Edge Davao 9 Issue 83

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

EDGEDAVAO www.edgedavao.net

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Serving a seamless society

EARTHQUAKE DRILL. Students use their hands to cover their heads during yesterday’s national simultaneous earthquake drill at Sta. Ana Elementary School along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

RODY’S SIMPLE INAUGURATION Andanar: No champagne, blue cheese during Duterte’s oath-taking rites

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY and FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

D

ON’T expect champagne bottles and blue cheese during the inauguration of President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Incoming Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) secretary Martin Andanar said the incoming president is doing away with the customary banquets like the vin d’honneur that follows after the inauguration, but rather only hold a diplomatic reception for the guests when he takes his oath as the 16th President of the Philippines on June 30 at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall.

“The President is a simple man. Do not expect any champagne bottles popping, caviar or blue cheese,” Andanar said during a press briefing at the Marco Polo Davao yesterday.

Duterte will instead serve fried banana and coconut juice during the important occasion.

Andanar, in a separate press briefing on Monday, said the organizing committee has decided to approve the national broadcasting of the inauguration Duterte.

Andanar said that the nine national broadcasting companies will be given ac-

cess at the new executive building in Malacañang.

Other media outfits can also get an accreditation from the PCOO office.

He said Duterte will be reading his speech through the teleprompter written and reviewed by two people.

“He has a tendency of not following the script and be extemporaneous. The President still has full editorial control of the speech,” Andanar said.

He said that the entire event will be simple with no expensive foods in the table.

Members of the first family are expected to attend the

inauguration.

Incoming Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte are flying to Manila on June 28 together with their mother Elizabeth Zimmerman, Duterte’s former wife.

“I was invited,” Zimmerman told reporters on Monday.

After his inauguration, the President will go directly to the mass oath taking of the cabinet members.

Duterte is expected to arrive at Malacañang at 10:30 a.m. for the program proper.

The inauguration will start at 12 noon.

EDGEDAVAO Sports WAKE-UP CALL P15 Turkey spanks Gilas 103-68

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

SERIOUS TALK. Incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte confers with incoming finance secretary Carlos Dominguez during the last day of “Sulong Pilipinas” consultation with business leaders at SMX Convention Center in Davao City Tuesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

DPWH pursues drainage projects costing P368-million in Davao City

T

HE Department of Public Works and Highways in the Davao Region (DPWH 11) is maximizing its efforts for the completion of various on-going flood control and drainage improvement projects in Davao City.

For 2016, DPWH 11 has allotted PP368.6 million for 12 high impact projects in the city’s three legislative districts. Most of them concentrated in urban areas, the projects are meant to mitigate the effects of flooding which has been a prevalent problem of the city which worsen during the rainy months.

According to DPWH Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza, “these projects are in response to studies and consultations that identified the

flood-prone areas within the city,” citing the result of regular meetings conducted by the Task Force Drainage under the Office of the City Mayor of which the Flood Control and Drainage Unit (FCDU) of DPWH 11 is a member.

A big fraction of the major flood control and drainage projects undertaken by the agency are situated in the city’s north-western part, which include projects along Quirino, Camus , Mabini, Jacinto Extension, Lopez-Jaena and parts of Barangay Ma-a, among others.

Data from DPWH 11FCDU also bared that Task Force Drainage has already come up with project proposals totaling almost P3 billion to be submitted to the appropri-

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Alvarez: No chairmanship slots for minority in House

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

I

NCOMING house speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez is not giving any chairmanship slots for the minority in the House of Representatives.

Alvarez, of Davao del Norte, announced this to the media during the consultative workshop with the business community in Davao City which ended Tuesday. He said when Congress resumes, he will not give any committee chairmanship to the members of the minority.

Even former committee

chairpersons will not be exempted if they will not join the majority.

“If they will be in the minority, yes (no chairmanship for them), but if they will join the majority there is a possibility that some of them will get chairmanship,” Alvarez said.

At present, several members of the Liberal Party expressed intention to join the PartidongDemokratiko Pilipino-Lakasng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

However, in an earlier inter-

view with the outgoing speaker of the house Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte he said that “LP members will eventually join the coalition” with the PDP-Laban.

Meanwhile, Alvarez said that the Makabayan bloc has also expressed their intention to join the coalition.

“We have talked with them (Makabayan bloc members).

They have manifested their intention to join the majority. We are just waiting when we can sign the coalition agreement,” Alvarez said.

As of the moment the PDP-Laban has signed a coalition with the Nacionalista Party, Nationalist People’s Coalition, National Unity Party and Lakas- Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD).

Talks are also still on going with Vice President JejomarBinay’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party.

The current members of the PDP-Laban in the congress is currently at 72, however, they have reached to more than 200 because of the coalitions.

NCOMING President Rodrigo R. Duterte is not averse to the proposal that his extremely popular weekly television program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” aired from Davao City be broadcast nationwide.

He told a group of 15 broadcasters led by Maximo “Dodong” Solis who visited him Monday night at the Malacanan of the South in the regional equipment depot of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in barangay Panacan he will soon announce whether he would go nationwide with the one-hour television show broadcast by ABS-CBN Davao and simulcast by its radio station, DXAB.

The President-elect also announced he had instructed his staff to study the possibility of turning the government-owned and -operated Philippine Television (PT-4) into a public broadcasting corporation like the British Broadcasting Corporation in London.

The BBC, headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, is the world’s oldest national broadcasting organization and the largest broadcaster in the world by number of employees, with over 20,950 staff in total, of whom 16,672 are in public sector broadcasting including parttime, flexible as well as fixed contract staff, the total number is 35,402.

“The BBC is established under a Royal Charter and operates under its agreement with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Its work is funded principally by an annual television license fee which is charged to all British households, companies, and organizations using any type of equipment to receive or record live television broadcasts. The fee is set by the British Government, agreed by Parliament, and used to fund the BBC’s extensive radio, TV, and online services covering the nations and regions of the UK. From 1 April 2014, it also funds the BBC World Service, launched in 1932, which provides comprehensive TV, radio, and on-

line services in Arabic, and Persian, and broadcasts in 28 languages.”

“Around a quarter of BBC revenues come from its commercial arm BBC Worldwide Ltd. which sells BBC programs and services internationally and also distributes the BBC’s international 24-hour English language news services BBC World News and BBC.com, provided by BBC Global News Ltd.” Upon the request of Solis’ group, the incoming President promised he would look into the legalization of the operation of more than 100 low-powered neighborhood radio stations which had been operating without Congressional franchise. AMA

Rody hints at“Gikan sa Masa..”going nationwide; studies BBC

Shake drill draws I many participants M ORE or less seven hundred officers, men and women, non-uniformed personnel of the Eastern Mindanao Command, Philippine Navy, Advance command post of the 10th Infantry Division, 5th Civil-Relations Group and school-children from the Felix Apolinario Elementary School participated in the shake drill 9:00 am Wednesday.

Participants observed the duck, cover and hold as the first siren sounded simulating the occurrence of a tremor. Consequently the second siren weed

and they all went out of the building towards the open field in an orderly fashion with their hands over their heads.

The Eastern Mindanao Command headed by Brigadier General Ronnie Evangelista, assistant commander set up immediately an incident command center and telecommunication system. Thereafter, ambulance were dispatched to ferry the wounded to the safer grounds.

Liza Mazo, director of the Office of Civil Defense XI who observed the exercise lauded

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Rody inauguration live on Facebook

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

I

WAITING FOR RODY. Outgoing Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. (left) and incoming DCPO director Senior Superintendent Michael John Dubria are all smiles while waiting for

President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte during the last day of “Sulong Pilipinas” consultation with business leaders at SMX Convention Center in Davao City Tuesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

crc@edgedavao.net

T will be the first not only in Asia, but in the whole world.

President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte’s June 30 inauguration will be broadcast through Facebook live and set to reach more online viewers, even Filipinos abroad.

Incoming communication secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday night said his office, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), met with members of Facebook’s public policy who flew in from SingaporeTuesday night at the Marco Polo Davao to discuss on the viability of the live-streaming the inauguration on Facebook.

“We essentially talked about how Facebook could help us stream the entire inauguration on June 30 seamlessly,” Andanar said.

Andanar met with Facebook public policy head for Asia Pacific Elizabeth Hernandez during the meeting, together with incoming pres-

idential spokesman Ernie Abella, campaign finance head Paul Dominguez, and NicGabunada, who headed the social media aspect of Duterte’s presidential campaign.

“We focused on the inauguration since the streaming of the inauguration through Facebook will be the first in Asia, if not in the world,” Andanar said.

He said the Facebook team is looking on the possibility of tweaking its internal system to allow the continous live streaming of the event which will start in the morning until afternoon of June 30.

“Facebook will study that if they can tweak the setting because usually if you go on Facebook live after 90 minutes it turns off and you have to switch it on again on a new live event,” the former TV5 anchor said, adding it is only fitting to utilize Facebook which become one of the primary campaign platforms of

Dad mulls merger of port and Mega Harbour projects DSWD 12 to build schools

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ adlopez0920@gmail.com

W

ITH the recent announcement of incoming Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) secretary Arthur Tugade to review P18.9-billion modernization of the Sasa Port and the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the city government of Davao and the Mega Harbour Port Development Corporation (MHPDC) to develop the Davao Coastline and Port Development project, a member of the city council on Wednesday is considering for the merging of the two projects which he said would further provide economic benefits to Davao City and the rest of Davao region.

“If I will be given the priv-

ilege to propose, I would suggest that the Mega Harbour Project Coastal Development Plan should be included in the Davao Port modernization project as an integrated plans and programs,” Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang told the EDGE Davao in an interview on Wednesday.

Dayanghirang pointed out that the city and the rest of the region could not rely on Sasa Port because it has a very small area.

“If the two projects are integrated then we will have a much bigger port,” he added.

The councilor also stressed on the maximization of the use of funds and big savings on the part of the government if there will be an

Duterte peace panel, NDF seen to forge deal on truce

A

N AGREEMENT for an interim ceasefire of both the government armed forces and the communist rebels is expected to be reached once the government peace panel and the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NDFP) resume negotiations on the third week of July.

“This is the first time… in the past even a temporary ceasefire – they (CPP-NDFP) do not accept because it means capitulation of forces… baba ang baril…manaog sila (lay down arms…come down {from the boondocks}),” incoming Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Silvestre Bello III explained in a press conference Tuesday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Bello said it is the first time in 14 years they have agreed to discuss the issue on ceasefire.

It may be recalled that the last ceasefire was in 1986 during the administration of former President Corazon Aquino. But the ceasefire failed due to lack of monitoring.

But Bello said they have yet to configure how they would set up the monitoring system since the issue on communist armed conflict is of nationwide scale unlike the Moro conflict which is more confined to Mindanao.

Also seen in July is the release of political prisoners on the basis of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

According to Bello, the CPP-NDFP panel has presented an initial list of 18 to 20

F DUTERTE, 10

agreement to merge the two big projects.

