Edge Davao 9 Issue 283

AFFIRMED VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

www.edgedavao.net

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Aboitiz chalks up 27% profit earnings with P22.5B in 2016 Serving a seamless society A

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

BOITIZ Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) saw its consolidated net income increased by 27% year-on-year (YoY) from P17.7 billion in 2015 to P22.5 billion in 2016.

This translates to P4.02 in earnings per share. Power accounted for 65%, followed by the Banking and Financial Services, Food, Infrastructure, and Land strategic business units (SBUs) with income contributions of 21%, 7%, 7% and 1%, respectively.

For the period ending December 31, 2016, the company incurred a non-recurring loss of P347 million (versus the previous year’s loss of P602 million), which mainly resulted from the markto-market revaluation of the Power BUs’ consolidated dollar-denominated assets and liabilities refinancing costs and goodwill impairment, partly offset by the net forex (foreign exchange) gains from revaluation of dollar-denominated assets and liabilities. Adjusting for these one-off’s, AEV’s core net income amounted to P22.8 billion, which was 25% higher than last year.

“Through our value creation efforts, we are poised to take advantage of the tailwind our growing economy brings.

The gains we recorded over 2016 affirm the soundness of our business strategy of creating a diversified income stream,” said Erramon I. Aboitiz, AEV President and Chief Executive Officer.

“This year, the Group will take even more deliberate steps in bringing progress to communities in line with our strategic objectives,” Aboitiz added.

EDGEDAVAO

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Vices regulation unit to focus on barangays

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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HE newly-organized Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) that sought to enforce anti-smoking, liquor ban and selling of liquor to minors will focus its efforts in the barangays.

Speaking as the mayor’s representative and head of the anti-smoking task force for the VRU, retired Capt. Voltaire Engracia said barangays in the rural areas are more prone to violations of the law.

“Even with the existence of the ordinance for more than 20 years, we still need to further strengthen our information drive with regard to the ordinance,” Engracia said on Thurdsay during the iSpeak Conference.

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EDGEDAVAO Sports FIRST BLOOD

TRMH-CMO Green Archers demolish Manny-led Pacman Warriors 113-76

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WISH FULFILLED. A young boy appears to be very amused after feeding a pigeon with bird seeds from his palm at the Rizal Park in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

ANOTHER AWARD. Edge Davao writer and columnist Henrilito Tacio Jr. (third from left) bags two trophies during the 2016 Binhi awards held last March 22, 2017 in Makati City. Presenting the award is Senator Cynthia Villar.

EDGE Davao writer clinches 2 BINHI awards

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DGE Davao columnist and reporter was among the top winners in the 2016 Binhi Awards sponsored by the Philippine Agricultural Journalists, Inc. (PAJ) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

Henrylito D. Tacio got two trophies out of the 15 categories handed by PAJ which existed for 41 years now. He was named Agricultural Journalist of the Year (Third Prize) and Environmental Journalist of the Year (Third Prize).

Tacio was cited for all the features and write-ups he has written for EDGE Davao last year.

In last year’s awarding ceremony, his article on the sad status of the country’s soil erosion was named Environment Story of the Year.

He also received previously two Binhi Awards as Countryside Agricultural Journalist and Provincial Agricultural-Environmental Journalist in the 1980s.

In this year’s Binhi Awards, the “Uhay” publication of the regional office of the Department of Agriculture was named Agricultural Newsletter, a repeat of the same honor which it received in 2003.

Noel Provido, who headed the communication of the regional DA, was also given an award for his climate change story, making him the first recipient as the category was introduced for the first time in the contest.

Ruben Gonzaga, who

hosted the “Agri Tayo Dito” for ABS-CBN, received the trophy for Agri Regional Television Program. The Davaobased agricultural program was also honored the same distinction in last year’s awarding ceremony.

The board of judges of the 2016 Binhi Awards was headed by Dr. William Dar, a Filipino scientist who transformed the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) from a struggling institute to one of the top performing centers of the Consultative Group on International Research (CGIAR).

The members include Mary Jane Oconer-Llanes, of the Corporate Affairs Office of the San Miguel Corporation; Professor Alfredo G. Gabot, one of the editors of the “Manila Bulletin” for 25 years until his retirement; Temina Lalani-Shariff, head of communication of the International Rice Research Institute; and Angelo B. Palmones, a multi-awarded journalist who hails from Kidapawan, North Cotabato.

Invited as guest speaker during the awarding was Senator Cynthia A. Villar.

“The Philippines is an agricultural country, with two-thirds of its population involved directly and indirectly in agriculture,” she said in her speech. “As such, we cannot overemphasize the important contribution of the sector in national growth and development.”

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City-wide siren test deemed successful T

HE Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that the city-wide siren test on Tuesday was a success.

Rodrigo Bustillo, CDRRMO operations and warning officer, said the test, which happened at 12 noon, indicated that the installed hardware in strategic areas in the city isfunctioning and in good condition.

These sirens are located in the Toril Fishport, Matina Aplaya, City Hall Annex in Pichon Street and in R. Castillo.

Their locations were based on population and prox-

imity to coastal areas.

Each siren structure is able to produce sound that can be heard in a five kilometer radius, but the audible volume will depend on the ambient sounds of its covered areas.

Each 16 horsepower siren can produce a 129 decibel sound at 100 feet.

The sirens are triggered by a switch in the emergency operations center of CDRRMO. The sirens activated real time.

The sirens are electro-mechanical and can produce stronger and further reaching sounds than regular electronic sirens. They are also omni-di-

rectional, providing greater area of coverage.

“We will be studying areas that receive low to weak reception of the alarm,” Bustillo said, mentioning feedback from some barangays about hearing low to faint sounds.

He said that some indoor offices also couldn’t hear the sounds.

His initial recommendations are to add more siren structures.

Ideally, there should be a siren structure at least 2 kilometers apart for optimum alarm volume.

He said the office is study-

ing to add additional sirens in Talomo Proper, Sta. Ana Wharf, Panacan, Tibungco, and Bunawan.

Bustillo added that this test of the City Level Early Warning System will continue weekly every Tuesday at noon as part of their efforts to teach the public the sound they have to respond to in times of emergencies and disasters.

For updates and advisories, the public is invited to follow the official Davao DRRMO Facebook Page: Facebook. com/DavaoDRRMO (Jesse Pizarro Boga)

“(But) we will be making advisories and declare the travel agencies that are accredited with the Department of Tourism,” Gigantone said in an interview Wednesday night.

He said the advisory will include information if the tour operator has a mayor’s permit which is one way of ensuring the travelers are protected and safe.

Gigantone said travelers plan their Bicol trips for more than a year only to find out that the places they will be visiting are different from what was initially advertised.

“That’s what we’re afraid of especially if they are operating here in Bicol,” he said.

Gigantone said these fake tour operators will be tarnishing Bicol’s image.

He said DOT-Bicol does not tolerate online travel agencies.

Gigantone said the tourism department, which is “upgrading and reconstructing its website,” has a Facebook fan page where the public can view the list of accredited tour operators, travel agencies and tour guides who can assist them.

He said the department has the hotline number 742-

5004 for tourists who cannot afford tour packages, such as backpackers and those who go for solo or budget trips, the socalled “tipid” trips.

“We can assist them so they can experience what’s truly ‘Gayon Bicol’ (Beautiful Bicol),” he added.

Gigantone said Camarines Sur is the top destination for local and foreign tourists as it is the biggest province in the Bicol region with so many activities to offer.

He said the province offers a lot of island hopping, one of them to the famous Caramoan Island.

DOT urges public to be cautious vs. fake online travel agencies

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HE Department of Tourism in Bicol has alerted the public about bogus travel agencies offering toogood-to-be true travel packages with low prices for both domestic and international sites that turn out to be non-existent, especially during the summer season.

“If the travel packages are too good to be true, these are not true and are illegal,” said Bobby Gigantone, administrative officer of DOT-Bicol.

He said the tourism department does not have any police power to run after these illegal online travel operators.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

DENR urges Pinoys to support Earth Hour‘17

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HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources is once again urging Filipinos to take part in Earth Hour and to show their support for the global fight against climate change by dimming or turning off non-essential lights between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. on March 25.

Earth Hour is an international campaign encouraging people and businesses to turn off lights and other electrical appliances in support of global call for action on climate change to reduce carbon footprint.

According to the DENR, this year’s observance of Earth Hour is a milestone for the Philippines as it comes more than a week after the Senate ratified the landmark Paris

Agreement on Climate Change following the endorsement of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, but has a very small climate footprint.

However, the DENR said this should not prevent the country from achieving economic development while adopting lifestyles, systems and measures that can slow down climate change.

The DENR said Earth Hour is a great initiative that demonstrates how small, simple steps can help make a difference in making communities reflect on the devastating impacts of climate change.

The agency also supports calls for Earth Hour participants to “go beyond the hour” in their daily activities. (PNA)

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

HONORING THE OCCASION. President Rodrigo Duterte and Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha hold a toast during the state dinner at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday night. RICHARD MADELO/Presidential Photo

Boy, 6, rescued from G Pa who mauled him

Abu Sayyaf hijacks cargo vessel, seizes 4 crewmen

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE quick Response Team on Children’s Concerns (QRTCC) here rescued another victim of child abuse after the biological father of a six-year old boy mauled his son using an electric wire.

The kid showed bruises and wounds all over when the QRTCC team rescued the child around 4 P.M. Wednesday, after a concerned citizen informed them through the Kean Gabrielle hotline.

The QRTCC together with the police arrested Rodriguesse Bicol, the father of the child who was present during the rescue operation launched by the group.

Social Worker Teresita Obang said that the child was wearing a long sleeved shirt and a pajama when they arrived to cover the bruises caused by the mauling of the father.

The kid’s mother Desa, refused to file charges against her husband but she admitted that it was not the first time that Rodriguesse mauled their only child.

Based on the testimony of the mother, her husband mauled their child when he was under the influence of alcohol. She added she saw no need to report it since Rodriguesse but claimed he had no any idea what he did to the

child.

“At first the mother was convinced to file charges against her husband but when we arrived at the police station she changed her mind, she said that she does not have any idea how will they survived without her husband,” Obang said.

During the information gathering of the QRTCC team, they found out that the kid was no longer attending his classes and was left alone in their house whenever his parents go out to work.

“According to the neighbors they always left the kid alone, no one was taking care of him,” Obang said.

Based on the statement of

the six-year old, he was mauled by his father because he took a shower in the rain.

“He beat me using an electric wire because I took a shower in the rain,” said the boy.

According to Lorna Mandin, head of the Integrated Gender and Development Division that since the Kean Gabriel Hotline was launched last October, they have received a total of 134 calls from concerned citizens to report cases of child abuse.

46% of the 134 reports were physical abuse related cases while 52% of the victims were male, 71% of the cases

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UNMEN believed to be Abu Sayyaf bandits seized four people from a cargo vessel they hijacked on Thursday off Basilan province.

Lt. Commander Alvin Dagalea, Zamboanga Coastguard Station Commander, identified two of the four victims as Aurelio Agacac and Laurencio Tiro. The identities of the other two have yet to be determined.

Dagalea said the incident took place at around 12:20 p.m. Thursday in the vicinity of Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.

He said the vessel, Super Shuttle Roro 9, was transiting at 26 nautical miles (NM) east of Matangal, Basilan and 19 NM of Sibago Island when intercepted by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits aboard three speed boats.

Super Shuttle Roro 9 plies the Cebu to General Santos route and vice-versa.

The coastguard deployed a gunboat to provide assistance to the besieged cargo vessel.

The cargo boat is now idle drifting towards Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.

(PNA)

Lawyer, three others nabbed in Cagayan De Oro drug raid

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LAWYER and three others were collared in an anti-illegal drug raid in a Cagayan de Oro City subdivision Wednesday night, an official said Thursday.

Adrian Alvariño, director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Northern Mindanao, said the operatives raided a house in the village of Patag Wednesday night.

Arrested were Sonny Pabelic, a lawyer and allegedly a former clerk of court in Gingoog, a component city east

of Misamis Oriental, Douglas Galam, Derek Go and Alex Pagara.

According to Alvariño, the suspects tested positive for illegal drugs following a drug test.

He said the PDEA received an information that the house is being used as a drug den because of the many unidentified persons that visit the place every day.

Alvariño said that violation of the comprehensive anti-illegal drug law would be filed against the suspects. (PNA)

Duterte backed in stopping impeach bid versus Robredo

FOOL-PROOF. City administrator Zuleika Lopez (leftmost) listens to the presentation of Nozomu Yamashita of Japan International Cooperation Agency on the master plan and feasibility study for flood mitigation of Davao River held at City Hall on Thursday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

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LOILO Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. expressed his support to President Rodrigo Duterte in stopping the impeachment complaint against Vice President Leni Robredo.

