Edge Davao 9 Issue 82

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

MOA SIGNING. Incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte shakes the hand of Mega Harbour Port Development Corp. president Victor S. Songco after both signed the memorandum of agreement for the Davao Coastline and Port Development project during the MOA signing ceremony at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier in Davao City last night. Lean Daval Jr.

TRUCE MULLED GPH, NDF agree on unilateral ceasefire after formal peace talks resume

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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OTH the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) have agreed to declare a unilateral ceasefire once the formal peace talks to end the long-drawn communist insurgency resumes in Oslo, Norway in the third week of July.

Incoming labor secretary Silvestre CEASIREE MULLED. Incoming labor secretary Silvestre H. Bello III gives updates on “Bebot” Bello recently-concluded informal talks with Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s III said the decArmy-National Democratic Front headed by Jose Ma. Sison in Oslo, Norway during a news laration of the conference in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

unilateral ceasefire was one of the important issues taken up and agreed upon by both parties during the recent preliminary peace negotiations between the team of the incoming Duterte administration and the NDF also in Oslo, Norway.

The truce, he said, could even come before President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“For the first time they agreed to talk about it. They agreed that after the formal resumption of the peace talks both parties will declare a unilateral ceasefire,” said Bello, who joined the government

negotiating team during the informal talks.

The government panel to the informal Oslo talks was led by incoming presidential adviser on the peace process Atty.

Jesus G. Dureza while the NDF was spearheaded by its political consultant and founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Jose Maria Sison.

Bello said that to ensure that the nationwide ceasefire is implemented immediately after the peace talks resume, a monitoring committee will be created. The committee will be composed of the joint members of the government and the NDF.

A regional committee will also be formed to ensure that the ceasefire is well-implemented.

“As a result of the discussion with regards to the ceasefire, there will be a ceasefire monitoring committee” Bello said during a press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel Tuesday morning.

In 1986, a 60-day ceasefire was also implemented under then President Corazon Aquino when she opened the peace process with the communist rebels. However, the truce was not extended.

Meanwhile, both panels

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

SKILLS ENHACEMENT. A firefighter from Davao City’s Central 911 undergoes a refresher training in advance firefighting in Sta. Ana wharf. The firefighting unit of Central 911 underwent a one week refresher training to enhance their capability and skills. Lean Daval Jr.

Fisherfolk, conservation groups urge Rody to end illegal fishing

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WEEK before President-elect Rodrigo Duterte assumes office, leaders of fisherfolk and marine conservation groups bared their recommendations toward improving the lot of fishing communities and the health of the country’s marine ecosystems by putting an end to crimes happening at sea and in coastal communities.

In a presentation to media on Tuesday, the groups also called for the creation of a separate Department of Oceans and Fisheries to be able to better plan, monitor and implement reforms and contribute towards food security.

“We are here to request for a dialogue and to remind incoming President Duterte of his campaign promise to address fishers’ and marine issues, and to end very high poverty incidence among people directly relying on seas for food and for a living. His ad-

ministration will play a critical role in the country’s transition to sustainable fishing. We expect nothing less than strong, resolute implementation of the amended fisheries law against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF). Doing less is a disservice to millions of Filipinos who have been clamoring for change,” said Vince Cinches, Oceans Campaigner of Greenpeace Philippines.

According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2014, the poverty incidence among fisherfolk reached 39.2% in 2012, the highest among the basic sectors of society, followed by farmers at 38.3%, and children at 35.2%.

“Coherent and holistic programs should especially be quickly put in place that recognize our vulnerability to climate change. We need focused and sustained efforts in combatting crimes against the

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Biz leaders present proposals for Duterte’s economic agenda

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

APTAINS of industry and business leaders recommended to incoming President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte a comprehensive tax reform package as their topmost concern during the Sulong Pilipinas, a two-day consultative workshop with business sector which ended at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. President George T. Barcelo said the tax reform package, including the reduction of corporate and personal income taxes as well as lower capital gains tax rates, are patterned after the taxation systems of Singpore and Hong Kong.

Barcelon said the foremost

suggestion is to increase excise taxes by expanding the definition of luxury goods to compensate for the deficit resulting from reduced tax rates.

Apart from tax reform, Philippine business leader also identified nine other broad reforms that the next government should pursue to create a healthy climate for businesses to grow that could lead to creation of jobs in the rural areas.

The 450 participants also agreed there is a pressing need for such an ID system that will allow government agencies to provide more targeted social services and prevent double-counting or leakage.

“The system is expected to improve access health, education, food, shelter, and condi-

tional cash transfer programs, aside from enhancing peace and order,” Barcelon said.

The past administrations, he added, attempted to institute a nationwide identification system but lacked the political will.

The business sector also suggested for the improvement on the aspect of doing business by automating and streamlining of processes at the local and national levels to reduce processing time for permits and bottlenecks in land titling.

Other suggestions to cut red tape were: expansion of the “single window” concept, extension of validity for various licenses, and use of “negative confirmation” for govern-

ment approvals.

Barcelon said the consultation resulted for the recommendation on the improvement of internet and telecom services through the amendment of the existing telecommunication law or Republic Act 7925.

He said it should be prioritized, along with the passage of a law to regulate wireless/ mobile internet services to make us competitive with our ASEAN neighbors.

“To ensure enhanced connectivity, workshop participants recommended the creation of internet cooperatives in far-flung areas similar to existing electric coops,” he said.

Delegates also proposed

knows a lot of our justice system.”

President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte even vowed not to intrude into the decisions that the senate will make, according to Pimentel.

Pimemtel also assured Duterte that the assignment for the committee chairmanships will be a result of an agreement of principles that they are forming to support his legislative agenda.

He said that the commit-

tees will be headed by the person who are experts of the matter or a person who made the subject matter their campaign advocacy.

Pimentel made mention of some of the legislative agenda of Duterte that they will support like federalism, all out search for peace in the country, all-out war against drugs, criminality and corruption, income tax reform, sustainable and development growth, among others.

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Fil-Chinese community wants Koko welcomes De Lima plan to improve justice sytem ‘emergency powers’for Duterte

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE Federation of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCII) supports the emergency powers being asked by incoming President Rodrigo Duterte.

The influential business group, however, said in its letters to incoming House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez that the emergency powers should cover not only traffic problem but the crime, corruption and

illegal drugs.

“By granting our president-elect emergency powers, he would be able to address the above issues, instill discipline among our people, and set the policies needed to protect and promote the interest of our citizens,” said Angel Ngu, FFCCII president, in a letter dated May 27, 2016 to Alvarez.

Duterte won by a landslide during the May 9 presidential

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ncoming Senate president Aquillino “Koko” Pimentel welcomed the idea of incoming senator Leila de Lima in “reforming the inefficient criminal justice system of the country.”

Pimentel said he does not see De Lima as a hindrance to the Duterte administration, especially if she will join their advocacy in improving the justice system of the Philippines.

“Why would a former jus-

tice secretary be a hindrance if she will also endeavor to improve the justice system,” Pimentel said of De Lima, who is among the new faces in the Senate.

“We have an inefficient criminal justice system today.

If we put our efforts to reform the justice system and make it more efficient no one will complain,” he added.

The senator from Mindanao said he will welcome the ideas of De Lima “who

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

Lopez offered DENR post

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RESIDENT-ELECT Rodrigo Duterte has offered anti-mining advocate Gina Lopez, also chair of the ABS-CBN Foundation, the post of Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The offer was made during Lopez’ courtesy call on Duterte at the Presidential Guest House (also referred to as “Malacanang of the South”) in Panacan, Monday afternoon, a press release from the City Information Office said.

“Ms. Lopez came with Norie Garcia, Will Harper, Pat Varias and Jun Baclay and began their meeting with the President-elect at 5:23 pm. At 6:15 pm, President-elect Duterte announced his offer to Ms. Lopez,” the press release said.

Lopez has yet to decide on the offer.

Lopez has gone around the country campaigning against mining, particularly in Palawan and other eco-tourism sites, advocating the need to protect the country’s rich biodiversity.

In January 2013, she rallied residents in the seven towns of Surigao del Sur to oppose mining in eco-tourism sites. She also urged them to join her in generating 10 million votes for the Save Palawan Movement.

At the International Conference of Mining in Mindanao held at the Ateneo de Davao University in January 2012, Lopez asked if it is possible to have “responsible mining if government has problem with governance.”

“The fact is, people are suffering and government has not demonstrated the ability to protect our people.

Should we go on in this enterprise when we can’t even assure the well being of our

people?” she asked.

The DENR post was among four departments that Duterte offered on May 16 to the Communist Party of the Philippines “if they decide to join my government” but later withdrew the offer, saying there are serious problems particularly on mining that would require the active role of the military.

On June 4 at his victory party, Duterte warned largescale mining firms that are destroying Mindanao that they have no place under his administration. He vowed to give priority and assistance to poor Mindanawon miners who will band into a cooperative.

“The mining people must shape up,” said Duterte as he cited the destruction wrought by big mining firms, especially in Surigao.

“You have to stop,” he said.

Addressing thousands of residents and out-oftown visitors who attended the “One Love. One Nation” thanksgiving party at the Crocodile Park on June 4, Duterte said of these big mining firms, many of them Manila-based but operating in Mindanao: “They’re spoiling the land. They’re destroying Mindanao.”

Ambassadors Also on Monday, Duterte received diplomats from Spain, Pakistan and the European Union (EU) , the press release said.

Ambassador Luis Calvo and Hon. Consul Francisco Lon from Spain were the first to be received by the President-elect at 3:30 p.m., followed by Ambassador Safdar Hayat and Taimur Zulfiqar from Pakistan at 4:30 p.m. and Franz Jessen and Public Relations Officer Thelma Gecolea from EU at 4:47 p.m. (MindaNews)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (right) received from Alcantara Group chairperson Tomas Alcantara (left) last Tuesday, June 21 documents that formally turned over to the city

government the 2,000 sq. m. integrated safety and rescue facility situated in Northtown, Cabantian, Davao City. (Alexander D. Lopez)

Alsons turns over integrated public safety center to Davao

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

EAL estate developer Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) of the Alcantara Group on Tuesday turned over to the local government unit (LGU) of Davao City a 2,000 sq. m. integrated safety and rescue facility, considered first in the country where a police station, fire station and rescue Central 911 is situated in one compound and address.

The turn-over ceremony was led by incoming Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Alcantara Group chairperson Tomas Alcantara and witnessed by other top local officials, the Philippine National Police and officers of Alsons Dev. Among those who graced the occasion were 1st District representative Karlo Nograles,

city administrator Melchor Quitain, PNP-PRO 11 director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan and members of the city council.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Alsons Development and Investment Corporation for your generous contribution to improve the community of Indangan and its surrounding areas,” Mayor Sara said in her message.

The mayor described Alson Dev’s project as a “legacy that will greatly benefit the community and help save lives.”

The facility features a two-storey Central 911 station equipped with infirmary and standby ambulance; a one-storey police station with two detention cells; and a two-storey fire station with two standby fire trucks.

“Today we help bring emergency, fire and police services to all the people of Buhangin,” Alcantara pointed out in his message, as he emphasized that prior to the completion of the facility, the closest 911 station was around 10 kilometers in distance and the fire station about 5 kilometers away.

Alcantara said the facility will enable faster response to emergency situations in Buhangin, one of the most populous districts in the city.

The concept of setting-up the public safety and emergency response facility in the area was discussed by Alsons Dev with Mayor Sara way back in 2012.

“We initially thought of donating a portion of our 160-hectare property in Cabantian but later offered to

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Incoming PNP chief to resign if he fails to reduce criminality

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FAREWELL. Outgoing Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. bids goodbye while paying a courtesy call to the City Council during yesterday’s regular session. Danao served two years and eight months as DCPO head. Lean Daval Jr.

donate and build the structures ourselves here in Buhangin,” he added.