“It would depend now on the Mega Harbour and the DOTC if they are interested to integrate it. That can be done easily. They just convene among themselves and agree.”

In terms of operations, Dayanghirang said the Philippine Port Authority (PPA) and the city government of Davao can come out with some scheme on joint management.

Mega Harbour is a 200-hectare port, commercial and residential complex project that will be developed 40 meters away from the coastline of Davao City, from the areas of Agdao to Bucana.

Dayanghirang also welcomed the decision of the

DOTC to review the Sasa Port modernization project, saying that the increase of the amount of the project is unexplainable to the city government.

“We do not know the reason why there was that very huge amount of increase,” he emphasized.

The project was opposed not only by the city government but also by the various sectors in the city including the business community.

Incoming secretary Tugade said on Tuesday that the agency will look into the stalled implementation of the modernization project.

Dayanghirang is hopeful that with the coming of the new administration of presi-

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COMBAT VS ILLEGAL DRUGS. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 legal counsel lawyer Behn Joseph Tesiorna says illegal drug activities declined due to the efforts being undertaken by authorities before incoming

F RODY, 10

according to IP’s culture

T

O ENSURE people’s participation in decision making at grassroots level, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-12) has gathered Waednesday leaders of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in SOCCSKSARGEN for a consultation dialogue for the construction of 135 classroom projects in the region.

Bai Zorahayda T. Taha, DSWD 12 regional director said that the dialogue was aimed at ensuring that stakeholders, especially IP leaders, are inclusively taking active roles in the project with their important insights and recommendations.

“Aside from its unique implementation mode, this project will not follow the conventional type of classrooms as of non-IP areas, instead its design and other aspects will be based on the suggestions and wisdom of IP communities,” Taha added.

The classroom project, which is part of the support to the establishment of new public schools for the Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao, has been allotted by the national government and World Bank with some PHP114.75 million for the region, according to Taha.

“It is a gesture of respect and recognition of our commu-

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President Rodrigo R. Duterte assumes office. Tesiorna and Buhangin Police Station commander Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz (left) were among the guests of yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Tagum Coop has 2 new partners T

AGUM Coop has its new partners in harnessing the thrust of the businesses it operates from collection hubs to hotel accommodation.

ECPay and NIDA Rooms are now part of the Tagum Coop family after a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on June 6, 2016, Monday evening during the regular Board Meeting.

Present to sign the MOA were Tagum Coop Chairperson Monica L. Salido along with the members of the Board of Directors (BOD) and the management, Ms. Ellen Grace Nuez, partnership manager of NIDA Rooms Tagum Davao area, and personnel from the ECPay representing President Raymund Jude Aguilar.

With this endeavor, Electronic Commerce Payments, Inc or ECPay now serves as the partner of Tagum Coop in the collection of bills and payments of the latter’s members.

The partnership with ECPay came after the BOD approved a resolution in March this year to expand the collection services of the Coop to its 11 branches, from just one Bayad Center in NCCC Mall of Tagum.

The putting up of payment

centers was in line with the institution’s 6-year strategic planning of “maximizing organizational effectiveness, under the Internal Business Process”.

ECPay is a Collection Payments Processor since 2001 with over 4, 500 retail outlets nationwide including appliance centers, banks, convenience stores, gas stations, pawnshops, and supermarkets/department stores.

Meanwhile, NIDA Rooms (Global Rooms Philippines, Inc.) now becomes the partner of Tagum Coop in promoting and advertising its Budgetel business not just in the country but in Southeast Asia.

Guests who wish to check in at the TC Budgetel may book reservation without hassle through the NIDA Rooms mobile app or via website as five rooms in the Budgetel are now branded by the latter.

NIDA Rooms, considered as Asia’s Largest Hotel chain, is a foreign-based hotel room consolidator which started its operation in the country since 2015.

With these partnerships, Tagum Cooperative went an extra mile leveling up its operations especially in providing avenues for members to access the Cooperative wherever they are. (Tagum Cooperative)

Gensan raises dengue alert; records 389 cases since Jan

T

HE City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) of the City Health Office (CHO) here has raised the alert level against the deadly mosquito-borne dengue fever following the surge in the number of suspected cases which record reached 389 since January.

City Disease Surveillance Officer, Dr. Mely Lastimoso disclosed that the said figure is 159% higher than the 150 cases recorded for the year 2015.

“There were 389 Dengue cases reported to CESU from January 1 to June 11, 2016 and 53% of these numbers or a total of 168 infected patients are children ages 1-10 years old.”

Lastimoso said three deaths have also been reported this year from Barangay City Heights, Barangay Conel and Barangay Fatima compared to the zero casualty last year which prompted local health officials to intensify the city’s no let up campaign against dengue.

Last week, hundreds of participants composed of barangay officials, health workers and nutrition scholars, public school teachers and principals, school nurses and nutrition teachers from the city’s 26 barangays convened at Labangal gymnasium to celebrate the 6th ASEAN Dengue Day. This year’s theme revolves on DOH battlecry: “Four O’clock Habit: Stop Look and Listen” where citizens are asked to band every 4pm in searching and destroying the possible thriving places for mosquitoes especially the Aedes aegypti

which transmit the viruses that cause dengue fever.

“We should not be complacent but rather we should help each other in cleaning our barangays especially that dengue is a year-round problem. We have just experienced El Nino, and we know that mosquitoes thrive in warm weather; and now rainy season is here, we should get rid of stagnant, clear waters in our areas as these are the best breeding places for mosquitoes,” said Francisco Cavan, Sr., Barangay Kagawad of Labangal.

Meanwhile Lastimoso revealed that CESU, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) 12, is currently intensifying the dengue control program especially in the implementation of the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue which aim to to reinforce cleanup drive against Dengue, and mobilize all sectors for cleanup drive (search and destroy).

The standard message of the campaign, she said is also to the reinforce the 4s Strategy on dengue prevention which include: Search and destroy breeding sites; Self Protection; Seek early advise/consultation at the nearest health center; and Say YES to fogging when there is an impending outbreak (hotspots).

The DOH has also identified public elementary schools in the city as recipients of the School-Based Insecticide Treated Screen (ITS) “to reduce the incidence and deaths of dengue by reducing levels of transmission through reduction of vector population.” (PGFruylan/PIA-Gensan)

Tagum Coop Chairperson Monia L. Salido (sitting, left), along with other officers and management, signs the MOA with NIDA Rooms partnership manager Ellen Grace Nuez (sitting, right)

Tagum Cooperative inks MOA with NIDA rooms for its partnership in the Budgetel Business

Talaingod’s Sundalo sa Katawhan H

AD she been given the chance to finish her studies, she would have wanted to become a doctor or a soldier. Instead, she became someone more than she ever hoped for. She became the ‘people’s soldier’ or as her co-beneficiaries fondly call her “sundalo sa katawhan”.

Fifty-two year-old Juliet Rivera is an ordinary housewife. She finished high school and lived a simple life in their quaint little village at Barangay Sto. Nino, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

Her husband Eleazar, 55, works as a laborer at a local farm. With no permanent income, Juliet helps her husband by working as a freelance masseuse. On a regular day, she earns P 150.00.

“Ang amoang ginakita sa una igo ra gyud aron makakaon mi (What we earned was enough to meet our food needs),” she shared. “Sa panahon nga naay mga panginahanglan sa eskwelahan ang amoang mga anak, maghilak gyud ko kay kulang man jud amoang kwarta.

Igo ra gyud sa panginahanglan sa sulod sa balay Sama sa ilang ginaingon, hand to mouth lang gyud (Whenever our children need some stuffs for school, I would end up crying for we were really short with cash. We just had enough for the basics at home. As they say, we survived in a hand-to-mouth basis).”

It was in 2009 when the

Rivera Family was identified as one of the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Juliet recalls how excited she was when for the first time there was someone from the government who did a houseto-house enumeration in their barangay. Though there were no promises of anything when they were interviewed, still she prayed and hoped for the best.

“Pirti gyud nakong lipaya pagkahibalo nako nga naay programa nga motabang sa amoang mga kabos (I was overjoyed when I learned that there’s going to be a program that would help us),” she exclaimed.

“Karon nga naa na ang Pantawid, dili na mabiyaan ang akoang mga anak sa mga activities sa school. Sa una maibog lang na sila kung naay mga girl scout camping ug uban pa kay wala man gyud mi ikagasto. Karon makaapil na gyud sila (Now with Pantawid, my children will no longer be left behind in any school activities.

Before, they felt resentful when there are girl scout camps and other events since we could not afford to pay for these things.

Now, they can easily join),” Juliet tearfully reminisced.

“Sa una kung mag-ulan mangabasa mi sa sulod sa balay tungod sa dagko nga bangag sa atop. Maluoy gyud ko maglantaw sa akoang mga anak. Karon,

nakapa-atop na ko aron makatulog na mi og tarong maski pa mag-ulan (When it rained, we would end up soaked inside our home because of the large holes in the roofing. I felt sorry for my children. Now, I can have my roof repaired so that we can sleep comfortably even when it rains).”

Eleazar and Juliet’s six children are consistently on the top of their class -Christian Louie, 27; Agatha Gloria, 24; Eleazar Jr, 17, and in 1st year college; Reymound, 16 and in Grade 11; Eliza Mie, 15, and in Grade 10; and Jessa Mie, 13, a Grade 8 student.

In 2012, the Rivera Family was awarded as the provincial winner for the Huwarang Pamilya Search.

Juliet shared how the program had helped her gain self-confidence and developed her trait as a leader. Her 32 member-beneficiaries look up to her.

“Sa una mahadlok ko makig-atubang sa tawo kay maulaw ko kay unsa ra gud ang akoang naabot. Dako gyud og kausaban sa akoang pagkatawo ang nahatag sa Pantawid, na-educate ko. Daghan ko og nahibaloan nga mga kaalam nga akoang ma-treasure ug mahimong kusog (I felt nervous in front of people before because I was ashamed of my low education status. Pantawid has tremendously changed me. My eyes were opened. I learned a lot of lessons from the pro-

gram which I could treasure and which will serve as my strength).”

“Pinaagi sa Pantawid, nahatagan mi og bili nga makatabang sa amoang isig ka tawo.

Napahimuslan mi maski wala mi naabot na grado. Mapasalamaton ko sa DSWD nga gipaminaw ug gihatagan og bili ang amoang mga suhestiyon aron mapalambo ang programa (Pantawid valued our worth and capacity to help others. We were mobilized despite our low educational status. I am grateful to DSWD for accepting and appreciating our suggestions to further improve the program).”

“Kung wala ni nga programa daghan pa karon ang nagkamang. Daghan pa karon ang kawang pa gihapon, walay kausaban sa kinabuhi. Dili lang ako ang natabangan sa programa mao nanghinaut ko nga ipadayon gihapon ni nga programa (If not for the program, many would still be impoverished. Many would still lead the same old routinary life with no significant changes in their poor living condition.

The program has helped a lot of people, not only my family. I am hoping the program will be continued).”

