Edge Davao 9 Issue 238

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LENDING AN EAR. Former Department of Agriculture secretaries Luis Ramon Lorenzo (center) and Senen Bacani listen as current DA secretary Emmanuel Piñol seems to be stressing a point during yesterday’s plant inauguration of Franklin Baker Company of the Philippines in Darong, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Piñol was the keynote speaker of the event where he laid out the plans of the Duterte administration for the agriculture sector. Lean Daval Jr.

ALERT UP AS RAINS DRENCH DAVAO REGION Motorists warned to avoid routes prone to slides and floods City Council to probe

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Department of Public Works and Highways in the region has called on called on motorists and travellers to avoid routes that considered prone to possible landslides and flooding.

Dean Ortiz, spokesperson of DPWH-11 said that as of 3:00 p.m. of January 19, some road sections in the Compostela Valley-Cateel Highway are still closed to the riding public.

Local government units, concerned line agencies and support groups have their hands full in undertaking pre-emptive evacuation to suspension of classes; clearing operations and round-theclock monitoring of river systems.

The immediate closure

and dispatching of personnel from DPWH-11 and the district offices were ordered by regional director Allan S. Borromeo on Thursday.

“Due to incessant rains, landslides have been reported along the following road sections of the Compostela-Cateel Road. Due to the hostile weather and slippery road conditions, motorists are hereby discouraged to take these routes,” Ortiz said in a phone interview.

Closed sections of Compostela Valley-Cateel highway include kilometer 1594+200 in Barangay Panansalan; kilometer 1600+000 in Barangay Ngan, particularly in Bango Section; and the Osmeña Section.

Ortiz said DPWH operations are still on-going in the area particularly the removal of debris due to landslides.

Parts of the same highway that were already declared passable as of 3:00 p.m. on Thursday include the kilometer 1592+100 in BarangayPanansalan; kilometer 1592+900 also in Panansalan.

DPWH-11 also announced that one lane of the following sections of Compostela Valley-Cateel highway are already declared passable as of 4:00 p.m. on Thursday – kilometer 1605+400 Bango Section in Barangay Ngan and kilometer 1606+500 in the same area in Ngan.

Ortiz added that DPWH equipments are still on stand-

by in said areas for possibility of recurrence of flooding and landslides.

Meanwhile, on Thursday morning, around 30 families residing along Lasang River in Panabo City, Davao del Norte were already evacuated due to the heavy rains.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) said authorities were not discounting soil erosion as flood waters continue to inundate the area.

In the province of Compostela Valley, as of 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, pre-emptive evacuations were already conducted in the towns of Nabunturan, Montevista and Compostela.

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Tugbok mall’s abuses

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS and FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE City Council indicated it will be investigate a mall in Tugbok District that went up in smokes last week to determine if it passed all the necessary documents before it was put up.

The fire, of undetermined origin, razed to the

ground the warehouse of the Gaisano Capital Mall with destroyed appliances, clothing and groceries. Total damage was placed at P3 million.

Councilor Jesus Melchor Quitain Jr Tuesday said the councilors must look into

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HIGH RATING TOO. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gives the thumbs up sign as he enjoyed the performance of cultural dancers during the 20th anniversary of Premier Medical Center in Cabanatuan City on Wednesday. ALFRED FRIAS/ Presidential Photos

4 dead after pickup truck falls into ravine in mishap

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OUR people were killed while another was injured after a pickup truck fell into a ravine in Malungon town in Sarangani Province late Wednesday night.

Sr. Insp. Richard Pabalinas, Malungon municipal police station chief, said Thursday the Toyota hilux pickup was traveling at a portion of the national highway in Sitio Basak in Barangay Malandag at around 11 p.m. when the incident happened.

He said the pickup, which was then driven by Lendel Rey Palec, 19, came from the barangay center of Malandag with four passengers.

The victims were reportedly on their way to Barangay

Banahaw.

“The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle as it was traversing a curved portion of the highway,” he said.

The speeding vehicle eventually fell into a 15-meter ravine beside the national highway, he said.

The pickup’s four passengers died due to severe head and body injuries.

They were identified as Euds Elie Lambre, Kenneth Ycay, Syan Griffeth Jaleco, and Peddy Cabahug, who were all residents of Barangay Malandag in Malungon.

Its driver, Palec, sustained various injuries and is presently undergoing treatment at the Socsargen County Hospital here. (PNA)

Military units helping in cleanup drive in flood-battered Northern Mindanao

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ILITARY units are helping the ongoing cleaning operations in Northern Mindanao which was hardly hit by rains and flooding last Monday.

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla who said troops from the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) are now helping local government units in clearing mud and other debris from roads, bridges, and government buildings, brought in by the severe flooding.

This especially applies to Cagayan De Oro City which

was the area most hard hit

by Monday’s heavy rains and subsequent flooding.

“Troops, especially the EMC, are now helping in the ongoing clean-up drive being conducted by the Cagayan De Oro city government,and other areas affected by the floods,” Padilla said in Filipino.

EMC units, especially the Cagayan De Oro-based 4th Infantry Division, were instrumental in rescuing 2,577 families or 9,415 individuals during the severe weather disturbance which brought heavy rains and flooding to the city and other parts of Misamis Oriental. (PNA)

Army bares content of Oplan Kapayapaan

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HE Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) on Wednesday disclosed that the military’s new security program, Oplan Kapayapaan, would be focusing on supporting the government development efforts to address internal security threats.

Military spokesperson Capt. Rhyan Batchar said in a press briefing Wednesday, Jan.18 that they are more focused on the support of nation building, help the law enforcement authorities in the fight against crime and illegal drugs, civil-military cooperation, peace-building advoca-

cy, and application of military forces against terrorists and other armed threat groups.

Batchar added that the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – which is the New People’s Army (NPA), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – are considered as inclined peace groups as all three are undergoing negotiations with the government.

“Oplan Kapayapaan” recently replaced the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan or known as “Oplan Bayanihan.”

“AFP is now focusing on

the “ISIS-inspired” armed groups in the Philippines such as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Maute group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Al- Kihilafah Philippines (AKP), and Jemaiah Islamiyah (JI),” Batchar said.

It can be recalled that EastMinCom on August 2016 sent around 1,000 troops to the western side of Mindanao to fight against the ASG. Meanwhile, 10th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia told Edge in a separate interview that they would be supporting the government’s efforts by using

their capabilities to bring services to far flung areas.

“The presence of the army in far flung areas and communities are for peace and development,” Valencia explained.

He added that they would be bringing their partner organizations with them and provide them security.

“All the operation of the AFP should be harmonized with the development and appropriate efforts of the different stakeholders,” he added.

The main difference, he explained, is that Bayanihan was aimed at “winning the peace,” while Kapayapaan is to “sustain the peace.”

paid their dues amounting to P42,014,842,” she said.

Ipong added that peace and order was one of the major factors that contributed to the business renewal in the city.

“Several businessmen observed the tremendous investment opportunities in the city which is why they opted to renew the permits,” Ipong said.

The renewal of business permits has been conducted on the ground floor of Sanggu-

niang Panlungsod and at the Kadayawan Hall in NCCC Mall since January 2 this year and that new enterprise are also encouraged to apply to secure business permits.

Meanwhile, in a statement released by City Information Office (CIO), the documentary requirements for renewal include barangay clearance, income tax returns and other documents that would determine the corresponding taxes, fees and charges.

“Additional documentary requirements as set by the Revenue Code of Davao are previous Mayor’s Permit, past receipts of payments, notarized list of employees, community tax certificate, fire safety inspection certificate, and special power of attorney for single proprietorship, board/partnership resolution and secretary’s certificate for other types of organizations,” CIO’s statement added.

Renewal of business permits winds up today

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HE Business Bureau in Davao is expecting to wind up today the processing of the renewal of the permits of about 38,800 business establishments in the city.

According to Cecilia Ipong of the Business Bureau, they have recorded 32,335 applicants out of 38,800 total permits from January 2 to 18 this year.

“Of the same number of applications, 20,334 establishments have already

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Du30’s letter to Pope Francis is a‘diplomatic move’: priest

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EARLY BIRD. Philippines representative to the Ms. Universe beauty pageant Maxine Medina, together with other 28 Ms. Universe candidates, arrives at the Davao International Airport for some series of activities in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

CATHOLIC priest said that President Rodrigo Duterte is being “diplomatic” when he wrote a letter to Pope Francis.

“He is being diplomatic,” said Fr. Jerome Secillano, parish priest at the Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Parish in Sampaloc, Manila.

The Manila priest added, “He wishes to assure the Pope that his tirades against priests and bishops in the country should not to be misconstrued as cutting off that special relations with the Vatican.”

Secillano believed that despite the unpredictable relationship between the church and the government, what was written on the letter guarantees that the correlation will not be affected.

“While the relationship between the local church and

the government seems to be testy, the President guarrantees that this won’t affect the esteem he has for the Pontiff and the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Vatican,” he explained.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Jesus Dureza personally handed over the letter to the Holy Father on Thursday.

“Our countrymen remember Your Holiness’ apostolic visit in 2015 with deep appreciation, knowing that it was made with the most sincere regard for the welfare of the Church’s flock,” part of the letter reads, which was posted on OPAPP’s Twitter page.

The Catholic Church in the country has repeatedly expressed opposition to some policies being pushed by the

HE provincial government of South Cotabato is set to honor a tribal weaver from Polomolok town who was declared earlier this month by President Rodrigo R. Duterte as a National Living Treasure.

Board member Edgar Sambog, the province’s indigenous people’s mandatory representative, said Thursday the local government will give the highest honor to Bai Yabing Masalon Dulo, who was conferred with the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan Award (GAMABA).

He said the recognition will be given to Bai Yabing during the celebration of the National Arts Month in February.

“Her achievement is a big honor to the tribal communities and entire constituents of South Cotabato,” he said.

Sambog said his office is working on the passage of a

resolution that will give special recognition to Bai Yabing, the province’s second GAMABA awardee.

Bai Yabing, who was one of the three weavers honored with the prestigious award, hails from the B’laan tribe.