The groundbreaking ceremony of the facility was facilitated in July of 2015 led by president-elect Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

In a separate statement given to the media, Alsons Dev executive vice-president Rosie Dominguez said that the public safety complex is the company’s modest way of giving back to Davaoenos who have been their customers, clients and partners for over 50 years.

“We are proud to partner with the City Government in continuing to make Davao one of the safest and most livable places in the world,” Dominguez stressed.

In the same statement, Alsons Dev emphasized that

NCOMING Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Supt. Ronald Dela Rosa will resign after six months if he fails to reduce criminality and drugs in the country.

Dela Rosa would personally ask President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to sack and replace him if he fails to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs within the three-to-six months target.

“I will step down if you see me as a failure. If I will not deliver a good result in six months. I will surrender and I will tell him (Duterte): ‘I cannot do it, please release me, let me go’,” Dela Rosa said in an interview at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Dela Rosa aims to accomplish the anti-criminality and

drugs campaign within the three to six months timeframe and he will make every effort to attain.

The center piece of the Duterte administration is peace and order and the plan to reduce criminality and corruption within the said time frame Dela Rosa is set to focus on eliminating drugs while reducing other forms of crime as well.

“We need to get rid of those first then at the same time, we need to eliminate all other forms of crime,” he said.

While admitting that he is indeed a junior compared to the other qualified senior police officers, dela Rosa said what he could offer is his sin-

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EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

PRC-Davao to reach out T to GenSan, Kidapawan T

HE Davao City-based Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) will conduct mobile extension services here and in Gen. Santos City, officials said today.

Lawyer Mae Suzanne Puentespina-Ciudadano, PRCDavao executive officer, said in a statement released here that the extension program will have the following services: processing of examination applications, renewal of Professional Identification Cards

(PIC), initial registration and processing of requests for certification and authentication of PRC issued documents.

Extension services in Gen. Santos City are scheduled on June 24 to June 30 at the Robinson’s Place. The Kidapawan City schedule will be on July 2 to July 6 at the Kidapawan City Integrated Transport Terminal building.

Puentespina-Ciudadano has urged interested individuals to visit the PRC website

BROTHERS ALL. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte listens as Datu Abul Khayr Alonto (right) of Lanao del Sur, chair of a faction the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) expounds on an issue during a “private meeting” late Friday night at Jacky’s Restocafé in Hotel Elena, Lanang, Davao City.

at www.prc.gov.ph for more details.

Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista has earlier requested the PRC and other government offices based only in Davao City to establish extension offices in the city.

Evangelista said the PRC, in doing extension services in the city, is helping professionals save money spend in coming to Davao City, bearing the traffic and pay board and lodging, to process PRC docu-

DA-BFAR nears completion of National Fisheries Complex

ments.

Evangelista has requested the PRC to hold extension services and other outreach programs in Kidapawan at least once every two months to serve professionals from North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Cotabato City, Kidapawan City, Tacurong Ctiy and even part of South Cotabato.

Evangelista said this is the kind of government ordinary people wanted to see. (PNA)

To the left of Duterte are Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, 1st vice chair Ghazali Jaafar and Sammy Al Mansour, chief of staff of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces. Photo by KIWI BULACLAC / Davao City Mayor’s Office

Panabo City celebrates Kalayaan 2016 P

ANABO CITY, Davao del Norte celebrated the Kalayaan 2016, 118th commemoration of Independence day on June 12, 7:00 A.M. at the Park and Plaza fronting Museo Panabo, Barangay New Pandan, this city with a Theme: “Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong”.

The incumbent and newly elected City Mayor Engr. James G. Gamao led the simple but very meaningful celebration which lasted for one (1) hour and forty five (45) minutes more or less. It started with ecumenical prayer from muslim representative Imam Rey Macla and Pastor Oliver Paraiso of the UCCP Church and member of the Muslim Christian Solidarity for Peace Incorporated.

Among the program’s highlights were: Evolution of Philippine Flag, Giant Flag Raising, Wreath Offering, 21 Gun Salute, Messages, Tribute to Veterans and Releasing of Doves.

“May hihigit pa bang kasayahan ang namnamin ang kasarinlan na tinatamasa sa ating pagdalo ngayon?” stressed by Vice Mayor Janrey Gavina in his opening remarks.

“Huwag natin baliwalain ang sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani, silay nagbuhis ng buhay sa kalayaan at kaunlaran na ating nakamtan at tinatamasa ngayon”, stressed by Mayor Gamao.” Sana’y patuloy nating alagaan at mahalin ang kalayaan tungo sa minimithing kaunlaran”, Mayor Gamao further added.

It is good and fitting that we are here commemorating 118th Independence day celebration stressed by Armando Navales, representative of Congressman Antonio F. Lagdameo, Jr. yet I noticed that coming from Davao to Panabo, of the 200 vehicles I observed, only one displayed a Philippine flag. This is clear manifestation that our nationalism and Patriotism diminished nowadays. I challenge those in the government, specially the academe to have a subject that pertains to love of country, Mr. Navales further added.

Veterans District Commander Estanislao Lopez was grateful to be part of kalayaan 2016 celebration. He further thanked the government for

giving their benefits such as increasing their pensions, healthcare, etc.

Photo off was lengthily made to recognize each group who were present. Also present were Panabo City Comelec Officer Atty. John Paul Cubero, DepEd Division Superintendent Christy Epe, CESE, DILG Officer Danilo Hernandez, Knights of Columbus President Radie Navarro, Hon. Wahid Ranain, Hon. Renante Bangoy, Hon. Emmanuel Pamisaran, Hon. Janet Tanong-Maboloc, Departments Heads and employees led by Atty. Jamail Lunar Macla.

After the celebration, everyone was invited to the Guhit Kamay Art Exhibit 2016 at the Museo Panabo. CIO Panabo

clared the class suspensions to ensure the safety of the students or learners.

Citing their assessment, she said the almost non-stop rains in parts of the province since Monday afternoon has already caused flooding and rendered some areas at risk to landslides.

She said the Municipal DRRMO of Sto. Nino town reported that a portion of the Allah River, the province’s

main tributary, in the area has swelled, threatening nearby communities to heavy flooding.

The situation prompted the municipal government to suspend the classes in primary, elementary and high school levels, she said.

“We’re continually monitoring the situation there but we have not received any report about flashfloods so far,” Bacalso said.

In Banga and Surallah towns, the MDRRMOs reported that some roads have been flooded and turned muddy due to the rains.

The class suspensions affected the primary and elementary levels in Surallah and primary, elementary and high school levels in Banga.

Aside from the three municipalities, Bacalso said they are also monitoring the situation in parts of Lake Sebu and

Rains force class suspension in 3 South Cotabato towns

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LASSES in primary, elementary and high schools in three municipalities in South Cotabato province were suspended early Tuesday due to the continuing heavy rains.

Dads Bacalso, operation chief of the South Cotabato Provincial Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said the local governments of Sto. Nino, Banga and Surallah de-

HE Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) signaled the final phase of the construction of the main and annex buildings of the National Fisheries Complex with a topping out ceremony held on Monday in Quezon City for the future headquarters of BFAR. “Topping out” is a builder’s tradition when the last beam is placed on top of the structure.

The two structures, whose construction began in June 2015, sit on a 10,751-square meter lot inside the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) compound along Visayas Ave. in Barangay Vasra, Quezon City.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries and BFAR National Director Asis Perez said the construction of the new headquarters is a testimony of the agency’s enduring commitment to further enhance BFAR’s services to the fisheries sector.

“Once completed, the new structures and facilities would bring about further improvement to our front line services not only for our fisheries stakeholders but also to the general public as well,” he said.

“We target the completion of the Main and Annex buildings before December this year and expect the Fisheries Complex to be fully operational by 2017,” Perez said.

The main building will house both BFAR and the Phil-

ippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) while the annex building will be occupied by the general services unit, dormitories and other agency offices.

Besides the main and annex buildings, two other structures are being constructed inside the complex site.

In April this year, BFAR held a groundbreaking ceremony for two five-storey structures for the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute’s (NFRDI) research facilities and laboratories.

These include facilities for Oceanography and Fish Biology studies; Seafood Safety and Quality; and Fish and Fish Product Development and Processing, among others.

A library and knowledge management center will also be put up as a repository of fisheries researches and scientific information.

The buildings were all designed by Palafox Associates, an internationally-acclaimed Filipino firm known for innovative and sustainable architecture.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture official said that BFAR personnel are very proud and happy with the construction of the complex.

“After 69 years, BFAR will finally have a home of its own.

The entire BFAR family is both pleased and excited to see that their home is nearing completion,” Perez said. (PNA)

OLICE authorities are probing several angles into the grenade explosion in Maasim in Sarangani on Monday night that injured eight people including six police officers and two civilians.

Supt. Romeo Galgo, Police Regional Office-12 public information officer, said Tuesday the explosion occurred at around 8:35 p.m. near the town’s health center, which is situated within the municipal government complex.

He said the injured police officers were then securing the area for an activity in line with the ongoing celebration of the town’s Kestebeng Festival.

Citing a report from the Maasim police station, he said an unidentified person aboard a motorcycle hurled an object at the waiting shed infront of the health center prior to the explosion.

“It turned out to be a grenade and it exploded near the spot where the victims were

situated,” he told PNA. The victims were identified Insp. Danilo Abataya, the deputy police station chief of Maasim; Police Officers (PO) 1 Almasir Tingkasan, Romel Badua, Rowell Sobretodo and Sukran Donisa Sugod; and, PO2 Mark Victor Naya.

The injured civilians were nurse Jetphunie Navales and tricycle driver Leonardo dela Peña.

Galgo said the victims sustained various injuries and are currently recuperating in a hospital here.

As to the possible motive, he said investigators are looking at a number of angles, including an attempt to disrupt the town’s festivities.

He said Chief Supt. Cedrick Train, Region 12 police director, visited Maasim on Tuesday morning to personally look into the incident.

“We are considering all possible angles at this time,” he added. (PNA)

8 hurt in Sarangani grenade blast

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Tupi towns.

She said the Lake Sebu MDRRMO is currently verifying the reported landslides in Barangay Halilan and floods in Barangays Upper and Lower Maculan.

“We’re currently on alert based on an order issued by the governor (Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes) and we deployed some of our field personnel in identified critical areas to coordinate the monitoring and possible interventions later on,” she said.

In Tupi town, Bacalso said they are closely watching several rivers in the area due to the possible occurrence of flashfloods.

Last week, at least 20 families in Barangays Cebuano and Linan were displaced due to flashfloods along a critical river traversing the area.

She said they already recommended to the Tupi MDRRMO the immediate relocation of the affected residents as most of them were situated along the riverbanks. (PNA)

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

Econ managers vow to bring social peace T

HE economic managers of the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte vowed to transform the national economy that will bring not only social peace but also communities that will nurture the Filipino people in the next six years.

Incoming Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said this can be pursued through accomplishing the 10-point socio-economic program of the Duterte administration that were presented to the business sector during the first day of the two-day Economic Forum dubbed: “Sulong Pilipinas” at the SMX Convention Center on Monday.

To push the 10-point agenda, which emphasizes the need to maintain accelerated economic growth broadly shared by the Filipino people, Dominguez said the new administration will move away from the chronic underspending seen the past few years.

This means investing on infrastructure from modernizing ports to improving logistical spine to ensuring reliable and cheap power for all the islands, and investing more heavily in building up the nation’s human capital that include more

extensive budgetary outlays for education and public health.

Dominguez pointed to investing projects in rural areas seeing to it that regions outside of the mega Manila will be given a fair treatment in fulfilling big ticket and small and medium projects. He said the new administration will jump-start building infrastructure outside of mega Manila to push rural development agenda.

the countryside by modernizing agriculture and encouraging agribusinesses to generate higher value added products.