“I think for the sake of this country, for the sake of this government and the Filipino people, I think it should be dismissed and be thrown out

by Congress,” Defensor said.

He said that President

Duterte’s statement made sense and that he (Duterte) does not want to waste the time of Congress on the impeachment proceeding.

“It will do no good to the country,” he further stressed.

To recall, two members of the Volunteers for Good Government filed an impeachment complaint against Robredo for betraying public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution. (PNA)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

Domestic liquidity remains enough for PH’s requirements

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PROVIDING A NEED. Job seekers fill up application forms during a job fair conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment in Davao City in this undated photo. DOLE 11 reported that unemployment increased to 5.9 percent in January this year from 5.1 percent in the same period last year. Lean Daval Jr.

RANKING official of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) assured that domestic liquidity remains high despite the decline in tenders on the central bank’s longer-tenor term deposit facility (TDF).

During Wednesday’s TDF auction, bids for the 28-day TDF reached P140.76 billion, lower than the P150 billion offering and last week’s P176.89 billion.

This resulted in a drop in this tenor’s bid coverage ratio to 0.9384 from 1.1793 last March 15.

On the other hand, bids for the seven-day facility reached P39.18 billion, higher than the P30 billion offering but lower than last week’s P41.13 billion tenders.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo traced the preference for the shorter-dated TDF to the market’s “positioning for any opportunistic short-term proposi-

tion”.

“This is the reason why, despite the increase in bid to coverage ratio for the seven-day TDF, weighted interest rate stood at a higher level of 2.52 percent,” he said in a text message.

This week, the weighted average accepted yield stood between 2.9873 percent for the seven-day facility and 3.3028 percent for the 28-day TDF. Guinigundo pointed out that if banks feel the need to increase their liquidity positions to cater to their clients’ needs, they can easily pull out their placements with the central bank. ”Should there be actual liquidity tightening, all that the banks have to do is to withdraw from the liquidity facilities of the BSP to fund loans, investments, foreign exchange purchases and even public spending on power and infrastructure,” he added. (PNA)

ESPITE the inward-looking policy of United States President Donald Trump, the Philippines’ contact center sector projects the U.S. to remain its largest market even in the next years.

In a briefing Thursday, Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) Chairman Benedict Hernandez said the local industry has yet to be affected with the “America first” policy of Trump, as the U.S. continued to share largest contact center and business process outsourcing (BPO) demand in the global market.

“Right now, in terms of direct impact to us, we have not really seen any material impact in the way our clients are working with us,” Hernandez said.

He added that 70 percent of the current demand came from North America, with majority of the demand coming from the U.S. He said that U.S. would remain as the country’s top con-

tact center partner due to the robust growth of healthcare demand. Majority of healthcare services that the local contact center served was for the U.S. The industry expects the trend to continue in the next six years, but with the share of U.S. to the pie shrinking.

“Our expectation is its going be majority North America. That is the largest market in the world and continues to grow. But what we’re saying is, the mix between U.S. will continue to be smaller, but continue to be majority,” the CCAP chair noted.

Hernandez explained that unlike seven years ago, where the market for Philippine contact center was concentrated on the U.S., the demands were now seen on other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia Pacific.

He mentioned that highest growth demand was in the Asia Pacific, with Australia and New Zealand as the fastest growing market for Philippine contact centers. (PNA)

remain RP’s leading 2000 positions to open UScalltocenter industry partner at Brgy. Baliok jobs fair D

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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ONGRESSMAN Jericho “Koko” Nograles announced the opening of 2000 seats in the upcoming “Oplan Kabuhayan Jobs Fair: TRABAHO PARA SA TANAN” at Brgy. Baliok, Talomo District Davao City.

It will be conducted at the Baliok Elementary School covered court on March 25, Saturday, 8 AM to

2 PM. During Kapehan sa Apo View, the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist representative said 50 to 60 companies have confirmed to participate on the jobs fair.

“These are mostly BPOs, skilled workers here and abroad, and heavy machinery,” said Nograles.

The representative ad-

vised interested applicants to bring their resume and other credentials.

Aside from the jobs fair, a medical mission will also be conducted in partnership with Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

The activity, headed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Davao and sponsored by

1st District Representative of Davao City Karlo Alexei B. Nograles in partnership with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist headed

by Assistant Majority Leader Jericho Nograles, and the Barangay Council of Brgy.

Baliok, aims to provide employment to jobless citizens.

the disparity which I am trying to highlight,” Pangare said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

He noted that a large portion of Asia does not enjoy a stable, 24/7 supply of power they can use on demand.

By using solar technology and distribution generation, people living in rural or isolated areas will be able to enjoy a continuous supply of electricity, he added. ”Renewable energy provides a fixed, assured energy source and therefore farmers can irrigate when the crop needs irrigation and then the resource ground water is saved because they will be taking out only what they need and not pumping out and storing it and then just wasting it,” Pangare explained.

Today, with the advances in technology, solar products have become more affordable that even farmers with a small piece of land could buy his own solar power generator to water his farm, he said.

The same solar energy has enabled people living in re-

mote areas to use cell phones, he said.

“In villages in India, people had no telephone connections and now, everybody has mobile phones and with renewable energy or solar, people can charge their mobile phones,” Pangare said.

On conserving water resources, Pangare emphasized the need to find a solution to the wastage of non-revenue water. “(Non-revenue water) is basically water lost by the utility somewhere in the course of distribution and therefore does not get charged to the customer. This loss can go as high as 60 percent sometimes.

Therefore, not only did we lose 60 percent of the water but we also lost 60 percent of the energy needed to transport that water,” he pointed out.

Pangare related that two years ago, India established a Ministry of Renewable Energy and has since made RE a viable alternative source, especially for rural areas.

“For a country with a population of 1.2 billion, trying to

get targets of 20-25 percent based on renewable, it has to be done on a mission mode.

Everybody has to come together -- government, the private sector, entrepreneurs -- all of them have to come together but at least, the thrust has come from the government.

It’s a very positive thing,” he said.

Water Philippines Expo, held every two years since 2011, features the latest products in water supply and sanitation, sewerage, industrial wastewater practices, trends and technologies. This year’s exhibition not only showcases products, technology and services in the water and renewable energy industry. Visitors may also attend seminars and lectures on technical subjects, such as climate change, water supply efficiency and water quality and sanitation initiatives.

The exhibition, organized by the Philippine Waterworks Association, runs until Friday (March 24) at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

(PNA)

Gov’ts urged to give renewable energy a boost

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OVERNMENTS should make policies that will give renewable energy (RE) the necessary push to make it available to the great majority of people.

The statement was made

by Ganesh Pangare, regional director for Asia-Pacific of the International Water Association (IWA), on the sidelines of the ongoing Water Philippines Expo 2017. The biennial event for the first time features renewable energy (RE) as part of the exhibition, apart from 120 different products and services in water supply, sanitation, waste water treatment and water purification.

Pangare pointed out that renewable energy is mostly used by the private sector or individual entrepreneurs. ”I think there also has to be a policy angle in the terms that governments can’t just keep a blind eye that this is happening. I think we do need more investment coming from the state. Some of the poorest of the poor don’t have energy… while the rich are getting subsidized fossil energy. That is

Fed rate hikes have limited impact on PH banks’earnings

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N official of a local bank is not worried on the impact of the hikes in Federal Reserve’s key rates on domestic financial institutions’ income, saying that domestic fundamentals will cushion any negative effect of the rate increase.

“Local banks will not be that affected because it still depends on the local economy. I think we’re a very strong economy. If ever there would be negative impact, it will hit the currency. But that’s not really bad because it will benefit the exporters,” EastWest Banking

Corporation (EastWest Bank) president and CEO Antonio Moncupa Jr. told reporters at the sidelines of the Anvil Business Club’s forum Wednesday night.

On Wednesday, the peso closed at 50.31 against the greenback, weaker than its 50.18 finish Tuesday.

However, Moncupa pointed out that after the Fed announced the decision of its Federal Open Market Committee, after its rate setting meet last March 14-15, to hike the Fed funds rate by 0.25 basis

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

PH reaping the fruit of Asia Cruise Cooperation – DOT

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ESPITE the lack of port facilities in the Philippines, a total of 117 port calls are expected this year, which is significantly higher than the 72 port calls it acquired in the same period in 2016.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Market Development Group director Maria Jorda-Apo said this is because of the Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC) between Hong Kong and Taiwan, which the Philippines, and China’s Xiamen and Hainan eventually joined.

“ACC is an alliance between five destinations and ports -- Hong Kong and Taiwan as founders and eventually Philippines, Xiamen, China and Hainan, China,” Apo said on the sidelines of a presser in Hong Kong.

“The Jewel of the South China Sea is a testimony of that alliance,” she added, referring to the first homeport deployment of Star Cruises’ Superstar Virgo cruise in Manila.

The 13-story Superstar Virgo began its six-day, fivenight cruise from Manila on Sunday (March 19), continuing its journey to Laoag, Kaohsiung, and Hong Kong before returning to Manila on Friday (March 24).

Under the ACC, Apo said member alliances are supposed to give a marketing incentive to any cruise line, which means they can use their advertising so long as they feature at least two destinations of

a member alliance.

Apo said Superstar Virgo alone has made 30 port calls in the Philippines -- 15 in Manila and 15 in Ilocos Norte.

She said this is only the beginning since more of Star Cruises’ line of ships are also planning to deploy their ships to the Philippines.

“They’re still collaborating with us for the future deployment of their other ships. Next year, they may bring other ships. Superstar Virgo is a test run for future regular deployment,” Apo said.

Star Cruises president Ang Moo Lim said Superstar Virgo will return in December to do a five-month sailing. He did not specify which destination the port calls will be made. ”We always like to tell business partners that a homeport is only strong if you have strong neighbors. This is an effort we are trying to do today. We believe this is a milestone in Asian cruise industry,” Lim said.

Apo also said that the fourth largest cruise line in the world, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has also signified its intent to deploy its ships to Philippine destinations not yet offered by other cruise lines.

Meanwhile, Apo expressed hope that despite the lack of port facilities in the Philippines, a new international cruise terminal in Manila would be built before the end of the Duterte administration in 2022. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

FRUIT BE WITH YOU. A woman chooses from a pile of organically grown papaya on display at the Rizal Park in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

DOT to develop rivers as ecotourism allures

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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HE Department of Tourism Regional has set its sights on the potential of Davao region’s waters for river cruise tourism.

In an interview with DOT XI Regional Director Roberto

NEDA ICC-CC approves changes for 4 projects

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HE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Investment Coordination Committee–Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) approved on March 21, 2017 the scope revisions of two transport projects, change in financing mode of an irrigation project, and a water supply project. It also endorsed the approval of a new cost threshold for projects for ICC review and approval.

First, the ICC-CC approved the new project configuration for the LRT Line 1 North Extension Project-Common Station or the Unified Grand Central Station (North Extension Project). It will have a new total project cost of approximately P2.8 billion, inclusive of the P1.4 billion in the Department of Transportation’s 2017 bud-

The project’s new physical configuration includes dual tracks for LRT-1, MRT-3, and MRT-7, and a total concourse area of 13,700 square meters.

The project is targeted to be delivered by April 2019 (assuming there will be no needless further delays).

The ICC-CC also approved the proposed loan extension and fund reallocation for the New Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Systems Development Project.

The proposed project revision includes a loan extension of two years and six months. It will also reallocate the P570.38 million-portion of the project cost to construction and procurement, consulting services, administration costs,

UBBER prices are likely to gain support from global demand, which will probably rise further, said Jason Schenker, president and chief economist of Prestige Economics, on Wednesday during World Rubber Week.

Schenker made such remarks at World Rubber Summit 2017, a key event of World Rubber Week which comprises a series of targeted events and activities addressing different elements of the value chain of rubber industry.

Themed “Orderly Growth for a Healthy Industry,” the

summit is designed to address broader, strategic policy led issues impacting the rubber industry, and examine how industrial leaders are adjusting to the rapidly changing world economy and new global paradigms.

Schenker noted that global manufacturing and demand for commodities have improved. His words echoed with a new study from the Freedonia Group.

According to World Rubber, global demand for rubber is forecasted to rise 3.9 percent annually to 31.7 million met-

get.

VAT, and duties and taxes from the local counterpart contingency.

