Edge Davao 9 Issue 268

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 268 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 3 - 4, 2017

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GAINING HEADWAY P16

HELLO STONEFISH. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio delivered a healthy baby boy 12:56 noon on Thursday, March 2. The baby will be nicknamed “Stonefish”. Also in photo is Mayor Sara’s husband, lawyer Manases Carpio. (Photo courtesy of Manases Carpio)

IT’S ‘STONEFISH’ Mayor Sara delivers healthy baby boy

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

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AVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio delivered a healthy baby boy 12:56 noon on Thursday, March 2, the City Information Office said in a press statement.

He will be nicknamed “Stonefish” – his elder siblings were also nicknamed Stingray and Sharky.

The CIO said Stonefish weighed 2.42 kilos or 5.3 pounds and was delivered by Mayor Sara through caesare-

80th Araw ng Davao opens; Dabawenyos asked to unite

an.

The CIO statement did not reveal the name of the hospital where Mayor Sara gave birth.

“Thank you, Lord, for the gift of life,” said Manases Carpio, as quoted in CIO statement, adding that Mayor Sara is “stable” and “generally fine.

Among those who greeted Stonefish was his uncle, Vice-Mayor Paolo Duterte who posted in his Instagram the photo of Mayor Sara, Manases and Stonefish.

“Congratulations Inday and Mans! Hello Stonefish!,” the Vice Mayor Duterte said.

Mayor Sara announced in August last year that she was seven weeks pregnant with triplets. Unfortunately, on September 8 she lost two of the unborn triplets.

President Duterte expressed happiness upon learning of the birth of his new grandson, Stonefish, Malacañang said in a statement on Thursday.

The palace also congratulated Mayor Sara and hus-

band Manases.

“The President is delighted with the arrival of his newest apo, and he is glad that both Mayor Inday Sara and Stonefish are healthy and stable,” the Palace statement said.

The statement added that the arrival of the Chief Executive’s newest apo, Stonefish, strengthened the President’s resolve to leave a legacy of a Philippines safe and secure from drugs and heinous crimes to future generation of Filipinos.

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O kick-off the citywide festivity, Davaoeños gathered at Rizal Park, Davao city for the opening ceremony of the 80th Araw ng Davao on Wednesday night.

This year’s theme is “Stand Tall. United. Resilient.”

City Administrator Zuleika Lopez, on her opening remarks thanked all Davaoeños for making the Davao City “the great city it is”.

“80 years ago, President Quezon signed Commonwealth Act Number 51

marking the charter day celebration of Araw ng Dabaw.

Fast forward, 80 years after, so much has changed,” said Lopez.

The city a d mini s t ra t o r pointed out Davao is now

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SWAPPING NOTES. President Rodrigo Duterte discusses matters with Former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile during their meeting at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday night. RICHARD MADELO/Presidential Photo

PDEA nabs pusher LGBT Night slated for in Davao del Norte A

FTER several weeks of casing and surveillance, operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency arrested a recidivist drug perpetrator operating in Panabo City during a buy-bust operation on March 1, 2017.

PDEA regional director Adzhar A. Albani identified the suspect as one John Mark Pacestes, alias Makoy, 27, vendor and a resident of Barangay Nanyo, Panabo City.

He was arrested by the PDEA agents who acted as poseur buyer for selling one sachet of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride commonly known as shabu worth Php 500.00.

Another two (2) small sachets of suspected shabu

worth P2,000.00 and the P 500.00 buy-bust marked money bill were also recovered from his possession and control. Similarly, Pacetes was arrested last 2015 for violation of R.A. 9165 but was granted bail.

Pacetes is now detained at Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office XI detention facility. The seized suspected illegal drugs were submitted to Laboratory Service of this office for qualitative and quantitative examination.

Cases for violation of Section 5 and Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002” are being prepared against him. (PDEA)

Kidapawan City creates Task Force Usok to bolster anti-smoking edict

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HE local government of Kidapawan City on Thursday launched “Task Force Usok” to intensify its anti - smoking campaign in all private establishments and public places here.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista personally visited and posted anti-smoking signage in schools, hotels, department stores, and the city’s public market to boost efforts on the initiative.

The drive was fully backed by the Department of Health (DOH) campaign on eradicating respiratory illnesses of city residents brought about by

cigarette smoking.

Evangelista said the task force would oversee the full implementation of the city’s Anti - Smoking Ordinance and review of its implementing rules and regulations.

The task force, for its part, has recommended before the city council’s Committee on Health to implement stiffer penalties to individual and establishment owners violating the ordinance.

Evangelista has also deputized city police personnel, village officials and watchmen and traffic officers to strengthen the campaign. (PNA)

the first time in Araw D

AVAO city will be in for a colorful night of celebration of pride as the LGBT (Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community of Davao city will be having the first “LGBT Davao Celebration” as part of the 80th Araw ng Dabaw on March 12.

The LGBT Davao Celebration, which will happen for the first time in decades of celebrating Araw, will have three major events. The LGBT Got Talent, which will showcase different talents, LGBT Your Face Sounds Familiar and the LGBT Best Styling team for those who are in the fashion

and hairstyling industry.

The event that will be participated by organized LGBT groups in the barangays of Davao, aims to showcase different talents and skills in creativity, resourcefulness and craftsmanship of the LGBT community.

“We are grateful that the

LGBT Community has been given a chance to get involved with the Araw ng Dabaw activities. This only means that the city have been really accepting sa ating mga kapatid galing sa LGBT,” said Norman Baloro, City Social Services Development Office Head, representing the community.

a cluster that says we are the road transport cluster, the rail transport cluster that simply says this is what we need,” he said.

The ambassador said it also imperative for the country to have clear-cut policies on taxation.

“You also need clarity on the Constitution because there are still so many negative list, negative areas where foreigners are restricted. And if that is clarified, changes are made in the Constitution, you will see a big difference,” he added.

Ahmad cited the Duterte administration’s plan to increase infrastructure spending to accelerate project developments.

“It’s pretty good and one has to also look at the absorptive capacity. There are only limits of how fast entities can

progress,” he said.

Ahmad bared that more British companies are keen to increase their investments in infrastructure projects in the Philippines.

“Most definitely in the area of infrastructure because this is where our expertise is --in design, project management,” he said.

The ambassador said British firms have involvements in Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Manila Railway project and Ninoy Aquino International Airport operations.

United Kingdom is known worldwide for its expertise in airport and aviation wherein best practices and innovations can be used as reference and applied to the local context.

It is also a pioneer in railway development and is widely recognized for its capabilities in planning, station

design, project delivery, rail infrastructure and equipment, asset management and safety and security, including operations and training.

Apart from infrastructure, Ahmad identified other key areas of “broader partnerships” for the Philippines and UK. He said these are areas of trade and investments, tourism, defense, regional security, response to calamities and healthcare.

“Business-to-business links here have been always very strong and people follow opportunity. And the economy signalling a 7-percent growth when China is slowing down; when the UK itself needs trading partners beyond traditional market like Europe, this is a very, very good market to look at,” the ambassador added.

(PNA)

UK backs creation of task force on PPP implementation

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RITISH Ambassador Asif Ahmad has urged the Philippine government to create a task force that would make decisions on developing and undertaking public-private partnership (PPP) projects, as more British firms look for opportunities in the country’s infrastructure sector.

“I think it’s a question of defining these projects and getting approvals but on a task force basis… (The country needs to adopt) a task force approach when it comes to decision making,” he said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

Ahmad noted that PPP projects have to secure the approvals of many individual agencies, local government units and government departments.

“I think you need to have

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5 ASGs killed, 11 troopers injured in latest Sulu clash

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CHEERS. City government officials, city councilors and partners from the private sector propose a toss to formally open the 80th Araw ng Davao at Rizal Park in Davao City on Wednesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

IVE Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists were reported killed while 11 soldiers were slightly wounded by shrapnel during encounter in Sulu Wednesday afternoon.

The incident took place 5:15 p.m., said Western Mindanao Command (WMC) spokesperson Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay on Thursday.

The clash stemmed from ongoing focused military operations against the bandit group in Indanan town, of the said province.

Heavy fighting took place when troopers from the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion flushed an undetermined number of ASG terrorists.

In the encounter, five bandits were killed and undetermined number

wounded while 11 soldiers were slightly wounded by shrapnel.

Petinglay said all the wounded soldiers were promptly evacuated to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital and were immediately given medical attention.

“The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify the conduct of offensives against the Abu Sayyaf to neutralize the bandits and ensure the safe rescue of the remaining hostages.

All measures are being undertaken in accordance with the rules of engagement and with the support from the local government and the populace,” said WMC commander Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. (PNA)

HE “magical” success of Gawad Kalinga’s Enchanted Farm and Farm University in the thickly forested village of Barangay Engkanto here will soon be experienced in the hometown of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Tony Meloto, the visionary founder of Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm and Farm University, disclosed on Thursday that works are now under way for the same eco-educational, farm-school village which will soon rise in the mountain resort of Catigan, Davao City.

Meloto said that he already had a meeting with President Duterte and said that the Chief Executive is very supportive of the model farm village like the one in Barangay Engkanto here where hundreds of foreign and domestic students are currently enrolled in a farm university, studying the successful “Bayanihan”- type of boosting community-led entrepreneurship.

He said the President

wants the area to be the hub of agri-business in Mindanao.

“During my meeting with President Duterte, I personally felt his sincerity to address poverty and make the lives of Filipinos better and with dignity,” Meloto said, adding that President Duterte is willing to release PHP1 billion to house the poor and give them livelihood opportunities.

He said that President Duterte knows the problem of the poor and soon another Enchanted Farm village will soon rise and bring change to the lives of the poor in Mindanao.

“When the poor are given opportunity, they just don’t shine, they shine brightly,” Meloto said.

The visionary founder of Gawad Kalinga presented some of their students who are very fluent in English and French.

He said GK Enchanted farm University is here to build character, mold honest people, make them feel the beauty of

Filipino-Chinese chamber to help build school buildings in ComVal T

Another GK Enchanted Farm, Farm University to rise in Davao

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ adlopez0920@gmail.com

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EMBERS of the Federation of FilipinoChinese Chamber of Commerce expressed their intention to continue their support to the education sector of Compostela Valley province.

The information office of Compostela Valley on Thursday said in a press statement said that Governor

Jayvee Tyron Uy announced the upcoming visit of Filipino and Chinese businessmen in the province this month to finalize the plan of the construction of fourclassroom school buildings in different municipalities in the area.

Governor Uy said the visit to the province is among the agenda discussed during the

regular meeting of the chamber in Tagum City last February 25 where officers and members of the organization intend to construct four more school buildings in Compostela Valley.

