Edge Davao 9 Issue 74

VOL. 9 ISSUE 74 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 10 - 11, 2016

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

MEETING IN OSLO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES HOT ITEMS. A hawker sells miniature Philippine flags for P35 a piece along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City yesterday.

Miniature flags and other items are being sold at the city’s main streets in time for the celebration of the 114th Philippine Independence Day on June 12. Lean Daval Jr.

Jose Maria Sison

Dureza to meet Joma Sison next week for preliminary talks DAVAO EDGE Sports C

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA OMMUNIST Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison is set to meet incoming Peace Process secretary Jesus G. Dureza in Oslo, Netherlands next week for preliminary talks.

This was revealed by National Demeocratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) spokesperson Fidel Agcaoili in a media forum at the Ateneo de Davao University, Wednesday night.

Agcaoili told the reporters that Dureza and Sison will have “preliminary talks” for the resumption of the peace

negotiation on the Asia’s longest communist insurgency.

“The incoming administration is not yet sitting in power, that is why the talks are preliminary to be done by the teams representing the next administration and CPP,” Agcaoili said.

He said that the two camps are about to talk about the “resumption of the peace negotiation in accordance with the previously signed agreements”.

Agcaoili also said that the talks will also cover the promise of President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte that he will grant

amnesty to all political prisoners, the possibility of ceasefire and, accelerating the peace process.

The group of Sison is composed of Luis Jalandoni, Connie Ledesma, Julie Delima-Sison, Agcaoili and two lawyers who were not named.

The government side will be composed of Dureza, Silvestre “Bebot” Bello III, Hernani Braganza and Maria Carla Munsayac-Villarta.

Dureza confirmed that the meeting will be on June 14-15 in Oslo.

In a separate interview, Dureza said that he was invit-

ed by the Norwegian government to attend an Oslo forum of invited peace negotiators.

Also invited to the forum was Sison a reason why he immediately set the meeting with the CPP founder.

“It won’t be formal talks because we are not yet in office,” Dureza said.

When he assumes office on July 1, Dureza said he plans to craft a road map that will see the real situation of all the rebel groups in the country, he said.

He plans to deal with rebel groups individually in order

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Gilas names 14-man lineup P16

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

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Tonyboy: ‘It was brotherly love’ REFRESHER COURSE. Firefighters from the Central 911 of Davao City undergo five-day refresher course in Sta. Ana wharf yesterday to enhance their capabilities and to avoid accident while performing their tasks. Lean Daval Jr.

Floirendo says financial support to Rody has no strings attached

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

I

T WAS purely brotherly love with no strings attached.

This, in a nutshell, was how banana magnate and former Davao del Norte representative Antonio “Tonyboy” R. Floirendo Jr. explained the reason behind his decision to shell out millions of pesos to support the candidacy of President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte in the May 9 elections.

“Beyond the millions of

pesos, it was my brotherly love to President-elect Rodrigo Duterte that prompted me to support his candidacy.

This was also the reason why I had to back out from my support on VP Jejomar Binay which the good outgoing vice president understood well,” Floirendo said in a statement Thursday.

“But I would like to express that all of the millions I have donated to Duterte are without any strings attached,

so to speak,” he added.

Floirendo’s name surfaced when Duterte submitted his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) just hours before the deadline imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last Wednesday.

Based on Duterte’s SOCE submitted by his representatives, the incoming president spent P371.46 million in the last electoral exercise, with Floirendo being listed as the

biggest funder with a contribution of P75 million.

Floirendo, chairman of the Anflo Management and Investment Corp. (Anflocor), gave P25 million in March and another P50 million in April.

Duterte’s SOCE also showed that he spent shelled out only P200,000 from his pocket while his party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), did not contribute a single centa-

vo.

we led the one group, while Senator Sotto led the other group. Between the two of us, we have the support of 16 or 17 senators. Last night, we met and had the agreement,” Drilon told the media.Drilon, however, clarified there was no formal coalition between the LP and Sotto’s group. ”We have six LPs in the Senate out of 24, so we have other allies like Senator Risa Hontiveros with us. With us also is Senator (Juan Edgardo) Angara. There is no written coalition as in the House,” Drilon said.

Drilon said the agreement of the super majority to endorse Pimentel as the next Senate President is to show that the Senate is willing to support the legislative agen-

da of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. ”We maintain the independence of the Senate but at the same time, we will support, in general, the legislative agenda of President Duterte. We recognize that they have the mandate of the people,” Drilon said.

Pimentel is the only senator of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) which is the national political party of Duterte. ”As you notice, Senator Koko Pimentel is the only PDP-Laban senator but yet, he will be the Senate President.

This is an unusual… Certainly in the recent memory I do not recall of a similar setup,” Drilon said.

Drilon, vice chairman of

Floirendo said he would have wanted to remain incognito in his support to Duterte “but because the law mandates it to be made public for transparency purposes, I submit to the mandate of the law.”

“It is my own humble contribution first as a `brother’ and an ardent supporter, second as a fellow Mindanaon who saw in President Rody the man who could make it all happen for Mindanao,”

Floirendo said.

He said that as Mindaoan he believes that Dutete will keep his promises during the campaign period.

“It is my fervent wish that President Duterte would make good of his promises for Mindanao and the entire nation. That alone is enough for me, for us Mindanaoans who gave it all to produce a President we could all be proud of,” said Floirendo, Duterte’s colleague in the 11th Congress.

Duterte says tough stance Koko is incoming Senate president: Drilon vs criminals‘a plea to stop’

P

R E S I D E N T- E L E C T Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday night said his tough stance against criminals was actually a “plea” for them to stop.

“I don’t want to use to use extraordinary means,” he said, adding a plea to criminals to stop their unlawful activities.

“If you do, then we have no problem,” he said.

Duterte was in Cebu Wednesday night to attend two thanksgiving parties organized by his supporters.

Cebu delivered some 1.14 million votes for Duterte in the May 9 local and national elections.

The thanksgiving party organized by the Bisaya Na-

pud Movement at the exclusive Cebu Country Club in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City, attended by some 300 of his supporters, was closed for media coverage, but it was on live stream on Facebook.

Duterte, who had previously offered PHP3 million for every drug lord caught dead or alive, raised the reward’s amount to PHP5 million if the criminal is caught or killed in Cebu because, he said, he liked Cebu.

He also vowed to be even tougher on policemen, other law enforcers, and even elected officials across the country who would be found to be in cahoots or protecting drug

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S

ENATE President Franklin Drilon ended on Wednesday weeks of speculations about his successor in the 17th Congress, saying at least 17 senators from two groups have agreed to make Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III the next Senate President.

“The President of the incoming Senate will be Senator Aquilino Pimentel. I will be Senate President Pro-Tempore and Senator (Vicente) Sotto will be majority leader,” Drilon announced at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum.

Drilon said the agreement was reached between the Liberal Party (LP) and the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) led by Sotto. ”These two groupings:

the LP, said the assignment of the Senate committees will be discussed later.

Aside from Drilon, other LP senators include: Ralph Recto and Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV and incoming Senators Joel Villanueva, Leila de Lima and Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan.

The legislative priorities of the Duterte administration include shift to federalism, restoration of death penalty and amending the Juvenile Delinquency Act to raise the age of discernment.

On the shift to federalism, Drilon said it can be done only through a Constitutional Convention (ConCon) where the entire Constitution will be reviewed.

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506 senior high schools in Region 12 ready to open

A

TOTAL of 506 Senior High Schools (SHS) in Region 12 will formally open on Monday, June 13, in line with the opening of regular classes.

Dr. Arturo Bayocot, Department of Education (DepEd) Eegion 12 director, said Thursday these comprise the private and public schools in the region that have qualified to offer the SHS program for school year 2016-2017.

He said 342 of these are public secondary or high schools schools while 164 are private high schools and nonDepEd institutions.

“These schools are all qualified and ready to accommodate our SHS learners,” the official said.

He said they projected a total of 64,000 enrolees for SHS this school year, specifically for Grade 11, in all private and public schools in the region’s nine school divisions.

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

Bayocot said all SHS in the region mainly expanded from their Junior High School (JHS) or Grades 7 to 10.

He said the region has a total of 652 JHS, of which 462 are public and 190 are private schools.

“Not all schools will JHS

will be offering the SHS,” Bayocot clarified.

For the SHS tracks, the official said some 34,053 incoming Grade 11 learners or about 53 percent earlier signified to enrol in the academic programs.

These include Science and Technology; Engineering and Mathematics; Accountancy, Business and Management; Humanities and Social Sciences; and, General Academic Strand.

He said a total of 29,029 learners or 46 percent have chosen the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track; 385 or one percent for the Art and Designs; and 205 or less than one percent for Sports.

Bayocot said they had conducted a series of trainings to increase the capabilities of their workforce who would be assigned to the SHS. He said the trainings included the 1,542 newly-hired Grade 11 or SHS teachers specializing on various tracks.

They also trained a total of 296 non–teaching personnel of local schools on the SHS career guidance program, he said.

Bayocot said at least 295 public school heads underwent trainings on “Managing SHS Developing Competencies,” which is anchored on the National Competency-Based Standards for School Heads.

He said some 169 private or non-DepEd school heads also undergo trainings on the K to 12 curriculum. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Labor laws seen as Duterte’s first edicts as 16th president E

NROLLED bulls, among them the Anti-Age Discrimination Law, could be among the first laws which are expected to be signed into law in the first few days in office of president-elect Rodrigo Duterte, Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles said Wednesday.

Nograles said these three new laws are an addition to the

six labor measures that were passed by his committee and were recently signed into law under the Aquino administration With six laws passed as Chairman of the House Committee on Labor, and with three more which are expected to be signed by President-elect Duterte, Nograles now holds

the record as the most productive labor committee chair in the House of Representatives followed by former Nothern Samar Rep. Emil Ong with four laws.

Apart from the proposed Anti-Age Discrimination Law, the other labor measures which are expected to “break in” President-elect Duterte’s executive

authority to enact or veto laws that were passed by Congress are the proposed Jobstart Law and the proposed expansion of Republic Act 9547 otherwise known as Special Program for Employment of Students Law. With only less than a month before Duterte is formally inaugurated as the country’s

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TAKING A REST. Vendors of inflatable swimming floaters fall asleep at the seashore due to exhaustion after peddling their goods while partying during Sarangani Bay Fest 2016 in Gumasa, Glan over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

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OATHTAKING OF STO. TOMAS OFFICIALS. Outgoing Governor Rodolfo del Rosario administers the oath of office of the incoming municipal officials of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, led by Mayor-elect Daniel Batosalem, Jr. nobags

With worsening labor woes, Nakashin ready to close shop D

Davao region achieved sustained growth under Del Rosario watch

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

W

njb@edgedavao.net

HAT seemed to be an impending end to the labor problems hounding Nakashin Davao International Inc., turned out for the worse.

The food processing firm is reportedly mulling to formally close shop leaving around 600 employees on the threshold of losing their jobs.

On Thursday, some 240 employees sought adience to Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte to ask the help of the city government after they were told the firm will be shutting down operations.

“They came to my office seeking for help. They are not among the strikers who picketed in the Nakashin company premises. Why were they at my office to seek help, because the company iss about to close down,” said Duterte in a statement sent to media and later posted on his official Facebook page.

Duterte said the impending closure of Nakashin is “a substantial blow to the busi-

ness environment in our city and produces serious effects to the employees and their families.”

“I tried to convince Nakashin and its lawyers to reconsider but they stood firm in their decision saying that the company has heavily lost income and valued clients due to this labor problem,” Duterte said.

