. It’s the time of the year of merrymaking, eating, drinking and parties. It’s also the time of holidays – I mean, without work. To prepare for the coming year, I tried to clean my cabinet where most of my stuff are hidden.

I was throwing away some of the old clippings I had when one particular page of Philippine Daily Inquirer caught my attention.

Why did I keep this? What was the reason why I hide it in my drawer?

It was dated May 26, 1991, Sunday. I was curious and so I sat down. On page 6, there was the column of George Nava True II, “Health Frontiers” and the topics was – hold your breath! – ‘normal” sex. Please, don’t ask me about it!

Below it was an ad which said: “We signed up the best writers…” So? I was sure both were not the reasons why I clipped the page.

On Page 5, there were the columns of Belinda Olivares-Cunanan (“Political Tidbits”) and Rina Jimenez-David (“At Large”).

Belinda wrote about Cory (referring to then president Corazon Aquino) getting 8 votes easily in Supreme Court. Riza, on the other hand, was talking about Margarita Go Singco Holmes (author of Life, Love, Lust) and a letter sender named Manolo (described as psychoanalyst, gay and dying of AIDS).

Again, I am sure the two columns were not the reason why I clipped the page.

But on the left side, there was “Letters” (to the editor). The leading letter was entitled, “Drugs and death penalty.” Now, that really caught my attention. The letter was written by the late Senator Ernesto F. Herre-

D

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

BP stands for Development Bank of the Philippines, not Devastated Bank of the Philippines.

It used to be the largest government depository bank before the Land Bank came into being.

DBP was widely known for its integrity in banking practices, leading the way in the country’s financial market services.

Today, the DBP is just a shadow of itself.

Last year, former Pres. Noynoy Aquino issued an EO merging the DBP with the LBP, with the latter emerging as the surviving entity.

Why DBP is being merged is a big question in itself. Rumors abound that the DBP has been scandalously mismanaged that some unexplained billions in losses are being covered up. The proposed merger was said to be the solution.

In one document supplied us, the COA thru Grace D. Reyes and Emma V. Moises, Audit Team Leader and Supervising Auditor, has issued a Notice of Disallowance dated July 18,

ra, who used THINK ON THESE! to head the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

The subject matter Herrera was writing is very relevant Henrylito D. Tacio these days. henrytacio@gmail.com So, I read it.

While reading it, I found that that the letter was Herrera’s response to the letter of Representative Jose C. Gascon – who was then representing the youth sector in the Congress – that appeared in the same page on May 19, 1991.

According to Gascon, in his letter, “the imposition of the death penalty is not the solution to the problem of illicit drugs.”

“I thank Congressman Gascon for his reaction to my proposal in the Senate to impose the death penalty for major drug traffickers and pusher and their protectors,” Herrera wrote.

That sounds very timely, indeed.

“I know the issue of capital punishment has been the subject of debate in various countries for hundreds of years,” the former Senator wrote. “It is an issue that one either supports or fights according to the dictates of his or her conscience. As a devout Catholic and a father of four, I have search inwardly before even introducing such a proposal in Congress.”

I haven’t read the letter of Gascon but

according to Herrera, Gascon cited Teodulo Natividad, the author of Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972, as among those opposed death penalty during the deliberations of the Constitutional Commission in 1987.

“I have consulted now PNP Vice Chairman Natividad and he said the gravity of the drug problem and the increase in violent crimes in our society has since made him change his mind,” Herrera wrote.

In other words, the drug menace was already a huge problem in those days – 25 years ago. So, the problem ballooned to what it is now!

“When I was interpellated by Senator (Rene) Saguisag on the deterrent effect of the death penalty, I relayed to him a true incident which I would now like to share with you.

“In my home province of Cebu, local trade unionists know of a man who has killed 27 people. This man, perhaps fully aware of the risks faced by a trade union official, would often sidle up to me and in a conspiratorial whisper, offer to ‘dispose of’ my enemies.

Herrera never mentioned the name of the person. But he wrote: “He is, in my opinion, a truly hopeless case for reform. The point is, if the death penalty was enforced at the time of his first ‘offense,’ would not this man’s death have prevented those of 26 others?”

Herrera ended his letter with this question: “Can anyone deny that the execution of a convicted drug lord will, in effect, save the lives of thousands of young people from falling prey to this evil trade?”

This question sounds very familiar these

days, indeed.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who wages a war on drugs and criminality, wanted capital punishment to be restored. During the 38th birthday celebration of Senator Manny Pacquiao, the president was quoted as saying: “Restore it and I will execute criminals every day – five or six. That’s for real.”

Among the crimes that will be punishable by the proposed death penalty are: importation of dangerous drugs and or controlled precursors and essential chemicals; sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of dangerous drugs and or controlled precursors and essential chemicals; maintenance of drug den; manufacture of dangerous drugs and or controlled precursor and essential chemicals; possession of dangerous drugs; cultivation or culture of plants classified as dangerous drugs; unlawful prescription of dangerous drugs; criminal liability of public officer for misappropriation, misapplication or failure to account for the confiscated seized or surrendered drugs; and criminal liability for planting evidence.

The following crimes are also punishable by death: treason, qualified piracy, qualified bribery, parricide, murder, infanticide, rape, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons, destructive arson, plunder and carnapping.

Duterte said death penalty “would serve as retribution for those who committed serious crimes.”

The Holy Bible said it so. “For the wages of sin,” Romans 6:23 pointed out, “is death.”

2016, particularizing illegal payments made to Kaisa Consulting Company Inc. amounting to

million despite PITC’s lack of experience in banking operation.”

The COA disallowance notice also said “Submitted documents showed inconsistencies of information: Bid Bulletin No. 3 clarifies that DBP requirement of cloud portability of the banking solution to be offered y the bidder negates the need to buy hardware as this is already available via cloud providers...”

The COA again thru Supervising Auditor Moises issued on July 22, 2016 a Notice of Suspension, making reference to Observation No.7 of the 2015 DBP Annual Audit report which pertained to DBP’s Business Driven Resources Realignment Structure under Board Resolution No. 0317, series of 2013.

This Notice of Suspension made particular mention to payments of salaries, fringe benefits and other compensation of DBP officers and employees amounting to P6,640,337,994.87.

It covered the compensation areas such as salaries/wages, fringe benefits, SSS, PhilHealth, ECC & HDMF, Medical dental and Hos-

pitalization and Contributions to Retirement/ Provident Fund.

Earlier on June 30, 2016, A Supplemental Notice of Charge was issued by COA thru Gladie P. Palomar and Emma V. Moises, Audit Team Leader and Supervising Auditor, respectively, to eleven DBP officials who were found liable for the trading losses amounting to P876,711,506.28 in violation of RA 3019, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. DBP union officers and members led by Mario Pagaragan, Jr. and Jun Tirado have denounced these anomalous acts and have sent Pres. Duterte a message for assistance and resolution.

Would you believe that the highest monthly compensation received by DBP officials during the PNoy administration was P402,600.00 and the lowest at P180,000.00?

What about the perks and bonuses?

Hmm. Pilyo kayo ha? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) God bless the Philippines!