The information office added that this is not the first time that Filipino and Chinese businessmen extended support to the education sector in the province.

Data from the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) pointed out that the chamber started to donate school buildings in the province since 2008.

PEO Chief Engr. Rhoderick Digamon also stated in the press statement that a total of 84 classrooms were already donated by the chamber to

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aming miyembro, pasagutin po natin ‘yon. Hayaang makasuhan,” PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief and spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City. ”Let’s throw the book at these people if they commit-

ted a mistake,” Carlos said.

Carlos added that if the HRW can show such a proof, then file a case against the erring PNP member. ”If violators continue to violate RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), what are we going to do? We are mandated by law

to stop them from violating,” Carlos said. ”Do not generalize from 24 cases of suspected EJKs. We have 48,000 people arrested alive. Ito ay resulta ng ating kampanya kontra droga (This is the result of our campaign against drugs),” he

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PNP to HRW: Show proof police behind EJKs

HE Philippine National Police on Thursday challenged the Human Rights Watch (HRW) to show proof on their claim that police are behind extra-judicial killings (EJKs). ”Kung talagang may ebidensya na magpapatunay na may maling ginawa ang

AFP deploys missile firing gunboat vs. Abu Sayyaf

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HE government’s all-out offensive against the Abu Sayyaf terrorists hiding in the jungles of Sulu and Basilan is being boosted with the deployment for the first time of naval gunboats armed with surface-to-surface missiles, according to Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana.

In an exclusive interview with PNA on Wednesday, Lorenzana said the surface-to-surface missiles are the latest weapons acquired by the Philippine Navy as the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines which is long overdue.

The Joint Task Force Sulu of the military presently commanded Army Col. Cirilito Sobejana, has mounted a relenting offensive against the

Abu Sayyaf in the island of Sulu since Monday following the beheading of Jurgen Gustav Kantner, a German national hostage by the Abu Sayyaf since November last year.

Sobejana, a recipient of the Medal of Valor, the highest AFP medal for bravery in combat, has ordered a ground and air assaults on Abu Sayyaf lairs in the jungles of Sulu without letup.

Lorenzana said the deployment of naval gunboats armed with surface-to-surface missiles against the terrorist group shows the determination of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to crush once and for all the Abu Sayyaf.

He condemned the Abu Sayyaf for beheading Kantner, who had not committed a

F AFP, 10

F PNP, 10

LEST WE FORGET. Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) action officer Lorna Mandin bares the activities for the commemoration of the 101st anniversary of women’s month which aims to spread awareness

F ANOTHER, 10

and highlight the contributions of women to society. Mandin was among the guests in yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

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NFA steps up palay buying to boost RP’s buffer stocks

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HE National Food Authority will intensify its local palay procurement to reach its target volume.

“NFA’s target for palay procurement this year is 4,607,350 bags or 230,367 MT to boost the government’s buffer stock and rice distribution requirements,” said NFA administrator Jason Laureano Aquino in a statement.

Aquino already ordered its field offices to step up their buying operations, as the summer crop harvest starts this month until June.

The NFA’s buying price for clean and dry palay is P17 per kilogram.

Incentives are also being offered to individual farmers and farmer cooperatives nationwide, including delivery, drying and Cooperative Development Incentive Fee or a total of

P17.70 to P18 per kilogram.

The NFA aims to procure 79,240 metric tons of palay from January to June this year.

As of Feb. 22, the food agency has already bought a total of 47,782 bags of palay nationwide based on the data released by the NFA’s Grains Marketing Operation Department.

Bulk of this year’s target volume is expected to be bought during the main harvest from October to December.

At least 413 buying stations nationwide are being utilized so farmers can sell their produce to the agency.

Mobile procurement teams are also ready to be deployed to remote areas where farmers may find it hard to transport their produce to NFA buying stations. (PNA)

Three Japanese firms eye P14.5B investments in RP

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HREE Japanese companies are looking to invest some PHP14.5 billion in the Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said Thursday.

Lopez told reporters that Japanese shipbuilding company Tsuneishi is eyeing a P5-billion ship recycling facility that will use the latest internationally accredited green technology.

The investment is expected to generate some 6,000 jobs.

“Due to the very high quality of steel components of ocean-going vessels, the steel-recycling project will not only meet the country’s requirements for inter-island vessels for transport and logistics but also cover the steel requirements of major infrastructure work,” he said.

This prospective project of Tsuneishi is on top of the PHP10.2 billion projects -- a PHP5.2-billion skid barge and ship re-use center in Negros Occidental and a PHP5billion biomass fuel project in Mindanao -- committed by the company during the state visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Japan in October last year.

The skid barge and ship re-use facility will create some 6,000 direct and indirect jobs while the biomass fuel project is projected to add 20,000 jobs.

“We shall continue to cooperate with Tsuneishi in the setting up and operations of the three projects,” said Lopez.

Lopez met with Tsuneishi President Kenji Kawano during the Philippine Economic Forum in Tokyo on

Wednesday.

Aside from Kawano, the trade chief had discussions with Ichijo Ltd. President Tsuyoshi Miyachi, who bared a PHP2-billion expansion project in Cavite.

Ichijo, a manufacturer of prefabricated housing components, will construct a two-storey factory and warehouse and will create 600 additional jobs.

Currently, the company operates five facilities in its 100-hectare property at the Cavite Export Processing Zone with 25,000 employees.

Lopez mentioned that almost 100 percent of Ichijo’s prefab housing components manufactured in the Philippines, its lone overseas manufacturing facility, are exported to Japan.

With the competitiveness of its Philippine-made products, Lopez encouraged Ichijo to also cater to the local market for quality and costeffective mass housing.

“They might also be marketable in the country. I also urged Ichijo to step up its research and development activities in the country, as Filipinos are the country’s best resource and easily among the most talented and hardworking in the world,” he added.

Lopez said another Japanese company, which declined to be named, is also targeting to invest about PHP7.5 billion, creating 20,000 jobs.

The Japanese company is already operating in the country and the project is part of its expansion plan here.

(PNA)

IN RECOGNITION. Davao City Investment Promotion Center chief Lemuel Ordonio says during 80th Araw ng Davao celebration, the city will give recognition and appreciation to those contributors who made the city what it is today. Ordonio made the announcement in yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

DCIPC to award top contributors to devt

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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HE Davao City Investment and Promotion Center will be holding an appreciation and awarding program for individuals and organizations that contributed to the development of Davao City on March 13, at the Royal Mandaya Hotel as part of the 80th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

Lemuel Ortonio of DCIPC said that on this occasion,

organizations and individuals who have been contributors of development for the months July-December will be given due recognition. The contributors come from the following sectors: business and entrepreneurship, social services and health, tourism and the arts, environment and beautification and in public safety and disaster response.

Ortonio added that

the top 10 business and real estate tax payers of the previous year will be acknowledged during the event. These are specific people who have given their contribution to the government religiously.

“Most foreigners who would visit Davao will come as tourists but eventually, they would open their interests for doing business,” said Ortonio. He added that

the city would expect foreign investors during the Araw most especially because this is the city where the current president came from.

According to DCIPC, in 2016, registered businesses have increased by 5% compared to 2015 so it would be possible that this year, it would have a higher turnout. The current top booming industry is on the retail sector.

peace agreement that he said failed to stop war in Mindanao.

He said that this has been so because the past administrations failed to tap the missing element, the involvement of traditional leaders, the sultans in peace process.

“They forget that we are supposed to be the forerunners of the Bangsamoro people. We are the real and legitimate traditional leaders of the Bangsamoro people,” he added.

Sultan Abdullah Topaan Disomimba also said that traditional leaders are most respected Muslim leaders.

He added that when he was still a mayor for many times he solved the problem of rido (generational war between families) by using his being a sultan when his being a mayor would not give effect.

“That has much implication in peace process as there’s no barangay in our place in Lanao that has no influence of a sultan,” he said.

The press conference was

a sideline of the main event Thursday, Feb. 23 at Davao Convention Center, the forming of the Confederation of Royal Sultanates in Mindanao.

It was initiated by Gov. Mangungudatu.

Sultanates who formed the Confederation were the Royal Sultanate of Rajah Buayan, Marawi Sultanate League, Royal House in General Santos, Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, and Royal Sultanate of Bangsa Kagan.

Sultans have royal bloodlines from the first sultan in Mindanao, Shariff Muhammed Kabungsuwan, who first introduced Islam in the island particularly in the later part of 16th century.

Kabungsuwan married women, and a rightful chosen son took place being sultan after death of sultan father.

Meanwhile, a source said that Mangungudatu-led is now one confederation of sultanates in Mindanao while there is also another group of sultanates under a tarsilla-based

Mandawani Darussalam.

An official of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos said that in Moro history originally there were only two sultanates in Mindanao, the Sultanate of Maguindanao and the Sultanate of Sulu.

“The Sultanate of Buayan then the Sultanate of Kabuntalan followed suit. Then many sultanates emerged with little kingdoms,” the NCMF source said.

A small rally of Muslim women was noticed Thursday afternoon at the gate of Sunny Point Hotel in Maa District.

Some of their placards bore words stating that their legitimate sultan in the Kagan sultanate in Davao Region is Sultan Abdul Mawla Camamara III and not a certain Sultan Jimmy Labawan.

There was a scheduled “entronement” ceremony for Labawan at 4 p.m. that day.

This reporter tried but failed to contact Labawan for comments.- Cha Monforte, Corresponde

Mindanao sultans want share in Mindanao peace process

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NUMBER of sultans from various sultanates in Mindanao said they as traditional leaders could spell a big difference in making peace in Mindanao.

On the other hand, they are apprehensive with the current peace negotiators from rebel forces as to whether they really can effect final peace with the Moro people without the involvement of the Muslim traditional leaders. They are optimistic on federalism espoused by President Duterte.

Sultan Kudarat Governor and Rajah Buayan Sultan Omar Pax Mangungudatu, in press conference Thursday, said that 49 years had passed since the Mindanao independent movement emerged and wars kept on breaking out, but now after about 50 years of negotiating with the government, “no substantial achievement about peace” with the Moro people has been achieved.

He cited peace agreement in 1976 with MNLF, the 1996 Jiddah Accord and the 1996

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MICC meeting anew on March 3 T

HE Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) will meet for the second time tomorrow (March 3) to discuss the nitty-gritty of the three-month review that the five technical review teams (TRTs) of this Council’s Technical Working Group (TWG) are set to do starting this March on the 28 mining operations ordered shuttered or suspended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who co-chairs the MICC with DENR Secretary Regina Lopez, said the Council will discuss in the meeting such review details as the organization and funding requirements of the five technical review teams (TRTs) and the TWG that will oversee their actions.