Duterte blamed the impennding closure on the alleged meddling of the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Southern Mindanao to the labor problems of the firm.

“This was what I was trying to prevent which KMU gave little care about. I am outraged by the outcome and I hold KMU responsible for this closure,” said Duterte.

With the spectre of 600 Nakashin employees becoming jobless, Duterte said the KMU must resolve their problems.

“KMU led by Dodong Basilio and JoeMag (Joel Maglungsod) must now organize a Jobs

Fair for the employees who are now unemployed because of their disruptive participation in the operation of Nakashin,” he said. “I am certain that KMU will just leave them behind, I am urging the business sector to work with our Office to help the displaced employees find new employment again.”

Earlier, the end to the labor problems hounding the Nakashin Davao International Inc. firm and its striking employees was seen as forthcoming.

This after Vice Mayor Duterte said the city government and the city council are committed to put an early and fair resolution of the Nakashin labor problem free from the interference of some groups out to sabotage the negotiations.

“The duty of the administration is to ensure that the rights of both the employer and employee under the law are protected and preserved,” Vice Mayor Duterte said in a statement. “We are (the) government and we know what

is right and legal, so leave the duty to help mediate and resolve the labor concern to us.”

Pulong lamented that “other groups which causes undue confusion and complicates matters” are out to sabotage the talks.

Pulong cited Joel Maglunsod, the incoming undersecretary of Labor, is coming into the picture suggesting that he sit down with them regarding the issue.

Nakashin Davao International Inc., located at Malagamot Road, Km.14 Panacan, Davao City is a frozen food manufacturing and export company.

According to its profile on the website of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, “Nakashin maintains an uncompromising standard on Quality Assurance and Product safety and therefore undertakes continuous improvement and development of GMP, SSOP, HACCP, Quality control system and all other aspects of its production.”

Insurgency still a priority concern in Davao region, senior AFP official says D

TOP PRIORITY. Despite the gains in the continuing peace and development efforts and the reduction of the strength and violent activities of the NPA rebels, 10th Infantry (Agila) Division commander Major General Rafael Valencia said that Davao region is still a priority for the armed forces in the implementation of peace and security operations. (Alexander D. Lopez)

ESPITE the gains that the continuing peace and development operations being conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with the support of the various government agencies and other stakeholders, still, insurgency remains as a top priority in Davao region.

Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division told reporters in a press conference on Tuesday that the region has been a top priority in the implementation of the internal security operations since 2010.

“The region remains to be a priority in terms of peace and

security operations considering that most of the activities and strength of the NPA (New People’s Army) are here in Davao region,” Valencia pointed out, as he joined Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, the chair of the Regional Development Council in the area (RDC-11) in said talk with the media.

But with the concerted efforts of the government and non-government organizations to address the root causes of the insurgency, Valencia said the strength and violent activities of the NPAs in Davao region had been reduced.

“But Davao region is still

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AVAO region has sustained its growth levels despite the setbacks in some of its industries, particularly infrastructure and agriculture had suffered in the last quarter of 2012 towards the early part of 2013 due to the devastations of natural calamities – the super typhoon Pablo was considered worst.

The uninterrupted increase in Davao region’s growth was specifically pointed out by Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, who rendered his final state of the region address (SORA) last Friday to wind up his three year stint as chair of the Regional Development Council in the area (RDC-11).

Sustained growth levels, Del Rosario asserted were specifically noted in 2013 when the region grew by 6.8 percent, a figure higher than the 5.6 percent target that was set in the previous year.

“It became an even stronger economy in 2014 when the region posted a 9.4 percent growth, the fastest among all regions in the country, while remaining the top economy in Mindanao in the last three years,” the RDC-11 chair said, adding that Davao region surpassed its 7.5 percent target on that year.

Del Rosario attributed the gains to the region’s increased absorptive capacity that provided more jobs as evidenced by Davao’s employment rate that grew from 93.1 percent in 2013 to 94.4 percent in 2015.

He stressed: “We did not only increase jobs, but we also ensured that these are quality jobs, as reflected by our lowered underemployment rate of 15.0 percent in 2015 from 17.3 percent in 2013.”

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) was cited by Del Rosario as among the top performers in the region in

terms of providing jobs and pouring in of revenues.

In 2014, the ICT industry registered around P18.9 billion in total revenues and employed at least 33,000 full-time employees.

Specifically mentioned

by Del Rosario was the number of investment locators that converged in Davao region in 2014 – one was the Flatworld Solutions (Philippines), Incorporated that hired about 349 employees and the other, the Cybercity Teleservices (Philippines) Incorporated that hired around 2,102 personnel.

Investors’ confidence and good governance Del Rosario also took note of the continued investors’ confidence that Davao region continues to enjoy as among the factors that contributed to its sustained growth.

An indicator of such confidence can be gleaned on the proliferation of industries and the booms in property developments in the area since 2013 until this date.

In 2013, he presented, Davao region was able to generate around P31.7 billion in investments on energy and mass housing projects – the figure, Del Rosario noted was 164 percent accomplishment as against the target set during the period.

Good governance, he added, was also the key in attracting more investments in the region, as local government units (LGUs) and other government instrumentalities have significantly reduced the cost of doing business in Davao.

The average time for securing business permits and pertinent documents has been reduced to 15 minutes from 30 minutes in the previous years.

“We have made headways in terms of levelling up the competitiveness of

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Piñol to focus on food yield, irrigation I

SCHOOL SUPPLIES. A sales attendant arranges a pile of school supplies on display at a bookstore along City Hall Drive in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Labor market upbeat in April T

HE high proportion of working persons to the total labor force indicates an upbeat labor market, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Results of the latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that the number of employed Filipinos registered at 39.9 million, comprising 93.9 percent of the total labor force, in April 2016. Partly attributed to election-related activities, the April 2016 employment rate is at the highend range of previous April rounds of the LFS since 2011.

Of the employed, more than three-quarters are permanently employed and just over a fifth are short-term or seasonal workers. Other indicators of quality employment, such as wage and salaried employment (24.8 million or 62.1 percent of total employed), fulltime employment, and mean hours of work have shown an increasing trend, supportive of an optimistic outlook on employment.

Meanwhile, unemployment rate is at 6.1 percent in April 2016, equivalent to 2.5 million unemployed persons.

This is about 0.4 percentage points lower than the full-year target of 6.6 percent.

“These employment numbers are a reflection of the country’s vibrant economy,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra.

“If the labor market trends are maintained, the Philippine Development Plan target of 6.5-6.7 percent for unemployment rate in 2016 is likely to be achieved,” the Cabinet official added.

Esguerra, however, expressed alarm over the economic inactivity of the youth.

Youth unemployment rate stood at 14.6 percent—more than twice the 6.1 percent national unemployment rate—in April 2016. Moreover, some 23.8 percent of the total young working population were neither in school nor in the labor force, implying that 4.7 million young Filipinos are underutilized as their skills are not being honed by education, training or employment.

Underemployment, which refers to those who are working but want more work, is also relatively high at 18.4 percent in April 2016, higher than the 17.0 percent target for 2016. There were approximately 7.3 million underemployed persons, mostly from the agriculture and services sector.

To further improve the employment situation in the country, Esguerra, who is also NEDA Director-General, said the incoming administration needs to create the conditions that will produce more high quality jobs, including easing the country’s foreign investment restrictions. Improving the business climate is key given the need for resiliency and adaptability to changes in the labor market.

Esguerra said the country also needs to focus more on income security rather than job security. This can be done by producing a better trained and agile workforce while exploring more flexible work contracts and unemployment insurance/savings schemes that will support this type of employment. For this he said that, closer cooperation between industry and educational institutions on curriculum upgrade is crucial to create better trained but more flexible workforce.

He added that the access

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NCOMING Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said on Wednesday that the DA under the administration of President-in-waiting Rodrigo Duterte would channel its considerable resources towards enhancing food production and irrigation - with focus on attaining rice self-sufficiency – to make food available and affordable for all Filipinos.

In a press briefing during a lull at the transition meeting between his team and that of outgoing DA Secretary Proceso Alcala, the former North Cotabato governor said “it is imperative that we attain rice self-sufficiency and that could only be done if we have sustainable water resources.”

“Food is a moral obligation of a leader. We must exert and coordinate all efforts and re-

sources to attain self-sufficiency in food,” he said.

“To do this, there should be greater connectivity and coordination among all agencies directly and indirectly involved in agriculture, even as we review previous programs that we deemed not essential to food production,” Piñol said.

However, the Agriculture Secretary-designate was quick to stress there would be no radical change from what has been started by his predecessor, just a refocusing of efforts and resources to attain the goals of the incoming administration on the agriculture sector.

“The reality of Philippine politics is that programs of previous administrations are almost always scrapped. But as a student of history, we can only move forward if we build on the gains of the previous leadership

and study the mistakes of the past,” Piñol said while praising Alcala for bringing Philippine agriculture to a better situation than what it was in 2010.

He said that among the first things he would do is spearhead the formation of a National Food Security Coordinating Council (NFSCC), an umbrella group of all government agencies that are directly or indirectly involved in food production.

“Information plays a good part in agriculture planning. We need the coordinated efforts of all agencies which include among others the state weather bureau and Project Noah of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for information as well as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the conservation of our forests and

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RDC to implement big ticket projects H

OPES are high among local leaders and the private sector-led Regional Development Council (RDC)- 11 in Davao that under the leadership of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, they will get a fair budget and achieve big ticket projects.

“I believe that with an incoming President hailing from Mindanao, particularly from our very own Davao Region, the prospects for better Davao Region of 4.89 million residents have become even brighter in terms of resources allocation, which we have aspired for and which this Council has long fought hard for,” said outgoing Davao Del Norte and RDC-11 chair Governor Rodolfo del Rosario in his State of the Region Address (SORA) at the National Economic Development Authority-RDC XI Conference Hall in Bangkal Tuesday.

In a press conference later, Del Rosario said that with Duterte coming from the backdoor opens an opportunity for Davao and Mindanao to future developments especially in the funding process of projects. He said the region in particular has been pushing for bigger budget but never got it.

“After having a president from Mindanao it is about time that Mindanao should have the opportunities for development,” RDC Davao Region Chair Rodolfo del Rosario said during yesterday’s press conference.

He said Mindanao has always been left out in the past years when it comes to development. This gave rise to the phrase “imperial Manila” because it has always been the priority, he added.

“For what reason? I don’t know,” Del Rosario said but added they are hopeful the region’s priorities will finally

get attention from the national government.

Del Rosario said he hopes the region and the whole of Mindanao will get special attention now that Duterte is president.

Asked what would be the Region’s priority to take shape under the Duterte administration, Del Rosario said the big ticket projects will be the Samal bridge project to connect the Island Garden City of Samal from the mainland Davao to ease traffic between the two cities and improve the tourism industry; development of Talikud as another Boracay; and, improvement of the Sta. Ana Wharf as loading station for tourists.

He said construction of the Davao-Samal bridge and other tourism facilities in the island will provide the impetus for growth and will promote Samal as a tourism destination.

NEDA-11 Director Ma. Lourdes Lim said the Mindanao Railway System should be pushed with NEDA already having set aside the budget for feasibility study and the railway transit running from Davao City to Tagum in Davao del Norte and Digos City onwards to General Santos City.

She said there was also the unsolicited proposal on the LRT project for Davao City which was already under evaluation of terms of financing.

Lim said unsolicited project proposal is at no cost of the government.

