Edge 9 Issue 66

VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

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Serving a seamless society

BRIGADA ESKWELA. Police personnel from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) help in the cleaning up of school books stored in one of the elevated classrooms of Zonta Elementary School in Isla Verde, Davao City during yesterday’s “Brigada Eskwela 2016.” Lean Daval Jr.

MASSIVE MANHUNT AFP, PNP launch pursuit operations vs. GovGen attackers EDGEDAVAO Sports

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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OMBINED forces from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) launched on Monday a massive pursuit operation against the lawless New People’s Army (NPA) rebels responsible to the raid of the municipal police station of Governor Generoso town in Davao Oriental on Sunday evening.

In a statement issued on Monday, the provincial gov-

ernment of Davao Oriental said the AFP and the PNP forces are also coordinating with the local government units (LGUs) in the area to bring into justice those responsible for the raid that resulted to the wounding of a policeman and the abduction of the chief of police of Governor Generoso.

In an interview on Monday, Captain Rhyan Batchar, chief informarion officer of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division told the EDGE Davao the

attackers were a combination of NPA forces coming from the provinces of Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental.

Leading the assessment on the situation in the area are Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, commander of 28th Infantry Battalion and Police Supt. Harry Espela, the acting PNP Director of Davao Oriental.

Col. Bienvenido Datuin, commander of 701st brigade of the army also said in the

same statement that he already ordered for the clearing of the national highway leading to Governor Generoso.

Batchar also told the EDGE Davao that reinforcing troopers on Sunday evening were halted with piles of used tires mounted by the NPAs along the San Isidro-Governor Generoso national highway.

“We are already on top of the situation and are currently in the state of investigation

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Go too hot to handle again, pumps CMO win P15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

MANNY MEETS RODY. Incoming president Rodrigo R. Duterte (second from left) exchanges pleasantries with Senator-elect Emmanuel Pacquiao (right) while Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano looks on during a dinner meeting at a hotel in Lanang, Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

6 people nabbed Davao Region’s population for illegal drugs now 4.9 M, says 2015 count

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T least six persons have been arrested in a series of anti-illegal drug raids in Maguindanao and in South Cotabato, police and anti-narcotics agents Monday said.

In Barangay Broce, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, five persons were arrested by elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEAARMM) during a raid on Sunday.

PDEA-ARMM Regional Director Edgar Apalla, in a

statement, said the raid was conducted at 2:30 p.m. Sunday after an agent managed to secure several sachets of suspected shabu from a couple.

He identified the suspects as Abdulla Saway, 20, Nor Utto, 33, both residents of Barangay Broce, Esmael Sainudin, 26, Halid Guiadzal, 22 and a 14-year-old boy.

Apalla said the house of the suspects also served as “illegal drug den” where anyone who would like to sniff substance can come.

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SoCot girds to conduct golden anniversary fest

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HE provincial government of South Cotabato has invited incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte to grace the province’s 50th foundation anniversary and 17th T’nalak Festival in July.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes, chair of the festival’s executive committee, said Monday they have sent an official invitation to the camp of the outgoing Davao City mayor for the province’s anniversary celebration on July 18.

She said it is just fitting for the province to have the first President from Mindanao to serve as guest of honor in its

golden foundation anniversary.

“This is a big celebration for the province and we want the incoming President to be with us in that event,” Fuentes said.

Festival organizers said the Duterte camp has yet to issue its response on the invitation.

But if Duterte would not be available due to his hectic schedule, the local government has made a list of national officials that could be invited to grace the event.

Danilo Supe, provincial administrator and the festival’s

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By ANTONIO M. AJERO

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HE POPULATION of the Davao Region composed of five provinces and six cities now stands at 4, 893,318, based on the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN 2015).

This was learned from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Region 11 headed by Regional Director Ruben D. Abaro Jr. The 2015 population of the region composed of the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental and Compostela Valley and the cities of Davao, Digos, Samal, Panabo, Tagum and Mati is higher

by 424, 755 compared with the population of the region of 4,468,563 in 2010, and by 1,217, 155 compared with the population of 3,676, 163 in 2000.

Davao City most populous In the same census, Davao City turned out to be more populous than the provinces

around it with 1,632,991 persons , followed by Davao del Norte with 1,016,322, Compostela Valley with 736, 107, Davao del Sur with 632,588, Davao Oriental with 558, 958 and Davao Ocdidental with 316, 342.

The region’s population increased by 1.74 percent annually on the average during

the period from 2010 to 2015.

“By comparison, the rate at which region’s population grew during the period 2000 to 2010 was higher at 1.97 percent,” the PSA document states.

It said that the census statistics showed that one in every three persons in the re-

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Rody wants prelim talks with Joma P

RESIDENT-ELECT Rodrigo Duterte has asked his incoming peace negotiators Lawyers Jesus Dureza and Silvestre Bello III to travel to Oslo, Norway in July to hold preliminary talks with Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding Chair Jose Maria Sison to discuss the framework agenda of the peace negotiations.

He said he will issue safe conduct passes to Sison and couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, the chair and finance

chief of the CPP, respectively, to pave the way for their participation to the peace negotiations.

Duterte said Dureza and Bello should also accompany Sison for his homecoming anytime. The preliminary talks with Sison will be the priority he wants Dureza and Bello to work as soon as he sits President in July.

He said that he would even release the political prisoners even before they can hammer a perfect peace deal.

Earlier, Duterte said coming home for the negotiations will be his only pre-condition otherwise “how can we talk peace if they are not here.” He said they can agree on when, where and how the process of their coming home, including CPP founding chair Jose Maria Sison, and how to conduct the talks. The time frame would depend how events would develop.

“Kailangan ko lang yes or no (All I need is yes or no),” said Duterte, adding that the

release of prisoners is part of confidence-building between the two sides.

It may be recalled that the formal peace negotiations with the communist movement was stalled in 2004 after the NDF withdrew from the negotiating table on account of the renewed inclusion of Sison and his organization in the US terrorist list.

In the website of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, the

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

No job yet for Leni I

DEMOLITION LOOMS. City Mayor’s Office-Drainage Management Unit (DMU) head Yusop Jimlani gives updates on the Davao City’s night market, street vendors and the planned demolition of illegal settlers near the Civil

Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to give way to the city’s catch basin project. Jimlani was a guest of Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

NCOMING president Rodrigo Duterte does not have any plans to look beyond his boarders for his cabinet members in his administration.

In a press conference Sunday dawn, Duterte said that as the moment he does not have any position to offer for Vice President-elect Leni Robredo.

Duterte told reporters that he would rather look at the people surrounding him for he knows their capabilities and loyalties.

This, after reporters asked the presumptive president if he would give any cabinet position to Robredo once they assumed the office come June 30.

Duterte said that he is not considering any position to Robredo as of the moment for he does not know the capabilities of the congresswoman.

“That (position for Robredo) never really entered my

mind actually. I am still trying to figure out my own selection in my own group or party. I should not be looking beyond my boarders yet,” Duterte said.

Duterte, however, said that the opening of opportunity for Robredo might come later on but that “it does not mean to say that if the door is open there is already a job waiting.”

“There’s an opportunity or a chance maybe we can just talk on having a good rapport in the meantime, because I do not really know her,” he said.

The Davao City mayor also took the opportunity to defend his selection of people to his Cabinet.

“You do not appoint anybody that you do not trust, you also have to know the person for how long. Have you known the person to know enough of his character, capacity and honesty,” Duterte said. FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

HE emergency relief unit of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will embark on massive relief operations to thousands of displaced families in Lanao del Sur affected by continuing skirmishes that started last week, officials said today.

ARMM Vice Gov. Al Rahis Lucman, who hails from Lanao, today met with the officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for partnership in the delivery of relief aid to affected families, mostly women and children, who belonged to the farmer sector.

Fighting between government forces and militant Moro extremists broke out over the weekend, leaving scores killed and displacing thousands of civilians in Butig, Lanao del Sur. Reports from the Office of

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. showed that residents from the conflict affected villages of Coloyan, Samer, Bayabao, Raya Timbab, Sandab and Ragayan cavated their homes in a hurry when fighting erupted Friday.

Many of whom left their valuables and work animals for fear they might be caught in the cross fire.

Initial military reports said more than 22 persons have been killed, mostly from the group of Abdullah Maute, leader of the jihadist group which claimed allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) last year.

Government forces were conducting pursuit operations against the group of Maute who ambushed and killed government forces conducting patrol in Butig, a remote hin-

Assistance extended to conflict-hit families

Briones offered DepEd post, Diokno named to head DBM T

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE incoming 16th president of the country Rodrigo Duterte named Leonor Briones as the next Department of Education secretary after Peter Laurel turned down his offer.

Duterte said Briones is yet to decide to the post offered to her. He said that on Tuesday, Briones will give her answer.

Duterte said he offered Briones the education post because “she is quite familiar with the problem in the education that we are facing because of the implementation of K-12.”

Based on wikipedia, Briones is a professor emeritus of

Public of Administration at the National College of Public Administration and Governance of the University of the Philippines Diliman campus.

Meanwhile, Duterte named Benjamin Diokno as the next secretary of Department of Budget of Management.

Duterte said Diokno has proven himself to be an effective head after serving several administrations in the past.

Diokno was the former DBM secretary during the administration of former president Jospeh Estrada before the latter was ousted.

Duterte, however, has kept

Rody’s move to regulate Lakbay Aral gets support

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HE city government is set to adopt stricter regulations for the conduct of study tours or Lakbay Aral by its officials and employees.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera bared such move as he expressed full support to incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s plans to rein in on the government’s Labkay Aral program, especially those than turn into junkets.

He acknowledged that local governments and other government agencies could save a lot of money and other resources by taking stricter hold of such undertaking.

“When I read it in the news, I was very happy. I will support this move by our incoming president,” he said.

Rivera, who was re-elected to his second term, said the city government had been firm when it comes to the con-

duct of Lakbay Arals by its officials and personnel.

He said they just send their personnel to other local government units (LGUs) if they want to study and replicate some of good practices.

“Aside from that, nothing more. But if our president will tell us that he will be implementing new policies, then we will gladly abide,” the mayor said.

Rivera said he understands where Duterte is coming from being a mayor of Davao City for many years.

He said it is important for the incoming administration to set these reforms early as promised during the campaign.

“I think President Duterte wants to regain the confidence of the public to the government. Lakbay Arals

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mum on the issue of the senate presidency after Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel expressed his desire to take the post.

“I have kept my distance for the senate president, because Alan and Koko are there.

Both are my friends,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Duterte said he has not shaken hands with any politicians who have transferred to his party or who have signed in to support for his administration.