“Farming should no longer be the poverty trap it has been for generations,” he said.

Tax systems Speaking before an estimated 300 participants from business sector nationwide, Dominguez said also laid down what to expect under the new administration such as a review of the tax system by initially updating the income tax brackets and eventually to lowering

Under the current situation, Dominguez bared that 80 percent of projects lodged with the Public Private Partnership Center are located in and around Metro Manila.

He said there needs to be pro-active action from the local government units to push projects.

“We have to encourage the local governments to invest. There must be a paradigm shift,” he said.

Dominguez said they also need to generate more Carlos Dominguez job opportunities in

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

Review of port project eyed

By CHENEEN R. CAPON and FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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NCOMING transportation and communication secretary Arthur Tugade will look into the stalled auction of the P18.9-billion modernization of Davao Sasa Port amid controversies of overpricing, creation of competition with the private sector, and possible freight cost increase.

“We will start the review the proposal once I assume the office,” Tugade told reporters at the sideline of the two-day consultatuve workshop with the business sector at the SMX

Convention Center in Lanang.

Tugade, former president and CEO of Clark Development Corporation, said he will include all the reasons behind the opposition of different sectors in Davao and plans to come up with a decision in a year.

“If the Sasa port is good for Davao and Mindanao, if it is transparent, if it is headed towards development, will make it true in a period of one year,” he said.

Tugade said the project,

Approval period for PPP projects to be cut down

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NCOMING finance secretary Carlos G. Dominguez is eyeing to cut down the approval period for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects from 29 months to just 18 months in a bid to entice more projects outside Metro Manila.

“We will not follow last administration’s strategy,” Dominguez said in a press conference during the two-day consultative workshop with the business community at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang.

Dominguez said the economic team had pledged to address bottlenecks in processing of PPP projects to attain inclusive growth.

The current government under the Aquino administration, he said, has focused so much to development of areas surrounding the national capital region, setting aside the huge potential in the countryside.

“Majority or 80 percent of the proposed projects are located around Metro Manila,” Dominguez said.

The PPP Center has a total of 58 projects on the pipeline, with 12 of which are already awarded. Five of the projects were shelved by respective concerned agencies.

The fate of the five shelved projects like the P374.5-billion Makati-Pasay-Taguig Mass Transit System Loop (MTSL), P5.69-billion modernization of the Philippine Orthopedic

Center and five regional airports, the P123-billion Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike, and the P50.18-billion contract to build and maintain a new prison in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija will now depend on incoming President Rodrigo R. Duerte.

“If you keep investing in those areas that will just contribute to further congestion,” Dominguez said.

Recognizing the contribution of PPP projects in creation of employment, Dominguez said placing all projects in Metro Manila limits opportunity of employment in the rural area.

For his part, incoming socio-economic planning secretary and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Ernesto Pernia said the performance of the Aquino administration is “not too good and really encouraging.”

“Little has achieved during the last six years in terms of rolling out PPP projects,” Pernia said.

“There’s a lot of effort needed to boost particular PPPs,” he added.

The Duterte administration has vowed to continue PPP as a key to maintain accelerated economic growth while ensuring that gains are broadly shared by the Filipino people.

The economic team said the next administration also intends to increase to 5 percent infrastructure spending on its first year. CHENEEN R. CAPON

Incoming Duterte admin hikes economic agenda to 10 items

S

USTAINED economic growth and ensure that its impact is equitable to all Filipinos.

This is the goal of the incoming Duterte administration through its 10-point economic agenda presented before some 300 delegates of the two-day business consultation dialogue dubbed “Sulong Pilipinas: Hakbang Tungo sa Kaunlaran (Philippines Onwards: A Step Towards Progress), which started Monday at the SMX in this city.

The incoming administra-

tion earlier proposed an eightpoint agenda but realized the need to focus also on the Reproductive Health Law, or RH Law, and on science, technology and the arts.

On top of the list is to “continue and maintain current macroeconomic policies, including fiscal, monetary and trade policies.”

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte earlier vowed to sustain the current Aquino government’s economic policies to ensure the continued expan-

F INCOMING, 14

which drew interest from four big companies, will trigger development in Mindanao.

Members of the Davao business sector and City Government have been calling for the review the alleged overpriced project of the Department of Transportation and Communication.

This led for the filing of a petition to stop the bidding late March this year.

Former Davao City councilor Peter Laviña, one of the petitioners, said in another

earlier interview that “the project is very anomalous from the start and that the DoTC has ignored the city government, so we need the highest court to do something to stop this anomaly.”

The project cost, which was pegged before at only around P3.5 billion when the Philippine Port Authority (PPA) conducted a study few years ago but ballooned to almost P19 billion as shown in the assessment of a firm contracted by the DOTC in 2013,

is opposed not only by the city government but also the business sector here.

While members of the SCROA headed by Pastor Lozada Jr. said in the same report that “the association is filing this suit out of genuine concern regarding the impact of the proposed modernization not just on their respective businesses, but also on the ecology and environment of Samal Island as a whole.”

Bonifacio T. Tan, president of the Davao City Chamber of

Commerce and Industry, Inc., said as much as he is not opposed to any development, the implementation of the project will result in higher cost of handling fees and other port and shipping charges Earlier, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Davao also passed a resolution rejecting the project for alleged violation of Sections 2 and 27 of the Local Government Code requiring consultation and prior approval from

F REVIEW, 10

READY TO WEAR. A sales attendant arranges a display of discounted ready-to-wear clothes at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Rody, Mega Harbour sign agreement for multi-billion reclamation project

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE long wait for the construction of the P39-billion Davao Coastline Port Development Project is finally over after outgoing Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte signed on Tuesday the joint venture agreement (JVA) with the Mega Harbour Port Development Inc. The JVA will now pave the way for the project to commence as Duterte is set to end

his official function as mayor of the city and become the country’s 16th President. He will take his oath of office in Malacañang on June 30.

“We’re targeting to secure all permits in a one year or less,” Mega Harbour marketing head Marcelito Roldan Manalili said after the signing at the SMX Convention Center of SM Lanang Premier.

He hopes that the project, poised to be the first recla-

mation project in Mindanao, won’t encounter Swiss challenge in the national level.

There will be minor changes on the details of the 200-hectare port and residential complex which will be 40 meters away from the coast stretching from Agdao to Bucana, according to Manalili.

The four-island project, however, will still have components of port operation, commercial, industrial, and

residential. It will also house the government center.

Manalili said the company intends to develop the coastline to enhance the landscape.

“We will be building road networks to address traffic congestion,” Manalili said even as he assured that affected residents along the coastline will be relocated in settlement area established inside the development project.

NCOMING Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol said on Monday that the greatest challenge that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte faces is the very high expectation of the Filipino people -- a “real” change for the better.

As such, Pinol said he had laid down a “roadmap” which was crafted during his recent nationwide “biyaheng bukid” to improve the agriculture and fisheries sectors and ensure available and affordable food for the Filipinos.

In his visit to various agriculture provinces in the country, Pinol said “there are so much potentials in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.”

He cited the country could achieve rice sufficiency in two to three years, “but we have to implement massive interventions, i.e. repair and rehab of existing irrigation facilities; use of water pumps in areas with shallow water level; support of high-yielding seeds, fertilizers and farm inputs for the next two cropping seasons; and identi-

fication of key rice production areas where water is readily available.”

Pinol said there is also great potential for high value crops, especially in coconut production areas where these could be inter-cropped with coffee, cacao, abaca, among others.

“I talked to Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) officials and I was assured we could plant 600,000 hectares to coconut over the next six years based on their available seedlings,” he said.

“With support from government, the country’s high value crops sector could bring in much-needed foreign exchange and create jobs in the countryside,” he noted.

The country can also be self-sufficient with beef, pork, chicken if these will undergo massive development in the farming sector which produces feed materials like corn, soya and even malunggay.

As such, Pinol said, in his first 100 days as Agriculture

F RODY, 13

Piñol bares roadmap as agriculture chief I

F PIÑOL, 13

7 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

Watch out what you eat; it may be loaded with cyanide

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO Photos courtesy of SeaWeb

I

F you love eating “lapulapu,” “mameng” and other reef fishes, you better watch out. Those fish may be tasty but they may not be healthy to eat all. The reason: they may be loaded with cyanide.

“Cyanide fishing may not be as rampant as in the 1970s and 1980s, it is still being done in the Philippines,” said Dr. Alan White, who used to be the chief of party of the Coastal Resource Management Project in Central Visayas. He now serves as senior scientist based in Hawaii of the Asia-Pacific Program of the Nature Conservancy.

“I believe that most cyanide used presently is for food fish and it is difficult to know how wide spread its use is,” Dr. White pointed out.

“It is still a major problem in Palawan and other areas where the live food fish trade is important.”

Cyanide fishing is not a Filipino discovery but an American ingenuity. A certain Bridges first used sodium cyanide to stun and capture tropical fish in 1958 in Illinois.

A Filipino aquarium fish collector picked up the practice.

The practice spread throughout the country in no time. At that time, reef fish were collected for the fish aquarium trade and exported to the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France.

The Philippines is home to 70 percent of the world’s ornamental fish. According to a study done in 1981, some 200 of the 2,177 tropical fish species found in the country are exported.

Today, cyanide fishing is no longer confined to gathering aquarium fish. The demand for live fish from the reefs in restaurants in Beijing, southern China, Hong Kong, and other countries where Chinese abound has made the practice prevalent not only in the Philippines but other Asian countries as well.

The reason for its popularity among poverty-stricken fishermen: money. Michael Fabinyi, a researcher with Australia’s James Cook University who studied the live reef fish trade in Palawan province for several years, cites the case of leopard coral grouper.

“From approximately 50 cents per kilo in the late ’80s when the trade began,” he explained, “the price of leopard coral grouper has risen gradually and consistently. In

2011, a good-sized leopard coral grouper in good condition fetches a price of between 700 pesos and 1,000 pesos per kilo for fishermen.”

“The total retail value of the live reef food fish was around $350 million per year from 1997 to 2001,” notes Andrew Bruckner, an American coral reef ecologist who works closely with government and nongovernment groups in the United States.

“By 2002, it increased to about $486 million for Hong Kong and $810 million for the entire trade. Individual fish can sell for up to $180 per kilogram, depending on species, taste, texture, availability and time of year.”

It may be easier to catch reef fishes using cyanide but it has a price. “Cyanide is a deadly poison not only to people and fish, but also to other

marine animals like corals,” says Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero, a fishery scientist with the National Academy of Science and Technology.

Corals are fragile creatures that host microscopic organisms on which larger said creatures feed and provide shelDr. Theresa Mundita ter for a variety S. Lim, the director of marine life like fish, lobsters, ocof the Biodiversity topi, eels, and turManagement Bureau tles.

To catch elusive fish hiding in that two applications of cycoral reefs, fishermen use cy- anide on coral reefs four anide, which is illegal. A study months apart caused high commissioned by the Bureau coral polyp mortality. “Unlike of Fisheries and Aquatic Re- blast fishing, which reduces sources in 1982 established corals into rubble,” deplores

“Despite considerable improvements in coral reef management, the country’s coral reefs remain under threat,”

marine scientist Vaughan R. Pratt, “cyanide keeps coral structures intact, but dead.”

The Philippines has around 26,000 square kilometers of coral reef area, the second largest in Southeast Asia. Some 500 species of stony corals are known to occur, 12 of which are considered endemic.

Today, poor coral cover is found in 40 percent of the country’s reefs, while areas with excellent cover have steadily declined to less than 5 percent from 2000 to 2004. “Despite considerable improvements in coral reef management, the country’s coral reefs remain under threat,” said Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, the director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau.

Fifty percent of the fish exposed to sodium cyanide die in the reef. The ones caught and later recover are transferred to clean water, but they are doomed to die within weeks or months because of the damage caused by the poison to their internal organs.