DBP is a milking cow SPECKS OF LIFE

Fred C. Lumba P113,106,936.94 for being contrary to the provisions of RA 9184 otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act. Among other things, this particular disallowance pointed to the “absence of a detailed breakdown of technical specifications hindered an objective and thorough evaluation of the project.”

Moreover the COA disallowance notice said “The Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) was hired as procurement agent for the core banking project for P10.338

EDGEDAVAO

10 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

Kidapawan poor elders get free eye surgery for Christmas

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OME 100 poor elders here were given free cataract and pterygium operations Tuesday as an early Christmas gift from the city government.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista said the program aims to ensure indigent patients could avail of cataract and pterygium surgeries for free in a bid to curb the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness among its constituents.

The city government has tapped several local ophthalmologists who offered free services for the initiative.

Beneficiaries were endorsed through the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs

(OSCA) and underwent preliminary examinations to determine the degree of their visual condition.

Evangelista also plans to expand the program next year, which could open more slots for qualified indigent patients who are incapable of seeing an eye specialist.

“We are planning to also tap national-line agencies to support and partner us in this endeavor by integrating it in their programs,” he said.

Evangelista is particularly eyeing partnerships with PhilHealth and Department of Health on the program by next year. (PNA)

Provincial outreach caravan PNP-ARMM has new chief brings aid to 3,000 villagers A

FORMER spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP) now heads the police office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) after he assumed office, replacing Chief Supt. Agripino Javier in simple turnover rites this afternoon.

Chief Inspector Ronald de Leon, regional police spokesperson, said Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac replaced Chief Supt. Javier who was reassigned to PNP Regional Office No. 10 in Cagayan de Oro City.

Sindac was PNP spokesperson until he was moved to head the PNP Logistics Support Services in 2014 following the controversy involving then PNP Director General Alan Purisima on the Mamasapano incident.

PNP-ARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.

Sindac started his career as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Regular Force, Philippine Army in 1984. He was fielded for combat duty to front-line positions in southern Philippines and served as platoon leader and company executive officer in the different Army line units.

In 1988, after extensive work with the Narcotics Command, he was transferred to the Philippine Constabulary and in 1991, Sindac was absorbed as a Police Commissioned Officer in the newly-created Philippine National Police (PNP) with the rank of Police Chief Inspector (Major).

Six months later he became

F PNP, 11

South Cotabato monitor solid waste management practices of hospitals

T

HE provincial government of South Cotabato has launched a monitoring and assessment of the waste management practices of public and private hospitals and clinics in parts of the province.

Elbe Balucanag, senior environment management specialist of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), said Tuesday the move is in line with the local government’s full implementation of Provincial Ordinance No. 6, series of 2016, or the Health Care Waste Management Ordinance.

She said they are specifically evaluating the compliance of the hospitals and clinics with government standards on the handling of infectious wastes.

The concerned facilities are required to comply with various operational requirements on the matter as set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau, Department of Health and local government units.

“The assessment covers eight private hospitals and clinics operating within the province,” she said.

Balucanag said the initiative is being spearheaded by a technical working group commissioned by the PEMO. The eight facilities are the Dr. Arturo Pingoy Medical Center, Allah Valley Medical Specialists Center and Hospital, Socomedics Medical Center and the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City; Surallah Community Hospital, Landero Clinic and Hospital and Lariosa Clinic and Hospital in Surallah; and, the Clinica Luntao Inc. in Sto. Nino.

Balucanag said they are targeting to complete the assessment of the eight facilities before the end of the year.

She said they will provide the concerned hospitals and clinics with their findings and recommendations.

“More facilities are lined up for our monitoring and assessment next year,” she said.

The passage of the Health Care Waste Management Ordinance was in line with the operationalization in October of the provincial government’s P5.1 million waste treatment facility for hospital wastes.

The facility is situated within the five-hectare Integrated Provincial Environment

F SOUTH, 11

I

N its bid to continuously make government services accessible to the poor, the Provincial Government recently conducted its regular Outreach Caravan, reaching out to some 3,000 residents in the village of Calapagan in Lupon town on Monday, December 19, 2016.

Dubbed as Nagkakaisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental Barangay Outreach Caravan, Monday’s activity saw the partnership of all stakeholders in bringing services ranging from medical checkups and dental services, distribution of food packs and school supplies, legal consultations, provision of seedlings, and conduct of lectures on various important social issues, among many others.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, who pushed for the realization of the program, says the caravan hopes to make the government’s presence felt by the people by mobilizing government resources in order to bring services and goods directly to the communities – a commitment he shares with the national government under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte whose main thrust is to provide services straight to the people.

Banking on the collaboration of all sectors, Governor Dayanghirang expressed his gratitude to the participating agencies, especially to the Philippine Army who has a firm grasp and understanding of the plight of the people in the hinterlands through the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP).

Immersing their troops to the communities, the military conducts a Needs Assessment Survey to identify the people’s

priority concerns that need to be urgently addressed.

PEACE EFFORTS Cultivating a culture of peace and development, the Provincial Government-initiated Outreach Caravan is the local leadership’s way of supporting the ongoing peace talks between the government and the insurgent groups. It was designed to bridge the gaps and cross boundaries that would ultimately shape long-term peace especially those in geographically isolated and depressed areas.

Lt. Col. Ramon P. Zagala, Commander of the 28th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army said the Outreach Caravan’s way of answering the needs of the community shows that there is always a solution to any conflict.

“Revolution and using armed struggle is never the answer,” he said, noting that the Whole-of-Government Approach as the primary strategy of the program, which saw the broadened collaboration of all departments and partner agencies, as an effective tool to bring people together to achieve unity of effort toward a shared goal.

Meanwhile, PSSUPT Harry Espela, Provincial Director of the Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office, called on the residents during the caravan to support the government’s fight against illegal drugs.

He urged residents to raise awareness on identifying drug users in order to help them go through rehabilitation. “Drugs are one of the main culprits behind most crimes,” he said, saying people under its influence must be able to get immediate intervention not only to help them lead a bet-

ter life but also to help secure a drug-free community for the younger generations who might become prey to the menace of illegal drugs.

IMPACTS Local residents extended their gratitude to the agencies that came to their village.

“It’s like an early Christmas present for us,” said one of the residents. Dionisio Intig, 62, said he was overwhelmed by all of the services that came to his village. “It’s the first time that an outreach caravan was held here,” he said, noting this activity has a huge impact in terms of the peace and order in their locality.

While the program primarily addresses short-term needs, the Provincial Government is working to address the communities’ long-term requirements, particularly in the implementation of more development projects in the communities touted to eradicate poverty and improve their socio-economic conditions.

PARTICIPATING AGENCIES A total of 26 participating agencies have pooled their resources during the conduct of the recent outreach caravan.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development and its provincial counterpart provided food packs and distributed school supplies.

The Department of Interior and Local Government and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office conducted lectures on disaster preparedness. The DILG also conducted orientation on its program Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga (Masa Masid).

Aside from providing security, the Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office has provided free haircut, hygiene kits, and school supplies.

The Provincial Veterinarian’s Office conducted Animal Health Consultation, deworming of livestock, vitamin supplementation and rabies vaccination to pets. The Department of Agrarian Reform enrolled qualified residents to the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation and conducted free legal consultations, particularly on land tenure.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has distributed various tree seedlings and conducted information drive on forest protection.