“The second meeting of the Technical Working Group will be held this Friday, and we’re going to start the work to make sure that all the issuances regarding mining were done through due process,” Dominguez said at a press briefing in Malacanang this week.

“They (TWG members) will present the plan on what they will do and also, the budget, because they will have to get

professors from state colleges and universities and private universities, experts from different fields, and they will have to travel so there’s some money to be spent so we have to make sure that there is a budget for that,” added Dominguez, who is expected to attend the March 3 meeting.

As agreed in its organizational meeting last Feb. 20, the TWG is creating five TRTs to conduct an “objective, factfinding, science-based” review of the DENR’s closure and suspension orders.

When asked during the Palace briefing on the possibility of the MICC and its TWG reversing the DENR closure and suspension orders, Dominguez said: “I’m sure Secretary Lopez welcomes the opportunity for the MICC, which she co-chairs, to review the actions that were recommended by her staff. We just want to make sure that they have followed due process.

And of course, if there are some lapses in the due process, they can always correct it. They can always correct the lapses in due process and proceed with what they want as long as the due process, as specified by law, has been followed.”

Asked to comment on the

position of the mining industry, Dominguez told reporters that “the position I support is the position of President Duterte, which is we must follow due process when we are dealing with all kinds of activities.”

“We must honor our contracts and we must behave as a government that is responsible. That is the only position I support,” Dominguez said.

The finance chief pointed out during the briefing that many of the municipalities hosting the mine sites ordered shut down or suspended by the DENR relied heavily on the taxes and other fees paid by mining firms.

The TWG was created based on MICC Resolution No. 6 issued last Feb. 9, when the Council first met to discuss the closure of 25 mines and the suspension of operations of three others across the country.

The review shall be based on “the guidelines and parameters set forth in the specific mining contract and in other pertinent laws, taking into account the valid exercise of the State’s police power to serve the common good of the poor,” the MICC resolution read.

The TWG, in turn, met on

Feb. 20 and decided to form the TRTs consisting of “technical review experts” who, for the sake of objectivity, “shall be independent and [have] no known conflict of interest” with the mining sector or any anti-mining nongovernment organization.

Such a review will be conducted over a three-month period, Dominguez said because the teams will pore over each of the mining contracts involved in the closure and suspension orders.

Under the organizational framework, these five TRTs will review the compliance of the 28 mine sites with applicable agreements, submissions, laws and regulations and impact of their operations, taking into account five aspects agreed upon during the Feb. 20 meeting of the TWG. Each TRT shall cover these five aspects that involve the 1) technical, 2) legal, 3) social, 4) environmental, and 5) economic (including the effect on agricultural reform areas) impacts of the mining operations.

According to Finance Undersecretary Bayani Agabin, who was present at the TWG’s organizational meeting, the

review is “pursuant to Executive Order 79,” which requires that the MICC review mining operations in the country every two years.

Agabin said the mandate of the MICC covers all 311 mining contracts across the country, but the review will first begin with the 23 sites ordered shut down by the DENR. The DENR ordered last Feb. 2 the closure of 23 mine sites and the suspension of operations of five others across the country. A week later, it ordered the cancellation of 75 mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs) still in the pre-operation stage that the government had forged with mining companies.

“The review shall take off or refer to the existing reports conducted by the DENR’s audit team and Technical Review Committee along with existing laws, rules and regulations,” said Agabin, who heads the Legal Affairs Group and Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) of the Department of Finance (DOF).

Agabin said the DENR will make its audit findings available for the TRTs to review.

The five TRTs will tap the academe and will engage

Sweden turns to larvae to consume bio wastes

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EING “green” naturally implies strength of mind. And sometimes even a hard stomach. At least this is true in Sweden, which is about to pioneer the world’s arguably most disgusting method of food waste disposal ever. A disclaimer for the weak-stomached: it involves larvae.

Turning food waste into animal feed using maggots provides a series of advantages compared to other methods of food waste disposal, according to a research project by the Agricultural University in Uppsala (SLU). The project has recently received funding to go ahead and build a pilot plant in

the Swedish city of Eskilstuna, where millions of hungry maggots will eat at least one metric ton of food waste per day.

It’s like swatting two flies in one go, if you’re going to get witty. We are about to replace eco-unfriendly feed and as a bonus make a profit on waste management,” Björn Vinnerås, an associate professor of recycling technology at SLU, told Swedish Radio.

From SLU’s own test facility in Uppsala, where maggots consume one kilogram of food waste per day, the project will be now scaled up to a pilot plant, where at least one ton per day will be consumed.

“To go through a ton, we

will need about a half a million larvae each day,” Björn Vinnerås remarked.

SLU maintains that this kind of large-scale “maggot composting” will become an interesting option both for municipalities and industries.

According to Björn Vinnerås, it is technically much easier than building a biogas plant. Another angle to consider is the rising demand for protein, which in this case may be extracted and used in animal feed.

“We can double the income by getting a product that has a high commercial value.

Proteins fetch a high price today on the world market,” Björn Vinnerås said, claiming

animal feed from maggots to be more sustainable than soya beans or fish flour.

There is only one problem, and it’s a legal one. Today, it is still prohibited in the EU to feed farmed animals insects reared on animal substances.

Nevertheless, Vinnerås is looking forward to an amendment of the legislation, due to a lot of pressure against EU lawmakers from agriculturalists, who would like to use insects as a cheap protein supplement.

The pilot plant will be completed this autumn, thanks to funding from Eskilstuna Energy and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.

(PNA)

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Farmers expect more income with projects from GPH-MILF panel’s development arm

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LINED UP. Museo Dabawenyo head Orly Escarilla provides the details of the scheduled activities of the museum such as exhibitions about the rich history of Davao City in time for the celebration of the 80th Araw ng Davao which aims to attract domestic and foreign visitors. Escarilla graced yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

experts from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to help conduct the review, Agabin had said.

For the technical part of the review, the MICC will tap either a geologist, mining engineer or a metallurgical engineer from the private sector, while a lawyer, also from the private sector, will be hired to review the legal aspect.

A community relations officer will be involved in the social aspect, an environmental management officer will focus on the environmental impact, while representatives from the local government units, DOF, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other concerned government agencies will go over the economic aspect of the review.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the DENR will also provide qualified technical personnel and provide available data and records to each TRT.

ROJECTS intended for farmers in Central Mindanao by an agency created in support of the Mindanao peace process are seen to increase productivity and income for major players in the agriculture sector.

This is how Lengan Bitali, president of Cabpangi Integrated Farmers Association of Barangay Cabpangi, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato described the project his group received from the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) through the Bangsamoro Assistance for Development and Community Empowerment (Bangsamoro ADVANCE) component of the Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Program (MTFRDP).

Bitali made the comments during Wednesday’s turnover of a Solar Dryer with Warehouse Sub-project. He expects his group to be more aggressive in farming, become productive and have enough income.

A similar project was also turned over in Barangay Katibpuan, Talayan, Maguindanao.

The PHP2-million worth solar dryer with warehouse project can benefit 4,650 individuals in Barangay Katibpuan, BDA officials said.

In nearby Barangay Muti in Guindulungan, Maguindanao, the project will benefit a total of 2,892 individual-farmers, according to BDA executive director Mohammad S. Yacob.

Slah S. Kamsa, president of Muti Farmers’ Association, said that the project will help people to be more productive.

“This will really help the people of Muti specially that majority of the people living here in our barangay are farmers. It is a big help in drying

our crops and we now have storage area for those crops,” Kamsa said.

Abdulrasheed Ambil, BDA-Central Mindanao regional manager, expressed the importance of the project to beneficiaries.

“I saw how essential this project is. This is the first solar dryer with warehouse project implemented in this barangay.

It is less expensive considering that they do not need to go to neighbouring places anymore just to dry their crops,” Ambil said.

Farmers in the barangays of Panosolen in Gen. SK Pendatun, Puya in Datu Paglas, Upper Idtig in Paglat, Kakal in Ampatuan all in Maguindanao province and in Barangay Pamotolen, Kalilangan, Bukidnon are also recipients of farm facilities which will formally handed to them this March 2017.

A similar project will also be realized for the farmers in Barangay Tran, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat after it was turned over to beneficiaries today.

This support to farmers in Central Mindanao is under the Bangsamoro ADVANCE program managed by BDA and is being implemented in 49 communities under the influenced areas of the MILF Base Commands across the BDA six regional clusters (Central Mindanao, Southern Mindanao, Davao, Ranaw, Zamboanga-Peninsula, Zamboanga-Basilan) and two island provinces of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.

Bangsamoro ADVANCE with a total with 202,461 beneficiaries, is a program conceptualized in support to confidence building measures of the GPH- MILF as provided in the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB). (PNA)

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 268 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 3 - 4, 2017

DCWD reopens office in Toril District Hall

D

AVAO City Water District will reopen its office at the newly renovated Toril District Hall on March 6, 2017 and will accommodate water bill payments, new service connection applications, and other customer requests, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Meanwhile, DCWD’s temporary office in Felcris Toril supermarket will no longer cater to customers starting March 6, 2017. It can be recalled that said temporary office was opened last May 30, 2016 to accept water bill payments and accommodate concerns from DCWD’s customers in Toril area while Toril District Hall was undergoing renovation.

The DCWD management ensures that all of its services are within reach to its customers, thus it has put up offices and collection centers in strategic areas in the city.

Aside from the DCWD Toril office, customers may also pay their water bills and transact at DCWD Bajada and Matina offices from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Victoria Plaza collection center from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Payments are also accepted at DCWD’s Felcris Centrale and SM Lanang Premier collection centers from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For additional information, updates, complaints, queries, and matters pertaining to DCWD services, customers may contact the DCWD Central Information Unit / Call Center 24-hour hotlines 297-DCWD (3293), 09277988966, 0925-5113293, and 0908-4410653 or visit DCWD’s website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater).

(Winston Ajero)

DA-11 conducts knowledge sharing on coffee through SOA

T

O further strengthen the coffee industry in Davao region, the Department of Agriculture (DA-11) urged farmers to continuously seek information to further boost their coffee production.

Through its School-on-the-Air (SOA) program, DA-11 conducted a knowledge sharing about coffee since December 2016 until January of this year.

SOA was aired over DXRD 711 kHz, Sonshine Radio from 4:005:00 a.m. Mondays to Saturdays and was able to produce a total of 500 farmer graduates.

During the recent SOA graduation held in Davao City, Assistant Regional Director for Operations George Culaste stressed that coffee is one of the priority commodities in Davao region.