Researchers estimate that more than a million kilograms of cyanide have been squirted onto Philippine reefs alone over the last half century. “(Cyanide fishing) is illegal, so people should just stop doing it,” says Dr. Arnel “AA” Yaptinchay, director of the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines. “There may be short term gains now but we have to really think the serious repercussions for the future generation. Remember this: no reef, no fish.”

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

EDITORIAL

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Disparaging comments

HIS story reminds us of how Australia reacted to a banter by then presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte at a campaign sortie in the last elections. The rape slur got the attention of the Australian embassy which made a strong comment on the joke.

On Sunday, the Australian sports community was rocked with another scandal this time involving radio commentators who made disparaging comments on a lady journalist.

The head of the Australia Football League has slammed the “disparaging” radio comments made about journalist Caroline Wilson. The culprit Eddie McGuire later made an apology which the league accepted.

McGuire, as well as St. Kilda assistant coach Danny Frawley and North Melbourne president James Brayshaw, made remarks about Wilson regarding a fund-raising game where

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celebrities slid down into ice water to raise money for motor neurone disease, the hosts joked about Wilson being a participant in the event next year and “holding (Wilson) under” the water to raise extra money for the cause.

Apologies were made after the league said the comments were “insulting to a woman that has done so much for our game.” The woman also did not see the comments as a simple banter.

The league said “in the past we might have ignored the comments. But it’s not good enough. We can’t say we as an industry are committed to change if we don’t step up and call it out.”

It is important and necessary that people realize they need to draw the line between a joke and an insult, between a banter and a derogatory statement, and between a slur and a slap.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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EDGEDAVAO

I

T is worth noting that qualified appointees have been chosen by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to help him achieve his visions and ambitions to be the true active and no-nonsense leader of our country. President is confident and convinced that his circle of brains are truly the breed of his aim to serve the people wo have been starving for true service from government agencies many of them having been abusive and arrogant in their service to the masses. *** As we read in the Facebook pages of energetic media face Peter Tiu Lavina, the man who ably handled the media group during the Duterte campaign, the choices of President Rody are worth the dreams to make them realities. There is Sir Manny Pinol who will now take care of the long-time problems of the farmers around the country. To ably help Sir Manny is Madame Evelyn Lavina who understands agriculture and farming. NIA is seen to be a serious problem in the provinces including Negros Occidental and we will inform the DA boss why. *** Then we read the name of Mike Sueno who headed the parallel MRRD-NECC campaign group around the country to become the DILG boss. Our friend Mike is an LGU-experienced man. Well, the biggest contributor to the campaign happens to be my classmate and

W

HEN was the last time you praise someone? The truth is, you cannot remember it anymore. “Giving praise is much like giving love,” says Irving Feldman. “The giver is usually the most benefited. He casts bread upon the waters and often gets back cake.”

A married couple came to a counselor for advice. No sooner were they seated that they started speaking simultaneously in a duel of criticisms. When they finally stopped for lack of breath, the counselor suggested that now they tell each other all the good they see in the other person. There was a total silence from both.

Then each was given a pen and a sheet of paper and told to write down something praiseworthy about the other. Neither of them wrote. They both sat and stared at the paper. After what seemed like a long time, the husband started to write something. At once, the wife also began to write – fast and furiously.

Finally, the writing stopped. There was silence again. The wife pushed her paper over to the watching counselor. He pushed it back signaling that she was to give it directly to her husband. She reluctantly shoved the paper half way across the table. He took it and in turn, slid his paper towards his wife.

Each began to read. The counselor watched. Soon a tear slid down the cheek of the wife. She crumpled the paper in her fist and held it tight. That proved that she treasured the sudden revelation of good things her husband had expressed about her. The

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Is NIA farmer-friendly? close buddy at the Ateneo de Davao during our high school days. Tony Boy Floirendo Jr was such a jolly guy during our school days that I am tasked to be his buddy guard when we spend afterschool hours.

See you soon Tony Boy.

The Visayan Edge

CELSO “TOOTS” B. JIMENEZ JR.

*** As the new national leadership of Presidentelect Rody Duterte is about to enter the scene, the agricultural sector in the country is now raising a big question on the real purpose of the agency that is meant to help the farmers, the National Irrigation Administration.

*** For many decades, they say, thousands of farmers are dismayed with NIA all because it seems that NIA is said to lord over the farmers rather than the other way around. Farmers claim that they have to beg for water supply from NIA as it is not seriously supplying water where there is no water.

*** A group of rice farmers say that they have been facing the problem of the supply of water and NIA does not raise a finger to help. They are asking why NIA is out there to bill them for the water supply instead of providing them free water since NIA is a government agency to help and not to make money out of these farmers.

*** Agriculture secretary appointee Manny Pinol knows already how NIA is working in this country for many years and he expects the people inside the agency to reform by way of helping and not lording over the farmers. Some quarters say many heads will fall if government workers do not change their attitude towards sincere government service. *** This is something that NIA people should now realize that the new President of the country is not a push-over. Rody Duterte is a service-oriented person and he gets dismayed when he sees government workers lording over the masses, leaders claim. *** Other sectors think maliciously saying that maybe NIA is in cahoots with the National Food Authority (NFA) which is fond of importing rice and not meant for human consumption and some people buy NFA rice to feed their pets. With this poor rice quality they tag

NFA as National Food for Animals. Many government people allegedly earn from this rice importation, they say and there should be an end to this.

*** Many unscrupulous individuals in government will have to change their attitude towards their government duties where the ordinary people are at the mercy of government offices and agencies begging and waiting for their requests. There will be an end to this as President Digong is about to take over this country where discipline has never been a thing. *** Now that sixteen million clamored for a new president who is a leader then those abusive government workers should better leave their tables either by resigning or retiring. God bless the Philippines and our prayers of safety and good health to President-elect Digong Duterte, the man the Filipinos had been waiting for the Almighty to lead this country. *** My Davao classmates can contact me through my email tootsjimenez@yahoo.com or in my facebook page – Toots Jimenez Jr. Please PM me your phone numbers guys. This column greets Ray and Neneng dela Paz, Tito Sorongon, Rey Chan, Hector Vasquez, Joe Marfori, Monroy and Mhie Gochuico, .*

The power of praise

whole atmo- THINK ON THESE! sphere of the room changed.

There was no need for anything to be said. Praise had healed a thousand wounds.

The husband and wife left the room Henrylito D. Tacio arm in arm. henrytacio@gmail.com “The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated,” William James reminds. Blaise Pascal agrees: “Vanity is so secure in the heart of man that everyone wants to be admired; even I write this, and you who read this.”

One day, a field marshal requested an audience with Napoleon, and Napoleon knew what was coming. But as every good leader must, Napoleon agreed to hear him out. The field marshal brought news of a great victory he had achieved. He talked for a long time about his accomplishment, piling detail upon detail.

Napoleon listened closely throughout the entire narration but said nothing. The officer was disappointed. He had hoped for a more enthusiastic reception, as well as Napoleon’s congratulations. Neither was forthcoming.

Summing up, the field marshal repeated much of what he had already stated. As the officer rambled on, Napoleon continued to listen

politely, and the marshal interpreted this as encouragement. Surely, he thought, Napoleon will now give me the praise I so richly deserve.

When the field marshal finally stopped talking, Napoleon asked him one question, “What did you do the next day?”

The field marshal was speechless. But the lesson was not lost on him. From then on, the officer understood that he should never rest on his laurels. So he left it to others to bestow the praise.

If you have the opportunity, praise someone. You will never know what will happen to the person whom you have praised. A business man tells this story on himself: I failed in grade three and this demoralized me so much that even in high school I stayed near the bottom of the class. Then, one day, something happened which changed all this.

During my second year in high school, we had a class dance and the teacher said she was bringing along her sister, who was also middle-aged.

When the two ladies arrived at the dance, the first thing our teacher did was pick me out of the crowd and bring her sister over to me.

She put her hand on my shoulder and said to her sister, “My dear sister, I want you to meet this student first; he has the nicest smile in the class.” My teacher did not say, “Here is my student: he can’t read; he can’t recite; he can’t do anything.” Instead, she said, “He has the nicest smile in the class.”

I left that dance a lot taller and with more self-confidence than I had ever had in my life.

Since that time, I have earned a Master’s degree, been a teacher and a business man and

now having a company of my own.

But it all started at that dance class in high school when my teacher showed me that I had something of value, something to give to others.

My self-respect was restored.

All of us hunger for a word of praise.

American author Mark Twain is credited with saying, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.”

If you happen to be the head of a company or someone who hold a higher position, why don’t you praise your subordinates – if they deserve such recognition?

“Some people will work harder for praise than even money,” said L. Perry Wilbur.

“Those workers in your group doing good work should be occasionally praised. It’s good sense and good courtesy. Many effective employees, who know they’re doing good work, expect to be recognized and appreciated.

When deserved, be sure to praise your team members individually or before the group.

They’ll appreciate your appreciation, and most of them will work all the harder for you.”

If you’re a parent, recognize your children too. But George W. Crane advises, “When you praise a child, focus on his accomplishments rather than on himself. Thus, you encourage good works instead of mere egotism.”

To make your praise worthy, don’t overdo it. “An overdose of praise is like 10 lumps of sugar in coffee; only a very few people can swallow it,” Emily Post said. And if that person doesn’t deserve praise, don’t do it. “Praise undeserved,” someone once said, “is poison in disguise.”

10 NEWS TRUCE... FROM 1 planned to fast track the peace talks through a simultaneous discussion on the three substantial issues.

The three remaining substantive issues are the social and economic reform, political and constitutional reform, and the end of hostilities and disposition of process.

The two parties also created a reciprocal committee that will talk about the three sub-

stantive issues.

The reciprocal committee will then work simultaneously with the peace negotiating panel, according to Bello.

Also joining Dureza and Bello for the government side during the preliminary talks in Oslo was former congressman Hernani Braganza.

For the NDF panel, joining Sison were Luis Jalandoni and Fidel Agcaoili.

election on a platform anchored on taking a tough stand against criminality, especially the menace of illegal drugs, as well as in combating graft and corruption in government. He is set to assume presidency on

June 30.

Ngu said the Fil-Chinese community was specifically calling on Duterte to address the problem of kidnapping where most of the victims were of Chinese descent. (PNA)

corporate and individual tax rates.

“We wish to see our workers having more disposable income to do as they wish. Our corporate tax rates will be adjusted to be competitive with the rest of the region to make our economy more competitive for investments. We hope to broaden the tax base even more to compensate for lower rates,” he said.

He said there are some suggestions for raising the VAT rates to offset reduction of individual and corporate tax levels.

“We submit this matter for your consideration and suggestions,” Dominguez assured the business leaders.

The review of tax system is part of the new administration of push forward a bureaucratic reform.

“With these, we hope to improve on the ease of doing business. More important, we want a bureaucracy that is most responsive to the needs of our citizens,” he added.

pectation to sustain the economy’s robust growth well into the medium term, Dominguez stressed the people did not vote for change last May 9 for the macroeconomic numbers.

“They voted for change because the good macroeconomic numbers did not translate into a good life for all. We need new metrics to understand how economic expansion could be made more meaningful for the majority of Filipinos,” he said.

Dominguez said it is not enough to say the economy is growing.

“We have to develop measures that will show us how that economic growth converts into a more livable life for our people,” he added.

Dominguez pointed out the comparatively high growth did not sufficiently disperse economic opportunity nor substantially reduce poverty. It kept income levels tight for the small middle class and pushed the rural poor to even greater misery.

“This pattern of high growth fueled by widening income disparity is unsustainable. It has produced great disillusionment among the people. It has made our national economy seem harsh to those who work hard and earn so little,” he said.

Dominguez said the dialogue with the business sector was important to help them – the economic managers refine the reforms the new administration proposes.