Lim confirmed the LRT proposal was received in November 2015 and was already endorsed to the Public Private Partnership Center, which is the agency mandated to evaluate PPP proposals.

On the other hand, Lim said the Samal bridge pre-Feasibility Study which was com-

MONOGRAM PRINTING. A printer uses an old fashioned way of screen printing school monograms on shirts outside Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Elementary School along Ponciano Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Mindanao’s renewal energy push to boost Phl clean energy agenda A

FOCUSED target to keep Mindanao’s energy mix diversified with premium on renewable energy (RE) sources augurs well for the country’s clean energy agenda, says an official from Malacañang’s economic thinktank in Mindanao.

Romeo M. Montenegro, director for Investment Promotion and Public Affairs of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said that accelerating RE projects points to a logical way forward of achieving an ideal energy mix.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the Asia Clean Energy Forum 2016 at the ADB Headquarters in Pasig City, Montenegro cited that Mindanao’s current energy mix of 60-40 in favor of RE will see significant reversal to

70-30 dominated by fossil in 2018.

Latest report from the Department of Energy (DOE) indicated a total of 1,800 megawatts (MW) of additional capacity in Mindanao from coal-fired power plants coming online by 2018, with the first 300MW from Aboitiz Therma South already delivering power to the grid since late last year.

In a bid to offset the rise of fossil and keep a balanced energy mix in Mindanao, MinDA, through its Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee has set-up a One Stop Facilitation and Monitoring Center to help accelerate deployment of RE projects in the island.

The monitoring system, developed with support from USAID’s Climate Change and Clean Energy (CEnergy) Proj-

ect, currently tracks the progress of 284 RE projects in Mindanao, mostly in the pre-development stage and with a total potential generation capacity of 3,773 MW. DOE had since adopted the system to include RE projects in the Visayas and Luzon, through a mechanism called Energy Virtual One Shared System (EVOSS).

“We want to purposively address a ‘business as usual’ scenario where majority of Mindanao’s energy sources by 2030 will come from mostly fossil technology, and now is the time to trigger rapid RE deployment,” Montenegro stressed.

Considered as a trailblazing government facilitation project to promote clean energy sources, MinDA and DOE are set to showcase the pro-

gram as a ‘best practice’ at the USAID-organized Asia Low Emissions Development Strategies (LEDS) Forum later this month in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Mindanao, which is relatively well endowed with renewable energy sources mostly hydro, is aiming to achieve a regime of reliable, sustainable and reasonable power.

Last year, the Philippines submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the United Nations (UN), committing to cut by 70 percent its carbon emissions by 2030.

In keeping with the committed target, the government is looking at reviewing current energy policies with the end view of creating and enforcing a conducive policy framework to stimulate clean energy investments.

missioned by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Japan International Coordinating Agency was completed last year.

“The detailed engineering design is underway this year and will be presented to the Council,” she said.

Meanwhile, Del Rosario presented the achievements and the challenges facing the Region in the implementation of the Updated Davao Region Development Plan at the end of his term as RDC chair.

“The picture is not all rosy.

Yes, we have made some gains – very significant gains at that – but we also had few setbacks; setbacks that we shall be accounting for; setbacks that shall perhaps define opportunities for the next leadership of this Council,’ Del Rosario said in his speech. The SORA was attended by mayors, regional directors of government agen-

cies including the Philippine National Police and the Eastern Mindanao Command; and leaders from the private and business sector.

Del Rosario highlighted the significant achievements in health, agriculture, security, infrastructure, and the socio-economy goals. In economy in particular, Del Rosario reported the Region achieved a significant growth due to improved governance, a stable security environment, stable resources base and better quality infrastructure facilities.

Del Rosario said “forward looking” scenarios have only been made more exciting and realistic with the eight-point economic agenda of Duterte, an assurance that Davao Region’s development shall be sustained with more aggressive peace-building and anti-corruption efforts by the government. (PNA)

HE ongoing Asia Clean Energy Forum 2016, being held at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Manila, has highlighted the importance of developing and bringing sustainable and clean energy solutions to market.

Philips Lighting Director for B2G Professional Lighting Barbara Kreissler stressed the vital role of the lighting sector to ensure sustainable and low-carbon future.

According to Kreissler, the lighting sector currently shares 15 percent of the world’s electricity consumption. This would increase with the growing global population, rapid urbanization, rise of middle class which will ramp up energy demand.

“These will have severe impact in the resource,” she said.

She mentioned that a 35-percent increment in light points is projected between 2006 and 2030; therefore, the need to shift to energy-efficient and smart lights.

Kreissler noted that converting street lights from conventional lights to LED lights

has big impact in energy and financial savings as well as reduction of carbon footprint.

Kreissler said there are 300 million street lights all over the world which can be converted to LED lights.

LED lights consume 40 percent less energy than the conventional lights.

When connected to multi-sensor Internet of Everything (IoE), LED lights can reduce energy consumption up to 70 percent and lower cost and maintenance.

Kreissler cited the upgrading of 165,000 street lights in Los Angeles, California which resulted to 63 percent energy savings, 47,583 tons of carbon dioxide avoided yearly, and savings of USD8.7 million.

She said with the advantages of using LED lights, the lighting sector forecasts phase out of conventional lights.

However, only 10 percent of the world’s street lights are using LED lamps while only 1 percent are smart connected lights.

“Our low-hanging fruit here is converting to LED street lights. We have to pick it,” Kreissler stressed. (PNA)

Converting to LED street lights T

US, European delegates in Davao cacao congress

T

HE Cacao Industry Development Association (CIDAMI) will host this year’s international gathering of cacao industry players within Asia and the Pacific in September.

Val Turtur, executive director of the Cacao Industry Development Association in Mindanao (CIDAMI) said they are expecting about a thousand participants in the Asia Pacific Cacao Congress scheduled on September 15 to 17 at

the SMX Convention Center.

He said the gathering was organized three years ago through the Kakao Konek where industry players from buyers, traders, farmers, officers of government organizations and private institutions converge to continuously tackle relevant steps that will help enhance the production and improve the business development of cocoa.

He said foreign partici-

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7 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 74 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 10 - 11, 2016

Fish: Going, going, gone?

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

W

HILE fish is not an important source of calories in the human diet, it does have an important role in food supply of many communities, especially in developing countries like the Philippines.

“Fish protein is generally recognized as a valuable ingredient in a balanced diet,” said Dr. Veravat Hongskul, former regional fishery officer of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. “It is of high biological value and contains essential amino acids not normally found in staple food.

“The oil from the fish,” he continued, “also contains essential fatty acids, which are necessary for the proper development of the brain and the body. Where staple foods are available, a small quantity of fish can contribute significantly to increasing consumption by improving the over-all palatability of the food and add to its nutritive value.”

During his time, Jules Verne suggested that when the world reached the limits of food production on the land, man could turn to the oceans.

Unfortunately, many countries have been doing just that over the past several decades.

“Between 1950 and 1989, the fish catch expanded more than four-fold, climbing from 22 million tons to 100 million tons,” Lester R. Brown reported in his feature, “Facing Food Scarcity.” “During the six years since then, the catch has leveled off. Contrary to the prognosis of Jules Verne, we reached the limits of the

oceans first.”

This is true in the Philippines, home to more than 100 million people. Touted as “the poor man’s protein,” fish is now getting scarcer. Such is the case in Southern Mindanao’s fishing ground -- the Davao Gulf.

Since 2000, the volume and quality of the fish in the Davao Gulf have been in constant decline. This was the findings of the 10-year study entitled “Strengthening Governance and Sustainability of Small-scale Fisheries Management in the Philippines: An Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Approach in Davao Region,” which was undertaken by World Fish Center.

A collaborative effort of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), local government units and the regional office of the Department of Science and Technology, the decade-study looked at the volume and quality of the harvests of 10 commonly fished species in the gulf: matambaka, tamban, moro-moro, caraballas, bilong-bilong, lapulapu, danggit, molmol, talakitok, and maya-maya.

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

The matambaka, tamban and moro-moro are more resilient, but even they may disappear within a generation,

it added.

“We are running out of fish and running out of time.

For a country known for marine biodiversity, there are very few fish left to catch,” Vince Cinches, Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, was quoted as saying.

The Philippines is among the largest fish producers in the world, the World Bank reports. In 2013, the country ranked 7th among the top fish producing countries worldwide. But fish production has been dropping: 5 million metric tons in 2009, 4.7 million metric tons in 2013, and 4.58 million metric tons in 2014.

The continuing decline is alarming since the country’s population is increasing by about 1.6%, according to the United Nations estimates.

Most of these people live near the coastal areas.

“While there may be debate over the exact figures, there is no disagreement that the coastal zone is consistently the most populous part of the world and that there is a continuing tendency for people to migrate to it from the interior of the continents,” wrote Dr. Edgardo D. Gomez in an article which appeared in Our Planet.

“The tremendous flux of people is increasing the pressure on an already stressed area.”

The Philippines, with more than 7,000 islands, has one of the world’s richest ecosystems, characterized by extensive coral reefs, seagrass beds and dense mangroves. “Despite this abundance of marine resources, we know very well

that a large percentage of our population living in coastal communities remain poor,” said Senator Loren Legarda during the First National Fisheries Industry Summit last February.

Coral reefs are the food basket for the fish. An estimated 10-15% of the total fisheries come from coral reefs.

About 80-90% of the income of small island communities comes from fisheries. “Coral reef fish yields range from 20 to 25 metric tons per square kilometer per year for healthy reefs,” says Dr. Angel C. Alcala, former environment secretary.

Researchers believe that destructive fishing practices

like blast fishing are one of the biggest threats to the coral reef ecosystems. “Coral reefs that may have taken thousands of years to grow are reduced to rubble in a matter of seconds, obscured by wafting clouds of silt,” wrote Gregg Yan, communication officer of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Mangroves --the communities of trees in the tidal flats in coastal waters, extending inland along rivers where the water is tidal, saline, or brackish -- are not spared from destruction.

Mangroves are very important to marine life, fishery expert Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III points out. They serve as sanc-

tuaries and feeding grounds for fish that nibble on detritus (fallen and decaying leaves) trapped in the vegetation, and on the bark and leaves of living trees. “(Mangroves) are important feeding sites for many commercially important fish species (mullet, tilapia, eel, and especially milkfish), shrimps, prawns, mollusks, crabs, and sea cucumbers,” says a World Bank report. “Fry that gather in mangrove areas are very important for aquaculture.”

It’s hard not to include seagrasses when coastal ecosystems are mentioned. “The seagrass beds have only been recognized for being just as productive as the other two, if not more so,” Dr. Gomez said.

Seagrass beds are rated the third most valuable ecosystem globally (on a per hectare basis), only preceded by estuaries and wetlands. Yet, they are completely ignored and not given importance.

“Despite their high biodiversity and abundance, seagrass habitats are still poorly understood in our country,” says Dr. Miguel D. Fortes, the country’s foremost expert on seagrasses. “Hence, it appears only marginally useful when, in fact, the ecosystem plays significant economic and ecological roles.”

Then, there are the effects of climate change. “Sea level rise, floods that damage fish farms, and increased acidification of the oceans by 2050 could reduce farmed fish yield by 90%,” warned Senator Loren.

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 74 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 10 - 11, 2016

EDITORIAL

I

Laws that need to be fully implemented

N about every page of our legislative books are good laws that have been passed but are not fully implemented.

One such law is Republic Act No. 9211, also known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.

This piece of legislation is an omnibus law covering a broad range of tobacco control issues. For example, Rep. Act No. 9211 places restrictions on advertising, prohibits smoking in many public places, and establishes requirements for warning labels.