She was conferred with the award by virtue of Proclamation No. 126 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The award mainly recognized her “commitment and contribution in safeguarding and promoting” the mabal tabih (ikat weaving) tradition.

Republic Act 7355 provided for the recognition of the country’s National Living Treasures or “Manlilikha ng Bayan” who are engaged in a highly technical and artistic level of traditional art.

“At the age of 106, Bai Yabing is still passing on her skills on ikat weaving to her children, grandchildren and students,” Sambog said. (PNA)

Study: 83% of Davao T backs Rody’s policies

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SoCot to honor B’laan ‘National Living Treasure’

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

A

RECENT study conducted by the University of Mindanao’s Institute of Popular Opinion concluded that President Rodrigo Duterte’s policies, statement and declarations gained an approval rating of 83 percent among Davaoeños.

The study, conducted from December 3 to 10, 2016 covered 1,200 respondents using a 5 per cent margin of error and 95 per cent confidence level.

Speaking during the Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Mall Davao City, Prof.

Adrian Tamayo said of the many controversial policies and statements, the President’s drug war came out to

be the most approved policy with 99 percent.

“Almost all Dabawenyos support the drug war waged by the President,” he said.

The survey further showed that Dabawenyos approve Duterte’s policies on the liquor ban (98%), anti-smoking (97%), Endo (end-of-contract) (95%), birth control which is laced with controversies like free contraceptives and the preference for limiting to 3 children per household (94%), and publicly exposing the names involved in narcopolitics (93%).

The amnesty to NPA surrenderees and peace negotiations also obtained high ap-

Police eye link of village dad to North Cotabato jail attack

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OLICE authorities here are looking at the possible involvement of a village councilman in the attack on North Cotabato District Jail on January 5, a police official on Thursday said.

Senior Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, North Cotabato police provincial director, said investigators are digging deeper into the links between village councilman Satar Manalundong of Barangay Patadon, Matalam, North Cotabato and the attackers.

Manalundong was killed the morning after the daring attack on the provincial jail compound that left one jail officer killed and the escape of 158 inmates.

He was seen by pursuing lawmen on a motorbike with two fugitives in Barangay Patadon and was killed when he

resisted arrest. The two escapees fled unharmed.

Barangay Patadon was the escape route of about 20 gunmen after launching the jail attack.

Peralta said the possibility of Manalundong’s involvement in the planning and execution of the raid is worth looking into.

“There were evidences that could link him to the crime,” Peralta said.

First, Peralta said Manalundong could be with Esmael Nasser, alias “Commander Derbi,” the leader of gunmen who stormed the jail compound in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City.

Second, the village official could have lent his firearms to Nasser or to his men.

According to Peralta, the

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proval rating with 90 percent and 89 percent respectively.

Meanwhile, Prof. Tamayo identified the President’s statement on saying sorry for allowing the burial of late president Ferdinand Marcos at Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) as one of those which received low approval rating with 24 percent.

He explained, this is an indication that Dabawenyos supported the declaration of the President to bury Marcos and saying sorry is unnecessary.

“They approved, they mean, burying Marcos is the right thing to do,” stressed Tamayo.

Another policy which

Dabawenyos do not approve was the reaching out of the President to discuss peace with the Maute group.

“Perhaps they find the effort to be unlikely for they know that the perpetrators are terrorists behind the September 2, 2016 Roxas bombing,” said Prof. John Vianne Murcia, one of UM-IPO’s researchers.

The researchers further said that the approval ratings revealed that males and females maintain similar ratings of 86 percent while widows/ers fall a point less than the rest with 85 percent.

Tamayo added that it was found out that ages 50 to 59

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STERN REMINDERS. The City Transport and Traffic Management Office places “No Parking” signages along the main thoroughfares of Davao City as part of the inter-agencies road clearing operations project, an effort to help decongest the city’s streets. Lean Daval Jr.

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6 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Private sector supports gov’t eCommerce program in City

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FRESH START. Franklin Baker Company of the Philippines president and chief executive officer Jerome Lorenzo (second from left), vice Chairman Peter D. Garrucho Jr. (rightmost), independent director Senen Bacani (second from right) and Darong plant manager Ronaldo Santos (leftmost),

together with Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary Emmanuel Piñol, lead the ceremonial start of plant operations during yesterday inauguration of the company’s Darong plant in Darong, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Lean Daval Jr.

Color-coded map for agriculture completed

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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EPARTMENT of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol announced on Thursday that the national color-coded map has been completed.

Speaking during the inauguration event of the processing plant of coconut product company Franklin Baker at Darong, Sta.Cruz, Davao del Sur, Piñol stated that it is the first national color-coded map which determined the country’s soil fertility and crop suitability.

“...the National Color-coded Map which would conduct a study on what type of soil is found in a specific area in this country and what type of crops should be planted or developed in the country based on soil fertility, based on value of crops, based on risks and hazards,” said the Secretary.

According to Piñol, this is the first among DA’s initiatives.

He added that the study was started September last year.

The agriculture secretary said that as soon as he re-

sumed his position, President Duterte directed him to ensure an available and affordable food for the country.

Another directive of the President according to Piñol is to end the culture of corruption in the Department of Agriculture which he is closely monitoring now.

“We are maximizing the budget of DA as much as possible,” stressed the secretary who added that he has banned the conduct of meetings of all officials and employees in lux-

ury hotels and resorts as well ended the practice of “Lakbay-Aral” program.

“You meet in offices built by the government. You meet in the offices of DA,” Piñol emphasized.

Finally, the Secretary challenged his subordinates that if they could show any proof of his involvement in corruption, he will resign immediately.

“Otherwise you better follow what I tell you or I’ll kick you out,” warned the agriculture Secretary.

investments rather than by consumption,” Chua said at the briefing by DOF officials on House Bill 4774 before the House ways and means committee.

HB 4774 is a revised package of the DOF-proposed tax reform plan that was crafted and filed by Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua, who chairs this panel.

According to Chua, computations made by the DOF and the House committee showed that implementing the revisedtax reform plan, provided that it would be approved before June this year, would yield a net gain of P41.5 billion in the second half of 2017.

Legislated reforms in tax administration, if enacted on time, will raise another P48.1 billion in the second half of 2017, he added.

The start of the full implementation of tax policy reform in 2018, which will net P162.5 billion, along with another P44.3 billion for that year from legislated tax administration reform, will raise a total of P206.8 billion, Chua said.

In its statement issued last December 20, the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) said the “projected

proceeds from the tax reform package—around P206.8 billion--will fund the government’s big-ticket development projects, particularly the infrastructure program.”

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has welcomed Cua’s recent statement that the first package would likely be approved by the House ways and means committee in January this year.

Dominguez said that “in the medium-term, tax reform is expected to help reduce the poverty rate from 21.6 percent in 2015 to 14 percent in 2022, lifting some six million Filipinos out of poverty, and helping the country achieve upper middle-income country status where per capita gross national income increases from USD3,550 in 2015 to at least USD4,900 by 2022, close to where Thailand is today.”

Once this momentum is sustained, the country would be well on its way to becoming a high-income economy by 2040 with a per capita gross national income of at least USD11,000,which is where Malaysia is right now, he added.

“To protect the poor and vulnerable, highly targeted

transfers and subsidies will be provided as part of the ramp up of social spending from 37.3 percent of the 2016 budget to 40.1 percent of the 2017 budget,” Dominguez said.

Chua said the revised tax reform package, which covers the lowering of personal income tax (PIT) rates and a corresponding set of revenue-compensating measures, will correct the flaws in our tax system.

The House-modified Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion plan retains the DOF proposal of exempting from PIT payments those with a net taxable income of P250,000 andbelow and simplifying tax payments in order to increase the take-home pay of most Filipino taxpayers and make the system fairer and more equitable.

The P82,000 exemption for 13th month and other bonuses will remain.

The revised package also includes lowering the rates for estate and donor’s taxes, expanding the value-added tax (VAT) base, but retaining the exemptions enjoyed by senior citizens and persons with disabilities, adjusting automobile and fuel excise taxes. (PNA)

Tax reforms to net P206.8 B in the 1st year T

HE Duterte administration needs to raise some P366 billion a year over the medium term, of which some P206.8 billion is expected to come from tax reform in the first full year of its implementation, for it to mount an unprecedented investment strategy that would finally put the Philippines on an “irreversible” path to high and inclusive growth, Department of Finance officials (DOF) told lawmakers on Wednesday.

Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said only with this sizable increase in revenues can the government meet its goal of drastically reducing poverty and transforming the country into an upper middle-income economy in 2022 by spending big on infrastructure, human capital--education, health, life-long training, and research and development (R&D)--and social protection for the poor and other vulnerable sectors.

“However, without this planned investment buildup via tax reform, the government will merely “muddle through” and cannot meet the prerequisites to high and inclusive growth, which are a growth rate of at least 7 percent per year, and driven by

N initiative of providing an online platform for agri-business and the agricultural sector of Davao will be launched by a private sector group during the E-Commerce Entrepreneur Summit on January 28, 2017 at Home Crest this city.

Maria Celeste Noblefranca, chief executive officer of LogEx Business Solutions here, said they will be partnering with farmers cooperatives for them to use the platform as their tool to market their products to prospective buyers.

“The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been aggressively promoting e-commerce after the release of the Philippines E-commerce Roadmap (2016-2020) and we are supporting this advocacy,” she said.

Noblefranca said there will be discussions during the summit on the advantages of e-Commerce in increasing revenues online and acquiring bigger share on local and global markets.

She said the Summit will also tackle developments on the field among relevant and

emerging players and empower entrepreneurs and professionals on the power of e-commerce.

Among the invited participants are entrepreneurs, MSMEs, business owners, members of the academe, professionals and interested individuals who wish to learn how to leverage e-commerce by applying to their business with the goal of penetrating the local market and eventually expanding to the global scene.

Noblefranca said many are still intimidated to do business online and prefer the traditional way of doing business.

“This is where we wanted to come in but will focus first on putting and maintaining the agricultural market place.

This is a dedicated agriculture market place for Davao producers,” she said.

She said products to be marketed are coconut, red or brown rice and spices, among others.