“Let me assure you that the new administration will be guided by what is best for the nation. We seek your counsel as stakeholders in this nation’s progress, as we will the counsel of other stakeholders: those who own nothing in their name but whose capacity for hope rests precariously on the opportunities public policy is able to create,” he told the participating business leaders coming from different business chambers.

Dominguez said the economic agenda of the incoming Duterte administration should reassure the public that the new leadership will basically continue the macro-economic policies that brought “our economy to a higher growth plane in the last decade.” (PNA)

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Fil-Chinese... FROM 2 Econ... FROM 5

Economic growth Dominguez was positive the country’s economy can move to a higher growth plane by embarking on a bolder pump-priming plan that will initially involve allowing more headroom for deficit spending.

He said that data shows the government has enough liquidity in the domestic market to support public borrowing, emphasizing that a more aggressive spending plan will help relieve domestic banking system of excess liquidity problems.

“The Duterte administration comes to office at a propitious time in our economic history. Both interest and inflation rates are at their lowest ever. Oil prices, a major factor influencing inflation trends, are moderate. They are likely to hold at roughly the same levels for some time,” he said.

Dominguez assured of a truly inclusive growth with the people expecting them to deliver only peace and order.

“The public mandate is clear. We want a society that multiplies opportunities for its citizens. We want a community that is caring. We want a leadership that looks after the vulnerable,” he said.

While the macroeconomic numbers are good with an ex-

SOUTH-KOREA BOUND. Emmanuel Mauricio (center) pays a courtesy call to the City Council yesterday before his South Korea trip to compete for the Asian cross fit competition. Mauricio hails from Davao City and will represent the Philippines. Lean Daval Jr.

Biz... FROM 2

the adoption of value-chain development in rural-based enterprises, including agriculture and mari-culture.

He said they recommended a support system through financing, technology, and logistics to raise rural productivity and employment.

For his part, Mindanao Business Council chair Vicente Lao said businessmen also proposed for value-added and responsible mining that would facilitate a strong domestic mineral products industry.

Lao said participants want the next administration to limit and gradually eliminate the export of mineral ore.

The group also suggested an action plan to identify industry clusters and regions where SMEs should locate to avail of lower transport, energy, and logistics costs for the development or regional industries.

“There is a need for a national strategy to determine sectors where the country has the greatest competitive advantage and optimize the value of our land, people, and other resources,” Lao said.

Delegates also clamored to fast-track infrastructure projects nationwide thru improvement of transport networks.

Lao said priority should be the development of regional airports, seaports, and mass transit projects such as the North-South Railway, C-6 Expressway, Cebu Bus Rapid Transit, and Davao Port projects.

The group also resonated for the review of the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program.

The CCT, Lao said, must be reviewed to allow for longterm intervention that teaches the poor to catch fish rather than receive dole-outs because

it is now perceived as a program that promotes dependency on government.

Participants suggested enhancing social protection initiatives through skills development, cash for work and livelihood projects, among others.

Lastly, the group proposed for the reduction of public private partnership bottlenecks and respect for contracts.

Lao said concrete measures should be made to remove roadblocks preventing speedy implementation of vital infra projects, such as right-of-way issues and lack of synergy between LGUs and national government agencies.

The delegates, he added, want an assurance from the incoming administration that existing and future contracts will be honored.

The event was convened by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Mindanao Business Council, and the economic team of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte which will take office in 10 days.

Sulong Pilipinas generated hundreds of recommendations from the participants who were divided into 10 breakout groups.

This was the first time an incoming administration consulted with the business community even before its assumption of office. At the end of the two-day summit, President-elect Duterte was given the following top 10 actionable recommendations.

The recommendations drew positive response from Duterte.

“I assure you we will study and review it and for now I will say nothing wrong with these.

These are all doable. It’s a matter of just doing it and implement it right away,” he said.

cerity as head of the national police organization.

Dela Rosa said he would replicate the peace and order strategies which he developed and implemented in Davao City in various police offices

across the country.And part of it is a regular assessment of the performance of the police commanders, from regional directors to town police chiefs, to determine if they still have to stay on the job. (PNA)

Incoming... FROM 3

Fisherfolk... FROM 2 oceans and to allow a better playing field for our small fishers and fishing communities.

We strongly urge the incoming administration to target an end to illegal fishing within their first six months of office,” said Dennis Calvan, executive director of the NGOs for Fisheries Reform.

During the election campaign period, fishers, marine conservationists and environmental groups pushed for the 10-Point Blue Agenda to be taken up by the presidential candidates. These include: the delineation of municipal waters; the implementation of traceability mechanisms for

fishery products; sustainable fishing; and capacity-building for fisherfolk to better adapt to climate change.

“To ensure the sustainability of our fishery resources and secure the livelihood of our Filipino fishers for long-term economic prosperity and food security, we strongly support the creation of a Department of Oceans and Fisheries for improved fisheries governance and strict enforcement of Republic Act 10654,” said Joann Binondo, overall project manager of the WWF (World Wide Fund) or Nature–Partnership Program for Sustainable Tuna.

(PNA)

the local government before proceeding with any national government project.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte later concurred with the resolution rejecting the project.

Mahipus earlier asked Regional Development Council-11 chairman, Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, to withdraw its resolution endorsing the Sasa Port Project pending coordination efforts from DoTC. The RDC issued Resolution No. 118 on December 21, 2014 endorsing the Sasa Port subject to several conditions which were not complied with by the DOTC until now.

The four remaining bidders for the port development project are Asian Terminals Inc.-DP World FZE Consortium; Bollore Africa Logistics; International Container Terminal Services, Inc.; and San Miguel Holdings Corp.-APM Terminals Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd. Consortium with Hyundai Development Company and Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd. as contractors.

Singapore-based Portek International Pte. Ltd., which had partnered with National Marine Corp. and Toyo Construction Co. Ltd. as contractor, earlier withdrew its bid in the auction.

“Within the year, maybe we can make a decision with

the satisfaction of the majority,” Tugade said.

Tugade further said that he will not stop the development of the Sasa port project, especially if it will be beneficial for the development of the city and Mindanao.

“We are committed to the development of Davao City. If it can help in triggering development of the city, why don’t we do it,” Tugade said.

He also vowed to balance the views in making a decision on the Sasa port development due to the opposition raised by the SP and other stakeholders.

On Monday, Councillor Danilo Dayanghirang proposed a total review of the project before his colleagues at the local lawmaking body.

Early this year a group counseled by Lawyer Harry Roque has also filed a petition before the Supreme Court to seeking to stop the project.

Roque said the project violates the Writ of Kalikasan.

In December 2015, the SP formally expressed objection to the project due to the failure of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to consult the local government.

Also, before President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte sought the presidency, he also expressed opposition to the project which, he believed, is overpriced.

Review... FROM 6

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

EDGEDAVAO WOMEN

Depth of Focus

ADJUSTING FOCUS IS BOTH REWARDING AND CHALLENGING FOR ANY FIRST TIME MOM. As soon as your water breaks, so does the reality of breaking out of your own comfort bubble, to make one little person’s existence, happiness and health a priority over yours.

For Mindanaoan photographer and fashion stylist, Ayie Hernandez-Miskov , she not only had to adapt to the rudiments of being a mom, but also with the new culture and place which she now calls home together with her husband, Joe. Despite that it takes some getting used to move to the swing of things, Ayie

finds this experience the most fulfilling and gratifying of all.

“I never dreamt of marrying a foreigner, but I asked God for a partner who He thinks is best for me. He gave me Joe,” Ayie beams. “It was fun and challenging when we were dating. Fun because we both like to travel, we would meet half way and explore new sights and places around Asia. We both love living the life of an adventure, attending music festivals, food trips, rock climbing, hiking and a lot more. The challenging part in our relationship is the meeting of minds, with both of us coming from different worlds and cultures. Eventually, we were able to overcome this challenge and improve ways of communicating with each other.”

Ayie pursued her career in lifestyle and baby photography, even when she reached full term. Photography has always been her passion and she found it a joy that she is able to document and be part of every family’s happy memories and milestones in life.

“Ever since I moved to Bangkok and decided to continue my photography

business, my husband has been my number one fan and support system. He would help me promote my business, recommend me to workmates, attend business fairs with me. Even when I was on my third trimester and was still working, he took the role of being my assistant. He makes sure I stayed cool and hy-

drated and would even help make kids laugh during the shoot.”

With her love for fashion, travel and photography, Ayie took her pregnancy out on the road, without looking less of a fashionista she is. She made the most of her first and second trimester visiting different places in different continents, get-

ting herself acquainted and accustomed to meeting new people and appreciating the wonders of nature.

“As we settled into married life and prepared for the coming of our little one, I already had my heart set in the thought of living outside the Philippines.

METRO MOM A4

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

EVENT TO CREATE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INDEPENDENT AND PRODUCTIVE THROUGH COMMITMENT AND PROPER TRAINING, THAT IS THE GOAL OF EDUCATOR AND CHEF WAYA ARAOS-WIJANGCO. This becomes more challenging as she is tasked to teach and handle students with “special needs.”

This was shared by the chef during the opening of the first branch of Open Hand School of Applied Arts along Tahimik Drive, Barrio Obrero in Davao last June 7.

Established some 12 years ago in Quezon City, Open Hand is an innovative school for young adults with developmental disabilities such as autism, dyslexia, cystic fibrosis, Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), among others.

The school provides programs designed to provide a hands-on educational environment where students not only simulate activities of daily living and the work environment, but actually engage in practicing life skills and work experiences on a

ministrative room and conducive classrooms to accommodate more differently-abled individuals.

Programs offered by Open Hands include: Transition Into Employment (TIE), Towards Employment & Entrepreneurship (TEE), Get Ready to Work (WORK), Life Skills Development (LSD), and Enrichment Classes in Culinary, Music, Photography, Computer, Arts &

The school provides programs designed to provide a handson educational environment where students not only simulate activities of daily living and the work environment, but actually engage in practicing life skills and work experiences on a daily basis. daily basis.

“Yung programs natin merong housekeeping, culinary din, lahat ng work nila is actual di lang simulation. Siyempre goal natin is to teach them independence,” Chef Waya said.

The Davao school has a full-service kitchen, resource, culinary and housekeeping skills laboratories, laundry and gardening areas, a service cafe, a business/ad-

Crafts, and Tutorial sessions on a one-on-one or small group basis outside the classroom.

Chef Waya quotes Franklin D. Roosevelt “‘We know that equality of individual ability has never existed ans never will.But we do insist that equality of opportunity still must be sought.’ and thus Open Hand commits to provide education directed towards helping out

Teaching with open hands and hearts

more individuals with special needs transition from school to work and adjust to the day-to-day demands of society.”

As proof of Open Hand’s success, the student who have graduated from the school in Quezon City were hired by The Gypsy Arts Cafe, a restaurant also owned by Chef Waya, where they are treated as regular workers and given regular salaries.

“Although two graduates are moving up to regular kitchens,” beamed a proud Chef Wijangco “we even have a graduate who participated in the recently concluded Madrid Fusion.”

For inquiries and information about the school, you may contact openhandschool@gmail.com or contact them through 0917803-1972. You may also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OpenHandsSChool and their website at openhandph. wix.com.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Sunshine Dizon refuses to file for anulment SUNSHINE DIZON’S HUSBAND, TIMOTHY TAN, confirmed in a statement sent to several entertainment websites yesterday that he and his wife, Sunshine Dizon faced marital problems in the course of their marriage.

According to the reports, Timothy and Sunshine tried their very best to make the relationship work but in the end, they both decided to file for annulment.

The Encantadia actress has posted another statement regarding the cheating controversy.

Although, the Kapuso mom did not specifically mentioned the name of Timothy, many netizens interpreted the said post was directed to her husband.

The Instagram post has since been deleted from Sunshine’s social media account.

Sunshine revealed that she found out about the illicit affair on June 2015, “My nightmares began exactly june of last year.

