Edge Davao 9 Issue 94

VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

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Aboitiz, DOST to upgrade Davao HS libraries Pg5 Orgasmic Food Faves A1 RMH Cup 2016 tips off July 9 Pg15

HAPPY GIRL. A Muslim girl smiles sweetly in her jovial innocence during yesterday’s Eid’l Fitr celebration at the Tionko Field in Davao City. Photo courtesy of Edwin Espejo. More images of Muslim kids inside by Lean Daval Jr.

UNITY TO DEFEAT DRUG MENACE Random drug tests to continue: Gaerlan

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE regional director of the Philippine National Police in Davao region (PNP PRO-11) on Wednesday called on all the people and officials and employees of various line agencies and local government units (LGUs) in the region to unite in the continuing fight against illegal drugs.

Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan said during an interview over Radyo ng Bayan in Davao City that police efforts in fighting illegal drugs will prosper and bring in positive results if all sectors of the society will provide support

and help.

“The President has called for us to unify and fight against the drug menace. The PNP is now exerting its efforts to fight illegal drugs. Kung kami lang ay hindi kakayanin itong laban sa droga. Dapat lahat ng ahensiya ng gobyerno at mga local government units ay tulong-tulong upang masugpo ang droga,” Gaerlan said.

He also explained the vital role of families as the foundation of the society emphasizing that the fight against drugs starts within the family.

“Kung malakas ang foundation ng pamilya ay walang titikim o hahawak ng droga. Kayang i-resist ang temptation ng drugs kung masaya ang ating pamilya,” he said.

Gaerlan said that random drug tests on police officers will be an on-going activity in the entire command of the PNP in Davao region.

“I will not announce the schedules (of drugs tests) as these will be random and surprise. All police officers should be clean from drugs,” he said.

A total of 61 police commis-

sioned officers (PCO) stationed at the PRO-11 headquarters had undergone surprise drug test during the command conference held on Tuesday.

All the 61 PCOs, including Gaerlan however tested negative of methamphetamine hydrochloride.

Gaerlan also bared that the PNP operations against illegal drugs in the Davao region will have some focus areas especially Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan, regional director of the PNP in Davao region said united front of government agencies, the PNP and when there will be high the people will defeat drug menace that President Rodrigo Duterte value targets involved. considers as one of the foremost problems that the Philippine society F UNITY, 10 is facing today. (Photo by Alexander D. Lopez)

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

CHANGE. More than 300 drug personalities in Cateel, Davao Oriental surrendered on Monday in response to the continuing anti-illegal drug campaign launched by the LGU and the police in the area. (Photo courtesy of Cateel PNP)

S. Cotabato police officials negative of illegal drug use

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OLICE officials in South Cotabato have been tested negative of illegal drug use, South Cotabato police provincial director Senior Supt. Franklin Alvero said Wednesday.

Alvero led the mandatory drug test for all police officials, including to police chiefs as mandated by Interior and Local Government Sec. Mike Sueno.

“So far so good,” Alvero said of the test results for 45 police officials.

“Similar drug tests will be conducted to all police officers under my command,” he said.

“We are doing this because we cannot campaign

against illegal drugs if we are into it,” he said in Filipino.

Police Senior Inspector Lilibeth Grace Ladeo, PNP Scene of the Crime Operative and PNP Crime Laboratory chemist presented the results to media.

South Cotabato has the highest number of self-proclaimed illegal drug personalities who showed up to police office to register their desire to do away with illegal drugs in compliance with nationwide campaign against the prohibited substance.

At least 4,000 individuals have executed affidavit of undertaking with the local police offices across the province. (PNA)

President greets Muslim communities on Eid’l Fitr

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

P

adlopez0920@gmail.com

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday extended his warm greetings and felicitations to the members of Muslim communities in the country in time with the celebration of Eid’l Fitr, the culmination of the month-long observance of the Holy Ramadhan.

“The observance of fasting during Ramadhan is among the five pillars of Islam. As everybody knows, fasting during

Ramadhan teaches discipline,” the president said in his message.

He pointed out that Ramadhan inculcates the virtues of honesty, sincerity and commitment to faith among the Muslim Filipinos.

The observance also promotes understanding, peace, sympathy and love for fellow human beings, he added.