The act was approved on June 23, 2003, and made effective 15 days upon its publication.

This law is almost 13 years old now but perhaps only the restrictions on advertising have been implemented. The requirements on warning labels have been implemented albeit the graphic warnings have been printed only lately.

The prohibition in public places, however, has not been fully enforced save perhaps in Davao City where the anti-smoking ordinance has more teeth than the version Congress.

With President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte leading the strict im-

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plementation of anti-smoking in Davao City, expect this part of RA 9211 to have more teeth.

This early, the anti-smoking group New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) has already urged incoming President Duterte to fast-track a nationwide smoking ban in public places when he assumes office.

NVAP president Emer Rojas said local authorities would be forced to uphold Republic Act No. 9211, the Tobacco Control Act of 2003, which has not been fully implemented over the last decade.

As President Duterte has made sure that he is not indebted with any business entity supporting him in the elections with interest in the tobacco industry, there is nothing in the horizon that could stop him from replication the Davao City anti-smoking model all over the country.

Nevertheless, as the Davao City anti-smoking version covers more than the version passed by Congress, RA 9211 is likewise bound for possible amendments to give it more teeth.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 75 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 10 - 11, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Marijuana on their mind

I

WAS reading one of the back issues of EDGE Davao recently and there was one news report that caught my attention.

Again and again, President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte reminded that he is against illegal drugs and urged politicians and military officials (including the subordinates) not to get involved with it.

But what is interesting -- and it may not come as a surprise to some -- is that Duterte favors the use of “marijuana for the improvements of the modern medicines,” to quote the words of Funny Pearl A. Gajunera, who wrote the report.

After “shabu” or methamphetamine hydrochloride as the most abused drugs (47%), according to a report on cases admitted in treatment and rehabilitation centers, marijuana ranked second, at 18% (the same percentage as that of inhalants like rugby).

Duterte was quoted as saying that some medicines available in the market now contain marijuana. “Marijuana is really an ingredient of modern medicines now. There are medicines right now being developed or already in the market that contains marijuana as a component but used for medical purposes,” he pointed out.

BUT (there’s your big but!), Duterte said he will “never legalize the use of marijuana for recreational purposes.” Listen to that carefully!

When I was still in high school, I knew some classmates who did smoke marijuana.

But I never tried it because I knew it was illegal and that it can destroy my way of thinking and concentration.

Why is marijuana illegal? Let’s take a closer look at history. I get hold a copy of an

article which THINK ON THESE! was published in “Health and Fitness,” the Thursday magazine of “Business Mirror.”

The title of the piece: “The twisted marijuana history Henrylito D. Tacio and why it’s ilhenrytacio@gmail.com legal.”

“For most of human history, marijuana has been completely legal,” the article noted. “It’s not a recently discovered plant, nor is it a long-standing law.

Marijuana has been illegal for less than one percent of the time that it’s been in use. It’s known uses go back further than 7,000 B.C. and it was legal as recently as when Ronald Reagan was a boy.”

Another article, on the same issue, gives this bit of information: “One of the dirty little secrets that they keep out of history books is that America’s first colony, in 1619, by decree of King James I, used hemp (the other common name for Cannabis sativa) as their main cash crop for export to Europe.

“Hemp was (and still is, outside the United States) used to make the best ropes in the world, as well as great clothing and paper,” the article said.

It was not until in the latter half of the 19th century that marijuana started to be regulated in the US. Here’s the account of the article: “Free Negroes and former slaves were not allowed in white bars, and in many cases, were prohibited from drinking at all, so many

turned to an alternative way to get a ‘buzz,’ by smoking marijuana, brought into the country mostly by Mexican immigrants.

“Many white politicians seized upon this as a way to get elected and demonized marijuana as a drug that caused ‘racially inferior’ men to lose control and rape white women, and turned women into instant harlots,” the article added.

Among the “facts” that were circulated included the following: “The primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races,” “Marijuana is an addictive drug, which produces in its users insanity, criminality and death,” “Marijuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind.”

By 1920s, marijuana had been outlawed everywhere in the US. In its website, WebMD said that marijuana -- which contains the mind-altering chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) -- affects almost every organ in the body, and the nervous system and immune system, too.

“When you smoke pot, your body absorbs THC right away,” WebMd said. “(If you eat a baked good or another item, it may take much longer for your body to absorb THC, because it has to break down in your stomach before it enters your bloodstream). You may notice changes in your body right after you smoke.

The effects usually stop after 3 or 4 hours.”

Medical studies show that smoking pot can increase your heart rate by as much as two times for up to 3 hours. “That’s why some people have a heart attack right after they use marijuana,” WebMd said. “It can increase bleeding, lower blood pressure, and affect your blood sugar, too.”

According to WebMd, other physical ef-

fects of marijuana include: dizziness, shallow breathing, red eyes and dilated pupils, dry mouth, increased appetite, and slowed reaction time (If you drive after using marijuana, your risk of being in a car accident more than doubles).

If you’re a long-time user, you can have physical withdrawal symptoms -- like cravings, irritability, sleeplessness, and less appetite -- when you stop.

Most people use marijuana because the high makes them feel happy, relaxed, or detached from reality. But smoking pot can also have less-pleasant effects on your mind and mood, too. You might have: a distorted sense of time, random thinking, paranoia, anxiety, depression and short-term forgetfulness.

In recent years, marijuana has been touted as “a miracle cure” for certain medical conditions.

“There are over 100 compounds in marijuana, known as cannabanoids, that have pharmacological effects on the body,” the aforementioned article stated.

The compounds that get you “high” are removed in order to produce pharmaceuticals.

Recent studies indicate that cannabanoids can be effective treatments for tumors, cancers, seizures, and many other medical conditions.

Duterte was right when he said that some medicines now contain marijuana. The article said: “Several companies have already started producing products from cannabis, in anticipation of legalization, which is almost certain to be in the near future. These products show promise for sufferers of many medical conditions that have not responded well to conventional medical protocols.”

“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” (H. Jackson Brown, Jr.)

square peg in SPECKS OF LIFE a round hole.

W hen c h a n g e surprisingly comes, people are ill-prepared and become disadvantaged such Fred C. Lumba that they only handle so much, one at a time, inch by inch, little by little until they get a good grasp of the things that are coming.

People usually assess the resources they have at their disposal (money, time, skills, etc.) before they accept the change. Implementing the change becomes harder because of doubts and fears that the change may not be profitable after all.

People will be at different levels of acceptance, mentally, physically and spiritually.

Those who cannot see through the maze be-

come confused and literally bang their heads to decipher what is going on. Change affects body, mind and spirit.

Because of the pressure that change brings, people who cannot bear the stress and the tension will try to sidestep the issues. If the pressure wears off, people usually revert to their old attitudinal shape and form.

Today, the country is being swept by the on-coming tide of critical change.

People affected by change are hollering because, for a long time, they have been ensconced in the thought that everything is just right, that everything is fine.

For quite a period of time, Filipinos were conditioned to think the country was on the road to peace and progress; and that the helpless millions of poor families who find it difficult to eat three square meals a day, will no longer be in such a state of deprivation.

Now that a radical change in governance style is forthcoming, people on the other side of the fence are already ill at ease. They are shouting their voices hoarse because they don’t like the change that is forthcoming. Such

a negative attitude polarizes and disunites an already fragmented nation like ours.

Those who do not - and cannot - welcome genuine change usually fend this by mobilizing other groups of people who are in the same state of mind. They articulate their position in order to repel and stall the march of change, using every medium available to magnify their resistant, crude ideas.

Notice that the Philippines is at a very critical crossroad as sweeping tides of change – global and domestic - are already swishing our shores.

The territorial conflict with China is one national issue that is already affecting our attitude and behaviour as a nation. We cannot afford to blink. The national leadership must be prepared to confront the problem with a positive critical eye.

It is time to remind ourselves that our actions and thoughts become our legacy to the next generation.

Change is that legacy. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) God bless the Philippines!

C

****************

HANGE is a given factor in our lives as human beings.

Whether we like it or not, change is going to come, negatively or positively.

There are a number of reasons how people react to change.

People get a feeling of awkwardness when confronted by change. They feel ill at ease and become self-conscious.

People oftentimes feel alone and left out.

If everyone else is going through the same change and they do not adapt themselves to the on-going development, they usually take time to observe before jumping in.

People are traditionally resistant to change and think about the things they have to give up. The anti-smoking law, for instance, drove smokers “crazy’ because they suddenly discovered that smoking has become an unwanted habit. Thus, a smoker becomes a

Change

10 NEWS MEETING... FROM 1 to understand deeply the real situation.

Dureza also vowed to be “very transparent” when it comes to dealing with the reb-

el groups.

“We will work on the transparency and inclusivity in negotiating peace talks,” he said.

”I think we can see an emerging consensus in the Senate that we need to review our Constitution, amend the Constitution,” Drilon said.

On Duterte’s proposal to revive death penalty, Drilon said he is against the reimposition of death penalty, “but I am willing to listen.” (PNA)

16th President of the Republic, Nograles said that the three important labors laws might be the among the earliest edicts under his presidency.

“These three laws have yet to be transmitted to Malacanang and with only a few days before the historic inaugural of President Duterte, I believe that the measures will be among the first laws which he will sign into law. I’m just happy that these laws came from my Committee,” Nograles explained.

The veteran lawmaker said that once passed into law, the proposed Anti-Age Discrimination Law prohibits employers from publishing or posting ads indicating age preferences, requiring applicants to declare their age, and declining application or laying off employees due to age.

The proposed Jobstart Law on the other hand would institutionalize the labor department’s JobStart Philippines Program to help the unemployed youth in finding jobs by enhancing their knowledge and skills acquired in formal education or technical training.

The measure aims to cover at least 70,000 JobStart program beneficiaries by 2020.

The proposal to amend certain provisions of Republic Act 9547 otherwise known as an “Act Strengthening and Expanding the Coverage of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) “ aims to expand existing government programs to require persons or entities employing at least 10 persons may employ poor but deserving students, outof-school youth, dependents of displaced workers or would-be displaced workers due to business closures or work stoppages, intending to enroll in any secondary, tertiary, technical-vocational institutions.

Under the proposal, students employed in activities related to their course may earn equivalent academic and

practicum or on-the-job training credits as may be determined by the appropriate government agencies.

Through Nograles’ stewardship, the House Committee on Labor steered the enactment of the following important labor laws: 1. RA 10691 which institutionalizes the establishment of Public Employment Service Office in all provinces, cities and municipalities nationwide.

2. RA 10706 which provides protection for seafarers and other workers against socalled ambulance-chasing and the imposition of excessive fees. Ambulance-chasing is labor malpractice of soliciting, personally or through an agent, from seafarers, or their heirs, the pursuit of any claim against them employers for the purpose of recovery of monetary claim or benefit, including legal interest, arising from accident, illness or death, in exchange of an amount or fee which shall be retained or deducted from the monetary claim or benefit granted to or awarded to the seafarers or their heirs.

3. RA 10741 which aims to strengthen the operation of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) in order to make the body more responsive in resolving labor disputes.

4. RA 10757 which reduces the retirement age of surface mine workers from 60 to 50.

5. RA 10771 which is also known as the Green Jobs Law. Through this law, so-called “green companies” or businesses that are involved in the production of environment friendly products and those that offer services to promote environmental protection and conservation are entitled to fiscal incentives that may include additional deduction of labor expense and duty free importation of capital equipment.