I’ve given you several chances, I swallowed everything for the sake of Doreen and Anton,

I tried my best and gave my all. You have disregarded your responsibilities and turned into a monster, all the lies and deception,” The celebrity mom added, “Did you really think I was that stupid? Did you really think I would just cry in one corner and do nothing? Too bad this stupid girl isn’t stupid after all.”

Sunshine also expressed her sadness that this incident has affected her two children, “You ruined two families. You ruined the lives of our children.

For almost a year you had the audacity to live with that woman in the same building were your own children lives.”

The Kapuso actress has also replied about Timothy’s statement about the annulment case. In a post, she has this to say, “There is no forgiveness for what you did.

No annulment for you. I will seek justice. I will see you both in court.”

Sunshine and Timothy were married in 2010.

Hayden Kho reveals he thought he was unworthy of fatherhood

HAYDEN KHO DIDN’T EXPECT THE DAY WOULD COME THAT HE CAN CELEBRATE FATHERHOOD. This was one of his revelations as he and his family with Vicki Belo and Scarlet Snow get featured in the blog for children Baby and Breakfast.

“I thought that I had become unworthy of bringing a child into this world. I had fears that my child would be teased and bullied because of my history,” he admitted in his interview.

In the same blog entry titled “Scarlet Snow Belo Family Editorial Shoot”, the first-time dad revealed what made him start anew with his family, his thoughts on having Scarlet Snow, and his plans on raising her.

ABS-CBN Publishing launches new socialserye novel ‘Christian and Anne’ TOGETHER WITH PINOY BIG BROTHER HEARTTHROB TOMMY ESGUERRA, ABS-CBN Publishing Inc., (API) successfully launched “Christian and Anne” by Dolce Amore last June 18 in National Book Store, Trinoma. Read and shared by thousands on Facebook, the novel is the first offering from the collection of Kikodora’ssocialseryes.

It was indeed a kiligmuch afternoon for the multitude of fans and readers who attended the book launch of “Christian and Anne” as celebrity heartthrob Tommy and author Dolce Amore bonded with the readers, took selfies, and signed autographs for them.

Dolce cheerfully revealed why she chose Tommy as the book cover model and explained why her book can give inspiration to people to never give up on love.

“Christian and Anne” is about the endearing story of a fat nerd named Christian who mustered up the courage to text his crush, Anne, the school’s most popular

girl. What started off as a rebound relationship, Christian and Anne defied all odds and fell in love. Until one day, Anne’s handsome ex enters the scene and Christian is forced to retreat to Texas. Later on, fate intervened and Christian, this time hotter and more dashing than ever, crosses paths with Anne.

Published by ABSCBN Publishing, “Christian and Anne” is the latest addition in ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.’s successful line of best-selling consumer books. The book came a few weeks after API released the pioneering socialserye novels “The Wrong Message” and

“Vince and Kath” by Queen Elly, both of which have been on top of the best-selling fiction charts of National Bookstore.

Dolce Amore joins an elite roster of API authors which include Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, Alex Gonzaga, Georgina Wilson, Solenn Heussaff, and Ramon Bautista. The book is exclusively available in all National Book Store outlets nationwide for only 150 pesos.

ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. (API) is the magazine media and book publishing arm of ABSCBN Corporation. It is the publisher of leading locally-developed magazine titles such

as Metro, Metro Society, Metro Home & Entertaining, Food, Starstudio, Working Mom, Chalk, and Vault.

Since 2011, API’s brands have had the distinction of garnering six Asian Publishing Awards, the most of any Philippine publisher.

API was also the first Philippine magazine publisher to launch magazine apps for iPad and Android. The company’s e-mags, e-books and apps now generate sales from 63 countries worldwide.

API is the country’s fastest growing consumer books company, having dominated the Philippines’ bestseller lists like Sen. Miriam D e fe ns o r-S antia g o’s record-setting “Stupid Is Forever”, the highestselling celebrity advice book, Alex Gonzaga’s “Dear Alex, Break Na Kami, Paano? Love, Catherine”, Solenn Heussaff and Georgina Wilson’s “Besties”., the most popular fashion and style book and the No. 1 best-selling biography “Juan Ponce Enrile, A Memoir”.

June 22-28, 2016

ME BEFORE YOU Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

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

INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE Liam Hemsworth, Joey King, Maika Monroe Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

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

FINDING DORY Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Diane Keaton Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

G

1:00 | 3:15 | 5:30 | 7:45 | 10:00 LFS

THE CONJURING 2 Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Frances O'Connor Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

WOMEN METRO MOM A1 That means moving out of my comfort zone, raising a family without immediate relatives close by nor a fulltime helper to assist me. In a way, this independence and exposure to various cultures prepared me for a life of do-it-yourself’s, from cooking to looking after my husband’s and baby’s needs.”

Her own delivery room experience, she says, was also an eye-opener for her.

For those who know that she used to practice nursing as a profession, assisting in a delivery room for about 3 years, you’d think she’d be emotionally prepared by the time her own baby’s ready to pop out.

“I was a witness to hundreds of women giving birth over the years that I worked as nurse. When my turn came, I began to understand that it is actually more challenging than I thought it was. I have higher respect for moms now, after having gone through the labor experience.”

One other challenge Ayie had to face was how to increase and maintain her milk supply for her son, Luke. “Breastfeeding is hard work. It can be frustrating especially if you don’t have enough milk and when you don’t

them as our own extended family. They give use the support and help we need as we adjust into this new chapter in our married life.

We miss home but we’re excited for the great many things ahead of us, as we live own adventure and dreams here in Thailand.”

GENSAN PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

have enough patience. It is challenging because your body is still recovering and your baby wakes up every 2 hours, asking to be fed.

To maintain milk supply, I make sure I stay hydrated.

My Thai friend cooks me this Kaeng Liang soup, which the Thai makes for breastfeeding moms for milk production and Gin-

ger tea.”

“I am fortunate and blessed to have such a great man as my partner and father to my Luke. Joe went on paternity leave as soon as the baby was born. He takes care of us, 24/7, and takes his share in caring for the baby, even with all the dirty work. He is loving this new role in life as much

as I do.”

Asked how it is to raise a family abroad, she says, “Joe and I find it very exciting. This is one big adventure for us. It is challenging because you are not anywhere close to what you were used to, growing up.

We have to make ourselves a part of the community we live in now, and love

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE Marco Polo hosts Biyaya: Mandala Exhibit by Oruha EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

B

IYAYA, a fundraising exhibit for the benefit of the Steiner/Waldorf school, Tuburan Institute, Inc. was hosted at the lobby of the Marco Polo Davao.

Biyaya features the Mandalas of young Japanese artist, Oruha who is famous in her country for her delicate but skillful colored dotted line strokes that seem to pulsate an energy of peace and equanimity.

Oruha has donated 44 of her Mandalas to raise funds for Tuburan, a school whose brand of holistic Steiner/Waldorf education she would like more Mindanao children to experience. Oruha explains, “I want to help sustain Tuburan because I know how hard the school is working to accept everyone who wants this kind of culturally transformative education.”

Among the guests who joined Biyaya’s exhibit open-

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

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of Unit with Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. 2016-XI-00786 (2011-XI-00590) JHUNIE K. HAJIM, Petitioner-Vendor

ALAN M. PANCHO, Petitioner-Vendee

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by JHUNIE K. HAJIM in favor of ALAN M. PANCHO of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: TIBUNGCO VIA R. CASTILLO 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 January 27, 2017. In the same petition filed on May 31, 2016, petitioners likewise 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 JULY 5, 2016 at 09:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Officer-In-Charge, this 1st day of June 2016 at Davao City.

EDGAR CRISANTO R. VIOLAN Administrative Officer V

ing were regular guests of Marco Polo Davao and the prominent families in the city who were welcomed by the hotel’s Heads of Department.

President Dalisay Soriano of Patches of Green and President Emeritus Antonio Uy of the Rotary Club of Davao also graced the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the exhibit. Both POG and RCD are civic organizations supporting the construction of Tuburan’s green school buildings in time for this school year 2016 -2017. *** About Marco Polo Davao Marco Polo Davao is strategically located at the heart of the city. It is Mindanao’s first and only premier hotel with 245 well-appointed rooms and suites. For the past sixteen (17) years, the hotel still lives up to its luxurious elegance and rare brand of hospitality. The hotel also has Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of Unit of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service.

Case No. 2016-XI-00768 (2002-XI-02294) LOLITA G. LARGO, Petitioner-Vendor

MA-RO CONVEYANCE AND ALLIED SERVICES CORPORATION Petitioner-Vendee

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

newly-refurbished Superior rooms, Premier rooms, Continental Club rooms and the Presidential Suite. The Cabana room located at the fourth level has its own patio, which has a remarkable view of The Deck.

About Global Hotel Alliance Founded in 2004, and based on the airline alliance model, Global Hotel Alliance (“GHA”) is today the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. GHA uses a shared technology platform to drive incremental revenues and create cost savings for its member brands, and operates a multi-brand loyalty programme, DISCOVERY, which has over six million members.

GHA currently includes 32 brands, encompassing over 550 upscale and luxury hotels with 110,000 rooms across 76 different countries. For more information visit gha.com Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of Unit of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service.

LOLITA G. LARGO, Petitioner-Vendor

MA-RO CONVEYANCE AND ALLIED SERVICES CORPORATION Petitioner-Vendee

Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by LOLITA G. LARGO in favor of MA-RO CONVEYANCE AND ALLIED SERVICES CORPORATION of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY to any point in Region XI with the use of TWENTY TWO (22) UNITS, which Certificate is still valid and subsisting up to December 31, 2019.

Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by LOLITA G. LARGO in favor of MA-RO CONVEYANCE AND ALLIED SERVICES CORPORATION of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY to any point in Region XI with the use of FIVE (5) UNITS, which Certificate is still valid and subsisting up to December 31, 2019.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JULY 11, 2016 at 09:50 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

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

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.

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, this 1st day of June 2016 at Davao City.

EDGAR CRISANTO R. VIOLAN Administrative Officer V

Davao writer and Soroptimist Davao Marilyn Roque and Maya Flaminda Vandenbroeck Marco Polo Davao Financial Comptroller Armin Lorenzo, Jocelyn Lorenzo, Mr. Jaime S.Casinto and Marco Polo Davao Director of Human Resources Malou Concepcion

Tuburan Institute volunteers and representatives Joefel S. Carreon, Rotary Club of Davao representatives Maria Elena Remedios P. Ongkiko, May Divino, Jaycelmae C. Polinar, Joan Mae S. Bantayan and Rainbaco Barbie Fern J. Dumagpi and Jackielyn Fe Dacudao, Katrina Marie DianoSunga C. Depositario Vandenbroeck and Katrina Kae Carriedo

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

NOTICE OF HEARING

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.

Patches of Green President Dalisay Soriano, Co-founder and Resource Management Head of Tuburan Institute, Inc. Maya Flaminda J. Vandenbroeck and Rotary Club of Davao President Emeritus Antonio T. Uy

Case No. 2016-XI-00767 (2012-XI-00713)

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JULY 11, 2016 at 09:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

Environmental advocate Norma T. Javellana, Dr. Celia Castillo, and Davao Visual Artist Victor C. Secuya

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, this 1st day of June 2016 at Davao City.

EDGAR CRISANTO R. VIOLAN Administrative Officer V

Bituin R. Knott, Maya Flaminda J. Vandenbroeck, Pat Labad, and Fe Dacudao

Water service interruption in some Toril areas

D

AVAO City Water District advises of a water service interruption on June 23 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM affecting some areas in Toril particularly portion of San Nicolas Street (from corner Juan Dela Cruz Street to Rovical Village), portion of San Vicente Street (from corner Juan Dela Cruz Street to Guardian Street), portion of Juan Dela Cruz Street (from corner San Vicente Street to Daliao Kanipaan), Doña Manuela Subd., Kalambuan sa Katawhan Homeowners Assn., Doña Rosa Subd., Rovical Village, Gutierrez Village, Nakada V i l l a g e , APLA Village, Dacudao Tambakan, Daliao Kanipaan and the streets of Andaya, Jasmin,

Sampaguita, Waling-Waling, Camia, Pesa and Guardian and Daliao Fish Port.