They will also help protect small farmers from unscrupulous buyers.

She said they already have data on the number of farmers group to partner with. (PNA)

ASEAN now“darling of the world” with rapid economic growth: DTI

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HE establishment of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has helped its 10 member nations to partner with big economies and its current economic growth has become the “darling of the world.”

ASEAN’s growth has fully benefited from its partnership with the big economies of China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, Department of Trade and Industry Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) Director Senen Perlada said Wednesday.

“The role of ASEAN is to become a very big economy, a force to reckon with here in Asia,” Perlada said during the

ASEAN and Philippines-EU Briefing in Quezon City.

“Can you imagine these 10 countries without ASEAN and you are looking at China which is very dominant,” the trade official said.

Perlada mentioned that ASEAN is now the “darling of the world” with its member states’ fast paced economic growth.

Recent projection of IHS Global Insight noted that the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) for 2017 is seen to reach USD2.6 trillion, higher than the GDP of major economies such as India, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Russia, and Australia.

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EU withdrawal of GSP+ to hurt coco, tuna industry

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XPORTERS of coconut products and tuna will be mostly affected if the European Union (EU) will stop granting Generalised Scheme of Preference Plus (GSP+) to the Philippines, a trade official said.

Department of Trade and Industry Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) Director Senen Perlada, on the sidelines of ASEAN Economic Community and Philippines-EU Briefing on Wednesday, said coconut products and tuna are among the country’s top exports to the EU market.

In particular, tuna products have higher current tariff rate at 20.5 percent compared to the zero-duty with GSP+.

Current tariff rate of coconut products, on the other hand, is below 5.0 percent.

Perlada mentioned that among the 10 ASEAN countries, the Philippines is the top import

source for the EU of desiccated coconut and second largest source for prepared or preserved tunas, skipjack and Atlantic bonito, whole or in pieces.

He noted that EU’s import of desiccated coconut from ASEAN in 2015 amounted to USD182 million, in which 54 percent was imported from the Philippines.

Also, EU’s import of prepared or preserved tunas, skipjack and Atlantic bonito, whole or in pieces, from ASEAN in the same year reached USD479 million. The country shared 30 percent of total exports of these marine products to EU in 2015.

Moreover, the official stressed that the EU GSP+ is an advantage of the Philippines which other ASEAN countries do not have.

As of last year, EU only granted GSP+ to nine countries

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PESO Davao del Norte to enforce new SPES law

T COMPLETED PROJECT. Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, together with Mayor Maricel Colina-Vendiola and Berlita Silagan of DSWD led the blessing and formal turn-over of 110 housing units to beneficiaries in Barangay Magcagong, Maragusan town on Thursday, January 19.

The project is a joint undertaking of DSWD-Modified Shelter Assistance, Provincial Government of Compostela Valley, LGU-Maragusan and Uswag Gawad Kalinga-Tindog Comval. (Maragusan LGU)

Davao provinces get P12-M agri projects T

HE Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) has turned over P12.86- million worth of livelihood projects under its Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) program this week.

In Davao del Norte, P6.3 million worth of livelihood projects were already turned over to the local government unit (LGU) of Tagum City.

Livelihood projects lined up for implementation include the P605,000 poultry and livestock raising; P539,000 for native livestock and poultry raising for Muslim community; P673,000 for the provision

of rice production machineries and support; P673,000 for vegetable production support and provision of small irrigation equipment; P1.010 million for coconut fiber materials training and production; and P810,000 for agri-processing facilities and expanded agri-business activities.

DA-XI also turned over P2 million worth of fertilizers in support to its High Value Crops Program (HVCDP) for cacao rehabilitation program.

Melani Provido, OIC-Chief of the Fields Operations Division (FOD) said the P2-million budget for cacao rehabilita-

tion is the commitment of Undersecretary Evelyn Laviña in support to the Tagum Agriculture Masterplan.

“This is to boost the production of cacao in Tagum City since they are the center production area of the three municipalities namely Compostela Valley Province, Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte,” Provido added.

Meanwhile, LGU Kapalong in Davao del Norte also received the first tranche of BUB check worth P906,000 for the construction of village level high-value crop processing plant.

The province of Davao Oriental, on the other hand, also received a total of P5.385 million worth of projects under the BUB. Among the projects funded during the release include the establishment of mini-ice plant in town the of Baganga worth P4.5 million.

The first tranche of check worth P250,000 for the construction of two units multi-purpose drying pavement in Caraga were already released to the local government and now ready for implementation.

But for Tagum City Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Virgilio Agunod, still there are problems that need to be addressed in order further boost the province’s appeal to investors.

Agunod and 10th Infantry (Agila) Division commander Major General Rafael Valencia spoke before the members of the media on Tuesday in a regular press conference held at the Big 8 Corporate Hotel in Tagum City.

Among the problems that Agunod identified include the problems in traffic, the unstable and insufficient supply of electricity and peace and order He said that these problems lessen the investment appeal of the city to investors, further explaining that if these problems are effectively addressed, the government and the people of Davao del Norte will be able to maximize fully the province’s economic po-

tential.

“There are still businesses that are being extorted by people who pretends to be a member of guerilla organization asking for revolutionary tax”, Agunod stressed.

Though it is against the law, business owners are forced to comply with the demands of the extortionists because of the fear for their safety.

“Peace and order is a ma-

ical rival’s bailiwick to explain to Tan and the people of Sulu that the regional government is determined to finish all the projects as scheduled, do it above board and open to public scrutiny.

Tan conceded defeat to Hataman after the polls but vowed to continue to be the administration’s critic as far as project implementations are concerned.

Accompanying Hataman were Regional Vice Governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr., DOH-ARMM Secretary Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, DPWH-ARMM Secretary Engr.

Don Mustapha Loong and

DepEd-ARMM Assistant Secretary Alfhadar Pajiji in the forum attended by Tan and other Sulu local officials.

Tan complained of alleged unfinished construction of hospitals and rural health stations, including the Maimbung Municipal Hospital.

Sinolinding had ready answers. He said the PHP10-million fund for Maimbung Hospital Maimbung was under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) funded by the Transition Investment Support Program (TISP).

Construction ceased after the TISP-Disbursement Accel-

F DAVAO, 11

Peace and order key to stronger economic growth in Tagum

I

n the recent years, Davao del Norte, specifically the city of Tagum has been attracting more and more investors because of its strategic location and strong peso power.

Governor Anthony del Rosario sees this investor appeal as an opportunity to strengthen the public and private partnerships and open doors for employment and economic development in the province as part of his development agenda.

ARMM leadership assures completion of projects

G

OVERNOR Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has assured the people of Sulu that government projects will be completed and opened to public scrutiny.

Hataman made the assurance after former Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, who he defeated in last year’s regional elections, alleged that regional government projects in Sulu were unfinished.

Hataman brought his team of regional officials whose office are involved in project implementation, including health and education officials.

He stepped into his polit-

F ARMM, 13

F PEACE, 11

HE Public Employment Services Offices (PESO) in Davao del Norte will implement starting this year the amended law on Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

This after the Department of Labor and Employment in the region (DOLE XI) oriented their PESO managers and SPES focal persons on Republic Act 10917 or the law that further strengthens and expands Republic Act 7323 or SPES Act of 2002.

The orientation was held on Wednesday at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan in Tagum City.

Marlito Ayala of DOLE XI detailed the features of the new SPES law, which include expanding the age range of a SPES grantee from 15-25 years old to 15-30 years old.

Ayala also stressed that not only poor children be-

longing to a family of six people with an income below P 11,377.20 monthly can avail of the program, but also those children whose families are victims of calamity or their parents are displaced workers.

He emphasized that the employment period of a SPES beneficiary is now stretched to 78 days from 52 days on the previous year and 15 days for December employment, which is formerly 10 days only.

He said that one of the features of the new law is that the DOLE will give its share of salary in cash or check, directly to the students or through its Landbank ATM, instead of educational vouchers.

DOLE also expands its share given to the local government units up to 75% of the SPES salary depending on LGU’s income-class, he added.

(PIA11/Michael Uy)

PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT. Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of 10th ID and Virgilio Agunod, president of Tagum City Chamber of Commerce and Industry were the guests during the regular conference at the Big 8 Corporate Hotel in Tagum City on Tuesday. (PIO DavNor)

Classes suspended in SC town due to heavy rains

C

LASSES were suspended on Thursday morning in elementary and high school levels in Surallah town in South Cotabato due to the continuing heavy rains.

Milagros Lorca, chief of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the municipal government of Surallah ordered the class suspension as a safety precaution for students and local residents.

She said the declaration was based on a memorandum issued by Surallah Mayor An-

WORTHY DONATION. General Santos - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera confers with the mission partners of Libreng Operasyon 2017, the Operation Bayanihan Medical- Surgical Missions, Mission arm of Phil-Am Association of Nevada (PAAN) and affiliate of Phil-

tonio Bendita to public and private schools in the area.

“The area is presently under heavy rainfall category and we’re closely monitoring several areas there for the possible occurrence of flashfloods and landslides,” she told radio station dxKR of the Radio Mindanao Network.

Surallah is traversed by the critical Allah River, which recorded heavy flooding in some portions in the past due to heavy rains.

Several barangays are

F CLASSES, 11

Am Charity Foundation (PACF) headed by Dr. Daniel Fabito. The mission partners from Las Vegas will donate an anesthesia machine worth P2 million to the city hospital. (Russell Delvo/ Gensan CPIO)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 238 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 - 21, 2017

EDITORIAL

T

Genuine Dabawenyo hospitality

WENTY of the Miss Universe beauties are in town but if one intends to get near them, talk to them or touch them, that’s a far fetched idea.

The answer is no way.

Security will be tight and even the local media who had the event for their assignment had to grapple for accreditation.

Some 2,000 security personnel, a few of them deployed to ensure there will be no public contact, will have their hands full making sure there will be no breach of security in the sae manner as they did quite successfully with the recent ASEAN Chairmanship launch.

So these beauties will be “for your eyes only” throughout their stay here. For those hoping to get a selfie are advised

EDGEDAVAO

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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not to push their luck too far.

