Edge Dava 9 Issue 229

VOL. 9 ISSUE 229 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 8 - 9, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO

SPRUCING UP. Religious items vendor Sonia Morial (right) changes the dress of a miniature Black Nazarene image owned by a devotee at her stall inside San Pedro Cathedral compound in Davao City two days before the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. Lean Daval Jr.

Serving a seamless society

‘AURING’ TO MAKE LANDFALL IN SURIGAO But would likely veer towards the Visayas Monday

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HE tropical depression with local name ‘Auring’ may move through the Visayas in central Philippines after making landfall in Mindanao’s Surigao area, possibly Sunday or Monday.

Typhoon Signal No. 1 has been raised in Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley. Sea travel along the eastern seaboard of Mindanao is considered risky and dangerous.

In its severe weather bulletin 1 released Saturday, the state weather bureau, PAGASA, forecast ‘Auring’ to move west-northwest at some 7 kph and be 120 km. east of Surigao

del Sur province’s Hinatuan municipality by Sunday morning, then reach the vicinity of San Miguel in the same province by Monday morning.

PAGASA expects ‘Auring’ to be about 95 km.west-northwest of Dumaguete City in the Visayas’ Negros Oriental province by Tuesday morning and in the vicinity of Palawan province’s Puerto Princesa City by Wednesday morning.

‘Auring’ was the low-pressure area that hovered east of Mindanao earlier this month and intensified into a tropical depression Saturday.

PAGASA located ‘Auring’ at some 260 km. east-southeast of Surigao del Sur’s Hinatuan municipality as of 10 a.m. Sat-

urday.

According to PAGASA, ‘Auring’ was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near its center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

Estimated rainfall is from moderate to heavy within the 300-km. diameter of ‘Auring,’ the bureau also said.

Earlier, PAGASA weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar said the LPA’s intensification into a tropical depression will likely bring rain to Leyte, Southern Cebu, Bohol and Negros Oriental provinces in Visayas, Mindanao’s northern areas, Zamboanga peninsula and Caraga region, as well as Palawan in Luzon.

Such rain may commence

Saturday night and last until about Thursday, she noted.

She did not discount the possibility of ‘Auring’ furtherintensifying into a tropical storm, then weakening into an LPA while inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

‘Auring’ will cross the PAR boundary and exit the area possibly on Wednesday evening, she continued.

PAGASA forecast ‘Auring’ to be some 25 km. west of Palawan’s Pagasa Island by Thursday morning, already outside PAR. The bureau raised tropical cyclone warning signal 1 over Mindanao’s Agusan del

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Abreeza builds 2nd BPO tower

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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CCENDO Commercial Corporation, a joint venture company of Ayala Land and Davaobased company, Anflocor, revealed on Wednesday that it will launch another BPO tower, in addition to the compa-

ny’s Abreeza Corporate Center, during the first quarter of the year.

Abreeza Corporate Center is an 8-storey information technology center located beside Abreeza Mall. The first

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Eden Nature Park counts down to 2017

Indulge A1

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 229 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 8 - 9, 2017

IN MOURNING. President Rodrigo Duterte condoles with Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo whose son, Carlo, passed away recently. The President visited the wake of Panelo’s son at the Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City on Friday evening. ALBERT ALCAIN/Presidential Photo

No aftershocks seen from Davao Occidental quake

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MAGNITUDE 4.7 earthquake struck Saturday morning beneath the waters off Davao Occidental province in Mindanao but no damage has been reported and aftershocks are unlikely.

In its earthquake information 2 released Saturday, the state-run Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the 10:38 a.m. offshore temblor of tectonic origin struck 113 km. south, 75 degrees east of Davao Occidental’s Jose Abad Santos municipality at a depth of 56 km.

The earthquake was re-

ported at intensity I in General Santos City, said Phivolcs.

Citing the earthquake’s magnitude, Phivolcs said aftershocks are unlikely.

Phivolcs also said the earthquake struck far from land so damage is unlikely as well.

A local fault connected to the Philippine Fault Zone (PFZ) may have triggered the earthquake, noted Phivolcs.

PFZ is a 1,200 km.-long major tectonic feature transecting the Philippine archipelago from northwestern Luzon to southeastern Mindanao, Phivolcs added. (PNA)

IPs urged to form advisory councils to join peace talks

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RESIDENTIAL peace adviser Jesus Dureza has asked leaders of different indigenous peoples to come up with an advisory council that would aid the peace process with different rebel groups in tackling various IP concerns.

“You understand your situations the best. Therefore, you are also the ones who can suggest the best solutions. But for this to happen, you also need to come together as one,” Dureza emphasized in Bisaya during a recent IP peace table conversation in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

The advisory council will provide voices and assure key roles for the so-called “national minorities” in the peace ne-

gotiations with the National Democratic Front and the implementation of Bangsamoro agreements with the Moro fronts.

Earlier, Dureza underscored that the creation of an IP advisory council guarantees a more inclusive and transparent peace process under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“We cannot solve your problems for you because we do not know what your problems are. That is why there is a need for you to sit down and discuss them and the possible solutions,” Dureza said.

“We cannot promise to deliver all the needs you have mentioned, but what we can

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BJMP seeks transfer of Kidapawan jail

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HE Bureau of Jail Management and Penology on Friday recommended for a transfer of the North Cotabato jail to a more secure area to prevent another jailbreak from occurring similar to the Sept. 4 incident when an estimated 100 armed men swooped down on the facility and sprang 158 inmates.

According to BJMP Region 12-Public Relations Office acting chief J/Insp. Elizar Roncesvalles, it would be a wise step to move the plant to a more secured area that would discourage similar jailbreaks from occurring.

Although North Cotabato

District Jail is just a stone’s throw away from the Provincial Police Office, this did not prevent the armed men from raiding the facility leading to the escape of 158 inmates and killed one jail warden.

Investigations added several inmates were the target of the rescue operations that was launched on Wednesday by an alleged armed group.

The NCDJ has also been attacked thrice already since 2007.

According to Roncesvalles, the NCDJ has been housing several high-profile inmates such as members of the Bangsamoro Islamic

Freedom Fighters, Moro Islamic Liberation Front and other suspects in previous bombing incidents in the province.

“Space also matters now aside from security issues because the district jail that is only intended for 300 inmates but is now catering 1,513 prisoners,” Roncesvalles said, adding that the facility lacks equipment and human resources.

He added that the provincial jail was not originally designed to be a prison facility, and it was just renovated to serve such purpose.

“In the past, they say, it

is not intended for a jail facility. It was designed to be a school,” Roncesvalles explained.

The current facility is situated in a provincial government compound in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.

However, Roncesvalles said transporting inmates to a new jail poses another significant risk as some prisoners might take advantage of the situation and escape again.

“As much as we [wardens] would want to build a new facility to relocate to a larger and safer site, the bureau does not have the funds to do so,” he added.

He specifically cited portions of Barangay Batian, where the estimated year-old bird was found by a local resident last Monday.

“The implication is that we still have a breeding pair, a nesting pair in Maitum specifically in Barangay Batian,” he said in a statement.

Ibanez said there is need to verify and look for active nests within the area.

He also called for the installation of a community-based conservation pro-

gram for the Philippine Eagle that would be spearheaded by the area’s local government units and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“We are quite excited about this because I think this would become the entry point.

It would become the start of a systematic Philippine Eagle conservation program within Maitum and also across the mountain range of Mt. Busa,” he said.

The eagle was found by

local resident Gibson Badal in his area in Barangay Batian.

The village is part of the Mt. Busa complex, a declared key biodiversity area and an important bird area.

It is home to critically endangered, threatened, vulnerable and rare bird species.

Ibanez said the presence of an eagle pair means there is adequate habitat in the area.

“Having a nesting territory is special because the Philippine Eagle is very loyal to

PEF presses search for pair of Philippine Eagle in Sarangani

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HE Philippine Eagle Foundation has recommended an immediate search for a possible breeding pair of the national bird in the mountains of Maitum town in Sarangani Province following the rescue of a juvenile raptor in the area earlier this week.

Dr. Jayson Ibanez, PEF director for research and conservation, said Friday there could be breeding or nesting pair of the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in Maitum’s forests.

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Malaysian Consulate Tighter security prime up for welcomes new head ASEAN, Miss Universe events D T

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

AVAO City Malaysian consulate has a new consul general in the person of Mohd Jafri Bin Mohd Sharif.

Sharif who has just seated as consul general for 14 days replaced Abdullah Zawawi Tahir who served the agency for three years.

Sharif commented that he sees Davao City as a “good place” with “very good people”, even pointing out his physical similarities with Filipinos.

“Some people even talked to me in Tagalog because they thought I am a Filipino,” he said.

Before being appointed as consul general, according to Sharif, from March to December 2016, he was part of the international monitoring team assigned in Cotabato City to observe and to report the situation of peace process to the GPH and MILF panel. The Malaysian government serves as the third party in the peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The consul general identified some of the specific tasks of the international monitoring team such as monitoring the effect of ceasefire violation or cessation of hostilities and in supporting Japan in providing socioeconomic assistance to conflict areas.

Sharif reported that part of the efforts of the Malaysian government to assist Mindanao was the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP).

MTCP is a program of the Malaysian government which aims to share development experience with other countries, strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and other developing countries, promote South-South Cooperation and promote technical cooperation among developing countries.

“We invite students from Mindanao and throughout Philippines to have a short course, one month in Malaysia and also in Mindanao. The previous one, we conducted automotive process and also cooking for women in Tagum for 12 days,” said Sharif.

The consul general added, they have trained 20 students for the automotive and another 20 students for the cooking course who were chosen with the assistance of the local government units.

Meanwhile, according to Sharif, the Malaysian government is still on the process of selecting the participants for the upcoming ASEAN at 50 to be hosted by the Philippines.

However, he assured that a number of investors have raised interest in the Philippines, pointing out four Palm oil companies that expressed interest in investing in Davao City.

Being the new consul general, Sharif is looking forward to learn more about Davao City, meet new friends and extend assistance to his fellow Malaysians as much as possible.

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE Public Safety and Security command Center (PSSCC) has drawn up tighter security measures to ensure the success of the ASEAN Summit and the Ms. Universe fashion in Davao City.

Corollary to this, the city government is in the process of finalizing measures and

plans to be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs for its approval.

One of the proposed measures is the lifting of travel advisories in time for the series of international events to be held in the city in the coming weeks.

Ret. Gen. Benito de Leon,

the PSSC chief, said the security measures were discussed on Thursday.

In attendance were representatives of Task Force Davao, the Davao City Police Office, Central 911, City Traffic and Transportation Management Office, and the Joint Task Force Haribon.

“We are preparing plans for submission by the city to the DFA for their reference to communicate the lifting of travel advisories,” said de Leon.

De Leon stressed that part of the tighter security measures is the deployment of additional troops.

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PORK BARREL DEBUNKED. Davao City 1st District Representative Karlo Nograles, who chairs the House appropriations committee, denies allegations of Senator Panfilo Lacson and says the senator maybe confused that’s why he claimed that the 2017 national budget has pork barrel funds. Lean Daval Jr.