The Philippine Coconut Authority dispersed 10,000 coffee seedlings while the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority conducted technical advisory on abaca.

The Land Transportation Office conducted information drive on traffic law enforcement, motor vehicle registration, and issuance of driver’s license and student permits.

The Provincial Agriculture Office turned over 10,000 cacao seedlings, 200 vegetable seed packs, and 50 bags of corn seeds. The Department of Agriculture also distributed seedlings of various crops and fruit trees while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) dispersed 20,000 tilapia fingerlings.

The Philippine Army spearheaded the provision of security for the whole duration of the activity as well as transportation of people to the activity area. By Karen Lou Deloso, Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan

NorCot town placed under state of calamity due to pests

T

HE local government here on Tuesday declared the entire municipality under the state of calamity following severe crop damage due to rat infestation and rice black bug attack.

Members of the local council unanimously approved the resolution.

Mayor Herlo Guzman, concurrent chair of the Munic-

ipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) Council, recommended the declaration after nine highly agricultural villages comprising 500 hectares planted with rice, corn and vegetables were severely affected by the pests.

Data from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist stated that close to P11-million of agricultural products were dam-

aged by field rats and black bugs.

David Don Saure, MDRRM officer, said the town government is set to provide assistance to some 1,000 affected farmers through the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund.

“We will use the fund to swiftly initiate needed interventions and help farmers the

to survive,” he said.

Saure said his office is also set to reactivate its rat campaign, where the local government would give a sack of rice for every 500 rat tails, which was launched January this year.

Kabacan town is recognized as one of the top rice producers in North Cotabato.

(PNA)

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

Where every day is a fiesta FIESTAS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF ANY FILIPINO’S CALENDAR. From the festivals celebrating a patron saint, to birthdays, and holidays, fiestas are happy times when friends, families and even acquaintances come together in thanksgiving to have a good time and to share a wonderful Filipino meal.

Bringing the fiesta spirit to even more Filipinos is a restaurant that has been around for more than 60 years is Barrio Fiesta which formally spread its wings to Durianburg.

Located at the Second Floor of SM Lanang Premier’s Fountain Court, Barrio Fiesta may be new in Davao but its history of serving delicious and authentic Filipino fare since 1952 speaks for itself.

“Barrio Fiesta serves primarily Pampangueño fare since my grandmother was Kapampangan,” shared Barrio Fiesta’s general manager Tyrone Ongpauco. “Kapampangan food is slow cuisine and typically involves many steps, and procedures to prepare a delicious meal. Which is why many of our dishes here at Barrio Fiesta taste homey and comforting.

You can say that Barrio Fiesta is the official comfort food in Manila” Tyrone reveals that their signature Karekare, a stew of ox tail, vegetables in a peanut

sauce and paired with fish paste, used to take many hours to make.

“There are many processes involved in preparing our kare-kare to make it taste good and this is why many of our customers come back for it.” added Tyrone.

Aside from the Karekare, Barrio Fiesta is also known for its Crispy Pata. “The Crispy Pata is a Barrio Fiesta original dish. It was first prepared by my uncle, who used to buy the pig legs from the lechoneros of La Loma.”

I have tasted many Crispy Patas in my time but Barrio Fiesta’s version was on another level. The skin was lightly battered and crispy with a sticky

Dining at barrio Fiesta is always a family affair with big family-style servings.

The function room is available for bigger groups who need private dining space.

Barrio Fiesta’s signature Kare-kare is served in earthenware pots.

underside, while the meat was tender and flavorful.

I can taste that the pata was cooked with a host of spices and then marinated with fish sauce that gave it a bump of umami goodness.

Another dish I would highly recommend one try is Barrio Fiesta’s Sinampalukang Manok.

Similar to siningang with with less of a sour bite, the Sinampalukang Manok is a rich chicken soup that is slow cooked and made slightly sour by the ad-

Barrio Fiesta’s general manager Tyrone Ongpauco.

dition of tamarind fruit, a typical Pampangueño souring agent. The dish is rich in flavor and is the perfect companion to cold rainy nights.

Barrio Fiesta is located at the second floor of SM Lanang Premier and is open through the holidays. Aside from a la carte fare, the restaurant also has affordable set menus for the entire family to enjoy. There is also a function room for private parties or small recepHearty and rich Sinampalukang Manok. tions.

EDGEDAVAO

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FOOD

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

Affordable holiday recipes

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO WHIP UP SOMETHING OUT OF THE BLUE. The holidays is not just about the parties and merrymaking, but more so, a time to get excited inside the kitchen. It’s that best time to experiment and create masterpieces for everyone to remember you with. It’s that time of the year when you can get away with serving something sinfully delicious without being judged by your family … and self.

With the holidays just a few kembots away, I was challenged to create a recipe using any of the following: button mushrooms, cream of mushroom, pack of penne pasta, apple juice, peaches halves and canned lychee. What’s I to do? Heed the challenge, of course.

Originally, the task required only 1 dish but hey, a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do. So, I ended with more than 1 recipe from the loot. Was it easy? The cooking part, yes. But the trial and error and behind the scene thinking was a tad bit rocky – especially when you have many other things in mind that needs your immediate attention.

So, here’s what I came up with. Hope you like them as much as I loved cooking them.

Cheers and Happy holidays!

Buttered Corn and Longganisa 1 pc Beef Longganisa, chopped ½ cup Sweet Corn Kernels, drained 2 tablespoon butter, room temp Oil

Add pimiento and continue to saute. Once fragrant, add mushrooms. Cook.

Season with salt and pepper.

Remove from pan. Keep drippings.

Sauce: In the same pan, pour cream of mushroom and all purpose cream. Simmer. Season according to taste. Add pieces of chopped whole mushrooms.

In a pan, over low heat, place butter and oil. Let butter melt – do not brown.

Add longganisa and saute until cooked. Let it cook in it’s own juice.

Add corn kernels and saute until incorporated.

Serve as a side to the Meat Balls or additional topping for the pasta.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Sautéed Mushrooms and Pimiento 1 pack Penne Rigate 1 can Cream of Mushroom 1 tetra pack All Purpose Cream ½ cup Whole Mushrooms, sliced ¼ cup Straw Mushroom, sliced 3 tablespoon Pimiento, sliced Pure Canola Oil Garlic, minced (save some for toppings) Onion, minced Salt and Pepper to taste Cook pasta according to package instructions. Keep a few tablespoon of the pasta water and drain cooked pasta. Set aside.

Topping: In a pan, over lowmedium heat, pour oil. Sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and saute until brown. Do not burn.

Simmer until well incorporated.

Mix: Pour cooked pasta, with pasta water, in pan with creamy mushroom sauce. Toss to coat pasta. Remove from heat.

Option: you can serve the pasta mixed or add topping separately.

Garnish with cheese.

Jolly Poppin’ Mushroom Balls 1 can Jolly Whole Mushrooms, sliced in pieces 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced ½ - 1 c oatmeal ¼ cup carrots, minced ¼ cup cabbage, minced ¼ cup Pimiento, minced 1 egg, beaten Salt and pepper

Garlic powder Cinnamon powder Oil for frying Finely chop button mushrooms and garlic cloves. Mix together until well incorporated.