Duterte also emphasized the relevance of this year’s cel-

ebration of Eid’l Fitr to the new administration, stating: “This year’s celebration is indeed timely and relevant, as the Filipino nation starts a fresh move towards peace, stability, development and progress under a new leadership.”

The president said the people view the news administration with high hope and sustained enthusiasm that will propel the country to greater heights with the support and

cooperation of every Filipino.

“May the sense of discipline the Holy Month of Ramadhan has taught and nurtured among Muslims inspire all the members of the Muslim Filipino communities to unite with other Filipinos to achieve lasting peace, political, stability, economic growth and development.”

“Indeed, change is coming!” President Duterte concluded.

President,” said Onari’s wife Joan.

“Three years ago, we asked the permission of Maam Elizabeth (Duterte) to name the variety after the Mayor now President Rody Duterte as the

plant personifies his strong and colorful personality with a heart,” Onari said.

The new Bromeliad hybrid had a pink leaves with fiery pink central cup. When it matures, the open rosette has a diameter

of 50 mm x 30 cm high with a broad, black-spinned. It has bronze green leaves with black sepia tips and reddish-brown concentric cross-branding and a heart at its tip. Its distinct sepia stripes in its leaves can be associated with the President’s striking and unique persona.

The Neoregelia Rody Duterte has the best characteristics of its seed parent Neoregelia Ninja cultivar hybridized by Shiigi in 1979 and the pollen parent is Neoregelia Norman Bates by world renowned breeded Chester Skotak in 2003.

The Bromeliads are a family of flowering plants (relative of pineapple family) with 5,000 registered cultivar hybrids in its genus.

Their attractive and long lasting leaves and flowers give the plant its high ornamental and landscaping value.

Onari said the IBS certifica-

Sueno assures due process President’s charm invades plant kingdom for PNP generals in drugs New Bromeliad named ‘Rody Duterte’

I

NTERIOR and Local Governments Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueno on Wednesday assured due process for the five police generals allegedly linked to illegal drugs syndicates who were named

by President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday.

“They are entitled to due process, we have to give it to them,” Sueno told DXMSRadyo Bida here Wednesday morning.

He said two government agencies were tasked to process and validate the evidences against the five police officials.

These are the DILG and the National Police Commission (Napolcom), Sueno said.

“We are all behind Duterte, we need to support him in this crusade,” Sueno said, adding that he will not expose the police generals in public if he

has no solid evidences.

Sueno met with the Napolcom officials today to discuss how to speed up resolution of the charges against the police officials.

In his speech during the 69th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force Tuesday in Pampanga, Duterte named Deputy Director-General Marcelo Garbo Jr. (retired),Chief Superintendent Vicente Loot (retired), now mayor of a town in Cebu, Chief Superintendent Bernardo Diaz,Director Joel Pagdilao, and Chief Superintendent Edgardo Tinio as protectors of illegal drug syndicates in the country.

After naming them, Duterte ordered their relief from positions and directed to report to Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa.

All the named police offi-

F SUENO, 10

E

VEN the plant kingdom embraced the coming of change.

The International Bromeliad Society (IBS) has officially recognized the “Neoregelia Rody Duterte” as the newest Neoregelia hybrid named after President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

IBS is the only international cultivar registration authority for Bromeliads and appointed by the International Society for Horticultural Science Commission for nomenclature and cultivar registration.

Originated from the Davao City, the President’s home city, the “Neoregelia Rody Duterte,” with bromeliad cultivar number: 13584 is a product of 4-5 years of passionate breeding by local plant breeder Ziegfred “Bebot” Onari.

“The letter [of approval] sent to us in June 30 by the IBS was very timely as it was in time of the inauguration of our

Blant breeder Ziegfred Onari checks on his Bromeliad collections in his farm in Marilog District, Davao City. Photo Credit: Tommy Iñigo

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

City to increase awareness against infant malnutrition

T EID’L FITR WORSHIPPERS. A Muslim woman stands at the center of the worshippers while reciting a takbir prayer before the start of “sambayang” during the celebration of Eid’l Fitr at Tionko Field in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

ASG frees kidnapped trader

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FTER nearly a year in Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) captivity, a kidnapped trader was freed by captors in Sulu Wednesday morning.

Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) spokesman Major Filemon Tan identified released victim as Araji Maani.