Meanwhile, the ICC-CC also approved the change of the financing mode for the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project from national government funding to Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Similarly, the ICC also supported to change the financing mode from PPP scheme to ODA for the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project and the North-South Railway Project-South Line, which were originally approved by the NEDA Board in September 2015 and February 2016, respectively.

Finally, a new project cost threshold for ICC review and approval of P2.5 billion was

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Rubber prices likely to gain support from global demand

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ECONOMY 5

ric tons in 2019. Asia-Pacific region is projected to post the fastest growth in rubber consumption through 2019 and will account for nearly twothirds of global demand in that year.

Besides World Rubber Summit 2017, the 11th edition of Tyrexpo Asia 2017 and Rubber Exchange Forum were also held during World Rubber Week. Thousands of delegates and exhibitors will spend two days in various knowledge sharing and trade platforms from Wednesday to Thursday.

(PNA/Xinhua)

P. Alabado III on Tuesday, he bared that the Regional Office has gathered tourism and environment officers from the six provinces in the region in a consultation dubbed, “Department of Tourism Regional

Consultation Workshop on Ilog Tourism” at Apo View Hotel.

The regional consultation aimed to “determine what rivers to enroll to assist them in developing such.”

The event also served as a

“pre-feasibility study” wherein DOT will look at helping them in developing the plan to expand the benefits of tourism to the local tribes along the river such as conducting capability

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6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

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800 cops in CDO tested negative for drug use

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HE 800 policemen who underwent a surprise drug test during the regular formation in Cagayan de Oro City early this week were found negative for illegal drugs, a police officer said Thursday.

Police Chief Insp. Mardi Hortilloza, the spokesperson of the Cagayan De Oro City Police Office (COCPO), said that the conduct of surprise drug tests would continue.

We advise the policemen to be aware that the police command would conduct a surprise drug test anytime to make sure that the local command is free of illegal drug users,” Hortilloza said.

He said that aside from dismissal from service, those found positive of using illegal drugs would face both administrative and criminal charges.

Hortilloza said that a policeman found positive of illegal drug use would be given due process by undergoing the normal process of investigation.

He said that about 200 members of the COCPO police command have yet to undergo a drug test.

Hortilloza said that the surprise drug test among members of the police force here is part of the nationwide cleansing program of the Philippine National Police (PNP). (PNA)

WOMEN’S MONTH. Acting Mayor Tito Balazon of Maitum, Sarangani province speaks during the Women’s Month Celebration held at the municipal gymnasium on March 21. In his message Balazon emphasized

the important role of a woman by saying, “Women are also good innovators and catalyst of positive change in their workplace and community.” (John James I. Doctor/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Advanced medical post treats 195 athletes for minor injuries T

Maguindanao disaster responders undergo 5-day capacity training

A

S of March 22, 2017, the Advanced Medical Post of the DAVRAA 2017 has recorded a total of 195 athletes who have been treated for minor injuries such as sprains, cramps, and heat exhaustion.

Medical committee chairperson and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Herminigilda Nartates and her co-chairperson City Health Officer Dr. Ben Hur Catbagan, Jr. who led the preparations of the medical committee have also personally attended to the patients at the advance post located at Madang Street of Mati City.

Aside from the AMP which is operating 24 hours a day, the committee has also a field post located at the Mati Sports Complex and all of the other 22 play-

ing venues.

In addition, given that there are cases of dengue in Mati City, the Department of Health along with the Department of Education and the advance post conducted preventive measures on the billeting venues by spraying insecticides on mosquito nets.

According to Ms. Rizza Rivera, RN they have 3 levels in assisting the injured

athletes depending on the severity of injury. Level one is for those whose injury can be treated by first aid team. The second level is assisted by the Rapid Response Team for athletes whose injuries need professional help. The third level indicates special laboratory examinations like X-rays, ultrasound and other cases that need specialty doctors.

If the athlete’s case is life

for the payments of RPTs are March 31, June 30, Sept. 30 and Dec. 31, he said.

He said property owners could get discounts of up to 15 percent if they would settle their tax dues early.

Such incentive is based on Ordinance No. 2, series of 1996 and Article C, Section 10 of the city revenue code manual.

“If you are a property owner, you have until March 31 to make an advanced payment and avail the 15 percent discount on your real property tax bill for 2017,” he said in a statement.

Baylas said property owners who would fail to pay their RPTs on schedule will face surcharges of two percent per month up to a maximum of 72 percent, with the delinquency not exceeding 36 months.

He noted that real properties with unpaid taxes could later be tagged as “tax delinquents.”

“In worst cases, these properties might be offered by the local government for public auction,” he said.

In November last year, the city government auctioned some 579 real properties that have accumulated unpaid realty taxes for at least three years.

Under the law, real properties are deemed delinquent one year after their owners fail to settle their real property tax dues.

Such provision was set in Title II of the Local Government Code or Republic Act 7160 and its implementing rules and regulations.

Before a delinquent real property is subjected to public auction, the local govern-

threatening, they’ll send the athlete immediately in the nearest hospital.

A general orientation has been conducted for the volunteers who have been serving in the medical team. These volunteers are members of the Red Cross Youth, City Health Office, Bureau of Fire, City and Province Risk Reduction and Management Council, Department of Health, and DREAMS Rescue for the communications. The committee has a total of 150 volunteers.

“More or less, we have assisted more athletes this DAVRAA compared to the last time because this time, there are additional sports like wushu, boxing and the likes that is prone to physical injuries” said Ms. Rivera.

(Jasmin Tia/PIO DavOr)

GenSan sets deadline for payment of delinquent realty tax dues

T

HE city government of General Santos is giving delinquent real property owners until the end of March this year to settle their unpaid tax dues or their properties will be included in the next public auction.

Renato Baylas, revenue collection clerk of the City Treasurer’s Office, said the local government has set the deadline as part of its efforts to collect the unsettled taxes of real property owners.

He said the March 31 cutoff also includes the payment of all real property tax (RPT) dues for the first quarter of the year.

Baylas explained that property owners have the option to pay their RPTs annually or on a quarterly basis, with the deadline falling on the last day of every quarter.

The quarterly due dates

ment should first issue a notice of delinquency and publish it in a local newspaper.

A final demand letter will be issued to the owner and will be followed by a warrant of levy if no payment or settlement is made. A warrant of levy means that a delinquent real property has been attached to the name of the city government.

Upon receipt of the warrant, property owners are given time to settle the tax delinquency. If no payment is made, the forfeiture of the property is published and the auction is scheduled.

Baylas advised property owners to promptly pay their tax dues to avoid these problems.

“Or better yet, if you have extra funds and can afford to pay in advance, do so,” he added. (PNA)

HE Office of Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OCD-ARMM) commenced the capacity training and activities for community-based individuals to further enhance their knowledge on disaster preparedness. ”We shifted from being responsive to pro-active, and by being so, we are saving actually lives and properties should disaster strikes,” Myrna J. Angot, OCD-ARMM regional director, said in Filipino.

The five-day Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – Training of Trainers for the province of Maguindanao, is participated by Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers, municipal social welfare officers and local government operations officers of Maguindanao. ”We need to capacitate the DRRM partners and stakeholders in the community level so that they could cascade the information to the families and constituents of their local government units,” Angot said.

Angot lauded the active involvement of the Civil Military Operations office of the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao.

She said the capacity of the actors, partners and stakeholders in the provincial and municipal levels significantly contribute to the capacity of the community in general.

“You can disseminate the learning from this training to the families and members of your community,” she said.

“We must really shift our approach in DRRM from being response oriented to being proactive.”

The OCD-ARMM director also stressed the need for “front liners” in disaster response to know the terms OCD and disaster workers are using.

For front liners to effectively communicate technical terms in DRRM such as risk, hazards, disaster, vulnerability, capacity and capability to the community, they need to fully understand what they really mean.

Angot said the capacity training involves several modules and workshops on

F MAGUINDANAO, 10

COMVAL’S PRIDE. Gov. Tyron Uy congratulates Resie Jezreel Arrocena Hucalla, top 9 of the Philippine Military Academy Salaknib (“Sanggalang ay Lakas at Bukay Para sa Kalayaan ng Inang Bayan”) Class of 2017. Eight of the top 10 PMA graduates for this year are women, a record since the academy began accepting female cadets in 1993.” (Maryel Lasaca/IDS ComVal)

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

DMCI signs new infra projects worth P9-B C ONSTRUCTION firm D.M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI) has signed major infrastructure projects worth P9 billion since the start of the year, boosting the country’s infrastructure development.

The construction unit of diversified engineering conglomerate DMCI Holdings Inc. said the projects include tollway, power and water projects from public and private proponents.

“Hopefully, this will be the start of the aggressive rollout of mega-infrastructure projects across the country. We really need the additional roads and facilities,” said DMCI president Jorge A. Consunji.

Awarded in January were the P1.3-billion Bued Viaduct at Section 3B-3 and the roadway construction of Section 3B-4 Bued to Rosario, La Union of the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway of the Private Infra Development Corp. (PIDC).

This month, MPCALA

Holdings, Inc. awarded DMCI a contract worth P7.2 billion for the Laguna portion of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway Project.

The National Power Corp. likewise awarded three projects to DMCI, namely the remedial work of the San Roque MPP Spillway Plunge Pool Area in Pangasinan; the supply, construction/installation, testing and commissioning of the Mansalay Switching Station and expansion of the Bansud and San Jose Substation Projects in Oriental Mindoro; and the rehabilitation of the Calapan-Bansud 69-kV transmission line project, also in Oriental Mindoro.

DMCI also won the bid to construct three projects for Maynilad Water Services -- a pipe replacement project in Parañaque City, the construction of a 30ML Reservoir and Pump Station in Imus, Cavite, and the Putatan 20MLD Reverse Osmosis facility in Muntinlupa City. (PNA)

DTI expands MSME mentoring program T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Region 12 is set to expand the implementation of its innovative “Kapatid Mentor Me” program for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Ibrahim Guiamadel, DTI12 regional director, said they have scheduled a series of caravans until July in parts of the region to facilitate the enlistment of more MSMEs into the program.

He said the launching activities are set on April 10 for Sarangani Province, April 11 for this city, April 17 for North Cotabato and Cotabato City, June 7 for South Cotabato and July 13 for Sultan Kudarat.

DTI-12 formally launched the program in the region in September last year, with the Negosyo Center here as pilot implementer.

Under the program, selected MSMEs undergo a series of trainings and mentoring sessions through volunteer professional organizations, academe and established entrepreneurs.

The nine-week program involve 11 modules, covering basic to advanced entrepreneurial courses or subjects such as the development of entrepreneurial mindset, marketing, financial accounting for business and taxation.

Guiamadel said the pilot batch of MSME-mentees came from this city and the provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato.

He said that out of the 20 MSMEs that were enlisted for the first batch, 15 have completed the prescribed modules and graduated from the program.

These are the PEKWASS

Association, Winds of Lomuyon, Sarangani Seaweeds Producers Cooperative, Creations Handicraft and Casa Dolores of Sarangani; Lola Aling’s, Scoops Garden Ice Cream, Marche Herbal Food Products and Eden’s Flowers of South Cotabato; and, GPGC Trading, Sugian Food Products, PWD Gensan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, RJH Food Products, Daily Grace Enterprise and RSA Fishermen Association of this city.

For the second batch, the official said business owners will be taught and mentored by renowned business experts and successful businessmen based in the region.

Among those who had volunteered to serve as mentors for the MSMEs were members of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the General Santos City

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.; business experts from the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University; and, executives of local companies and business consulting firms.

He said the beneficiaries will take part in capacity-building trainings and coaching sessions that will provide them with proper “business know-how and entrepreneurial mindset needed to scale up their enterprises.”

Weekly coaching, lectures and one-on-one mentoring on the different aspects of running a business will also be provided, he said.

“Through this program, we hope to see more of our local entrepreneurs graduate into higher levels of business operations, increase their productivity, and widen their market reach,” Guiamadel added.

(PNA)

HE Department of Energy (DOE) is readying measures to ensure the sufficiency and stability of energy supply in the years to come, especially during the summer when the power supply is traditionally lean.

In line with this, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has issued the appropriate directives to the Electric Power Industry Management Bureau, the Energy Utilization Management Bureau and the entire DOE to conduct a massive information, education and communication (IEC) drive.

The goal set by the DOE chief is to ensure the implementation of an effective demand-side management program for energy supply.