By Tuesday, Duterte said he will already have a list of almost all members of his cabinet and other posts such as

the Bureau of Customs, Land Transportation Office and the Department of Health, among others.

Some personalities that were offered posts might be coming in Tuesday in time of his presentation of the list of his cabinet members to the media.

“By Tuesday I have already the names, there are guys coming in. I am eyeing a guy who is on their ranks for the DOH and another department,” Duterte said.

Duteret is also eyeing a former military man for the PDEA as well as for the Bureau of Internal Revenue. FPG

FOR THE PHILIPPINE EAGLE. Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. education administrator Rai Gomez (right) says it is very important to have an upland education campaign for children and their communities to spread awareness about the importance of the conservation of the Philippine

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Eagle and its environment. Gomez, together with PEF communication officer Kikko Kalabud, graced yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

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AGR backs Duterte on Federalism shift D AVAO DEL NORTE 1st District Congressman and now governor-elect Anthony G. del Rosario is urging incoming local chief executives to rally behind President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal to shift the system of government to federal form.

In House Joint resolution No. 39, the lawmaker, also known as AGR, urged his fellow legislators to let the electorate decide on the issue of revising the 1987 Constitution to establish a federal system of government by calling for a constitutional convention.

Del Rosario, who won a landslide victory in the gubernatorial race in the recent elections with Duterte’s backing said he will prod the League of Provinces in the Philippines (LPP) and the Union of Local Authorities in the Philippines (ULAP) to fully support the next president’s push for federalism.

According to him, the LGUs will be the primary beneficiaries of the plans to change the current unitary system of government, since Duterte proposes a federal system in which the regions keep 70% of

RDC 11 calls on agencies to alot budgets for IPs

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HE Regional Development Council (RDC) 11, the highest policy-making body in Davao Region, urged national government agencies to allocate at least one percent of their respective annual budgets for programs and projects for indigenous peoples (IPs).

This policy initiative was further pushed with its integration in the RDC 11 FY 2017 Budget Preparation Guidelines.

RDC 11 considers the IPs as among the most vulnerable sectors in society requiring the prime attention of government. Based on the testimonies of the sector, the IPs still find it difficult to access government services up to now.

The IP sector particularly has difficulty competing with thousands of applicants in view of the scholarship requirements of scholarship-granting agencies; resulting in very few qualified IP scholars.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) 11, however, clarified that there are also some scholarship grants intended only for IPs. As discussed in the RDC

Social Development Committee (SDC) which handles human resource development and social protection concerns in the Region, RDC 11 vice-chairperson and NEDA 11 Regional Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim stated that there is a strong need to aid the IP sector in efforts to make them more productive members of society through the budget allocation.

Lim said this approach has been employed for gender and development, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the youth through providing allocations in the General Appropriations Act. For Davao Region, this initial call comes from the RDC XI urging agencies to provide one percent, at the very least, for programs and projects that benefit the IPs. This effort was institutionalized by the inclusion of the one percent allocation in the RDC 11 FY 2017 Budget Preparation Guidelines and exercised during the FY 2017 Review of Agency Budget Proposals by the RDC 11 in February 2016.

This ensured that the

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their income.

“It is only fitting that LGUs back federalism since they are the primary beneficiaries,” he said.

The incoming governor stressed that power sharing between the national government and regional governments is the solution to the great inequality across the regions, in attaining inclusive growth and development and in ending the long-running rebellions that feed on social inequities.

He is also upbeat about the greater role of local officials in

achieving better collective responsibility and accountability for governance towards attaining genuine local autonomy in a federal state.

He said Federalism will encourage LCEs to work harder towards improving their localities and their constituents since these will result in increased revenues.

“The local chief executives can fully harness their creativity, courage and resourcefulness in instituting reforms to advance the common good and empower the poor and

Rep. Anthony G. del Rosario

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LGU Tagum joins Brigada Eskwela

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AYING that education remains a top priority for the City Government of Tagum, Mayor Allan L. Rellon led this city as it joins the nationwide kick-off of the National Schools Maintenance Week, popularly known as Brigada Eskwela, last May 30, 2016 at Tagum City National High School.

For this year, the local government allocated P300, 000.00 for the acquisition of paints and painting materials that were distributed to all public elementary and secondary schools in time for Brigada Eskwela.

City General Services Officer Jalmaida Jamiri-Morales

said each school will receive 15 gallons of paints to be used in the painting and repainting of respective school buildings and classrooms.

Brigada Eskwela is a flagship program of the Department of Education that aims to make schools ready and conducive for classes a week before the formal opening of another school year. This vision is realized through a week-long cleaning and repair of schools, mostly by volunteers from the different sectors of the community.

In his message, Mayor Rellon emphasized that the help of the local government does not end in Brigada Esk-

wela week. He said he has sustained the operation of the School Improvement and Maintenance (SIM) Task Force that is tasked to oversee school concerns all yearround.

The SIM Task Force, which was created through an executive order signed by Mayor Rellon, is composed of organic personnel of the local government and are mostly from the City Engineering Office.

The local chief executive also bared that the 80-milllion peso term loan of the local government from the Development Bank of the Philippines is now nearing its fru-

ition, as construction of about 68 classrooms and three gymnasiums will soon be over just in time for the opening of the new school year.

Mayor Rellon also bared he will convene this week his security cluster to iron out things pertaining to the safety of school children once the classes will kick off on June 13. A multi-agency security approach will help secure the school children with the help of the Philippine National Police, the Security Management Office, the Traffic Management Office and the various force multiplier groups in the city. (Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum)

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gang Senior Highschool”.

DepEd Panabo encourages parents and stakeholders to join the weeklong activity of BE also known as National Schools Maintenance Week aiming to clean, repaint, undertake minor repairs and decorate schools.

For this year, DepEd officials want that all schools are disaster-prepared, clean and conducive for learning with the help of parents, Local Government Unit, National Line Agencies, NGO’s, Religious and Business Sectors.

Meanwhile, Panabo National High School (PNHS) Principal, Memia Infiesto urges Panaboans to participate in a program called “Adopt-a-Classroom” as part of the Brigada Eskwela 2016 through community service and stakeholder’s participation.

Since 2014, PNHS was awarded as the Best Implementing School for Exceptional Secondary School category for Brigada Eskwela National level. They are very hopeful to bag the prestigious award and thus become a Hall of Famer Awardee for this year’s Brigada Eskwela 2016.

For more queries and information, you may contact them at 084-628-4830 or visit PNHS at Barangay Gredu and look for the coordinators in-charge of Brigada Eskwela 2016. Jasz Paras – CIO Panabo

Panabo City DepEd is set for Brigada Eskwela 2016

HE Department of Education (DepEd) of Panabo City is set for the Brigada Eskwela (BE) 2016 on May 30 to June 3 in preparation for the opening of classes on June 13, with the Theme : “Tayo Para sa Paaralang Ligtas, Maayos at Handa, Kindergarten Hang-

Farmers queue in line during the mass turn over of seedlings and other giveaways from the Department of Agriculture Regional Office during the Farmers and Fisherfolk Month Celebration held in PAGRI Compound in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental.

CLASSROOM FINALLY. Prior to the implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS, students in Barangay Lagumit in Malita town, Davao Occidental held their classes in a makeshift classroom beneath a mango tree since their room could not accommodate a large number of students. With the construction of a two-classroom High School building worth P 1,488,158.00 through Kalahi-CIDSS, 90 students can now comfortably sit and learn inside their brand new rooms. (DSWD)

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CHECKING FOR FOOD. A family checks out the menu mounted outside a restaurant at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Rice farmers told: Start planting now

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 urged rice farmers in Davao Region to start planting their crops this month for them to be spared from the adverse effect of La Niña, which is seen to wreak havoc during its peak in October this year.

“Through this, farmers will be able to harvest by September before the peak of the long rainy season,” DA 11 disaster and risk reduction management officer Joedil Leliza said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday.

Leliza said farmers in low-lying barangays of Pagsabangan and Busaon in Tagum City, Panabo City and the municipality of Carmen will be severely affected as these areas are heavily flooded when the heavy rain starts.

The municipalities of Cateel and Banay-banay in Davao Oriental and Nabun-

turan and Monkayo in Compostela Valley were also identified as areas to be affected

by La Niña later this year.

Leliza said these areas are catchment basin and are near rivers and other bodies of water.

The adjustment in the calendar of the cropping season was suggested by the Philippine Rice Research Institute and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to help possible affected farmers in the country.

According to Leliza, the annual second cropping season is supposed to start next month, but the threat of La Niño opted the agency to proposed strategies that will mitigate the impact of the phenomenon to the region’s agriculture sector.

Aside from adjusting the planting calendar, the DA 11 also encouraged rice farmers to plant submergence-toler-

ant rice varieties and to repair dikes, drainage and irrigation canals.

Leliza said farmers should also drain excess water from rice fields before and after heavy rains as well as use windbreaks structures and mechanical dryers during weeks of nonstop rainfall.

Farmers are also encouraged to develop floating garden and practice rainwater harvesting and use small farm reservoirs.

For corn, Leliza said farmers are discouraged to plant at sloping area.

Corn growers he added, should start clearing canals and establish contours in sloping areas and canals in lowland areas.

“We’ve been disseminating information on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies during La Niña,” Leliza said.

Chief Finance Officer.

The corporate data expansion is intended to support the growth of our business clients, capitalizing on the changing business landscape with the strategic use of digital technologies, Eala said.

Expansion of the company’s corporate data network will address client needs for additional bandwidth as they embrace new network technologies such as Software Defined Network/ Network Function Virtualization, Cloud, Big Data, among others. This initiative supports the ICT requirements of finance, services, retail, IT-BPO and manufacturing enterprises as they expand their operations to Visayas, Calabarzon and Davao.

The infrastructure build for enterprises runs parallel

with the company’s initiative of creating an internet superhighway by deploying fiber in 20,000 barangays all over the country by 2020 to provide ultra-fast internet access to around 2 million homes nationwide. The massive infrastructure build also involves a capacity expansion program for both mobile and wireline using the different technologies that include 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi. While technology has grown by leaps and bounds in the country and the number of mobile subscriptions in the country outnumbers the national population, there remains a need to invest in wired broadband. In fact, less than 10% of Filipinos have wired broadband connectiv-

Globe eyeing $500M investment to expand corporate data network

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LOBE Telecom is investing close to $500 million over a five-year period beginning 2016 to expand its corporate data network to meet the ever-increasing bandwidth requirements of corporate and enterprise clients. This initiative is expected to attract more foreign investments and spur the growth of the Philippine economy.