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

Traffic head elated on compliance with anti-jaywalking ordinance

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ITH 3,000 violators apprehended for not using pedestrian lanes here, City Transportation and Traffic Management Office Chief Rhodelio Poliquit still lauded Davao City residents for their immediate compliance with the Jay walking Ordinance.

He said the policy must be implemented immediately after all the pedestrian lanes in the city have been repainted and cleared for the residents.

Poliquit said the initial implementation of the Jaywalking Ordinance has not only yielded 3,000 violators but has also improved the travel time of vehicles within the city and has promoted the safety of pedestrians.

He said the CTTMO has enough personnel to man the streets.

“We have to attend to other activities lined up by the city for the holidays so we have to adjust the deployment of personnel,” Poliquit said.

He explained that there were intersections which were unmanned by traffic enforcers due to the line-up of activities during the Christmas season.

Poliquit echoed the desire of the city government to implement the Jaywalking Ordinance in all areas underscores the safety of the pedestrians.

He said the current pedestrian citation goes on which entails violators to undergo onehour education on the Jaywalking Ordinance every Friday.

Poliquit stressed the corresponding penalties will be imposed on the violators as soon as all pedestrian lanes are repainted and made recognizable to all passersby. (PNA)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 229 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 8 - 9, 2017

CHO gets P60-M budget to construct new building

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HE Davao City Health Office is poised to acquire a budget totaling P60 million from the national expenditure to enable it to construct a new building that would accommodate its staff and facilities.

CHO Chief Dr. Josephine Villafuerte said her office has proposed the construction of new office building, as it could no longer accommodate the CHO staff and the clinics, and the influx of clients.

“The CHO needs much bigger space for individual services to provide its clients with a better environment,” Villafuerte explained.

She also revealed that Health Sec. Paulyn Ubial sent her a text message last Dec. 28 that the budget for the construction of the medical facility would be released to the Department of Health – Davao Region within the first quarter of 2017.

“They can have the funds through signing a memorandum of agreement for your implementation,” Ubial told Villafuerte.

Villafuerte told the reporters that the financial backing would be utilized to construct another building for CHO and its other units, hoping that the building would be built

before 2017 ends.

“However, we still need to look for a good place to construct the new CHO building,” Villafuerte.

She added that she would be discussing things regarding the matter with DOH assistant secretary Abdullah Dumama Jr. before all the systems will go for implementation.

She added that the DOH’s Health Facility Enhancement Program (HELP) had funded the constructions of the primary health centers with birthing facilities, lying-ins and health stations in Davao City since 2011 up to the

present.

It can be recalled that the CHO has requested for an increase in the budget worth P74 million for improvements and acceleration of its services, programs, and projects last November 2016.

Villafuerte noted that the health center infrastructures in the barangays have medical equipment and instruments but are unfunded compared to the need for upgrading health services utilizations.

“By making these fully functional, additional operational costs will be employed, hence, the need for the increase,” she said.

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tire 182 barangays in Davao is fully covered.

“As long as communities continue to implement the 4 o’clock habit of cleaning and drying up of stagnant waters and possible breeding grounds of mosquitos, there will be fewer cases of deadly mosquito-born diseases,” Vil-

lafuerte said.

Villafuerte’s office has also provided larvacides to areas marked with high incidents of dengue fever -particularly in Talomo South and Buhangin. A larvacide is a chemical used to prevent mosquito wrigglers from developing into adults.

District hospitals across the city are already equipped with rapid kits for dengue.

Villafuerte said the public is now more aware of the fight against deadly mosquito-borne diseases and are more actively participating in the drive to destroy mosquito breeding areas. (CIO)

Davao City mulls acquisition of mobile hot meal kitchen Year-round anti-mosquito-borne diseases drive launched

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ITH 25 typhoons projected to hit the country yearly aside from man-made disasters that may prompt massive evacuations, the Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) is pushing for the immediate acquisition of a customized mobile hot meal kitchen.

“The primary goal is the immediate provision of hot meals, especially to children in the evacuation centers within the first 24 hours,” CSSDO Head Maria Luisa Bermudo said.

The project will be called Mobile Quick Relief Hot Meal/ Soup. It will cost around P8 million.

The mobile kitchen will feature cooking equipment and non-food supplies such as clothing, collapsible tents, and tables where social workers can immediately conduct initial needs assessment and trauma sessions for calamity survivors.

While the city is spared from typhoons, it is known to help other areas ravaged by calamities. It extended P11 million in assistance to areas affected by the recent typhoon Nina that hit Luzon. It is also set to release additional cash from its Calamity Fund to help Marinduque.

Aside from cash, Davao City also sent food packs to the areas battered by Nina. (CIO)

HE Davao City Health Office welcomed 2017 with the launching of its year-round program against dengue, malaria, filaria, and zika viruses.

Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, the chief of the CHO, said the campaign will be conducted on a daily basis until the en-

Armed men torch another passenger bus in Sarangani

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NIDENTIFIED armed men burned another passenger bus in an outskirt village of Kiamba town in Sarangani Province on Thursday night.

Sr. Insp. Rey Salgado, chief of the Kiamba municipal police station, said at least eight heavily-armed suspects flagged down and torched a unit of the Yellow Bus Line (YBL) Inc. in a portion of Barangay Nalus at around 6:50 p.m.

He said the YBL bus unit with body number A-69 originated in this city and was en route to Maitum town in Sarangani when the incident happened.

Salgado said a passenger initially asked to disembark along the national highway in Purok Yakal, Sitio Linek in Barangay Nalus, Kiamba.

Upon stopping, several armed men boarded the bus and ordered its 19 passengers to disembark, he said.

“One of the suspects pointed a gun at the driver and told him not to resist as they were only after the bus unit,” he said.

The police official said the

suspects torched the bus unit using kerosene and hastily left the area.

Sr. Supt. Joseph Semillano, Sarangani provincial police director, said they are still determining the identities of the suspects, which were believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

On Nov. 24, suspected NPA rebels also torched a YBL bus unit bound for this city in Barangay Katubao in Kiamba.

Police earlier filed arson charges against 13 alleged members of the NPA’s Front 73 in connection with the incident.

“Our investigation is still ongoing as to the perpetrators and if they belong to any (organized) group,” Semillano said.

He said they could not yet link the incident to the killing on Thursday of Mohammad Jaafar Sabewang Maguid alias Tokboy, founder and leader local terror group Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP).

Maguid was killed while three alleged members of the group were arrested in a joint

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FIRM ON THE SADDLE. President Rodrigo Duterte presides over the first Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) Joint Command Conference held in Malacañan on Friday night. KING RODRIGUEZ/Presidential Photo

Pres. Duterte vows to crush the Abu Sayyaf P RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has reiterated his commitment to end the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the President reiterated his commitment to crush the Abu Sayyaf at the New Year Command Conference with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in Malacañang Palace last Friday.

“Idiniin din ng Presidente ‘yung kanyang (The President reiterated his) commitment to end the ASG, ‘yung (the) Abu Sayyaf Group,” Abella said in

an interview over Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.

Abella said security forces gave the President their security update during the joint command conference, as well as current law enforcement activities.

For the President’s part, Abella said President Duterte reiterated his firm stance against corruption, as well as his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs and terrorism.

“Ni-reiterate niya ang kanyang guidance regarding corruption lalo na, sinasabi niya ‘yan kasi hindi naman nawawala ‘yan just like that

and then ‘yung campaign against drugs and terrorism,” Abella said. (“He reiterated his guidance regarding corruption, especially because, as he says, corruption is not easily eradicated, and then the campaign against drugs and terrorism,” Abella said.)

The Palace official said the joint command conference lasted two hours, describing it as a “substantial and a very fruitful meeting which puts the President in touch once more with this branch of government”.

In the same radio briefing, Abella called on the Filipino

faithful to be careful and remain calm and sober, especially those who will join the ‘Traslacion’ on Monday.

“Let us again look out for one another,” Abella said.

He also said the Philippines’ friendship with Russia shows that the country is broadening its borders of support.

“In a sense, na-break po ‘yung ating mentality ng ating source of security comes only from one particular country,” he said. (“In a sense, our mentality that our source of security comes only from one particu-

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5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 229 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 8 - 9, 2017

Davao seen as destination for competitive MICE events

ASEAN-Korea Centre to hold tourism capacity building workshop

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

Davao City Planning and Development (CPDO) head Ivan Cortez holds the proposed design of a monorail project in Davao City. If the project pushes through, it will be the city’s first monorail project. MindaNews photo by ANTONIO L. COLINA IV

Study for Davao monorail project takes off in March

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FEASIBILITY study on the first monorail project in Davao City will start in March to address the worsening traffic condition in downtown area, a City Hall official said.

Ivan Cortez, head of the City Planning and Development Office said in an interview Thursday that they received an inquiry from a Chinese investor who signified interest in linkung up with a local developer to put up a monorail in the city “with a capacity bigger than the bus” but smaller than the Manila Metro Rail Transit System and Manila Light Rail Transit System in the national capital.

The monorail is different from the proposed Mindanao Railway System that would connect the major cities of the island such as Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Zamboanga, Butuan, Surigao, General Santos, and Davao.

He said the Chinese investor, whom he declined to name for now, will ask the City Council to allow them do a feasibili-

ty study and get the necessary information on how large is the potential of the city for a monorail project and what capacity will be put up here.

“They want to know which route is more viable and the number of coaches or passenger carriage to put up whether it will sustainable to put up monorail with a capacity of 20,000 per travel. Through the study, they will determine how much will be invested initially and the operational capacity,” he said.

Cortez said a monorail is more viable in the downtown area as they can put up more stations at two kilometer intervals and is 90 times cheaper than the MRT or LRT. Although the route has yet to be determined, Cortez said they want the monorail in downtown Davao to loosen up the traffic.

“The best indicator of development of a certain locality is when the public uses mass transit instead of cars because it means your transit system is

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HE ASEAN-Korea Centre will host a tourism capacity building workshop together with the Philippine Department of Tourism with the theme ‘Branding Davao as a Competitive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Destination’ at the Marco Polo Hotel on January 9, 2017.

Aside from strengthening the competitiveness of the MICE industry of Davao, the workshop also aims to support the development of the Philippine tourism industry, especially in helping provide quality MICE services to Korean travelers.

Davao City is one of the top three MICE destination of the Philippines and one of the top five tourism destinations along with Cebu, Boracay, Bohol, and Palawan.

In a press statement,

Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre Kim Youngsun noted, “MICE industry was identified by the Philippine Department of Tourism as one of the nine priority tourism products under the National Tourism Development Plan.

As the Philippines assumes ASEAN chairmanship this year and host numerous international meetings, conventions and exhibitions including the ASEAN Summit, which will open even more opportunities to expand its presence in MICE industry, the secretary general expressed his hopes that the workshop will make great contributions to strengthening the capacities of the professionals of Davao’s MICE industry professionals as well as promoting Davao to the Korean people.