6. RA 10789 which reduces the retirement age of racehorse jockeys from 60 to 50 years old.

(PNA)

of our farm workers to technology should be improved to help them shift to more suitable and high-value crops. The same can be tapped to create crops that can survive adverse weather conditions like La Niña, which may develop within the second half of 2016.

Starting with the April 2016 round, the quarterly LFS adopted the 2013 Master Sample Design to respond to the demand for lower level disaggregation of employment data.

It made use of an area-based

sample design, with 44,000 households in 117 provinces and highly urbanized cities based on 2010-based population projections; whereas previous LFS rounds had 51,000 sample households in 17 regions, based on the population projection in the 2000 census.

The change in sampling design makes this round of LFS not comparable with previous years but estimates may now be presented in detail by province and by highly urbanized city.

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lords and other crime groups.

He was also unfazed with the criticisms that he was promoting a “culture of death, by once saying he would not hesitate to go after criminals who would not change their ways.

“If they could not be talked into changing, let’s kill them

then,” he said.

The declaration was met by applause by those in the audience.

Duterte said he protected the two million people of Davao City as their mayor and promised to do the same for the rest of the country. (PNA)

a priority of the armed forces.

Majority of our forces are here.

That is as far as internal peace and security is concerned,” Valencia stressed.

Governor del Rosario, prior to the press conference asserted in his state of the region address on Tuesday that the government has made a headway in winning the peace and keeping law and order that helped in achieving high and sustained economic growth in the region in the past three years.

“We have also been successful in terms of suppressing insurgency affection in barangays, reducing from 36 percent in 2010 to only 6 percent in 2015,” Del Rosario said.

There were also aggressive efforts to neutralize armed groups and other threats which were either downgraded or entirely dismantled.

A total of 300 former NPA rebels yielded to the government between 2014 and 2014 and most of them, around 207, availed of the comprehensive local integration program (CLIP) of the government.

During the period, the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and the city of Davao were already declared as conflict-manageable and development-ready areas (CMDRAs), he added.

On peace and order, the governor said the incidence of crime also declined during the period, from 54,653 to only 33,886 in 2015.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in the region was able to achieve a 65 percent crime solution efficiency rate in the same period, a figure higher than the target that was set at 39 percent.

provinces and cities,” Del Rosario stressed, emphasizing that last year the province of Davao del Sur was adjudged the top most competitive province in the country for measures on economic dynamism, government efficiency and infrastructure.

Davao City was also awarded on the same category in the fifth place among the 142 cities in the country; the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte also moved its rank to 73 from 98; and the municipality of Lupon in Davao Oriental to rank 15 from 245.

“The objective of establishing a regime of reformed governance is now within our reach,” Del Rosario asserted.

planned period.

Del Rosario reported: “In 2010, the length of our paved national arterial roads was 693 kilometers or 83 percent of the region’s total national arterial road. By the end of 2015, 92 percent of the total length of our national arterial roads, equivalent to 772 kilometers had already been paved. The paving of the remaining 64 kilometers is targeted to be completed in 2016, thus, achieving the end-of-plan target.”

Improvement of Davao’s connectivity was also tackled

by Del Rosario during the address, saying that the Davao International Airport and the Davao Sasa Port are currently pipelined for major upgrading.

There is an undergoing procurement procedures for the operations, maintenance and development project for the Davao airport aimed to provide additional facilities and improvements to enhance passenger safety, security, access, passenger and cargo movement efficiency and operational efficiency with an estimated cost of around P40.57 billion.

The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is also on the process of securing final government clearances and approvals before proceeding into procurement intended to transform Davao City’s Sasa Port into a modern and international-standard container terminal.

Del Rosario added that the council had already evaluated and submitted to the DOTC five specific locations for the future site of Davao International Airport.

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On tourism and infrastructure The remarkable performances of the tourism industry and improvements in infrastructures were also lauded by Del Rosario during the delivery of his SORA. The tourism industry, he said has surpassed its targets in tourist arrivals and the value of tourist receipts set from 2013 to 2015.

The average arrivals of domestic and foreign tourists in Davao region grew by 23.3 percent in 2013 up to 25.1 percent last year while value of tourist receipts posted a remarkable growth of 25.4 in 2015 that poured in an income of around P34.2 billion in the region during the period.

In infrastructure development, Del Rosario said that the objective of paving all the national roads in Davao region was targeted within the

DTI... FROM 5

watersheds,” Piñol said.

He said that there would also be a major shift in the perspective of irrigation under his term, one brought about by his observations during the overland journeys he undertook upon being informed by Duterte of his future post.

“With our population growing exponentially at an annual rate of 2.6 percent, we need to expand and increase our rice production,” he said.

“In my travels across Mindanao, the Visayas and even Mindoro, I saw many idle lands that are suitable for both rice and corn. The Philippines, in fact, has a lot of idle arable lands. All that we need is a sustainable irrigation system,” Piñol said.

For increased production, he said that they will be targeting an additional one million hectares of rice farms in the next six years, subject to the cooperation of local executives in the respective areas to be targeted.

For irrigation, and here is where the major shift is, he said that they will prioritize the construction of small irrigation projects over mega dams to provide immediate irrigation to these farms.

“Small irrigation projects only take six months to one year to complete, while a mega dam takes many years to complete,” he stressed.

“With an additional one million hectares of irrigated rice fields, we will already be a rice exporter,” Piñol observed.

He said that he had already gotten the support of President Duterte as well as the incoming heads of the Departments of Finance (DOF) and Budget and Management (DBM) for the two projects.

Meanwhile, the former farmer, media practitioner and local government executive said he knows very well the dreams and aspirations of every Filipino farmer.

It is therefore among his priorities to provide farmers The recommendation is based on the account of projection that that present location of the airport in Davao City can no longer accommodate the magnitude of air transport activity beyond the year 2045.

The identified locations include Tagum City, Panabo City, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental, the Island Garden City of Samal and Davao City.

Achieving inclusive growth “I believe that Davao region is moving slowly, but steadily in this (inclusive growth) direction,” Del Rosario maintained as he pictured the performance of the region for the last three years.

He reiterated the region’s high economic growth achievements in the past years, and that evidences of translating the gains of such growth into lowering the poverty incidence in Davao is already evident.

The poverty incidence in Davao region was 28.6 percent in 2012 but was cut down to 20.5 percent during the first semester of 2015.

the support they needed to make their lives better.

“It is my aim to permanently scrap irrigation fees imposed by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) on our farmers, which I intend to implement at the start of 2017,” he vowed.

He said that he will also recommend the immediate release of a calamity support fund to help farmers affected by the El Niño to recover quickly.

“In Thailand, where they were also adversely by drought like us, the Thai government released 30 billion baht in the form of rehabilitation and livelihood projects which enabled their farmers to recover right away. We will do the same here.

I will ask for the immediate release of PhP30 billion for our farmers and fisherfolk stricken

by El Niño,” Piñol said.

Drawing from his experiences as provincial governor, he said that they will also study ways to make credit easily accessible to farmers.

“Funds for agriculture credit is okay, but the problem lies with the process on how to access these funds. Almost always, farmers are asked to present a collateral before they could be given credit,” he noted.

“In North Cotabato, the provincial government extends loans without collateral. All they need is a certification from the village council that they are farmers of good standing. We also have a high rate of return at 96 percent. So we will study that,” he said.

Lastly, the incoming Agriculture chief said that he would form an assessment and validation group that would check if all agency projects were really implemented and completed, even those at the grassroots level.

“We are very focused on the Duterte commitment – available and affordable food for all Filipinos and no corruption,” Piñol said. (PNA)

“Given this evidence, we can surmise that, indeed, our economic growth might already be benefiting more households and with increased access to social protection by marginalized groups, we are certain that we are closer to achieving our goal of inclusive growth,” the governor dwelled on.

Ensuring that the poor constituents in Davao region will have access to social protection services of the government has shown positive results in the last three years as 90 percent of the 252,812 target beneficiary-households of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is seen to be fully covered in 2016.

A total of 4.5 million or 92 percent of the region’s population have already become beneficiaries of the Philhealth program of the government.

Del Rosario said the increased figures on the number of beneficiaries in 4Ps and Philhealth programs are “noteworthy achievements in the area of social protection” in Davao region.

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EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL

An exciting new

Iloilo

The vibe of Megaworld Boulevard.

The old mansion fronting Molo Church has been preserved and reused.

IT HAD BEEN OVER A DECADE SINCE I GOT TO VISIT ILOILO. It was for a family convention and I can still remember how the Queen City was as clear as it was yesterday.

Touching down at Iloilo’s airport at Mandurriao, I saw the meandering Iloilo river and the nose-like bends which gave the city its name. Iloilo City was a city of historical streets, charming buildings, picture-perfect churches, and wonderful rustic cuisine.

It felt small yet was relaxed and carried an old-world vibe that was pleasant and welcoming.

As soon as I landed at the city’s new international airport now located away from the city center, it was immediately clear to me that the old Iloilo has changed by leaps and bounds. This was made even more apparent as I arrived at the Iloilo Business Park.

An integrated township developed by the Philippines’ largest office developer, Megaworld, the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park is built on the land formerly occupied by the Iloilo airport and is rede-

fining the way Ilonggos live, work, and play. In contrast to the old buildings and churches, Megaworld’s flagship development in Iloilo features exciting architecture, wide avenues, and a modern vibe.

Already standing at the sprawling development are BPO towers that create thousands of new jobs in Iloilo.

Recognising the city’s thrust in tourism, Megaworld also helped in the creation of the Iloilo Convention Center, which has already hosted APEC meetings, as well as the

Harold Brian Geronimo, Megaworld’s head for public relations and communications shows off the scale model of the Iloilo Business Park.

Having fun at the Iloilo Riverwalk.

Iloilo Business Park hosts modern BPO towers creating new jobs and opportunities for Ilonggos.

Inside Jaro church.

The Iloilo Convention Center is the largest MICE venue in Iloilo, close by is the 149-room Richmonde Hotel Iloilo.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, a swanky new 149-room four-star international level hotel. There is also a Marriot Courtyard Hotel which is scheduled to be opened soon.

“The Iloilo Business Park is envisioned to be the new business district of Iloilo City,” said Harold Brian Geronimo, Megaworld’s head for public relations and communications. “The Php35-billion development will host state-of-the-art BPO office towers, luxury residences, a lifestyle mall, as well as a 1.1 kilometre Festive Walk where residents can shop

and dine.”

Harold also revealed that the commercial lots at the development are also being taken up fast in recognition of Iloilo as a ‘next wave city’ when it comes to development with businessmen from Davao and Cebu also buying lots at the business park.

Clearly, the evolution of Iloilo has been quick, but as I look at the two banks of the Iloilo river from the Iloilo Riverwalk the city still retains its character with old-world charm on east side the river and a fresh modern city of Iloilo on the west.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 74 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 10 - 11, 2016

ART AND CULTURE

Paige Lipsky’s

‘PULUY-ANAN’

By Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto PAIGE LIPSKY, 26, HAS BEEN IN DAVAO FOR ALMOST TWO MONTHS. At a young age, she has been fascinated with her Grandmother’s Polaroid. Her parents then gave her her first camera at age 7 and received her first DSLR as a high school graduation gift. It’s been almost 10 years and she is still making images.

Her love for photography lead to her latest photo exhibit, Puluy-anan. Travel has always stimulated her intellectually and artistically. Through her many travels, she met Leah Valle while attending university in Hong Kong. Presently, Paige is the artist in residence for her alternative art space, Rm.74, located in Davao.