“A growing number of enterprises today use software applications delivered via cloud which require significant bandwidth. Deploying fiber in key areas will enhance productivity, efficiency and competitiveness of businesses that will sustain the growth momentum of the Philippine economy,” said Rizza Maniego-Eala, Globe Acting

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6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

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El Niño damage hits P312M

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

AMAGE to Davao Region’s agriculture sector due to El Niño reached P312.73 million as of May 10, the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 said.

However, this figure is expected to increase as assessment on the coverage of the destruction due to El Niño is still ongoing. Some provinces in the region have yet to submit their report this week.

Joedil Leliza, disaster and

risk reduction management officer of DA 11, told reporters during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday that the rice sector was the most affected by the drought, followed by corn and high value crops (HVC) like cacao, coffee and banana.

Leliza said an initial of 4,724 rice farmers tilling a total of 6,460. 12 hectares were affected by the long drought.

“We recorded a loss of

Sen. Villar welcomes signing of laws on marine breeding

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ENATOR Cynthia Villar welcomed on Monday the signing into law of the bills establishing marine breeding farms and hatcheries in Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat and Agusan del Norte, saying this will boost the production of fisherfolks in Mindanao.

“These laws will really contribute to the growth and development of the fisheries sector and allied industries in these areas. I am optimistic that this will help increase the income of fisherfolks who, together with farmers, remain among the poorest in our country,” Villar said.

Villar, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, defended the passage into law of these local bills at the Senate.

Republic Act No. 10787, signed on May 3, mandates the establishment of multi-species marine hatchery in Lingig, Surigao del Sur, while R.A. 10813, signed on May 11, mandates the creation of the same facility for freshwater species in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.

Villar said for Surigao del Sur, continuing research and experimentation on crabs, shrimps and lobsters is needed to find better ways to improve

production of these high-value species. The same facility is also needed for lake, river and other inland fishes in Agusan del Norte.

R.A. 10825, signed on May 19, establishes multi-species marine hatcheries in Surigao City and Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte. R.A. 10826 creates a multi-species marine nursery in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

Under the law, the facilities will be operated under the supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Within two years after its construction, BFAR will transfer its management to the local government unit.

The Nacionalista Party senator noted that BFAR will provide a training and phasing-in program to local government personnel on the management and operation of the hatchery or nursery.

“We need these laws to achieve sustainable growth and development of the agriculture sector as well as to improve the plight of Filipino farmers and fisherfolks,” Villar said.

She added that based on the latest official poverty sta-

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Price guide for school supplies

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HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has already issued the 2016 price guide for school supplies to assist the consumers on their purchases as well as retailers on their distribution and sale.

The guide includes the suggested retail prices (SRPs) for school supplies that were issued by manufacturers to retailers so as to ensure market share and fair competition in the market. These prices factor-in the production cost, distribution cost and profit margins of retailers and distributors.

DTI-Davao regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi noted that prices of school supplies are generally stable and majority of them retained their prices last year.

While some brands increased their prices due to foreign exchange and cost of raw materials, such as the color

pigment for crayons; and wood slab for pencil, a certain brand of crayons decreased its price

by P1.00 to P6.00.

Annually, the DTI-Consumer Protection Group requests for the suggested retail prices (SRPs) from the industry members of school supplies. They then evaluate the submitted SRPs against cost of production, particularly raw materials and other factors.

Once the SRPs are acceptable, the DTI publishes list of products with the brands and SRPs from the manufacturers.

This will then be the reference price guide for distributors, retailers and consumers.

Among the school supplies that are in the list are notebooks (composition, writing and spiral), writing pad papers (Grade 1 to 4), Intermediate pad papers, crayons, ball-pen, eraser, sharpeners, and pencil.

In the region, Ambi already

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a total of 14,951.89 metric tons (MT) with the value of P219.98 million,” he said.

For corn, he said 3,705 farmers were affected while 3,561 hectares were destroyed causing a loss in the corn production amounting to P 77.21 million or equivalent to 9, 249.14 MT. He said damage to the HVC already reached to a total of P15.54 million or 2,375.07 MT loss in production. More

than 2,000 farmers growing crops in 1,544 has. were affected.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) estimated that region’s agriculture production dropped by 10 percent due to El Niño which just finished earlier this month as per advice by government weather forecast Pag-Asa. The provincial government of Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur passed resolu-

RECOVERY PLAN. Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 agriculturist and Task Force El Niño member Joedel Leliza talks about the recovery plan for the 82 towns and municipalities in the region affected by the recent El

tions declaring State of Calamity in their respective areas.

The local government units of the municipalities of Hagonoy, Sta. Cruz, Matanao, Magsaysay, Bansalan, Kiblawan, Malalag, Sta. Maria, Sulop and the city of Mati in Davao del Sur; kapalong, Carmen and Asuncion; Tarragona, San Isidro, Lupon, and Mati City also announced State of Calamity.

He said 82 barangays in

Davao City are also now under State of Calamity due to the impact of El Niño to production areas.

Leliza said the DA11 has started distributing assistance to affected farmers including farm inputs like fertilizers, rice and corn seeds, and seedlings.

The agency allotted a national budget of P38.41 million last year and P43.08 million for El Niño intervention programs and activities.

Niño. Leliza was among the guests of yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

‘Prophet of Boom’bullish on Phl economic growth in Duterte admin

T

HE business community’s known “Prophet of Boom” is bullish on the unprecedented rise of the economy in the next six years given the five engines of growth ready for incoming President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dr. Bernardo Villegas, Research Director of the Center for Research and Communication, said the six to seven percent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) the country is experiencing right now will be sustained and is expected to register a double-digit rise, citing Duterte’s political will to implement socioeconomic policies.

“The six to seven percent

growth we are experiencing for the last four years is going to be sustained whoever is elected as president,” he said.

He added that it is already guaranteed because of the engines of growth.

Villegas disclosed he already shared research findings of his development works in the Philippines that may help the Duterte’s economic team – incoming Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Transportation Secretary Arturo Tugade in their policies.

One of the engines of growth that could continue to spur the economy under the Duterte administration is the

remittances from the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

Villegas said the country has posted over USD2 billion worth of cash remittances and continue to grow year-onyear at three to five percent.

“Filipino workers are a class anywhere in the world,” he said during the 5th General Membership Meeting of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) on Friday afternoon at the SMX Convention Center.

Villegas, who is popularly known in the business community as the Prophet of Boom, is currently a member of the boards of directors or advisory boards of leading na-

tional and multinational firms such as Benguet Corporation, Insular Life, Alaska Corporation, PHINMA Property Holding Corporation, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and IBM, among others.

Villegas cited the growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, which continues to be an attractive industry. He said the BPO sector posted an earning of USD22 billion early this year. The 1.1 million employees under the sector also grew 18 percent every year.

He projected the earning from the BPO industry to surpass OFW remittances.

He also said the Duterte

am.

“The upgrade in aircraft will allow us to carry more passengers and cargo, while offering quality inflight service,” said Victor Suarez, PAL’s area head for Mindanao.

PAL used to operate widebody aircraft at Davao to accommodate the volume of perishable cargo bound for abroad. During peak travel

season, such as last December-January, PAL deploys the A330 on the Davao-Manila route.

The bigger capacity will also address the anticipated demand for more seats due to increased daily traffic between Davao and Manila brought about by the business and leisure travel.

F PROPHET, 13

PAL to use big jets on Manila flights P

hilippine Airlines (PAL) will bring back the big jets on its Davao operations beginning June 1st in response to increased demand for passenger seats and cargo space.

PAL will use its Airbus 330 to replace the 199-seater Airbus 321 on PR 1814 that leaves Davao daily at 11:40

PAL operates eight flights a day Davao to Manila and three times daily to Cebu.

The 414-seater A330 represents a 50% hike in seat capacity over the A321.

The substantial increase in cargo capacity is seen to benefit a number of Davao cargo forwarders.

7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

The backbone of

Philippine aquaculture

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

C

ONSIDERED as its national fish, bangus or milkfish (known in the science world as “Chanos chanos”) is the largest foodfish species farmed in the Philippines. It is a P50-billion industry, contributing 17% to total aquaculture production in 2014 and constituting 15% of the total fish consumption

by Filipinos.

It’s no wonder why fishery experts consider bangus farming as “the backbone of Philippine aquaculture.” Although commercial production of bangus dates back more than a century ago, it was only in recent years that significant growth of the industry was realized.

“From 1950 to 1983, milkfish production was steadily rising with an average growth rate of 8.1%,” said an Impact Assessment (IA) bulletin issued by the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).

Today, the Philippines is one of the top bangus producers in the world, along with Indonesia and Taiwan. “Until recently, the country has contributed around 55 percent share of the world bangus production,” said Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, an academician with the National Academy of Science and Technology and a well-known fishery scientist.

The Philippines has been exporting bangus to other countries like the United States, England, Canada, and Japan. “The main consumer market, however, is the United States, where there are large Filipino communities,” Dr. Guerrero said.

Sleek and silvery, beloved because of its mild, sweet flesh, and its melt-in the-

mouth belly fat, bangus is a favorite Filipino fish. In Metro Manila, the national fish is rated first-class. Its popularity of bangus can be gleaned in such recipes as bangus “en tocho” (fried bangus served with a sauce of any of the following: “tahure,” “tokwa,” or “tausi”), “bulanglang na bangus” (with eggplants, ampalaya, sitao, malunggay, onion, tomatoes, rice washing and bagoong), “rellenong bangus” (formerly a party dish; now available even in school cafeterias), and bangus “lumpia.”

Bangus is closely related to carps and catfishes. It occurs in the Indian Ocean and across the Pacific Ocean, tending to school around coasts and islands with reefs. A warm water species, it prefers water temperatures between 20-33 degrees Centigrade.

In the Philippines, bangus can be raised anywhere.

However, the top bangus producing provinces are Bulacan, Pangasinan, Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental. The most recent report released by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) show that the combined production of these five provinces alone accounts for more than 50% of the country’s total production.

Raising bangus can be done employing different production systems in freshwater and in brackishwater.

“Depending on the available resources and level of management, the culture methods can vary from the traditional or extensive system, the modular or semi-intensive to the intensive system,” according to “Milkfish: A Basic Domestic Need Commodity.”

The semi-intensive system is an improvement of the traditional system where fingerlings are stocked at a high-

er density. With natural and artificial feeds, bangus fingerlings are stocked at densities of 6,000 to 12,000 per hectare.

With dependence on natural food in the traditional system, low stocking densities of 1,000 to 3,000 fingerlings per hectare are applied. In this method, the culture period is longer thus allowing only one or two croppings a year. The modular pond system, on the other hand, allows a continuous operation and makes possible four to six croppings per year.