As a prime commodity, DA-11 will continue to provide interventions to the coffee growers in the region.

“DA provides coffee rehab program, free fertilizer and seedlings for the coffee farmers. Our ultimate goal is to make our coffee industry costcompetitive, aligned with global quality standards, reliable, and

environment friendly. We also want to provide sustainable benefits to farmers, processors, traders and exporters,” Culaste added.

Field Operations Division (FOD) officer-in-charge Melani Provido, who also grace the graduation pointed out that technology in coffee is very important for its production.

She also underscored that production rate of coffee in Davao region is quiet low with only 600 kilos per hectare.

“DA through the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) will provide trainings so that we can help you improve your yield and at the same time improve our income,” Provido said.

A total of P51 million was allocated for coffee intervention, which include provision of planting materials – P23 million, rehabilitation program through provision of fertilizer – P20 million, installation of small-scale irrigation system – P1 million, provision of postharvest equipment and machinery and establishment of processing facilities/plant – P4 million and for expansion support, education and training services – P3 million. (Che D. Palicte DA-XI)

PRIORITIZE CHILD PROTECTION. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo signs the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act with Save the Children Country Director Ned Olney, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo, Department of National Defense

(DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Alberto Muyot, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, and Armed Forces of the Philippines-Human Rights Office (AFP-HRO) chief B/Gen. Jose Antonio Carlos Motril. (DSWD Photo)

DSWD, DND sign law to prioritize child protection during disasters D

EPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana led yesterday the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 10821 or the ‘Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act’ – a law considered as the first and only in the world that protects children during emergencies and disaster situations.

“This is a very important law as it will contribute to our efforts to further protect those who are most

vulnerable during disasters,” explained Sec. Taguiwalo in her opening remarks.

Apart from the importance of the law, Sec. Taguiwalo also discussed several salient points in the law such as the establishment of a Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (CEPC) which is designed to protect and support the immediate recovery of children and pregnant and lactating mothers during and after emergencies and disaster situations.

The signing was witnessed by students from San Vicente Elementary

School who also showcased their talents by playing musical instruments at the event.

Also present in the ceremonial signing were OCD administrator Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Alberto Muyot, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo, AFP-Human Rights Office (HRO) chief B/Gen. Jose Antonio Carlos Motril, Save the Children Country Director Ned Olney and UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander.

Lastly, Sec. Taguiwalo

said that, “As we push for the implementation of the law at all levels, we hope to make the public recognize the truth that disaster risk reduction, response and management processes involve the collective action between the public and the government.”

“The key ways to ensure the proper enactment of this law is to empower the public and encourage their involvement in crafting and implementing policies and programs that can help improve the ability of Filipino communities to mitigate the effects of calamities and disasters, and promote resiliency,” she ended. (PR)

fully dedicated IT department in a business. A study by the Computing Technology Industry Association which surveyed 350 executives revealed that companies outsource IT in order to improve efficiency and to free their IT staff to work on strategic projects.

Rosal explains, “Managed IT providers like CuroTeknika have the infrastructure already in place. We have the skills, tools and processes needed, and the required manpower spread geographically to support even regional locations. Companies see us as a strategic partner because we function as an

extension of their in-house capabilities.”

“We’ve worked with financial companies to handle their technical helpdesk to support their end-users nationwide. This allowed them to realign their IT group’s focus towards the integration of their disparate applications. They were able to offload operational functions such as desktop support, recruitment, retraining, work scheduling and service level adherence,” shared Rosal. “With regards to large enterprises, some of them let us handle the technical support of their provincial offices.”

Working under a “Business.Life.Simplified” insight, CuroTeknika helps organizations focus on delivering consistent and efficient customer experience while enabling a continuous and simplified operations environment that can thrive in a global, customer-driven economy.

“Businesses today need to be dynamic and agile. The IT of the future will be the enablers in enhancing value creation for businesses, paving the way to compete not only locally but globally. This is the time to explore new technologies and while they are at it, CuroTeknika can support the day-to-day upkeep of their IT infrastructure,” said Rosal. (PR)

In-house IT department urged to go from maintenance hub to growth driver “

GOING digital” is a trend among businesses right now since it boosts overall productivity in the workplace and in the market. It means maximizing new and available technologies and models in the areas of Social Media, Mobility, Data Analytics, Cloud, and Security in order to make work and processes more efficient and effective.

Its apparent benefits are more than enough reasons to start the digital transformation.

Stressing the importance of IT, TJ Rosal, the Assistant Vice President for Sales and Marketing of CuroTeknika, a managed IT services company said, “In light of the global digital shift, IT is in a position where it can make significant business impact. It is time for IT to take on a more strategic role within the organization by developing technology-driven tools, systems, and processes that add value to the business.

This is an opportune moment for IT to make a shift from being a company’s mere maintenance hub to a major growth driver.”

Based on a study made by management resources firm Brilliant, majority of companies surveyed have no plans to increase their in-house IT staffing in 2017.

However, as companies grow, their IT infrastructure become more complex, placing IT in

a dilemma of keeping their current infrastructure up and running rather than focus on strategic initiatives. “The time that should have been spent in researching, evaluating and testing new technologies that add competitive advantage are spent mostly on operational activities which of course are equally important.

Unfortunately, the culture of learning is pushed to the side and for the most part, IT resources are hired primarily for maintenance,” said Rosal.

Interestingly enough, there are some business owners who recognize the potential of a

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

V

Leni’s loyalty

ICE President Leni Robredo’s comment on Senator Leila De Lima’s recent arrest on charges of illegal drugs trafficking smacks of ignorance.

The Vice President said Senator De Lima, her partymate at Liberal Party, is a victim of political persecution.

Robredo said in a statement: “The arrest of Senator Leila de Lima is the latest move in a persistent campaign of political harassment being waged against a duly elected member of Congress.”

She must have played a blind eye to the merits and nature of the case like most of her partymates and allies.

De Lima was charged based on violation of the Dangerous Drugs Law. Her case did not stem from any political acts nor was she charged for being a staunch critic of the administra-

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tion.

Robredo, a lawyer, must delineate reality and her political affiliation in making sweeping statements that reflect a careless, unthinking mind blown away by political loyalty.

It’s not good for Robredo, the country’s second highest official, to interpret a legitimate judicial process and upholding of the rule of law as political persecution.

Since being kicked out of the cabinet, Robredo has become vocal in her views against the administration.

Where is Leni now placing her loyalty?

It does not help her cause ranting about political harassment because she must keep in mind that old adage: “my loyalty to my party ends where loyalty to my country begins.”

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Setting the record straight on mining

LREADY a lot has been said on the issues surrounding the rather controversial call of DENR Secretary Gina Lopez for the cancellation of some 72 Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs), noting that since these projects have yet to commence, no employees will be laid off.

First of all, let us try to examine some of the statements made thus far and determine whether they actually hold water.

For one, the 72 MPSAs are not mere pieces of paper. In many of these projects, local people have already been engaged to assist the engineers and planners in the important pre-operation and design work that happens before actual digging of any soil is to begin. One that I know of already operates a tree nursery to prepare seedlings for tree replanting in many of the areas they will operate in. So to say that no one will be laid off is not entirely true. Ask the MPSA holders. Do an audit.

Secondly, what irked many are the accusations that certain government officials such as Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez are at loggerheads with Lopez because of her supposed anti-mining stance.

In fairness to Lopez, not all mining

“I

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 268 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 3 - 4, 2017

LLEGAl fishing must stop. The bounty of our seas and waters is not for us alone. We must leave something for the future generation.” – President Rodrigo R. Duterte *** Next week, on March 7, winners of the 2017 Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) will finally be known. The grand ceremonies will be done at the Malacañang Palace with President Rodrigo R. Duterte himself bestowing the coveted awards to the winners.

Some P70-million will be given away “in livelihood funds to towns with the cleanest coastal waters, protected mangrove (areas) and a successful campaign against illegal fishing,” said Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol of the Department of Agriculture.

“This will be the first time fishermen, considered as among the poorest sectors in the country, will be given recognition and awards for their role in protecting the country’s fishing grounds,” said Piñol, who conceptualized the program and handled by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The twelve regional finalists are already assured of P2-million each in livelihood funds for their fishermen. All of them will vie for the top prize of P20-million, Piñol said.

The first runner-up will go home with P8-million while the second runner-up will receive P5-million. All regional runner-ups will get P1-million each.

projects were MY TWO CENTS’ rejected in the audits that took place last year. A number of them passed the audits and continue to operate, no employees laid off. Whether or not she is actuJohn Tria ally anti-minecisouth@gmail.com ing is a question. For if she indeed were against mining, then all other mines would be closed, and no one would be allowed to quarry sand and gravel, or make cement.

As we have written before, mining is an industry the world cannot do without.

It’s just a matter of finding the environment-friendly, safe and sustainable methods to prevent externalities such as pollution and accidents. If Australia and Canada can do it, why can’t we?

In fairness to Dominguez, he only explained that the proper processes need to be engaged before any action to cancel

MPSAs are made, in accordance with due process.

On this the Department of Finance spokesperson Paola Alvarez has this to say: “These critics have conveniently left out one major point in this issue, and it is that both Secretary Dominguez and DENR Secretary Regina Lopez have, as co-chairperson of the MICC (Mining Industry Coordinating Council), both signed the Council’s Resolution No. 6 dated Feb. 9 affirming the primacy of procedural and substantive due process in the final resolution of the DENR’s series of actions on the closure or suspension of 28 mines and cancellation of the government’s 75 MPSAs (Mineral Production Sharing Agreements) with mining companies.”

In fact, she said, it is this MICC Resolution No. 6 signed by both Secretaries Lopez and Dominguez that have led to the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG), which, in turn, formed a week ago five technical teams that would conduct a threemonth multi-stakeholder review of the performance of the affected mining projects.

“As agreed upon by the MICC’s TWG in its organizational meeting last Feb. 20, these technical review teams or TRTs are

to go over the compliance of the affected mines with applicable agreements, submissions, laws and regulations as well as the technical, legal, social, environmental and economic impact of the DENR’s orders,” Alvarez said.

This MICC action is pursuant to Executive Order No. 79, which provides for the multi-stakeholder review of mining operations once every two years, in consultation with local government units, she added.

Thus, due process needs to be guaranteed before any decision to cancel any government contract will take place. A technical working group needs to be formed to review each MPSA. Should violations or concerns warrant the cancellation, then by all means cancel the MPSA. Otherwise no arbitrary or abusive actions are allowed, lest the government official who makes such a decision face a graft case for acts deemed capricious and whimsical.

It seems that this is an administration that takes accusations seriously. Compared with previous regimes, current officials under the Duterte administration will set the record straight quickly and douse any fire of doubt before things spread.