I was able to sit down and talk to Paige about her exhibit and these are some snippets from that interview.

L: Intriguing exhibit name.

What for you is ‘Puluy-anan’?

P: Puluy-anan started as a project exploring the universality of death. It was originally an international exploration of burial grounds attempting to show one certain commonality with cultures unfamiliar. While in Mindanao I was faced with something I had never seen before, communities built on cemetery grounds. According to the settlers, they were compelled to build their homes in cemeteries because it is rent-free and close to where they work. Once I learned this, Puluy-anan developed into a project concerned with conveying some information regarding the informal settler’s plight. It is interesting to note that many of the settlers are being displaced because landowners want to develop the cemetery further. The dead have more space than the living.

L: Why Puluy-anan?

P: Puluy-anan is a word that conjures emotional imagery for everyone. Whether someone has a positive or negative association with puluy-anan it is a relatable concept. The images in the series show the homes of hundreds of people.

L: How do you get your subject in front of the camera the way you want it?

P: Getting the composition of a photograph to be something you’re happy with is often trial and error. I first try multiple different angles. Once I’m content with the positioning of the subject, I shoot on various apertures to get a range of depth of field.

People can be more difficult.

They are always moving, so even getting the photograph in focus can be a challenge.

L: What makes your photographs distinct? What makes this exhibit something to look forward to?

P: Technically speaking, my photographs tend to focus on details that are often overlooked.

They are usually very colorful. With regard to content, Puluy-anan is meant to serve as a catalyst for social dialogue relating to cemeteries in Davao City and its settlers, both living and dead, and the phenomenon of urban migration. This series explores social photography in a

non-journalistic manner. Social photography is often exclusively portraits; Puluy-anan tries to communicate with a mixture of environmental shots and portraits. This project also gives access to a social condition not widely discussed.

L: What camera do you use?

P: I shoot with a Canon 5D mark II, and a 24-70mm lens. Mild editing is done in Adobe Lightroom.

L: What motivates you to take pictures?

P: Sometimes motivation comes from old photographs that I did not realize were interesting until years later.

L: Favorite photographer? How have they influenced you?

P: There are so many photographers who have influenced me.

Stephen Shore is one of my favorites. Stylistically, Shore also uses a formal approach to composing photographs. I have always admired his use of color and how he can make a social statement without photographing people.

L: Play favorites. Top 3 best photographs from your exhibit.

P: One would be the photograph that illustrates how the worlds of both living and dead combine.

The composition is split down the middle with cemetery on the left and house on the right.

The second favorite is an environmental shot. It shows a wideangle view of the graveyard with white and blue tombs in the foreground. The focus of the photo is the grave in the middle. The cross adorning that nitso points up to a coconut tree in the morning sky.

Another photograph shows a clothing line hung between two mausoleums. A grave lays in-between the two structures. Various garments are hanging on the line, but the cross of the tomb is also being utilized for the drying of underwear.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 74 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 10 - 11, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Jeepney TV presents songs of patriotism

Cogie Domingo, blindly in love with Maey Bautista

AT A TIME WHEN OUR NATION BRACES FOR A FRESH START WITH ITS NEW SET OF LEADERS, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the country’s most seasoned artists rouse nationalistic fervor through inspiring and heart-rending songs in “Para sa Bayan: A Ryan Ryan Musikahan.”

Guest performers for the much-anticipated original Jeepney TV special are headlined by John Arcilla, acclaimed lead star of “Heneral Luna” and an accomplished stage actor, power-belter Bituin Escalante, rising diva Morisette Amon, and young singing sensation Darren Espanto.

Joining them are former band frontman and now solo artist Ebe Dancel, master guitarist LJ Manzano Te, the Ryan Cayabyan Singers, and actor-poet Juan Miguel Severo who created an original spoken word work to be performed

alongside the Maestro just for this special.

The special is the fourth in a series of revival specials of “Ryan Ryan Musikahan,” one of Philippine TV’s most awarded and most revered programs. It will be under the helm of iconic TV director, Johnny Manahan.

“Para sa Bayan: A Ryan Ryan Musikahan” will premiere exclusively on Sky Pay-Per-View beginning June 11 and will be up until June

30, in time for the 118th year commemoration of Philippine Independence.

The special is an original production of Jeepney TV, the no. 1 local variety cable channel and home of timeless TV programs that bridge generations of Filipino viewers.

Jeepney TV is a Filipino cable television network owned and operated by Creative Programs, Inc., a subsidiary of the media and entertainment company ABS-CBN

Corporation. It is the only local variety cable channel that offers the most extensive and well preserved archived programs that bridge generations of Filipino viewers by bringing back good memories and celebrating the best of Pinoy pop culture.

Jeepney TV is available on SkyCable channel 9, Destiny Cable Analog 41 and Digital 9. For updates, like Jeepney TV on Facebook (facebook. com/Jeepney TV).

COGIE DOMINGO AND MAEY BAUTISTA WILL PROVE THAT LOVE IS INDEED BLIND in the romantic episode of Wagas this Saturday (June 11).

Cogie is Isyo, a blind construction worker from Quezon. Isyo was living a simple life providing for his family when an accident took his sense of sight. And since he is blind, his girlfriend left him too.

Still, Isyo did not stop from working hard. With the help of some of his friends, he learned the ropes of construction work. While working, Isyo would meet Charitie. Aware that she is on the heavy side, Charitie has already accepted her fate that no one would be attracted to her and that she would end up as a spinster.

But Isyo would alter this belief. He might be blind, yet Isyo saw true love in Charitie. Charitie, in return, has found the man who would not judge her based on her looks and who would accept everything about her.

Catch this unique pair-up of Cogie Domingo and Maey Bautista on Wagas this Saturday, 7 p.m. on GMA News TV.

UEFA EURO 2016 action unfolds on Sky Football Season Pass HD EXPECT TO CATCH THE WORLD’S MOST INTENSE FOOTBALL ACTION IN 2016 as SKY Football Season Pass HD features the 15th UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) EURO 2016 this June and July.

Starting June 10, avid football fans can score a coveted one month season pass to catch all the action at home and round-theclock from 24 European teams in the UEFA EURO 2016.

To be hosted by France for the third time, this years’ edition of the quadrennial tournament include to-watch-out for teams such as defending champion Spain, three-time champ Germany, powerhouses England, Portugal, Italy, and France. This year, the traditionally 16-team format expands to 24 and will see the debuts of teams from Albania, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, and Wales.

Two-time champion France opens the UEFA EURO 2016 in a match against Romania.

Don’t miss the thrilling matches all in high definition on SKYcable from June 11 to July 11.

June 9-14, 2016

WARCRAFT Travis Fimmel, Toby Kebbell, Ben Foster R13

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

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2: OUT OF THE SHADOWS Megan Fox, Stephen Amell, Alan Ritchson PG

SKYbroadband subscribers and those who availed of the pay-perview will get to watch the UEFA EURO 2016 on other gadgets anytime, anywhere via SKY On Demand.

To subscribe to the SKY Football

Season Pass HD, text SUBSCRIBE <space> 9-digit account number to 23662. The HD viewing is priced at P999 for a one month season pass. For instant and for more details, visit mysky.com.ph/ footballseasonpass.

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 Daniel Radcliffe, Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo PG

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

THE CONJURING 2 Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Frances O'Connor R13

11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 74 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 10 - 11, 2016

EVENT

Davao art and mindanao fashion for Independence Day

MINDANAO’S PREMIER SHOPPING AND LIFESTYLE DESTINATION – SM LANANG PREMIER – celebrates the country’s 118th Independence Day with activities that promote national pride and the Filipino talent.

From June 3 to 12, SM Lanang Premier is hosting two exhibits: one on Dabawenyo watercolor art and the other on Mindanao fashion.

The first exhibit dubbed “Davao Flora: A Watercolour Exhibit” is held in partnership with the Davao Watercolour Society. Held at the 2nd Level, the exhibit features artworks showcasing the subject of flowers at the 2nd level between Book Sale and Crescendo from June 3 to 12. Artworks are crafted by some of Davao’s top visual artists headed by the group’s President Lito Pepito along with members Vicente Aviles, Julius Panares, Lucas Ra-

GENSAN PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

Enjoy up to 50% off on great selections at the Men’s Shoe Sale from June 10 to July 3 in all branches of The SM Store nationwide!

nola, Anthony Serafin, Saldy Mascardo, Gilbert Miraflor, Omar Payumo, Alan Obeso and Daryl Descallar.

Another exhibition titled “Mindanao in Fash-

ion” at the Atrium is placing on display traditional Filipino wear: Filipiniana from Kultura, Barongs of Architect Michael Dakudao, and various tribal wear gathered by Richard

Dian Vilar.

On June 12, 9am, SM Lanang Premier will also hold a Flag-Raising activity at Open Parking C. Officials from various government agencies, LGUs, armed forces, and organizations are expected to attend the event.

Be part of the Independence Day celebration at SM Lanang Premier. For inquiries, contact 2850943 loc. 136-138. Visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event and promo updates.

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 74 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 10 - 11, 2016

30 new establishments get Bagwis awards T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region has conferred a total of 30 new business establishments with the Bagwis Awards during the first semester of 2016.

The award is given to establishments that strictly adhere to various consumer laws, maintain a consumer welfare desk (CWD) and provide quality customer care.

Of the 30 establishments, 26 were bronze awardees namely: Davao Central Warehouse Club, Inc. – Appliance Store (Tagum City, Davao del Norte), Davao Central Warehouse Club, Inc. – Department Store (Tagum City, Davao del Norte), Aurora & Gregory Electronic, Refrigeration Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

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

Case No. 2001-XI-01527 MATINA APLAYA TRANSPORT SERVICE COOPERATIVE (MATRANSCO), Petitioner x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: MATINA APLAYA and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of TWO (2) units, which Certificate will expire on June 25, 2016. In the petition filed on May 26, 2016, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JUNE 27, 2016 at 10:40 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Officer-In-Charge, and this 27th day of May 2016 at Davao City.

EDGAR CRISANTO R. VIOLAN Administrative Officer V

and Airconditioning (Tagum City, Davao del Norte), Petron Car Care Center (Tagum City, Davao del Norte), Injune Store (Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte), IGACOS Multi-Mart, Inc. (IGaCoS, Davao del Norte), VS Enterprises (Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte), Vilma & Romeo Store (IGaCoS, Davao del Norte), Felcris Supermarket-Felcris Express (Carmen, Davao del Norte), Unitop General Merchandise, Inc. (Tagum City, Davao del Norte), Mabuhay-LCL 1 Commercial (Compostela, Comval), Mabuhay-LCL 2 Commercial (Compostela, Comval), Hardwaremaxx by NCCC (Nabunturan, Comval), NCCC Supermarket (Monkayo, Comval), Madeco Citimart (Maco, Comval), TingRepublic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

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

Case No. 2001-XI-02442 MERELYN M. REYES, Petitioner

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

ting Enterprise (Compostela, Comval); Levi Marketing (Compostela, Comval), GV Marketing Corporation (Compostela, Comval), Davao Central Convenience Store – Mati 1 (City of Mati, Davao Oriental), Davao Central Convenience Store – Mati 2 (City of Mati, Davao Oriental), P.M. Larcia Parts & Hardware (Lupon, Davao Oriental), ER Superstore, Inc. (City of Mati, Davao Oriental), Davao Central Convenience Store, Inc. – Alferez (Digos City, Davao del Sur), Davao Central Convenience Store, Inc. – Magsaysay (Digos City, Davao del Sur), Davao Central Convenience Store, Inc. – Rizal (Digos City, Davao del Sur) and Davao Central Convenience Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS Service

Case No. 2011-XI-01026 PEDRO S. MANGARON, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: CALINAN and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on September 19, 2016.