To make fishponds and fish cages productive throughout the year, adequate supply of bangus fingerlings is necessary. “Historically, milkfish fry abound in the country, especially during the fry season in the months of April to October,” the milkfish primer notes. “During recent years, the number collected has been dwindling.”

“Not all is rosy in the milkfish industry,” the IA bulletin said. “Production from 1984 to 1996 started to decline with an average growth rate of

-3.7%. This was primarily due to the significant decrease in the supply of wild-caught fry, which traditionally served as source of seedstock for growout operators.”

Among the reasons cited for the decline of wildfish milkfish fry were: degradation of traditional fry grounds due to overfishing, decrease in the number of wild “sabalo” or broodstock, and pollution of coastal waters due to industrialization.

“With the decrease in seed supply, the cost of fry and fingerlings has increased significantly over the years,” the milkfish primer said. To save the bangus industry from downfall, some have imported fingerlings from Taiwan and Indonesia; although others thought this option was not practical as the fry were very expensive.

In the past, the Philippines was the world’s largest producer of bangus since the 1950s. In the 1980s, however, Indonesia caught up with the country’s production. Today,

the Philippines only ranks second to Indonesia in terms of bangus production.

To solve the problem, the milkfish hatchery came into existence. “The milkfish hatchery technology was jointly developed in the 1970s by aquaculture scientists from the Philippine, Taiwan and Indonesia under the leadership of aquaculture department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center,” the IA bulletin said.

However, commercialization of hatchery-bred fry started only in the 1990s under the initiative of Taiwan, followed

by Indonesia and finally the Philippines.

One of those private companies engaged in the production of bangus fry is the Finfish Hatcheries, Inc. (FHI).

“We have been in the bangus fry production business since 1997,” says Rene B. Bocaya, FHI’s national marketing manager.

FHI, the first and largest commercial fry hatchery in the country, is part of the business integration program of the Agribusiness Unit of the Alcantara Group. It now supplies more than 50% of the national requirements for bangus fry.

As a result of steady supply of bangus in the market, there are now processing plants for bangus value-added products.

The foreign exchange earnings from bangus exports has been reported to be about US$15 million.

In Sarangani Province, where the FHI’s hatchery is located, bangus production has increased considerably.

Actually, the hatchery is in Lun Masla, Malapatan. Here, about 13,000 breeders are maintained and managed to produce bangus eggs on a daily basis throughout the year. The

eggs are collected, cleaned and hatched. The hatchlings are grown to the marketable sizes in 18-21 days in larval ponds.

During the growing period, they are fed with a mixture of planktons and commercial feeds.

The breeders are 50% males and 50% females. “It is tedious to sex the fish individually and tag them,” Bocaya explains. “We have some breeders that are more than 25 years old and are still breeding in groups well.”

It takes 5 years for a bangus to mature sexually. FHI selects breeders for commercial production only when they are 8 years old. The female mature breeder, called sabalo, can produce seven kilos of eggs in one year. And one kilo consists of 750,000 eggs.

Bangus spawns in ponds in frenzy at night. The sabalo release the eggs while the males discharge the milt. Fertilization happens externally in the pond water. There is no need for hormone induction for mature breeders. The eggs are collected in nets in the early morning. They are cleaned and placed in the larval ponds immediately.

“The bangus eggs hatch in the ponds within 24 hours,” Bocaya informs. “The hatchlings feed on the yolk sac for about 2-3 days. They undergo morphological transformations. As first feeds, the larva are supplied natural food in a mixture of zoo- and phyto-planktons.

Commercial feeds are provided in the last quarter of the production.”

Bangus is grown in a number of stages and in varying degrees of culture intensity depending on the grower’s production design and the nature of the growing environ-

F AGRITRENDS, 13

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

EDITORIAL

I

Balancing the economy

T used to be that people from the provinces go to Manila to look for greener pasture. We call it “makipagsapalaran” in Tagalog and “manimpalad” in Cebuano.

The reason why people migrate to the big city to find jobs is because there are no jobs available in the countrysides except for tilling the land for those who own a patch of property or for working for the landed.

The fact remains that there are few if at all factories and industries in the provinces. What used to be big factories before also have shut down their operations leaving people jobless.

Realizing this scenario, himself being a provinciano, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to put some sort of economic balance in the country where industries will sprout in the countrysides.

Duterte believes Manila is too crowded and there is no

EDGEDAVAO

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more space for building more factories and industries.

Mindanao, for example, needs millions of jobs in the next seven years.

The World Bank said Mindanao will need 4.3 million jobs in that period of time, as thousands of new graduates enter the workforce each year.

In order to strike a balance and create jobs in the provinces and reverse the migration as an offshoot to economic reversal, the government must institute radical solutions like redirecting the industries to build factories and open up new businesses in Mindanao.

It’s about time the provincianos get their opportunity to get jobs and the best way to do that is to bring the businesses here. This formula puts the cart behind the horse and people supporting the Duterte proposal should understand that for a while Mindanao has been deprived.

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B

ELATED congratulations to senator-elect Manny Pacquiao who made the correct decision in thumbing down invitations for him to take part in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics boxing tournament.

It will be recalled that the Amateur International Boxing Association has dropped the word “amateur’ from its label and has opened the doors for the participation of professional fighters in the forthcoming summer sportsfest in Brazil.

Like those before it (tennis, cycling, baseball, track and field, etc.), the now known IBA leadership is trying to attract marquee names in the pro ranks to rev up its diminishing stature in global sports brought about by notorious and outrageous past Olympic seasons due to poor officiating.

Despite positive pre-tournament assessments that Pacquiao could easily snatch the elusive first Olympic gold medal for the Philippines in the light welterweight category, the 8-division world champion has politely turned down the prospects in view of his very recent election to the Upper House.

By his decision, Pacquiao made known that

“S

O many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure.

The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” ― Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild *** When Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte was running for president, his slogan -- if you call it that way -- was: “Change is Coming.”

Even before Duterte is inaugurated as the 16th president of the Philippines, he is already starting to initiate some changes. To name a few: smoking ban, curfew hours for minors, liquor ban (from 1 am till 6 am) and population policy.

“Here’s to the crazy ones: the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” This statement comes from Rob Siltanen, the chairman and chief creative officer at Siltanen and Partners.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Pacquiao did right he is indeed SPECKS OF LIFE serious in his campaign promise to fulfil his legislative duties in the Senate in order to redeem his so-so performance in the Fred C. Lumba House of Representatives where he previously served as a two-time congressman of Sarangani province.

“If we can make a one hundred per cent Senate attendance, why not,” Paacquiao said.

Besides, assuming he wins a gold hands down in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, what additional glory and honor would that mean to his already star-studded accomplishments and museum-full of trophies and be-jewelled belts?

Of course, this would satiate the Filipinos’ many decades of hunger for the first-ever Olympic gold medal win, a drought pockmarked by two silver medal finishes in the 1964 Tokyo

Olympics and 1996 Atlanta Games.

But suppose he gets upset (which is not an improbability)?

Almost 38 years old, the Pambansang Kamao is no longer a spring chicken, so to speak.

There are dozens and scores of boxing simonpures who are on the rise these days who possess excellent and notable gladiatorial skills.

While other sectors would look at the situation as a nationalistic cause, it might seem odd that the Philippines and ABAP desperately needed Pacquiao’s services to nail down the country’s elusive first Olympic gold.

This situation will sorely reflect how weak and ill-prepared the ABAP (Alliance of Boxing Associations of the Philippines) program has been in relation to the country’s long-time quest for the first Olympic gold.

In fact, some national sports associations are even inclined and so proud to recruit foreign-based athletes (with Filipino blood flowing in their veins) in order to prop up their sagging - if not outright dismal – performances not only in the quadrennial competitions but also in the Asian and SEA Games and other prestigious international tournaments.

The identification, training and development of home-grown talents are the responsibility of not only the NSAs but also a complementary task of the Philippine Sports Commission.

But then, we might be straying away from our main topic.

By refusing the attractive IBA offer, Pacquiao has therefore left the chore to win the first Olympic gold to the many young aspiring Filipino athletes who possess the motivation, skills and positive attitude necessary to achieve the goal.

Actually, we do not really know how the five Filipino Olympic qualifiers (two in boxing, two in athletics and one in table tennis) will perform in Rio. There are many tangibles and intangibles that always have to be considered like the luck of the draw, officiating, mental and physical training and preparation, coaching, weather, nutrition, etc.

In the several past SEA Games where I always covered the boxing event, I have discovered that politics always reared its ugly head and played a crucial role in winning and losing.

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

God bless the Philippines!

T h e r e were people THINK ON THESE! who welcomed those changes Duterte will be implementing soon but there were others who were against them. All their thoughts are valid. After all, Henrylito D. Tacio there are always henrytacio@gmail.com two sides of a coin. You are either left or right. You win some, you lose some. Good versus evil.

Indeed, people are bound to react -- either positively or negatively. Award-winning novelist Maya Angelou said it right when she wrote: “There were people who went to sleep last night, poor and rich and white and black, but they will never wake again. And those dead folks would give anything at all for just five minutes of this weather or ten minutes of plowing. So you watch yourself about complaining. What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.”

Fashion and wants change. People change. Times change. Nothing is permanent in this world. The beautiful red rose you are holding today will go flaccid the following day. The cute little boy you are holding in your arms will soon become a grown-up man.

In a Peanuts cartoon, Charlie Brown asked Linus: “Perhaps you can give me an answer. What would you do if you felt that no one liked you?” Linus replied, “I’d try to look at my-

self objectively, and see what I could do to improve. That’s my answer, Charlie Brown.” Hearing the answer, Charlie answered, “I hate that answer!”

There are a number of reasons why many of us, like Charlie Brown, resist change. After all, resistance to change is universal. Remember the story of Galileo? With his telescope, he proved the theory of Copernicus that the earth was not the center of the universe. The earth and the planets revolve around the sun. Yet, when he tried to change people’s beliefs, he was thrown into prison and spent the rest of his life under house arrest.

“The people who usually get the most out of life are those who are prepared to roll with the punches… those who recognize the fact that they can’t afford to become static and stagnant. The ability to adapt to new conditions is particularly important today. We have never lived in times when change has been more swift in almost area of our lives,” says Leon Kulikowski.

In his book, High Wind At Noon, Allan Knight Chalmers gives us the story of Peer Holm, who was a world-famous engineer. He built great bridges, railroads and tunnels in many parts of the world; he gained wealth and fame. But everything was not permanent. Later on, he struggled through life as failure, poverty, and sickness subdued him.

He returned to the place where he was born and, together with his wife and little girl, eked out a meager living. Unfortunately, he had a neighbor who owned a fierce dog. He warned him that the dog was dangerous but the old man contemptuously replied, “Hold your tongue, you cursed pauper.”