May this dialogue continue.

The criteria THINK ON THESE! used for selecting the winners are as follows: (1) the town must have a declared marine sanctuary; (2) it must have a self-imposed closed fishing Henrylito D. Tacio season of three henrytacio@gmail.com months during the spawning period of fish; (3) it must have a protected and rehabilitated mangrove area; (4) it must have clean coastal waters with no floating garbage; and (5) it must have no reported incidents of illegal fishing.

“The cash prizes will be utilized in providing livelihood projects for the fisher folk in the winning towns, especially during the closed season for fishing,” Piñol explained.

“In addition to the livelihood funds, winning towns will also be provided with Community Fish Landing Centers which could be used by the fishermen in bringing their catch ashore and fiberglass fishing boats complete with accessories,” the agriculture chief added.

Will one of the towns in Davao Region will emerge as one of the top winners? Well, your answer is as good as mine.

Meanwhile, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported that more than 50 million Filipinos

are dependent on fish for food. In addition, almost three million people are employed in the fisheries sector.

Fish, it is said, provides more than half of the protein requirement of Filipinos. It’s no wonder we among the world’s biggest fish consumers.

In recent years, the average annual consumption of Filipinos has declined considerably – from 37 kilos before to just 30 kilos these days.

“We are running out of fish and running out of time. For a country known for marine biodiversity, there are very few fish left to catch,” deplored Vince Cinches, Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

What’s even more alarming is that 10 out of 13 major fishing grounds surveyed in the country are already overfished.

“Overfishing is the primary cause of dwindling fish population,” Peter Weber, a researcher at the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute, wrote in his report, Net Loss: Fish, Jobs and the Marine Ecosystems.

Take the case of Davao Gulf. With an area of 308,000 hectares, the gulf cuts into the island of Mindanao from Philippine Sea. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) considers Davao Gulf as one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. Diverse coral reefs, different mangrove species, cetaceans and a host of invertebrates contribute to the natural diversity of the gulf.

But since 2000, the volume and quality of the fish in the Davao Gulf have been found to be in constant decline, according to

a decade-study conducted by the World Fish Center. The study looked at the volume and quality of the harvests of 10 commonly fished species in the gulf: matambaka, tamban, moro-moro, caraballas, bilong-bilong, lapu-lapu, danggit, molmol, talakitok, and maya-maya.

Except for maya-maya, the harvest numbers for the species have been falling. At the current rate of decline, the caraballas, bilong-bilong, molmol, and danggit may all disappear completely from Davao Gulf within a decade.

Along with fishing pressure, general degradation of coastal environments has influenced the steep decline of fishstock. Population growth and urbanization along shorelines lead to greater municipal, industrial and agricultural waste discharge and pollution.

More than 40 million people in the Philippines live on the coast within 30 kilometers of coral reef, which represents about 45% the country’s population.

Land reclamation, coral mining, and mangrove clearing for aquaculture – itself a source of pollution – alter the aquatic environment. The effects of oil spills and other disaster events involving shipping further threaten the ecological balance.

Is there a glimmer of hope?

“Without any change in fish consumption and no active human population management program, domestic demand for fish will reach 3.2 billion kilograms by 2020, given the projected population growth rate of the country,” the World Bank said in its Philippine Environment Monitor.

Empty nets

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 268 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 3 - 4, 2017

80th Araw ng Davao opens... FROM 2

home to almost two million people, with booming infrastructure development and a recipient of many awards and recognitions such as Most Livable City, Most Child-friendly City, and hall of famer as Literacy Awardee.

Lopez added, the ordinances pioneered by Davao City such as Anti-Smoking Ordinance, Arial Spray Ban and Anti-Smoke Belching Ordinance are now replicated by other local government units across the country.

In an interview, City Tourism Officer Gene Rose Tecson said although the influx of tourists is not yet felt since the celebration has just begun, she assured that there are enough number of hotels to accommodate the expected 150,000 visitors to come to the city, breaking last year’s record of 143,000.

To officially declare the opening of 80th Araw ng Davao, Councillor Danilo

Dayanghirang, representing Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio who was unable to attend the ceremony because of her schedule for child-birth, asked Davaoeños to unite and move forward “towards city development, sustained, intensified and expanded effort for everybody”.

The opening program highlight Davao-based performers and also the presentation of the candidates of Mutya ng Dabaw slated on March 15, 2017 at Davao City Recreational Center.

Meanwhile, representing the private sector Davao City Tourism Association President Gatchi Gatchalian led the ceremonial toast together with partners and stakeholders of the city government.

President Rodrigo Duterte is also expected to grace the city’s founding anniversary celebration on March 16, according to the City Tourism Officer.

various schools in the province from 2008 to 2015.

In 2008, 22 classrooms were donated by the chamber in six public schools in the town of Nabunturan particularly in barangays San Roque, Magsaysay, Bukal, Katipunan, Bayabas and Manat.

Two-classroom buildings

were also donated by the chamber in Barangay Casoon in Moncayo; Dauman Elementary School in Montevista; and Maliwon Elementary School in Mawab.

“The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce is one of the consistent partners of

Compostela Valley in our efforts to strengthen the education of our children and the youth,” Governor Uy said in the statement.

He added that the support of the chamber started during the term of former governor, now Senior Board Member Arturo Uy.

hard work, honor and dignity.

One of them is John Paul Jose, 17, a member of Isinay tribe in Nueva Vizcaya.

He said that his province is known for tribes engaged in head hunting, a tradition in the mountain province and Cordillera that has faded due to the advent of urban civilization.

Jose said that “instead of taking life, I am now giving life. Thanks to the teachings and trainings given to me here at the Farm University of the Enchanted Farm. There is still good magic in this world,” he said.

Students like Jose will now enjoy added comfort at the Enchanted Farm after the GK foundation and the Monsato Philippines opened a 24-bed, two-storey dormitory at the

heart of the forest known as “Batis ng mga Diwata”.

Meloto said that the site where the “dorm”, which is complete with a swimming pool with the thick forest as backdrop, was constructed in the spot that was believed to be the “center of positive energy,” in the Enchanted farm.

Rachel Lomibao, head of Monsato Philippines, said that this is part of their company’s community outreach program.

“Mosanto is committed to bringing a broad range of solution to help nourish our growing world. And with GK Enchanted Farm Village University as partner in this endeavor, the poor that have been already helped by Mr. Meloto and his volunteers will be helping raise many others

from poverty through social enterprise that does not leave the poor behind,” Lomibao said.

Earlier, Governor Willhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado described the success of GK Enchanted Farm and Farm University as “magical”.

“The place was once known as the hub of communist insurgents and supernaturals or “engkantos,” now it is the hub of international communities learning the traditional Filipino culture of Bayanihan. This is not the story of princes and princesses but of ordinary folks, special scums of the slums, who made their dreams come true by fighting the monsters of poverty and surviving its challenges,” Alvarado said. (PNA)

Agabin said the results of the review of the five TRTs will be submitted to the MICC’s multistakeholder TWG, which will verify the technical report before the final presentation to the MICC. The MICC will present the findings and submit its recommendations to the Office of the President, which shall

make a final decision on the DENR’s closure and suspension orders.

The DENR’s closure and suspension orders will cost 17 affected cities and municipalities in 10 provinces over P821 million annually in foregone revenues, according to updated estimates submitted by the DOF-attached Bureau of Local Government

Finance (BLGF) last week.

The latest estimates, which is an increase from the initial P653 million submitted last February by the BLGF, is based on the 100 percent compliance of city and municipal treasurers to a DOF order for each of them to submit a report on the revenue impact of the DENR orders on the affected LGUs. (PR)

adapt modern technology and making Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) available online, it will reduce timeconsuming inquiries for the part of the client and the CCR staff. This is also pursuant to the Anti-Red Tape Law which mandates government offices

to simplify frontline service procedures.

However, Devilleres clarified that approved transactions are only posted online for six months since they are using a free site.

Approved documents exceeding the allotted time

will be removed from the database, and the client will have to inquire at the CCR, New City Hall.

For more information, the public can access the web address at www.panaboccr. wordpress.com (Vikki J. Amorio – CIO Panabo)

Filipino... FROM 4

Another... FROM 4

MICC... FROM 6

Panabo... FROM 11

SETTING THE TONE. City administrator Zuleika Lopez speaks before the crowd during the official kick-off of the 80th Araw ng Davao at Rizal Park in Davao City on Wednesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

PNP... FROM 4

added.

On the HRW’s claim that police are committing crime against humanity, Carlos said, “What are they saying? Not all 7,000 deaths recorded by rights groups are drug-related.” ”In drug war, we don’t want 2,500 people killed in operations but Hindi namin ititigil yung mandato na magpatupad ng batas (we have to live to continue our mandate),” he added.

The PNP official also assured cooperation with other

probe bodies. ”The chief PNP (Director General Ronald ‘Bato” Dela Rosa) said we are open. Other investigating bodies can do their investigation. Makikipagtulungan kami (We will cooperate),” Carlos said. ”Ang hinihiling lang po namin (What we are asking), be specific. Let’s look at each case kung ano ang tatayo at hindi natin sasabihin na (which will stand and we’ll not say that), at 24, this is now a crime against humanity,” he added. (PNA)

wrong doing against the terrorist group, adding that beheading is inhuman.

Lorenzana, a retired major general of the Philippine Army, and a highly decorated combat officer as commander of the famed Scout Rangers of the Philippine Army, said he expects the AFP to crush the Abu Sayyaf in a year.

He said that based on intelligence report there are about 300 Abu Sayyaf armed with high-powered firearms.

Even before the beheading,

the Joint Task Force has been pounding Abu Sayyaf lairs with 105mm howitzers and helicopter gunships of the Philippine Air Force , using air-to-ground rockets and M60 machine guns the past week in an effort to rescue Kantner.

Some of the government troops pursuing the terrorists are equipped with night vision goggles.

Lorenzano said the AFP will buy additional night vision devices to upgrade their fighting capability at night. (PNA)

AFP... FROM 4

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ATHENA LULETTE ANGLIONGTO EMBATE has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS executed among her heirs, per Doc. No. 487; Page No. 99; Book No. 28; Series of 2012, of the NOTARY PUBLIC JEFFREY JEFFERSON Y.CORONEL

3/3,10,17

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

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a AIRCONDITIONED TAXI Service

Case No. 2011-XI-00511 ENRIQUE W. TAY, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY to any point in REGION XI with the use of THREE (3) units, which Certificate will expire on June 6, 2017. In the petition filed on February 20, 2017, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 15, 2017 at 09:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

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

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Chief Transportation Development Officer/Officer-In-Charge,, this 21st day of February 2017 at Davao City.