According to the ASEAN-Korea Centre, on the day before the Workshop, Korean MICE/tourism experts will conduct on-site consultation, during which they will share ideas with stakeholders of incentive tour destinations in the region.

In addition, roundtable discussion with policy makers and professionals in the Davao tourism industry will be held, where they will exchange views and explore joint collaborations between the two countries.

At the workshop on January 9, tourism experts will deliver lectures to share Korea’s experiences in becoming a competitive MICE destination and in conductive effective online marketing to approximately 100 MICE professionals from both private and public sectors.

Also, participants will be able to gain information on the characteristics and needs of Korean tourists and their changing trends through lectures.

Koreans are the number one visitors to the Philippines, accounting for more than 25 percent of the total number of tourists in 2015.

In Davao City, Koreans stand as the 3rd largest tourists group after the United States and Japan, recording 8,658 in 2015.

With the growing number of Korean tourists joining MICE programs in the Philippines, the ASEAN-Korea Centre expects that the workshop will contribute not only to development of MICE industry of the region but also to quality of tourism products that Korean travelers could enjoy in Davao City.

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DOE awards 10 service contracts for 8 generation companies

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HE energy department has awarded 10 service contracts to eight generation firms, which were bid off during the second Open and Competitive Selection Process held in May 2015.

According to a memorandum from the department, Area 4-Binongan-Tineg located in Abra was won by First Gen Mindanao Hydropower Corp.; Area 7 Ilog located in Mabinay, Negros Oriental was awarded to Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp.; both Area 12 Tubig located in Taft, Eastern Samar and Area 13 located in Maydolong, Buhid were granted to Vivant Energy Corp.; Area 14 Bugtong located in Calbayog, Samar was won by Clean N Energy Solutions Inc.; both Area 15 Cateel located in Davao Oriental and Area 16 Cagayan 1N in Talakag, Bukidnon were awarded to First Gen Mindanao Hydropower Corp.; and

Area 17 Agus 3 located in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur was granted to Maranao Energy Corp. These are all hydropower service contracts.

For the geothermal contracts, meanwhile, only two were awarded: Area 2 Southern Leyte to Repower Energy Development Corp.; and Area 3 Amacan to Energy Development Corp.

The department also cited that the following hydropower service contracts had no bid: Area 5 Sinambalan 1, and Area 6 Pagbalan 1.

For the geothermal contracts, the areas that had no bid are Area Acupan-Itogon and Area 3 Balut Island.

There were also six hydropower service contracts that had bid failures: Area 1 Madongan 1 in Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte; Area 2 Madongan 2 in Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte; Area 3 Solsona located in Solsona

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HOT COMMODITY. A man browses at a collection of umbrellas on display at the sidewalk along San Pedro Street in Davao City yesterday. Umbrellas are in demand nowadays due to the constant heavy downpour brought by the low pressure area (LPA) affecting the city. Lean Daval Jr.

PLDT wants more experts to prevent cyber crimes

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HE ePLDT Inc. has called for more cybersecurity experts who will help deter hacking and other cybercrime incidents in the future.

The company has reiterated the need for organizations, particularly the public sector, to hire the right talent to strengthen their efforts on cybersecurity.

“Cyber security is one of the most pressing issues faced by the government today, not only in the Philippines but also worldwide. This raises the need for the public sector to either hire security professionals or engage with partners who can do that job for them,” Nico Alcoseba, Vice President and Head of PLDT’s Disruptive

Business Group, said.

“Because the rapidly increasing demand for information security professionals far outpaces the market supply, there will come a time when even the most up-to-date infrastructure will not be enough to meet the level of security needed in the public sector,” he added.

A study by Frost and Sullivan, which was conducted on behalf of the International Information Security Certification Commission (ISC), disclosed that there will be a shortfall of 1.5 million cybersecurity professionals by 2020. ePLDT, the digital enterprise enabler of PLDT, related that organizations are faced

with global security expertise shortage on top of other existing internal challenges, such as budget priorities and compliance concerns.

“Finding, hiring and retaining top security administrators can be difficult and yet is strategically critical, especially now that the public sector is accelerating its own digital transformation. At ePLDT, we offer the right solutions and the right people, backed with globally benchmarked security practices, that enable us to manage security policies and systems and help organizations comply to regulatory policies and standards,” Nerissa Ramos, Group Chief Operating Officer of ePLDT, stated.

The firm also offers Managed Security solutions that help organizations avoid incurring substantial costs through a more flexible operational expenditure model and protect endpoints, whether in dedicated or hybrid environments. ePLDT employs a riskbased methodology (Identity, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover) adopted from the cybersecurity framework recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an internationally recognized standards body that is an agency under the US Department of Commerce, which provides a

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6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 229 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 8 - 9, 2017

RP’s strong fundamentals to keep interest rates low

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WHATEVER IT TAKES. A sidewalk vendor ignores the heavy downpour as he continues to display knock off eyewear he sells along San Pedro Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

BIMP-EAGA to launch Davao-GSC to Bitung Ro-Ro service by April

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HE maiden voyage of the Davao-GenSan-Bitung Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) Service will highlight the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Senior Officials meeting in Davao City in April.

Department of Trade and Industry provincial head for Davao del Norte Romeo Castanaga, who is the country head of BIMP-EAGA SME working group, said they are

pushing the opening of the Davao-General Santos-Bitung route with the President Rodrigo Duterte and President Joko Widodo of Indonesia leading the ceremony.

Castanaga said everything is being finalized including the registration of vessels in time for the first voyage in April 2017.

Castanaga did not give further details on the preparations for the launch but he said the Ro-Ro service is part of the

HE Philippines would continue to enjoy low interest rates for so long as the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals are kept intact, the Department of Finance said.

Based on the DOF Economic Bulletin submitted to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, maintaining good macroeconomic fundamentals is the best way to keep the local interest rates down as the US Federal Reserve raises its key policy rate.

Dominguez pointed out, however, that the Philippines’ stable interest rate regime could be threatened by the proposal of the Congress to increase the monthly pensions of Social Security System (SSS) beneficiaries starting this January without a corresponding increase in members’ contributions.

“The across-the-board increase in SSS monthly pensions without a corresponding adjustment in the contributions of the members would reduce the fund life of the SSS, possibly prompting a downgrade in our credit rating,” Dominguez said.

In a memorandum sent to President Duterte last Dec.

15, Dominguez and his fellow economic managers—Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Director-General Ernesto Pernia of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)--said that without an accompanying “upward adjustment or restructuring of the contribution rate,” the proposed SSS pension hike would unduly jack up the unfunded liabilities of the Fund from P3.5 trillion to P5.9 trillion.

“The SSS Reserve Fund which is tapped when contributions of SSS members are not enough to cover the benefit payments made to its members, is currently projected to last until 2042.The proposal by the Congress] is foreseen to cut the actuarial life of the fund by 14 to 17 years from 2042 to 2025-2028,” according to their joint memo to the President.

If approved, this congressional proposal “may adversely affect the Republic’s credit rating,” said the three Cabinet secretaries in their memo to Mr. Duterte, and the “SSS would be bankrupt and left with no funds for other members in the future.”

According to Finance Undersecretary and Chief Economist Gil Beltran, the Duterte administration has the capacity to dampen the effects of the impending normalization of US interest rates.

Beltran, who is the DOF’s chief economist, explained that the Philippines enjoys sound fiscal and monetary policies as the government’s fiscal deficit is also kept within manageable limits. (DOF)

connectivity project within the EAGA region.

He said that the sea linkage will ease transport of goods and other cargoes between member-countries through the international ports in Davao at Sasa, the General Santos International Port and the Bitung International Port.

This sea transport service will be for both passengers and cargoes, he said.

Castanaga said this linkage will support small and medi-

um entrepreneurs (SMEs) and help them in bringing their goods to other foreign markets.

In using this Ro-Ro service, the shipment of goods and farm products will be containerized and the travel time takes about three days.

The sea route is part of the strategic pillars adopted

by BIMP-EAGA that falls under Connectivity through the Improvement of Air, Sea and Transport Linkages. (PNA)

HE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has padlocked a recruitment agency found to be enlisting Filipino workers for overseas employment without proper authority.

Operatives of the POEA Anti-Illegal Recruitment Branch, with the assistance of the Public Employment Service Office, Business Permits and License Office, and the City Police office of

Valenzuela City, shut down the office of LDQ Manpower located at 3455 Lozada Street, Malanday in the city to prevent them from further unlawfully recruiting workers for abroad.

Applicants of LDQ Manpower complained that they were promised employment in Japan as caregivers, factory workers, and cleaners and were required to pay Php70,000 for processing

fee; Php32,000 for plane ticket, and Php20,000 as ‘show money’.

The agency allegedly send workers to Japan using tourist visas through the ‘escort system’ at the international airports.

The POEA is assisting the applicants in filing illegal recruitment cases against its owner Luz Dating Quiambao; her husband Jeffrey Flores Quiambao; employee Pre-

cious Noche Velasco and will include their names in the POEA’s List of Persons with Derogatory Record.

The POEA advises job applicants to always verify with the POEA the legitimacy of the recruitment agency or its agents before accepting job offers through phone hotlines 7221144 and 7221155 or its verification system at the website poea.gov.ph.

(PNA)

partment of Agriculture and the Land Bank of the Philippines for ARBs using agrarian reform beneficiary organizations as retailers.

The researchers noted that smallholder finance is considered more costly by banks because smallholders live in hard to reach areas with dispersed population and low literacy rates. Banks and formal financial institutions, on the other hand, are located in the towns and cities.

“Also, smallholders require relatively smaller amount of loans resulting in higher transaction cost per borrower. Because of these, extending loans to smallholders entail additional transac-

tion costs for the banks,” they said.

The researchers recommended that in the shortterm, the government needs to strengthen and build capacities of smallholders’ and/ or farmers’ organization as viable and sustainable conduits of financial services in rural areas, in particular cooperatives.

“Capacity building support should focus on enabling and strengthening these smallholder organizations (e.g. coops) to meet banks’ criteria for credit screening,” they said.

It can also allow banks to use innovative means of delivering financial services to the rural areas within a reasonable

risk management framework.

The PIDS paper said promoting the use of mobile technology will also allow roaming agents to distribute finance and collect information from smallholders.

“The current framework of the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) in the use of digital finance for reaching far-flung rural areas would help in reducing the banks’ transaction cost in lending to small farmers in these locations,” it said.

In the medium-term, the researchers underscored the need to build the required support infrastructure, such as farm-to-market roads that will reduce the costs of reaching the small farmers. (PNA)

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III

Peso stays solid as POEA shuts down recruitment agency PSEI sustains rally T T

HE decision of investors to load up on dollars ahead of the release of US’ non-farm payroll report for December 2016 resulted in the sideways close of the Philippine peso Friday while the equities market sustained rally since 2017 started.

The peso finished the week at 49.52 from the morethan-a-month high of 49.46, which a trader said transpired after a directional trading and a strong performance in the morning session.