The streets will be cleared of parked vehicles too and expect traffic to be eased.

Now, didn’t the President himself curse when the Pope apparently caused inconvenience to Filipinos during his visit?

Are the beauties excused if they cause inconvenience too to Dabawenyos from doing their usual routine?

These pretty ambassadors are no different. Yes, we accord them our utmost hospitality but organizers must also recognize that Dabawenyos are a pretty disciplined lot and know the bounds allowed by security. And yes, it is good to feel the real vibe of Davao when it is genuine and unrestricted.

Welcome to Davao City, ladies.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

EDGEDAVAO

O

VER the past two decades, there has been a cultural revival of sorts in Davao City, especially responsiveness in names that titillate the Filipino psyche. This kind of consciousness may aptly be called as ‘linguistic awareness’ because the central aspect of the trend is focused on the use of local terms to propagate products.

The internet defines language awareness as an “explicit knowledge about language, and conscious perception and sensitivity in language learning, language teaching and language use [and] covers a wide spectrum of fields.”

The local terms, mostly from major languages and dialects around the archipelago, have eventually become business trademarks, brand names, and so on. But more significantly, they mirror the true character of a Filipino conversation about things he loves or cares.

Historically, the adaptation of vernacular words as product identities entered the realm of business in Davao City quite late. In the past quarter of a century, after the surge of so-called ‘Japayuki terms,’ mostly names of beerhouses and dining clubs owned by Filipinos who went to Japan, tolerance towards casual dialectical terminologies started to open up.

In recent years, food houses such as Karahay (cauldron), Yahong (soup bowl), Kaldero (kettle), Tagbuan (rendezvous), Taboan (flea market), Kambingan (goat-meat restaurant), Luz Kinilaw Place (a place to eat ceviche), Sa-

L

AST January 1, the world celebrated the New Year’s Day. This coming January 28, Chinese New Year will be greeted with much noise and celebration, too.

Aside from those two important dates, there seems to be no more holidays or non-working days to be observed.

But last January 5, which happened to be my birthday, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 124, declaring January of every year as “National Bible Month” in recognition of the “religious nature of the Filipino people and the elevating influence of religion in human society.”

Duterte also set every last week of January as “National Bible Week.”

It is commonly known that the Bible, in its hundreds of different translations, is the most widely distributed book in human history. Moreover, in all its forms, the Bible has been enormously influential, and not only among the religious communities that hold it sacred. The literature, art, and music of Western culture in particular are deeply indebted to biblical themes, motifs, and images.

Translations of the Bible, such as the Authorized Version (or King James Version, 1611) and Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible into German (first completed in 1534) not only influenced literature but also shaped the development of languages. Such effects continue to be felt in emerging nations, where translations of the Bible into the vernacular help to shape language traditions.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 238 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 - 21, 2017

Cultural revival as historical twist

VANTAGE POINTS

9

na’s Kabawan FAST BACKWARD (restaurant serving carabao meat), and Kan-anan (literally, ‘eating place’) have become recognizable nomenclatures.

In recent Antonio V. Figueroa years, new additions made it to this interesting list. Names like Puto Maya at Tsokolate (snack cum dining stall), Rekado (slang for ‘ingredient’), Kaonanan Sa Tribu K’Mindanawan (tribal food house), Saging Repablik (literary, ‘banana republic’), and Balik Bukid (an organic food eatery) have entered the gourmet’s non-traditional lexicon.

And when it comes to haberdashery and clothing stores, you will encounter Biste, Damit, Sinina, and Pantalon, as some of the iconic local trademarks. Except for the last term, which means ‘pants,’ the three other store names tell the customer the establishments are specifically into tailoring and fitting clothes. And there’s Patahian, which simply means tailorshop, and Mananahi sa Davao (sewer).

An earlier but amusingly version of ‘linguistic awareness’ transpired in the late 1980s, courtesy of a store that carried the street name

Yagbulls (from bayag or ox testicles), situated along Ponciano Reyes Street, just across a now bustling elementary school. The eatery did not strictly adopt local terms, but employed slang words to attract customers drawn to exotic food.

If memory serves us right, its frog cuisine was known as Fried Kokak and its snake menu was Zuma, the man-snake popularized in comic strips and movies. (Coincidentally, the Zuma role in Filipino films was first played by actor Max Laurel, a former resident of Toril District.)

With the entry of the nineties, odd sounding business names started to show up in records.

For instance, along Florentino Torres street, not too far from the Mabini junction, there was Puslan Man (a Visayan expression of dejection), a pub that offered poetry reading and storytelling.

With a thin crowd visiting the place nightly, it was later forced to transfer to a smaller stall a few meters from Davao Doctors Hospital. Predictably, with a very low turnout of customers that ensued, it eventually closed shop.

In the martial law era, three names stood out as recognizable among Davao residents. Long before the Mang Inasal craze took the country by storm, Tambuli (shell bugle), the first and most popular grilled chicken house in Davao, was a real draw; it was housed in a three-story sawali-walled structure along San Pedro Street, in a place where a budget hotel now stands.

The Harana (customary form of courtship) and Sarungbanggi (‘one night,’ in Bicol) restaurants at Matina were also early competitors but were later moved to its permanent home at F. Street, considered as the city’s food district until it was wracked with nightly violence perpetrated by drunken customers from nearby pubs.

New entrepreneurs, interestingly, find the use of vernacular terms as fashionable, stylistic, and trendsetting. This is a faint reminder of old dining corners that carried familiar names like tambayan (hangout), piyesta (feast), kainan (eatery), sinugba (grilled) habhab (eat greedily), lambat (fish net) and sumsuman or pulutan (fingerfoods).

As early as the seventies, the most popular short-order food for Cebuanos was sutukil, short for sugba (grill), tula (stew), and kinilaw (raw meat cooked in vinegar, spices, and herbs).

Some sociologists describe this preference for local terms in businesses as a ‘cultural trend,’ something that has to do with the way people appreciate native or tribal nuances, or a new kind of revival that puts credit and merit on the lure that vernacular terms afford.

To some, though, it’s a kind of discovery that attracts people who have been eternally exposed to names associated with European, Roman or American. After all, there is more to local terminologies than meet the eyes, especially when they translate into sumptuous meals or scrumptious foods.

Statistics THINK ON THESE! assure us that the Bible is still the world’s bestseller, but evidence of biblical literacy is not encouraging.

The late Bruce Barton was too painfully near Henrylito D. Tacio the truth when henrytacio@gmail.com he entitled his book about the Bible, The Book Nobody Knows.

The term Bible is derived through Latin from the Greek biblia, or “books,” the diminutive form of byblos, the word for “papyrus” or “paper,” which was exported from the ancient Phoenician port city of Biblos. By the time of the Middle Ages the books of the Bible were considered a unified entity.

If you were to open a Bible for the first time, the thing that might immediately attract your attention is that there are two major divisions in it: “Old Testament” and “New Testament.” The word testament means “covenant” or “agreement.” As Henrietta C. Mears explains in her book, What the Bible is All About: “The Old Testament is the covenant God made with man about his salvation before Christ came. The New Testament is the agreement God made with man about his salvation after Christ came.”

The order as well as the number of books dif-

fers between the Jewish Bible and the Protestant and Roman Catholic versions of the Bible. The Bible of Judaism is in three distinct parts: the Torah, or Law, also called the books of Moses; the Nebiim, or Prophets, divided into the Earlier and Latter Prophets; and the Ketubim, or Writings, including Psalms, wisdom books, and other diverse literature.

The Christian Old Testament organizes the books according to their type of literature: the Pentateuch, corresponding to the Torah; historical books; poetical or wisdom books; and prophetical books. The Protestant and Roman Catholic versions of the Old Testament place the books in the same sequence, but the Protestant version includes only those books found in the Bible of Judaism.

The New Testament includes the four Gospels; the Acts of the Apostles, a history of early Christianity; Epistles, or letters, of Paul and other writers; and an apocalypse, or Book of Revelation. Some books identified as letters, particularly the Book of Hebrews, are theological treatises.

Perhaps, not too many know that William Shakespeare used fewer than 550 quotations from and references to the Bible. In Richard II, there are 40 while Richard III has 49. Hamlet has 80. Not one of his 37 plays are without quotation from the Bible, or at least a reference or allusion to it.

There are some people who use the Holy Bible as a safe deposit box. Arthur Tonne wrote: “The Bible has been used for many things: to keep family statistics, recipes, clippings, pictures,

to press flowers and keep letters. One woman keeps her household money between its sacred pages. Here’s her reason: ‘Anybody who opens the Bible is not the type who would steal from you. Those who want to steal would not pick up the Bible in the first place.”

She has a point, indeed!

But the Bible is more than not. “The Bible is a storehouse of whose contents no one can afford to be ignorant,” American evangelist and publisher Dwight Moody pointed out. “It repays reading and study whether it be approached merely because of its literary value, or its ethical teachings, or its practical bearing on everyday life.”

The Bible should not be taken lightly or literally. Emperor Menelik of Ethiopia was convinced that when he was unwell, he had to only to eat a few pages of the Bible in order to feel better. This odd behavior, according to Clifron Fadiman, did him little harm, as long as his biblical intake was modest.

However, in December 1931, he was recovering from a stroke, when he felt extremely ill.

On his instructions, the complete Book of Kings was torn from the Bible and fed to him, page by page. He died before he had consumed the entire book.

The above incident is an example of the truth in Francis Bacon’s maxim: “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.”

Menelik’s is the only case in history where all three occurred.

It is written!

10 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 238 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 - 21, 2017

DCWD training center is T outstanding RTC of 2015 T

HE Regional Training Center (RTC) of Davao City Water District was awarded as the Outstanding RTC of 2015 by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA). LWUA conferred the award on December 8, 2016 during its yearend planning conference in Quezon City.

The award was then present-

ed together with the RTC staff under the Human Resource Department during the January 2017 employees convocation.