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

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ARTS AND CULTURE

ART reGENERATION IF YOU’RE A BIG FAN of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” like I am, then you would be familiar with one of their famous lines: “Into every generation a slayer is born: one girl in all the world, a chosen one. She alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness…” Eloisa B. Sanson is far from being an eradicator of literal demons and dark forces of our world, but she sure can “slay” some amazing work in the art studio!

Contrary to Buffy, wherein her strength and skills were magically endowed to her, Eloisa had to make sure she had enough caliber to prove to her parents that she was worthy to go into art school. “What triggered my passion in art was the science behind Disney animated films. I dug deep into documentaries and studied the artists that built these masterpieces that fascinated me,” shared the young artist. Although her art is mostly contemporary, Eloisa has been exploring different styles; from Durer’s Sketches to Leonid Afrimov’s palette knife techniques, and is most comfortable with techniques applied in impressionism that are done in impasto. “I’m mostly into figure art, captivating living and breathing beings of this world and the world unknown. Most of all, I am fascinated with human nature, for humans make the craziest things out of their environment: religion, politics, emotions, science, innovation, and imagination—things that make them evolve into the most powerful beings on this planet. My art speaks about how human nature resonates through this universe’s existence and is imaginative of how they can gamble with the extraterrestrial world that awaits them,” Eloisa ardently shares.

The young Davao artist has been applying different art movements and mediums, but her naturally developed strong and edgy strokes remain in

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UP AND ABOUT

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 268 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 3 - 4, 2017

Davao Region rocks Summer VISIT DAVAO FUN SALE, the Region‘s pitch to make it More Fun in the Philippines this summer, bring you bigger thrills in eco-adventure tours, iconic sports and culture & lifestyle experiences this 2017. Against a backdrop of season-long discount extravaganza from hotels, malls, shops, restaurants, airlines and wellness centers, VDFS will rock today’s adventure-hungry and surprise-seeking travellers on April 16 to May 31.

Among Visit Davao’s newest highlights is the Province of Davao Oriental. Davao Oriental features an undeniably exciting roster of eco-adventure destinations top- billed by Mt. Hamiguitan Unesco Heritage Park in San Isidro, and Dahican Beach in Mati City. Dahican rocks your summer with a National Skimboarding Competition and a Frisbee Invitational Tournament on April 2023. Amihan sa Dahican, will celebrate its 13th anniversary as the watch-group created for eco-protection related to turtle egg-hatching, dophin or whale sight-

ings in Dahican, Mati, Davao Oriental. The entire Davao Oriental will also launch Kabilin Festival, a heritage celebration in different provinces and municipalities on May 1-7.

Mindanao’s most popular island beach, the Island Garden City of Samal remains awesomely inspiring with unbelievable Tour featuring ultra-close encounter with bats and gi-

ant clams at the Monfort Bat Cave and Taclobo Sanctuary.

Together with the City Government of Davao, Island Garden City of Samal will host the never-to-miss, one-of-a-k i nd cross-channel Triathlon dubbed as Bpi Cards DurianMan on April 23. The Mindanao

Dive Expo on May 6 to 14 and the Samal Marathon on

May 7 spell a more upbeat experience in this year of more fun.

The majestic Mt. Apo will not be missed to truly #rocksummer 2017 when the iconic Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge returns with a back-to-back extreme challenge, The Mt. Apo Sky and Vertical Race.

Yes, not for the faint of heart but truly an inspiring event, most awaited by ecoadventurers this 2017 in Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur as well.

Davao City, as the gateway to all these excitement has packed summer with inspiring events of culture and adventure. Season-long events include Art Mindanao and Daba-Daba Performance Festival at malls and dining strips.

The Duterte Tour await Davao-curious traveler, made more exciting with Davao’s version of Pub Crawl on weekends of April and May. It’s truly a show of force for the home of the Philippine President in Battle of the Strongest, Crossfit Competition on May 27 and Hataw Dabaw Streetdance Competition on April 29. Together with

the Davao City Tourism Operations Office, VDFS will also showcase the best of Davao’s performing artists at the season-long Daba-Daba Festival featuring world indigenous music, contemporary and modern or hiphop streetdance.

The malls will brim with sales, savings and more surprises during the citywide Sale in Malls on April 15 and 16 and May 27 to 31 and at the Wellness Fair and Dive Expo on May 1114. Pet owners even join in the fun at the Mindanao Pet Congress on May 26 -27.

Visit Davao Fun Sale is now on its fourth year as the Department of Tourism’s campaign to make Davao Region a top destination for the summer.

Spearheaded by the Davao Fun Sale Executive Committee, this year’s #rocksummer campaign is copresented by the Davao City Government, Air Asia, Bonamine and Tempra, BPI Cards, Cebu Pacific and Tanduay. For more information about #rocksummer check out www. visitdavaofunsale.com and @ visitdavaofunsale on FB.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 268 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 3 - 4, 2017

EVENT

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A floral Valentine affair

By KENNETH IRVING ONG THE DAVAO WATERCOLOUR SOCIETY launched its latest group exhibit titled “Say it with flowers on Valentines Day” last February 13 at the function room of Basti’s Brew, Victoria Plaza. A the latest exhibit of the group features recent watercolour paintings by its members and friends.

“We hold regular exhibits here at Basti’s Brew and this time we want to highlight flowers done in watercolour,” said Lito Pepito, Davao Watercolour Society’s lead artist, “The idea is to give flower art which lasts almost forever compared to fresh flowers for Valentine’s Day.” The exhibit also serves as the group’s way to showcase their member’s progress and learnings

from their regular weekly watercolour workshops.

“We hold regular watercolour workshops here at Basti’s Brew and it is open for anybody who wants to learn or practice watercolour techniques,” added Lito, “The workshops are held every Tuesday afternoon here at Basti’s Brew Victoria Plaza’s function room and we welcome everyone who wants to join the activity.”

ENTERTAINMENT

YouTube Kids channels for your kids to enjoy

BEING A PARENT IS TOUGH, so Globe At Home has chosen top 5 kid-friendly YouTube Kids channels that your kids can enjoy. No need to worry about what they watch even when you’re not around. With Globe At Home, you can have your kids learn fast and surf fast anytime with first world broadband connection! Have your kids enjoy kid-friendly shows from YouTube kids content creators, sing and dance along to tunes, learn from different shows and explore the world around them.

Here are the top 5 shows Globe At Home recommends for your kids to watch:

1. HooplaKidz TV - https:// w w w.y o u t u b e . c o m /u s e r/ HooplaKidzTv HooplaKidz TV is perfect for adventurous kids who want to have fun in the comfort of their own homes! They can follow adorable characters like Gazoon, an elephant living in the wild; the Om Noms, a duo of green creatures who go on zany adventures outside the

watch individual videos, but they can also check the compilations, which can last up to an hour. Apart from being entertaining, the songs are also educational – kids can sing and learn by following nursery rhymes for getting dressed, learning the alphabet, learning to swim, and taking a bath. game Cut the Rope; and Annie, Ben, and Mango, a young girl, dog, and monkey who travel the world making new friends and music.

2. Little Baby Bum - https:// www.youtube.com/user/LittleBabyBum Little Baby Bum is made for kids who love music. This channel is filled with nursery rhymes, complemented by entertaining videos. Viewers can

3. Finding Stuff Out - https:// www.youtube.com/user/FindingStuffOutTV Finding Stuff Out is for the inquisitive child with so many questions. The show is hosted

by Harrison Houde who answers science-related questions from its viewers. Throughout the show, Houde has answered questions like “Why can’t humans fly?”, “Why do people have hair?”, and “Why do bats sleep upside down?”.

4. Kid Made Modern - https:// www.youtube.com/user/KidMadeModern Want to make your kid’s TV time productive? Let him or her watch Kid Made Modern! Kids can learn things like how to make wire flowers, tie dye shirts using magic markers, and even how to make a sweater. The instructions are safe and easy to execute, and will be a great bonding session with the parents!

5. Pocoyo - https://www.youtube.com/user/POCOYOUSA Enter the world of Pocoyo, the four-year old boy who goes on adventures with his friends Pato the duck, Elly the elephant, and Loula the dog.

Together, they go on adventures on land, air, sea (and even space), and involves the viewers in their adventures. It’s a fun and interactive show filled with trips, games, music, and lessons.

Let your children discover these shows on YouTube Kids, free with your Globe At Home subscription! Apply for a Globe At Home’s Plans 1299 and up and let your kids be entertained on a bigger screen with fast and reliable internet connection of up to 10Mbps.

For more information on Globe At Home, call 7301010, visit the website at www.globe. com.ph/broadband, or any Globe store.

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ARTS AND CULTURE THEKATCLOSET A1

most of her opuses. Her award-winning sculptural pieces—“Regeneration” and “Blissful Memories of A Father”, focus on the consistent human nature harmonizing with change and the belief that an individual’s biggest highlight is embracing the end of time and knowing that he/she has done great things.

“My primary goal as an artist is travelling in my own world, since all my life

I’ve only travelled worlds wrought in imagination. I also dream to be a “Swissknife” in visual arts—being able to make masterpieces of art’s different forms from painting, to sculpting, and to animating,” Eloisa states.

Only at twenty years old, she has exhibited and won significant recognitions and awards for her work; from being DOLE’s artist of the year, most promising student from Philippine Women’s College ASADE, and winning third place in Shell’s national com-

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petitions, both in 2015 and 2016. And as the masses have noticed, all over the world, there have been an influx of amazing craftspeople discovered thanks to the magic of social media; in Eloisa’s generation, they have more freedom and access to dabble in different mediums and techniques that give them more learning experiences and vaster skills of application; but like the saying goes: “all are called but few are chosen”—and Eloisa B. Sanson, with her ever growing potential is one of the chosen few that we can expect great artistic evolutions from. Further transcending the concepts of art and humanity, generating and regenerating ideas and techniques that will revolutionize the future-contemporary art scene.

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

11 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 268 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 3 - 4, 2017

SUPPORT TO EDUCATION. Filipino and Chinese businessmen recently expressed their intention to provide more support to the education sector in Compostela Valley province by constructing 4-classroom school buildings in different towns in the area. (Photo from FB Page ComVal Province)

Panabo introduces Local Civil Registry webpage

T

HE Office of the City Civil Registrar (CCR) introduced its own online portal where clients can access important details of various services offered by the local registry office.

City Civil Registrar, Dennis B. Devilleres said that with the establishment of the CCR webpage, it would be more convenient for clients to access vital information such as requirements and procedures, before they start to process their transactions.