US’ non-farm payrolls report for December 2016 will be released late Friday (Manila time).

The trader said that US’ services sector posted a oneyear high of 57.2 last December against projections of 56.6.

This helped prop up the greenback even after a strong start for the local currency at 49.36 from 49.55 Thursday.

The peso’s opening level was its strongest for the day but it also dipped to 49.54 mid-trade. Average level for the day stood at 49.46.

Volume of trade reached

USD537 million, lower than the previous session’s USD879 million.

The currency pair is seen to trade between 49.30 and 49.80 next week.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) sustained its rally for the fourth consecutive day since the start of the year. It gained 0.54 percent, or 38.76 points, to 7,248.20 points.

All Shares rose 0.39 percent, or 17.03 points, to 4,353.80 points.

Most of the sectoral indices followed suit with the Services leading at 1.17 percent.

Property was up by 0.89 percent, Holding Firms by 0.55 percent, Financials by 0.44 percent, and Industrial by 0.002 percent.

On the other hand, Mining and Oil contracted by 0.32 percent.

Volume of trade involved a total of 1.52 billion shares amounting to Php 8.6 billion.

It was an equal results for the gainers and losers at 101 each while 35 stocks were unchanged.

Gov’t urged to cut costs of aggie lending, smallholder finance

T

HE government needs to reduce costs of agricultural lending and smallholder finance to make environment more conducive to increased private sector participation in smallholder finance, according to a paper released by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

The discussion paper, titled “Comprehensive Study on Credit Programs to Smallholders,” looked at the existing credit programs for smallholders, including agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

It also assessed the Agrarian Production Credit Program, a program being implemented in collaboration with the De-

7 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 229 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 8 - 9, 2017

Midsayap, Aleosan blast victims get Christmas gifts from OPAPP

A

FREE WHEELCHAIR. (From left) Board Member Jess Bascuna, Vice Governor Elmer de Peralta, Godwin Lord Gallo of Department of Health (DOH), Mayor Alexander Bryan Reganit and Board Member George Falgui pose with one of the beneficiaries of free wheelchair from the DOH during the Handog

Pasasalamat of the provincial government and the local government unit of Maitum Friday, January 6. This day was also the 38th birthday of Mayor Reganit. (John James I. Doctor/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

T the sidelines of the Peace Conversation in the town of Midsayap, Cotabato last Jan 3, Secretary Dureza together with Cotabato 1st District Rep. Jesus Sacdalan, GPH Peace Implementing Panel chair Irene Santiago, Vice Mayor Albert Luis Garduque and ARMY;s 6th ID commander Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr. personally met with blast victims.

Based on police report, some 18 churchgoers were wounded in the December 24 Sto Nino Church grenade blast in Midsayap town. Seven others sustained injuries in the Pagangan roadside explosion in Aleosan town last December 28.

The victims of both incidents received food and nonfood items from OPAPP and local government units concerned and the Office of Cotabato 1st district Rep. Jesus Sacdalan.

Midsayap Vice Mayor Albert Luis Garduque expressed his support to the Duterte adminis-

tration’s inclusive peace and development agenda.

“We together with NGOs wish for an inclusive peace and for the resumption of the peace talks. It is only now that the cabinet secretaries go down to the communities to listen to the needs of the people,” Garduque On the other hand, Secretary Dureza called on the public to be more vigilant and to unite in the fight against threats of terrorism.

“We like to also gather around ang mga nabiktima ng karahasan because we feel for you.This is really very tragic sa mga ginahimo sa mga tunto didto. Ginasakatan ang mga inosente nga tawo.Why are hitting the innocent civilians, why don’t they fight the military.We are here to sympathize with you,” Dureza said.

Sec Dureza said, vigilance and unity of the people and the community is essential to stop threats of terrorism and lawlessness. (PIA)

HE Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Region 12 is targeting to start the releases before the end of the month of the undelivered plastic license cards of drivers in the region.

Macario Gonzaga, LTO Region 12 director, said Friday the plastic driver’s license cards for the region are scheduled to arrive by the third week of January as set by their central office and its provider.

He did not cite the number of license cards that would be delivered but said they expect that it would ease the backlog of their district offices within the region’s four provinces and five cities.

Also known as Region 12, the region comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

The agency earlier noted that the region’s backlog

for the plastic driver’s license cards reached around 200,000.

“We’re hoping that it will be delivered as scheduled so we can also start releasing them,” Gonzaga said.

LTO central office earlier listed a backlog of around three million nationwide for the undelivered plastic driver’s license cards.

Last year, a regional trial court in Manila issued a temporary restraining order against LTO’s plastic card supplier Allcard Plastic Philippines Inc. for supposedly not undergoing the proper bidding process.

Aside from the release of the pending plastic driver’s license cards, Gonzaga said they are currently reviewing the processes involved in various transactions handled by their district offices.

He said the move is in compliance with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s directive for the rationalization of the processes to ensure convenience for their clients. (PNA)

to release pending Kidapawan is safe, stable LTO-12 plastic driver’s license cards despite jailbreak: Mayor T

T

HE mayor here has assured the public that the city remains “safe and stable” despite the Jan. 3 attack at the North Cotabato District Jail by some 100 heavily-armed that resulted to the escape of the facility’s 158 detainees.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista has promptly strengthened

security checks along the Davao-Cotabato highway, including the interior roads of the city, against the possible entry or diversionary tactics from lawless groups.

“Investors are free and safe to come in the city because we are prepared and we will not let any atrocity to ruin our peace loving Kidapawenos,”

he said.

Evangelista emphasized the readiness of its current public safety program that involves the establishment of security points, installed close circuit security cameras, mobile responders and strong community-based intelligence capability.

He also expressed opti-

mism for the capture of the remaining 106 escapees that remain at-large as of Thursday, from the penitentiary situated in Barangay Amas here.

Evangelista, in a statement, said he remains committed to the ongoing pursuit operation and personally offered pursuing state forces of

HE Department of Trade and Industry has extended 156 Shared Service Facilities for the use of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Caraga.”

This was the statement of Director Brielgo Pagaran of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga during a briefing held recently at the

regional office here.

Pagaran bared that from 2014 to 2016, the department has approved and release P85-Million worth of Shared Service Facilities (SSF) to enhance business operations of the region’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“These SSF support the following sectors: processed food, arts and crafts, creative

industry, bakery and other agri-processing. The equipment provided also includes product packaging and labeling. This project is implemented through people’s organizations’ participation with the non-government organizations, industry associations, schools, and local government units,” relayed Pagaran.

The good director also re-

vealed that to date, there are more than 7,000 enterprises that have benefitted from the various shared service facilities establishd in the region.

These facilities, which are operated and managed by the partner-cooperators, are available for use by the enterprises with a minimal fee to cover operating and maintenance cost.

(PIA-Caraga)

UTONOMOUS Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman on Friday spearheaded the inauguration and turnover of P195 - million worth of infrastructure projects amid a downpour in this province.

Among the projects that were inaugurated included the P150 - M port expansion project in this city and the phase three P45 - M construction and expansion of water system in the nearby town of Maluso.

First to be inaugurated and turned over is the P150 - M port expansion project in Barangay Kulay Bato, this city.

The port expansion project that involved 80-meter long and 20-meter wide pier would enable to accommodate more vessels, including Roll-on Rolloff (Ro-Ro) vessels.

Hataman said the port ex-

pansion is aimed to open and attract investors from the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) as well as in preparation for the ASEAN integration.

“It will be an economic gain. With a bigger port, delivery of services would be more efficient and effective,” Hataman earlier said.

Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay, who represented his mayor-wife, Rosita, in the inauguration, said the completion of the expansion project would lure other shipping firms to open route from and to this city.

Furigay said the port of this city can now accommodate three Ro-Ro vessels at one time with the completion of the expansion project.

At present, two passenger-cargo vessels serves the

Lamitan City-Zamboanga City route and vice-versa.

Furigay said the expanded port would also serve as the show window to attract investors in this city. Its construction started in April 2016.

The project was funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways in ARMM (DPWH-ARMM) through its 2016 infrastructure budget.

Hataman said that ARMM has P9.7 - billion allocation for infrastructure projects in 2016 and P2.86 - B of the total amount “goes to Lamitan City.”

Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Saliman, DPWH-ARMM Secretary Don Mustapha Loong, Basilan District Engineer Soler Undug, and other officials joined Hataman in the inauguration and turnover of the port expansion project.

(PNA)

F KIDAPAWAN, 13

156 Shared Service Facilities serve MSMEs in Caraga

“T

ARMM turns over P195-M infra projects in Basilan

A

HOUSING PROJECT. Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy together with USWAG GK Action Officer Raul Timogtimog, Gawad Kalinga Provincial Coordinator Bong Carmelotes and PG Department Heads spearheaded the turn over of 110 housing units in a ceremony held at Purok Masunurin, Brgy.Binuangan, Maco last December 27, 2016. (M. Lasaca/ PS-IDS Comval)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 229 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 8 - 9, 2017

EDITORIAL

F

Impressive CVs do not assure good service

ORMER MTRCB board member Leah Navarro, who was kicked out of office when the Duterte administration took over, took to social media to criticize new MTRCB board appointee Mocha Uson.

Uson is widely popular for being the leader of a sexy all-female dance group, then became a blogger and now a newspaper columnist with the Philippine Star.

Navarro, an appointee of former President Benigno Aquino III, minced no words hitting Uson saying she has no relevance with the arts or the movie and broadcast industry.

Navarro also said Uson did not represent any sector.

Navarro’s comments resonate with bitterness and not of an intellectual prognosis of what Uson can do for the agency and ultimately the industry it controls. It reflects the prevailing sentiment of the losing Liberal Party and its members in the face of the changes happening in the political landscape.

EDGEDAVAO

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Navarro’s opinion nevertheless was drowned amidst the high trust and confidence rating enjoyed by the current administration.

Uson, despite the criticisms, remained humbled by the new challenge handed over to her. She must have been either so grounded or well apprised to realize that people can be very judgmental with her appointment to such position.

President Duterte need not appoint a rocket scientist, an award-winning actor, or a saint to the MTRCB. Uson is none of the above.

This country has had many leaders with impressive curriculum vitae (CVs) in the past. But even that is never an assurance they will make good leaders or that they will not steal money from government.

So why judge Mocha?

Let her work first.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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EDGEDAVAO

I

DON’T have the habit of nitpicking on how the Manila broadsheets package their news but the PDI story on self-styled hit man Edgar Matobato last week struck me as an ill-conceived attempt bordering on desperation of spiting President Duterte.

Nope, this is not to align myself with the Philippine president who, for all I know, may not even know me from Adam.

But it does not take 35-year veteran in the trade to spot a ‘spite’ article if there is one. First, the story was timed on January 4, just days after the New Year. The message, coming only from devious minds, is clear: expect more of the kind Mr. President.

It is in itself a ‘declaration of war’ against Mr. Duterte, whatever it takes. Is there any link probably to the following account, courtesy of social media?