In the petition filed on May 27, 2016, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service on the route: DAVAO CITY-MARAGUSAN (COMPOSTELA VALLEY) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on May 16, 2017. In the petition filed on May 25, 2016, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

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

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

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JUNE 29, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JUNE 27, 2016 at 10:20 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Officer-In-Charge, and this 30th day of May 2016 at Davao City.

WITNESS the Honorable TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Officer-In-Charge, and this 26th day of May 2016 at Davao City.

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

EDGAR CRISANTO R. VIOLAN Administrative Officer V

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

EDGAR CRISANTO R. VIOLAN Administrative Officer V

Store, Inc. – Luna (Digos City, Davao del Sur).

Meanwhile, the silver awards were given to the following: O2 Builders (Compostela, Comval), Marbel Universal Trading, Inc. (Digos City, Davao del Sur), LTS Community Store, Inc. (Digos City, Davao del Sur) and Heddy South Island Trading (Digos City, Davao del Sur).

Formerly known as the DTI-Certified Establishment Program, the Bagwis Program aims to give due recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers and practice responsible business where consumers get best value for money.

The award is classified into bronze, silver and gold. For the

bronze seal, establishments must comply with Fair Trade Laws (FTLs) such as the Consumer Act, Price Act, Price Tag and installation of CWDs. The silver seal, on the other hand, involves additional criteria to meet such as compliance with social responsibilities that include sound purchasing policy, good working relationship with the government by participating in the national or local government programs such as price stabilization and livelihood programs.

For the gold seal, establishments must meet the additional requirement of ISO 9001/ Quality Management System (QMS) compliance.

The Bagwis Awards covers business establishments un-

der the following categories: supermarkets, department stores, appliance centers and DTI-accredited service and repair shops. ”DTI has continued its efforts to campaign for more establishments to be accredited in this program and many have shown interest to apply as this foster balance between engaging good business practices and ensuring the welfare of consumers,” DTI-Davao Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said.

For more information, interested applicants may visit the nearest DTI Provincial Office in Davao Region or contact DTI Regional Office at (082) 2240511 local 417 or 420.

DTI11/LTC/jmm

HATEVER you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord, rather than for man.”

Dalmin Faith A. Igaňa, Social Welfare Officer 3, lives by this adage.

A mother of one, a survivor and a hardworking social worker, Dalmin has worked with the most disadvantaged in Davao Region for nearly 27 years now, under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

When asked of the three significant events in her life, she replied, “When I met and accepted the Lord as my Lord and Savior, when I see my client/s getting empowered, and when I got promoted.”

“This important lesson I also learned as I worked with children in especially difficult circumstances: Listen to the heart of abused children. Do not force to give therapy or counseling when they are not ready. Not all abused children need it.”

Above all, seek God’s guidance always and never insist on what you think is right to an angry client, Dalmin urged.

Dalmin radiates coolness and a no-nonsense attitude towards her work. She is cheerful, dependable, broad minded and very unassuming despite her position at work.

She loves her co-workers as well. “I maintain good relationship by respecting them, providing emotional, physical, intellectual and financial support.

“To my supervisors, I provide regular feedback on program updates; submit comments; consult on issues, concerns, challenges; seek advice; ask apology when I commit mistakes; show concern; and of course, provide full support.”

“When they seek help, I readily provide technical assistance to our program partners and I see to it that a good working relationship is maintained.”

Working with clients or program beneficiaries is always a heartwarming opportunity for Dalmin. “I provide assistance with a sincere heart, extend financial assistance taken from my own pocket when necessary, and share food and even cell phone load. I try to help them by providing counseling, referring them to other resources and by just making them happy.”

Dalmin emphasized, “You will succeed if you show respect and sincerity no matter the status of your client. I am effective when I satisfy or meet my clients’ needs on time, while I teach them to stand on their own.”

What keeps Dalmin more effective is that she always acknowledges her mistakes and willingly apologizes. She has remained humble and open to learn new things, and has always demonstrated a supportive push to her colleagues especially those who seek her help.

“I really go the extra mile and I depend too much on God to enlighten me on every step I take and the decisions I make.”

“I studied Social Work [at Ateneo De Davao] to help me overcome my shyness and boost my self-esteem. By taking this course, I was forced to face all kinds of people. In 1989, I entered the Department and I until now am still with DSWD because I love my job and I enjoy doing it.”

Back in college, her teacher in Introduction to Social Work discouraged her from pursuing the course since she was very shy and naïve. “I was instead

bolstered to finish the course and passed the board exam. My teacher was shocked when she found me working at DSWD.”

The consummate social worker “W

Family first Family always comes first in her life. “Despite my busy schedule, I see to it that I comply my house chores, spend time listening and counseling when needed, going to church; make jokes, laugh with them, share food, lend extra money, and share other blessings. I share financial support all the time too.”

“My parents and family are very supportive especially in my times of need. They molded me and wanted me to give value to my education. My friends in school, neighbors and at church are part of my support system.

We have family gatherings every Christmas, New Year’s Eve, birthdays and on other special occasions.

When I was already employed, my parents and relatives continued to extend their support even when they did not approve of the man I married and they kept their backing when I returned home because my marriage did not work.

With the heart “Yes, I’m happy with my life as a social worker because I love my job,” Dalmin declares heartily.

Social work Dalmin’s work history would reveal that her first job was with ZONTA-Christian Children’s Fund, Inc. as a Day Care Worker, then as Day Care Supervisor and finally, as Community Social Worker.

DSWD is her second employer with her first assignment as Community Social Worker. She became a Center Social Worker at DSWD Home for Girls and Women and DSWD Reception and Study Center for Children before moving up as Community Social Worker at the Regional Office Community-Based Services Unit with a rank of Social Welfare Officer 3.

Noteworthy of the capacity building seminars that helped her become a better worker and a better person include; Therapeutic Interventions for Children Victims of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, Group and Family Therapy, Handling Women and Child Victim/ Survivor of Abuse, Effective Surveillance and Rescue Strategies, Case Management System, Training on Bio-Psychosocial Care & Para-Legal Interventions for Children in Need of Special Protection, Child Sexual Abuse Treatment, Handling Cases of Trafficking in Persons, Grief Counseling, Communication Skills Development, Promoting Leadership & Mitigating the Negative Impacts of HIV & AIDS on Human Development, Camp Coordination and Camp Management, and Enhancing Relationships, Stress Management, and Personality Development.

These are among the many trainings and seminars she attended that made her, broke her, and molded her into the kind of effective and efficient Social Worker that she is today.

“The extensive and pertinent experiences I assimilated over the years are best applied in managing children and women in need of special protection, all those adults in crisis and those experiencing disaster.

The knowledge, attitude and skills provided me wisdom on what to do and how to best do it.”

Dalmin has been doing her work happily for God foremost; and for the lost, the least and the broken too. (DSWD)

12 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 74 â&#x20AC;¢ FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 10 - 11, 2016

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

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US... FROM 6

pants will include among others those from the US, Europe, Netherlands, Belgium, the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and from other Asian countries and the Philippines.

International resource persons were also invited to provide updates and share inputs on the latest trend within the environment of the cacao industry.

Engineer Edwin Banquerigo, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Director for Davao City and the coordinator for the DTI National Cacao Industry Cluster, said the cacao industry in the country must be upgraded to the global chain.

The Asia Pacific cooperation, he said is a good timing because “we need to look at the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nation) on how to link our efforts and move up to the global chain.”

“We have to upgrade the cacao industry,” he said, adding there is now a move to expand production and improve the quality of beans.

He said, “We still need to meet the target of product efficiency by producing 2 kilos of beans per tree per year as against the current production which is still at one kilo of beans per tree per year.”

With this development, Banquerigo said that under the Philippine Cacao Industry Road Map, the clustering approach has been adopted where the public-private partnership is about inclusion,

convergence and collaboration.

While demand is an uptrend, he said supply gap continues to exist due to production constraints. The Philippines is among the countries in Asia seen to have a competitive edge on cacao production given its strategic location, growing condition and taking into account the 2 million hectares of coconut farms which are ideal for coconut-cacao intercropping.

Current Philippine production, Banquerigo said, stands only at 10-12,000 MT from the 20-25,000 hectares planted based on the industry cluster estimates.

The Davao Region has 9,769 hectares (based from the data of the local government units planted to cacao), contributing 80 percent to the national production. The rest of Mindanao contributes 10 percent to the total national production while Luzon and Visayas share the remaining 10 percent.

He said the world demand for cacao has nearly tripled since 1970, growing at an annual rate of 3 percent with China and India growing at 7.9 percent.

Banquerigo said one of the primary drivers of this increase is the growing middle class, increasing discretionary household income in developing countries, new and innovative uses of cacao and the positioning of cacao as health food. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 13

Incoming PNP chief to enforce ‘3-month rule’ on police officials C

HIEF Superintendent Ronald Marapon de la Rosa, incoming chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), will implement a three-month rule on his subordinates to achieve the three to six months anti-crime campaign of the incoming administration.

Dela Rosa said that the three months will serve as the contractual period for regional and provincial police directors to eradicate crime under their area of responsibility if the office in charge who will fail to reduce the crime in their areas will be replaced in their duties. ”Hindi naman lahat, karamihan. halos lahat na nga. siguruhin natin na yung makakadeliver. kasi binigay sa akin is 3 to 6 months lang. so sa akin

D

magiging subordinate commanders, ako six months sila 3 months after 3 months evaluate ko sila kung nakapadeliver sila. kung hindi change crew na naman para silang contractual commanders, contractual directors, para siguruhin na magtrabaho sila,” he explained.

Dela Rosa is determined to accomplish the campaign as he also gave himself a six-month deadline to eliminate crime in the country.

“I would have to change crew if they cannot deliver reduced criminality and drug in three months because I have a timeframe of six months. Otherwise, I would be liable to the president,” the incoming PNP chief noted.

He noted that process must consider in order to at-

tain victory against criminality and illegal drugs under the administration of president-elect Rodrigo Duterte within three to six months.

“We will do everything to diminish our problem with criminality and drugs within three to six months,” he said.

The incoming PNP chief hopes that his colleagues would understand his actions for he is only doing his job.

“We need a commander who is really hands on to the job,” he described that the ideal commander is someone who doesn’t sleep, someone who answers to his call even in the middle of the night. A commander who will report to his office immediately, a commander who will be on top of the situation because they

know that they can be relieved of their duty if they fail,” he explained.

He guaranteed to work well if given 100,000 police officers who are true to their jobs better than a million corrupt police officials that would only add up to the problem.

He noted senior officers of the PNP will have to vacate their seats once they have seen unfit to the job.

“If they are already in their posts and then we see that they perform poorly, we will have them removed,” Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa assured that the reshuffle is possible for the officials have taken an oath stating that they are willing to be assigned anywhere in the country to begin with. (PNA)

2 and Victoria Feeder 1.

To avoid longer duration of power interruptions, load from the affected feeders will be transferred to nearby lines on June 11, Saturday, from 11:00 p.m. to 11:15 p.m..

Normalization or return to normal set-up will be on June 12, Sunday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:15 a.m..