On the Post-Malampaya Scheduled Maintenance Shutdown coordination meeting among industry players, the following inputs were discussed and submitted to support the Secretary’s directive: 1. To continue the close coordination among the stakeholders in monitoring the entire energy supply chain (i.e., from energy resource development to the power plants to the distribution utilities up to the consumers composed of the industrial, commercial and residential levels); 2. To continue the advocacy for the development of indigenous energy resources, in which the permitting system must be addressed by giving importance to energy projects and classifying such as projects of national signifi-

cance; 3. To ensure delivery of power to the consumers by: a. ensuring the completion of power plants in time for the summer months. For instance, the Limay Coal-Fired Power Plant in Bataan that have already been delayed for various reasons to go online; b. monitoring the output of the power plants through the conduct of performance assessment and audit. For instance, the maintenance schedules of the power plants during the summer months like the Pagbilao Coal-fired Power Plant; c. preparing the availability of the Malaya Thermal Power Plant as a back-up generation to ensure sufficiency of supply and d. ensuring the readiness of the Interruptible Load Program (ILP), in which the DOE is looking into a change in policy where the differential in the cost of run-

ning the generators will not be passed on to the consumers, but instead to be paid for by power plants that went on forced outage.

ILP serves as an option for Distribution Utilities (DUs) like the Manila Electric Company and electric cooperatives to ask their big load customers to serve their own power needs by using their own generator sets to augment power supply capacity in times of Red Alert Status or when power supply reserves are thin.

“We have to give our consumers options on how to manage their use of energy without sacrificing their productivity,” Cusi emphasized.

“The DOE is already conducting an IEC campaign to the top government load users like the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Manila International Airport Author-

ity (MIAA), etc., and energy tips for consumers,” Cusi said.

Meanwhile, Cusi said “the DOE is also looking at the quick resolution of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) by the Supreme Court.

Under the RCOA regime, the contestable customers and the retail electricity suppliers are compelled to be more efficient in the delivery and use of energy resources.”

Additionally, the DOE is looking at the pending applications of DUs and electric cooperatives on modern mechanisms for demand-side management with the Energy Regulatory Commission, like the smart grid and the prepaid electricity technologies.

In conclusion, Sec. Cusi reiterates the energy saving tips for the consumers as follows: 1. Bawasan ng dalawang (2) oras ang paggamit ng aircon araw-araw. Makatitipid

4Ps beneficiaries DOE readies mechanisms in managing energy supply to get rice subsidy T F

OLLOWING the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 2016, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to release rice subsidy in the form of cash amounting to P600.00.

The rice subsidy will be given to all Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries nationwide provided they are compliant with either health or education conditionality of the program.

The rice subsidy is included in the cash grant that the households will receive every two months until December 2017.

Further, all Pantawid Pamilya Municipal/ City Links,

together with all Pantawid Parent Leaders nationwide are enjoined to ensure that the additional cash grants are used by the beneficiaries for its intended purpose.

For more information on the rice subsidy, beneficiaries are encouraged coordinate with any City/Municipal Link assigned in their respective cities/municipalities.

Pantawid Pamilya complaints or queries may be channeled through Pantawid Grievance Hotlines - 09189122813 or 3456 with the following the text format: DSWD(space) Name(space)message.

At present, Pantawid Pamilya is serving 233,757 households in Davao Region.

(DSWD)

ADB sees export prospects amid protectionism fears

D

ESPITE the dramatic decline in global trade coupled with protectionist forces in advanced global economies, exports will remain a major growth driver for most Asian economies such as the Philippines, according to an economist from the Asian Development bank (ADB).

In a forum organized by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Ganeshan Wignaraja, advisor at the ADB Office of Chief Economist, dispel speculation that exports slowdown will lead to an end of Asia’s era of export-led growth, saying that this projection is “overdone”.

According to Wignara-

ja, much of the weak import demands from the advanced economy markets is likely to be temporarily and partially reversed as their recovery gathers momentum. He emphasized that Asian countries can, in fact, lead global trade in years to come. But this, he added, requires a deeper understanding among policymakers about the causes of the export slowdown and the policies that could foster new trading opportunities.

Wignaraja attributed the export slowdown in developing Asia to three major factors: (1) the weak import demand for Asian goods in advanced

F ADB, 11

F DOE, 10

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

EDITORIAL

T

The ups and downs of tourism

HE Philippines has further boosted its tourism development initiatives after renewing its 23-year old tourism cooperation agreement with ASEAN neighbor Thailand during the official visit of President Duterte to Bangkok this week.

The two countries entered into the agreement on the Implementing Program of Tourism Cooperation 2017 to 2022 signed by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo and Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul. The implementing program is rooted in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on tourism cooperation signed in Manila between the Philippines and The Kingdom of Thailand on March 24, 1993.

The agreement calls for officials and staff of both countries to visit each country to build their capacity in the areas of tourism development, administration and finance, human resource, marketing and promotions and standards and regulations.

In 2016, visitor arrivals from Thailand jumped by 8.8 percent at 47, 913 visitors. Thailand accounts for 10 percent of the total arrivals from ASEAN. The tourism cooperation agreement allows the Philippines and Thailand to actively encourage their respective local travel agents to develop a joint promotional program that would market destinations in both

EDGEDAVAO

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countries under one tour package.

The pact shall likewise encourage tourism educational institutes in both countries to exchange technical materials, send experts to give lectures and provide information on the opportunities for tourism-related training.

Under President Duterte, the country has fostered tourism and economic agreements with countries like Thailand, China, Cambodia and Turkey.

Tangible efforts are being made by the government despite the efforts from anti-government groups especially the opposition Liberal Party to create an image of chaos and danger in the country before the international community--the latest being the rant of Vice President Leni Robredo, whose irresponsible and unverified statements are clearly creating the obstacles to the efforts towards bringing in tourists and investors to the country.

The efforts by government to provide new inroads to tourism economic development could go to naught in the face of irresponsible statements meant to promote political interests.

It’s a mentality that is killing our very initiatives and derailing the country’s progress. It is mind-boggling how people get the thrill of putting down their very own land.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

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MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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EDGEDAVAO

A

FTER staying for a few days in a hospital last December due to asthmatic bronchitis, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada announced in February that he would intensify the implementation of the banning of smoking within the area of his responsibility.

“We will start at the city hall,” the former actor who became the president of the country was quoted as saying by national media. “I enjoin everyone, from rank-and-file employees to department heads and even city councilors, to comply with this antismoking ordinance. We will be very strict.”

He wanted his constituents to follow him as an example in quitting the habit. “Love your heart, quit smoking.

For the sake of your family and loved ones, stop smoking. It won’t do any good,” Estrada reportedly told his public information officer, Mikee Falcis.

Estrada is trying to follow what Davao City has accomplished. Davao City implements to the fullest City Ordinance 0367-12, otherwise known as the New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City.

“Welcome to Davao City!” the flight stewardess usually say upon landing at the Davao International Airport.

“We want to remind our passengers that smoking is strictly prohibited in public places in the city, including the airport and its premises.”

Yes, no one is allowed to smoke cig-

J

ERRY Nicholas Roscom, a flamboyant American who co-owned the prewar Davao Trading and Development Company, a plantation in Kibulan, Santa Maria, Davao Occidental, was a certified playboy, sowing wild oats outside of wedlock. His corporate partner was J. N. Carrigan, also an American.

In the Roscom family tradition, he was known to be an indefatigable worker, crediting with so many achievements yet to be fully appreciated. Among the claims are the development of the village of Jericho (Jerico), now barangay Agdao, the opening of the first movie house, ownership of the first horse-drawn carriage, and the introduction of the carousel. There are no accounts, however, in extant records that confirm the ‘town’ of Jericho.

In Brokenshire-born John Russel Frank’s On the Road Home: An American Journey (2010), Roscom is described as “a planter in the islands for forty-two years and originally from Mexico, Missouri, [who] was married to a Filipino who was free and living at home.”

Going by the blogs of his descendants, Jerry Sr. was the son of Henry Roscom of Slater, Missouri, USA. He had a daughter named Martha and a granddaughter by the name of Josephine, both interred at the Davao American Veterans and Masonic

VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Quit smoking – for good! arettes in Davao City. You won’t see people puffing cigarettes while striding along the sidewalks. You won’t see children selling cigarettes in heavily traffic streets. Even inside the public utilities, cinemas, malls, restaurants, and bars.

Not only that. People are also strictly prohibited to smoke in public gatherings like concerts, rallies, and parades. Even in the cemetery, markets and terminals, the no smoking policy is strictly followed.

Damn, smokers who come to the city may say. But wait, there are some places where you can smoke to your heart’s content. These are in your own residence or in someone’s, in private vehicles, and designated outdoor smoking areas.

A 2014 report by Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance, nearly a third of adult population in the country – around 17 million Filipinos! – smoke.

It comes second as having the most numbers of smokers – after Indonesia.

“Nearly half of all Filipino men and 9% of women smoke and experts say the habit costs the economy nearly US$4 billion in healthcare and productivity loses every year,” said a Reuters dispatch.

Although Republic Act No. 9211, otherwise known as the “Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003,” prohibits any person under the age of 18 to purchase, sell or smoke tobacco products, it has

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

been found by a survey that children as young as five years old are already starting to smoke.

Most Filipinos preferred cigarette compared with other tobacco products. Studies show that an adult smoker consumes 838 cigarettes, equating to about 42 cigarette packs, per year.

Why so much ado about cigarette smoking? For the uninformed, it is responsible for 85 to 90 percent of lung cancers, medical experts claim.

The more cigarettes a person smokes, the greater the chances of this fellow having a lung cancer. As early as 1964, the US Surgeon General’s office issued the link between smoking and lung

cancer.

“Lung cancer is almost exclusively found in smokers,” the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research based in Rochester, Minnesota explains. “Men who smoke are 22 times more likely to develop lung cancer than men who don’t smoke. Women who smoke are 12 times more likely to develop lung cancer than women who don’t smoke.”

Cigarette and cigar smoke contains more than 40 cancer-causing chemicals or carcinogens. Among these most noted carcinogens are tar, cyanide, formaldehyde, methanol, ammonia, acetone, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide.

The World Health Organization estimates that 10 Filipinos die every hour due to cancer, stroke, lung, and heart diseases brought on by cigarette smoking.

So, you want to quit smoking? You can listen to the words American humorist Mark Twain: “Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times!”

Canadian film actor John Candy dismissed it also humorously. “Hey, I stopped smoking cigarettes,” he said.

“Isn’t that something? I’m on to cigars now. I’m on to a five-year plan. I eliminated cigarettes, then I go to cigars, then I go to pipes, then I go to chewing tobacco, then I’m on to that nicotine

gum.”

When it comes to smoking, it is usually those who quit that emerge winners. Dr. Willie T. Ong, author of several health books and active consultant in cardiology at the Manila Doctors Hospital and Makati Medical Center, said a person who quits smoking will immediately get his rewards instantly.

Citing a study done by the American Lung Association, Dr. Ong said the health benefits of quitting will “begin just 20 minutes after your last cigarette. Your blood pressure and heart rate will decrease, and the oxygen content of your body will increase.”

After the first day of quitting, a previous smoker’s risk of suffering a heart attack will be reduced. On the second day, his nerve endings will start to heal and his ability to smell and taste will improve. Between 2 weeks and 3 months after quitting, his blood circulation will improve. His cough will be lessened and walking will become easier. Soon, his lung function will improve dramatically.

“By the time you reach 15 years of never touching a cigarette, your risk of dying will be the same as a non-smoker,” Dr. Ong pointed out. “This just goes to show that the ill effects of smoking are serious and deadly. Quit early and quit now. Quit while you are still young to obtain the full health benefits from quitting.”

was listed as 63 years old.

Elsewhere, J. N. Roscom, on July 2, 1913, was accused by a certain Casimiro del Campo before the Court of First Instance (CFI) in the municipality of Davao for attempted homicide, which resulted in his arrest. Upon arraignment, he did not plead guilty.

In the preliminary assessment, the justice of the peace found probable cause that Roscom was guilty.

Following this, James R. Marlott, the acting prosecuting attorney of the Moro Province, presented a case (United States vs. Roscom) on September 3, 1912 against Roscom before Hon. Charles A. Low, but the judge found the evidence was insufficient to show the defendant was guilty of the crime charged.

Instead, the court ordered Casimiro del Campo and his son, Jose del Campo, be charged with the crime of false accusation, which resulted in the arrest of the two accused. In the end, the judge found the duo guilty as charged and sentenced to an imprisonment of two years four months and one day of prision correccional, and each to pay one-half the costs.