In a bowl, mix chopped button mushrooms, garlic, carrots, cabbage and oatmeal. Mix well.

Season.

Add beaten egg. Season to taste. Mix (better to use your hands).

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Form mushroom mixture into 1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon size balls. Arrange in baking sheet. Cover with cling wrap and freeze for 10 minutes.

Roll frozen mushroom balls over flour to coat. Shake off excess.

In a pan, add oil over medium-high heat. Deep fry mushroom balls until golden brown.

Serve hot with sweet and spicy sauce or mayo-garlic dip. Also, best as toppings for Creamy Carbonara or any pasta dish.

Always season as you go.

Serving Suggestion: Best with Sweet & Sour sauce.

Corn Muffin Basic muffin recipe 1 can sweet corn kernels, drained Follow your basic muffin rec-

ipe.

Once all ingredients are incorporated, add sweet corn kernels. Fold to incorporate well.

Note: Drain if using the whole; stir when using the cream style.

Normally, I use a full can of corn kernels for a basic recipe. If using cream style, I use half.

Bake for 15-18 minutes.

Let cool before serving.

Want to know my latest food finds? Follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and I’ll make you hungry in a snap. For missed features, you can read them on my blog theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com.

Happy munching, #royalistas!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Globe Telecom’s viral Star Wars video garners over 41 Million views NOW SHOWING

December 21 – 23, 2016

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WITH THE GLOBAL ANTICIPATION OF THE NEW STAR WARS MOVIE, ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY, the country’s #1 mobile brand, Globe, reinforces its partnership with the iconic movie franchise through a heartwarming video inspired by triumphant children. Now a viral material since its launch on the telco’s official Facebook page, it has over 41 million views and has been recognized by top online news outlets such as CNN, Mashable, Huffington Post, and UpWorthy, among others.

The video tells the story of a girl who goes about her every day wearing a Stormtrooper helmet that ultimately piques the curiosity of people around her. One day, she enters her classroom and is surprised that her whole class too was wearing the same helmets, showing her support. This then leads to the heartwarming reveal of the girl’s condition when she takes off her helmet to reveal the oxygen mask.

Beautifully demonstrating a child’s resilience and

triumph over challenges, the video garnered praise from all over the world, especially from the Star Wars community of fans.

Ultimately, the video was produced to raise awareness for the company’s partnership with the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

Apart from just promoting the new Star Wars movie, Globe puts more meaning and community involvement into its campaign by collaborating with PGH to raise awareness for the rehabilitation of its pediatric clinic. The rehabilitation of its facility will give children patients a more equipped space

ideal for their recovery.

“They say courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow. Out to make a difference, we want to pay tribute to the real heroes of today – the triumphant kids at the PGH Pediatric Ward. These heroes courageously battle through cancer every day, and we are more than proud of all of them. This inspired us to put more meaning to the Star Wars campaign by actually empowering our customers to lend a helping hand through donations right on their mobile device. Prepaid and

Postpaid customers will easily be able to donate using their prepaid load or charged to their postpaid bill,” shares Issa Cabreira, Globe Senior Vice President for Consumer Mobile Business.

In line with its support for the PGH, Globe representatives and ambassadors recently visited the kids at the PGH Cancer Institute to give a day full of surprises. From good food to exciting gifts for the kids, Globe organized a fitting finale to its visit by surprising the kids and their families with the appearance of Stormtroopers! These volunteers were from the 501st Legion dressed in full Stormtrooper gear that provided entertainment for all kids.

Customers who want to help join the movement to create courage for our everyday heroes can learn more about how they can donate by visiting www.globe.com.ph/surf/ rogue-one. Follow @enjoyGLOBE on Twitter and Globe Telecom on Facebook for #RogueOnePH updates.

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

DAR... FROM 1

these legitimate ARBs, who are now rendered without any source of livelihood, they said they can now proceed to harvest also under the direction of the DAR. The reported harvest taking place in the disputed areas is a criminal act and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Further, these illegally harvested fruits are also stolen fruits, since these are already contracted by HEARBCO-1 to Lapanday Foods Corporation (LFC). The binding contracts between HEARBCO-1 and LFC which were even facilitated by the DAR and the Cooperative Development Authority before they were sent for approval by the HEARBCO-1 Board and ratified by its general assembly have remained valid and effective.

In giving the land and the improvements to MARBAI, the DAR resorted to the illegal confiscation of property.This act directly violates due pro-

cess under the Constitution.

Since the DAR took property without due process of law, it also disregarded and defied the court-approved contract between HEARBCO-1 and LFC covering the farm now forcibly taken over by MARBAI. This action of DAR is not legitimate and encourages the unlawful and forcible taking of a farm already awarded to a legitimate ARB. This is a criminal act and this will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Finally, Lapanday Foods Corporation stated they give notice to all buyers of fruits harvested or to be moved through the channels of the banana market by MARBAI originating from the HEARBCO-1 farms, to not purchase or buy these fruits as they are the property of LFC as sold by HEARBCO-1 under existing valid contracts and any buyer found to be purchasing these fruits shall be criminally prosecuted.

Although the crimes against person like homicide went down by 1.59 percent, physical injury by 25.69 percent and rape by 11.65 percent, the murder cases went up by 51.14 percent or from 3,950 in 2015 to 5,970 this year.

“We’re not happy about deaths at all. As the President said, the death of any Filipino is not anything to be celebrated,” Abella said.

“However, it’s very heartening and very encouraging to realize that, to be able to identify the fact that much of the

crime is actually drug related,” he added.

Under the government’s strong campaign against illegal drugs, the PNP recorded over 6,000 deaths but only more than 2,000 were the results of police operations against drug pushers and ushers.

The war on drugs launched

by President Duterte barely six months ago has resulted in the arrest of over 40,932 drug personalities and prompted 908,244 drug dependents to surrender to the authorities.

(PNA)

once they agree to temporarily serve the two routes from this city to Basilan province.

MARINA, meanwhile, has

opened a passenger assistance desk at the local port to assist passengers traveling this Yuletide Seasons. (PNA)

police superintendent.

In the police, he has occupied various middle-management positions, serving as regional chief of the PNP Highway Patrol Group for the Bicol Region, a chief of police of Lucena City and a Provincial Director of Masbate province.

Sindac was also assigned as Chief, Regional Intelligence Division, of the Bicol Police Regional Office; and Regional Logistics, Research & Development Division, for the Central Luzon Police Regional Office; and CDS then DDO of the Highway Patrol Group.

In 2013, he was designated to the position of chief of

the PNP Public Information Office and spokesperson.

He was later promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent on December 2013, a senior executive management position in the PNP with the corresponding civil service eligibilities.

He said his over three decades of experience in the law enforcement and military professions have given him a deep understanding of how to develop and motivate winning teams, enhance the capabilities of small & large operating and support units, and connect effectively with various stakeholders. (PNA)

Management Center in Barangay Tinongcop in Tantangan town.

Considered as the first local government-owned and operated health care waste treatment plant, it features the pyroclave systems technology of the Davao City-based hospital wastes treatment firm RAD Green Solutions.