Established in 1979, the DCWD-RTC has been conducting learning and development programs for employees of DCWD and other member water dis-

BEST CENTER. The staff of DCWD-Regional Training Center, recently hailed as an outstanding RTC of 2015, led by training director Ruth G. Jabines(2nd from L) is commended by the management headed by acting general

tricts of LWUA. It also handles DCWD’s on-the-job training for students. Among its major LWUA-RTC programs are the Water Safety Plan Development, Gender and Development Planning, and Water Resources Facilities Operators Course.

This recognition for the year 2015 adds to the many

years that DCWD-RTC was hailed outstanding among six other RTCs all over the country. Also in December 2015, the RTC was a recipient of a plaque of appreciation for the 35 years of partnership with LWUA in enabling water district personnel to render sustainable and relevant public service. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

R

With the Lenovo computers, the students are able to access technological resources that will strengthen their learning experience. It will allow them to engage more fully in class activities and access worldwide databases with ease, acquiring competence in technologies that are relevant to their studies.

Ngan explains that an improved IT infrastructure in schools can further boost learning in the classroom.

“Technology today enables students to learn at their own pace. Almost all educational apps allow for individualized instruction and there are plenty of legitimate resources that can be accessed anytime on the Internet. With this, students can learn according to their abilities and needs.

This form of teaching is also great for the teacher because it gives him or her the time to work individually with students who may be struggling,” said Ngan.

HE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) have agreed to draft policies that would streamline local government units issuance of permits for building additional cellular sites throughout the country.

This move will enable telcos to speed up the building of cellular sites so improvements in internet speed and mobile connectivity in the country could be felt by consumers the soonest.

The NTC meeting with DILG officials addressed the persisting issue of telcos having to apply for numerous permits before they are allowed to

build cellular sites in various municipalities and provinces.

In a previous Senate hearing, telcos claimed that an average of 25 LGU permits were needed for a single cellular site to be put up.

The processing of these permits usually takes around eight months and another three months to build the actual cellular site.

All told, it would take nearly a year to have one cell site operational—that is if a permit is granted at all.

This effort is also in preparation for the upcoming Philippine Telecom Summit with the theme, “Solutions for Progress and Global Competitiveness” scheduled in March this year. (PNA)

manager Mildred G. Aviles (far L) for the new recognition from the Local Water Utilities Administration.

Lenovo launches Think University in partner schools ECOGNIZING the growing role of technology in the learning process of students, Lenovo Philippines launches Think University, an initiative that empowers partner schools to provide an enhanced and more interactive learning experience through a grant of 10 units of ThinkCentre M73 Tiny Desktop to qualified colleges and universities. By purchasing a certain number of Lenovo computers, a school can qualify for the program.

“Lenovo believes that empowering the youth through quality education is vital to nation-building. Think University is part of our efforts to leverage our innovative devices to aid the academy in enhancing the overall experience,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager of Lenovo Philippines. “We hope that through this, our partner schools can create an immersive, interactive learning environment for their students.”

NTC, DILG to hasten issuance of LGU permits for cell sites

As the leading PC manufacturer and seller of consumer electronics in the country, Lenovo’s products are known for their durability, ruggedness, and reliability—three critical factors which the company believes are tailor-made for the classroom. Lenovo’s products are flexible enough to adapt to the many ways technology can be incorporated into the overall school experience.

Not only for students Knowing that improved education technology leads to better teaching opportunities, Lenovo also aims to assist educators. The products enables teachers to deliver more dynamic lessons by providing reliable access to the latest online multimedia materials and connecting their PCs to interactive online classroom boards. Administrators can also update policies and procedures on the overall network in real-time, maintain

up-to-date emergency plans and increase collaboration among staff for school-wide initiatives.

“Being a global leader in technology and innovation, we have a special role in developing the use of technology in the classroom. We also understand the challenges schools face in improving education with new models of teaching while managing cost, efficiency, and security and that is why Lenovo will continue to support its partner schools,” added Ngan.

ThinkCentre M73 Tiny Desktop is a compact computer packed with the same reliable and powerful performance one expects from bigger desktops. It features 4th Gen Intel® Core™ processors as well as plenty of storage and memory, making it a good fit for school use. Moreover, the model comes with an advanced heat regulator and an ultra-efficient Green design to help lessen energy use.

STEAG State Power releases endangered turtle back to sea

A

HEALTHY hawksbill sea turtle was released back to the sea by workers of power producer STEAG State Power Inc. The 17 kilogram female sea turtle, which was found drifting along the shores of Steag’s power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, was initially kept for observation and to ensure its protection and safety.

It was later on released

back to the sea following the clearance and appropriate documentation by the Misamis Oriental Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

The sea creature is classified as one of the critically endangered marine species worldwide. It was the 5th sea turtle tagged and released by the company since start of its power plant operations in 2006.

19 agencies of DOTr join eFOI

N

INETEEN attached agencies of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently joined the electronic Freedom of Information (eFOI) portal of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

The portal— www.foi.gov. ph--is a mechanism which facilitates FOI requests from Filipino citizens to the intended national government agency.

On the initiative of DOTr Assistant Secretary Cherie Mercado, an Onboarding Technical Workshop was conducted by the PCOO last 16 December 2016 at the DOTr Central Office in Ortigas.

FOI Receiving Officers and Decision Makers of the following agencies were trained on how to use the portal and dashboards in addressing FOI requests: Land Transportation Office; Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; Toll Regulatory Board; North Luzon Railways

Corporation; Office of Transportation Cooperatives; Light Rail Transit Authority; Philippine National Railways; Civil Aeronautics Board; Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation; Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines; Manila International Airports Authority; Mactan-Cebu International Airports Authority; Clark International Airport Corporation; Philippine Merchant Marine Academy; Philippine Coast Guard; Maritime Industry Authority; Cebu Port Authority; Philippine Ports Authority; and the Office for Transportation Security.

The 19 attached agencies of the DOTr join the 15 pilot government offices which signed on the platform last 25 November 2016, bringing the total to 34. As the lead agency for FOI implementation, the PCOO envisions that all agencies under the Executive Branch will be registered in the platform by the end of this year. (PR)

INdulge!

Trying my hand on the SKYmobi.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 238 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 - 21, 2017

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

Abby Sy, SKYdirect Product Headshows off the channles exclusive to SKYdirect.

SKY changes Dabawenyo entertainment Launches all-in-one internet, cable tv, and video-on demand plans DAVAO BECOMES THE LATEST REGION IN THE COUNTRY to experience the superior brand of entertainment from SKY as the leading cable and broadband provider launches its newest products, One SKY and SKYdirect at the Jade Room of the Marco Polo Davao last January 18.

Filipino families in the region can now enjoy the convenience

SKY-Davao General Manager, Jerico Marcos.

and premium entertainment brought by One SKY, an all-inone subscription plan that integrates fast internet, cable, and video-on-demand services for a more enriching an integrated digital entertainment experience for the entire family.

One SKY Premium plans provide access to high-speed internet with 8Mbps to 64Mbps and unlimited data allowance from SKYbroadband, premium HD cable TV from SKYcable, and cable shows on the go with SKYmobi. One SKY Lite Plans, meanwhile, offer fast internet ranging from 4Mbps to 8Mbps with consumable data allowance of at least 20GB plus HD cable TV and a provision to add mobile internet.

The leading cable service provider in the Philipines, SKYcable’s channel line-up includes many top-rating, as well as exclusive channels such as ABS-CBN HD, ANC HD, S+A HD, HBO HD, RTL-CBS Entertainment HD, Cartoon Network HD, and Disney HD, among others.

Recognizing that today’s lifestyle is more hectic and mobile, SKY’s mobile internet service, SKYmobi, can be added to the subscription. SKYmobi provides families with easy access to cable TV shows anytime, anywhere through SKY On Demand, the online platform for live and ondemand video streaming of cable

Claudia G. Suarez, SKY Head - Consumer Products Business Unit.

SKY Head of Converged Products and Digital, Allen Fernandez demonstrates SKYmobi and its video-on demand function. shows and movies.

One SKY Premium Plans start at Php1,599/month while ONE SKY Lite Plans begin with a Php699 monthly service fee.

“SKY recognizes the changing habits of the Filipino family, as well as their increasing reliance on internet connectivity for their daily activities. One SKY is a bundle that offers a seamless connected experience to families through only one subscription,” March Ventosa, SKY Cable Chief Operating Officer said.

The launch of One SKY marks SKY Cable’s foray into convergent services for Filipinos in the evolving digital media landscape. As an ABS-CBN company, SKY Cable’s introduction

of One SKY also complements ABS-CBN’s transformation into an agile digital company.

SKY’s consumer products business unit head Claudia Suarez says that both One SKY plans aim to make internet and cable access available to a greater number of Filipino families.

“Access to the internet is becoming an important fixture in any Filipino household in the digital era apart from cable TV. One SKY can address the evolving digital lifestyle of families because it brings together affordability and superior entertainment into one convenient plan,” Suarez added.

URBANISSIMO A4

A2 INdulge!

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 238 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 - 21, 2017

#SMShoppingSpree winners welcome new year with a smile

A TOTAL OF 57 LUCKY WINNERS of the #SMShoppingSpree promotion welcome New Year with a big smile!

On January 11, 2017, a big surprise came to Orson Sargado and Hosanna Aisah Pascua from Davao City, and to the other Shopping Spree winners in all SM Store branches across the country as they were notified by The SM Store representatives to be two of the lucky winners of The SM Store’s Shop Your Way to a Php 100,000.00 Shopping Spree with MasterCard promotion.

At SM City Davao, 41-yearold Orson Sargado, who hails from Mintal and works for a non-profit organization, was the lucky winner of the said promo.

Together with his family, he enjoyed an afternoon of VIP shopping at The SM Store and SM Appliance Center.

“My first reaction was disbelief. I was sweating profusely and I couldn’t believe I won,” recalls Sargado, a father of three, when he found out about the prize. “This is a wonderful treat for the New Year,” he says.

Meanwhile, in SM Lanang Premier, Hosanna Aisah Pascua, 32, from Cabantian, was awarded P100,000 Shopping Spree at the Prestige Lounge.