Juliet voluntarily went around the entire District 1 of Davao del Norte to gather support from her co-beneficiaries for the continuance of Pantawid Pamilya. She alone was able to

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5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Group mulls raps vs Marina

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

crc@edgedavao.net

CIVIL society group formed through Facebook in October last year plans to file a case against Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) for the implementation of a circular order stopping the night operation of wooden-hulled boats.

The group, calling itself Samal Watch, however, said it will have to exhaust all means before seeking legal action against Marina.

Group administrator Jack Tello said their organization will wait for the executive order to be issued by Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) mayor Al David Uy next week seeking to exempt the operation of wooden boats during night time in Samal from the implementation of the Circular Order No 2016-02, or the revised rules on the facing out of the wooden-hulled ships carrying passengers in domestic shipping.

Tello said the group will also meet with boat operators and other Samal residents who were not properly consulted before the order takes effect on July 7.

“We’ll also meet with the president of the Association of Barangay Captains in Samal as well as Davao City Mayor Sara

Duterte-Carpio to lobby our concerns,” Tello said during the Habi at Kape media forum at the Abreeza Mall.

Tello said the order should not be implemented since there was no proper public consultation conducted prior to the first consultation conducted last Tuesday.

“They are not even prepared for the consultation because they’ve given us the wrong venue,” he said, adding it was not well-represented by affected sectors because only less than a 100 attended the event.

Paul Suazell, one of the members, said the stoppage of the operation of wooden-hulled boats carrying passengers spells disasters to residents of Samal who are using these as primary mode of transportation.

Suazell said 90 percent of the 110,000 residents of the island use wooden boat to ferry goods from Samal to Davao City. He said workers and students preferring wooden ships to cross interisland.

“This would have an adverse effect on the students and entrepreneurs traversing the water through the wooden ferry,” he said, adding the provision of the order has no legal

basis.

Marina, Sauazell said, could not just remove the operation of lantsa in Samal because of its cultural value long before the operation of steelhulled boats carrying passengers.

He said the Marina cannot

use its argument of preferring Maywest, owned by the Banggayan, over wooden lantsa because of safety and convenience.

“There’s no truth on their claim that it is more safer to use the ferries of Maywest because it is not even built for

passengers,” Suazell said.

The ship is built for cargo, according to him.

“Passengers inside their vehicles cannot even go outside because seats and life jackets were not enough,” Suazell said.

Boat operators will be also

adversely affected.

“They will be losing 1/6 of their daily income because they cannot operate at night,” he said.

There are more than 20 wooden boat carrying passengers in Samal operated by more than 10 operators.

LIVE STREAMING. Smart Telecommunications public affairs and corporate communications head Ramon Esberto (right) says the company will evaluate its capability and facilities to cater the planned live streaming of incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s inauguration on June 30. Lean Daval Jr.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

WB lauds efforts to boost cacao production in Davao

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

ROJECTS aimed to boost cacao production in Davao region was recently visited by a team from the World Bank (WB) headed by its new country director, Mara K. Warwick.

Warwick and her team that include WB senior rural development economist FraukeJungbluth, lead economist Aleksandra Posarac and senior communications officer Dave Llorito particularly paid a visit to the farmer-beneficiaries of the approved P26-million Cacao Production and Dry-fermented beans marketing in Barangay Subasta, Calinan.

The project is currently being implemented under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in Davao region.

In a statement to the media here, DA-PRDP said that Warwick and her team had an actual interaction with the leaders of cacao farmers in the area especially from the Subasta Integrated Multipurpose Cooperative (SIMC).

“The team was delighted to see the operations of the cooperative and its existing facilities,” the DA-PRDP statement said.

The interaction also served as a venue where beneficiaries directly shared to WB officials the regular operations of the project and its impact to their lives and the community.

“This is the very first project I’ve visited (in the Philip-

pines). So I am really thrilled to see you and your project,” Warwick was quoted in message during the integration that was joined by more than 50 farmers and project implementers of peech in a gathering of about 50 farmers and project implementers of SIMC. As she lauded the success of the project, Warwick also expressed gratitude to the farmers for their dedication and enthusiasm as being part of the WB funded program.

“I know you put so much hard work and many number of hours in the preparation of the plans and attending meetings and other activities,” she added.

During the visit, Engr.

Froilan Rigor, Planning officer of Davao City presented to WB executives the Davao Development Strategy (DDS) which outlines the key infrastructures planned to be established in three years that will link the city’s production area to the bigger markets in Davao city and nearby commercial centers.

In the same statement, DA-11 regional director RemelynRecoter described cacao as the champion commodity of Davao region under DA-PRDP program, considering that at least 80 percent of the country’s cacao project is from Davao region.

As she expressed her impressions to the on-going cacao development projects in the area, Warwick also assured the farmers of the con-

HE PROVINCIAL government of South Cotabato today honored 17 non government organizations and 11 local government units in the province for its contribution on good governance since 2013.

The recognition includes distribution of certificates of appreciation by the Provincial Development Council (PDC) headed by South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance Fuentes, to recipients was conducted at the PDC hall of Provincial Planning and

Development Office (PPDO) here.

Fuentes said the provincial government’s partners in development initiatives of the government played major roles as members of the PDC. Fuentes handed over the certificates of appreciation to representatives of the following NGOs: The NGOs were Mahintana Foundation Inc., Coalition of Social Development Organizations, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, South Cotabato Foundation

F WB, 13

World Bank country director Mara K. Warwick (center) shows off roasted cacao beans ready for processing. With her are (from left) PRDP OIC-National Director Arnel De Mesa, WB communication officer Dave Llorito, lead economist Aleksandra Posarac and PRDP Mindanao director Lealyn A. Ramos. (Photo by Jay M. Rosas/PSO Mindanao)

Traders told: Secure collective trademark

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

E

crc@edgedavao.net

UROPEAN Union Ambassador Franz Jessen urged small businesses from the agriculture sector to secure the Mindanao Collective Trademark (MCT) for product leverage as their ticket to the international market.

Jessen said Mindanao products have so much potential in the European market especially now with the MCT which gives products coming from the island an origin that

denotes quality and sustainability though the voluntary standards (VS).

The MCT was established by the Mindanao Development Authority with the assistance from the EU through its Trade Related Technical Assistance Project 3 (TRTA3) which aims to integrate Mindanao’s small and medium enterprises into the international and regional trading and investment system. It was launched last Tues-

Inc., Chiu Bun Gim Foundation Inc. South Cotabato Chamber of Commerce & Industry Foundation Inc., OND-Hesed, World Vision, Save The Children, Social Action Center, Women’s Indigenous Focus for Enhancement, Maguindanaoan Development Foundation Inc., Provincial AgriI-Fishery Council Inc., South Cotabato Mango Industry Council, NDMU Foundation Inc. and Tri-People Gentud Foundation.

For the 2016-2019 PDC term of office, Fuentes said a new set of

NGOs will be accredited by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO). PPDO is the PDC secretariat.

Before the awarding proper, a presentations was conducted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) about the PAMANA projects accomplished in South Cotabato and the PHP8.8 billion accomplishments of the 2nd Congressional District under Congressman Ferdinand Hernandez.

(PNA)

day.

MinDA secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino said the trademark “will improve the competitiveness of products originating from the island through alignment with internationally recognized VS which guarantee sound management practices, traceability and sustainability.”

Hoping to entice more SMEs to invest in the region’s high value crops like banana,

coffee, cacao, and coconut, Antonino said the MCT will also function as a certification trademark.

“Meaning, the objective of the collective trademark is to be able to carry out common promotion of “quality Mindanao products” in domestic and international markets,” she said.

The changing preference of the international market is

F TRADERS, 13

South Cotabato Dev’t Council honors partners Rody welcomes business leaders’recommendations T P

SAMAL CONCERN. Jack Tello (right) administrator of Samal Watch, together with Jojo Tejano (left), co-administrator and Paul Suazell (center) raised their concern during the regular Habi at Kape press conference at the Abreeza Mall on Wednesday on the implementation of the circular issued

by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to prohibit wooden-made vessels to travel after 6:00 p.m. starting on July 7, saying that the same will have adverse effects to the people of the Island Garden City of Samal who are regular passengers of said type of sea vessels. (Alexander D. Lopez)

RESIDENT-ELECT Rodrigo R. Duterte vowed that they will study the 10 recommendations of business leaders to his socio-economic agenda during the two-day consultative workshop held in the city.

“I assure you. We will study and review it and for now I would say I see nothing wrong with this.

This is doable. It’s a matter of just doing it and implementing it right away,” he said during the last day of the “Sulong Pilipinas: Hakbang Tungo sa Kaunlaran” at the SMX Convention Center on Tuesday.

Duterte, a lawyer, said he is banking on the experts in the government to study the country’s economy in order to come up with actionable plans on economic matters while each of his cabinet members review other recommendations “to where the subject matter belongs.”

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PCCII) president George Barcelon presented the first part of the recommendations while the other half was delivered by Mindanao Business Council (MBC) chairman Vicente Lao. Barcelon said the “best of minds” in the country’s business community were able to give their suggestions on what the next administration should pursue to further the growth of the economy.

“When you think about it, this comes very cheap it. If you were to ask them to bill us, I don’t think we can afford their talents,” he said.

Barcelon said that a comprehensive tax reform package topped the recommendations of the business sector.

This includes reduction of corporate and personal income taxes as well as lower capital gains tax rates that are similar to the taxation systems of Singapore and Hong Kong.

“To compensate for the deficit resulting from reduced tax rates, the foremost suggestion is to increase excise taxes by expanding the definition of luxury goods,” he said.

The businessmen agreed to have a national identification system that will allow for a more targeted social services and prevent double-counting or leakage.

“Past administrations attempted to institute a nationwide identification system but lacked the political will,” Barcelon said.

Once pushed, he believes the system will improve access to health, education, food, shelter, conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs, and peace and order.

They recommended automation and streamlining of processing time of permits and bottlenecks in land titling. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

7 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Understanding childhood vaccinations

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

E

IGHTEEN-MONTH-OLD Jessie was an active, playful toddler. Then, one day, he was struck down with a high fever, severe coughing, diarrhea, vomiting and a red rash on his face and chest.

When Jessie started gasping for breath on the sixth day of his illness, his parents rushed him to a hospital. The doctor diagnosed pneumonia, a complication of measles. Although he was given intravenous fluids and antibiotics, his condition worsened. Two days after admission, Jessie died.

Sarah, the boy’s mother, later told doctors she didn’t realize that measles was life-threatening. She hadn’t had Jessie vaccinated against the disease even though she lived just over a kilometer away from a health center. “If only I had known,” she said.

With vaccine available for measles, the acute bacterial respiratory infection should have been part of history already -but such is not the case.

It must be recalled that in 2014, the Department of Health reported a total of 1,810 cases of measles in Davao Region from January to July, with most of the cases coming from Davao City.