“LOS ANGELES --- A Loida Nicolas Lewis-inspired group of Filipino-Americans met in San Francisco, California, USA with a get-together December 22, 2016 at the residence of Atty. Rodel Rodis in San Francisco, California which was attended

by Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Inquirer columnist Randy David, Inquirer reporter Benjamin Pimentel, Greg Macabenta, Inquirer columnists Atty. Ted Laguatan and Atty. Rodel Rodis, who hosted the party.

It was also during this gathering that

W

HEN you talk about coastal ecosystems, most people just shrugged.

They, it seems, are not interested with what happening with mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs. But when you tell them about fish, they become curious.

After all, fish is our staple food along with rice. “Fish and seafood represent an important source of protein for the average Filipino, at around 41%of animal protein intake,” reports the Kuala Lumpur-based World Fish Center.

But despite our vast marine resources – 220 million hectares of coastal and oceanic territorial water area – we are now experiencing a shortfall in fish supply. The shortfall is expected to become chronic if we don’t do anything about it.

Our fishery resources are beset with problems. Such resources refer to inland (lakes, rivers, freshwater swamps and fishponds), coastal and offshore waters.

A major factor that accounts for the decline is overexploitation. As the oceans are common global resources, they are wide open and there are few limitations to takers.

“Although fish stocks are a renewable resource, many stocks have been strained to the limit,” the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) deplores some years back.

Indeed, we must now disabuse ourselves of the widespread notion that the seas are inexhaustible sources of fish. All fishing depends on a fragile resource base which, if mismanaged and overexploited, can easily collapse.

“Overfishing is the primary cause of dwindling fish population,” reminds Peter Weber, au-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 229 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 8 - 9, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

The stuff of nightmare t h e g r o u p REVERSED PUNCH (GYAKU ZUKI) launched Filipino Americans for Human Rights Alliance (FAHR A ) , another lobby group Jimmy K.Laking in Loida Nicolas Lewis’ campaign to oust democratically-elected Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

From the looks of it all, the Inquirer is leading the oust Duterte campaign in the U.S. with the help of Lewis and her network of connections in the news.”

In that story, Matobato was reported as claiming that he personally witnessed then Mayor Rodrigo R. Dutertes gun down eight people on separate occasions between 1998 and 2000.

Included in the figure was the killing of National Bureau of Investigation agent who was slain in 1994.

The account was a rambling of the supposed events where several individuals were supposed to have been killed. There was no mention of exact names and dates as to authenticate the supposed killings.

While the PDI hastened to add that it could not independently confirm Matobato’s allegations, still it went at length to treat the ‘package of allegations” as exclusive headline stuff. To lend authenticity and to spice up the story, it included a pair of photos of the self-styled hit man.

Of course, it was not the first time that Matobato’s accounts were ventilated in public. We saw him first months ago for several days at the Senate when he tried in vain to place Mr. Duterte at the scene of the supposed killings.

But inconsistencies and discrepancies in his testimony only exposed his presence as a desperate ploy to embarrass Mr. Duterte. In the end, probably more piqued than amused, the Senate eventually showed him the door and made it clear he could not be granted the protection he sought.

In newspaper parlance, the Senate did not find him a credible source of information. In fact, any Tom, Dick and Harry who managed to soak up on the headlines of local newspapers from the 1990s to 2000 could have come up with the same information.

My theory is that after pestering its Mindanao bureau for stories on the EJK only to come out

empty-handed, the PDI desk (at the bidding of management) was constrained to come up with the story to open the ball in a manner of saying.

Tried as it did, it had only Matobato and his fantastic claims to latch on to. The result is a story that is not only poorly-done but was lacking in pertinent details so as to be credible and believable.

Exclusive as the story supposedly was, it did not indeed reveal anything new to raise concern.

In the end, one desk editor managed to place the addendum that it “could not confirm Matobato’s allegations with independent sources” to lend a semblance of professionalism.

What to make out of this piece of gutter journalism? The PDI is out there in the forefront and aligned with those out to stoke opposition to the Mr. Duterte’s administration.

Its only predicament is that in so far as the supposed EJKs are concerned, it had only one discredited senator and a self-styled pistolero to anchor its “exclusive” version of accounts.

Meanwhile, there is no arguing with the public trust rating of Mr. Duterte that stood at 83% trusting his leadership based on the latest survey of Pulse Asia. PDI methinks will still use this story, but not with the same prominence it provided Matobato.

That is the other predicament that continues to stomp PDI no end. But having opened the ball, it too must dance with the music. (JKL)

thor of Net Loss: Fish, Jobs and the THINK ON THESE! Marine Environment.

Fish shortage is happening in almost all parts of the Philippines. Davao Gulf, the 10th major fishing Henrylito D. Tacio ground in the henrytacio@gmail.com country, is a critical resource supporting the economies of six coastal cities and 24 coastal municipalities.

But since 2000, the volume and quality of the fish in the Davao Gulf have been found to be in constant decline, according to a study conducted by World Fish Center.

Except for maya-maya, the harvest numbers for other nine species have been falling. At the current rate of decline, the caraballas, bilong-bilong, molmol, and danggit may all disappear completely from Davao Gulf within a decade, the study said. The matambaka, tamban and moro-moro are more resilient, but even they may disappear within a generation, it added.

To save the fish from disappearing the waters of Davao Gulf, a close season is implemented every June to August of each year. “A lot of our fisherfolks like the close season at the Davao Gulf to allow more species of fishes to thrive,” Regional Director Fatma Idris of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) was quoted

as saying.

The national office of BFAR also attributes the decline in fish catch to the destruction of the country’s coastal ecosystems.

Take the case of the ecologically-fragile coral reefs, which are considered the food basket for the fish. “A square kilometer of healthy coral reef may yield about 30 tons of seafood every year. But 94% of our corals are in fair or poor condition, they will not be able to produce fish enough for our needs,” said Senator Loren Legarda in a statement.

Mangroves are not spared. They are very important to marine life, says Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, a fishery expert. Mangroves serve as sanctuaries and feeding grounds for fish that nibble on detritus (fallen and decaying leaves) trapped in the vegetation, and on the bark and leaves of living trees. “(Mangroves) are important feeding sites for many commercially important fish species (mullet, tilapia, eel, and especially milkfish), shrimps, prawns, mollusks, crabs, and sea cucumbers,” a World Bank report on environment adds. “Fry that gather in mangrove areas are very important for aquaculture.”

Between the coral reefs and mangroves are the seagrasses, which cover an area of 27,282 square kilometers. With 18 species thriving along its coasts, the Philippines has the second highest; Western Australia has more than 30 species of seagrasses.

Seagrasses provide food and shelter for many organisms, and are a nursery ground for commercially important prawn and fish species.

The high primary production rates of seagrasses are closely linked to the high production rates of associated fisheries.

Among the diversified species found in the seagrass beds are fishes, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, crabs, scallops, mussels and snails.

Shrimps spend the early stages of their lives in seagrass areas.

Climate change is also cited by the experts as a major factor affecting fisheries. Changes in ocean circulation and ocean acidification may lead to the loss of certain fish populations.

“The degradation of our marine ecosystems has always been a gut issue as it pushes poverty deeper in the coastal communities through loss of livelihood, vulnerability to natural hazards, hunger and even health problems,” Senator Legarda said. “We must all work together to bring back our coral reefs and the whole marine ecosystem to excellent condition so that our seas can benefit us in a sustainable manner.”

Alexandra Cousteau, an ocean explorer, filmmaker and conservation advocate, who recently came to the Philippines also urged Filipinos to work together to save the marine and coastal ecosystems before it is too late.

“Getting the right people engaged is a huge part of it,” Cousteau said. “We have to make sure small-scale fisherfolk are represented; they’re not the ones plundering the ocean. We have to stop illegal commercial fishing; we have to source the fish responsibly. It’s been done before, it’s not a magic formula. Increase the marine protected areas, stop bycatch, stop illegal fishing – et voila!”

Fish shortage in the offing

10 NEWS Abreeza... FROM 1 three floors of the IT center will be devoted to the retail expansion of the mall within the project. The remaining floors will serve as the office portion of the building that will accommodate the business process outsourcing companies.

Luigi Escano, Accendo Commercial Corp. general manager said during the Habi at Kape Media Forum at Abreeza Mall Davao City that the company decided to build a second tower to respond to the growing demand on business process outsourcing (BPO).

The general manager did not disclose the amount allocated for the construction of the tower however he said it will be a “substantial amount”.

According to Escano, the second BPO tower will be eight stories high, similar to the first tower, with a floor area of 9,000 to 10,000 square meters

which will rise at the parking area at the back of the mall.

He added that several locators have already shown interest in occupying the incoming property however, he said that they are still working on it.

Meanwhile, Escano disclosed that the company has acquired the two-hectare property located at the front of the mall beside Emcore which makes a total of 13 hectares land area for Abreeza’s property.

Escano also noted the launching of the two towers of Patio suites, 4th residential highlight of Abreeza is set early this year.

According to the general manager, the Tower 1 of Abreeza Place was turned over late last year, while the 200unit Tower 2 which is “almost sold out”, is bound to be turned over early this year.

Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Island, expecting ‘Auring’ to fan there 30 kph to 60 kph winds and waves up to 4.0 meters high.

Flash floods and landslides are possible in such areas, warned PAGASA. Avoid venturing into seas

bordering Mindanao’s eastern seaboard, PAGASA reminded the public.

“The public and disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned are advised to take appropriate action and watch for the next weather bulletin,” PAGASA added. (PNA)

Although there will be no lockdown, he said a heightened alert level will be adopted during the holding of activities related to the two major events.

“We have improved our security measure for the series of big events, we will add layers of patrols and additional troops for the event,” he said.

De Leon said the security measures “improved a lot since the Joint Task force Haribon will cover the air space and the coastlines of the city.”

All security efforts will be coordinated through a centralized security monitoring system, he added.

De Leon said that after the Roxas Night Market explosion on September 2, the city has

improved its security monitoring, by doubling security protocols in the checkpoints and the coastlines, and is now “more prepared to combat terrorism.”

He said that they will also brief Department of Foreign Affairs officials on the improved security in the city after the bombing so that foreign visitors will be informed that it is safe to travel the city.

“Our assessment is that we have improved a lot. We are now more prepared to combat terrorism to ensure the safety of our citizens and the tourists as well. Through this, we are hoping that they will lift their travel advisory and tell their people that they are now safe to visit Davao,” De Leon said.

lar country, has been broken,” he said.)

“We are beginning to recognize that our borders are

not necessarily limited or confined to simply one country or one geopolitical force,” he added. (PNA)

high-level strategic view of an organization’s management of cybersecurity risk. “ePLDT’s security engineers received international certifications on various security hardware and best practic-

es,” Ramos said. “Offloading IT and security maintenance upgrades to our pool of experts will go a long way in ensuring that the government is secured as it goes through its digital journey.”

and Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte; Area 8 Binalbagan 1 located in Negros Occidental; Area 9 Binalbagan 2 in Negros Occidental; and Area 10 Binulog located in Negros Occidental.