“Complete list of

requirements and procedures are already available in the CCR webpage, so visiting our office personally only to ask for the list of necessary documents is no longer needed,” he said.

Devilleres added that transaction fees and duration of processing and releasing of documents are also available on the website. Clients can also track the status of their requests and whether or not the office received their submitted documents.

With this initiative to

F PANABO, 10

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF REAL ESTATE WITH WAIVER AND RENUNCIATION OF RIGHTS

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late VERONICO SUMAYLO GUIMERE has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate with waiver and renunciation of rights executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.210; Page No.42; Book No. 115; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC SALVADOR M. BIJIS 2/17,24,3/3

NOTICE

DavNor intensifies free legal assistance I

N line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust of social and economic justice, the Province of Davao del Nortel aunched the Comprehensive Legal Assistance Project (CLAP) at the Kapalong College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (KCAST), Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

Spearheaded by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and implemented by the Provincial Legal Office (PLO), the CLAP aims to equip students and ordinary citizens with legal knowledge on their rights and the penalties for commonly committed crimes like illegal

drug use and selling, cyber crimes, sexual harassment, money claims and property disputes in the barangays, among others.

“The thrust of our President right now is really on drugs and other crimes.

Kinahanglan nga naa gyuy wide information dissemination para ma-lessen ang atong crime rate. Ang effect pud ana is that we will have a peaceful and harmonious communities sa Davao del Norte,” said Provincial Legal Officer Atty.

Jennifer Namoc-Yasol.

She revealed that the project will roll off in 10 schools and 10 barangays this year.

Recipient students have

expressed interest over the newly-launched program especially that they are future law enforcers.

“Dako kayo ni’g epekto kay dilil ang kaming mga estudyante pati pud mga teachers ug mga taong anaa sa among palibot nga makabalo kung unsa gyud ang dapat i-akto nimo nga dili ka makasakit sa laing tao ug wala kay kaso nga makuha,” said Pamela Blanca Salanga, a second-year BS Criminology student.

New Corella Municipal Trial Court Presiding Judge Regina Sison-Montiel reminds the public not to get involved on unethical conducts and

crimes mentioned.

“Sa cybercrime, never explore on things that you do not know. Never comment on something na dili ka aware unsa imong liability. Sa drugs, never try it because once you tried it, you’re trapped on it. For the rest of the topics discussed, if you are violated, I hope you will disclose it to your parents or teachers so that you will be assisted,” Judge Sison-Montiel bared.

Consistent with the B.E.S.T. P.E.O.P.L.E. development agenda of Gov. Anthony del Rosario, the PLO is calling out the victims to seek free legal assistance from their office.

(PIO DavNor)

She said the infestations mainly affected palay and corn plants in varying stages and coconut trees in Koronadal City and in the municipalities of Norala, Tantangan, Tampakan and Tupi.

Affected were 254 hectares of farmlands owned by at least 320 farmers in the nine infested barangays.

Hardest hit were Norala

and Tantangan towns, which recorded a combined damage to palay crops of around P4.73 million due to rodent or rat attacks. It affected 140 farmers, covering 115.7 hectares.

In Koronadal City, some P1.6 million worth of corn crops from 95.1 hectares of farmlands owned by 129 farmers were also destroyed by rodents.

Corn planthoppers wiped out around P1.1 million worth of corn crops in five barangays in Tampakan and Tupi, affecting 32.7 hectares owned by 46 farmers.

At least 2.8 hectares of coconut plantations were ravaged by slug caterpillars and Brontispa in Tampakan town, leaving an estimated damage of P246,425.

“This is still partial and we’re still waiting for damage reports from the other municipalities,” Navarrete said.

Citing a recent meeting with agriculture officials and personnel of the province’s 10 municipalities and lone city, she said almost all farm areas were affected by rodent infestations.

In the last five years, the official said pest infestations caused the bulk of the reported crop damages in the province.

Last year, around P164.42 million worth of farm crops were destroyed due to pest attacks in parts of the province.

The infestations were caused by black bug, rodents, rice stemborer, locusts, slug caterpillar, and chrysomellid bettle. (PNA)

P7.5M farm crops destroyed by pests in SoCot

A

ROUND P7.5 million worth agricultural crops were destroyed in parts of South Cotabato in the last two months due attacks from various pests.

Justina Navarrete, chief of the South Cotabato Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG), said Thursday the crop damages were caused by rodents, corn plant hoppers, slug caterpillar and Brontispa.

Notice is hereby given that Stock Certificate No. 833 of APO GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, INC. which was issued to TAGUM AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, INC., with three (3) common shares, was declared lost last February 10, 2017 as per Affidavit of Loss executed by the latter’s manager for corporate affairs, MR. ZEAUS APOLLO Q. VADIL, entered as Doc. No. 7; Page No. 2; Book No. 2; Series of 2017, in the Notarial Register of Atty. Roland A. Reyes, a notary public for and in the city of Davao, Philippines.

12 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 268 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 3 - 4, 2017 Aquaculture

Fish on the brink of collapse (Second of Two Parts)

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“Southeast Asia contains 30% of the world’s reefs, 33% of the world’s mangrove resources, and at least 20% of its seagrasses.

It also accounts for a quarter of global fish production supporting the livelihood of 60% of the people residing within 60 kilometers of the coast.”

– Dr. Herminia A. Francisco, of the Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia

W

ITH the rampant mangrove denudation and coral reef destruction, seagrass beds – those discrete communities dominated by flowering plants with roots and underground stems – have become the “last frontier” of the country’s coastal resources.

“The whole central portion from low tide to the reef is inhabited by seagrass,” says Dr. Anitra Thorhaug, an American biologist who pioneered efforts in restoring seagrass habitats in the Philippines. “Yet corals and mangroves have reserved areas, seagrasses none.”

In Southeast Asia, most coral reefs are associated with seagrasses, according to Dr. Miguel D. Fortes, a marine scientist and the first Filipino to receive the prestigious International Biwako Prize for Ecology.

“These two ecosystems could potentially supply more than one-fifth of the fish catch in the region,” he writes. “A total of 1,384 individuals and 55 species from 25 fish families have been identified from five sea-

Seagrass

grass sites in the Philippines alone.”

In terms of seagrasses in the world, the Philippines has the second highest number of species. Western Australia has more than 30 species of seagrasses while the Philippines has 18 species thriving along its coasts.

“Many plants and animals live in seagrass beds, which are rich in nutrients and whose physical structure protects young marine life from predators,” Dr. Fortes notes. “The major invertebrates found in the beds are shrimps, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, crabs, scallops, mussels, and snails.

The major vertebrate species include fishes, reptiles and mammals.”

Seagrasses in the country covers an area of 27,282 square kilometers. They are widely distributed throughout the country – from Bolinao Bay (Pangasinan) in the north, Palawan and the Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor area to the center, and Zamboanga and Davao in the South.

“Seagrass beds are declining worldwide,” says Dr. Fortes. In the Philippines, 30%-50% of seagrass has been lost in the last 50 years.

The rapid disappearance of seagrass in the country is due to the increasing population’s multiple demands upon the country’s marine environment as source of food, avenues of transportation, receptacles of waste, living space and source of recreation and aesthetics pleasures.

The seagrass ecosystem is likewise adversely affected by mining of industrial minerals; oil spills caused by accidents, operational shipping and refinery activities; dredging and illegal associates.

“Huge tracts of these productive habitats are being dredged, filled, polluted, exploited, converted to other coastal uses or simply being destroyed, all in the name of economic development,” Dr. Fortes deplores.

Population and overfishing The rising number of Filipinos has contributed to the destruction of the country’s coastal ecosystems. Based on projections made by the Commission on Population using data from the Philippine Statistics Office, the will Philippines will be home to 105,758,850 by the end of the year.

“The continuing increase in population is due to relatively high fertility rates of Filipino women which is 3 children on average; however, 11 of the 17 regions show higher fertility rates than the national average,” said a report by the staterun Philippine News Agency.

As a result of the rapid increase of population, there are too many mouths to feed.

“Life in the Philippines is never far from the sea,” wrote Joan Castro and Leona D’Agnes in a report published by Population Reference Bureau. “Every

Filipino lives within 45 miles of the coast, and every day, more than 4,500 new residents are born.”

Dr. Robert Ginsburg, a marine scientist working with the Rosenstiel School of Marina and Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami, said that human beings have a lot to do with the rapid destruction of coastal ecosystems. For instance, “in areas where people are using coral reefs or where there is a large population, there are significant declines in coral reefs.”

Result of too many people: overfishing. “Overfishing is the primary cause of dwindling fish population,” writes Peter Weber in his report, Net Loss: Fish, Jobs and the Marine Environment.

In Southeast Asia, where the Philippines is located, “nearly all waters within 15 kilometers of shore are considered overfished,” deplored Dr. Edgardo D. Gomez, who used to be the director of the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines at Diliman.

As fish become scarce, only those moneyed people can afford to buy them. When there are too many people who demand fish and the supply is limited, the price automatically goes up. That’s what the law of supply and demand is all about.

Aquaculture One possible solution to the problem is aquaculture, the raising of fish in lakes, ponds and other bodies of water. In 1995, one in four food fish consumed by humans came from aquaculture.

But these bodies of water, where fish are farmed, are also experiencing some problems.

Take the case of Laguna Bay, a 911-square-kilometer body of water into which 21 river tributaries drain. It reportedly supplies 30 to 40 percent of the

Tuna harvesting

Tuna total fish requirement of Metro Manila.

In the past, 23 endemic fish species inhabited the lake, including the monetary-valued white goby, grunt and catfish.

Today, only six varieties of fish thrive in its water. Also at one time, 13 kinds of aquatic plants grow above the water. Now, only the lowly kangkong and the resilient water lily have survived the heavily polluted waters.

“From all indications, Laguna Lake is destined to become another classic case of ‘the tragedy of the Commons,” wrote Celso Roque in a foreword for Laguna De Bay: Problems and Options.

Saving coastal ecosystems Before he ran for president, Rodrigo R. Duterte was quoted as saying: “Illegal fishing must stop. The bounty of our seas and waters is not or us alone.

We must leave something for the future generation.”

But the question is: can it be stopped? Can the coastal ecosystems be restored to its former glory? Fortunately, there is still a glimmer of hope – that is, if Filipinos will work together.

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

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

“Getting the right people engaged is a huge part of it,” Cousteau said. “We have to make sure small-scale fisherfolk are represented; they’re not the ones plundering the ocean. We have to stop illegal commercial fishing; we have to source the fish responsibly.

It’s been done before, it’s not a magic formula. Increase the marine protected areas, stop bycatch, stop illegal fishing – et voila!”