One day, Peer came home to find the dog at

the throat of his little girl. He tore the dog away, but the dog’s teeth had gone too deeply and the little girl was dead. The sheriff shot the dog, and the neighbors were bitter against the old man.

When sowing time came, they refused to sell him any grain. His fields were plowed but bare; he could neither beg, nor borrow, nor buy seed. Whenever he walked down the road, the people sneered at him. But not Peer. He could not sleep at night for thinking of his neighbor.

Very early one morning, he rose, went to his shed, and got his last half bushel of barley. He climbed the fence and sowed his neighbor’s field. The fields themselves told the story. When the seeds came up, it was revealed what Peer had done, because part of his own field remained bare while the field of his neighbor was green.

If you were Peer, would you do what he had done? He may have lost his daughter, but he found a friend. And that changes everything.

“We can benefit from change,” Warren Wiersbe had said. “Anyone who has ever really lived knows that there is no life without growth. When we stop growing, we stop living and start existing. But there is no growth without challenge, and there is no challenge without change. Life is a series of changes that create challenges, and if we are going to make it, we have to grow.”

To end today’s column, allow me to quote the words of C. JoyBell C: “We can’t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don’t have something better.”

Don’t be afraid of change

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

MASSIVE... FROM 1

for the quick resolution of the case,” the AFP and the PNP said in the statement.

An inventory of the police station’s armory is also being undertaken by the provincial PNP. The incident is not the first to take place in Davao Oriental.

In February last year, a group of lawless NPA members also attacked the police station of Mati City.

Four army troopers were killed when their military vehicle was hit by a landmine that was planted by the NPAs near the national highway.

The raid by the communist rebels at around 8 p.m.

Sunday night also resulted to the wounding of one policeman.

Batchar identified the abducted police head as Chief Insp. Arnold Ongachen.

“The attack lasted for nearly an hour before the attackers withdrew and took with them the police chief of Governor Generoso,” Batchar said.

He said the 10th ID immediately dispatched reinforcement to support the policemen but were prevented by a blocking force staged by the NPA rebels along the national highway that connects Governor Generoso town from the

municipalities of San Isidro and Lupon.

“Our troops saw used tired piled up in the national highway. We were not able to penetrate immediately because we suspect that armed men were also deployed nearby ready to stage and ambush and the possible landmines that were planted near the blocking area,” Batchar said.

He recalled that during the attack in Mati City in February last year members of the reinforcement team were severely hit by a landmine planted by the NPAs near the brigade camp in the area that killed four army troopers.

Initial report on Sunday evening that reached EDGE Davao said the police force of Sigaboy (the former and popular name of Governor Generoso) fiercely fought the heavily armed NPA attackers to defend their station.

Unfortunately, the lawless elements were able to penetrate the station when the defending PNP men already ran out of ammunition a witness said in a phone interview.

It was also reported that only 14 policemen courageously fought the more than 50 armed NPA rebels that night.

Seized from the suspects were 50 grams of suspected shabu, marked money and illegal drug paraphernalia.

In Banga, South Cotabato, the town’s No. 1 most wanted person engaged in illegal drug was arrested during illegal drug buy bust Saturday, police said.

Chief Inspector Marvin Duadua, Banga town police chief, identified the suspect as Hermie Opillo, 39 who was arrested along with Joan Marcelo, 31, both residents of Barangay Rizal.

Duadua said Opillo’s home was raided Saturday

night after PO2 Clin Dalguntas, posing as drug buyer, confirmed the suspects’ activities.

Duadua said the suspects tried, but failed to elude the arresting team after he was cornered by pursuing cops.

The raiding team seized 20 small and medium sized sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, including the Php200 marked money.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 are being prepared against the suspects who are now detained at Banga PNP detention cell. (PNA)

director, said the province’s golden anniversary festivities will run from July 10 to 18.

He said they have allocated an initial PHP20 million for this year’s celebration, which is dubbed the grandest ever.

“We’re now at 50 percent in our preparations,” he said in a media forum.

As a tradition, the nineday festivity will start with an interfaith thanksgiving celebration at the South Cotabato Gym and Cultural Center on

July 10.

It will be followed by the ceremonial opening of various activities and events such as the spectacular lights display, T’nalak Food Garden, T’nalak Strip, Agri-Fair, Bahay Kubo and Plants and Products Display, and the South Cotabato Regional Industrial, Technology and Trade Expo.

A civic-military parade is slated on July 11 that will feature the “float and most festive parade” competition. (PNA)

tistics for basic sectors, fishermen posted the highest poverty incidence for the nine basic sectors in the Philippines at 41.4%, unchanged or the same level as in 2006.

Agriculture contributes over 10 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). And fisheries contribute between 15 to 18 percent to the agriculture sector. The fisheries sector also provides direct and indirect employ-

ment to over one million Filipino people.

Similar bills were also submitted for the President’s signature seeking the creation of experimental breeding centers and/or mariculture development parks in Cebu, Surigao del Norte, Catanduanes, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, and Zamboanga del Norte. (PNA)

6 people... FROM 2

SoCot... FROM 2

Sen. Villar... FROM 6

POLICE SUPPORT. Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. pledges to Brgy. 23-C chieftain Alimoden Usman (second from left) continued support of the police force for the annual “Brigada Eskwela” cleanup drive of the barangay. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao... FROM 2

gion is residing in Davao City, which is the region’s highly urbanized city (HUC).

Garden City of Samal, the third city in Davao del Norte, with 104, 123. The census found that Digos is the fastest growing city with 2.35 PGR. Followed by Mati with 2.16 PGR.

Third most urbanized city Davao City is one of the country’s four HUCs whose population surpassed the one million population mark. The HUCs are Quezon City (2.94 million), City of Manila (1.78 million), Davao City ( 1.63 million) and Caloocan City (1.58 million).

Davao City was growing annually at an average of population growth rate (PGR) of 2.30 percent. If its current PGR continues, Davao City’s population is expected to double in 50.6 years, the PSA said.

With PGR of 1.84 percent, Davao del Sur is the fastest growing province of the region.

Of the region’s cities outside Davao City, Tagum in Davao del Norte was the most populous in the 2015 census with 259,444 persons, followed by Panabo also in Davao del Norte with 184, 599 and Digos. Davao del Sur with 169, 393. Mati, capital city of Davao Oriental has 141,141 persons and the smallest is the Island

Boston, the smallest town Boston, the farthest municipality of Davao Oriental was the smallest in 2015, in population, with only 13,535 persons.

are prone to abuses and he (Duterte) wants to stop that,” he said.

Rivera recalled that when he assumed his first term as mayor in 2013, he immediately pushed for various internal reforms to curb some irregularities and complacency among city employees.

“We immediately introduced reforms in the internal structure of the local government. We fast tracked the processes and conducted internal audits of our different departments,” he said.

He said they later implemented the Strategic Per-

formance and Management System of the Civil Service Commission to make the local government “more prolific in delivering services to the people.”

Rivera attributed these reforms to the significant increase in the city’s annual income from PHP1.2 billion in 2013 to PHP1.6 billion by the end of 2015.

That enabled the city government to implement additional projects such as the installation of streetlights, paving of inner roads and construction of water systems, he added. (PNA)

agency budgets included programs and projects for the IPs, in line with the RDC XI‘s efforts of linking its programs and

projects to overall regional development objectives, which included social protection for the vulnerable sectors.

Santo Tomas biggest town Of the region’s 43 municipalities, Santo Tomas in Davao del Norte is the most populous town with 118, 750, followed

by Malita, Davao Occidental with 117, 746. The rest of the 10 most populous municipalities of the region are Monkayo, Compostela Valley (94,908), Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur (90,987), Compostela in Compostela Valley (87,474), Pantukan, Compostela Valley (85, 899), Nabunturan, capital town of Compostela Valley (82, 234), Maco, also in Compostela (81,277), Kapalong in Davao de Norte (76,334) and Jose Abad Santos (renamed Trinidad) In Davao Occidental with 76, 332 persons.

Rody’s move... FROM 6

RDC 11... FROM 4

Rody... FROM 2

government conducted several rounds of informal talks through the facilitation of the Royal Norwegian Government as an attempt to revive the negotiations. RNG served as Third Party Facilitator for the talks since 2001.

Yet, since then, there has been little progress. OPAPP said the talks were “stymied by prejudicial questions,

impediments and preconditions” raised at the negotiating table.

The NDF also backtracked from its commitment and insisted on its “unreasonable demand that government release their 14 consultants (all facing criminal charges in various courts in the Philippines), before formal negotiations are resumed.” (PNA)

terland town east of Lanao del Sur just across the Lake Lanao.

Soldiers were sent to the mountains of Butig after reports said Maute and his group were roaming around displaying ISIS flags and threatening civilians.

While the military were out to neutralize the jihadists, Adiong said the provincial relief unit have started attending to the emergency needs of the displaced families.

To date, about 1,500 villagers were affected by the

hostilities and are temporarily housed in nearby villages of Samer, Sandig and Malungon, also in Butig town.

The relief unit of ARMM, the Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (HEART) will distribute relief goods Tuesday in the affected villages.

Military reports said fighting was still raging in the mountains of Butig with two helicopter gunships providing air support, pounding the terrorists with rocket fires. (PNA)

marginalized segments of society,” he said.

Del Rosario, who was one of the top performing congressmen in the 16th Congress, further asked the representatives to immediately study and

debate on the subject matter.

He said the con-con would be the most expedient, least divisive and the most transparent way of achieving the much-needed constitutional reform. (SCL)

ity.

ing (BPOs) companies in the Philippines based on statistics

by Call Center Focus. Currently, Globe Business serves the top IT-BPO companies in the Philippines. In addition, Globe Business also records an 81% penetration of IT-BPO companies that are provided with business products and solutions. The local IT-BPO sector continues to be the fastest-growing industry in the country and revenues generated by the industry is expected to overtake OFW remittances in the next two years, according to the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

Assistance... FROM 3

AGR... FROM 4

Globe... FROM 5

“With the deployment of fiber broadband technology, the infrastructure for data connectivity of enterprises allows for fast, critical connections involving huge amounts of data at all times. We’re hoping that with the twin projects for enterprises and individual customers, they will have access to a more reliable and resilient network that addresses their need for ultra-fast data connectivity,” she added.

Globe Business, the corporate information and communications technology (ICT) arm of Globe Telecom, drives revenue growth of leading Business Process Outsourc-

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

Magic in a bottle OUT OF ALL THE GOOD AND FUN MEMORIES I HAD WHEN I WAS MUCH YOUNGER, NOTHING STRUCK ME MORE THAN THE TIME WHEN MY CLASS VISITED THE COCA-COLA PLANT LOCATED AT ULAS. Holding an ice-cold bottle of Coke fresh off the production line was a magical experience.