Casimiro is the son of Don Jose Maria del Campo, the Spanish governor of Davao (1867-69) whose father was Don Antonio del Campo, the Spanish governor-general of the Philippines.

The case, docketed as G.R. No.

L-8306, was later elevated to the Supreme Court, coming out with a decision on November 3, 1913. The accused presented witnesses to rebut claims Roscom did not directly fire at the tandem. For the petitioner, his witnesses asserted Roscom fired four shots but “there were no other persons on the beach with him.”

Pressed for more comment, Casimiro “testified that he had presented the complaint before the justice of the peace upon information given him by his son and after he had consulted with the governor of the province. He declared that he had presented the complaint in good faith and without any malice whatever, believing that his son had told him the exact the truth.”

In view of this, the high tribunal ruled: “It not being made to appear, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendants knew that the accusation or complaint which they had presented was false, we are of the opinion that the sentence of the lower court should be, and it is hereby reversed, with costs de oficio.”

An interesting aspect of the case was the revelation that Casimiro’s daughter, Flora, was the paramour or querida of Roscom, which created animosity between the family of the accused and the petitioner. This, in a way, confirmed the colorful lifestyle of the American planter.

Roscom and the ‘town’ of Jericho

Cemetery.

Jerry Sr. had two sisters, Carrie and Nora, while Henry, the father, had a sister named Nealy, who was married to Sam W. Fisher.

Jerry’s granddaughter once wrote in her blog that Roscom only took care of his ‘original’ children (George, Paul Andrew, Jerry Jr., Thomas, and Carmen), while the illegitimate ones were ‘abandoned.’

But this claim is outside another assertion saying Jerry had another daughter outside of the three children mentioned, and had kids from other women, two of whom were Luther (still alive in 2016 at age 91) and Daniel. Jerry Jr. was married to Julia Sanchez.

In family lore, the late planter was actually a prolific progenitor given his wealth, personality, and macho features.

Joan Roscom Ferolino, Jerry’s granddaughter, related her father, Paul Andrew, married in Davao and had eight children. When he became a widower, he married Lena Calub, with whom he had three more kids (Jerry, Sheyla and James). Her family also carries the tradition that Jerry Jr. once lived in Reno, Nevada, before moving to Pensacola, Florida, where he died in 1985.

Overall, Paul had 14 children, namely: Sylvia, Ethel, and Nicholas (Pensacola, Florida); Joseph (Cali-

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa fornia); Jusoph, Fernando, Haradji, Harold, and Marathol (Reno, Nevada); Belen and Paul Andrew Jr. (Philippines); and the late Hoover and Bryant. Presumably, he had also illegitimate children.

To quantify the extent of the Roscom clan in Padada, Davao del Sur, they even have a place known as Roscom Village. Some of Jerry Nicholas’ kin are already into construction and other diversified interests.

During the war, the Roscoms (the original), like many other families of expatriates living in Davao City, became prisoners of war, first at Davao Penal Colony and later at the University of Santo Tomas where Jerry Sr.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

AFFIRMED... FROM 1 Strategic Business Units Power Aboitiz Power Corporation’s (AboitizPower) income contribution to AEV increased by 14% YoY, from P13.5 billion to P15.4 billion. On a stand-alone basis, AboitizPower’s income performance recorded a 14% YoY increase, from P17.6 billion to P20.0 billion.

The generation business accounted for 82% of earnings contributions from AboitizPower’s business segments, recording an income share of P16.3 billion for 2016, up 17% YoY. The growth was largely driven by Therma South’s new contribution.

The power distribution group’s earnings share for 2016 decreased by 4%, from P3.8 billion to P3.7 billion.

This is equivalent to 18% of earnings contributions from AboitizPower’s earnings.

Banking & Financial Services Union Bank of the Philippines’ (UnionBank) income contribution to AEV increased by 92% YoY, from P2.5 billion to P4.9 billion.

On a stand-alone basis, UnionBank and its subsidiaries recorded a net income of P10.1 billion for 2016, almost double the P5.3 billion posted in 2015. The surge in net income was largely attributable to the profits from securities sold in the second half of the year to support the Bank’s loan growth strategy which accounted for P3.8 billion. The remaining increase is attributable for the growth of recurring revenues (net interest income and fees), which accounted for 76% of total operating income.

Corporation, and Pilmico International Pte Limited’s total earnings and income contribution slightly increased, posting a 1% growth YoY in net income for 2016 at P1.

7billion.

Feeds Philippines’ income contribution to Pilmico increased by 13% to P963 million on the back of strong volume growth. Despite lower margins brought about by depressed selling prices, the Flour segment’s income contribution was slightly higher by 1% YoY to P557 million on better performance of Flour’s by-products.

On the other hand, Feeds Vietnam and Farms reported a decrease in income contributions mainly driven by lower prevailing selling prices. Feeds Vietnam dropped to P90 million with the decline in selling prices and volume.

Infrastructure AEV’s investment in infrastructure, Republic Cement and Building Materials, Inc.’s (RCBM) income contribution to AEV increased by 700% YoY from P194 million to P1.6 billion. RCBM only started contributing last mid-September of 2015. As compared to proforma 2015 full year accounts, operating profit of RCBM was ahead due to higher selling prices and lower variable costs.

GRASSROOTS DRIVE. Retired Captain Voltaire Engracia, Davao city Mayor’s representative to the Anti-smoking Task Force, says the agency is considering to involve barangay officials in implementing the comprehensive Anti-smoking Ordinance. Engracia was among the guests of I-Speak media forum at City Hall on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGE... FROM 2

Although President Rodrigo R. Duterte was not able to attend the ceremony – as he was still in Thailand – he provided the attendees a thought-provoking statement.

“Let us strive to cultivate

our respective sectors so that we may all advance towards real progress and lasting change,” Duterte said. “It is only through our excellence, commitment and solidarity that we can transform the

Philippines into a truly progressive nation.”

To the winners of the 2016 Binhi Awards, Duterte said: “I congratulate all the awardees for your accomplishments and for staying true to the ideals of

responsible agricultural journalism. May you continue to inspire your peers in the media to herald the achievements of farmers who contribute to our economic growth and food security.”

were through the reports of concerned citizens.

“The data shows that there are at least two children a day who experiences abused. It also shows that the community is getting more involved by reporting such cases to our Kean Gabriel hotline,” Mandin said.

Meanwhile charges of

physical injury in relation to RA 7610 were filed against Rodriguesse while authorities were still to also file charges against Desa who did not report the incident to the authorities.

The Kean Gabriel hotline was launched after the 3 year old Kean Gabriel was mauled to death by his stepfather.

approved by the ICC-CC. Major capital projects costing at least P2.5 billion shall require ICC approval, except as otherwise provided by law.

However, projects costing below P2.5 billion will still need certification that the project is consistent with the Philippine

Development Plan/Results Matrices/Public Investment Program and the implementing agency’s mandate, as well as the performance indicators approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), among other requirements. (PR)

ities to address rate differentials.

To date, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) overnight borrowing rate is three percent, which is the key rate of its Interest Rate Corridor (IRC).

The corridor’s ceiling rate is 3.5 percent, which is also the overnight lending rate and the floor rate is 2.5 percent, which is also the rate of its special deposit account (SDA) facility.

IRC was implemented since June 2016 and is targeted to help monetary officials better manage inflation and promote long-term sustainable growth as well as enhance the link between the central bank’s policy stance and the real economy. (PNA) kas-sara ng refrigerator kung hindi kailangan. Makatitipid ng 2.59 kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP28.40 na tipid kada buwan.

9. Bawasan ng isang (1) oras ang pag plantsa kada linggo, gawin itong Sabado o Linggo para makaiwas sa “peak hours.” Makatitipid ng 4kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay Php44.00 na tipid kada buwan. (PR)

training to enhance areas such as culinary tourism, and product development of souvenir items.

Alabado said DOT-XI will replicate the Loboc River Cruise Tourism in Bohol but touched “with our special characteristics”.

Loboc River river cruise features a floating restaurant, the main activity that attracts both local and foreign tourists.

“We have our Lumads there and some Muslim tribes.

So I expect the colors, the food and the culture so we can present our own version of river cruise that’s colorful,” said the regional director.

Aside from providing the local community with more market for their products Alabado added that office expects them to take part in maintaining the cleanliness of the rivers.

This is by mitigating harmful practices such as improper waste management which will be monitored by provincial tourism officers.

“Once people could see the value of the river for tourism purposes, we expect them, the communities along the river to be more active in protect-

ing and enhancing the rivers,” stressed Alabado.

The regional director said areas are yet to be identified but they are eyeing Tagum and Davao Oriental.

“We would like to model this first in one area then but it doesn’t mean that other areas or rivers cannot start their development of the cruise tourism. We will still assess on them but we will concentrate on one area that would have the highest potential on giving good experience to our tourists,” he said.

After selecting target areas, DOT will conduct an on-ground consultation with local government units and tribe leaders.

The river cruise tourism is one of the priority programs of Department of Tourism Central Office for the Duterte administration. Thus, Alabado said the development will begin after the series of consultations.

“We are asking them to give us proposal so we can choose who to prioritize for immediate support,” said Alabado.

According to Alabado, initially the target market for this river cruise project are domestic tourists.

the four thematic areas of DRMM namely: Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Rehabilitation and

Recovery.

The training will focus on its application in the community level. (PNA)

Boy... FROM 3

Food AEV’s food subsidiaries Pilmico Foods Corporation, Pilmico Animal Nutrition

Land AEV’s land subsidiary, Aboitiz Land Inc.’s (AboitizLand) total earnings and income contribution to AEV decreased by 65% YoY, from P536 million to P188 million. AboitizLand posted a revenue of P2.4 billion in 2016, 7% lower YoY. The drop in NIAT (net income after tax) was mainly due to deferred industrial business unit revenue recognition, planned increases in operating expenses intended for the organization’s future growth.

Engracia also called for the coordination of the barangay officials and barangay tanods for the effective implementation of the unit. He said that the barangay should not depend solely on the police and they should be responsible enough to follow the law.

Furthermore, Engracia revealed his action plan as the head of the anti-smoking task force which includes information and education campaign to the barangays by means of

conducting lectures stressing the content of the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance No. 0367-12.

It can be recalled that on Tuesday, March 21, Mayor Sara Duterte announced that she will issue an Executive Order that will mobilize the Vices Regulation Unit that will look into violations on anti-smoking, liquor ban and selling liquor to minors which will come out on April 3, after her maternity leave.

points to a range between 0.75 to one percent the peso even appreciated.

This after the local currency ended at 50.12 last March 16, better than the previous session’s 50.34 close.

Moncupa explained that this would be deemed unlikely but it happened because domestic fundamentals remain strong.

He, however, said there is still a question on how many more hikes would the Fed do this year.

He explained that expectations for additional rate hikes will continue to lend support to the US currency but also noted that the rate increases will not be left unchecked by Philippine monetary author-

ng 30.50 kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP346.50 na tipid kada buwan.

2. Ilagay ang thermostat ng aircon sa 25 oC. Makatitipid ng 12.6 kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP138.60 na tipid kada buwan.

3. Bawasan ng isang (1) oras ang paggamit ng TV (mula 10 oras gawing 9 oras).

Makatitipid ng 1.8 kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay

PhP19.80 na tipid kada buwan.

4. Ilagay sa “Low” ang electric fan sa halip na “High”.

Makatitipid ng 4.8kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP52.80 na tipid kada buwan.

5. Bawasan ng isang (1) oras ang paggamit ng ilaw araw-araw. Sa isang ilaw, makatitipid ng 0.45 kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP4.95 na tipid kada buwan.

6. Bawasan ng isang (1)

oras ang paggamit ng computer araw-araw. Makatitipid ng 4.5 kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP49.50 na tipid kada buwan.

7. Mas mainam gumamit ng laptop dahil mas mababa ang konsumo nito kaysa desktop. Makatitipid ng 30kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP330.00 na tipid kada buwan.

8. Iwasan ang pag bu-

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Fed... FROM 4

NEDA... FROM 5

DOT... FROM 5

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

ARTS AND CULTURE

EDGEDAVAO

The law of

BEAUTY

AS A LAWYER, Ritzel Rabor-Polinar’s world is profoundly adversarial, after a week of confronting all forms of problems and toxicity she finds her passion in painting very helpful in distressing.

Growing up, Ritzel developed her illustration skills with the aid of comics lying around their house; she would also fervently copy the faces of celebrities like Sharon Cuneta or Maricel Soriano off of pages in magazines even past her bedtime until she was satisfied with the portraitures.