The department said interested parties could start direct negotiations for its contracts.

The bidding, which received 31 offers for 14 hydro power sites and eight geothermal prospects, was held in May 2015.

Both resources have a development cost of USD2.5 million to USD3 million per megawatt. (PNA)

Auring... FROM 1

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PhilHealth bares release of P2.819B insurance claims in 2016 for Zambo T HE Philippines Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) based in Zamboanga City has released P 2.819 billion worth of insurance claims to its members last year.

Bryan Jabay, PhilHealth regional information officer, said that most of their members have availed medication

in this city since local hospitals are fully equipped than those in other areas in the region.

Jabay said there are a total of 1,828,867 registered PhilHealth members in the region.

More than half or 964,594 of the PhilHealth members are residents of this city.

Jabay said the PhilHealth packages its members have availed included new born care; acute gastroenteritis; routine obstetric care; community acquired pneumonia; urinary tract infection; routine obstetric care; hemodialysis; acute gastritis; bronchial asthma; and, dengue.

He said the worth of in-

surance claims they released last year could be higher than P2.819 billion since they have yet to collate the data for the month of December.

He said the 2016’s 11-month insurance claims of PhP2.819 billion is higher

by P100,000 than that they released in 2015 of PhP2.707 billion. (PNA)

promise is that we will present your concerns during the negotiations,” the peace adviser added.

He also reminded the leaders that they can start working on their concerns even prior to a final peace agreement.

“We must not solely rely on the peace agreements. If we can act now for the betterment of your welfare, we can

do so and not wait anymore for the signing of peace pacts,” he pointed out.

The meeting with the IP leaders is part of the continuing consultation process of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process with the “bigger peace tables” to discuss their concerns and participation in the peace process. (PNA)

them. They use it across generations, meaning as long as they are intact, their reproduction will continue. That is really very important for a critically endangered species like the Philippine Eagle,” he said.

The municipal government of Maitum turned over the rescued bird on Wednesday to the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) in Malagos, Cali-

nan in Davao City.

Elizabeth Ramos, Maitum municipal accountant and information officer-designate, said the rescue of bird was made possible thru the joint efforts of the DENR’s Community Environment and Natural Resources Office based in Kiamba town-CENRO Kiamba, the municipal government and the PEC. (PNA)

IPs... FROM 2

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police and military operation past midnight at the Angel Beach Resort in Barangay Kitagas, Kiamba.

AKP, which had pledged support to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, was blamed over a string of terror attacks in Sarangani and the neighboring areas since 2008.

Since November, eight passenger bus units were already burned in different parts of Region 12 and the neigboring areas by suspected NPA rebels.

Six of the buses were owned by YBL, which is based in Koronadal City, while the two others were owned by this city’s Husky Biocoop.

Study... FROM 5

effective and efficient,” he said.

Cortez said investors will complete the study expectedly one year at the latest as they could utilize the previous studies conducted on a railway project for the city.

He expressed optimism that a monorail system is more viable as it is “90 times cheaper” as compared to a bigger rail transit system.

He said the Korean Engineering Company (KEC) from South Korea which had earlier proposed to tie up with the city for a monorail project has revived its plan to pursue its stalled project.

Cortez said plan did not push through then because KEC asked for a counterpart investment from the city.

“We told them that we cannot forward their project to the national government because it required government subsidy but (as per government policy) every unsolicited proposal should be at no cost for the city,” he said.

He said the South Korean group visited the city three weeks ago and informed the city that it will no longer pursue the project but explore the possibility of a tie up with the national government. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

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

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

Case No. 2011-XI-00897 MERLINA D. NOVICIO, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service on the route: LASANG VIA BUHANGIN and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on August 20, 2017. In the petition filed on January 4, 2015, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JANUARY 30, 2017 at 09:50 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ, Chief Transportation Development Officer/Officer-InCharge, this 5th day of January 2017 at Davao City.

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

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EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

Eden Nature Park counts down to 2017

EDEN NATURE PARK AND RESORT once again staged a grand countdown celebration to welcome 2017!

With a magnificent setting at the lower veranda of Vista Restaurant overlooking the city, families and friends came together at one of the biggest celebrations in Davao City and enjoyed a lavish holiday feast of international buffet dinner.

Adding sparkle to the evening was an exceptional live entertainment by various performers. The resort featured two local school-based performing groups, Kultura Edeng and EBLMNHS Drum & Lyre together with Kalumon Performing Ensemble, and the women-led world musical band, The Mebuyan. The members of Kultura Edeng and the EBLMNHS Drum & Lyre are all students of Elias B. Lopez Memorial National High School in which both groups’ extracurricular school activities are supported by Eden Nature Park and Resort and the Kauswagan sa Timogang Mindanaw Foundation as part of the resort’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.

A show of this scale allowed the resort to bring together Davao’s pride to entertain the guests throughout the spectacular evening to enjoy live music of mesmerizing sounds and high energy.

While teens and adults are hooked up to the festivity, kids

had fun at the kiddie corner at Café Vista hosted by Happyface Partyhaus.

Lucky guests won overnight accommodation in Seda Abreeza Hotel, Park Inn by Radison Davao, Hijo Resorts, Apo View Hotel Davao and Waterfront Insular Hotel. A contemporary art piece by Lamberto Acyatan was also of during the raffle draw during the event. Game winners won a month gym membership at Holiday Gym, Spa and gift certificates from Elysia Wellness and Spa. As the clock stroke midnight, awe-inspiring performers, confetti and balloon showers, and wine toasts surrounded guests as they created their most memorable start to 2017.

Guests celebrated all night long singing and dancing their favorite songs with Flight99 Band.

The event was hosted by 2009 Mutya ng Dabaw, Atty. Resci Rizada. The over-all production was directed by Richard Villar.

Oya Film Productions was the official photo and videographers.

Spending New Year’s Eve at Eden Nature Park and Resort has become a tradition not only to Dabawenyos but for both local and foreign tourists who would like to experience a stellar celebration of welcoming the New Year.

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

VOL. 9 ISSUE 229 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 8 - 9, 2017

Child stars undergo cute transformations NOW SHOWING

January 7 – 10, 2017

SING / *COLLATERAL BEAUTY Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon/ *Will Smith, Kate Winslet Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

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A NEW FACE OF CUTENESS is set to conquer TV as the cutest celebrity kids undergo cute transformations in “Your Face Sounds Familiar: Kids,” which starts on January 7 (Saturday) on ABS-CBN. Led by Billy Crawfowrd, the show will feature eight of ABSCBN’s brightest and most talented child stars as they give out spectacular performances and transform into local and international music icons.

Watch out for the weekly transformations of “Dance Sweetheart” AC Bonifacio, “Bibong Child Wonder” Alonzo Muhlach, “Breakout Child Star” Awra Briguela, “Big Shot Belter” Elha Nympha, “Musikerong Charmer” Justin Alva, “Young Diva ng Masa” Lyca Gairanod, “Talented Cutie” Sam Shoaf, and “Daytime Princess” Xia Vigor.

Adding fun and excitement to this season are jurors Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, and Multiplatinum Singer and Songwriter Ogie Alcasid.

Just like in the past seasons, the celerity kids will perform weekly without elimination and will undergo acting, dance, and vocal training with full make-up transformation to closely match the look of the icon they will impersonate.

In every episode, the celebrity kid who will get the most number of points will take home the cash prize, half of which will be given to their chosen charity.

For two seasons, “Your Face

Sounds Familiar” captured viewers with its unique and entertaining content. Named as grand winners were Melai Cantiveros in season one and Denise Laurel in season two.

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 229 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 8 - 9, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO KORONADAL PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 229 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 8 - 9, 2017

Deadline for CHG entries scheduled on January 31

T

BAGS FOR FOREST GUARDS. Ayala Business Club of Davao (ABCD), as represented by Seda Abreeza’s Hotel Manager and ABCD President Ken Kapulong, turned over a number of bags for the indigenous/local forest guards of the Philippine Eagle Foundation last December 23, 2016. ABCD is the Davao-based family of companies under the Ayala Group. Its members

Carmudi PH, Turbo Zone‘Road Safety Caravan’rolls into STI-BGC

B

UYING a car nowadays is much easier, as many dealerships offer very friendly financing terms. You can even drive away in a new car without the need to make a down payment.

With this conducive climate for car buyers, even college students can now afford to acquire a car (with a little help from their parents). But beyond knowing how to make a car go forward and back, turn left and right, are these young motorists equipped with the necessary know-how to safely drive a car?

To bridge the knowledge gap, Carmudi.com.ph, the Philippines’ leading car selling and buying platform, in partnership with GMA News TV motoring show Turbo Zone, recently staged its “Road Safety Caravan” at STI College-Bonifacio Global City.

Serving as resources speakers for the various topics on road safety were award-winning broadcast journalist Jiggy Manicad for basic defensive driving, road courtesy, pedestrian and commuter safety and road rage; and News Reporter Oscar Oida for practical tips on road safety, right of way, safe bike riding and traffic signs and road markings.

As today’s severe road congestion becomes an ever-increasing concern for the public as can be gleaned from incidents on the road quickly becoming viral through social media, the STI-BGC auditorium was quickly filled with over 600 student attendees eager to learn. The lively and lengthy discussion that followed the talks also proved that the issue is a big blip on our radar of concern.

Beyond the forum and discussions on stage, the “Road Safety Caravan” also allowed the students to get a feel of driving by putting them behind the steering wheel of a realistic driving simulator.

“Carmudi is more than just a marketplace for selling and buying cars” said Carmudi Philippines PR and Marketing Head Kris Lim. “Since we’re in the business of helping people purchase cars, we’ve made road safety our advocacy. It’s not enough that you know how to drive a car; you should also know how to drive it safely and responsibly.”

“It’s so alarming to see the number of accidents on the road today. This is our way to help educate students on driving safely and to promote responsible and road use,” added Lim.

include the following: Abreeza Mall, Ayala Land, Avida Land, Alveo Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, BPI Family Savings Bank, BPI MS Insurance, BPI-Philam Life Assurance, Corp., Globe Telecom, Makati Development Corporation, and Seda Abreeza Hotel.

HE Champions for Health Governance (CHG) Awards once again will recognize local government units (LGUs) that have efficiently implemented effective health programs.

These initiatives are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #3 of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all and the DOH Philippine Health Agenda framework of “All for Health towards Health for All”, which aims to achieve universal health care for all Filipinos.

The deadline for submitting entries to the CHG Awards is on January 31, 2017.

Organized by Kaya Natin!

Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, in partnership with Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) and the Jesse M. Robredo Foundation, and with the support of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Health, the

CHG Awards will recognize five municipal and city local governments. Each winner will receive a cash grant of Php100,000 to fund their best health programs and continue their outstanding initiatives in health.