She brought her two kids to join her for the shopping extravaganza at The SM Store and other

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Winner Orson Sargado together with his wife and three teenage kids beam with joy after the Shopping Spree. Orson Sargado shops for a pair of Levi’s Jeans for one of his kids at the SM Store Davao. Winner Hosanna Aisah Pascua and her two kids with their shopping purchases at SM Lanang Premier.

affiliate stores – SM Appliance Center, SM Supermarket, and ACE Hardware.

Both Sargado and Pascual, along with their families and friends, were also surprised with a party by The SM Store in

SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier.

A joint project between The SM Store and Mastercard, every P3,000 single-receipt purchase using a Philippine-issued MasterCard at The SM Store entitled a cardholder to one electronic raffle entry that gave them a chance to win P100,000 shopping spree at any SM Retail Store.

The #SMShoppingSpree promotion is one of the many exciting promotions of the SM Store.

Watch out for The SM Store’s more exciting promos for shoppers in 2017.

UP AND ABOUT

PAL beefs up Clark hub

Launches new flights to Cebu, Davao, and Puerto Princesa AFTER LAUNCHING CEBU AND CLARK-INCHEON FLIGHTS in mid-December 2016 and first week of January 2017, respectively, Philippine Airlines is ramping up operations in its Central Luzon hub.

Starting January 30, 2017, PAL will begin operating non-stop flights between Clark and Cebu four times weekly.

(Monday/Wednesday/ Friday/Sunday). PR837 departs Clark at 7AM and arrives in Cebu at 8:15AM; PR838 leaves Cebu at 8:55AM and touches down in Clark at 10:10AM. On the same day (January 30), PAL will also start nonstop service between Clark

and Davao thrice weekly (Wednesday/Friday/Sunday).

Departure from Clark on PR831 will be at 10:50AM and arrival in Davao will be at 12:45PM; PR832 departs Davao at 1:25PM and arrives in Clark at 3:15PM. On March 26, the PAL Clark hub begins its thrice weekly (Tuesday / Thursday/

Saturday) operations to and from Puerto Princesa.

PR877 leaves Clark at 10:50AM and arrives in Puerto Princesa at 12:20PM; PR 878 leaves Puerto Princesa at 1PM and lands in Clark at 2:30PM. “We aim to cater to the flight needs of Northern Metro Manila, Central and Northern Luzon residents.

Now, they will be able to experience the convenience of easy travel from their homes to the Clark Airport. Travelers from abroad and domestic outlying stations may fly to Clark and journey on to popular travel spots in the Luzon area”, PAL President Jaime J. Bautista points out.

Passengers will experience the airline’s distinct brand of heartfelt service on board each and every PAL flight, which offers free baggage allowance, free snacks for domestic flights and hot meals for international travels.

For reservations, passengers may call PAL Hotline (02) 855 – 8888, log on to www.philippineairlines.com or visit the nearest PAL ticketing office or partner - travel agent.

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ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

GMA launches exciting programs for the family THE NEW YEAR IS HOTTER THAN EVER as GMA Network continues to offer all-out entertainment as it brings in new shows and adds flavour to its trademark programs.

In line with GMA Network’s Lipad 2017 battle cry, Kapuso viewers are in for something grand and spectacular this year with the launch of Mulawin vs. Ravena. This telefantasya is the biggest production of GMA this 2017 as it presents a one-of-a-kind and extraordi-

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nary primetime masterpiece. Mulawin vs Ravena is headlined by Drama King Dennis Trillo. Making this primetime offering extra special is Ms Regine Velasquez-Alcasid as she joins her first-ever full length telefantasya.

Featuring the hottest young Kapuso love teams Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali; Derrick Monasterio and Bea Binene.

Completing the starstudded cast are Chynna Ortaleza, Dion Ignacio, Winwyn Marquez, Kiko Estrada and Roi Vinzon.

And to helm this groundbreaking program are two of GMA’s acclaimed directors Dominic Zapata and Don Michael Perez who is also the head writer of the series.

GMA-7 offers a compelling drama to its Afternoon Prime block with one of Regal Films’ blockbuster movies in 1987 Pinulot Ka Lang Sa Lupa.

Set to premiere on January 30, the series is headlined

by Julie Anne San Jose, Benjamin Alves, Martin del Rosario and LJ Reyes.

With equally important roles are Ara Mina and Ms. Jean Garcia. Joining them are Victor Neri, Allan Paule, Geleen Eugenio, Lharby Policarpio.

Directed by Gina Alajar, Pinulot Ka Lang Sa Lupa tackles the life struggles of

the question’s cash value will be given to the televiewers by answering the “People Question of the Week” through text.

Celebrity Bluff, the multi-awarded comedy game show on Philippine television, returns to Filipino homes for a bigger and amazingly fun new season. This all-original game show will be hosted once again by award-

two women intertwined by lost love.

Sunday afternoons will never be the same as the Kapuso Network brings one-of-a-kind entertainment to its loyal viewers with an exciting and fun game show People vs.

The Stars. Hosted by the delightful power couple Drew Arellano and Iya Villania, the program allows celebrities to play for a chance to win two hundred thousand pesos (P200, 000.00) via a variety of eight (8) mindboggling questions with respective cash values. If the stars fail to answer any of the questions correctly,

winning game show host, comedienne and actress Eugene Domingo and award-winning actor and TV host Edu Manzano as the Master Bluffer. Celebrity Bluff promises to deliver wholesome fun, laughter and thought-provoking information for the whole family not as a weekly game show but a daily afternoon fare.

Full House Tonight is another pioneering weekly comedy-musical show top billed by Asia’s Songbird Regine VelasquezAlcasid. The outrageously hilarious program unleashes a powerhouse ensemble of comedians,

actors and musical artists all set to give Saturday nights a whole new experience beginning February 18. Full House Tonight showcases the sultry Solenn Heussaff, teen idols Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali, all around performer Joross Gamboa and comedians Philip Lazaro, Nar Cabico, Tammy Brown, Terry Gian, Sarah Pagcaliwagan and Kim Idol.

GMA Network’s Heart of Asia will bring Korea’s best drama series this 2017.

The Big One, which will air beginning January 23, is about two doctors trying to save Seoul from a natural disaster and Pretty Woman, a love story that stars Hwang Jung-eum, Park Seo-joon, Go Joon-hee, and Choi Siwon.

Meanwhile, extra-terrestrial and supernatural teenagers will also take over the morning block, with adventure series Lightning Point and Wolfblood.

Kapuso viewers are in for a fantastic treat as GMA brings the blockbuster films to be aired on free TV. These include Jurassic World, Furious 7, American Sniper, Mad Max: Fury Road, San Andreas, Minions, Imagine You & Me, and Enteng Kabisote and the Abangers.

Viewers can only expect better and more innovative programs from GMA Network with the other program launches to watch out for this year including I Heart Davao, D’Originals, Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko, Project Achieved, Lip Sync Battle Philippines Season 3 and Text Serye.

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

EVENT URBANISSIMO A1

Families also have an option to enhance their One SKY subscription plan by adding channels individually or in packs via SKY Select and availing of monthly pay-per-view offers. One SKY plans also grant subscribers exclusive access to HBO GO, HBO’s video-ondemand platform exclusively available in the Philippines through SKY, where viewers can explore HBO’s diverse show lineup including “Westworld”

and “Game of Thrones” shortly after an episode premieres.

Meanwhile, families who live in far-flung areas in Davao can have access to the best content through SKYdirect, SKY’s direct-to-home pay TV service.

Similar to SKYcable, SKYdirect showcases a mix of foreign and local cable channels including ABS-CBN HD, DZMM TeleRadyo, Knowledge Channel, Myx, Lifestyle, Tagalized Movie Channel (TMC), HBO HD, History HD, AXN HD, NBA Premium HD, Nickel-

odeon, Warner TV HD, and TLC, among others. Option to subscribe to pay-per-view offerings are also available to

VOL. 9 ISSUE 238 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 - 21, 2017

SKYdirect subscribers as well as free monthly movie marathons.

SKYdirect’s prepaid plans are available beginning at P99,

while its postpaid plans start at P250/month.

For more information, log on to mysky.com.ph.

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 238 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 - 21, 2017

ALERT... FROM 1

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) said families evacuated are those residing in areas considered prone to flooding and landslides.

Classes were also suspended in the towns of Mawab, Nabunturan, Montevista, Mobkayo, Compistela, New Bataan and Maragusan.

A total of 85 families were already pre-evacuated in Compostela town and 79 families in Nabunturan municipality.

All Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (MDRRMCs) in Compostela Valley are now on alert status while incident

managements in the towns of Montevista and Compostela were already activated.

In Davao del Norte, as early as 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, the MDRRMC of Braulio E. Dujali town already installed its Incident Command Post in the area of Lower Magupising for rescue operation due to massive water level rising.

The MDRRMC added that as of 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, four families were already evacuated from Purok Maligaya in the area.

Evacuations were also reported in the town of Kapalong, Davao del Norte due to flooding.

whether the allegations are true even as they are poised to ask concerned local government agencies to check if the mall was issued a permit before construction.

“The way I see it, all permits must pass through the committee hearing; we will see whether the owner of the establishment have complied all the necessary requirements,” Quitain said.

Assistant City Planning and Development coordinator Roy Ryan Rigor said the mall committed several zoning violations, adding that the building was constructed in “total violation of the law” since it did not pass through their office and did not comply with the requirements of the City Engineer’s Office.

“The construction was illegal in the first place since they did not have any permit.

When we found out about it, we imposed an administrative fine since it is stated in the ordinance of the city that we will impose fine if the building does not have a locational clearance,” he said.

In applying a building permit in the city, the management must go to the City Planning first for locational clearance then proceed to the CEO for the building permit.

Rigor said that they cannot issue a locational clearance to the management of the said mall since the location is a residential zone.

“In the first place the location of the establishment is in a residential zone, malls should be in the commercial zone so we really cannot issue a locational clearance,” he said.

He said that the management has a pending application for allowable use in the city planning’s office after they have found out that they cannot operate due to the lack of permits.

Rigor said that he still do not have any idea if the management will be granted with their application for allowable use since it will undergo several procedure.

It was also found out that the management did not go to the City Council to apply for reclassification since the area is allocated for residential.