He was freed at Barangay Wanih Piyanjihan, Parang, Sulu

at 10:45 a.m.

Maani was kidnapped last July 27, 2015 in Zamboanga City.

Counseling was conducted

by Joint Task Force “Sulu” in coordination with Sulu Police Provincial Office and other law enforcement prior to his turnover to his family.

As this develops, at 7:55 a.m. Wednesday, troops from

the 35th Infantry Battalion conducting focused military operations engaged an estimated 20 ASG terrorists in Barangay Maligay, Patikul, for at least five minutes, killing one of the bandits.

Tan said these brigands are believed to be responsible for the killing of unarmed soldiers in different areas in Jolo.

The ASGs retreated leaving

behind the body of their fallen compatriot and a .45 caliber pistol.

“The conduct of focused military operations in Sulu was believed to exert pressure on the ASG to release their remaining kidnap victims.

To date, there are nine foreigners and three locals believed to still be in the hands of the bandits,” said Tan. (PNA)

all civilian government personnel shall be competitive with those in the private sector doing comparable work in order to attract, retain and motivate a corps of effective, efficient, professional, committed and competent civil servants,” Drilon said.

The bill mandates a three-year compensation increase for the national government’s 1.53 million and military and uniformed personnel.

The bill also provides for a mid-year month pay bonus equivalent to a one month’s

basic salary and an enhanced performance-based bonus equivalent to one to two months’ basic salary.

“This piece of legislation seeks to increase the base pay of covered employees on the average by 27 percent, while the 14th month pay will further raise basic pay by 8 percent,” Drilon said.

If passed into law, the first tranche of the adjustment under the SSL 2016 will take effect on Jan. 1, 2017, with the subsequent tranche to begin in Jan. 1, 2018, and the final tranche

slated for Jan. 1, 2019.

Drilon said that the new compensation level for all salary grades will be required to be at least 70 percent of the market in order to attract and retain competent and committed personnel This means that under the bill, a public nurse with the rank of Nurse II or salary grade 15 with a monthly salary of PHP27,565 will receive PHP33,279 per month after the last tranche of the bill is implemented by 2019.

Drilon files bill raising salaries of gov’t workers

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ENATE President Franklin M. Drilon has filed a bill that introduces a 27 percent average increase in the salary of about 1.53 million state workers over a period of three years.

Senate Bill No. 13 or the Salary Standardization Law IV which Drilon filed recently seeks to introduce reforms in the government’s compensation system to make it competitive with the private sector and to boost the employees’ morale and productivity.

“The compensation for

Public invited to observe science, technology week

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HE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is inviting everyone to join the observance of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) dubbed as “Juan Science, One Nation” from July 25 to 29.

The NSTW is celebrated every third week of July of each year. It aims to recognize the contribution of science and technology (S&T) in the development of the country and gather support from the public and private institutions for its sustainable development.

For this year, DOST said the NSTW will be celebrated simultaneously in all its regional offices, apart from the four major science hubs in Manila, Bicutan, Taguig, Quezon City and Los Banos, Laguna.

Science and Technology

Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena said it will be the first time for the agency to conduct the simultaneous celebration in Metro Manila and in the different regions.

“We hope to sustain the enthusiasm on S&T created by the past administration and work on what remains to be resolved for the benefit of those who are on the outskirts of development,” he said.

The 2016 NSTW will also be Dela Pena’s first major S&T activity as DOST chief.

NSTW will feature technology open houses, symposia, scientific forums, technology fairs, film showings, scientific career talks, among others.

Those in Metro Manila can visit the agency’s exhibits on disaster preparedness; learn about weather from state

F PUBLIC, 10

F DRILON, 10

MINOR REVAMP. Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Sr. Supt. Michael John Dubria (right) bares that there is a possibility of minor revamp in his area of responsibility for those under performing precinct commanders.

HE city government of Davao will strengthen its program against infant malnutrition in line with the observance of Nutrition Month.

“We would like to increase awareness of the importance of proper nutrition, and early childhood care and development during the first 1000 days of life,” said Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, head of the City Health Office.

Villafuerte’s office has been given P10 million budget for the implementation of the city’s nutrition program.

The amount is P4 million higher than the previous year.

According to Villafuerte, proper nutrition is critical for the first 1000 days of a baby -- from the first day of conception and before a child turns 2 years old.