According to a news report circulated by the state-run Philippine News Agency, measles cases were high in Talomo North with 181 reported cases, Buhangin with 124 cases, and Talomo South with 105 cases. However, confirmed cases were high in Talomo North with 21 cases, Talomo South with 14 cases, Buhangin with 13, and District A with 13 cases.

Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus. It remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally, according to the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). Approximately 114,900 people died from measles in 2014 – mostly children under the age of 5.

Since the United Nations health agency launched its Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in 1974, millions of deaths have been prevented every year. During 2000-2014, measles vaccination prevented an estimated 17.1 million deaths. Global measles deaths have decreased by 79% from an estimated 546,800 in 2000

Living in a time of unprecedented medical interventions, it is difficult to fully appreciate the contribution vaccines have made to human health

tions,” says Dr. Lam Mun San, an infectious disease consultant physician with the Mount Elizabeth Medical Center in Singapore. “Even when parents know something about vaccinations, they tend to exaggerate the side effects and downplay the consequences of diseases from unvaccinated children.”

Nevertheless, the case for childhood vaccination remains overwhelming. “Living in a time of unprecedented medical interventions, it is difficult to fully appreciate the contribution vaccines have made to human health,” wrote Leony Garcia in a special report which appeared in Business Mirror.

“In fact, the widespread adoption of vaccines was one of the greatest public-health innovations of the 20th century. Deadly and highly-infectious diseases, like small pox, whooping cough, polio and measles, have either been eradicated completely or are

to 114,900 in 2014, the WHO reports.

Unfortunately, public health experts believe that this progress is potentially in jeopardy. “Fewer children are suffering and dying from infections, so parents are not taking the problem seriously,” says Dr. Zulkifli Ismail, professor of pediatrics and director of Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. “Parents are putting their children at risk when they don’t bring them in for their shots.”

Although the global campaign for childhood immunization has been a towering success, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warns that there is still a long

under control, thanks to the development and administration of vaccines,” Garcia added.

A vaccine, which undergoes several trials, is safe.

The WHO defines a vaccine as “a biological preparation that improves immunity to a particular disease.” It further explains: “A vaccine typically contains an agent that resembles a disease-causing microorganism, and is often made from weakened or killed forms of the microbe, its toxins or one of its surface proteins. The agent stimulates the body’s immune system to recognize the agent as foreign, destroy it, and ‘remember’ it, so that the immune system can more easily recognize and destroy any

way to go.

“Nearly one in 5 infants are still left out of the life-saving benefits of vaccines and are exposed to a far higher risk of death and disability,” UNICEF deplores. “An estimated 1.5 million unvaccinated children die each year.”

In the Philippines, over 1,000 children needlessly die each year from six childhood killers: diphtheria, measles, polio, whooping cough, tuberculosis and tetanus. Most of those who died are children who are not immunized.

Basic medical knowledge is also low. “Many parents do not know that the reason for decline in infectious diseases is due in a large part to vaccina-

of these microorganisms that it later encounters.”

Recently, there has been some concern about autism and vaccines. The increase in reported autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) made some parents wonder if there is a connection with vaccines, particularly the tripe measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Yet, there hasn’t been any scientific proof.

In its website, the Sanofi Pasteur Inc. said: “More than 20 published scientific studies conducted in various countries have found no link between vaccination and ASDs. Moreover, a 2014 meta-analysis of more than 1.2 million children found that neither vaccines, nor vaccines components, are associated with the development of autism.”

In addition, the Journal of the American Medical Association and the New England Journal of Medicine found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

“Despite what you may hear or read, all current vaccines are safe,” assures Dr. Ismail. “Vaccines have helped prevent more diseases than all antibiotics put together.”

Vaccines are effective. Polio is a highly infectious viral disease, which mainly affects young children. It was once a disease feared worldwide, striking suddenly and paralyzing mainly children for life.

In 1988, when the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was formed, polio paralyzed more than 350 000 people a year.

Since that time, polio case numbers have decreased by more than 99%.

The success of trivalent oral polio vaccine is just one of many medical triumphs in recent years.

Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by bacteria.

The bacteria live in the mouth, throat, and nose of an infected person. It can be passed to others by coughing or sneezing. In the past, diphtheria was a greatly feared illness in the United States. In the 1920s, there were between 100,000 and 200,000 cases of diphtheria each year with 13,000– 15,000 deaths. Because of widespread immunization and better living conditions, diphtheria is now rare in the United States.

Vaccines are not perfect,

but they are highly effective.

“Normally, vaccines are at least 80% effective -- that is, eight out of 10 children vaccinated will develop antibodies against the infection and be protected,” says Dr. C. John Clemens, former EPI medical officer with the WHO in Geneva.

Although no medical intervention is 100% safe, the risk of serious side effects from vaccines, such as severe allergic reactions, is low.

“Any vaccine can cause side effects,” the Mayo Clinic points out. “Usually, these side effects are minor — low-grade fever, fussiness and soreness at the injection site. Some vaccines cause a temporary headache, fatigue or loss of appetite. Rarely, a child might experience a severe allergic reaction or a neurological side effect, such as a seizure. Although these rare side effects are a concern, the risk of a vaccine causing serious harm or death is extremely small. The benefits of getting a vaccine are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.”

A warning: vaccines should not be given to children who have known allergies to specific vaccine components. “If your child develops a life-threatening reaction to a particular vaccine, further doses of that vaccine won’t be given,” the Mayo Clinic says.

Parents wonder why vaccines are given so early? “The diseases that childhood vaccines are meant to prevent are most likely to occur when a child is very young and the risk of complications is greatest,” the Mayo Clinic says. “That makes early vaccination — sometimes beginning shortly after birth — essential. If you postpone vaccines until a child is older, it might be too late.”

In addition, the full course of immunizations must be completed; otherwise, the vaccines may not work. For instance, two doses of the vaccine against measles are recommended to ensure immunity and prevent outbreaks, as about 15% of vaccinated children fail to develop immunity from the first dose.

Parents who avoid having their child vaccinated are courting for trouble. “In general, skipping vaccines isn’t a good idea,” the Mayo Clinic

F HEALTH, 10

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

EDITORIAL

T

Big loss for Davao sports

HE demise of Davao’s basketball patron Regino “Boy” Cua is a big blow to the sport in the Davao Region.

Cua was the long-running head of the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) Region 11 and before that, the head of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP).

He was credited for organizing several basketball leagues including the highly-successful Duterte Basketball League (DBL) which has grassroots, community and elite programs.

No wonder it is supported strongly by the City government of Davao.

Cua was a humble, hardworking sports leader who is well respected by everyone in the community. His words were like well of wisdom to sports officials—the young and the old alike.

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He was no ordinary leader. He was a visionary and a unifier.

Cua was known for maintaining the harmonious relationship among all basketball stakeholders ever since he took over the reins of the sport which used to have warring factions.

Cua was in the basketball scene for decades and he never waned in working silently to give many basketball talents from the city a chance to have better lives.

Cua’s shoes is simply too big to fill in and his loss will leave a large vacuum in the local sports scene.

To the selfless sports leader who offered his time, fortune and wisdom to the sport, this city offers its deepest gratitude. Rest in peace, Regino “Boy” Cua.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

I

Is Metro Manila traffic going to the pigs? Yes.

NCOMING DOTC secretary Arthur Tugade hit the nail on the head when he famously exclaimed that “binababoy na tayo ng traffic” (traffic is treating us like pigs), to justify calls for emergency measures to deal with the traffic. This will now be a famous utterance to describe, refreshingly, how metro Manila traffic has snarled growth and diminished the quality of life of Metro manila residents, where half of our nations commerce is traded.

From a macro standpoint, 2.4 billion peso lost daily to traffic given by a certain multilateral donor agency is no joke, since almost 60 percent of our country’s Gross Domestic Product comes from the greater Manila areas. Imagine the surrendered productivity and wealth for the country if vehicular traffic in the capital was managed better. Consider the health risks in terms if higher stress coupled with exposure to polluted air on its streets that are a negative externality to this unfortunate outcome.

For Mindanao residents, metro traffic and the high cost of daily living are the main deterrents against moving there, or

W

9

ITHOUT water, plants can’t grow and ripen. Thus, without irrigation, how can farmers plant crops and expect a bountiful harvest?

How can their families and the nation survive the cruel El Nino weather?

Incoming Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol has threatened to kick out current NIA Administrator Florencio Padernal if the agency fails to release free water to the farmers when the incoming Duterte government begins on July 1.

While visiting somewhere in Region 2, Pinol was irked by a statement of NIA’s spokesperson who said they could not give free irrigation to farmers because that would endanger the agency’s operations.

Pinol knows whereof he speaks.

It is apparent NIA people were more concerned about the agency’s operational cost-efficiency than serving the farmers and meet food security requirements. Talk about misplaced priorities.

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has made it his campaign promise to provide free water to all farmers to irrigate their fields and hopefully expect a better yield.

Life has been very hard these days as

staying there MY TWO CENTS’ for long periods. Traffic and extended travel times mean lost opportunity costs. Imagine travelling to Manila, staying in a hotel, John Tria paying for all ecisouth@gmail.com means, and managing only two business meetings per day? Those of us who travel elsewhere can easily manage double that, making these trips more worth our while.

Last year, President PNOY tasked Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras to solve Metro Manilas traffic by instituting a task force to help address the terrible road chaos with measures to improve traffic flow, even leading up to the PNP highway patrol taking charge of Metro manila’s main thoroughfares. These measures gave us the barriers in between lanes that

made the flow a little faster. Six months hence and many of these measures seem for naught as the usual EDSA crawl has returned. Moreover, the president’s cabinet secretary taking charge of what is essentially a problem for Mayors of small cities like mandaluyong is a bigger concern, since a large segment of the electorate has been conditioned over the years to believe that it is part of Malacanang’s job to fix the capital region’s traffic.

This came to a head when the country hosted the 2015 APEC Summit in where else, Metro Manila. This gave the metro its worse traffic jams, forcing detours by public buses into smaller streets to free up the thoroughfares for the VIP motorcades.

Images of the families with small children alighting from these public transports to walk the remaining kilometers of their journey in irritating heat or rain, as their conveyances remained stuck in crawl position for hours. What a struggle it was to get to your destination, in spite of the fact that work and school `were called off.

Calvary came early for Mega Manilans, enraged at the insensitivity of PNOY and his

anointed successor Mar Roxas.

Nonetheless, the hard fact is that Metro Manila traffic debilitates and has done so for decades. It has gotten progressively worse over the last few years, with the same thoroughfares fed by low car prices and easy payment terms. It just is disappointing when the current government does not value the need to manage it sustainably, and engage the local governments to take the leadership to solve of what should actually be their problem, chooses to micro manage it, making it worse merited the attention of the presidential palace may not sound odd for many Metro Manila residents, who, historically, expect the Philippine President to micromanage their street traffic.

It is nonetheless refreshing to hear the tough, reassuring words from the new DOTC Secretary, a far cry from his predecessors Mar Roxas and Joseph Abaya who basically shrugged his shoulders and allowed others to take charge of a problem that clearly, he can solve. Roxas and Abaya allowed the pigs to grow, Tugade had better slaughter them.

the long SPECKS OF LIFE drought has severely affected food production.