The installed pyroclave machine, which uses pyrolysis or burning of the wastes at

extreme temperature, is capable of treating at least 50 kilograms of medical wastes per hour and “results in 80 percent volume reduction and 50 percent weight.”

It was designed to operate on a 24-hour basis and process around 1,200 kilograms of wastes but the local government only plans to operate facility for eight hours a day or treat around 400 kilograms of wastes. (PNA)

Palace... FROM 2

MARINA... FROM 3 PNP... FROM 10

South... FROM 10

NEWS 11

NO LET-UP. A security personnel from the police force inspects bags and belongings of province-bound passengers using a bomb sniffing dog at the entrance gate of Davao City Overland Transport Terminal yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Zambo village exec reaps 90-day suspension for illegal drug use

A

BARANGAY official of Zamboanga City has been slapped with a 90day suspension for violation of Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

Suspended by Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar

was Eduardo Caloyloy, the barangay chairman of Licomo situated some 85 kilometers east of the city proper.

Specifically, Caloyloy was suspended for violation of Section 60(d), Chapter 4 of R.A. 7160.

Belen Sheila Covarrubias,

city information officer, on Wednesday said that the suspension of Caloyloy stemmed from an administrative complaint filed against him after he was found positive for the use of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as shabu during a random drug

test.

Councilor Jerry Perez, Liga ng mga Barangay (LNMB) president, said he initiated the conduct of random drug test after reports reached his office that some of the barangay officials are into illegal drug use. (PNA)

1. Fake charities. It is best to donate to charities directly instead of giving into the urge of handing over a few coins or bills towards these “representatives”. According to DTI, one way of knowing if a charity is legitimate is to research.

Another way is to check with the Securities and Exchange Commission Public Information and Assistance Hotline: 818-1119.

2. Unregistered holiday raffle promos. According to DTI, these scammers are prevalent in social media. They also tend to ask the public for money before being entered into the raffle. To avoid this, it is best to join DTI-registered raffle promos listed on http:// www.dti.gov.ph/consumers/ approved-sales-promotions.

3. Unregistered Christmas sales. It is easiest to determine their legitimacy by checking if a DTI permit is present in their poster o print ads. The public may also contact Fair Trade Enforce-

ment Bureau of DTI at (+632) 811.8231 or email at FTEB@ dti.gov.ph.

4. Online gadget giveaways. They usually work through unverified (sometimes fake) social media accounts. To defeat them, DTI advises the public to avoid spreading misinformation and report the page immediately.

5. Malicious online shopping websites. The best way to spot them is to check if the URL (or link) is unsecured and filled with “click advertisements”.

They also don’t contain terms and conditions. To defeat them, DTI suggests the public to check if there are reviews, customer feedback, and return or refund policy. For more information, check http://www.dti. gov.ph/e-commerce or email at ECO@dti.gov.ph.

6.

Seasonal travel scams. It is scam if the travel agency only operates online and has no physical office, company registration documents, or business licenses. To defeat

them, it is best to do research and determine their consumer feedback.

7. Holdiay decors gone wrong. To avoid the dangers brought by faulty Christmas lights and lanterns, DTI reminds the public to always look for the ICC sticker, DTI’s “seal of approval”.

8.

Holiday SMiShing. “SMiSishing” is phishing via SMS. SMiShing is the attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and, indirectly, money) through text messages. To defeat them, DTI advises the public to submit their complaint on National Telecommunications Commission’s site http://ntc. gov.ph/?page_id=1301 and immediately block the number.

9.

Networking/pyramid scams. To defeat them, DTI suggests to consult the nearest Negosyo Centers or check http://www.dti.gov. ph/programs-projects/negosyo-center.

10. Cyber thief. These take the form of mobile applications that “give you free stuff” in exchange for your banking information. Make sure to check the reviews and the app’s permissions before downloading.

Also, avoid disclosing banking details online.

11. Bogus gift certificates. They usually offer gift cards or gift certificates worth a significant amount of money for a lower amount, usually from some random seller. Legitimate gift cards and gift certificates should only be bought directly from the establishment.

12. ATM Skimming. DTI warns the public to be wary of the teller machines when conducting transactions, check the card slot, keypad, cash dispenser, and even the surrounding before inserting the ATM card.

To know more about these scams and how to report them, visit the DTI Philippines Facebook page. JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

up to six months of imprisonment or a fine ranging from PHP200 to PHP1,000 or both (fine and imprisonment).

De Lima and Dayan had both admitted that they were previously in a relationship.

De Lima said it lasted for several years, while Dayan said they were together for seven years.

The complainants include House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, House Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Farinas and House Committee on Justice Chairman Reynaldo Umali.

In their complaint, De Lima was invited to attend the Congressional inquiry on the proliferation of illegal drugs

inside the NBP on Sept. 20 and 21 and Oct. 5 and 6.

“Respondent opted to ignore all invitations and failed to attend any of the hearings conducted by the Committee.

Worse, respondent even insulted the House of Representative by calling its Committee a kangaroo court/committee and its proceedings a sham,” the complaint stated.

Also in the complaint, a subpoena was also issued to Dayan but it was also ignored.

Then, on Oct. 6, after failing to attend the hearing, a show cause order was issued ordering him to explain why he should not be cited for contempt.

Then, on Oct. 10, for issuing the order, he was ordered arrested by Congress.

After Dayan’s arrest, the Congressional inquiry was reopened last month. During the hearing, it was revealed that De Lima instructed Dayan not to appear in Congress. The Senator gave the instruction through a text message to Dayan’s daughter.

“As an incumbent Senator, former Secretary of Justice and a lawyer, advising and inducing Mr. Dayan to hide and not to attend in the House inquiry for which he was duly summoned is tantamount to inducing disobedience to summons issued by Congress

of which she is a sitting member,” the complaint stated.

But the embattled senator denied any involvement in the proliferation of the narcotics trade inside the national penitentiary, saying that she is being maligned by the administration for her vocal opposition to President Duterte.

De Lima is also facing criminal charges filed before the DOJ by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, former NBI deputy directors Ruel Lasala and Reynaldo Esmeralda and Bilibid inmate Jaybee Sebastian against De Lima in connection with her alleged involvement in the illegal drugs trade.

DTI... FROM 1

DOJ... FROM 2

EDGEDAVAO

12 MOTORING

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

Stock Mazda2 shines at PH Endurance Challenge M

AZDA’S intensive motorsports background has been brought to light as a showroom-stock Mazda2 hatchback finished the grueling 8-hour Philippine Endurance Challenge, snatching the Manufacturer’s Cup Trophy in the process. Driven by seasoned racer Clifford Certeza along with Bermaz Malaysia marketing professional Ian Khong, and journalist Iñigo Roces, the Team Bermaz Mazda run sub-compact hatchback completed 160 laps, two more than its nearest competitor.

“This is truly a race won not only with a superior car and talented drivers but also through the efforts of a solid team of passionate Mazda Philippines employees who devoted their time and effort to this race,” shared Steven Tan, President and CEO of Bermaz Auto Philippines (BAP), the exclusive distributors of Mazda vehicles in the country.