The first 1000 days is considered as the golden window of opportunity to provide a complete package of nutrition for the development of a child. It also serves as an intervention phase to preclude cases such as stunting, underweight, and wast-

ing.

To prevent infant malnutrition, Villafuerte’s office will conduct a series of activities that include education on pregnant mothers and women planning pregnancy. These events will take place at the city’s main health centers and various barangays. “(The topic) is not just about taking care of the nutrition of the babies but also taking care of the mothers because once you have a malnourished mother, automatically the child would also be malnourished,” she said.

CHO would also promote the importance of breastfeeding in private and public birthing facilities, and increase case finding and rehabilitate malnourished children.

These programs will become regular health services of the city government -- even after July, said Villafuerte.

The National Nutrition Council, by the Virtue of Presidential Decree No. 941, spearheads the celebration of Nutrition Month in order to create awareness on nutrition in the country. (CIO)

Infra investments, human capital keys to PHL achieving high-income status

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AMPING up investments in infrastructure and human capital could enable the Philippines achieve a high-income status by 2040, according to an economist.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) chief economist Emilio Neri Jr. said higher infrastructure spending is imperative to ensure the country’s economy continues with the trajectory towards the high-income levels, with per capita income of USD 11,000.

Neri proposed a much higher amount of investment in infrastructure at about 7 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“If those will be delivered, then we will be growing much faster at maybe 8, 9 even 10

percent (GDP),” he said in an interview.

The Philippine economy expanded by 6.9 percent during the first quarter of 2016.

Neri underscored the need for the government to address obstacles that impede infrastructure development.

“I am very happy to hear about the so-called right of way. Rules have been actually improved and there are already implementing rules and regulations. But there are other several obstacles,” he said.

The economist added that the public-private partnership (PPP) program has to be enhanced further to allow more participants.

Apart from higher infra-

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Dubria, together with Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson Chief Inspector Andrea Dela Cerna, graced yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at the Davao City Police Office. Lean Daval Jr.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

DOST favors regionalization of research and development

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

N YOUNG GIRL. A young Muslim girl who appears to be not in the mood puts her hands under her chin while elder Muslims offer a prayer during yesterday’s Eid’l Fitr celebration at Tionko Field in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Corruption ends under Duterte leadership: Piñol to DA workers

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

A

adlopez0920@gmail.com

GRICULTURE Secretary Manny Piñol’s message to the men and women working in the Department of Agriculture (DA) is clear that corruption in the agency ends under the new administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Listen to this or read my lips: Corruption will not be tolerated in this Department. Not anymore.”

Secretary Piñol delivered to message during the first convocation of DA officials and employees last Monday, July 5.

“Over the years and along the way, this Department and many of its agencies have been distracted by programs and projects which are not essential to their original mission,” the secretary emphasized, adding that the DA must go back to its basic mandate and that is to produce food for the Filipinos.

“Along this line, the focus of our funding support should be on programs that contribute directly to food production and poverty alleviation.

Reforms must be made within this agency.”

Piñol said that the agency’s image has been tainted with issues of corruption from

the fertilizer scam to allegations that the importation of onion and garlic is controlled by a cartel.

“I have seen for myself how a noble program like PL480 which is funded by the US government to improve the country’s dairy goat industry through the infusion of outstanding genetics has been marred by corruption. I know of stories of how the Farm to Market Road program has been turned into sources of funds for some unscrupulous individuals.”

The newly-appointed chief of the agriculture department also hit the slow action of regulatory offices of the DA on transactions brought before them.

He also directed Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano of the Policy and Planning Department and Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Bernadette Romulo “to initiate the establishment of a system where applications for permits could be submitted and the fees paid on-line.”

“The applicants will only come to this department when their permits are ready to be picked up or if their

physical presence is not needed, these could be mailed to them. Biddings for goods, items, supplies including the procurement of animals and goats for genetic infusion will be announced on-line,” Piñol pointed out.

He also ordered the new head of the ICT office to open a new DA website that is interactive and where stakeholders in agriculture could relay their concerns, problems and complaints directly to the office of the secretary.

He also told them of reassignments of some officials and employees and urged those who will be affected to abide by the issued directives.