For his part, CEO Officer in Charge Engr. Joseph Dominic Felizarta said that as early as June, they already issued a

stoppage order to the management of the mall since they found out that it does not have any building permit.

“In June, we issued a stoppage order already however, they showed interest to comply with the requirements of the locational clearance that is why we gave them time to comply,” he said.

On August 2016, the CEO issued again a stoppage order to the management since they did not comply with the requirements.

The mall was scheduled to open on December 9, 2016 however; they did not get a business permit since the construction of the building is already a violation of the law.

Under the Article Xi Section 1 of the Zoning ordinance of the city, projects such as malls, commercial centers and shopping centers among others are required to secure a Preliminary Approval and Location Clearance and Development Permit from the City Council.

Last week, the warehouse of the mall was hit by a fire that has an estimated damaged of P3 million.

Quitain added that the council would be investigating the barangay and called on the government offices concerned to check the matter with them.

Quitain will also refer the report to other committees for investigations before it would proceed to the ethics committee.

“If the report holds true – if it is not grave – the liabilities could lead to dismissal of any employee liable for what happened,” Quitain said, adding that all the agencies concerned will be called soon for the committee hearing.

The councilor added that the only way to find out if the mall is compliant is for City Engineer’s Office and City Planning and Development Office to double check how it happened.

Meanwhile, Atty. Joseph Dominic Felizarta of the City Engineer’s Office on Thursday revealed that they had issued violations for not complying the building code.

“Gitukod ang gambalay nga walay permit, then naa sad sila sa residential area,” he said, adding that they haven’t complied the zoning ordinance.

CITY... FROM 1

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS11

PARK HABITUES. Twin sisters feed the pigeons with seeds at Rizal Park in Davao City yesterday. The pigeons at Rizal Park are fast becoming attraction for young and old Dabawenyos. Lean Daval Jr.

Renewal... FROM 2 The Business Bureau urged the enterprises to renew on or before the deadline to prevent from being penalized, and that renewing business permits beyond January 20 would have a corresponding surcharge of 20 percent.

In the website of Business Bureau, “failure to pay the tax, fee or charge within the time required shall subject the tax-

payer to a surcharge of 25% of the amount of tax, fee or other imposition due not paid on time and an interest at the rate not exceeding two percent per month of the unpaid taxes, fees or charges including surcharges, until such amount is fully paid but in no case shall the total interest on the unpaid amount exceed 36 months.”

TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

scene of the crime operatives found out in the post-incident investigation that ballistic examinations of bullets and empty shells found near the jail matched with the M-14 rifle seized from Manalundong.

The same examination also showed that empty shells and bullets found on January 3 and July 19, 2013 found at the back of the jail facility matched with those found in Manalundong’s rifle, Peralta said.

In 2013, the gunmen also attacked NCDJ and “rescued” high profile inmates.

In radio interviews, Nasser, a former inmate of NCDJ, admitted he led the attack on the Bureau of Jail Management

and Penology facility to rescue his companions.

Meanwhile, Peralta said police and military authorities are monitoring at least three areas in Region 12 where Nasser could be hiding after the Jan. 5 attack.

Earlier, North Cotabato Gov. Shirlyn Macasarte, chair of Special Action Committee on NCDJ, offered PHP1 million for the arrest of Nasser and another P1 million for Melvin Casangyao, a moneyed drug lord who Nasser rescued from jail.

To date, 95 escapees remained at- large, 10 were killed and 53 were recaptured.

(PNA)

government such as the reimposition of the death penalty, and the promotion of contraceptives among others.

During the May 2016 campaign period, Duterte got the ire of the public especially

the Catholics over his controversial remarks on the traffic jams caused by the 2015 papal visit in Manila.

But, he later clarified that the cussing was not directed at the pope. (PNA)

The first tranche of check worth P285,000 for the construction of multi-purpose drying pavement and first tranche of check worth P350,000 for the construction of flatbed dryer for the municipality of Cateel were also released for implementation, the DA-11 added.

Moreover, the town of Montevista in Compostela Valley Province received the first tranche of check worth P256,000 for the establishment of two units multi-pur-

pose pavement (solar dryer).

Provido said that BuB program addresses the identified needs and concerns of the poor and marginalized sectors.

The BuB is also a tool to make the budget more participatory, transparent and empowering. It provides a platform for civil society organizations to directly engage with local governments in planning, identifying and prioritizing desired projects in order to get budget support. (PNA)

Police... FROM 4

Du30... FROM 4

Davao... FROM 7

Study... FROM 4

years old signified highest approval ratings at 88 percent followed by 36 to 49 years old at 87 percent. Meanwhile those above 60 possess the relative proposal ratings on the policies and declarations of the President at 83 percent, while those aged 18 to 35 the lowest approval rating (85%) indicated on the controversial statements and declarations of the President.

Tamayo explained that ages 50 to 59 have the highest approval rating due to their years of experience with Duterte serving Davao City as a mayor for over 20

years.

Meanwhile, the ages 18 to 35 obtaining the lowest approval rating perhaps due to their disagreement on Marcos’ burial , according to Tamayo.

The UM professor said they may conduct a national survey in the future but it depends if someone would employ them to do so.

“It was a mandate of our office to extract the opinion of Dabawenyos,” said Tamayo who added that if a national survey would be pursued, a total of 200,000 respondents will be needed.

also situated in upland areas that are considered prone to landslides and related occurrences.

Lorca said no other local government unit issued a similar declaration although the rains were monitored in almost the entire province.

She said only light to moderate rains were noted in Koronadal City and the municipalities of Tampakan, Tupi, Sto. Nino, Tantangan, Norala, T’boli, Banga, Lake Sebu and Polomolok.

The municipal government of Polomolok reported that the water level at the Silway River, which traverses this city and drains to the Sa-

rangani Bay, remains normal.

But she said they are continually monitoring some low-lying areas for possible flooding and upland barangays for landslides.

She cited portions of Lake Sebu town, which has been experiencing sporadic rains since Wednesday afternoon.

Lorca advised residents to remain vigilant and monitor possible weather-related occurrences in their areas.

“The heavy rains in the mountainous areas could later trigger floods in the lowlands so those in the identified high risk areas should monitor and be ready should they need to evacuate,” she added. (PNA)

jor player in economic development”, Major Valencia told reporters as he suggested that business owners must report to authorities attempts of extortion, assuring them of their safety as their identities as informant will remain confidential.

He further explained that the best solution to end such insurgent activities is the approval and finalization of the peace talk.

“I am asking the media to use your voice and show your support in the peace process,” Valencia added.

He said that the military

is also actively involved in development works in Davao del Norte by conducting Needs Assessment Survey (NSA) to collect information and identification of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) in the province.

Identified GIDAs are immediately reported and handed over to appropriate government agencies for suitable action.

Strengthening the partnership between the Army and the provincial government in taking steps on socio and economic development, Valencia added. (PIO/DavNor)

Classes... FROM 7

Peace... FROM 7

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All set for charity sports event in DavNor

By NOEL BAGUIO

D

AVAO DEL NORTE Hundreds of sports enthusiasts and underprivileged kids in the Davao region will be joining the MultiSport Celebration on January 20-22, 2017 at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex (DDNSTC) in Tagum City.

Former senator and sports enthusiast Pia S. Cayetano will spearhead the multi-sectoral sports fundraising event organized by the Gabriel Symphony Foundation (GSF), which was set up in memory of her late son.

The current Deputy Speaker of the House of

Representatives said the charity sports activity, which include triathlon, football, swim and track events, aim to make a difference in the lives especially of differentlyabled and indigenous children.

“This event is for the benefit of the disadvantaged kids,” Cayetano said, as she invited sports enthusiast and kind-hearted individuals to support the programs and advocacies of the GSF. For 13 years now, the foundation has been carrying out advocacies and projects that particularly benefit deprived children around the country.

Governor Anthony del Rosario provided logistical and manpower

assistance to the GSF aside from the free and exclusive use of the sports complex, among other incidental expenses.

“We are glad to provide Deputy Speaker Cayetano the needed assistance as we share the same passion and commitment for sports,” said del Rosario, who was former chair of the Committee on Youth and Sports Development at the House of Representatives.

An advocacy bike ride from Davao City to Tagum City, dubbed as ‘Bike for Hope’, will be among the culminating activities of the sport fundraising event on January 22.

The triathlete lady lawmaker will lead hundreds of cycling buffs

from Mindanao and different regions across the country in the bike for a cause, which seeks to promote road safety, environmental awareness and a healthy lifestyle.

Following a 50kilometer route, the fun bike ride will start at 7 am from the SM Lanang parking lot in Davao City and will pass through Panabo City and Carmen town before entering Tagum City and wrapping up at the DDNSTC. Expert cyclists have the option to complete a 100-kilometer route by biking back to the starting point in Davao City.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 238 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 - 21, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

ASEAN... FROM 6

The country’s export marketing chief also highlighted that ASEAN is pushing for the establishment of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a mega trade bloc, among 10 ASEAN member countries with its six

free trade agreements (FTAs) partners -- China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

The RCEP will be home to some three billion consumers, with combined GDP of USD21 trillion, and accounting

for about 30 percent of world trade.

The 10 member states and its FTA partners target to complete the text of the agreement for RCEP during this year’s summit which will be hosted by the Philippines. (PNA)

including the Philippines, Armenia, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Georgia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, and Kyrgyztan.

The GSP+ grants zero-duty on 6,274 products from beneficiaries to EU market.

Meanwhile, a monitoring

team from the EU will arrive in the Philippines this month to review the country’s qualification for the GSP+. (PNA)

eration Program (DAP) fund was declared unconstitutional, Sinolinding explained to Tan. On housing projects and school buildings, Lucman, also the Department of Social Welfare and Development-ARMM (DSWD-ARMM) secretary, said the concerns regarding the housing projects being carried out by the Habitat for Humanity Philippines could only be answered by the DSWD Central Office since the project underwent national bidding.

Pajiji, meanwhile, explained that the budget for some classrooms and school building projects in several towns in Sulu were not yet downloaded by the Department of Education Central Office to the DepEd-ARMM causing the projects to remain unfinished.