DCWD’s Engineering and Construction Department crew will tap the newly installed 6-inch diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline to the existing 6-inch diameter PVC pipeline for the mainline improvement at Ramon Magsaysay Road (from junction of Daliao to Jade Street) in Toril. Once completed, the project will allow for accommodation of additional service connections.

DCWD general manager Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. He also advises them to store enough water

prior to the scheduled water interruption. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 09255113293 and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Katrina Belen M. Roble)

12 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

WANTED 3 REPORTERS

EDGE DAVAO is in need of 3 reporters for immediate hiring. * College degree holder (Communication Arts graduate preferred, but not required) * Capable of writing English news and feature stories on business and governance * Has potentials of becoming editor * Single * Not more than 35 years old Entry pay negotiable.

Submit application letter and curriculum vitae to: Antonio M. Ajero Editor-in-Chief Edge Davao ajero_antonio@yahoo.com 09274733467

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

13

EDGEDAVAO

Alsons... FROM 3 the project is the culmination of a memorandum of understanding that was first signed in 2013 where the company committed to construct the public safety complex that will be operated by the city gov-

ernment.

Alsons Dev, founded in 1962 has become Davao’s premier real estate developer, creating elegantly designed and master-planned communities and commercial devel-

opments.

The company is a member of the Alcantara Group, a Mindanao-based group of companies with investments in power generation, property development and aquaculture.

Settlers will be relocated in medium-rise residential buildings not far from their current locations.

Davao City Councilor John Christopher Tanjili Mahamud, one of the residents in the area, said in another interview that the City Planning

and Development Authority will start the census of affected settlers anytime soon.

Included in the census is the skill indexing of settlers who can be hired in the project, Mahamud said “Those carpenters and welders can be hired by the

developer,” Mahamud said.

Councilor Diosdado Mahipus, meanwhile, said the project is a welcome development for the real estate industry of Davao City.

“It will boost the city’s rising real estate sector,” Mahipus said.

chief, he will conduct a nationwide orientation and mind-setting for all officials and employees of the DA “to ensure that they are guided on the priorities of the Duterte presidency in agriculture and fisheries and the roadmap for the mission to provide available and affordable food for the Filipinos is clearly explained.”

He will also implement “cash for work program” for farmers and fishermen affected by the El Nino phenomenon, which includes manual repair and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities for farmers and cleaning of coastal waters of garbage and planting of mangrove trees for fisherfolk.

Pinol said he will start a national mapping in agriculture areas to determine which crop or agricultural activity would

be best in a specific area based on geographic, climatic and soil type conditions.

“President Duterte calls this the color-coded Agriculture Guide Map,” he said.

He said a National Food Consumption Quantification Survey will also be implemented that would determine what kind of food and the volume of food commodities are consumed by the Filipinos.

This would also project the food consumption of the country in relation to population growth, he said.

There will also be a nationwide inspection of irrigation services, dredging of silted dams and provision of shallow tube wells to ensure sufficient supply of water for the next rice planting season; and will give assistance to farmers in the form of

seeds, fertilizers, farm inputs, including calamity assistance.

For the fisherfolk, Pinol said, there will be distribution of fishing boats and nets, and a nationwide face-to-face interaction with stakeholders to address their concerns.

A project management team will also be organized in coordination with the local government units of the country’s 10 poorest provinces to ensure that the DA’s food production program would also result in poverty alleviation.

Meanwhile, a special project titled “Pagkain Para sa Masa” will be launched in Metro Manila, involving establishing “arroz caldo” (rice porridge) feeding stations to ensure that the street dwellers and the homeless will not go to sleep on an empty stomach. (PNA)

Rody... FROM 6

Piñol... FROM 6

14 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

100 El Niño affected farmers benefit from DOLE assistance T

TPG growth to acquire 40 percent stake in One Network Bank from BDO

1

00 EL NINO affected farmers have recently benefited from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers, or TUPAD. The pay-out held last June 3, 2016 was for farmer beneficiaries who were identified by the National Irrigation Authority that worked for 10 days under the program and it was led by DOLE XI Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao and DOLE Davao del Sur Provincial Head Henry O. Montilla.

TUPAD is a component of the DOLE Livelihood and Emergency Employment Pro-

gram, or DILEEP. The program is a community-based (municipality/barangay) package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers; those who were self-employed and have lost their livelihood, including farmers and fishermen, due to natural or man-made disasters, and the underemployed and the unemployed poor.

“Gamay tabang namo ni kaninyo nga apektado sa El Nino dinhi sa Hagonoy (This is our help to you who are affected by El Nino here in Hagonoy),” Director Suyao said in a short message to the farmer beneficiaries.

Resurrection Cosino, one of the beneficiaries, said that this is of great help to them since about 6 hectares of their farming land have been affected by the dry spell.

“Maka tabang-tabang gyud ni sa among na-short na pangunsumo pati pud sa akong bana nga naa sa ospital karon (This will really help our tight budget and also my husband in the hospital),” Cosino said.

She added that they are currently resorting to planting monggo (mung) beans in order to have something to harvest and sell as their land is still recovering.

Goeffrey Te, another bene-

ficiary, said that they are thankful to DOLE for giving them a ten-day work opportunity.

“Daghan kayo ni siyag tabang sa amoa kay makapalit mi ug panginanglanon namo sama sa bugas kay ni-agi man mi karon ug crisis. Pasalamat kaayo mi na sa pulo ka adlaw naa miy nakuha gikan sa DOLE (This is a great help to us as we can now buy some of our needs like rice because we are currently under crisis. We are very thankful to the ten days of work from DOLE),” Te said.

Daily rate of the said beneficiaries for their 10 day work was P317 per day. Kriztja Marae G. Labrador/LCODOLEXI

Department of Labor and Employment XI Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao during the pay-out held last June 3, 2016 at the National Irrigation Authority office in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. KMGL/LCO-DOLEXI

DOLE XI Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao (center) and DOLE-Davao del Sur Field Office (DSFO) Chief Henry O. Montilla (third from right) together with DOLEDSFO employees and NIA representatives after the payout. KMGL/LCO-DOLEXI

Incoming... FROM 14

sion of the economy, which in the first quarter of 2016 posted the highest growth in Asia at 6.9 percent.

Another focus is to “institute progressive tax reform and more effective tax collection, indexing taxes to inflation.”

Incoming economic managers said a review of the country’s tax system was needed to ensure a rightful level for all.

Some tax incentives are seen to be abolished to have a leeway to update income tax rates. ”We wish to see our workers having more disposable income to do as they wish,” incoming Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said in his speech during the event.

Dominguez said corporate

tax rates “will be adjusted to be competitive with the rest of the region to make our economy more competitive for investments.”

“We hope to broaden the tax base even more to compensate for lower rates,” he said.

The incoming administration also targets to further increase the country’s competitiveness and ease in doing business. ”This effort will draw upon successful models used to attract business to local cities and pursue the relaxation of Constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership, except as regards land ownership, in order to attract foreign direct investment (FDI),” a statement by the economic managers said.

Investment on infrastructure is also targeted to remain strong at the current five percent of gross domestic product (GDP) or higher at around six percent of total domestic output, with the help of public-private partnership (PPP). ”We will invest in building the infrastructure necessary to make us a 21st century economy: from modernizing our ports to improving our logistical spine to ensuring reliable and cheap power for all the islands,” Dominguez said.

The incoming government eyes to implement not just major PPP projects but more small and medium-sized projects, particularly in the countryside to ensure a more inclusive growth, citing that this will

provide more job opportunities for more people.

The focus on the provinces is among the 10-point economic agenda to “promote rural and value chain development towards increasing agricultural and rural enterprises productivity and rural tourism.”

Another goal is to “ensure security of land tenure to encourage investments, and address bottlenecks in land management and titling agencies.”

Investment in human capital is another aim to further ensure that the businesses’ demand for skilled individuals are met, which will also ensure that people will have work to sustain them and in turn boost economic growth.

PG Growth, the middle market and growth equity investment platform of TPG, today announced an agreement with BDO Unibank, Inc., to acquire a 40 percent stake in One Network Bank (ONB). Based in Davao, ONB is the rural bank subsidiary of BDO, with more than 100 branches and offices. Following the transaction, BDO will retain approximately 60 percent ownership in ONB. “We look forward to working with TPG to accelerate ONB’s expansion and to develop new products to cover the underserved market segments.” said Nestor V. Tan, President and CEO of BDO. “Through this partnership, ONB will benefit from TPG’s global experience in financial services, especially in developing markets.”

This new phase of ONB’s growth is aligned with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’s (BSP) efforts to improve financial inclusion in the country.

BDO is the market leader in the domestic banking industry with strong brand recognition, a solid balance sheet, and the country’s largest branch and ATM network.

TPG has partnered with more than 15 financial services companies across Asia. In 2008, TPG worked with Bank Tabungan Pensiunan Nasional (BTPN) of Indonesia to open more than 550 new branches and create a microloan business that grew the bank’s customer base to more than 2 million group lending program clients and 250,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Across its platform, TPG has invested in a wide variety of financial services companies throughout Asia, including Indonesian financial institution BFI; Janalakshmi, India’s largest microfinance institution; the Shenzhen Development Bank in China; and Union Bank of Colombo in Sri Lanka.

“TPG has worked with many highly impactful financial services businesses across Asia. Our insight in the sector has come from years of identifying and developing the full potential of strong businesses,” said Ganen Sarvananthan, Head of TPG Southeast Asia.

“Together, BDO and ONB have built an impressive foundation.

We look forward to bringing

Promotion of science, technology and creative arts will also be pursued “to enhance innovation and creative capacity towards self-sustaining inclusive development.”

Social protection programs, including the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, will be strengthened to address poverty and “protect the poor against instability and economic shock.”

The Reproductive Health Law (RH Law) will also be vigorously implemented to help couples from poor families to have informed choices to plan their families.

Incoming Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Economic and Development Authority Director General

all that we’ve learned into a collaborative partnership and expanding the impact they’ve already created.”

The transaction is subject to closing conditions and regulatory approval.

About BDO BDO is a full-service universal bank that provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services, including traditional loan and deposit products as well as treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards, and credit card services.

BDO has one of the largest distribution networks in the Philippines, with more than 1,000 operating branches and over 3,000 ATMs nationwide.

It also has a branch in Hong Kong as well as 26 overseas remittance and representative offices in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

BDO ranked as the Philippines’ largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits, capital, and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of March 31, 2016. For more information, please visit www. bdo.com.ph

About TPG Growth TPG Growth is the middle market and growth equity investment platform of TPG, the global private investment firm. With over $7 billion of assets under management, TPG Growth targets investments in a broad range of industries and geographies. TPG Growth has the deep sector knowledge, operational resources, and global experience to drive value creation and help companies reach their full potential. The firm is backed by the resources of TPG, which has approximately $70 billion of assets under management.

TPG Growth’s current and past investments include Airbnb, Apollo Towers, Cancer Treatment Services International, e.l.f. Cosmetics, NorthStar Anesthesia, Novolex, Schiff Nutrition, SuccessFactors, SurveyMonkey, and Uber. TPG Growth has offices in China, India, London, Singapore, Turkey, and the United States. For more information, visit www.tpg.com.

Ernesto Pernia, in a briefing at the sidelines of the dialogue, said proper implementation of the RH Law would be a big help in poverty reduction.