VOL. 9 ISSUE 268 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 3 - 4, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of Marketing Assistant 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

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EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

DAVAO GOLFERS. (Left to right) Apo’s Jing Gavino andd Karloz Alba, and Rancho Palos Verdes’ Chris Tan and Ninot Galicia. Tomas Inigo Sr.

Apo just 7 points behind Orchard

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

A

njb@edgedavao.net

PO Golf and Country Club bounced back from a slow start and sizzled with the day’s second best round to pull through just seven points off the pace in the Founders Division of the 70th Philippine Airlines Men’s Interclub on Thursday.

Unleashing its A-Team right on their very own turf, Apo’s homeboys sizzled with an aggregate 120 for a two-day

total 232 good for fourth place and only seven points off the leader Orchard which could only do a 116 for the day for a 239 total.

Three Apo players scored in the 30s led by Karloz Alba with 32. Denden De Castro and Leo Fusilero added 30 apiece while Jing Gavino had a 28.

Jorge Martinez’s 25 did not count in the five-to-play-fourto-count format.

Cebu Country Club stayed in second with a 235 aided by a day’s best 122. Riviera is at third with 233 followed by Apo and Forest Hills with identical 232s.

Rancho Palos Verdes limped with a 103 to stay at 9th place with a 208 total.

The RPV parbusters were paced by Addy Briones with a 31 while Khalik Samanodi had a 27 and Leo Yap and Ronald

Galicia had 26s. Chris Tan’s 25 did not count.

In the Aviator Division, Davao City Golf Club is at fourth place with 180 points behind leader Sherwood (219).

Edipolo Caturan paced the Matina divot-diggers with a 25, Renz Yamyamin had a 22, Mark Oropesa and Richard Badang had 21s. Rodolfo Lunas 19 did not count.

In the Friendship Division,

T’boli Thunder 2 on March 12

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HE “T’boli Thunder 2” boxing show is slated on March 12 at the T’boli Covered Court in T’boli, South Cotabato featuring a championship fight for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Asia Pacific light flyweight title in the main event.

This was announced by boxing promoter Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil of Sanman Promotions.

Sanman’s Ronie “Ultimate Warrior” Tanallon (10-3-1, 2 KOs) will fight current Mindanao Professional Boxing Association (Minproba) champion Arnold Garde for the WBF Asia Pacific light flyweight crown.

The 10-round bout will be supervised by WBF Supervisor Lito delos Reyes.

The 23-year old Tanallon, a former Philippine Box-

“Anything can still happen with Canlubang breathing behind your neck,” he said. “Fielding in the final two days will still be of utmost importance, that’s where their (Barons’) coaching experience comes in and we have to be ready.”

A total of 83 teams are entered in the four-day, five-division event which ends on Saturday. They are playing at the Apo Golf and Country Club and Rancho Palos Verdes.

(136-136), Canlubang 258 (125-133), Del Monte 238 (111-127), Luisita 232 (115117)

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Partial scores: Championship Manila Southwoods 272

Founders Orchard 239 (123-116), Cebu 235 (113-122), Riviera 233 (116-117), Forest Hills 232 (117-115), Apo 232 (112-120), Valley 225 (107118), Villamor 225 (120105), Tagaytay 222 (117105), Wack Wack 217 (12097), Pueblo de Oro 216 (106110), Rancho Palos Verdes 208 (105-103), Negros Occidental 207 (103-104), Social Redhawk 201 (103-98), Alabang 198 (100-98)

ing Federation (PBF) minimumweight champion from General Santos City scored a unanimous decision victory in his previous outing against Rez Padrogane last December 17 at the Robinson’s Place in Gensan.

Last year, Tanallon also fought but lost by a UD to Robert Paradero in their battle for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Youth minimumweight title last October 28 in Cagayan de Oro City.

Garde (7-4-2, 3 KOs) captured the Minproba light flyweight crown via a unanimous decision win against Ian Ligutan last Sept. 17 at the Pres.

Roxas Gym in North Cotabato.

Garde, however, bowed by a UD to former world champion Randy Petalcorin last December 4 at the Robinson’s Mall Atrilum in Gensan in their battle for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific light flyweight crown.

“I will win again. I know that I can do it against Tanallon,” said the 26-year old Garde, who has been sparring at the MP Davao Gym in Toril.

Garde also does his regular workout at the Empire Davao Gym in Ecoland.

Five other exciting pairs

Garde

Tanallon are also added in the annual boxing event supported by the T’boli municipal government and sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).

Lanang jumped to fourth place with 145 total on account of a 79 for the day. They trail leader PGA of British Columbia with 194.

Scoring for Lanang are Robert Plana 23, Patrick Tan 22, Nedz Sanchez 20, and Danny Gotera 14. Paul Dakudao’s 10 did not count.

Founders Division: Orchard 239 (123-116),

Cebu 235 (113-122), Riviera 233 (116-117), Forest Hills 232 (117-115), Apo 232 (112-120), Valley 225 (107118), Villamor 225 (120-105), Tagaytay 222 (117-105), Wack Wack 217 (120-97), Pueblo de Oro 216 (106-110), Rancho Palos Verdes 208 (105-103), Negros Occidental 207 (103104), Social Redhawk 201 (103-98), Alabang 198 (10098)

Pacquiao-Khan on May 19 in UAE

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ANNY Pacquiao’s next fight will be against Amir Khan on May 19 in the United Arab Emirates (May 20 in the UAE), in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai, Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz told Yahoo Sports Tuesday following a twohour meeting with promoter Bob Arum.

Arum had announced in January that Pacquiao, the WBO welterweight champion, would fight little known Jeff Horn in Australia in April. But Pacquiao wanted a bigger name opponent who would not only present a stiffer challenge, but would help the pay-per-view sales.

“We decided to move it to May 19 here and May 20 in the United [Arab] Emirates so we’d have time to promote it properly and make it a huge success,” Koncz told Yahoo Sports. “I have to talk to both fighters [on Wednesday] to get them to approve going in May instead of in April. I don’t think that will be any problem.”

Pacquiao received much media criticism when Horn was announced as his next opponent. On Feb. 12, he posted a poll on Twitter asking fans who they wanted to see him fight next. There were 44,815 votes, and Khan was the runaway winner with 48 percent of the votes cast. Kell Brook received 24 percent, Terence Crawford 21 percent and Horn got sev-

en percent.

The poll had more meaning with Koncz once he found that 86 percent of the votes came from the U.S., which is the largest payper-view market.

“When I saw Amir ran away with it, I figured most of the votes from from England and a lot of them came from the [UAE], but they told me that 86 percent of them were from the U.S.,” he said.

“That meant a lot. Obviously, Amir’s a big name in the U.S., too, as well as in England [where he lives] and people saw it for what it is: A toss-up fight against two fast-handed guys.”

Khan hasn’t fought since a sixth-round knockout loss to Canelo Alvarez on May 7 in Las Vegas in a bout that was contested at 155 pounds. Khan has been a super lightweight for most of his career.

Koncz said he respected Khan for taking the fight.

“I saw some people on the internet criticizing Amir for getting knocked out like that, but I don’t criticize him; I applaud him for stepping up and taking the fight against a good fighter like Canelo,” Koncz said. “He went up two weight classes to take that fight, which I’ll be honest with you and tell you we wouldn’t do. We learned our lesson fighting those big guys when we fought [Antonio] Margarito [in 2010].

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.99ISSUE ISSUE268 268••FRIDAY FRIDAY--SATURDAY, SATURDAY,MARCH MARCH33--4,4,2017 2017 MEN’S INTERCLUB DAY 2. Yuto Katsuragawa peers at his ball at Hole no. 5 of the Rancho Palos Verdes, contributing 36 points to pad Manila Southwoods’ lead over Canlubang by 14 during Day 2 of the PAL Men’s Interclub at Davao City.

GAINING HEADWAY Southwoods pads lead to 14 M ANILA Southwoods again came out with all guns firing yesterday, pooling a second straight 136 points to now be 14 ahead of Canlubang halfway through the 70th Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Men’s Championship.

With Japanese teenager Yuto Katsiragawa matching par 72 worth 36 points and Ira Alido and Liam Cully shooting 34s, the Carmona-based squad again got solid numbers from everyone for a 36-hole 272 total as the team’s chances for a first-ever “three-peat” keeps getting better by the day.

But non-playing skipper Thirdy Escano refuses to fall into a false sense of security, considering the calibre of the team that’s giving them chase.

“They will never be a

push-over,” Escano said, referring to the Sugar Barons, who drew 36 points from Gido Mandanas and 34 from Carlo Villaroman but got just 33 from Rupert Zaragosa at Rancho Palos Verdes here but still managed to stay close.

“Fourteen (points) is not a comfortable lead, especially against that team,” Escano went on as he bared that he will be “tweaking” his lineup for the third round today to prepare for Saturday’s last 18 holes at Apo Golf.

Either of Jama Reyes and Aidric Chan’s 32 counted as the fourth score for Southwoods, downplaying the balance in Escano’s lineup, while Cangolf threw away the 24 of Bambam Santos after Marco Olives’ 30 counted as the fourth card.

Zaragosa, the pint-sized multiple national champion, had two of his bogeys

in the back nine and picked up on the par-5 12th hole, while Olives was working on a three-over card heading into his final three holes only to drop shots in each of them.

“That’s why you cannot get over confident against a team like Canlubang, because, clearly, we just had the better breaks today out there,” Escano said.

Del Monte wrested third place from Luisita at 238 after getting 38 points from Jelbert Gamolo – the lowest score thus far – and 32 from Julius Bautista for the chunk of its second round 127.

The Luisitans, whose Senior team triumphed last Saturday, had just 117 to be six points behind the Bukidnon-based team. Senior standout Jingy Tuason scored 32 and was the high scorer for Luisita.

The 70th PAL Interclub Platinum sponsors are

Mareco Broadcasting Network, A&E Networks Asia, RMN Networks, The Manila Standard, Fox Networks Group, Rolls-Royce, TV5, MasterCard, TFC and Business Mirror.

Major sponsors include Asian Air Safari, Airbus, Primax Broadcasting Network

and Sabre Airline Solutions while Corporate sponsors are Baron Travel Corporation, Boeing, MX3, GE Aviation, Bombo Radyo Philippines, Asia Brewery, Tanduay Distillers, Sabre Airline Solutions and Tourism Promotions Board.

The donors are Shan-

gri-La at The Fort, Trinity Insurance and Eton Properties.

Third round action will again be at well-manicured Palos Verdes and Escano wants nothing less than the same effort from his boys just to stay comfortably ahead going back to tree-lined Apo Golf.

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