My wife has a small farm in Po l o m o l o k (S. Cot.) Fred C. Lumba and it didn’t make any productive yield for the last two seasons because there was not adequate rainwater that poured out from the heavens on which local farmers thereat normally depended much on.

The NIA personnel in charge of irrigation were not of much help as they waited for instructions from higher authorities. Thinking in the box, as usual.

This is about as good time as any that inefficient government personnel be replaced. Taxpayers’ money should go to public servants who work for the public good. Thousands of deadwoods have populated the national bureaucracy that kicking them out of government service

would be best.

Whether Padernal complies or not, the attitude of NIA as an agency mirrored the thinking of their incumbent officials expressed by its spokesperson.

The laid-back, slow reaction to problems affecting the country has become the prevailing attitude of public servants in the outgoing Aquino administration. Six years of indolent, average public service has negated whatever GDP growth PNoy has been trumpeting since.

As a sportswriting colleague of Pinol for many years, I would even suggest that Manny wields the broom and sweep out all the inert remnants of Aquino-appointed personnel in the DA to ensure the ensuing mandated performance of the department would not be hampered.

A new era in governance is a –dawning.

“The issue of free irrigation for the Filipino farmers is a presidential commitment and it is non-negotiable,” Pinol was reported saying.

The Duterte DA designate has been scouring the country (Byaheng Bukid) since his appointment was publicly announced to make a personal look-

see of the farmers’ plight, especially in the countryside. The promise made by outgoing DA chief Prospero Alcala to turn the country into a self-sufficient rice producing nation appeared to have been a dud.

The Philippines has not stopped importing rice from Vietnam and Thailand, two ASEAN neighbors who learned the science of rice technology from us in the years when Masagana 99, the rice program of then Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, was making history.

Statistics say there are more than 24 million Filipinos living below the poverty line.

That, in a nutshell explains why food security is the first priority. We need more food more than we need shelter and other amenities.

I am being led to believe that appointees of PNoy have not been hearing and listening to what is being aired in public by President-elect Duterte. Therefore, should they stay a minute longer in office?

Fire ‘em, Sec. Pinol! (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) God bless the Philippines!

Fire the NIA chief

10 NEWS DPWH... FROM 2

ate agencies for funding next year.

“We are pursuing these projects persistently as planned and scheduled, especially at this time when the country is anticipating the

monsoon season,” said Alquiza, adding that the projects indicate the aggressive stance of the DPWH regional office in cooperation with the LGUs in addressing the city’s flooding woes.

the precise reaction of the participants in observing the duck, cover and hold.

She also noticed that the military leveled up its readiness by setting up telecommunications system in order to reach out to the farthest areas under the EastMinCom, accounting of transportation that might be used in the search and retrieval operations, use of a generator set and the participation of all sectors within the camp.

She said foremost in the exercise is the identification of an evacuation area where people gather while waiting for further instructions from the authorities. Mazo also stressed that responders must be trained in handling medical emergencies.

“I appeal for those leaving near fault lines to be wary of the possibility of an earthquake in their area and to observe

proper precautions like duck, cover and hold once the tremor occurs. They must stay away from breakables like windows and must cover under durable tables amid the shaking, and leave immediately to the open space for their safety,” she said.

Major Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the EastMinCom explained that the setting up of an incident command center is an exercise for the command leadership to reach out to four regions in Mindanao in the event of a calamity.

He said EastMinCom covers the Regions X, XI, XII and XIII. Balagtey said radio response teams in these areas make sure that radio telecommunication works in times of crisis. “All sectors within the camp participate in the exercise,” he said.

(PIA 11/Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

the president-elect during his campaign.

“They’re (Facebook executives) very excited about it. We are also excited about it ‘cause we have 51 million Filipinos who are in Facebook and we have more than a billion of people on Facebook,” he said.

Overseas Filipino can watch live the ceremonial oath-taking even miles away from their home.

Foreign online netizens can also view the live-stream of the 71-year old country’s chief executive who caught international attention for his controversial statements on bringing back death penalty and media killing.

Andanar said the event will start by 10:30 a.m. until 3:00 in the afternoon, while the simple inauguration will be done betweem 12noon to 12:30.

“We will be announcing soon official page where the event will be streamed,” he said.

Duterte will entirely close his door from media interview and encounters.

Shake... FROM 2

Rody... FROM 3

Building long-term partnership Andanar said the meeting also resulted in the possibility of forming a long-term relationship between Facebook and the incoming administration on broadcasting future events in the Malacañang through Facebook Live.

“We talked about the possibility of having a continuous partnership after the inauguration,” he said.

After the next week’s inauguration, the next biggest event is the State of the Nation Address which could be also broadcast through Facebook.

With the digitalization direction taken by his team, he said the press briefing and announcements.

However, he clarified that it is still not final whether

Opening the doors While the inauguration Rizal Hall will be exclusively covered by state-owned RTVM, a space will be provided outside for national broadcast companies.

Referred as a “good news after so much serious thoughts,” Andanar said the Duterte’s inaugural team has given the “go signal for the big network companies to have their own strategic place within the palace so that they can have their own stand uppers with palace as their background.”

“We’ve already decided to give that space for 8 to 9 national and international broadcast networks, he said.

There will also an available space where media can have ambush interviews with the atteendees.

Talk with Smart Incoming finance secretary Carlos G. Dominguez also talked with Telecom giant Smart Communication public affair head Ramon R. Isberto in a separate meeting Tuesday night.

Isberto said Dominguez has requested the telecom company just Tuesday night to provide reliable internet connection necessary for the success of the live streaming.

“We still have to check whether we have existing fiber cable installed in the Rizal Hall,” Isberto said in a separate interview at the Marco Polo.

Isberto yesterday said his team is already in Malacañang to check the facility.

He said he has to wait for the result of the discussion before he can make commitment with the incoming finance secretary.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

MEDIA FORUM. Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey gives the details of yesterday’s national earthquake drill during AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum. Lean Daval Jr.

Duterte... FROM 3 names, who will participating in the peace negotiations as consultants and messengers, among others.

Bello said these are just initial developments attained during the meeting between the incoming government peace panel and the CPP-NDFP last June 14 and 15 in Oslo, Norway where they sealed the agenda to start the formal peace talks in July.

He said the panels have agreed to fast-track the remaining three substantive issues namely the socioeconomic reforms, political and constitutional reforms and end of hostilities and disposition of forces. To fast-track the remaining issues, Bello said they would recommend for the simultaneous discussions of the respective committees next month.

Before the stalled peace talks, only the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) which is the first of four agreements in the substantive agenda of the formal talks was signed. The CARHRIHL was signed on March 16, 1998 in The Hague, The Netherlands and was approved on April 10, 1998 by NDFP National Council Chairperson Mariano Orosa and on August 7, 1998 by GRP President Joseph E. Estrada.

Last June 14 and 15, the incoming Duterte peace panel and the CPP-NDFP agreed to recommend to President-elect Rodrigo Duterte the immediate release of NDFP consultants and other JASIG protected persons in accordance with the JASIG to enable them to participate in the peace negotiations; and the immediate release of prisoners/detainees based on humanitarian grounds.

During the resumption of the formal talks they will discuss the affirmation of previously signed agreements; accelerated process for negotiations, including the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks, socio-economic reforms,

political and constitutional reforms, and end of hostilities and disposition of forces; reconstitution of the (JASIG) list; Amnesty Proclamation for the release of all detained political prisoners subject to concurrence by Congress; and the Mode of Interim ceasefire.

The Joint Communiqué was signed by members of the incoming GPH panel composed of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, GPH panel chair Silvestre Bello, and Hernani Braganza as member; while, the CPP/NDFP panel is composed of NDFP Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison; NDFP panel chair Luis Jalandoni; and Fidel Agcaoili as member. Ambassador Elisabeth Slattum, the special envoy to the Philippines Peace Process Royal Norwegian Government, stood as witness.

Last Friday, Dureza lauded the signing of the Joint Statement in Oslo, Norway as it ushers in the formal re-start of “another renewed effort to end conflict and bring about that long elusive but cherished peace in the land.”

Dureza described their meeting “as a reunion of sorts of old friends on both sides of the negotiating table but whose efforts in various times and climes in the past proved futile.

“Now, new sparks of the dawning Rodrigo Duterte presidency are re-igniting the peace landscape,” he added.

According to Dureza, there was optimism and trust during the two-day meeting. “There is mutual enthusiasm and hope, not only amongst us negotiators across the table, but most significantly, among us all Filipinos, in whose behalf all these efforts are being done in the first place,” he added.

Dureza expects some challenges along the way but said “there is a destination that we must all inevitably reach.”

Since the government participants have not yet assumed office, the two panels agreed to formalize the consensus points soon after Duterte’s government starts. (PNA)

DSWD 12... FROM 3

nities,” Joey L. Bogay, regional director of National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, said of the consultation.

“This will help ensuring these projects will not compromise traditions and cultural integrity of IP communities,” he added.

Others national government agencies including Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DOH) also presented programs and projects for IP communities to discuss policies and recommendations.

About 18 areas across the region are set to benefit the project. These are Kidap-

awan City, Libungan, Magpet, Makilala and Tulunan in North Cotabato; General Santos, Koronadal, Banga, Polomolok and T’boli in South Cotabato; Kiamba, Maasim, Malapatan, Malungon and Maitum in Sarangani; Esperanza, Senator Ninoy Aquino and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat.

Taha was grateful to IP leaders as 65 indigenous peoples mandated representative (IPMR) and tribal leaders attended the consultation-dialogue.

Taha explained that the project project will follow the community-driven development (CDD).

dent-elect Rodrigo Duterte the DOTC can finally look into the project.

“I can even initiate for the lifting of the resolution so that the national government will have the leeway to study again the project,” he proposed.

The SanguniangPanlungsod of Davao previously passed aresolution rejecting the modernization project of Sasa Port saying that its implementation would violate provisions of the local government code, partic-

ularly sections 2 and 27.

With the incoming administration of Duterte, Dayanghirang is certain the city government and other stakeholders in the region will no longer be disregarded on all matters concerning the modernization of Sasa Port.

“I am sure will not be disregarded. In the past it seems they were hiding from us a lot of things and undermined the power of the LGU as provided by law,” Dayanghirang said.

muster 75,000 households sign her signature campaign for the program in 2015.

“Ang Pantawid Pamilya naghatag og dakong kausaban diha sa akoang pamilya, kausaban diha sa akoang pagkatao ug katumanan sa gamay nako nga damgo nga mahimong sundalo -sundalo para sa katawhan (Pantawid Pamilya made a substantial improvement to my family and to myself. It paved

the way for me to fulfill my simple dream of being a soldier - a soldier for the people.

Pantawid Pamilya has been helping over 234,000 families in Davao Region attain their dreams and access better opportunities. The program is also assisting 29,884 IP beneficiaries thru the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous Peoples (MCCT-IP).