“The Mazda2 is continuously proving to be an excellent platform for grassroots racing,” adds Tan. “With its Sk-

yactiv-engineered suspension, chassis and engine it managed to capture this year’s Division 3 100-horsepower class in the 2016 Philippine Touring Car Championship with Edwin Rodriguez at the helm. Now, even in purely stock form, complete with seats and all trimmings, it has again endured the extremes of a pure racing environment to come out as a worthy platform to celebrate driving.”

Aside from its sharp and nimble handling (it ran with stock street camber settings), the Mazda2 finished the 8-hour race with only one set of tires. In addition, the Skyactiv engine played a crucial role extending its time on the track thanks to its stellar fuel economy. “Our strategy was to maximize the range available to the Mazda2’s standard fuel tank,” says Tan. He explains, “Staying out longer on the track gave the team an advantage during the closing stages of the race as it allowed our winning car to build a two-lap gap over the competition.”

Team Bermaz Mazda

Ford makes car ownership for OFWs easier today

F

ORD Philippines introduced the Ford OFW Assist Program, providing a convenient online buying experience for Ford vehicles available in the Philippines for Filipinos working abroad.

In partnership with AutoDeal, the program includes a dedicated customer service e-mail hotline to guide Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through their vehicle purchase experience, a convenient test drive booking option for the OFW’s family members in the Philippines and easy EastWest Bank online loan applications for Ford vehicles.

“We’re continually enhancing and expanding our

customer experience, and our Ford OFW Assist program provides a hassle-free car buying service that specifically caters to Filipinos working abroad,” said Lance Mosley, managing director, Ford Philippines.

To celebrate the yearend festivities, OFWs who purchase a Fiesta, Focus, EcoSport, Ranger or Everest through the Ford OFW Assist Program are entitled to a free Scheduled Service Plan (SSP) worth up to P 30,000, depending on the model. This special promotion will run until December 31, 2016.

Ford’s Scheduled Service Plan is a prepaid, worry-free maintenance plan that covers

F FORD, 13

fielded two Mazda2 cars for the race. Car number 17 was the 2016 PTCC championship-winning Mazda2 Division 3 racecar piloted by PTCC Champion Rodriguez, BAP General Manager for Customer Service Ramil de Vera, and Press and Customer Relations Manager Mikko David during the PEC race. The second car, number 18, was an all-stock Mazda2 manual transmission-equipped hatchback with Certeza, Khong and Roces taking the car to the finish.

The Team Bermaz Mazda pit crew was composed of Bermaz Auto Philippines Technical and Service Field Specialists as well as Filipino Bermaz Malaysia technicians, all of which regularly perform evaluations on customer cars.

Parts availability was also crucial as wear and tear components were kept in stock for the race. Tan adds, “It is but natural that we make use of the skills and talents of our BAP employees and Bermaz technicians. This experience not only elevates the company personnel’s skillset but it also

provides an excellent outlet of their passion towards the Mazda brand. It allows us to live and breathe the Jinba Ittai experience which is inherent in every Mazda vehicle that our customers drive.”

Team Bermaz Mazda likewise provided logistics support to the Automobile Association Philippines PEC race campaign and its pool of AAP Motorsports Development Program scholars who drove another Mazda2 in this year’s endurance race. The three-car complement of Team Bermaz Mazda and AAP-MSDP completed a total of 345 laps around the 4.2-kilometer circuit.

The 8-hour PEC race began at 8:50 in the morning at the Clark International Speedway with 29 cars on the grid.

Composed of four divisions encompassing various car set-ups, the annual race once again proved to be a true test of equipment reliability, driver skills, teamwork and strategy.

A total of 123 drivers drove in the race with all but 5 cars seeing the checkered flag.

Mazda’s PHL distributor files for IPO Y

OU’VE always wanted to own one of their cars, but would you want to own a piece of the company?

That could very well be the possibility as Mazda’s Philippine distributor plans to list some of its shares on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) by the first half of 2017 at the latest. Bermaz Auto Philippines (BAP), formerly known as Berjaya Auto Philippines, plans an Initial Public Offering (IPO) worth P 1.24 billion or about 15.6 percent of the company.

In a disclosure made by parent company Berjaya Philippines, BAP has filed its registration statement with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) seeking

permission to list on the PSE next year. If approved, BAP will offer 155 million shares (15.6 percent) at a maximum price of P 8 per share to the public via the IPO. Currently, BAP is majority owned by Bermaz Auto Berhad (60 percent) and Berjaya Philippines (25 percent).

The remaining 15 percent is spread across other companies. With the IPO, both Bermaz Auto Berhad and Berjaya Philippines will reduce their shareholdings in BAP to 52 percent and 20 percent respectively.

The funds raised from the IPO will be used to construct a new warehouse that includes a body and paint facility (P 400 million), new show-

rooms and satellite offices (P 188.5 million), and a Mazda training facility for automotive repair and motor services (P 50 million). The remaining funds will be used for working capital requirements including payment to suppliers.

Investment in a new warehouse signifies BAP’s bullish outlook for Mazda vehicle sales for the local market. In fiscal year 2016, Mazda sales have jumped 32 percent compared to 2015 (4,684 versus 3,561). In addition, the body and paint facility will help defray costs since that is the company’s largest expense comprising 7 to 9 percent of total operating costs.

The automotive segment of Berjaya’s business (HR

Owen PLC, Bermaz Auto Philippines, and SsangYong Berjaya Motor Philippines) contributes to a majority of the group’s revenue averaging 91 percent for the past 3 years.

Specifically, BAP enjoyed a 38 percent growth in revenue in 2016. By launching an IPO, the parent company aims to unlock shareholders’ value in the automotive unit as well as provide a more transparent valuation benchmark for Mazda’s automotive business in the Philippines.

BAP tapped Maybank ATR Kim Eng Capital Partners Inc. as the international and domestic lead manager and underwriter for the IPO and Maybank Investment Bank Berhad as principal adviser.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

Nutritious... FROM 3

To recall, DepEd has already implemented their Gulayan sa Paaralan program; and the beneficiaries of DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are encouraged to take in the organic backyard and collective farming.

“We want to promote the concept of eating what we plant. Since organic farming is part of the development sessions for 4Ps families, we hope we can start implementing it strictly. I think it is very doable

because if there is no available land, they can do vertical garden farming or collective farming instead,” said Legarda.

The SFP is now on in its 6th cycle where every cycle starts at the opening of the school year.

As of November 2016, 1,429,129 beneficiaries or 64.04 percent of the overall target were served. The improvement and the nutritional status of the recipients are determined every after completion of the 120-day cycle.

the actions of its crewmembers.

“In the afternoon of December 15, 2016, M/T Malolos Limay was seen to have shipsided with M/T Alpine Magnolia and discharging of fuel started. This was done without lodgment

or filing of entry. No duties and taxes were paid. This is pure smuggling in violation of Customs laws and regulations,” said Dy Buco, who heads the BOC’s Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG).

BOC... FROM 5

Ford... FROM 12

the Ford vehicle for up to a 5-year period from the date of purchase, thus shielding the owner from future price increases on parts and labor.

It is a cost-efficient way to en-

sure that the owner’s investment is protected through a scheduled service maintenance program undertaken

by Ford trained technicians using Genuine Ford Parts.