At that time, I thought that the magic within that bottle of Coke in my hand lasted only up to the time I finished my last gulp of cola, but as I was to learn during a recent tour of the Coke plants in Davao hosted by Coca-Cola FEMSA, the journey of a bottle of Coke extends beyond the gates of every Coca-Cola manufacturing plant.

Where the story begins The journey if a bottle of Coke starts at the CocaCola FEMSA Davao Plant.

Established in May 1950, the original Coke bottling plant opened along McArthur Highway which by 1974, the plant was eventually moved to its current 3.8 hectare location in Barangay Ulas.

It was at the Ulas plant where many Dabawenyos were able to see how bottles of Coca-Cola were thoroughly cleaned, sanitised, filled, capped, and inspected using state-ofthe-art equipment and the strictest quality control measures.

Aside from the bottling plant at Ulas, CocaCola FEMSA Davao also has a more modern plant

in Barangay Darong, Sta. Cruz which is in-charge with the manufacturing of Coke stored in PET or plastic containers.

Filled bottles of Coca-cola at the company’s Ulas plant are ready to be shipped to the warehouse.

A tour of the Coca-Cola FEMSA Warehouse.

Coke bottles are loaded onto the coveyor belt to be sorted, cleaned and eventually filled.

As I learned during a recent tour of the Coke plants in Davao hosted by Coca-Cola FEMSA, the journey of a bottle of Coke extends beyond the gates of every Coca-Cola manufacturing plant.

From the plant to trucks The typical Coke Plant field trip ends after bottles are filled, but beyond the finished product, the bottles of Coca-Cola are then brought to the distribu-

tion center where they are tagged and subsequently loaded onto another truck which are responsible of delivering the orders of customers for that day.

Delivering bottles of Coke an area from Mati

Enjoying a cold bottle of Coke at the Coca-Cola FEMSA Ulas bottling plant brought back memories of high school field trips.

all the way to General Santos City is no easy task but thanks to the establishment of two distribution centres serving the Southern Mindanao area, no one is ever too far from an ice cold bottle of Coke thanks to close to 80,000 establishments, big and small, that sell the iconic drink throughout the region.

A journey that changes lives Majority of the establishments supported by CocaCola FEMSA are small

URBANISSIMO A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

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TRAVEL

ASIDE FROM THE OBVIOUS, ONE OF THE MANY OTHER REASONS WHY LIVING IN DAVAO IS THE BEST IS THE ISLAND OF SAMAL ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE. Yes. Escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city noise need not be complicated. In an instant, if you want to escape, you can. And that’s minus the expenses too.

Cavanico il Mare is heaven. Pure heaven.

Not many beach resorts can take my breath away, but theirs is very relaxing, calming and perfect for recharging the self.

Though flocked with families and groups still there exists a sense of serenity.

The landscape of the area is also something you’d truly appreciate. More so, love the fact that they preserved mangroves (and is planning to line a strip leading to the pools). Picture perfect right there.

Although some parts of the resort is still under construction, you’d not be dismayed as the resort is full of amenities that you enjoy in. If you want to frolic under the sun and stretch on the sand, then go ahead. If beach volleyball is your cup of tea, then they have a sports section for you to enjoy. Just don’t forget your sunblock.

Want to go swimming?

They’ll give you the option of the vast sea or their pools of shapes and sizes.

They have an infinite pool if you just want to relax with a drink under the sun. Water activities? They have a number of water sports and recreations that will have you smiling in an instant.

Have a need for speed?

Rent their jet ski. Fun with group? Go on a banana boat ride. Want to stay near the shoreline? Drive their aqua paddles. Want to feel the breeze alone or

Finding heaven under the sun with your significant other? Go kayaking or skindive/snorkeling.

Accommodation-wise, you’d be surprised of how they designed their rooms.

Definitely worth every centavo paid...and more.

Choose from their Closed cottages (bamboo rooms), open cottages (cogon huts), greenhouse (dormitory type)and pavilions. If in doubt, camp out and be one with nature.

Now, let’s talk about food. It is the food that makes or breaks an establishment, right? Dining at Cavanico il Mare equates to their Kino’s Bar which is very inviting. It’s open and enables you to enjoy the resort from all angles.

What’s nice about the bar, aside from their delectable dishes, is that it’s just a stone’s throw away from

the back entrance, restrooms and of course, the shoreline.

Speaking of dishes, theirs is hands-down different from the rest. Most often, resorts do not pay attention to their menu but theirs is truly an exception.

Feast on a plate full of ginataang alimango with kalabasa and ginger. The marriage of the kalabas and ginger is truly divine.

It’s creamy yet savory without that umay taste.

Craving for some greens, whites and oranges? If yes, then try their Chopsuey – straight up flavour with a hint of sea.

Want a one dish meal that’s right up your beach alley? Go ahead and order their paella negra and fall inlove with a basket full of black rice and all the

seafood pieces you can munch on.

Speaking of seafood, who would rule out grilled tuna belly from their repertoire of dishes by the sea? None, right? This is a definite must try. This fish dish will make you crave for more. Chicken anyone? Oh, this! Their Neneng’s Whole Chicken is sarap to the bones. It has that crispy skin exterior but a very moist and juicy meat inside. Take my word for it, use your hands!

How to get there: From the Sasa Port, you can either take your car to the barge or ride the barge and hop off once you reach the Babak port. Upon arriving at the Babak port, drive, turn left and follow the signs leading to Monfort Bat Sanctuary. Landmark for Cavanico il Mare

is the downhill location of Camudmud’s Barangay Hall.

Call ahead or browse their facebook fanpage for the prices on their rooms.

Oh and I’m definitely coming back.

Cavanico il Mare (formerly Pacific Heights resort) is located at Brgy.

Camudmud, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte. For reservations and bookings, call them at 0942 473 8122 or 0905 1809508 or 082 284 6491.

You can also check out their Facebook page at Cavanico il ma re Beach Resort.

Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit. Follow my messy food affair at theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com or on Instagram @theroyalchefleebai.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Rafa Siguion-Reyna enjoys performing as a drag queen IN AN EVENT FOR ARTIST CENTER LAST MAY 19, Rafa Siguion-Reyna made a grand entrance when he entered the room in full drag while lip-syncing to “I Am What I Am” by Gloria Gaynor.

In an interview with Rafa about the crazy performance he just did and right off the bat, Rafa immediately admitted that this wasn’t his first time donning drag this year.

“This is my seventh time doing drag for different occasions, ‘Pag press con, ito ‘yung gimik ko.”

If he is doing drag to get attention, well he certainly has ours! Aside from press conferences, he also performs in drag as a dancer in the stage play “La Cage Aux Folles.”

Rafa admitted that he was inspired by Comedy King Dolphy. “Actually, ‘nung napanood ko ‘yung “Markova” with Dolphy, naisip

Jennica Garcia got emotional about having a family of her own ACTRESS JENNICA GARCIA COULD NOT CONTAIN HER EMOTIONS from finally fulfilling her one most precious wish.

In a post on Instagram last May 27, Jennica shared to her followers that she wanted to express her gratitude to the Lord for giving her what she always wanted—a family of her own.

Jennica posted, “Tweaked my blog layout a little bit and changed a photo that used to consist of just me and my husband, Alwyn. I got all emotional upon doing so since I replaced it with this photo of the three of us. I grew up with a broken family that is why I am so thankful to our Creator because He has given me what I always wanted as a child...A family of my own.”

The daughter of veteran actress Jean Garcia married Alwyn Uytingco in February 12, 2014. After more than a year later, she gave birth to her beautiful daughter, Athena Mori, in July last year.

ko na kahit straight, nakakapag-perform sila in drag so sabi ko ‘That’s something I’d like to do.’”

Lastly, Rafa shared what he believes is his edge against other actors.

“Maraming gwapo sa showbiz ‘eh so I need to set myself apart, mapa-drag, kontrabida, LGBT, kahit ano! I’ve always been known to do weird roles,” Rafa said.

GMA News TV’s Reel Time wins Best Program in World TV Awards GMA NEWS TV’S DOCUMENTARY PROGRAM REEL TIME WAS RECOGNIZED AS BEST PROGRAM ON “PROMOTING CHILDREN’S RIGHTS” under the Humanity category at this year’s AsiaPacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)’s World Television Awards, besting entries sent by producers from all over the Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, and North and South America.

The awarding ceremony was held last May 25 in Incheon, South Korea.

Reel Time’s winning episode, “Isang Paa sa Hukay (The Price of Gold),” tells the story of smallscale mining in Camarines Norte, where children risk their lives diving down narrow shafts with only an air compressor to support their breathing, in search of very little pieces of gold. It was written and directed by the show’s executive producer, Jayson Bernard Santos.

Earlier this year, the same episode earned the bronze award in the Human Concerns category at the prestigious New York Festivals.

“Reel Time, being one of the youngest documentary programs on Philippine television today, is grateful for the numerous

May 25 – 31, 2016

international and local recognitions it has received, so far. May our documentaries serve not only as eye-openers but also as vehicles for experimental solutions to be determined to address the ills of our society,” Santos said.

This is the second time that GMA brought home an award from AIBD. Last year, the Network won the Best Documentary citation under the “Humanity Category Dealing with Natural Disaster” for its “Pagbangon” documentary about the recovery

and rehabilitation efforts for the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda.

The Woarld TV Awards was initiated by AIBD in 2004 with the objective of recognizing the critical role played by media in promoting the awareness of the audience on major issues such as cultural diversity, religious understanding, tolerance, natural disasters, and children’s rights. The award is open to broadcasters worldwide from public, private sector and freelance producers.

WARCRAFT Travis Fimmel, Toby Kebbell, Ben Foster R13

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

WARCRAFT 3D Travis Fimmel, Toby Kebbell, Ben Foster R13

1:00 | 3:40 | 6:20 | 9:00 LFS

LOVE ME TOMORROW Piolo Pascual, Coleen Garcia, Dawn Zulueta PG

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence PG

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

EVENT

Litro bottles of Coke are inspected on the line.

Nanay Luz was able to have her children graduate thanks to earnings from her store.

Outside Luz Eatery at the Toril Public Market.

URBANISSIMO A1

mom-and-pop stores and traditional food outlets that are traditionally known as sari-sari stores and carinderias. Given the popularity of Coke, the owners of these establishments were able to improve their quality of life.

One of the lives where Coca-Cola played a major role in was with Nanay Luz. What started out as a simple eatery selling halal food paired with CocaCola has now become her primary source of income, enabling Nanay Luz to send four of her children through college, as well as establish a rice stall at the Toril Public Market.