(DSWD)

says. This can leave your child vulnerable to potentially serious diseases that could otherwise be avoided.

“And consider this: For some children — including those who can’t receive certain vaccines for medical reasons

— the only protection from vaccine-preventable diseases is the immunity of the people around them. If immunization rates drop, vaccine-preventable diseases might once again become common threats.”

(Photos from the net)

Dad... FROM 3

Talaingod... FROM 4

HEALTH... FROM 7

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

Seda’s signature Angus roast beef takes certer stage during Buffet Fridays.

Grilling and the pool are a perfect combination every Saturday night at Seda.

More to savor at Seda

DAVAO’S FOOD LANDSCAPE IS LITERALLY CHANGING EVERY MONTH and Misto, Seda Abreeza’s all-day dining restaurant just upped the ante with the launch of new and exciting offerings last June 17.

First up is Seda Abreeza’s Buffet Fridays. Recognising that Dabawenyos really love to eat, Misto now serves a spread of international and local dishes at the end of the work week. Buffet Fridays offers all-time favorites from Misto such as boneless lechon, Misto’s signature roast beef, a lavish pasta station, and more, with live musical performances to complete the indulgent dining experience.

Buffet Fridays is available from 6PM to 9PM at Php880 nett for adults, Php 480 nett for kids aged seven to twelve years old, and free for kids six and below.

For Saturday nights, Seda Abreeza introduces Beer and Barbecue Nights by the pool. Weekenders on a staycation or urbanites who are looking for a different dining experience can grill classics such as pork belly, Hungarian sausage , and chicken wings matched with ice cold beer. Aside from the food and live music, guests who avail of the Beer and Barbecue Nights set get two swimming passes to complete the poolside experience.

“We noticed that our guests have been spending more time in the hotel and at Misto in particular,” said Seda Abreeza’s general manager Ken-

The Seda Abreeza team led by general manager Kennedy Kapulong (third from left).

nedy Kapulong, “These new offerings give more value to our guests as well as Dabawenyos who are looking for more dining options during the weekend.”

Beer and Barbecue Nights sets are available every Saturday starting 6PM to 11PM at Php1680 nett for two persons and Php840 nett for each additional person.

An improvement from

Buffet Fridays offers all-time favorites from Misto such as boneless lechon, Misto’s signature roast beef, a lavish pasta station, and more, Seda Abreeza will soon launch their signature cakes.

Wine lovers will adore Seda Abreeza’s Wine and Cheese offering with all-youcan-drink wine for two hours plus a platter of delicious cheeses.

an earlier promo, Misto introduced its Wine & Cheese offering to give wine lovers a way to enjoy the as much wine as they

love for two hours paired with a platter of various imported and Davaomade cheese.

“Before, our wine-allyou-can promo covered only wines and guests would still have to order tapas or cheeses ala carte to pair food with their wine, this new promo makes wine and cheese appreciation easier and, at Php1180 nett and Php780 nett for each additional person for the wine buffet, more affordable for guests,” said Kennedy.

For more information or reservations, you may visit Seda Abreeza or call them at 082-2443000 or 0823228888 or send an email to dvo@sedahotels.com.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

FOOD

Fast break Ramadan Iftar 2016 favorites

RAMADAN KAREEM (GENEROUS RAMADAN), my Muslim brothers and sisters.

Alhamdulillah, we are all blessed to witness this glorious month. Thank you, Ya Allah, for the opportunity.

The month of Ramadan is not just abstaining from eating from sunup to sundown. It’s more than just food – Ramadan is a holistic sacrifice that enables the self to go beyond the usual, accept change and live out the change that you want to be. It’s not easy, yes, nothing is.

But, if you don’t test the waters, you’d never know your limit. You’d never realise on your worth. You’d fail to appreciate yourself.

As I age and mature (yes, I think so too), I realise on the many little things I used to take for granted.

The minutest of details that used to irk me are now that things that make me smile from ear to ear.

Maybe it’s the changing of times or the change of scenery; but whatever it may be, I am thankful, that in this lifetime, I am able to test my boundaries and extend the depths of my zone.

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar year and is the Muslim fasting month. A time of togetherness, it is also a great period of devotion, worship and of course, reflection. The month/ period is also an opportunity for us to receive and share the bountiful blessings showered upon us.

Like you, I pile up on food and all that there is in time for the month long fasting. Not because I just want to but because through this, I can prepare the meals and dishes to cook for our Suhor (or Shari – the meal consumed at dawn) and of course, for our Iftar. I say ‘our’ as I live with my yayey who is also the same faith as I am. Hooray for that!

And just like you, I too have my favorites during Suhoor and Iftar. But, let’s talk about Iftar. Personally, I love anything hot and sweet. I love freshly cooked ginataan or sindol (what it’s called in Magu-

back, I just had to search for the recipe and attempt to copy the same. Let’s just say I still need to practice.

Bubur Kacang Merah This Red Bean Porridge is a traditional Malaysian dessert and is served either chilled or warm – I love it chilled.

Rinse and soak dried red beans for 30 minutes.

Drain and set aside.

Pour 1 ½ cup of fresh coconut milk (you can also use canned) and 300ml tepid water in a deep pot over low-medium heat. Add drained beans. Heat pot until boiling. Let boil for 5 minutes.

Lower heat. Add sliced knob of fresh ginger. Simmer.

Cook until beans expand and soften. Add brown sugar to taste and a pinch of salt.

indanaon) or arrozcaldo with lots and lots of fried garlic bits. I also love minatamis na saging with butter (oh yeah try it) and a bowl of champorado made with Malagos cacao nibbles. My favorite drink? Coffee.

To say that I got it from

my parents is truly an understatement. My Dad and Mom, Samel G Ambolodto, Cotabato City & Bai Rowena FS Ambolodto, also love ginataan or sindol and arrozcaldo.

Most often, when I’m at home, it’s anything you’d want to eat. But most often, this is what we have.

(PS I miss my mom’s sindol. Bigtime.)

For my cousin, Bai Scherinazadh Soraya S. Abdul, who works uneven hours in the hospital, she loves a bowl of Pangat (cooked like minatamis na saging but with gata – sugar, banana and gata) for Iftar. She also loves slices of fresh fruits.

My cousin in Singapore, Johanna Carissa Sinsuat Krishna, loves her dates for breaking her fast.

She normally have them in small ziplock bags inside her bag so she can munch on them wherever she may be. After popping some dates, she’ll eat whatever she fancies that day.

Mother of two super bibo boys and one malikot girl, another cousin

of mine, Bai Omayrah Shariffa S. Zainal, loves her sindol too. She loves it packed with fruits and with glutinous rice to make it thicker and thus flavorful than ever.

Our family friend, Zainab, loves batangan (palitaw version of Maguindanons) and Maranao’s

version of fresh fruit salad where the fruits are literally swimming in cream.

Oh and yes, she loves her sweets.

My Tita, Bai Minda S Blo, and her daughter , Bai Faiqha S Blo, loves bread paired with the ginataan or sindol. Of course, staple drink being coffee or tea.

I miss. Last I had this, I was in Singapore, breaking my fast. When I got

Personally, I add 2 tablespoon of melted butter, cinnamon powder and vanilla essence. I add cinnamon in everything I eat.

So, what’s your Iftar (or Iftari is the sunset meal to end the day’s fasting) staple? Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit.

Follow my messy food affairtheroyalchefeats.wordpress.com or on Instagram @theroyalchefleebai

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Rhian Ramos is new host in Taste Buddies BEGINNING THIS SATURDAY, Rhian Ramos joins Solenn Heusaff as the new cohost of GMA News TV lifestyle show Taste Buddies.

Together, the two Kapuso ladies will bring fresh, fab, and fun to another level as they take viewers to the different facets of Filipino modern living: from trying mouth-watering food to embarking on various exciting adventures.

Being good friends with Solenn in real life, Rhian expressed her excitement to join Solenn in the show. “I’m just lucky enough to be made part of it,” she said.

Solenn, on the other hand, is looking forward to spend time with Rhian. “She eats almost anything like me. She’s sporty and kalog. It’s gonna be fun,” she shared.

On her first episode as the newest Taste Buddies girl, Rhian takes Solenn to Rue Bourbon—a chic dining and wine place in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. Solenn, of course, won’t be left behind. She

Courageous Caitie’s inspirational story on ‘MMK’

brings with her hunks Vince Velasco and Rafa SiguionReyna.

Rhian and Solenn discover how Rue Bourbon’s bestsellers Gambas with Chorizo and Corned Pork Scarface are prepared. Vince and Rafa, meanwhile, spend time together with the baristas and learn the ropes of making some of the restaurant’s signature flaming shots.

Later in the show, Solenn and Rhian undergo the quickie quiz, “Kaibigan Ba Talaga Kita?” where Rafa and Vince test the girls’ friendship. Both have to make sure they have the same answers as every incompatible reply has a consequence. The guys are not spared though.

If the ladies get the answers right, Rafa and Vince will have to face the consequence as well.

Expect Solenn and Rhian to treat viewers to a wide array of taste and cravings for food, fashion, trends, events, places and any buzz-worthy subjects.

Catch “Taste Buddies” every Saturday from 8:45 to 9:15 p.m. only on GMA News TV.

Gloc-9 releases comeback album under Star Music ANOTHER OPM ICON HAS COME HOME TO STAR MUSIC.

After 10 years, OPM rap icon Gloc-9 has finally released his comeback album with the record label titled “Sukli,” for which he also served as the overall producer.

“I’m excited for all the things that I can do now that I’m back with my Star Music family. ‘Sukli’ is an album that proves writing songs is still my dream come true.

I am happy that my fans, who continue to support me, will hear the new songs I made,” said Gloc9.

With six studio albums, one DVD release, and multiple hit songs to his name, Gloc-9 doesn’t really have much more to prove.

Yet “Sukli” reveals a rapper who still continues to work hard at his craft, wanting to deliver something new for his listeners.

The album’s carrier single “Hoy!,” whose music video was recently released, is about the Filipino spirit and resilience despite trying times.

“I have laid out more stories here about my fellow Filipinos, along with new music and the voices of some artists I respect.

Like my previous albums, this album is about the day-to-day experience of our kababayans,” he shared.

As in the past, it is in storytelling that Gloc-9’s skills as songwriter shines the most. In “Kalye,” he dares walk on the wild side of discussing a historical event such

as the EDSA 1986 Revolution. In “Payag,” he dares ask the difficult question of why we fall silent about the country’s state of affairs, no matter how oppressive or unjust. In “Industriya,” he tells the story of the many who fall prey to the promises of fame, fortune, and limelight. In “Sagwan,” it is the stories of seamen that is told, where living in the middle of the sea is the sacrifice they make for their families.

Gloc-9’s music, often socially conscious and relevant, has definitely made a mark on listeners and Filipinos. He has received over 40 awards from different awardgiving bodies in the country, including Awit Awards, MYX

Music Awards, PMPC Star Awards for Music, Guillermo Mendoza Box-Office Entertainment Awards, and FAMAS Awards.