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MEPI... FROM 3

NEWS13

“All ARBs receive life and accident insurance, and a generous medical insurance package. The annual compensation of P222,000 for rankand-file employees include guaranteed performance bonuses, and productivity incentive pay,” said Pete Hingpit, Chief Operation’s Officer.

Employees and their children are qualified to get scholarships and educational grants, and there are schools within the plantation premises. Employees like Edwin Gil and Patricio Mejorada, for instance, have taken advantage of this benefit for their children, who were able to finish college through MEPI’s assistance.

Along with a generous health insurance package, employees can also avail themselves of free clinic services and medicines.

A well-equipped hospital was also built by MEPI inside the plantation, which is near the housing project they have likewise constructed for their workers.

On top of these first-rate benefits, employees are also encouraged to explore other livelihood opportunities through a beneficiary trust fund with seed capital from MEPI , which was set up for the employees’ cooperative to

allow them to invest in other income-generating projects, Elsa Bo-o, Coop Manager said.

The generous compensation and benefits package that MEPI provides each of its employees, in turn, have yielded optimal returns for the company in terms of record-high banana yields.

For the last ten years, MEPI’s average yield per hectare annually is 4,250 boxes (13.5kg/box), which is about 30% above the industry average of 3,300 boxes per hectare annually. In 1999, MEPI successfully reached its highest annual production of a record-breaking six (6) million boxes or 4,600 boxes per hectare. This production record remains one of the highest in the industry.

“Our generous compensation and benefits policy for our workers has rewarded us with their invaluable support. All of our employees are focused, dedicated and highly productive. Their dedication to the company has enabled us to exceed our own production records year after year and deliver on our commitments to buyers around the globe,” Nehemias Iluis, Production Manager said.

Ricardo Serra Jr., Plantation Manager said MEPI’s above-average pay package

for its employees “should not surprise anyone, because generosity and social responsibility have always been the trademarks of MEPI’s mother company, the Marsman-Drysdale Group.”

He said the Marsman-Drysdale Group has long been providing assistance to the country’s poor and vulnerable sectors through the Marsman Drysdale Foundation (MDFI), which was established on March 17, 1967.

The MDFI’s projects on education, health care, values formation and disaster relief and rehabilitation, have provided, and continues to provide, aid to tens of thousands of disadvantaged Filipinos, as well as MEPI employees and their families, Willie Melaya said.

MEPI, which was established in 1969, is a unit of the Marsman-Drysdale Agribusiness Holdings, Inc. (MDAHI), the holding firm of all the agribusiness ventures of the Marsman-Drysdale Group.

Strategically located in the municipality of Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte, MEPI’s 1,071-hectare farm is MDAHI’s largest banana plantation. The MEPI farm is only an hour’s drive from the bustling city of Davao and less than an hour away from Tagum City.

Besides breaking banana production records in the country, MEPI is also a pioneer in the field of banana research and technology, having the only biotechnology research unit in the industry. MEPI has been heavily investing in its Research and Development Division, with the goal of ensuring that its exports remain of the highest quality.

The success of MEPI’s Research and Development Division has spun off a separate corporate entity—the Marsman-Drysdale Biotech and Research Corp. (MDBRC) and led to the development of the first truly organic banana farm in the country—the Marsman-Drysdale Organic Farms Inc., which extensively uses the innovations and technologies developed by MDBRC. Among its products are chemical-free Cavendish bananas.

From establishing MEPI 47 years ago, MDAHI has expanded and diversified by setting up other banana plantations, which are Alta Vista Agri-Ventures Corporation, MD Rio Vista AgriVentures, Inc., and MD Nabunturan Agri-Ventures, Inc. in Compostela Valley, along with MD Panabo Agri-Ventures, Inc., and, MD Davao Agri-Ventures, Inc. in Davao del Norte.

tial district in Manila Bay to be constructed by the MGDC. Other reclamation works in the pipeline include the

635.14-hectare Las PiñasParañaque Coastal Bay project; Mactan North Reclamation and Development project

in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; Aklan Beach Zone Restoration and Protection Marina Development Project in Malay, Aklan;

and the 108-hectare reclamation venture of the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp. in Bacolod City. (PNA)

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14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

TOP PICK Teng goes first in D-League draft

A

S expected, Jeron Teng was taken first overall in the 2016 PBA D-League Draft at the PBA Cafe in Pasig on Tuesday.

AMA, which owns the right to the first pick, wasted no time in going for the 6-foot-2 guard-forward from recently crowned UAAP champion La Salle as its first round selection.

However, a huge shakeup to the rest of the first round saw the cinch for the second pick, Jason Brickman, slipping out of the said round and even in some latter rounds.

Tanduay, who appeared to have a huge shot at taking Brickman in at second, opted to choose Jom Sollano from 2015 NCAA champion Letran instead.

Racal, Wang’s, and Batangas, the three other teams eligible to take Brickman in the first round, also passed up on him and instead drafted CD-

SL’s Jon-Jon Gabriel, Ateneo’s GBoy Babilonia, and UB’s Wilmar Anderson respectively.

Brickman would still end up with the Rhum Masters but as their fourth round selection or after they earlier went for FEU’s Monbert Arong (second round) and UE’s Paul Varilla (third round).

It turned out, the teams raised their concern on Brickman’s status with the Bureau of Immigration as he has yet to get a clearance to play local league hoops.

Meanwhile, as per a league rule, school-based teams Cafe France-CEU, returning San Beda, now under the Cignal brand, and newcomer Victoria-MLQU, had to first choose their own players.

The Bakers, already with five Scorpions playing for the Aspirants Cup that will begin on Jan. 19, took three more

from their U C B L champion squad in Patrick Aquino, Wishaan Veron, and Orlan Wamar.

However, Cafe France added some San Sebastian players to the team by taking Alvin Capobres, Allyn Bulanadi, and Justine Mercado.

Returning Red Lions coach Boyet Fernandez, as part of their early preparation for their NCAA title defense, brought eight players from their squad last season, namely: Davon Potts, Robert Bolick, AC Soberano, Calvin Oftana, JB Bahio, Jomari Presbitero,

Kenneth Alas, and Kyle Carlos while bringing in Krenz Carlos as well.

The Stallions also took eight players from their NAASCU side before adding four more from other schools, including CSB’s Yankie Haruna and UST’s Marvin Lee. The other school-based squad, JRU, opted to bring its entire roster to the D-League, effectively passing from the draft, the same with the lone interna-

James lifts Cavs past Bucks in OT L

EBRON James had a big night beyond the arc and capped it with three pivotal points.

James buried a go-ahead 3-pointer with 24 seconds left in overtime and the Cleveland Cavaliers held on for a 114-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night to avenge a late November loss. ‘’It’s something I practice b e fore the

game, it’s something I do pracdays was

o n tice and I shooting the ball extremely well tonight from the perimeter,’’ said James, who matched his season high with five 3-pointers. ‘’So, I just trust it. I trust in what I’ve been doing and the work I’ve been putting into it and knock it down.’’

Milwaukee took a 108107 lead on a tip-in by Giannis Antetokounmpo with 1:12 left. Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving missed a 3-pointer from the left corner on the next possession, but Jabari Parker’s lay-in attempt at the

other end curled out.