“My teacher in art during grade school said I was a natural, but I guess I am good in drawing because I do it all in my waking time; I just know that I love to draw and I spend more time drawing than sleeping,” the artist jokingly shares. Ms. Ritzel’s creations are mostly acrylic and watercolor but her most favorite medium to use remains to be watercolor—which is very apparent in her style that is a cross between impressionism and realism. Even though the artist’s subjects are realistic, the application is impressionistic; wherein, even when using acrylic on canvas, the end result is of soft hues of pastel that is blended thoroughly that it still looks like it was done in watercolor.

“In my world as a lawyer, everything is structured and wellplanned—you have to be one or two steps ahead and have good foresight, and that’s why I appreciate the kind of release

and surprise that watercolor gives me. To borrow the famous line in Forrest Gump: ‘Life is like a box of chocolates, you’ll never know what you’re gonna get...’—in watercolor, there are plenty of unconceived accidents because it’s spontaneous, but the irony is that, these are actually calculated accidents—it’s planned yet unplanned—that is what I love about watercolor!

The unpredictability best captures the style I have developed through the years: dreamy, colorful, romanticized or exalted realism,” Ritzel passionately shares.

Painting is a very spiritual activity for the artist.

It is like meditating and losing herself in every piece because she gives her all and sense of being.

Ritzel finds refuge in her art, which replenishes her energy every weekend after working in the stressful justice system. Her works usually revolve around landscapes and even cityscapes that even

“

I have always believed that if we focus more in the inherent beauty of life, it allows us to persevere through challenges and to surpass difficult circumstances. glamorize the hanging live wires of the streets in Davao City with her signature pastel and happy colors, but people are still her most favorite subject despite working with them day in and day out.

“I am forever fascinated by the faces of every human being beautifully crafted by our Creator.

I have made portraits of people from all walks of life—young, old, from the flower vendor, to a judge of the Supreme Court. Art, for me, exists so that I could deal with anything when working Monday comes and for the rest of the week.

God manifests Himself everywhere—in the symmetry of nature, in the faces of the people, and even in the way a house

cat sleeps. To be able to capture that moment and that expression is to remind people through my art that life is beautiful, and it is like spreading the Good News itself,” Ritzel shares.

Truly, the law of beauty is apparent in Ritzel RaborPolinar’s works—like her artistic skill in blending the rust of metal with nature’s green palette, her colorful emphasis with lines of sacrifice in the face of an old woman contrasting with the ephemeral strokes of charms in a youth, and the magical rainbow sheen of drenched pavement. In all of these, the artist wants to magnify and to enable her audience to see in vivid color her artistic vision.

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By KATRINA KAE CARRIEDO AN OUTDOOR ART EXHIBIT was held at People’s Park last March 18-19, 2017, that aimed to make art inclusive and closer to the community. “ABOUT”, named amusingly because it literally means “Art Between One Thousand Up to Twenty thousand” (pesos), featured over 30 artists from five groups based in Davao City and in Manila: Big and Small Art Company, Durer Art Gallery, Tabula Rasa, United Durian Artists, and Guhit Pinas Davao.

The successful “art in the park” exhibit was made more charming because of its combined natural and urban backdrop, that is People’s Park; and with the flocking of not only birds, but crowds of people in the area, it is not hard to fantasize being in a real and established art city, much like that of Paris, while the wind and the sun flows throughout your art and cultural panoramic experience.

ABOUT head artists,

Jotyl Jan Bermudez, said that through this exhibit, he is hoping that artists will weave a stronger community and encourage collaborations and regular gatherings. “Art brings people together and that’s what we aim to do in this event and to showcase artistry and talent,” Bermudez said.

Big and Small Art Company was represented by Aubrey Caabay, Aubrey Fajardo, Chester Calayag, Gino Nagret, Manuelito Pacquing, Al-

Art at the park

vin Paraguison, Froilan Pastrana, Alvin Sales, Gemo Tapales, Charles Dematera, Bullet Dematera, Ferdie Dematera, and Ferdinand Ruins.

Durer Art Gallery artists were Jotyl Jan Bermu-

dez, Renato Pilapil, King Nelson Duyan, Sherwin Mara, Qric Batilaran, Romilo Nadonza.

Tabula Rasa artists showcased their masterpieces and were comprised of Dinky Munda,

Brando Cedeño, and Daryl Descallar.

United Durian Artists were Alex Alagon, Arch.

Joe Alvarado, George Abaigar, Donn Manguilimutan, Jesse Gonzales, and Trixie Borbon.

Guhit Pinas Davao artists were Cindy Ignacio, Mark Gil Ortega, Perry Liquigan, Rey Sugarol, Eme G. Ferolino V, and Maria Sheila Fe D. Lopez, that also displayed their astounding works.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

Allen Cecilio at SM Davao Earth Hour celebrations

BOY BA N DPH grand finalist Allen Cecilio joins SM City Davao’s Earth Hour program on March 25 at the mall’s Open Parking.

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cently received a Lunhaw Award for its green building. Likewise, SM Davao received various awards and citations for its green initiatives including the WWF Best Environ-

This year’s Earth Hour, themed “Shine a Light on Climate Action”, aims to highlight actions and programs towards mitigating the effects of climate change.

The celebration leading to the switch-off will start at 4PM with the Light Painting Photography Exhibition. At 7:30PM, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines are expected to lead the sending-off of participants of the mall parade.

SM’s partners with the same advocacy on energy conservation are expected to join the event.

While 50% of the mall lights will be switched off, guests and shoppers may still enjoy shopping and dining inside the mall.

Participants of the Earth Hour program at the Open Parking will witness performances from Musikademy, Evolve Pole Fitness and Allen Cecilio.

SM City Davao has been observing the Earth Hour since 2008. Along with all SM malls nationwide, it has committed to not only observing the one-hour event but also join the movement.

SM Lanang Premier re-

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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ment-Friendly Practices in 2009, Lunhaw Award Green Building Award in 2014, and the Don Emilio Abello energy efficiency award which made the mall’s program an official

entry to the ASEAN Energy Awards.

Groups interested to take part in the Earth Hour at SM City Davao may call 297-6998 (local 126).

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

ASEAN members collaboration improves regulatory environment

M

EMBERS of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will work and collaborate to further improve good regulatory practices (GRP) meant to foster connectivity and competitiveness.

“There is a demand for a concerted regional level of coordination and cooperation for administrative simplification to enable the GRP agenda. Thus, we must find a way to connect this to our common regional work plan,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

Pernia said strategies included building and enhancing the capacity of ASEAN countries for GRP implementation and involving relevant stakeholders.

Around 80 delegates from ASEAN member states gathered during the third ASEAN-OECD Good Regulatory Practice Network (GRPN) meeting last March 14 to 16 in Iloilo City.

The meeting was hosted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and co-chaired by the governments of Malaysia and New Zealand.

The ASEAN GRP Network also explored ways to link the small and medium

enterprises (SMEs) with global value chains (GVCs) through easing regulatory burden and simplifying administrative processes within the region.

“We firmly believe that there are potential opportunities for ASEAN SMEs to be part of and benefit from the global value chains if regulatory constraints are correctly addressed,” added Pernia, also NEDA Director-General.

Guillermo “Bill” Luz, who is private sector co-Chairman of the Philippine National Competitiveness Council (NCC), shared Philippine efforts in easing regulatory burden for investors and to promote competitiveness among businesses.

One initiative of the NCC is Project REPEAL, a project that allows government agencies, business organizations and individuals to identify regulations and laws that they find burdensome and unnecessary. These are reviewed by a technical working group, and are submitted back to agencies for proper action.

So far, a total of 22,599 rules and regulations have already been submitted for review, of which 3,765 have already been acted on. Eighty government agencies are currently on board. (PNA)

economy markets, (2) the structural transformation and reduced import demand from China, and (3) the possible impact of increasing nontariff measures (NTMs).

He, however, argued that there are trading opportunities that developing Asian economies can profitably nurture. For example, he cited some new trading opportunities from China’s rebalancing and moving up the global value chain (GVC).

“China’s transition to higher domestic value added and innovation means the development of more technologically sophisticated GVCs in East Asia. As some of China’s labor-intensive GVC production stages migrate to lower-cost locations in the region, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will have a greater role as direct or indirect exporters,” Wignaraja explained. This will also result in the expansion of services exports across the region including digital trade, financial services, and professional services.

To benefit from these new trading opportunities, the Philippines and other Asian countries, must put in place reforms to reduce behind the border barriers by upgrading skills, enhancing SME financing, investing on and upgrading seaports, logistics, and digital infrastructure, among others.

In the Philippines, Wignaraja particularly cited the need to improve roads and ports to encourage more tourists to visit the country. He also

pointed out the need to further improve the ease of doing business to attract more investors, and bring down the high cost of electricity, which is an important input in manufacturing.

Enhancement of the services industry is also an area that the Philippines can explore. The Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, according to Wignaraja, must go beyond jobs that can be easily displaced by artificial intelligence or robotic technology. Instead of focusing on low-skill, labor-intensive jobs, the local BPO industry, he suggested, must upgrade its offering to high-skill services such as IT engineering and software programming.

Lastly, Wignaraja advised Asian countries to resist protectionist measures. Instead, they should continue to liberalize goods and services trade by reducing import tariffs and conducting better surveillance of NTMs, especially in the area of sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade.

“The Philippines as chair of the ASEAN Summit this year is in a strategic position to push for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP),” Wignaraja stated. He added that the realization of RCEP, a proposed free trade agreement among the 10 ASEAN countries, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, would greatly help in promoting free flow of trade and investments in the region. (PR)

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COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

DA roads in SK town help farmers in hauling costs

F

OR 53-year old Ronnie Sudio, a pockmarked road that has made transport of rice produce to markets difficult for farmers like him has been the norm.

Sudio, who is now a barangay councilor, said that he used to be chided by some of the residents with the road’s previous deplorable conditions.

“There were instances when I am plowing my farm and someone passing the road would say to to me in jest that the road is good for planting rice too,” he said.

But with a new and concreted road, Sudio said that he no longer hear those comments anymore.

He is referring to the 1.8-kilometer L. Aserto-Rodrigo farm-to-market road (FMR), which was funded under DA’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) through its infrastructure or I-BUILD component.

The road, which was completed in May last year, and has started to bring benefits to farmers particularly a reduction in hauling costs.

“We used to spend a lot for hauling cost just to even bring the produce to the portion of the road where vehicles can collect it,” he said.

Aside from the P15 hauling fee, farmers who live much farther than the road used to incur double hauling cost but

SUPPORT TO FARMERS. Ronnie Sudio tends to his four-hectare rice farm in Barangay Maligaya in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, which has benefitted from a concreted farm-to-market road (FMR) funded under DA’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). The FMR, one of the four road concreting projects completed last year, has helped eased farmers from paying hauling costs in transporting their produce. A portion of one of the FMRs is shown here. (Photo by Gian Enrique)

ton) and would spend P15 hauling fee plus an additional cost of P30 from the barangay center to Lambayong proper,” he said.

Since the harvester and trucks that collect their produce can now pass through the concreted 1.3-kilometer E. Peralta-Asuncion FMR, Tahir said that it only takes an hour or less to bring their rice to the town proper.

With 10 percent equity, Lambayong Mayor Ramon Abalos said that investing in PRDP projects offers a good opportunity for LGUs to bring development in their communities.

“The psychological impact (of these projects) in the community is very significant especially with the young. They would say na ganito na pala ang community natin. You would see how happy they are,” he said.

Another 1.2-kilometer Lambay-Sambilan FMR in Barangay Lagao is among the four new road projects that were completed in Lambayong. The projects have a total cost of P54.5 million covering around 1,600 has of agricultural influence area.

“A farm-to-market road is the number one need of any farmer. Reduction of hauling costs would contribute to bigger income of farmers,” Sudio said. (Jay M. Rosas/PRDP Mindanao)

has now been reduced.

“This PRDP project is a blessing to us farmers who used to endure a lot of difficulties before this road was constructed,” he added.

In two separate barangays where the farmers’ rice area are not located near their houses, traveling to and from their farms to the barangay or town center had been difficult.

“We are more motivated to go to the farm now,” said Edwin Maggay, 53, of Barangay Midtapok, who has been farming since he was in high school.

With the concreting of the 1.5-kilometer Masculado Abellera-ARC 2 FMR in their barangay, buyers now go directly to the farm areas to collect their rice produce ridding themselves of hauling fees.

“Once the harvesting is done, you can say when you come home that you have brought your day’s earnings,” Maggay said.