The OPM rap icon has also made songs for Star Cinema movies such as “Trip” and “Jologs,” and for Kapamilya programs “Nginiig,” “Star Circle Quest Reload,” “Go West,” “Kung Fu Kids,” “Rated K,” and “Krystala,” and produced the theme song for “Mangarap Ka.”Before that, he was named finalist at the 2002 “Himig Handog Love Songs” as composer and interpreter for the song “Bakit.”

“Sukli” also features collaborations with artists Gloc9 says he admires. He teams up with KZ on “Industriya,” with Ebe Dancel on “Ang Probinsyano,” and with Mayonaisse’s Monty Macalino on “Sagwan.”

Completing the track list are “Barya Lang,” “Payag,” and two versions of “Sukli” – the original version that features Maya and the acoustic version that features Miro Valera.

“Sukli” can now be streamed on Spotify and is now available at all record bars nationwide for P299. Digital tracks can also be downloaded via online music stores such as ABS-CBN Store, iTunes, Mymusicstore.com.ph, Amazon.com, OneMusic.ph, and Starmusic.ph.

For more information, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/starrecordsphil, Twitter.com/starrecordsph and Instagram.com/Starmusicph.

THE LONGEST-RUNNING DRAMA ANTHOLOGY IN ASIA presents another heart wrenching story as the life of Courageous Caitie, the little angel who showed the world her unwavering smile and immeasurable resolve despite her very rare condition, is portrayed on “MMK” this Saturday.

Caitie (Miel Espinoza) is the first daughter of married couple Tine (Shaina Magdayao) and Jayjay (JC de Vera). The couple met when both were rebuilding their lives from failed relationships and suddenly found themselves in each other’s arms. Seeing each other as life partners, they planned to get married and to have children. To the couple, the birth of Caitie made their union perfect and as it stood were both very happy on the day they first laid eyes on Caitie.

When Caitie was three years old, symptoms of a mystery illness began surfacing such as rashes all over her body. In a span of three months, Caitie had to be confined in three different hospitals as doctors could not seem to diagnose her condition.

Jayjay felt responsible for Caitie’s condition due to his family’s medical history, while Tine felt so lost that she already thought of ending their marriage. Consumed by hopelessness, they shared Caitie’s story online to find support. An overwhelming response came their way and Caitie came to be known as Courageous Caitie.

Joining this “MMK” episode are Aubrey Miles, Dante Ponce, Aiko Climaco, Bernadette Allyson, Kenzo Gutierrez, and Miko Raval. The episode is directed by Dondon Santos and written

by Joan Habana. “MMK” is led by business unit head Malou Santos.

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

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

EVENT

Afterhours with the top chefs

By Kenneth Irving Ong THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED DAVAO CULINARY CUP HELD AT SM LANANG PREMIER BROUGHT TOGETHER MANY OF THE PHILIPPINES’ TOP CHEF AS WELL AS MINDANAO’S BRIGHTEST COMPETITORS TO VIE FOR CULINARY GOLD. But aside from all the action and serious judging, a fellowship night was hosted by the LTB Chefs Association of Davao president Sally San Jose at Chippens in the Garden at Cabantian.

Away from the seriousness of competition, the welcome dinner served as a way for members of the association to meet with the officers and members of LTB Chefs Association of the Philippines this year, lead by Fernando Aracama.

Joining chef Aracama were some of the brightest chefs in the Philippines such as James Antolin, J. Gamboa, Norbert Gandler, Carlo Miguel, Jerome Valencia, Sito Senn, Buddy

GENSAN PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT Trinidad, Penk Ching Tan, Dan Basillo, Brando Santos, Reggie Aspiras, Mia Yan, and Jem Raymundo. Members and officers of LTB Chefs Association of Davao as well as the winners of Miss Global Philippines graced the occasion.

11 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Aeon Towers construction th now moving up to 12 level

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

D

njb@edgedavao.net

AVAO’S next iconic structure has moved up construction to the 12th level.

As of Wednesday, the construction team of the 33-level Aeon Towers project reported the concreting of the 11th floor and will be moving up to the next level by next week.

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

FTC Group of Companies president and CEO said the project is well into its scheduled topping off late this year as construc-

tion has progressed according to timelines.

“We are happy with the progress of the project both in the perspective of sales and construction,” said Cruz.

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

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

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

Cruz said the Aeon

Towers will have residential units of varying sizes and features in several floors, a luxury hotel, fitness gym, jogging lane, shops, BPO offices, skydeck pool, and offices.

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

Aeon Towers offer residential units facing the city (City View) and facing the Island Garden City of Samal (Island View)—the best ever views to the richness of Davao’s land and seascapes.The Aeon Towers is cast in glass and will have a clear look at the majestic environs.

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

12 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 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

WB... FROM 6

tinued support of WB to their undertakings.

“The kind of work that you are doing here and the aspirations that you have will be fully supported and I can assure you that from the World Bank side we will continue to support you strongly,” Warwick said.

Warwick and her team were in Davao City for the two-day SulongPilipinas busi-

ness workshop that was convened by the economic team of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte.

Warwick is an Australian national and the first female country director for the Philippines of WB. She replaced MotooKonishi who recently retired after 35 years of service with the world financial institution WB. The DA-PRDP, on the other

hand is a six-year rural development project worth P27.5 billion designed to uplift the socio-economic lives of the basic sectors of the Philippine society.

The project is being funded through loan from the WB worth P20.56 billion and the P7-billion counterpart of the government of the Philippines and the local government units (LGUs).

demanding information on the origins of products to ensure quality, according to Antonino.

“Traceability becomes a

criticalk factor in ensuring the competitiveness of the products that are introduced internationally,” she said, adding

that Mindanao products will have unique differentiation by using MCT. “Through this trademark, potential customers can easily identify the product’s origin, thereby getting information on the methods and operations that products undergo,” Antonino said.

MinDA will be facilitating the establishment of the MCT by assisting interested MSMEs in the Knowledge Center on Voluntary Standards and Best Management Practices, a center that will encourage MCT beneficiaries to adopt their VS of interest and eventual use of trademark.

Under the MTC, entrepreneurs are encouraged to secure international third party certification from Global Gap, Fare Trade, Organic, Halal and Utz for leverage coffee and tea as voluntary standards.

MinDA will be prioritizing players from different industries like cacao, coffee, banana, sardines and poultry.

Traders... FROM 6

14 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Davao tourism stakeholders welcome new DOT secretary I

the President-elect and the incoming tourism secretary come from Davao City. “ While tourism stakeholders of the city have been supportive of the different programs of the Department of Tourism in the past, VDFS expects an unparalleled public and private sector collaboration as it proceeds to actively promote, not only Davao City, but the entire Davao Region,” Lizada said.

In an impromptu message for the Davao tourism stakeholders attending the Visit Davao Fun Sale Evaluation Session last June 18, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center Davao, incoming DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo expressed her intention to work in line with the President-elect’s economic agenda and strict “no-corruption” disposition.

Incoming DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo (5th from Left) receives a warm welcome by the Davao tourism stakeholders led by the Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS) Execom last June 18, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center Davao.

Visit Davao Fun Sale Execom Chair Mr. Benjie Lizada welcomes the incoming Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo who graced the Visit Davao Fun Sale Evaluation Session at the SMX Convention Center last June 18, 2016.

NCOMING Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo received a warm welcome from Davao tourism stakeholders, as she was introduced to owners and representatives of establishments attending the evaluation session of the Visit Davao Fun Sale program last June 18 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao.

Teo, who currently heads the National Association of

Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS), was announced as the new tourism chief under the Duterte administration last June 13, 2016.

In an impromptu message, she expressed her enthusiasm “to lead the department and continue the momentum of the tourism industry being one of the important contributors to the country’s economy.”

She assured incoming

president Rodrigo R. Duterte that she will work in line with his economic agenda and strict “no-corruption” policy.

Restaurateur Benjie A. Lizada, head of the executive committee of the Visit Davao Fun Sale Program, expressed his confidence in the incoming tourism chief and his excitement towards the tourism industry of the city.

“We are very fortunate that

Carmudi PH makes your online car selling and buying process easy inspire consumer confidence critical for that first step.

With its global expertise in the field of online car trading, Carmudi and its local online counterpart, Carmudi.com.ph, have constructed their site to be as informative as possible without being vague or redundant. Everything you need to know to buy or sell your vehicle is on the site, awaiting only a personal inspection—or perhaps even a test drive—to seal the deal.

With Carmudi, less confusion yields more productivity in the shortest time.

Transform your online car exchange with Carmudi, where finding the car of your dreams doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Visit www. carmudi.com.ph for more info.

W

HAT’S your online car exchange experience? Was it smooth and straightforward, or was it plagued with ambiguity and hesitation? No matter what their age, cars are bigticket items that cost anywhere from five to eight figures. The last thing you want is to deal with someone who can’t make up their mind, whether that person is buying your car, or selling one to you.

Dedicated car-exchange websites are a great idea— at least in theory. They offer buyers a convenient opportunity to check out a vehicle from the comfort of

their homes, without wasting time or fuel to hop from one car dealer to another. Sellers, on the other hand, can upload their photos and details of their car immediately to a potentially international audience.

In practice, however, not all online car exchange sites live up to their premise: Half of the time, important details such as mileage or service history are deliberately omitted. Other times, photos are blurred, dark or poorly framed. While not everyone is expected to be an automobile photographer, a little effort can go a long way in showing your vehicle in the

best light. Sometimes—though not frequently—the car’s price won’t even be precise, with a note that reads “Send message for pricing” or “Last price inquiry only upon seeing vehicle”.

Fair enough; the rapport between the buyer and seller is dynamic once they meet, potentially affecting the final pricing, though it would be nice—and secure—to know exactly how much money one must bring along to consummate the transaction and not any less because, as stated earlier, cars are bigticket items, unlike mobile phones or tablets.

With new vehicle sales at an all-time high; and the secondary market booming commensurately, online car exchanges are the wisest first step to acquiring or unloading a car. But are all online car exchange sites as effective as the other?

Your time—as well as your buyer and seller’s time—is valuable. Trimming out all the clutter and leaving only the relevant data makes the exchange process quick and hassle-free. Clear photos, concise yet complete car details; comprehensive contact information and an assurance of legitimacy all

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

WAKE-UP Turkey spanks Gilas 103-68

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ILAS Pilipinas quickly got a feel of the kind of competition awaiting it in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila three weeks from now.

The national team failed to contain a hot-shooting Turkey side and dropped a 103-68 decision in their tune-up match early Wednesday morning (Manila time) in Istanbul.

The Filipinos never got going in the game the moment they fell beh i n d

SPORTS 15

CALL

points in the first half aione for the host country, including a scorching 5 of 6 shooting from three-point range.

The two teams will meet again in a similar tune up game in Manila on July 1, four days before the Olympic qualifier kicks off at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Gilas is coming fresh from a nineday training camp in the mountains of Kapernisi, Greece prior to its trip in Istanbul.