Aside from providing products that every Filipino loves, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines supported retail partners, like Nanay Luz, various merchandise such as coolers, tables, and other marketing materials to help them grow their business. The income from the eatery also allowed her to help her relatives in need.

“It is seeing success stories such as this that push us to keep improving every day,” said Juan Dominguez, Corporate Affairs Director of CocaCola FEMSA Asia Division. “Our business is not just about manufacturing

beverages. Our business is intertwined with the lives of millions of Filipinos, from those that are employed by us, supply raw materials to us, and those whose livelihoods include delivering or selling our products. Their success is our success, and we want to support them every step of the way.”

Beyond the bottle I was amazed at how a simple bottle of fizzy, ice-cold Coke was able to touch and improve the

Juan Dominguez, Corporate Affairs Director of Coca-Cola FEMSA Asia Division (center) together with the Coca-Cola FEMSA Davao team. lives of many. From the individuals who tend to the manufacturing process to create produce of the highest quality, to the dedicated truckers and sales team who ensure that orders arrive on time, and lastly to the dealers, big and small, the magic of Coca-Cola extends beyond the moment you open a bottle of Coke.

Follow me on Twitter or on Instagram for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Davao City.

GENSAN PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

11 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

Aeon Towers offers breath-taking view of Samal Island, cityscapes

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

I

njb@edgedavao.net

MAGINE yourself retiring to bed as the city’s bed of lights flicker until it fades out in the quiet of the night.

Imagine yourself waking up to the refreshing view of the crustal blue waters of the Davao Gulf.

Aaah, these views to a thrill.

Future residents of Aeon Towers, the signature project of Davaobased real estate firm

FTC Group of Companies, will have the bragging rights to the best views available in the skyline of Davao City.

The 33-level Aeon Towers offer residential units facing the city (City View) and facing the Island Garden City of Samal (Island View)—the best ever views to the richness of Davao’s land and seascapes.

“It’s a difficult choice

of opting for the city view or the island view because both are breath-taking,” said FTC Group of Companies president and CEO Ian Cruz.

The Aeon Towers is cast in glass and will have a clear look at the majestic environs.

Meantime, construction of the Davao City’s next structural icon Aeon Towers is moving up within schedule.

The 33-level skyscraper of the FTC Group of Companies is now up from the eighth level.

Latest updates from the construction team showed inspection phase of installed rebars and horizontal alignment of slab, installation of electrical conduit, installation of block out for pipe chase and installation of roughing in for plumbing.

Cruz said the construction is well on track of the schedule. The target turnover of the project is

It’s a difficult choice of opting for the city view or the island view because both are breath-taking set on December this year barring any hitches.

“We are working along the desired schedule but we remain cautious and patient that every detail is being attended to,” Cruz said.

Sales of the Aeon Towers’ residential units have

also been notably brisk despite the tough competition among high-rise real estate projects in the city.

“For a newcomer and a homegrown player at that, we are making a good account of ourselves,” Cruz said. (NJB)

12 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

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Price... FROM 6

instructed all Provincial offices to closely monitor the prices and supply of school supplies especially during these times when parents are already starting to purchase these products.

“DTI, through our Field Offices, has been conducting intensified price monitoring activities on school supplies to ensure that no one is taking advantage especially when classes are about to open,” Ambi said.

Pursuant to DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 06, Series of 2007, retailers found to be selling

with prices beyond the SRPs can be imposed an administrative fine of P20,000 to a maximum of P1,000,000 while criminal penalties under the Price Act include imprisonment from five to 15 years.

For the complete list of SRPs, consumers and business establishments may access it from www.dti.gov.ph and for more clarification and other concern, they may visit any DTI office nearest them. In Davao City, they may visit the office at Mintrade Building, corner Sales and Monteverde Sts., or reach them at 2240511. (DTI11/NCL/jmm)

EDGEDAVAO

Prophet... FROM 6 administration has opportunities to expand Philippines Export Zones to Mindanao. He even sees reconnaissance of the manufacturing industry in Japan because its energy sector is suffering from shortages given its problems with nuclear energy sources, thus, many industries could move to the Philippines.

Third, Villegas expected the Duterte administration to unleash billions of dollars for infrastructure. He sees more successful implementation of projects. “It is not a secret we have worst in infrastructure,” said Villegas adding that Vietnam even surpassed the country and is growing fast among Southeast Asian countries.

“The present administration suffered from paralysis by analysis. The public private partnerships are powerpoint presentations,” he added.

Villegas said he sees the incoming administration to implement more infrastructures like ports, airports, seaports that could even double the purchasing power in the next six years.

Based from the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Villegas said there are available funds for the Duterte administration to implement transport infrastructure and railway system. He agreed to Duterte’s plan of not considering PPP projects.

Villegas is also hopeful on

Duterte’s plan to welcome foreign direct investments given that the incoming President is open to a Swiss challenge, a form of public procurement in some (usually lesser developed) jurisdictions which requires a public authority (usually an agency of government) which has received an unsolicited bid for a public project (such as a port, road or railway) or services to be provided to government, to publish the bid and invite third parties to match or exceed it.

Duterte earlier warned businesses, particularly the telecommunication companies, to shape or he would welcome foreign companies to challenge them.

“He must not close the idea of opening the country to foreign direct investments in public authorities…provided the process is transparent and cannot be abused,” Villegas said.

Villegas believes Duterte can crash oligopoly, a market form dominated by few. If Duterte can do that, Villegas said his administration will see eight to 10 percent GDP growth every year.

The two other engines of growth are domestic tourism that must be developed with Filipinos already rediscovering their own country and the growing young population. He said developing rural tourism is increasing the purchasing power of the Filipinos. (PNA)

AGRITRENDS... FROM 7 ment. The simplest bangus value chain is the three-stage system of a nursery stage, a transition stage and a growout stage.

In the nursery, bangus is grown from fry (“kawagkawag”) to fingerling (“hatirin”). In the transition stage, the fingerlings are grown to juvenile (“garungan”). In the grow-out stage the juveniles are grown to marketable sizes.

In the grow-out stage, bangus is produced in a number of categories depending on the pond structure the capitalization and the grower’s production design. Traditional extensive ponds using lablab as feeds normally seed 2,000 juveniles of 50 grams in size.

“Lablab” production is takes 6 weeks. A well-prepared lablab pond can produce 500 kilograms of fish biomass.

With 2,000 juveniles stocked, the grower is able to produce 300-gram fish in three to four months from seeding.

In intensive ponds with aeration, growers can produce 8,000-10,000 kilograms of bangus fish in a hectare. Stocking density to grow 500-gram fish is about 20,000 juveniles per hectare. In fish pens in Laguna Lake, juveniles of 30 to 50 grams are stocked at 50,000 per hectare. There is no feeding needed as the lake provides the algae that the bangus feed on.

13

In marine sea cages, juveniles of 30 to 50 grams are stocked at a rate of 20-50 per square meter depending on the site and the business plan of the grower. Harvest can reach up to 30-40 kilograms per cubic meter of 500-gram bangus in six to eight months.

According to Bocaya, at least 50% of the costs in intensive pond systems goes to feeds. The other costs that figure are electricity, water, labor and pond maintenance costs.

In marine cage systems, feeds are 80% of the costs. In extensive systems, lablab production is still 40% of the costs.

“On the average, gross profits are at about 25-30% of selling price on a good year across all production systems,” Bocaya points out.

No wonder, sales of hatchery-bred fingerlings are increasing. When they were new, the fish operators and growers were skeptical about using the hatchery-bred fingerlings.

They thought that those caught from the wild were hardier.

However, the perceptions of bangus farmers have changed, Bocaya says. They now prefer the hatchery-bred fingerlings because they are more uniform and they also grow faster. Those from the wild usually have a survival rate of 50-60% while those from the hatchery usually have 82-85% survival rate.

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

WINNERS ALL. Members of the AAK Davao team that won 2 golds, 2 silvers and 1 bronze medal in the 17th MiloMalaysia Open Karated Championships in Kuala Lumpur.

WONDER KID REPEATS Tan leads AAK Davao bets in Malaysia Open

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

P

njb@edgedavao.net

INT-SIZED wonder Atsuko Kaiyel Tan and John Paul Ponce struck for gold medals the hard way as the AAK-Davao contingent finished the 17th Milo-Malaysia Open Karatedo Championships with five medals.

The medals did not come that easy this time as the tough two-day event held at the Stadium Badminton Cheras in Kuala Lumpur provided for probably the most competitive field thus far in

the history of Southeast Asia’s biggest annual karatedo tournament.

Tan, 6, and a student of Davao Christian School, defended her title in the 6-7 years old girls Kata event with a head-turning performance besting 7 other rivals.

“It was not the easiest win. As I have said before the start of the tournament, this event has become tougher each year,” said head coach Rommel Tan of AAK-Davao

Blatche back in shape

G

ILAS Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin is convinced Andray Blatche is in good shape after seeing the naturalized Filipino in his second day of practice with the national team on Sunday morning.

Baldwin said he has no doubts about Blatche’s condition this time, a year after he arrived in the country overweight and out of shape for the national team’s preparation for the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship in Changsha, China.

“He looks good,” said Baldwin after practice on Sunday. “It’s a different Andray than last year.”

A day after saying the jury is still out on the former NBA player, the Gilas mentor applauded Blatche for the work he put in to be at his best - or close to it - for the country’s campaign in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July.

“He is in good shape.

He is not in peak condition but we have five weeks to get him there.

He is in good shape and he has done the work back home so there is no waiting around. We are moving forward ... his commitment is where he is always at,” said Baldwin.

Like Baldwin, Blatche is also moving forward, opting not to discuss his weight or anything related to his condition to reporters.

“Last year is over.

Let’s talk about stuff this year and move forward and our games this year,” said Blatche.

After Gilas practice, Baldwin was seen speaking to Blatche one-onone about the naturalized cager’s commitment to the squad since the 2014 basketball World Cup. “The great thing about Andray is his attitude. He really does love this group of guys. He loves the environment.

Two years ago, we had a great player. Last year, we had a guy out of shape but still gave everything he had,” said Baldwin.

J

and father of Kaiyel.

Ponce, a standout of Davao Precious International School, also ruled his division for the team’s second gold.

The biggest letdown, however, were last year’s Athletes of the Year and gold medalists in this event, Darlene Ross Maramara and Jam Ramirez. Ramirez can only do no better than a silver medal while Davao City National High School’s Maramara settled for a bronze medal.

Ramirez’s silver came in the team kata with Ponce and newcomer Christian Tarnate.

The troika represented Davao Precious International School.