For farmer Tasil Mohamad Tahir, 35, of Barangay Pimbalayan transporting their produce used to be expensive.

“From our place in Purok Everlasting to the barangay center, we use carriages (kari-

nications Technology (DICT), Patalinghug positioned that a third player from the private sector may have a difficult time attaining financial viability in the short run due to its late-mover disadvantage. They will also need to penetrate undeveloped areas whose deployment costs are higher than the almost saturated urban markets dominated by the incumbents.

The market realities of capital intensity, sunk costs and economies of network size therefore prevent a realistic entry of a private third player, according to Patalinghug.

The paper showed that in

2015 alone, PLDT and Globe’s capital expenditures already amounted to 29 percent of their total service revenues.

This ranked second only to China’s 36 percent globally.

In contrast, telecoms firms in the US spent only 14 percent of their revenues on network improvements in 2015.

Patalinghug’s findings coincided with the DICT’s position that the recently approved national broadband program of the government will help improve internet speed in the country and provide more Filipinos with access to the internet. This will be achieved through a nationwide network

that will link previously unconnected rural areas.

DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima said in an interview that the national broadband network is needed not only by the public but by the private telecoms firms as well in order to expand the reach of their services towards the countryside.

Salalima added that compelling the telcos to do business in countryside areas that are not viable will entail significant costs that will have to be shouldered by their subscribers. “We need the national broadband network as a way

phasis on giving only the best of what we have for the victims of calamities or emergencies. It’s our way of making them feel better at an unfortunate time in their lives,” Aquino said.

Aquino also reminded all NFA offices nationwide to ensure that they have already signed memoranda of agreement (MOA) with local

government units (LGUs) for the immediate release of rice during emergencies.

Under the MOA, partner LGUs may withdraw the rice on credit on or before the onset of an emergency or calamity.

The NFA issued a total of 895,527 bags of rice for relief operations in 2016. The rice was distributed through LGUs

and other relief agencies for victims of typhoons, the El Nino dry spell and flooding incidents across the country.

From January 1 to February 10 this year, the NFA had already issued 23,059 bags of rice for the victims of typhoon Auring (680 bags), flooding incidents (22,179 bags) and the earthquake in Surigao (200 bags). (PNA)

Only viable third player in telcos is gov’t: study

A

N academic research paper by University of the Philippines (UP) Professor Emeritus Epictetus Patalinghug, et al. entitled Assessment of the Structure, Conduct, and Performance of the Philippine Telecommunications Industry, determined that the only realistic third player in the local telecoms industry is the government – and that the government must build a ‘last-mile’ network that is not financially viable for private operators to build.

Speaking at the Philippines Telecoms Summit held recently by the Department of Information and Commu-

F ONLY, 13

NFA to provide best quality rice for relief operations

N

ATIONAL Food Authority (NFA) administrator Jason Laureano Y. Aquino has instructed NFA field officials to issue only the best quality NFA rice for emergency and calamity relief operations.

“While the NFA ensures that all its rice stocks are well-maintained and of good quality, we want to give em-

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12 SCIENCE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

Tilapia: To eat or not to eat fry are about 10 days old from hatching of the eggs and 9 millimeters to 11 millimeters in total length.

“The fry to be treated also need to be stocked in tanks or ponds at the proper densities and fed at recommended feeding rates for good growth and survival, and effective sex reversal,” Dr. Guerrero says.

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

U

NLESS you are raising them, you may have already eaten transsexual tilapia.

Those that you buy from the commercial market are grown using the sex reversal technology, which the Philippines has pioneered.

As much as 90% of the tilapia cultured in the country is sex-reversed, according to Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III. “At least 50% of the tilapia produced in the United States, Canada, Israel, the Caribbean and Asia is sex-reversed,” he points out.

Dr. Guerrero is an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology. He has over 40 years of experience in aquaculture with emphasis on tilapia culture as researcher, professor and consultant. He served as the executive director of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development.

As the “Father of Tilapia Sex Reversal,” he has received several citations from different award giving bodies. In 2004, he was conferred the Mgr. Jan D.F. Heine Memorial Award by the International Tilapia Foundation.

“Tilapias are early-maturing and prolific breeders,” he says. “The fishes become sexually mature at two to three months and females are capable of spawning a hundred to a few hundred eggs, depending on size.”

Sexes are differentiated externally by examining the structure behind the anus. The male has only one opening in the structure while the female has two openings. Male tilapias grow faster than females.

Tilapia’s high production rate oftentimes results in overcrowded ponds and stunted fish. In the past, hand

Tilapia’s high production rate oftentimes results in overcrowded ponds and stunted fish.

sexing -- separating males from females -- was the solution being used. But doing so takes times. That’s why the sex reversal technology was developed by Dr. Guerrero.

The sex reversal technology was based on the theory that the development of the sex organ (testis for male and ovary for female) in the fish can be artificially influenced by feeding of a synthetic sex hormone during the “sexless period” of the young. Hormonal or induced sex reversal was first demonstrated in the 1950s by T. K-O. Yamamoto of Japan in the medaka, an aquarium fish.

Most economical method According to Dr. Guerrero, artificial sex reversal is considered the most effective, efficient and economical method for solving the major drawback of growing tilapias to market-size caused by unwanted reproduction.

“With mix-sex (male and female) stocks, the fish ma-

tures early and breeds frequently resulting in stunted growth due to overpopulation in ponds,” Dr. Guerrero explains. “By growing allmale tilapia produced through hand-sexing (manual separation of sexes), hybridization (crossbreeding of two appropriate species) or sex reversal, the yield of large-sized tilapias is significantly increased by 30% to 50% because of the faster-growing males compared to females and the control of reproduction.”

Although anyone with the proper know-how and equipment can prepare the hormone-feed and apply it, there is atilapia sex reversal feed (SR Premix) now available in the market for those who find it more convenient and practical.

“Applying the sex reversal feed method requires the production of the right age of the fry for treatment, preparation of the hormone feed or its procurement, and the proper application of the treatment,” Dr. Guerrero says.

It is also important that the fry to be treated be not more than three days from the time they are released by the mouth brooding females in breeding ponds when the

Safe for consumption The synthetic sex hormone used in sex reversal technology is methyltestosterone, a man-made form of testosterone. A naturally occurring sex hormone, testosterone is produced in a man’s testicles. Small amounts of testosterone are also produced in a woman’s ovaries and adrenal system.

“Methyltestosterone is used in men and boys to treat conditions caused by a lack of this hormone, such as delayed puberty or other hormonal imbalances,” notes www.drug. com. “ Methyltestosterone is also used in women to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.”

According to Dr. Guerrero, the oral treatment with methyltestosterone in tilapia is only for 3-4 weeks during the sexless stage of the fry or what he calls as “the stage of sexual differentiation.”

“After withdrawal of the treatment,” he assures, “there are no residuals left in the system of the fish after 92 hours.” He based this statement from some studies being done.

“Since the fry are grown for at least 3-4 months for market and human consumption, it is very safe,” he says. “There can, therefore, be no side effects if there is no synthetic hormone left in the systems of the fish.”

But there is also the question of what happens to the metabolites (excreted compounds) of the synthetic hormone which are eliminated in the environment. Can they affect other organisms and af-

fect people?

Dr. Guerrero gives this answer: “Studies have shown that, in the tropics, the high temperature and the effect of sunlight breaks down the metabolites into simpler compounds through biodegradation and photo-oxidation that have no effect on humans.”

Aside from those done in the Philippines, there are also studies conducted in other countries that showed endocrine disruptors from plastics and insecticides in the environment can influence the direction of sex of fishes and possibly humans who consume them towards femaleness or hermaphroditism and not maleness.

“Methyl testosterone, which is for maleness, is therefore not in question,” Dr. Guerrero says.

The use of methyl testosterone for tilapia sex reversal is generally accepted throughout the world except in Europe which has a strict organic (no synthetics) policy. “So far, since its application more than 30 years ago, there is no negative or harmful effect on humans reported.”

Low in cholesterol and fat Most of the tilapia raised in the Philippines are consumed locally. Filipinos relish tis cotton-like meat and fairly good taste. Both Americans and Europeans are also fond of tilapia since they consider it as “white meat,” a health food low in cholesterol and fat.

Also, chefs have a preference for tilapia’s firm meat.

Unfortunately, a study done in the United States has shown that eating tilapia is not good for those with heart problems.

“Cardiologists are telling their patients to go home and eat fish, and if the patients are poor, they’re eatingtilapia. And that could translate into a dangerous situation,” said the researchers from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

F SCIENCE, 13

VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

Only... FROM 11

to lower costs and help out in rendering services to the public,” he said.

In a meeting with President Duterte in October,

Salalima recommended that the government build and manage the network, and then allow private companies allowed to lease it. This would

be beneficial to the telcos, who lack the necessary broadband infrastructure in far-flung or ‘missionary’ areas.

“We hope to lay the

groundwork — so telcos can come in and begin to offer much-needed internet services to the residents there,” Salalima said.

The university study showed that farm-raised tilapia, one of the most highly consumed fish in America, has very low levels of beneficial Omega-3 fatty acid and, perhaps worse, very high levels of Omega-6 fatty acids, researchers claimed.

They said the combination could be a potentially dangerous food source for some patients with heart disease, arthritis, asthma and other allergic and auto-immune diseases that are particularly vulnerable to an “exaggerated inflammatory response.” Inflammation is known to cause damage to blood vessels, the heart, lung and joint tissues, skin, and the digestive tract.

In an article which appeared in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, the researchers claimed that tilapiahas higher levels of potentially detrimental longchain Omega-6 fatty acids than 80-percent-lean hamburger, doughnuts and even pork bacon.

So eating tilapia is worse than bacon? That was Dr. Floyd Chilton, a professor of physiology and pharmacology and the director of the Wake

Forest Center for Botanical Lipids, told the American media.

“For individuals who are eating fish as a method to control inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, it is clear from these numbers that tilapia is not a good choice,” Dr. Chilton was quoted as saying. “All other nutritional content aside, the inflammatory potential of hamburger and pork bacon is lower than the average serving of farmed tilapia.”

worse just because it contains less Omega-3 than salmon and more Omega-6 than bacon,” wrote Dr. Eliza Mei Perez Francisco, a nutrition support physician at St. Luke’s Medical Center, in an article. “It still has many nutritional benefits, and cannot be judged solely on its potential to cause inflammation.”

If you take note, the American researchers are focusing on farmed tilapia. “In a fish-farming situation, the fish that you get depends on what they are fed,” explained Dr. Chilton, who headed the study. “We must feed animals the correct foods. Animals become what we feed them, and we become what we eat as well. The food chain is fairly consistent.”

Dr. Guerrero seems to agree. “It is true that farmed tilapia has lower Omega-3 fatty acids than marine fish that feed on natural food (algae) in the ocean compared to tilapia fed in ponds and cages using feeds containing corn,” he explains. “But this applies more in the United States. In the Philippines, we feed our tilapia with rice bran and soybean meal that con-

tain less Omega-6 fatty acids.”

On the controversy which tilapia has created a stir among health buffs, Dr. Guerrero has this answer: “There is still a controversy or disagreement among nutritionists with regard to the right balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3 which we both need in our diet. More studies are needed.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Francisco urged Filipinos not to give up tilapia, particularly those raised in ponds, completely.

“Continue to eat fish regularly, at least twice a week, and combine tilapia with Omega3-rich fish (like tuna, salmon, and mackerel) for a more balanced mix of fats.”

Instead of frying tilapia, she recommended that you grill, boil or steam the tilapia. “This will help you cut down on total fat in the diet.” But if you want to fry or sauté it, use canola or olive oil. Or cook in coconut milk (as in ginataang tilapia).

By the way, unlike other fish, tilapia has very low levels of mercury because it is fast growing- and short-lived fish that mostly eats a vegetarian diet.

SCIENCE... FROM 12

Tilapia vs. bacon Let’s take a closer look at the comparison. Tilapia has 26 grams of protein while bacon has a measly 0.07 gram. Tilapia’s fat content is three grams compared to 100.76 grams for bacon. In addition, tilapia is an excellent source of phosphorus, niacin, selenium, vitamin B12, and a good source of potassium. Bacon, on the other hand, contains 1,000 milligrams of sodium, 166 milligrams of cholesterol, and enough possible carcinogenic nitrites to make pregnant women think twice.

“Tilapia is not necessarily

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

Tension high in North Cotabato as NPA rebels hostage civilians

T

ENSION gripped Sitio Malapangi, Barangay Camutan in Antipas, North Cotabato on Thursday as some 100 New People’s Army rebels reportedly held an undetermined number of civilians as human shields to ward off advancing government troops.