Now on its third run, CHG past winners include: Tayabas City, Quezon, for promoting enhanced maternal health, as well as ante-natal to post-natal care; Carmona, Cavite, for addressing lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes; San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur, for implementing a bottom-up approach in health programs; Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, for their system enhancement of health and medical records of every patient; Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, for innovations implemented to address malnutrition, as well as continuous enhancement of their health personnel’s capacities in areas such as maternal healthcare,

F DEADLINE, 13

DLPC employees share to flood, fire victims

N

O one has ever become poor by giving. This was proven during the outreach program of Davao Light and Power Co. employees last December 29, 2016 at the NHA Relocation Site in Los Amigos, Tugbok, Davao City.

The recipients are the families who were victims of flood and fire in Matina Pangi in 2011.

Davao Light employees donated various goods that include toys, rice, canned goods, socks and slippers in time of the celebration of New Year.

“It doesn’t matter how big or small the gifts that we received.

What matters to us is their generosity especially that this is the first time that we received such blessing from other people.” said one of the recipients during the gift-giving.

The outreach program was also made possible with the assistance of Mr. and Mrs. Joel del Corro of Migara Consultancy and their family who helped organized the activity. (PR)

SHARING. Last December 29, 2016, Davao Light employees give various in kind goods to the families who were distraught in flood and fire incidents in Matina

Pangi last 2011. In photo: Joanne Domingo of Davao Light’s Shared Services give a pack of goodies to one of the beneficiaries.

Group wants firecracker ban to curb injuries, pollutants

T

HE EcoWaste Coalition, a waste and pollution watch group, reiterated its strong support for a ban on firecrackers as the Department of Health (DOH) concluded its monitoring of firecracker injuries covering the period December 21, 2016 to January 5, 2017 At a press conference this morning, DOH reported that the number of firecracker-related injuries tallied during the said period totaled 630, which is 32% lower than last year’s statistics. Of the 630 cases recorded, 627 were firecracker

injuries and three were firecracker ingestion.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had earlier reported that the air quality monitoring stations in Metro Manila for Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) registered high levels up to 448 ug/Ncm on New Year’s eve. The healthy guideline values for PM 2.5 is set at 25 ug/Ncm annually, and 50 ug/Ncm for 24-hour averaging.

“While lower than last year’s figures, 630 firecracker-related cases are incontest-

ably too many and deeply tragic as most of those wounded, burned or maimed are young children,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

“As the government is duty-bound to protect the health and safety of its citizens, especially the children who are most vulnerable to injury and toxic pollution, we urge the authorities to hasten the ban on firecrackers,” she added.

“The significant number of young children injured and the high levels of health-damaging pollutants released from

firecracker explosions should drive the government into fast-tracking the deferred issuance of a regulation banning firecrackers,” she further said.

“Taking action now will allow our people to breathe clean air, a basic human right, and welcome 2018 in a healthier and saner way sans gory stories of body parts being amputated, eyes blinded and skins burned due to firecrackers,” she emphasized.

As the pending bills on firecrackers at both houses of Congress may not be en-

F GROUP, 13

12 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 229 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 8 - 9, 2017

HIV/AIDS

now rampant among males

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“Condoms are a sensitive product so you have to [market them] in a different way. Not just about the product, but empathy for people and the problem. If there is only one man [in an ad], it’s okay. If there are two men, that’s problematic if the situation is in a bedroom, or if they are ‘lovey-dovey.’” –Digna D. Santos, executive director, Ad Standards Council, Makati City, April 2016

T

HEY have one thing in common: they are young, handsome, and have a body to die for. But they are engaged in the world’s oldest profession.

There’s Mark, a 22-yearold former call center agent. He quit his job because he could not endure the edginess of night shift. So, he is back now with what he used to do when he joined the bikini contests open when he was still a teenager. In one of the competitions, he met a businessman who offered him a huge sum to go to bed with him. At first, he was reluctant, but being tipsy and he needed money at that time, he went with the older man.

It was the beginning. When he found out that the gay community, particularly the young professionals, are running after those with macho bodies, he underwent a body transformation by going to the gym. After two months of hard work, he finally got what that body he used to imagine. He became popular among his customers.

That was what his cousin, Jake, observed too. When he arrived from Manila last year, he noticed that Mark talked to different people, mostly members of the third sex. Usually,

Mark would tell him that that he had to go out for a while -mostly an hour or so. When Mark returned, he saw his cousin to have some cash already.

At one time, Jake confronted Mark about it. When he found about it, he told Mark that he wanted to do it also. To make the long story short, he also became involved in the human flesh industry.

“I would quit doing this when I graduate from college,” says Jake, now 20 and studying in one of the big universities in Davao City. “I am doing this because my parents sometimes could not send me money during examinations.”

There Daniel, an 18-yearold half-Chinese. He looks like the very popular actor of his namesake. At one time, he was with his friends attending a party. While his friends were dancing, an American came to him. They talked for a few moments, and then the American told him that he was staying in a hotel. “If you have time, you can come to my hotel room,” the foreigner said before leaving.

Daniel was surprised by what the American said. But he had already an idea since he heard some stories from friends who had the same ex-

perience before. He was not only curious but he also wanted to buy a new cellular phone.

He went to the hotel, knocked the door, and there he saw the American. “Come in,” the foreigner said. The door locked and indeed it was what he thought. At the middle of the tryst, the American wanted to perform anal sex but Daniel objected. And so, the American made him an offer: to perform an oral sex on him and he would pay the teenager P15,000.

Although he couldn’t imagine doing it at first, he did eventually. “I really needed the money,” he said, adding that he had gone out with 27 people already. “But I do it only when I badly need some cash,” he said.

When Mark, Jake, and Daniel were asked if they were not afraid of contracting the dreaded Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), they said they select their customers. “I don’t go out with just anyone,” said Daniel. “When I do anal penetration, I usually use a condom,” Jake said. “Doing anal sex is big no for me,” Mark declared.

The Alliance Against AIDS in Mindanao says that most cases of the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) – the microorganism that

causes AIDS – in Davao City come from males having sex with males (MSMs).

HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men in the country has increased tenfold in the last five years, deplores the new report, “Fueling the Philippines’ HIV Epidemic: Government Barriers to Condom Use by Men Who have Sex with Men.” The 46-page report, released by the Human Rights Watch (HRW), documents the failure of national and local governments in the Philippines to address the growing HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men.

“Although Department of Health reports indicate that 81 percent of recorded HIV cases since 1984 have been among men who have sex with men, the government has failed to target HIV-prevention measures at this group,” wrote Carlos H. Conde, a Filipino researcher who works with HRW. According to Conde, President Rodrigo Duterte has inherited a legacy of failed or counterproductive policies of previous administrations that are contributing to the alarming increase in HIV infections

among men who have sex with men.

“Reducing HIV transmission isn’t rocket science,” Conde pointed out. “But it does require the Duterte government to implement an HIV prevention program and remove obstacles to condom and HIV testing access so that young Filipinos – particularly men who have sex with men – can protect themselves from an otherwise preventable illness.”

The HRW believes the government policies have created obstacles to condom access and HIV testing.

“In January 2015, the Senate cut P1 billion from the Department of Health’s budget for family planning commodities,” the report said. “Doctors have warned that without the Senate reinstating the needed funding, government clinics are likely to exhaust their condom supplies in early 2017.”

Policies restricting access to condoms are a threat to public health, according to HRW. “International law obligates states to ensure access to condoms and related HIV prevention services as part of the human right to the highest attainable standard of health,” it said.

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, ratified by the Philippines in 1974, directs governments to take steps necessary for the “prevention, treatment and control of epidemic… diseases,” including HIV/AIDS. But there are good news.

The report lauded Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial when it announced the health department will start distributing condoms in school next year “to address the rise in HIV infections among Philippine youth.”

The health department is also considering the distribution of HIV self-testing kits.

“Those are positive initiatives if the government can ensure that children can access condoms and HIV self-testing kits through mechanisms that are non-stigmatizing and encourage, rather than discourage, that access,” the report said.

“The Duterte government has a golden opportunity to remedy the legal and policy errors of previous administrations by implementing proven low-tech and low-cost interventions that can help stop in its tracks the country’s HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men,” Conde said.

“Failure to do so will only ensure that the already alarming number of new HIV infections among men who have sex with men will continue to rise.”

HIV is present in all body fluids of an infected person but is concentrated in blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Virtually, it is present in all body

F HEALTH, 13

NEWS 13 High-speed Internet now more pervasive T

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Kidapawan... FROM 7

available resources needed in the operation.

He urged local village officials to mobilize their force multipliers for monitoring and intelligence gathering in connection with the continuing manhunt.

“I am positive and I believe that we can overcome this situation by utilizing our resources for the benefit of everybody in the purpose of public safety and security,” he said.

The mayor had requested Lt. Col Harold Argamoza, commander of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, to augment highway security and establish checkpoints together with

the local police, village watchmen, and other local force multipliers in the locality.

He also supports the Sangguniang Panlungsod in creating an independent investigating body intended to look into the death of Satar Manalunsong, a village councilman of Barangay Patadon here, who was killed by police’s Special Action Force after to have been allegedly seen aboard a motorbike together with two escapees during the pursuit procedure.

Evangelista is also working with the newly created task force by the provincial government assigned to look into the current crisis. (PNA)

tissues and organs including the brain and spinal cord. It can be found in tears, saliva and breast milk although these last three are not considered significant routes of infection.

“A single sexual encounter can be sufficient to transmit HIV,” wrote Dr. John Hubley, author of The AIDS Handbook. “Although the risk from an individual sexual act may be low, the more times a person has sex, the greater the likelihood that transmission will take place. Women appear to be more at risk than men from heterosexual sex. The transmission of HIV from man to woman is believed to take place more easily than from

woman to man.”

“The great majority of reason how it is acquired however is really through unprotected sex and drug use,” Dr. Jordana P. Ramiterre, chief of Davao City Health Office Reproductive Health and Wellness Center, was quoted as saying. “We again say that it is not who you are but what you do which poses you the risk of having AIDS.” Again, education is very necessary. Nathan, 24, an HIV-positive gay man was quoted to have said, “I never used condoms because I didn’t know (about) condoms.

I didn’t know what safe sex was.” (Photos taken from the net)

HEALTH... FROM 12

EDGEDAVAO

HE rise in the use of smartphones and mobile devices to connect to the Internet has increased the clamor for high-speed connectivity, partic-

ularly in areas where a significant number of people converge like airports, sea ports, and other public installations.

With approximately 90 per-

acted fast enough, the EcoWaste Coalition conveyed its support for the signing of the DOH-drafted Executive Order

by President Rodrigo Duterte that will prohibit firecrackers for personal or household use.

“The immediate promulgation of the E.O. will give the country, particularly the firecracker industry, more time to perform the necessary adjustment and transition,” Lucero said.

“The ban will surely not make everyone happy, but the greater public interest dictates that a tougher policy be adopted to put an end to the preventable cycle of injuries, deaths, fires and toxic pollution due to firecrackers,” she added.

Once the envisaged E.O. on firecrackers has been promulgated, it is very important for a government-led stakeholders’

committee to be convened as soon as possible to discuss its full and systematic enforcement, including the conduct of a vigorous public information and education drive all year round, as well as stern action to stop the entry of firecrackers manufactured abroad, the EcoWaste Coalition said.