The team will spend one more day in the Turkish city before departing for Bologna, Italy on Thursday to compete in a four-nation pocket tournament to be joined by the host country, Canada, and China.

early, 30-19,as the sizzling outside snipping by the eightranked Turkish led by back-up wingman Birzan Batuk proved too hot to handle.

By the half, Gilas was already staring at a 57-32 deficit after being outscored in the second quarter, 27-13.

Batuk had 22

OUTMATCHED. By the half, Gilas was already staring at a 57-32 deficit after being outscored in the second quarter, 27-13.

Pippen, Rodman: We are still the greatest team

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HE Golden State Warriors may have snatched the best regular season record in NBA history from them, but the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls remain the greatest team ever – at least, according to Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen.

The 95-96 Bulls racked up a then-record 72-10 slate in the regular season, then went on to defeat the Seattle Supersonics in six games to win the NBA championship – their fourth NBA crown.

That Bulls team finished with a combined regular season and postseason record of 87-13.

This year, the Warriors rewrote the history books by winning 73 games and losing only nine. But their playoffs run was far from dominant: Golden State wound up losing as many games – nine – in the postseason as they did in the entire regular season.

The capper was a stunning 89-93 defeat to Cleveland at home, and the Warriors had to watch as LeBron James and the Cavaliers celebrated a historic championship on their own court.

After the game, Rodman – who led the NBA in rebounding and was named to the All-Defensive team – congratulated the Cavaliers and added a pointed statement for the Warriors.

“Congrats to the Cavaliers for winning the NBA title,” Rodman tweeted. “Warriors, you had a great regular season.”

Alaska owner offers Gilas solution Messi, Argentina beat A

LASKA owner Wilfred Uytengsu on Tuesday offered a ‘win-win’ solution to the dilemma confronting the PBA and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) over the formation of a new Gilas cadet pool in light of Fiba’s shift to a home-and-away qualifying tournament for the 2019 World Cup. Speaking ahead of a meeting between PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa and SBP officials set on Wednesday, Uytengsu proposed that all amateur standouts who are set to be signed to long-term contracts by Gilas be allowed to join the next pro league rookie draft.

However, he proposed

that these drafted players, while receiving compensation for their mother teams, will be allowed to stay with the Gilas cadet pool for three years or any duration agreed upon by the PBA and SBP, before joining their pro league teams at the end of their national team service.

“How do we create a winwin (solution?) By mandating that all amateur players that will sign contracts with the Gilas Cadets will have to join the PBA draft. These players, however, will not be eligible to play in the PBA until their contracts with Gilas is completed, or the team decides to release them to their PBA teams,” said Uytengsu.

“Upon being drafted, players will be paid a monthly allowance of P50,000 a month by the mother team, augmenting the salary from the national team. This allows the team that drafted the player to retain the player’s rights,” the outspoken Alaska team owner added.

The SBP has decided to revert to the original Gilas cadet concept following Fiba’s decision to shift to a home-andaway qualifying format for the 2019 World Cup that put in doubt the continued participation of PBA players in the national team program.

However, SBP’s plan to sign the top players coming out of the college ranks, among them Kiefer Ravena, Mac Belo,

Kevin Ferrer and Ray Parks, has raised fears of a shallow draft for the PBA next season.

Uytengsu said his proposal can heighten the interest for this year’s PBA draft and at the same time allow PBA ballclubs to continue to support the Gilas program through their drafted players.

Under Uytengsu’s proposal, Gilas players will be allowed to re-sign with their PBA mother teams for maximum contracts at the end of their tenure with the national team.

On the other hand, the SBP will be tasked to shoulder the cost in the event of any injuries to the players during their tour of duty with Gilas, Uytengsu added.

ry.

still fresh, Walton drove down from Oakland on Monday and immediately got to work with the franchise that drafted him in 2003. The Lakers are starting from the floor after Kobe Bryant’s retirement and a 17-65 season, but Walton only sees opportunity.

“I think we’re in an exciting time,” Walton said. “We have extremely talented young players.

We have a ton of money to spend in free agency. We have draft picks this year, and the fact that Mitch and Jimmy Buss trusted me with this, in being part of this rebuilding, post-Kobe era, just means the world to me.”

The Lakers have the No. 2 pick in the draft on Thursday night, and they’re expected to add Duke scorer Brandon Ingram to a young core that already includes D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson. They’ve also got ample salary cap space to sign several veterans in free agency, and Walton immediately began his pitch to the game’s big names.

“We’re going to put our stamp on the culture that we

want,” Walton said. “It’s going to be joy. Our players are going to like coming into practice every day. We’re going to play a brand of basketball that LA fans will appreciate. ... We have money to spend. I know the Buss family and I know the Laker organization, and they’re going to do what it takes to win. To me, that’s all you really need to know. I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to come here.”

Just three years after his playing career ended, Walton is under the spotlight that always shines on a franchise once run by Pat Riley and Phil Jackson. Walton became one of the hottest coaching properties in basketball in the just-completed season with his remarkable work running the Warriors during Kerr’s medical absence.

Walton coolly led Golden State to a 24-0 start that eventually stretched to 39-4 before Kerr returned from back problems.

NBA rules require the wins to be credited to a team’s head coach, even if he isn’t on the bench, which means Walton will coach his first official game this fall.

After loss to Cavs, Walton moves on to Lakers job

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UKE Walton realizes he is reporting to his dream job a little late.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ new head coach is determined to catch up quickly as he starts the biggest project of his life.

The Lakers formally introduced the 36-year-old Walton on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time), 53 days after they hired the Golden State assistant coach to lead their rebuilding from the worst season in franchise histo-

“I’m so excited to get after it here,” said Walton, who played nine seasons and won two titles as a Lakers forward.

After wowing Lakers owner Jim Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak in a late-April interview, Walton still completed his second season as an assistant to Steve Kerr with the Warriors, who lost Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday.

With the sting of that loss

NEW COACH. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and team owner Jim Buss are counting on Luke Walton to lift the Lakers after a 17-65 season. AP

U.S. in Copa semifinals L IONEL Messi was too much for the United States to contain, as Argentina beat Jurgen Klinsmann’s team 4-0 to reach the Copa America final.

The five-time world player of the year set up Ezequiel Lavezzi’s opening goal in the third minute, then scored on a free kick to break Argentina’s career scoring record and assisted on the final goal Tuesday night.

“This was the goal when we got here, to play another final, and we made it,” Messi said. “We’ve been spectacular from day one and we deserved this.”

After Messi doubled the lead in the 32nd minute with his 55th international goal, his tournament-leading fifth, Gonzalo Higuain quickly ended U.S. comeback hopes when he put the rebound of his initial shot past goalkeeper Brad Guzan in the 50th minute. Higuain scored from a Messi pass in the 86th minute as well.

Argentina will seek a first major title since the 1993 Copa -- and a first since Messi’s debut in 2005 -- when they play Chile or Colombia on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“That’s what we hope and what we want, to finally achieve that,” Messi said. “We deserve it, for all the good work we’ve been doing all these years.”

The team might be missing Lavezzi, who fell backward over an advertising sign board and appeared to land hard on his left arm at about the 60th minute. Lavezzi was able to get up several minutes later and left on a cart.

Hosting a special, expanded 16-nation edition of South America’s championship to celebrate Copa America’s 100th anniversary, the U.S. won a difficult group that included third-ranked Colombia and then beat No. 13 Ecuador in the quarterfinals. But top-ranked Argentina and Messi, who turns 29 Friday and is at the top of his game, outclassed the U.S. from the opening whistle and stunned the sellout crowd of 70,858 at NRG Stadium.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates after scoring a record goal vs. the U.S. Getty Images Messi has helped Barcelona win eight titles in Spain’s La Liga and four in the Champions League, but his Argentina trophies have been limited to the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship for players under 20 and the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics, mostly for players under 23. La Albiceleste lost to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final and to Chile in last year’s Copa America final.

The U.S. and Jurgen Klinsmann were trying to rebound after getting eliminated by Jamaica in the semifinals of last year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, losing to Mexico in a playoff for a 2017 Confederations Cup berth and struggling in the semifinal round of 2018 World Cup qualifying.

The Americans close the tournament Saturday in the third-place match at Glendale, Arizona.

Klinsmann inserted midfielders Kyle Beckerman and Graham Zusi into his lineup along with forward Chris Wondolowski because of suspensions assessed to midfielders Jermaine Jones and Alejandro Bedoya, and forward Bobby Wood. In an effort to spark offense, 17-year-old Christian Pulisic entered at the start of the second half, and Steve Birnbaum came on in the 60th for Beckerman, allowing Geoff Cameron to move up to midfield.

Darlington Nagbe replaced Clint Dempsey in the 78th minute.

Argentina went ahead when Lavezzi played a short corner kick to Ever Banega, who passed back to Lavezzi sprinting from the corner diagonally. Lavezzi beat Fabian Johnson to the ball and poked it to Messi about 25 yards out, in the center of the field. As the U.S. defense started to come out, Messi one-timed a flick with his left foot over the back line to Lavezzi, who got to the ball ahead of Kyle Beckerman about seven yards from the goal. He headed the ball over Guzan, who had started to come off his line.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

SPORTS COMMUNITY IN GRIEF Go says Cua’s death big loss to Davao hoops

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

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HE passing of Davao’s basketball patron Regino “Boy” Cua will be a big loss to the sport in the Davao Region.

Christopher “Bong” Go, special assistant to president-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte, said he is sorry to hear the sad news of Cua’s demise on Tuesday.

Cua was the long-running head of the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) Region 11 and before that, the head of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP). He was chiefly responsible for organizing several basketball leagues including the Duterte Basketball League (DBL).

“So sorry to hear the saddest news in davao sports, the passing of Boy Cua which is a huge loss in the city’s basketball field,” said Go, himself a basketball standout in ‘B’ leagues, and co-manager of the CCMO-The Royal Mandaya Hotel basketball team that has dominated the local cagedom in recent years.

Go considers Cua his “friend and mentor” “I am really saddened by the sudden loss of my friend and mentor who is considered as the Godfather of Davao’s basketball,” he said.

Go also cited the harmonious

relationship among all basketball stakeholders with Cua at the helm of SBP. “We have had a good and harmonious relationship with Boy Cua through the years especially during the Duterte Basketball League days where we joined hands in putting up a genuine community-based basketball program,” Go said. “He was an extraordinary man. There are many in the community who will mourn deeply his passing and I am one of those.”

Go said he is offering his prayers to the late basketball leader.

“My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” Go said.

Meantime, the Dabaw City Sports Council Inc. also expressed its sadness over the loss of the respected elder in Davao sports.

Dexter So, president of DCSCI and nephew of Cua, said Cua’s passing leaves a big vacuum in the sporting community.

Rommel Tan, head of the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao, also expressed his grief as “student and godson” of Cua.

HE IS MY MENTOR. Christopher “Bong” Go considers the late SBP 11 director Boy Cua his mentor in basketball.