At least 100 families fled to safer grounds since 4:00 a.m. Thursday as the rebels occupied Sitio Malapangi.

Some of the evacuees came from the neighboring villages of Agod and Malire.

Chief Insp. Rolando Dillera, Antipas police chief, said they are still verifying the identities of civilians al-

legedly held hostage by the rebels.

The evacuees are currently sheltered at the municipal gymnasium at the town proper. Local social welfare personnel are attending to their needs.

Classes in the affected villages were temporarily suspended.

Dillera said the rebels swooped down at the mountain village of Camutan in a bid to recruit villagers to join their cause.

Dillera also clarified that no intense fighting took place as earlier reported, but potshots could be heard from the area. (PNA)

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

Is the Stonic the future of Kia’s crossover?

K

IA Stonic trademark has been recently registered, so this may mean that this is the name of the future crossover for the B-1 segment.

Kia has began the new year by launching Stinger, but it seems that the novelties won’t be stopping here. A new subcompact crossover is set to be launched a few months from now and it may be dubbed Stonic, as the recently registered trademark.

The crossover should fit in segment B-1 and should be the sibling of the high-riding model that Hyundai is preparing to launch. The model should come as a follow-up of Kia’s KX3 model, sold in China and other regions of the world.

The new crossover will become a rival of Mazda CX-3 and have some similarities with the 2013 Provo concept. Hyundai’s crossover, on the other hand, is supposed to have a funky and unconventional design, so the same may be with Stonic.

Both models, from Hyundai and Kia, will become available in USA and Europe by the end of the year.

C

10 things used car buyers need to know

ARBUYERS have seen the things that cause problems during and after a used car purchases.

One used car buyer and blog writer said he is convinced that 99.9 percent of all complaints that used car buyers have could be eliminated if people simply followed these ten tips.

1

Never shop alone. Car sellers can apply more pressure to you if you shop by yourself and they may also deny having told you things if you have no witnesses. Even if you have to wrangle a co-worker or a neighbor, bring someone with you.

2

Understand what “as is” means if you are in a state that allows “as is” sales.

And most states allow them from dealers. In most states, a car bought from an individual is presumed to be as is. This means you have be prepared for unexpected car repairs – and the seller won’t have an obligation to help you with them.

3

Use the various blue book, red book, black book pricing guides you can access on the internet to find out what a good price is for the car you are looking at.

Don’t just believe that you are getting a good deal. I’ve met people who paid thousands of dollars more than

they should have simply because they didn’t do their research.

ments that contain language stating that “Nothing said by the salesman is enforceable against the seller unless reduced to writing and included on this document.” Translation: Everything said to you by the dealer is meaningless – except for what they wrote down. Like the car’s make, model, the year, the VIN and the price.

4

Check NHTSA.gov to see if the car you are looking at has any open recalls. NHTSA can not only tell you if the make and model was issued recalls – and for what – but also if that particular car has had its recall work completed. Even though the recall might be a free repair, you don’t want to buy an unsafe car if you can avoid it.

5

Ask to see the title before you agree on a price, particularly from an individual.

Make sure the person you are talking to is the person on the title. Not only can someone not sell you a car they don’t own, but many “curb stoners” sell cars without ever titling the car to themselves first. This is illegal in most states – when done by an individual – and results in a title history that is missing the seller who sold you the car. It could even present problems for you later if you ever tried to prove who you bought the car from.

6

Test drive the car under actual driving conditions. Not just around the parking lot or the block.

Take it out and get it up to highway speeds, preferably on a highway. Drive it long enough to see if the air con-

9

ditioning, heat, and other systems function properly.

7

Have the car inspected by a mechanic. Most people skip this step and it is the step which would actually prevent most car buying catastrophes.

It may cost a few bucks but you get what you pay for. Are you willing to climb under the car and look for transmission leaks? Is that rattling sound under the hood normal? Some auto-savvy people are comfortable checking these things out themselves but most people aren’t qualified to do this.

8

Understand that 99.9% of everything said to you at a car dealership is meaningless. Most car dealers use pre-printed purchase agree-

Realize that much of the profit a dealer will try to get from you will come after you agree to buy the car. Did you arrange your own financing? You might get offered a high interest rate – for which the dealer will get a slice – when you qualified for a lower rate.

How about GAP insurance?

An extended service contract? Many of these things MIGHT have value to you but you can always shop around and get them elsewhere for a better price.

10

Buying a car off the internet? Whether from a dealer or an individual, print out a copy of the ad before you go to look at the car. I’ve heard from countless car buyers who bought a car, only to discover that things promised in the ad weren’t true. And the ad had been removed from the internet by the seller before the buyer even got the car home.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS15

No resting on laurels for this Palaro star

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

S

HE was the toast of the track in last year’s Palarong Pambansa. But 3,000-meter record holder Mea Gey Adialiaan S, Niñura feels she is challenged at the top.

The long distance ace from Davao del Sur is set to defend her title for this year’s Palarong Pambansa 2017 which will be held in the province of Antique.

But she is not looking ahead.

On Monday, she fell short of resetting her own Palaro record during the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet held at Mati City Centennial Sports Complex in Mati City.

In an interview with EDGE Davao, Niñura said although she won the gold medal in this year’s DAVRAA meet, she is not at all happy with her performance.

Niñura clocked 11 minutes 6.36 seconds--a far cry from her 10:03:43 Palarong Pambansa mark set in Legaspi, Albay.

“Sa akong performance karon, dili ko maka-ingon na happy ko karon o successful ang akong dula, kay sa time pa lang daan sir, wala jud nako nakuha ang akong record sa Palaro(I could not say that I am happy with my performance because based on my time, I did not even get the same time of my Palaro record),” she said.

She said that after the DAVRAA 2017, she will practice hard because her record could not compete in this year’s Palarong Pambansa.

“Even if I am the record breaker of the said event, it doesn’t mean that I need to be complacent because I hold the record,” she said.

“Now that I see what is lacking on my performance, I really need to prepare myself and practice hard so that I can compete well in the Palarong Pambansa,” Niñura added.

Niñura said that she targets break her own record and make history in the field of 3000-meter run in the country.

The 17-year-old pride of Ba-

rangay Kapatagan in Digos City, Davao del Sur broke the record in last year’s Palarong Pambansa in Legaspi, Albay eclipsing the 10:10:16 minutesrecord of Jie Ann Calis from Northern Mindanao.

Calis’ record was set in the 2015 Palarong Pambansa held at Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City.

After Niñura broke the record last year, six universities in the country and two universities from the United States of America offered her scholarship.

Davao Durians virtual DAVRAA champions P

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

FIRST BLOOD... FROM 16

But that was as much applause the Warriors can get the entire game against the crowd favorite Green Archers.

Former Ginebra mainstay Sunday Salvacion caught fire early for the Warriors but that first quarter outburst was quickly silenced by a furious rally by the TRMH-CMO La Salle side in the second canto.

Cameroonian center Ben Mbala presided over the attack along with Prince Rivero and Santillan and TRMH-CMO La Salle came back with a 32-poiint explosion in that period while limiting the Warriors to just 15 for a 4839 halftime lead.

The Green Archers played without letup in the third widening the gap to 16, 76-60. As if that was not enough, the second stringers finished the job with a 37-point carnage.

Abu Tratter led TRMH-CMO La Salle with 13 points, Mbala had 12, and Rivero and Santillan had 10 apiece.

Salvacion paced the Warriors with 14 while Pacquiao found the bucket once for 2 markers.

Bracket A TRMH-CMO DLSU 1 Pacman Warriors 0 *Montana Pawnshop x

W L 0 1 x

Bracket B W L *Malacañang Kamao x x *National University x x *UP x x *Still playing as of presstime

ERENNIAL champion Davao City Durians pulled away from its rivals after four days of competitions in the 2017 Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet in Mati City.

As of 12 noon on Thursday, the Durians have amassed 80 gold medals on top of 57 silvers and 50 bronzes in the Olympic-style regional sports conclave for elementary and secondary athletes.

With that wide margin in the overall medal tally, the Durians are poised to run away with the overall title. The DAVRAA, however, follows a point system assigned to the medals won in the different events—individual and team competitions.

The Tagum City Tagumpay are a distant second with 33 golds, 33 sil-

vers and 59 bronzes while the Digos City Trekkers are in third place with 32 golds 26 silvers and 22 bronzes.

Rounding up the standings are Panabo Magnates in fourth with a combined haul of 26-33-41, Davao del Norte Pioneers in fifth with a 1918-16 harvest, co-host Davao Oriental Sunrisers in 6th with 10-12-13 tally, Compostela Vallley Gold in 7th with 9-15-30, Davao del Sur Cobras in 8th with 9-15-27, Davao Occidental Slashers in 9th with 5-11-16. co-host Mati City Eagles in 10th with 5-7-13 and Island Garden City of Samal Waves bringing up the rear with 1-3-5.

The top athletes in the individual competitions and the top teams in the team events will represent the Davao Region in the 2017 Palarong Pambansa in Antique.

CEREMONIAL BALL. SBP director Glenn Escandor presiding over the ceremonial jump between Sen. Manny Pacquiao of the Pacman Warriors and Kib Montalbo of TRMH-CMO DLSU Green Archers during the openinng ceremony of the 80th Aaw ng Davao Invitational at the Davao City Recreattion Center. Also in photo are city administrator Zuleika Lopez (partly hidden) and sports coordinator Mikey Aportadera.

Complete Schedule of Games: March 24 (Friday) 3:00 pm NU vs. UP 5:00 pm Montaña vs. TRMH-CMO DLSU 7:00 pm Malacañang vs. Pacman

March 26 (Sunday) For 5th place 5:00 pm A3 vs B3 For 3rd place 5:00 pm A2 vs. B2

March 25 (Saturday) 3:00 pm Pacman v. Montana 5:00 pm TRMH-CMO DLSU vs. UP 7:00 pm Malacañang vs. NU

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 7:00 pm A1 vs. B1

MUSCLEMAN. Ben Mbala muscles hs way in against Pacman’s Marlon Basco.

Lean Daval Jr.

DAREDEVIL. TRMH-CMO De La Salle’s Andrei Caracut drives the lane. Lean Daval Jr.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

FIRST I BLOOD

TRMH-CMO Green Archers demolish Manny-led Pacman Warriors 113-76

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

D

njb@edgedavao.net

EFENDING champion The Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO De La Salle Green Archers bucked a slow start to rout Pacman Warriors-Gen. Santos City 113-76 to open its title-retention drive on Thursday in the 80th Araw ng Davao Invitational basketball tournament.

The Green Archers were outscored in the first quarter 16-24 by the Pacman Warriors who played inspired ball with boxing legend and Senator Manny Pacquiao in the starting line-up.

Pacquiao, Mahindra’s playing coach in the PBA, drew a rousing applause from the jampacked crowd at the Davao City Recreation Center, when he went up to do the ceremonial jump against La Salle’s Kib Montalbo with Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas director Glenn Escandor doing the honors assisted by Davao City administrator Atty. Zuleika Lopez and sports coordinator Mikey Aportadera.

F FIRST BLOOD, 15

TIGHT WATCH. Aljun Melecio of TRMH-CMO De La Salle (11) guards Senator Manny Pacquiao of the Pacman Warriors.

Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 283 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 25, 2017

DCWD celebrates World Water Day

N celebration of March 22 as the World Water Day, Davao City Water District held a simultaneous Customers Appreciation activity in its Bajada, Matina, and Toril offices and in its Victoria Plaza, Felcris Centrale, and SM Lanang Premier collection centers.

A total of 600 paying customers participated in the water trivia and received information, education and campaign materials from DCWD. Among the customized items given out were back packs, eco bags, drawstring knapsacks, water bottles, ball caps, foldable fans, pocket planners, notebooks, and ballpens.

The observance of March 22 as World Water Day is significant to DCWD as a water service provider as the celebration focuses attention on the importance of freshwater and advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. For this year, the World Water Day celebration highlights the relationship between water and wastewater.

On March 30, DCWD will also hold One Call for All at the Matina Town Square.

From 1:00 PM onwards, there will be an exhibit of DCWD services,

forum on water quality and water conservation, customer service booth, and Zumba. The general public is invited to join together with other government agencies, barangay units, schools, and associations.

Participation is open and free of charge. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

DCWD celebrates World Water Day. Customers receive freebies during the simultaneous conduct of Customers Appreciation Day in (from R) DCWD Bajada office and collection centers in Victoria Plaza and Felcris Centrale on March 22, 2017.