James was fouled on the rebound by Antetokounmpo, his sixth. James then hit the deep 3-pointer to put Cleveland up 110-108. ‘’That 3 hurt us,’’ Parker said. ‘’He’s the best player in the world. He doesn’t care how far it is. You’ve got to respect him.’’

Parker was fouled on a layup attempt on the ensuing possession but missed both free throws. Irving hit a pair of free throws with 15.7 seconds left to make it 112-108.

James had 34 points and Irving 28 for Cleveland, which had lost at Milwaukee 118101 on Nov. 29. Parker had 30 points and Antetokounmpo added 25. The two teams meet again Wednesday night in Cleveland. ‘’Jabari took advantage of some of our smaller guys when we had them

SAVING THE DAY. Lebron James of Cleveland sank a go-ahead 3 with 24 seconds left to lift the Cavs to an OT win. Getty Images

on him, getting to the basket, kind of being physical,’’ Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said. ‘’So we’ve got to do a better job with that matchup.’’

The Bucks scored the final seven points of regulation to send it into overtime tied at 100.

Parker scored on a drive to put Milwaukee up 104-102, but Richa r d Jefferson was fouled o n a 3-point attempt and h i t all three free throws to put Cleveland back ahead 105104. Antetokounmpo answered

with a short jumper from the lane to put the Bucks in front 106-105.

Jefferson scored on a baseline drive, but Antetokounmpo made a tip-in to give the Bucks the 108-107 lead with 1:12 left.

The Cavaliers took a 100-93 lead on Irving’s 3-pointer with 2:32 left in regulation, but Greg Monroe’s inside basket and Tony Snell’s 3-pointer cut it to 100-98 with 47 seconds remaining.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

D LEAGUE TOP PICK. Jeron Teng of La Salle was picked first by AMA.

tional team this season, Malaysia, to once again represent Blu instead of its major ABL sponsor Westports.

Batangas would get its wish of having an allBatangueño lineup as the team took 18 Batangas-born ballers in the draft. (PNA)

Hradecka in, Kvitova out for Czech Republic

T

H R E E -T I M E doubles Grand Slam champion and two-time Olympic medallist Lucie Hradecka will replace world No.11 Petra Kvitova for the Czech Republic at Mastercard Hopman Cup from 1 to 7 January 2017.

Kvitova has been recovering from a stress fracture in her foot and needs more time to regain full health ahead of Australian Open 2017.

“I am so disappointed I will be unable to play at the Hopman Cup. The results of an MRI have confirmed that my foot is healing but not as quickly as we would have liked,” Kvitova said.

“The Hopman Cup is a fantastic event and I’m sorry I won’t be able to represent my country in front of the great fans there,” she added.

Hradecka will make her debut in Perth when she partners world No.75 Adam Pavlasek. The pair will open the first day of play at the tournament against the United States’ Jack Sock and Coco Vandeweghe.

Thirty-one-year-old Hradecka is an experienced doubles player who has won 21 doubles titles, including a US Open and French Open women’s doubles title and a French

LUCIE HRADECKA. Replacement for the injured Petra Kvitova.

Open mixed doubles title. In singles, her biggest singles win to date was against Ana Ivanovic in the first round of the Australian Open in 2015.

The right-hander has represented the Czech Republic at Fed Cup level since 2010 and in two Olympic Games.

She holds one silver and one bronze Olympic medal in women’s doubles and mixed doubles.

“We wish Petra all the best with her recovery over the coming weeks and hope to see her on court in Australia soon,” Paul Kilderry, Hopman Cup Tournament Director, said today.

“We welcome Lucie Hradecka to Perth for the first time and look forward to watching her and Adam Pavlasek on day one at Perth Arena for the Czech Republic.”

VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

FOR THE KIDS OF SOS. Thailand’s freestyle footballer Pongsatorn “Ohm” Sungpliansang of Urban Street Team entertains kids at the SOS Children Villages during his break in competitions in the recent Asian Freestyle Football Championship.

Bikers join Habagat Community Outreach D

AVAO’S biking community joined the Community Outreach ride organized by Habagat Outdoor Equipment in Davao in partnership with Cycle for Life, Ekib, Terrain Challenger 611 and 3fourth outdoor products last December 11.

According to Monica Ayala, convenor of Cycle Forr Life, the bike enthusiasts gathered at the We R Inn just across from the Gaisano Mall at 8am and rode off to Matina Aplaya Seaside where more than 300

Badjao families have settled down at the intersect of Matina Pangi River and the Davao Gulf.

“Activities began with a coastal clean-up then a short program ensued with a cultural dance called “Igal” followed by the passing of an empty wallet among cyclists where the raised amount will go to help support one Badjao scholar to finish schooling and the building of a school cabinet for the school,” said Ayala.

The activity ended with

school supplies sharing to the 35 day care students of the Matina Aplaya Badjao Community Worthy of mention are cyclists of various groups which included a young doctor cyclist, who generously handed some funds for the young daughter of the Marina Aplaya Badjao village parents who is currently enrolled in an Education course at one local university.

Ayala said the beneficiary plans to become a teacher someday to help her tribe in

uplifting their conditions in the community.

“The concept of this ride gave bikers a firsthand experience of what community life is for our Badjao brothers and sisters and that some rides can be more than just a ride,” Ayala said. “It was fulfilling just to see the beaming smiles of these kids and the beneficiaries upon receiving the love gifts from various groups and individuals who responded to their immediate need for support in their educational needs.”

CARLYN BLESS GUARDE. On to the semis.

Guarde reaches PSC netfest semis T

COMMUNITY OUTREACH. Davao City bikers during the recent Habagat Community Outreach ride. Photo by Jann Lester Quibol

OP seed Carlyn Bless Guarde prevailed over Cindy Nuguit, 6-2, 6-2, on Wednesday to reach the girls’ 16-under semifinals in the Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Tennis Association (PSC-Philta) Age Group Championships at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Guarde’s victory set her up against Gaby Zoleta, who eliminated third seed Blanche Lagrisola, 6-3, 6-3.

Second pick Jeniffer Pagente and fourth seed Macie Carlos downed separate rivals to arrange a semifinal encounter in the season-ending tournament of Philta.

Pagente won over Frenchesca Elise Cruz, 6-2, 6-1, while Carlos outplayed Patricia Lim, 6-4, 6-3.

Guarde and Pagente also booked semifinal berths in the 18-under category.

Guarde walked over Rica Mae Ombre while Pagente survived Gia Sagandoy, 6-4, 3-6, 10-8.

In the boys’ 18-under division, top seed Janus Ringia stamped his class over Marco Ayala, 6-1, 6-1, to advance in the quarterfinal round along with second seed Gabrial Tiamson, third seed Jeremiah Macias III, fourth seed Emmanuel Fuellas, Dawson Jean Ormoc, Vincent Alanis and Matthew Garcia.

Tiamson defeated Joshua Molino, 6-1, 6-0; Macias rallied past Jules Lazaro, 4-6, 6-2, 106; Fuellas demolished Dano Mink, 6-0, 6-0; Ormoc downed Izaak Virtucio, 6-2, 6-1; Alanis beat Kurt Molina, 6-1, 6-3; and Garcia won by default over Jake Martin.

Fifth seed Jed Labasano advanced to the quarterfinals via double default. (PNA)

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 217 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016