Lead national government agencies and the local government units where firecrackers are made have to come up with a detailed plan on how to assist the affected sectors and families in their switch to a safer and sustainable livelihood, the group said.

The authorities should seriously reach out to the socalled backyard industry to ensure workers are duly assisted in finding alternative employment, the group suggested.

(PR)

nutrition, and prevention and treatment of communicable diseases; and Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, for providing sea ambulances for patients living in island communities.

Interested LGUs may download the application kit at the CHG Awards website www.healthgovernance.wee-

bly.com or contact Shylynne Castillo at (02) 256 1446 or email healthgovawards@ gmail.com. Inquiries may also be coursed through the Awards’ social media accounts: www.facebook.com/ HealthGovernance or www. twitter.com/healthgovawards.

(PR)

Group... FROM 11

Deadline... FROM 11

cent of Internet access in the Philippines still done via Wifi, the government, through the Department of Transportation, entered into a landmark deal with PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, facilitating the installation of carrier-grade Wifi infrastructure in key airports and sea ports all over the country.

More than just answering the government’s call for more public Wifi hotspots in the country, the deployment of Smart Wifi is in keeping with an important mission of the company—that of making more Filipinos experience the Internet and its many benefits on a larger scale. With Smart Wifi, PLDT and Smart aim to optimize existing technologies to bring super-speed Internet to all.

For those traveling, waiting for delayed flights is no longer tedious. Smart Wifi is now available in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals 1 to 4 for Metro Manila; Clark International Airport, and Laoag International Airport for Luzon; Roxas, Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Kalibo, Caticlan, Puerto Princesa, and Bohol airports for Visayas; and in Mindanao, the airports of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Dipolog, and General Santos City.

For those who are using the country’s nautical highway, Smart Wifi is also installed in the Batangas International Airport in Batangas City, and the Calapan City Port in Mindoro.

In the pipeline are other airports, sea ports, numerous public buildings and transport areas, including all the existing lines of MRT and LRT. Network modernization The PLDT Group is currently in the midst of a threeyear modernization program that aims to improve overall network quality, capacity, and

bandwidth nationwide, and at the same time, continue to enhance fiber resiliency and redundancy of its backbone.

The network upgrade is seen to answer the public’s insatiable clamor for high-speed mobile Internet. Demand, after all, is set to further shoot up in the coming years. The Ericsson South East Asia and Oceania regional Ericsson Mobility report said that by 2018, smartphone penetration should surge to 70 percent of the Philippine population, while LTE subscribers would grow to around 40 percent of total mobile subscriptions.

The nationwide rollout of Smart Wifi is a key component of the PLDT Group’s P48-billion capital expenditure for 2016.

For the first phase alone of the deployment of carrier-grade Smart Wifi this year, Smart has already spent close to P1 billion.

With a backhaul of up to 1gigabit per second, Smart Wifi promises a seamless digital experience whether one is surfing, downloading or uploading, or just keeping connected with family and office. The state-ofthe-art telco infrastructure can also handle up to 3,000 concurrent users without degrading customer experience.

“Smart Wifi is a necessary infrastructure as more and more Filipinos embrace the digital lifestyle. Users today consume a lot of data when they access the myriad of digital content and services. For PLDT and Smart, this is a more purposive deployment of resources to areas that really need the infrastructure. By installing high-speed and reliable connectivity in areas that serve popular destinations, we also make Internet services supportive for the development of the country’s tourism sector,” said Finina Gorres, Head of Operations for PLDT and Smart. (PR)

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It’s France vs USA in the Hopman Cup Finals

NO FINALS THIS TIME. Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action against Richard Gasquet of France at the Hopman Cup in Perth. Hopman Cup photo

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

P

njb@edgedavao.net

ERTH, Australia -- Title-seeking fan favorite Roger Federer is not going to get his second Hopman Cup title.

The Frech duo of Richard Gasquett and Kristina Mladenovic frustrated Federer and her partner Belinda Bencic on Friday night and will have its chance to win a second Hopman Cup title in the last four years.

Another sellout crowd at the Perth Arena came to watch the Swiss legend who regaled his flag-waving fans with a flawless performance against Gasquet in the men’s singles.

He won in straight sets 6-1 6-4.

The tie turned around in the women’s singles when world no. 42 Mladenovic played her best match of the week to level the tie by beating the in-form Bencic 6-4, 2-6, 6-3.

Federer’s comeback from injury gained momentum after putting away Gasquet with ease in the men’s singles, but his partnership with Bencic in the mixed doubles did not get them through and the French who won the tie 2-1.

The French, who last won in 2014 with Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Alize Cornet, will face the United States team of Jack Sock and Coco Vandeweghe on Saturday. The Americans have won the Hopman Cup six times the last coming in 2011 with John Isner and Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

On Wednesday, Federer was beaten by young gun Alexander Zverev of Germany.

HIs win over the 18th-ranked Gasquet in straight sets in under an hour, however, proved he is a force to reckon with in the coming Australian Open which starts in a week in Melbourne.

The Hopman Cup is Federer’s first tournament since a six-month layoff due to knee and back injuries. The 35-yearold entered 2017 ranked 16th -- his lowest placing since

2001.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion barely missed a groundstroke, getting his first break of serve in the fourth game of the match and dominating proceedings from that point on.

He also sent down 11 aces in nine service games, winning 6-1, 6-4 in 56 minutes.

Gasquet had been in good touch heading into the match, beating Zverev and Dan Evans, both in straight sets.

Even Federer was a little stunned by his own form.

“It was completely different from the previous two,” he said when interviewed in a post-play conference. “Today was great, I started to feel the ball better and better and just moving around the court better.

Federer was even surprised by his own progress. “I am surprised how well I am playing already. I couldn’t be more happy right now.”

Three matches into his comeback, Federer said his body was feeling great. “Today is the best I have felt since I have arrived and that is super encouraging.”

Gasquet said Federer played “unbelievable.”

The current world No.3 returns to Western Australia for the first time in 15 years. Federer has competed at the Hopman Cup twice before, winning the event at the age of 19 in 2001 with Martina Hingis and teaming up with his now wife Mirka in 2002.

The right-hander has 88 career singles titles to his name, the third most of any player in the Open Era, one doubles gold medal won at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and led Switzerland to a Davis Cup title in 2014.

The 34-year-old has spent a record 302 weeks at world No.1, has had over 1000 match wins and represented his country at 27 Davis Cup ties since 1999.

IMPRESSIVE. Kristina Mladenovic hits a backhand return. Hopman Cup photo

FINALS APPEARANCE. Richard Gasquet of France is headong to the finals of the Hopman Cup. Hopman Cup photo

WHAT’S NEXT? T

Arum, Pacquiao to discuss fight plan

OP Rank promoter Bob Arum will be flying in to the country to discuss Manny Pacquiao’s fight plan.

The fighting Senator is set t make another ring appearance in April this year.

Arum has been talking about the proposed fight between the Filipino boxing legend and Terence Crawford even before the unbeaten Omaha native scored an eight-round TKO win over John Molina last Dec.10 at CenturyLink Center, Omaha, Nebraska.

But early this week Arum said the Pacquiao-Crawford fight won’t happen within the first six months of 2017 which means that there will be no Pacquiao-Crawford fight in April as planned. In-

Promoter Bob Arum and Manny Pacquiao in a privatte talk. stead Arum is tapping Jeff Horn, a relatively unknown challenger from Australia as Pacquiao’s next foe.

Arum had originally calendared Pacquiao’s next fight for June this year but Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz balked because the senate would still be in session by

CDO pug vows to fare better next time

C

Carlo Paalam (R) wins over Tuan Mohd Faizal of Malaysia during the ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan last year.

then. Pacquiao is serving his first term as neophyte senator.

“The (Philippine) Senate will take a break starting midMarch and will resume sessions on May 2,” said Koncz, who was by Pacquiao’s side for the duration of his training in Manila for Pacquiao’s

last fight against Jessie Vargas which the Philippine senator won via a unanimous decision.

One of Arum’s concerns when he visits Pacquiao in Manila would be Koncz’s demand for a $20 million fight purse that he want for his boss if he fights Crawford next. The other is the possibility of holding Pacquiao’s next fight outside the US, “As what I’ve said, Manny will be fighting Crawford if he can guarantee us with a $20 million minimum purse,” Koncz said.

“I cannot mention any names now since there are other candidates that we’ve considered,” he added.

Arum is yet to confirm his arrival date in Manila for his meeting with Pacquiao.

AGAYAN de Oro’s Carlo Paalam said he was not in his right mind in losing to eventual gold medalist Sachin of India in their recent AIBA World Youth Championships lightflyweight semifinal bout in St. Petersburg, Russia, and vowed the outcome will be different if they ever meet again.

Paalam, 18, settled for the bronze medal and earned a reward of P100,000 from ABAP president Ricky Vargas. On the way to the semifinals, Paalam beat Colombia’s Pedro Alarcon, 5-0, Ireland’s Jordan Moore, 4-1 and Russia’s Volodya Mnatsakanyan, 4-0. What unsettled Paalam’s mind was losing $200 of his $420 allowance to a thief before the match against Sachin. The money was stolen from his hotel room.

“I was stressed,” said Paalam in Pilipino. “I left the money in my bag but when I went back to my

hotel room after beating Mnatsakanyan, it was gone. I felt really bad because I wanted to give it to my family.” Paalam said despite the stress, he fought Sachin on even terms until the last round. “I thought I was ahead,” he continued. “But my mind was not on the fight. Sachin is a good boxer but if we face off again, I know I’ll beat him.”

Coach Ronald Chavez, who accompanied ABAP’s delegation of five fighters with another coach Elias Recaido to St. Petersburg, said Paalam will learn from this experience. “Masipag sumuntok,” said Chavez, a 1992 Olympian.

“Mataas ang boxing IQ ng bata.

Madaling matuto.” Chavez noted that Paalam’s style is flexible and he adjusts easily to instructions from the corner. After the win over Mnatsakanyan, Russian fans applauded Paalam for defying the odds to defeat the hometowner.

ABAP executive director Ed Picson said Paalam has a bright future. “Since he was 10 years old, Paalam was already in the pool of prospects of Mayor Oca (Moreno),” he said. “Mayor kept telling us to watch this boy, that Carlo would go far. He’s shifty. He has speed and power. It’s too bad he wasn’t himself against Sachin. Coach Elias told me Carlo would’ve easily beaten Cuba’s Jorge Grinan if they met in the final.” As it turned out, Sachin outpointed Grinan for the 49-kilogram gold.

Chavez said Sachin was taller than Paalam by about three inches and enjoyed a longer reach.

“It’s hard to penetrate Sachin’s defense because he fights from a distance,” he said in Pilipino. “Like Carlo, Sachin also throws a lot of punches. Sachin’s advantage is his length. If Carlo was more focused, maybe, he would’ve won.” (Philboxing.com)

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