The other silver medalist was the vastly-improved Sophie Agullo of the University of the Immaculate Conception.

The team was supportted by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) through Atty.

Guillermo Iroy, Jr. and the AAK Davao Parents Group.

FATHER AND DAUGHTER. AAK Davao head coach Rommel Tan and daughter Atsuko Kaiyel Tan pose after the awarding ceremonies where the 6-year old Atsuko won the gold medal in the 6-7 years old girls kata.

Spieth wins at Colonial

ORDAN Spieth found the perfect cure for his Masters misery.

With an impressive back nine at Colonial, Spieth won at home in Texas for the first time on the PGA Tour. He had three consecutive birdies after making the turn, and three more in a row to finish his 5-under 65 on Sunday (Monday, Manila time), including a chip-in birdie from behind the 17th green after a fortunate bounce off a marshal.

“In our third tournament back, to come back and close this one out the way we did is really, really special,” Spieth said. “This day is a moment that’ll go down, no matter what happens in the next 30 years of my career, this will be one of the most important days that I’ve ever had.”

The second-ranked Spieth punctuated his eighth career victory with a 34-foot birdie putt when he needed only a bogey to win the Dean & Deluca Invitational.

At 17-under 263, Spieth finished three strokes ahead of Harris English (66). Colonial member Ryan Palmer and Webb Simpson tied for third at 13 under, both shooting 68 in the final group with Spieth.

Last month at Augusta, Spieth blew a five-stroke lead on

the back nine when trying to win the Masters for the second year in a row. There was then an extended break before he missed the cut at The Players Championship and then finished tied for 18th a week ago at the Byron Nelson before finally winning in the Lone Star State after three runner-up finishes there, including Colonial last year.

“The significance of it happening now ... because I wasn’t sure how long it would take to get over the hurdle of having to come in to every single interview room, having to listen to crowds only talk about what happened a month ago,” he said.

“And it’s very difficult, and I’m 22. It’s not like I hadn’t won, and

we’ve won two majors.”

He is the reigning US Open champion, and will be trying to defend that title at Oakmont in three weeks.

Spieth started Sunday at Hogan’s Alley with nine consecutive pars, including a 32-footer at the par-3 eighth after hitting his first shot into heavy rough.

“The nerves hit me more than I think they should have or normally would just from the start of the round today, and that’s probably it,” he said, referring to Masters.

There was also the guy in the gallery at No. 10 that yelled out “Remember the Masters, Jordan” and other similar comments. While Spieth wasn’t sure if they were positive or negative

CHAMP AGAIN. Jordan Spieth roars after winning the title at Colonnial.

reminders, they certainly provided some motivation.

Spieth made a curling 20foot birdie at the 10th before a pair of short birdies, then hit a wayward tee shot at the 192yard 13th, almost immediately pointing his 7-iron to the left and shouting “Fore!” He yanked his ball out of the bunker over the green before a chip to inside three feet for a bogey.

Then at 14, after hitting his drive into a fairway bunker and shouting after his approach short of the green, he saved par with a 14-footer that rolled just to the right edge before falling into the cup.

After a 20-foot birdie at the par-3 16th, Spieth hit a wayward tee shot at the 17th. The ball ricocheted off the lower leg of a marshal and avoided going into much heavier rough. Spieth signed a glove “Thanks” to the marshal, but his approach from 173 yards sailed over the green before he chipped in after relief because it landed against a temporary grandstand.

“One of the luckiest holes I’ve ever had personally. I hit a guy on the side on the tee ball that goes into the first cut, and then I get that drop and then chip in,” he said. “If I’m anyone playing against me, I’d be pretty upset at that.”

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

SPORTS 15

OKC silenced when it matters most

W

ITH A little less than five minutes left to play in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals, the future looked bright for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

With their raucous crowd rattling eardrums, the Thunder held a 97-92 lead over the mighty Golden State Warriors. The Thunder had seemingly weathered a blistering shooting storm authored by Klay Thompson, who had splashed in six 3-pointers in the second half. If they could hang on, the Thunder would advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.

Then the Warriors happened.

There were a couple of improbable 3s from Steph Curry, one last long-range blast from Thompson, Draymond Green mixing it up for an easy bucket, and a couple of free throws sprinkled in for good measure.

The Warriors closed out Game 6 on a 16-9 run to get the win, 108-101, and force a deciding Game 7 back in Oakland on Monday (9 p.m.

ET, TNT).

For the Thunder, the loss brought about more questions than answers. Despite not shooting the ball particularly well — the Thunder finished 3-for-23 on 3-pointers — they had every opportunity to close out the series. Yet when it came time to make a closing statement, the Thunder were mostly mute.

During the regular season, fourth quarters were not always the Thunder’s happy place: they lost a leaguehigh 14 games where they’d entered the fourth quarter holding a lead. While they had only lost one playoff game in similar situations, Saturday’s game doubled that total.

“I felt like we didn’t do a great job coming down the stretch,” said Thunder coach Billy Donovan, “and I think we’ve made such great improvements coming down the stretch in terms of just on both offense and defense of doing a better job of executing and that really wasn’t — hasn’t been us the last month and a half. I thought we got a little stagnant coming down the stretch.”

Historically, whenever things get stagnant for the Thunder they can usually get

help on the offensive end from either Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook, their two transcendent offensive stars. But neither shined particularly bright tonight, at least by their standards, combining for six fourth quarter turnovers and going 3-for-14 from the field when the Thunder were most desperate for baskets.

“I like my shots,” said Durant, who finished 10-for-31 overall, including 1-for-8 on 3s. “It’s just a matter of them going in. When I drive to the rim, they’re bringing extra guys at me, so I’ve got to do a better job making the extra pass. I wish I could have got a lot of those shots back. I felt great on a lot of them, but that’s just how it is.”

“We want [Durant] to be everything he can,” said Thunder center Steven Adams. “He’s one of the best players in the world, so we want him to be aggressive and he can. We as a team support and trust him, him and Russ.

So we give him that freedom.

Hopefully we make a play and we do the best we can to put them in the situation we need to be in.”

With their offense sputtering, the Thunder’s defense, which has been terrific throughout the series, also hit a rough patch, giving up 60 second half points to the Warriors. While the Thunder’s athletic roster has presented problems for the Warriors’ high-octane offense, particularly with their ability to switch picks and bother shots, tonight the Warriors basically ran a shooting clinic, finishing 21-for-44 on three-pointers.

Golden State’s vaunted Splash Brothers, Thompson and Stephen Curry, totaled 70 points.

“I said from the beginning, they make shots,” said Donovan. “And that’s what happened. Klay Thompson made a lot of shots tonight.

Give him credit, and some of those shots were closely defended, some of those shots were from deep. And you can do that.

“Listen, they just hopped up and knocked down shots,” Donovan added. “It wasn’t like Steph was just going oneon-one, Thompson was going (one-on-one)… so those guys were creating and making plays coming down the stretch. And they made big plays.”

Go too hot to handle again, pumps CMO win

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

I

njb@edgedavao.net

T seems like Christopher “Bong” Go has been away from the game for so long.

Last Saturday, he let loose of himself from his stressful work as he went into scoring spree to lead the City Mayors Office to a convincing 99 - 86 win over the Integrated Bar of the Philippines at the Davao City Recreation Center.

It may be an understate-

ment now to describe Go simply as sweet-shooting. He has been called such in just about every story of his scoring explosions.

But the chief assistant of president-elect Rodrigo Duterte simply went to his favorite stress-buster—firing 43 points highlighted by nine triples--to carry the CMO squad to victory.

This marksman is not your ordinary gunner. He rips cords and burn hoops each time he is on the court.

Go got able back up firepower from Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Eugene Labor who chipped in 12 baskets apiece for CMO which also got 10 from Rain Cayetano.

Gil Ciudadano scored 20

points while Al-ag and Cadiogan added 13 each for the IBP. CMO struck hard in the first half behind Go’s hot shooting and played more composed in the end to clinch the win in their second meeting with IBP this year.

The two teams’ first encounter ended in a 75-75 deadlock. (With report from Rico Biliran)

task at hand and enjoy it at the same time and not put too much pressure on yourself. I think from the first to the 15th guy, we’ve got to enjoy this process,” Durant explained. “We’ve got to be excited for this opportunity and know that it doesn’t come around often and take advantage of it.”

There’s no doubt the Thunder would have loved to close out the Warriors in either Game 5 or 6 when it had the opportunity to, but there’s no use in lingering over that now. As Durant mentioned at practice, no one in Oakland, in the press or the outside world will feel sorry for them, so they can’t waste any time feeling sorry for themselves.

That’s why the biggest takeaway from Thunder practice today wasn’t the analysis of the x’s

and o’s against a 73-win team that Head Coach Billy Donovan has now scouted nine times this season. The number one reason for optimism in the INTEGRIS Thunder Development Center, as it has been for nearly a decade, was the people themselves and the attitudes they carried into the facility as they aim to clinch a berth in the NBA Finals.

“We lost Game 6, and it was a tough, hard-fought game. We’re disappointed about not having a different outcome. But we haven’t lost the series, and we have an opportunity again,” Donovan said.

“Just being around these guys, they’re a resilient group. They’re looking forward to getting prepared today and shootaround tomorrow and getting ready to play.”

“This is what you dream about, getting this opportunity,” Durant added. “We’ve got to take advantage of it. Go up into their building, and it’s going to be great atmosphere. We’re looking forward to the opportunity.”

All series long the Thunder has shown that they can battle with the Warriors and hang with them blow by blow. In Game 1, Donovan’s group gutted out a victory on the road and then earned two blowout victories in Oklahoma City in Games 3 and 4. Despite falling in two close contests over the past four days, the Thunder has faith – in its people, its methods and its connectedness – to put together a 48-minute effort filled with relentlessness, a will to win and a dedication to the team above anything else.

Game 7: The opportunity of a lifetime “I

F YOU ASK anybody coming into the season if you want one game to go to the NBA Finals, they’ll sign up for that,” an upbeat Kevin Durant said on Sunday morning.

Before the Thunder embarked for Oakland and a Game 7 in the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors, the team held a practice where players and coaches re-centered themselves for the win-or-gohome challenge that awaits them in Oracle Arena on Monday night.

Durant, Russell Westbrook and this experienced Thunder team recognizes that Game 6’s 108-101 loss is in the rearview mirror. The only thing they can control is the road ahead of them.

“You’ve just got to lose yourself and get really deep into the

WHO WILL IT BE HIGH-FIVING? Who will be celebrating after Game 7? Will it be the OKC tandem of Russel Westbrook and Kevin Durant or Golden State’s Klay Thompson and Steph Curry?

16

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 66 • TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016