He explained that he has conducted a simulated study on this by dividing women into quintiles, wherein those belonging to the poorest quintile are given the opportunity to achieve their target family size, such as having maximum of three children instead of five to six children. ”If they are able to achieve family size then poverty rate would go down from 26 percent to 23 percent. This is a pure demographic effect from the implementation of family planning or RH law as it is called now,” he said. (PNA)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

WRONG HISTORY Warriors’73-9 season obliterated by Finals loss A

S LEBRON James wept on the court, overwhelmed by joy and fulfillment and surrounded by the teammates whose careers he validated, Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala stuck around, among the thousands inside Oracle Arena looking on in stunned silence. The Golden State Warriors had been scheduling a date with destiny for nearly eight months, through a swashbuckling, leave-no-doubt campaign that entered them – perhaps prematurely – into the argument as one of the greatest teams ever. But when it came time to finish the job and etch their names among those immortals, they had nothing left – and were left to ponder so many what-ifs that will surely haunt them

NOT THIS WAY. He could not get away from a sticky Lebron James defense in the deciding game.

for many years to come, and possibly forever.

“It stung,” Curry said after the Warriors’ magical season vanished with a 93-89 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. “It sucked to watch them celebrate, and we wish it would have been us.”

Stephen Curry and the Warriors became the first team to blow a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals.

(Getty Images)Instead of a Champagne shower to celebrate those 73 wins, Curry’s first unanimous MVP and Steve Kerr’s Coach of the Year honors, the Warriors’ locker-room carpet was doused with the tears of disappointment. Not only did they come up short in proving wrong all those who attempted to diminish their title run from a year ago, but they

Gilas plays Turkey in tune-ups

T

HE Pilipinas Gilas national men’s basketball squad is ready to play Turkey in a two-game pre-Olympic Qualifier matches and test what they have become as a team so far.

Ending a grueling nine-day grind in the mountains of Greece, Gilas Pilipinas sets forth and starts to apply whatever it learned and adopted in its high-altitude training camp.

On Monday, the national team travelled for five hours from the socalled ‘Little Switzerland of Greece’

to the capital city of Athens, where it took a flight to Istanbul to play a tune-up game against fellow Olympic qualifier Turkey.

Gilas plays Turkey on Tuesday in one of two tune-up matches between the two teams prior to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Both countries meet each other again on July 1 in Manila.

On the eve of the team’s departure on Father’s Day, the team had a grand time feasting on a whole roasted lamb at the Montana Hotel and Spa, which served

as home of the nationals for the last nine days.

“Another training camp in the books. There’s always a special sense of accomplishment and pride every time you go through this kind of grind for the country,” Gilas deputy coach Josh Reyes posted in IG account @joshreyes8.

“Very much impressed by how the guys consistently battled and worked extremely hard the past nine days Thank you Karpenisi and Montana (hotel) for taking good care of us. Off to Istanbul.”

Coach Tab Baldwin and the rest of Gilas will stay in the popular Turkish city for just two days and from there, proceed to Bologna, Italy for a pocket tournament against the host country and the national teams of Canada and China.

The Filipinos play the Italians first on the 25th, and then take on the loser of the Canada-China match, or the winner, should they beat the host the following day.

The team heads back to Manila by the 27th of the month.

HOME ARE THE CHAMPS

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Cavs return home with the historic title

EBRON James stepped off the plane and into a blizzard of red-and-gold confetti before hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy. It gleamed in the bright summer sun, a symbol of hope and history.

As promised, James brought home a championship, the one on hold the past 52 years.

“This is for you, Cleveland,” James shouted into a microphone.

The superstar, born and raised in nearby Akron, powered the Cavaliers to a never-seen-before comeback in the NBA Finals, bringing them back from a 3-1 deficit to stun the Golden State Warriors.

On Monday (Tuesday, Manila time), more than 10,000 fans gathered at Hopkins International Airport welcomed James and his teammates, who made a pit stop in Las Vegas for late-night partying

HOME ARE THE CHAMPS. Kyrie Irving, LeBron James and JR Smith lead the Cavs in presenting the Larry O’Brien trophy upon arrival in Cleveland. AP

before completing this unlikeliest June journey.

The Cavs not only defied the odds to make history, but they ended Cleveland’s pro sports title drought stretching to 1964, when the Browns won an NFL title.

It’s been a surreal ride for Clevelanders and shortly after showing fans the trophy from afar, James, the four-time league MVP, paraded it around the perimeter of the parking lot so fans behind the chain-linked fences could see they weren’t dreaming.

“I kept waking up during the night and saying, ‘Did we really win’?” said Diana Beetler of Oberlin, Ohio. “I couldn’t believe it. I’ve never had a championship since I was born. We’ve been waiting years and years for this.”

S h e watched Sunday night’s game at home with family.

“I cried,” said Beetler’s 18-year-old

daughter, Zoe. “Everybody cried.”

It seems the entire city choked up after James capped his MVP series with a sensational Game 7, a triple-double performance that will long be remembered for his chase-down block of Warriors forward Andre Iguodala in the final minutes — a rejection that seemed to erase so many bad memories in Cleveland.

James’ emotional reaction following the game seemed to strike a chord with everyone. He broke down crying several times, overwhelmed by the magnitude of what he had accomplished and what he knew it meant to Northeast Ohio.

“It was unbelievable,” said Indians manager Terry Francona, who helped the Boston Red Sox end their 86-year World Series dryspell.

“I almost enjoy that part of it as much. Watching the genuine emotion come out. So often, when guys are talking, it’s saying the right thing. I get it. I’m supposed to do it, too. It’s just part of the job.

But to see the genuine emotion come out was pretty cool.”

have to live with the ignominy of being the first team in history to blow a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals. The franchise that owner Joe Lacob claimed was “light years” ahead of everyone else, got chased down by the defining player of this era.

James crashed the coronation with a never-before-seen determination and turned all of the Warriors’ accomplishments during an otherwise dream season into footnotes in a legendary career that is far from its completion. The Warriors’ NBA Finals collapse was so stunning in its swiftness that fingering the source of the blame would be a dizzying exercise that still misses the actual target. The Warriors could look to Draymond Green’s suspension, Klay Thompson’s smack talk to James about this being a “man’s game,” Harrison Barnes’ disappearing jump shot, Andrew Bogut’s knee injury, Andre Igoudala’s back, Curry’s mouthpiece toss or the Twitter meltdown by his wife, Ayesha.

But the question the Warriors might have to ask themselves is one for which there isn’t an easy answer: Would any team placed in a similar position to set an all-time record for regular-season wins take that shot again? The Warriors wanted to top Michael Jordan’s 72 wins and gleefully, greedily went after it without taking into consideration how it might affect a two-month postseason chase for the title. Maybe it didn’t matter but the end result suggests otherwise – and in many ways that is unfortunate, because there should be some reward for attempting to squeeze all of the greatness from the tube and leaving it all out there. Green already stated that the Warriors wouldn’t hang a banner for some regular-season record, and raising “73-9” – a mark that will likely remain unbroken, given how this season ended – really would only serve as a mockery of what they were unable to actually accomplish.

“It’s been an amazing year,” Green said. “We just failed at one goal we had, but this whole season isn’t a failure for me.”

The Warriors had a tendency to procrastinate all season but were playing a dangerous game, increasing the possibility of more harm the longer this season went on. They were exhausted after rallying from a 3-1 deficit against Oklahoma City and grew more fatigued against the boundlessly energetic James, who was soaring to throw down mind-bending dunks and cementing his hero status in Northeast Ohio with an out-of-nowhere blocked shot on Iguodala in the final two minutes that also erased 52 years of misery for Cleveland sports fans.

“It was meant for them to win. That’s the bottom line,” Iguodala said.

Aside from being without Kerr because of complications from back surgery, the Warriors stormed through this season with little to no resistance or worry. The postseason, however, was filled with an endless stream of physical and mental tests – in-

juries to Curry’s right ankle and right knee, being on the brink of elimination against Oklahoma City – that they were able to pass until they got buried by them.

James’ Cavaliers took an almost opposite path as they dealt with non-stop drama in the regular season. From firing David Blatt, to James’ sometimes frosty relationship with co-stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, to his confusing subtweets and so on, the Cavaliers had gone through the wringer and come out better on the other side. They were untested in the Eastern Conference playoffs, so they had plenty of time to rest, work on new handshakes and strengthen their bonds. A daunting deficit against the Warriors forced them to summon the character derived from past setbacks. The struggle was rewarding.

For the Warriors, the struggle was real. They came up one win short in a season that was all about how they had revolutionized the game, turned bitterness over perceived slights into happiness and used it as motivation to demolish the opposition. But in the playoffs, the Warriors went 15-9, lost on a game-winning shot for the first time (against James Harden and the underachieving Houston Rockets), lost consecutive games for the first time all season (against Kevin Durant’s and Russell Westbrook’s Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference finals) and lost three in a row for the first time in two seasons under Kerr.

Draymond Green scored 32 points in the Warriors’ Game 7 loss. (Getty Images)The Cavaliers will get rings, but Golden State will still be remembered as the best team that failed to win it all.

Albeit for the wrong reasons the 2001 Seattle Mariners and 2007 New England Patriots still get mentioned in the annals of history. The fact remains that James’ third championship will go down as the crowning achievement of his regal career solely because it came against these Warriors – a team that challenged what we should come to expect from the best, a team that shamelessly pursued every means to flaunt how good they were.

“Did something no team’s done before. Fell short in the last game of the season. It hurts,” Curry said. “It wasn’t easy what we accomplished, and it’s not an easy pill to swallow what we didn’t accomplish. So you’ve got to take the good with the bad, understand that we hopefully will have many more opportunities to fight for championships and be on this stage because it is what it’s all about.”

Thompson and Curry both said prior to Game 7 that this season would be a failure if they were unable to cap it off with a championship. Kerr thought such talk was ridiculous, and perhaps that mindset contributed to such a disheartening end. What was supposed to be fun suddenly became a burden. The Warriors were neither complacent nor aggressively hunting down that final trophy; they were trying to avoid the shame and the Crying Jordan memes. █

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

GOODBYE TO A SPORTS ICON Davao sports mourns death of basketball leader Cua

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

T

njb@edgedavao.net

HE Davao sports community is mourning over the passing of a sports icon in basketball leader and patron Regino “Boy” Cua yesterday.

Cua reportedly died of aneurism. He was survived by wife Pearl Imelda and children.

At the time of his death, Cua was the regional director of the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) for Davao Region. He organized basketball leagues including the Cua Ceen Cup in the 80s, and the Araw ng Davao and Kadayawan Inter-Commercial Invitational of the present.

He also implemented various school-based and age group leagues.

“He is a big loss to the sports community. His heart for

basketball is so big that he would not rely on anyone else’s support to make things happen,” said Glenn Escandor, hotelier and consultant for sports of the City Mayor’s Office.

“It will take another generation to produce another Boy Cua. He is an extraordinary leader. Very kind and very humble,” said Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr., executive director of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) who was being pushed by Cua for the top post in the PSC until his demise.

“Goodbye for now to our Godfather, the godfather who give us fair and just advice. Never let down a person, he’s angry when he doesn’t like what you do and loves you if you do good to others. He

always say “ Diyos nalang bahala Roy”.

Thank you Sir Boy, God called you up so he can play basketball with you.”

“He is like a father to me, I learned a lot of things from him,” said Rico Biliran who was Cua’s tournament manager in local cage tournaments.

“He is a pillar is local sports. We feel empty with his loss,” said former Edge Davao sports editor Moses Billacura, who is now based in Edmonton, Canada, and met Cua in several trips to Canada and the United States.

“He is an epitome of a good sports leader. Kind but frank, soft-hearted but a disciplinarian.

He is a man of principle,” said former PSC Commissioner Leon Montemayor.

SPORTS LEADER. Regino “Boy” Cua was regional director of the SBP 11 at the time of his death.