Specifically affected by these service disruptions are customers along diversion road from crossing Langub going to Village 10 Maa up to diversion road Buhangin underpass. Customers along Bacaca road, from crossing diversion up to HB1 Bacaca will also be affected by these power interruptions.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience of these scheduled power interruptions. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

15-minute power interruptions on June 11 and 12 along Diversion road, Maa and Bacaca

AVAO Light and Power Co. will implement two 15-minute power interruptions on June 11 and 12 affecting customers in some areas along diversion road, Maa and Bacaca.

These service disruptions are necessary to facilitate the line upgrading works along Maa affecting Ecoland Feeder

14 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 74 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 10 - 11, 2016

Aeon Towers sales picking up

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

S

njb@edgedavao.net

ALES of one of Davao’s most exciting real estate projects have perked up with the interest of the market shifting to this southern city.

The sales trend came with the recent election of City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as the next President of the country.

“There is just a lot of interest in Davao City

now,” said Gen Marchan, marketing director of Aeon Towers.

Aeon Towers is the initial venture into real estate development by the FTC Group of Companies, a Davao-born firm with interesting mix of business ventures.

FTC Group of Companies president and CEO said the project is well into its scheduled top-

ping off late this year as construction has moved up towards the eleventh level of the skyscraper.

Cruz said a few units are left for sale for the first tower.

Cruz said the Aeon Towers will have residential units of varying sizes and features in several floors, a luxury hotel, fitness gym, jogging lane, shops, BPO offices,

skydeck pool, and offices.

Future residents of Aeon Towers will have the bragging rights to the best views available in the skyline of Davao City.

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 sea-

scapes.

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 moving

to the eleventh floor.

Cruz said the construction is well on track of the schedule. The target turnover of the project is set on December this year barring any hitches.

“We are right on our target with the desired schedule but we remain cautious and patient that every detail is being attended to,” Cruz said.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 74 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 10 - 11, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS15

Gilas survives Iran test 81-70 T

HE Philippine national men’s basketball team survived a tough test from Iran, showing composure down the stretch after blowing a huge lead to come away with an 81-70 victory in their FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament tuneup game on Wednesday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Naturalized player Andray Blatche carried Gilas Pilipinas by top-scoring with 20 points and 11 rebounds while also delivering big-time plays in the end-game at the time when Iran had erased a 23-point deficit.

Ryan Reyes had an impressive outing for the national team, scoring 12 points on four-of-five shooting. Terrence Romeo and Japeth Aguilar added 12 apiece, while Ray Parks was solid with 11 points and five assists.

The Filipinos pulled away in the first quarter thanks to Aguilar’s hot shooting. Com-

ing off the bench, the Ginebra big man scored 10 points in the first quarter alone to lead an 18-3 burst that turned a 12-11 deficit into a 29-15 cushion.

Gilas Pilipinas expanded the lead to as much as 20 points, 43-23, until Iran found its outside touch. The visitors buried three straight triples to ignite an 11-0 run which trimmed the gap to as low as nine, 43-34.

Gilas Pilipinas came away with a 48-38 halftime lead.

As Iran scored the first basket of the third frame, Gilas Pilipinas quickly regained control of the game. Blatche fired five straight points, while Reyes nailed back-toback triples to push their lead to 19, 59-40.

Another Reyes three-pointer reinstated Gilas’ lead to 20, 64-44, with 5:11 left in the third quarter.

As Gilas Pilipinas grabbed its biggest lead at 23, 67-44,

Iran had a mini-surge late in the third quarter.

The former Asian champions unleashed a zone defense which shackled Gilas Pilipinas’ offense. The visitors scored six straight points to end the third quarter, with the Filipinos still on top, 6750.

But Iran, despite not playing with stars Hamed Haddadi, Mehdi Kamrany and Nikkhah Bahrami, continued its solid showing in the fourth quarter. A 20-5 bomb was detonated by the Iranians who pulled within just two, 72-70, with still 2:59 left.

But Gilas Pilipinas came up with big shots down the stretch. LA Tenorio sank a tough floater, then Blatche completed a crucial and-one to push their lead to seven, 77-70, with 2:10 left.

A block by Blatche, free throws by Parks, and a layup

by Romeo sealed the win for the Filipinos.

during this incredibly difficult time.”

Rooks, 46, had traveled to New York and back on the train Tuesday, meeting with Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek, general manager Steve Mills and president Phil Jackson about becoming an assistant coach. Rooks and Knicks officials had departed the meeting enthusiastic that Rooks might join Hornacek’s staff and that an agreement could be reached soon, league sources said.

Rooks had gone to dinner in Philadelphia after returning from his trip to New York. He had been preparing to leave Wednesday for an NBA-sponsored trip to China.

Rooks also had an offer to become head coach of the

Charlotte Hornets’ new NBA Development League affiliate.

Rooks had a 12-year NBA career, including stops with the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, New Orleans and Orlando Magic. After an honorable mention All-America career at the University of Arizona, Rooks was the 30th overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft.

As a coach, Rooks had been diligent in starting at the bottom of the pro basketball profession and working his way up. He spent five years in the D-League, including stops in Sioux Falls and Bakersfield, before landing a player-development job with the 76ers in 2014.

Rooks dies after Knicks interview

H

OURS after interviewing for an assistant-coaching job with the New York Knicks on Tuesday, former NBA center Sean Rooks collapsed and died in a Philadelphia restaurant.

Rooks, considered a warm and engaging gentleman within the basketball community, had been a player-development coach for the past two years with the Philadelphia 76ers.

“It is with deep sadness and overwhelming grief that we mourn the sudden loss of my son, Sean,” his mother, Deborah Brown, said in a statement released by the 76ers on Tuesday night. “Our family asks that our privacy be respected as we grieve

Sharapova to appeal two-year suspension over doping use F

Maria Sharapova

ORMER tennis world No. 1 Maria Sharapova said Wednesday that she would appeal a two-year suspension announced by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for violation of anti-doping rules.

Earlier in the day, the ITF said on its website that an independent tribunal has found that Sharapova committed an anti-doping rule violation and as a consequence has disqualified the affected results and imposed a period of ineligibility of two years, starting from Jan. 26.

Noting that the suspension was “unfairly harsh”, the 29-year-old Russian tennis star denied on her Facebook page any intentional attempt to use performance enhancing substance, and vowed to “immediately appeal the suspension portion of this ruling” to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In March, the five-time grand slam champion was informed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that she

Ryan Reyes

Reyes has good chances of making Gilas 12

R

YAN Reyes has been trying to crack the national squad as early as 2009, but injury setbacks have prevented him from making the last cut.

But this year could be the moment Reyes has been waiting for. The hardworking Tropang TNT guard put up a stellar performance in their Gilas Pilipinas’ tuneup win over Iran, finishing with 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc.

“I hope it would be a different story this time,” Reyes said.

“All those times, I was just trying to continue to work hard. But then, unfortunately, I got hurt. But whether I make the team or not, I’m just here to support the team, whatever I can give for the benefit of the team.”

Reyes’ good shooting night came at a time when Gilas Pili-

failed a drug test at the Australian Open in January.

Sharapova was found positive to a substance called Meldonium, also known as mildronate and used to treat various heart diseases. The substance has been banned by

pinas missed the services of its two notable gunners included in the pool, Marcio Lassiter and Jeff Chan.

Both Chan and Lassiter have been in sickbay, and that could open the door for Reyes to finally play for the national team.

“I had a good showing today becoming comfortable with my shots. We have a lot of things to improve on, still.

That’s what the whole training which is gonna happen in the next couple of weeks,” Reyes told InterAksyon.com.

Highly praised for his relentless defense, the many-time PBA All-Defensive Team member showed his flawless outside shooting against Iran. His two-way skills would be a huge asset for Gilas Pilipinas which will face elite competition in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July.

the WADA from Jan. 1 this year.

Following the announcement, a bunch of international renowned brands, including German super car brand Porsche, Sportswear company Nike and Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, have decided to

“I just felt good today, I kept shooting. These guys were giving me the ball. But you know, I’m gonna continue to play the defense that I play. A lot of adjustments to be made. These guys are a lot quicker, bigger,” Reyes said.

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin showered praises to Reyes after his nice showing.

“Ryan is just a guy who is really liked a lot. I think that he understands my confidence in him, so he plays really comfortable with me. That was no mistake, that was no fluke that he started,” Baldwin said.

“I think he’s one of the best players that you can have out on the floor in any situation, because he’s intelligent, he’s defensively tough, he’s physically very tough and when he’s hitting shots, you have the best of all worlds with him.

Tonight, I thought he played really well.”

suspend their sponsorship deals with Sharapova.

The Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) has said it would give all the necessary support for Sharapova in her appeal against the punishment.

(PNA/Xinhua)

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 74 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 10 - 11, 2016

Gilas names 14-man lineup T

HE PHILIPPINE national basketball squad is down to the final 14

men.

Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio announced on Thursday the fi-

nal 14-man lineup that will fly to Europe for training camp and pocket tournaments through the month of June.

Making it to the 14-man pool are Jayson Castro, Ranidel De Ocampo, Troy Ro-

sario, Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan, June Mar Fajardo, Marc Pingris, Calvin Abueva, Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio, Ray Parks, Terrence Romeo, Ryan Reyes, and Andray Blatche.

Only Marcio Lassiter did

not make the cut. The San Miguel Beer marksman practiced sparingly since the PBA Commissioner’s Cup wrapped up owing to a leg injury, which was followed by bronchitis, leaving him weak.

BATTLE-READY. Coach Tab Baldwin, Andray Blatche, Gabe Norwood, Manny Pangilinan, Marc Pingris, Ryan Reyes and June Mar Fajardo

Lassiter showed up to practice in street clothes on Sunday, June 5, when the coaching staff sent him home with instructions for a specific diet to regain his strength, according to coach Tab Baldwin.

But Lassiter was also not at the Iran tune-up game Wednesday, June 8, nor at the joint training session the day prior.

Meanwhile, gunner Chan is on his way back from a groin injury. Speaking to a couple of reporters after the Iran game, Chan said he will need two to 3 more days as he is now already able to do shooting drills.

Baldwin and the Gilas coaching staff met and discussed over dinner after Wednesday’s tune-up game to finalize the 14-man lineup, saying the players’ performance made the decision even tougher.

In particular, Reyes, who has been flying under the radar but is a quiet worker for Gilas since November, made one last strong case for himself in the tune-up with an impressive performance on both offense and defense. He scored 12 points, missing only one of his 5 attempts from long range, and was also +12 in his over 14 minutes on the court.

Gilas cadet Parks, who returned home last month after a season in the NBA D-League playing for the Texas Legends, was likewise impressive with

11 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal, and a plus/minus of +11 in over 20 minutes.

Aguilar is back in the Gilas fold as well after missing last year’s FIBA Asia tourney.

In the tune-up, he was perfect from the field (5-of-5) for his 12 points as he went to his mid-range game.

Gilas mainstay Norwood proved very effective despite not scoring a point against Iran with a +22 plus/minus that Baldwin made sure to acknowledge.

Romeo, who continues his national team stint after exploding on the international scene last year, added 11 points. Naturalized big man Blatche topscored with 20 points on top of 11 rebounds and 4 steals.

Tenorio and Fajardo are likewise back with Gilas after their absence last year.

There is much anticipation and promise surrounding the combination of Fajardo, a twotime PBA MVP, and Blatche on the floor – a tandem that was first glimpsed in the training session with Iran.

Only 12 players will ultimately play in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament slated here from July 5 to 10, where Gilas hopes to nab a ticket to the Rio Olympics in August. The two other players will become reserves.

The Philippine team departs for Greece on Friday, June 10.