Tan claimed that Sulu had an allocation of 328 classrooms in 2013 but Sec. Loong said based on DPWH data, only 42

classrooms were given fund by the DepEd Central Office amounting to P26 million for the whole province.

Hataman added that the budget for additional classrooms in ARMM for 2013 is still with the DepEd Central Office.

Tan explained that his purpose in raising questions was aimed at putting all government projects transparent to all.

He also vowed future collaboration with ARMM leadership sans politics.

“We are helping the regional government monitor the projects of the government under the regional governor’s leadership because this is not a matter of fault finding; my intent is to help the regional governor,” Tan said.

Hataman replied, “rest assured that the ARMM government is very transparent, and we are very willing to be

rectified.”

After the fruitful Sulu provincial government forum, Governor Hataman led the turnover ceremony of the P30-million Sagay-Sagay water system (Phase IV) in Talipao town that the residents had long dreamed for.

Among them was Manis Baluan, 77 year-old resident of Barangay Buntod, Talipao.

Baluan said with the water supply system in place, they are now assured of safe and clean drinking water.

“I was born and raised here, but this is the first time that a project like this was implemented in our barangay,” Baluan said.

Hataman’s objective in bringing his cabinet officials to Sulu is to inform the people that all local government units in the region are assured of equal sharing of government funded projects regardless of political affiliations of its leaders. (PNA)

is in need of Marketing Assistant EU... FROM 6 Qualifications: • Graduate of business or any other related courses • Female • With pleasing personality • Fast learner • Can work with minimum supervision

Accounting Clerks (2) Qualifications: • BS Accountancy Graduate • Female • Can work with minimum supervision • Experience of at least one year

Account Executive Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate • Male/Female • With pleasing personality Send your application letter and resume to: Ella P. Tingzon HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City Or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

NEWS 13

ARMM... FROM 7

14

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EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 238 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 - 21, 2017

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

Amend Palaro Law pushed W

ITH the government giving assurance of throwing all support to Filipino athletes and the historic launching of Philippine Institute Sports (PIS) focused on scientific-based training with emphasis in grassroot development, a former government sports official wanted that Palaro Pambansa Law must be amended and the creation of a department of sports must be stopped.

Dr. Aparicio Mequi, former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair, was among those senior sports officials who lauded the establishment of PIS, but called on the amendment of the Palaro law.

He proposed that the ratio of participating athletes in the annual school-based Palaro shall be corrected. Current times, the ratio is 75 percent are in private schools and only 25 percent are in public.

“Emperical evidence, NCR have been Palaro cham-

pion for more than 15 years, both in elementary and high school,” Mequi said.

The former sports official of the University of the Philippines also revealed that the Division of School Sports of the Department of Education (DepEd) has only two percent qualified coaches.

He lamented that many of the heads of the division of school sports in the regions are not qualified.

Like the case of Dumaguete, he said “the head of the school sports is an agriculture graduate, and he is in sports because he is a volleyball coach.”

Now, this comes the importance of Philippine Institute of Sports (PIS).

One of the PIS program include Education and Training Program designed to provide short and comprehensive building for Physical Education teachers both in public and private schools attuned to modern and scientific approach in teaching sports,

physical fitness courses.

“You train public school teachers (Physical Education) because they are the ones who have captive audience -their pupils,” Mequi said.

Another issue of the Palaro is sports facilities. He disclosed that there are about 35 sports facilities that are “white elephants.” It exists “because there are no policy in the construction of athletic facilities.”

Mequi suggested that the government must impose a 10-year moratorium in the construction of Palaro facilities “because you keep adding a proverbial white elephant.”

SPORTS DEPARTMENT He strongly suggests that “Congress shall have to wait at least 5-10 years to produce qualified and competent manpower to man a department of sports otherwise it will end up a department not qualified.

He took for example the case of the Department of Defense -- there is the Philippine

PIS LAUNCH. PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez with sommissioners Ramon Fernandez, Arnold Agustin, Cecilia Kiram and Charles Raymond Maxey present a Military Academy (PMA); Department of Public Works and Highways -- there are engineering schools and universities; and the Department of Health -- there are schools

Fashion hits in the Aussie Open T

HE first days of the Australian Open have already produced some fashion winners – and a few double faults.

Angelique Kerber (GER) After getting best on ground last year in her aqua, red and orange Adidas kit, Kerber is back with a blue and orange combination that looks like the old Australian Open logo, which is probably why it works. The spaghetti straps on the top are not great for tan lines but, dang, they are pretty.

Serena Williams (US) The queen of the court is back in the “premier power dress” and boy, does she rock it.

The high neckline, back stripe detailing and arm compression stockings combine for a fierce look that is only topped by her black boots. Not to be messed with.

FIERCE. Serena Williams leads Nike’s ‘Zebra army’.

Photo: Getty Images

Jaimee Fourlis (AUS) Her Open campaign may have only lasted the wink of an eye, but kudos to the 17-year-old wildcard entrant for her Wilson “regatta” top, which looks like a fun halter-neck tankini. As a bonus, now that she’s banked an $80,000 pay day, she can take it on a beach holiday.

Fabio Fognini (ITL) Who said a skull motif and tennis don’t mix? It’s great to see players embracing new brands such as Italian luxury sportswear label Hydrogen.

The blue camouflage pattern is also on point.

BEST ON GROUND. Defending champion Angelique Kerber.

Photo: Getty Images

EDGY. Italian Fabio Fognini is bringing some much needed edginess to tennis gear. Photo: Getty Images

token to President Rodrigo Duterte represented by Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco during the launching of the Philippine Institute for Sports.

that are offering a degree of medicine. In sports, are there any?”

“So how we could staff a department of sports when you don’t have an entity --

competent people to man and manage (the) sports department.

“Dito muna tayo sa PIS. The institute will fulfill that need,” he said. (PNA)

Mati City to host region’s SCUAA meet Jan. 25-28

By JIMMY K. LAKING

FRESH FACE. Australian wildcard Jaimee Fourlis.

Photo: Getty Images

T

HE State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association meet will proceed as scheduled on January 25-28 in Mati City with an estimated 1,000 athletes participating.

The athletic meet, the first for this region, will draw participants from six state colleges and universities in 18 events.

Jose Alther Rivera, sports director of the University of Southeastern Philippines, said that aside from USEP, other participating state-run institutions are the Davao Oriental State College of Technology, the Compostela State College, University of the Philippines (in Mindanao), the Davao del Norte State College and the Southern Philippines Agribusiness College.

Rivera said the regional athletic meet became a reality with the persistent pushing of Dr. Jonathan

Bayogan, president of the Tagum-based DNSC. As the school with the most campuses, USEP will field two teams, Team A and B comprising of a total 300 athletes, to compete in the events.

USEP has campuses in Mati City, Mintal, Mabini, Obrero, Tagum and Bislig.

Rivera said the events included, archery, arnis, athletics, ball games, sepak takraw, taekwondo, tennis, table games, chess among other games.

He said that considering that the regional meet is being held for the first time, the intention was to promote healthy lifestyle through sports and athletics.

“Of course, it would be a bonus if we can discover talents in the different events,” he said.

The cream of the crop will represent the region in the national SCUAA that is slated in Batangas City.

“I missed a couple of shots, the 8-ball in one rack, then the 10-ball in another,” Corteza said. “I just had bad luck today.

I couldn’t get good layouts on the break shot, or I have no shot on the break. It was very difficult to figure out what to do. He broke fantastic and was always getting shots and

he had the momentum. I was also feeling a bit tired. But he deserved to win.”

“I’m still happy because I played good this week. This is one of my best finishes in a while so I just have to go to the next event and I feel really good about my game,” Corteza said.

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LEE FALLS

GOOD START. Dabawenyo Lee Van Corteza is off to a good start for 2017.

‘Siberian Express’rolls past Dabawenyo cue artist in WPS 8-Ball Finals

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

D

njb@edgedavao.net

AVAO’S Lee Van Corteza simply ran out of steam in the World Pool Series 8-Ball finals and bowed to Russia’s Ruslan Chinakov 16-6 late Tuesday night (Wednesday PH Time) at Steinway Café Billiards in New York.

A report from the WPS Media Burueau said Corteza was drained from a three-hour battle in the semis against Britain’s Darren Appleton. The Dabawenyo was given just one hour to face the player nicknamed ‘Siberian Express.’

Armed with an absolute monster break shot, combined with some seriously solid potting and pattern play, Chinakov had a rather easy ride in the finals against Corteza, and captured the inaugural Molinari Players Championship at Steinway Billiards.

Corteza came into the championship match playing some of his best pool in the last two years. He survived a gruelling battle against Appleton who wore two hats as both promoter and player this

week. Corteza stormed back from a 4-9 deficit with six straight racks to lead 10-9. He won the tiebreak to earn the finals ticket.

Against the Russian though, he was completely spent after that battle with Appleton.

Chinakov took away two of the Philippines’ last men standing in the tournament— first Johann Chua in the semifinals and Corteza in the finals.

By winning the Molinari Player’s Championship Chinakov received $20,000. Corteza took home $8500.

It was the 23-year old Chinakov’s biggest win of his career. Since he began his international career at the tender age of just 13, the Russian has been considered a pool phenom around the word pool circle. At 15, he won the WPA Jr. World 9-ball Championship and captured two straight Kremlin Cup titles.

The Molinari Players Championship, the first of four 8-ball tournaments that make

up Appleton’s brand new tour called the World Pool Series, attracted a seriously world class field of 120 players from over 35 countries.

Players played a version of 8-ball that was designed to be as tough a test as players could possibly face.

“This is probably the biggest event I have ever won,” Chinakov said in the WPS report. “It’s a great feeling. I still can’t believe I just did this. I

CHAMP. Russian Ruslan Chinakov holds his trophy.

didn’t really think about winning today, I just tried to play good and show what l can do. I didn’t play 100% but I still won. Even at this level anyone can miss balls, I just missed less than the other guys. That’s why I’m quite happy about it.

Corteza admitted he did not get the breaks in the finals and played tired but gave credit to the fantastic play by his rival.

F LEE, 15