“I would like to advise you not to waste your money in hiring lawyers to question the Secretary’s efforts to execute reforms in this Department because I have a battery of lawyers who will be consulted before I make any move to ensure that I will not commit an illegal act,” Piñol asserted.

He also ordered the head of the General Services Office to clean in one week time the frontage of the agency’s office and make sure that no vehicles are parked along the path-

ways.

“I do not like to work in a dirty environment,” he stressed.

“I also would like to remind everyone that you and I have a mission and we all undertake this task as one team.

We have to work together, harmoniously if I have to emphasize that.”

Piñol also warned feuding officials and employees of the DA to settle their differences like matured individuals or else I will assign you both to offices so distant maybe one in Tuguegarao, Cagayan Valley and the other in Bongao, Tawi-tawi so that you will never see each other again until you retire or die.”

He finally said that he readily and happily accepted the position as DA’s secretary when offered by President Duterte on him, adding that as a farmer and a local government executive he saw with his own eyes what needs to be done to ensure that there will be available and affordable food for the people.

“I will never betray the trust of my President or fail the expectations of our people,” Piñol said.

HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa on Wednesday advised the three active police generals allegedly linked to illegal drugs to face the accusations thrown against them.

Dela Rosa made the statement after meeting with the accused police officials, namely Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 Director Chief

Supt. Bernardo Diaz, former National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Police Director Joel Pagdilao and former Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Edgardo Tinio. ”I gave them the assurance na kahit na upper class ko sila I am their father right now, as the father I have to look for their welfare. kung meron man silang kasalanan

nagawa then they have to face the music,” he explained.

He said Diaz was the first to visit him in the White House, the Chief PNP’s official residence.

After meeting with Diaz, Dela Rosa met with Pagdilao and Tinio.

However, Dela Rosa said the subject of his meeting with the three generals is purely confidential.

”Malungkot sila and they want to explain their side and I listened to their side yung aming mga usapan sa loob purely intimate and personal. I cannot discuss it in public amin na lang yun yung aming personal na relationship,” Dela Rosa told reporters.

Dela Rosa said the three generals wanted to clear

Dela Rosa to 3 police generals allegedly linked to illegal drugs:“Face the music” P

F DELA ROSA, 13

crc@edgedavao.net

EWLY-APPOINTED Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña is taking the direction of regionalizing research and development to hasten development and improve wealth distribution.

“We will focus on region-based research and development which is really addressing the needs of the regions,” Dela Peña told reporters yesterday.

The former undersecretary of the DOST said localized research will help in identifying specific potentials of each area in the countryside.

Dela Peña added the agency have existing studies on different industries like electronics and rice that have a national scope.

“I believe that there are certain uniqueness in every region,” he stressed, adding that each region have institutions and researches who are more knowledgeable to the potential and challenges of the areas.

To capacitate DOST scholars and boost regionalized research and development, the agency have identified higher education institutions (HEIs) in Mindanao which will offer

scholarships for masters and doctorate studies.

“Identified schools in Mindanao which can offer these programs include the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato; University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City; and the Mindanao University of Science and Technology in Cagayan de Oro City.

Dela Peña also intends to increase the utilization of outputs from research and development studies.

“We have invested so much in research and development and this should be used by various segments of societies,” he said.

The output, he added can become the basis on crafting policies and programs of different national government agencies and local government units.

The academe and business sectors should also use outputs of scientific studies conducted by different entities like the DOST. “We will be conducting massive information campaigns to inform different sectors that we have studies that they can utilize as their basis,” the DOST chief said.

PSE sees more IPOs in S2; maintains P200-B target

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ITH the launching of the country’s first initial public offering (IPO) for this year, the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) expects more companies to follow suit in the second half which will bring close to PHP100 billion worth of capital raising.

After Villar family–led death care service provider Golden Haven Memorial Park raised PHP787.12 million through the IPO last month, cement manufacturer Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. has started this week its PHP25.1-billion offering.

“For the next half, around three (more companies) hopefully… We are seeing in terms of the companies who have already engaged underwriters. No names basis, they have already started the process, it is just going to be a matter of time whether they will do public offering,” PSE chief operations officer Roel Refran said in an interview.

Refran said they have been talking to potential IPO listers which are close to submitting their listing applications.

He added some of them are expected to debut in the local equities by the first half of 2017.

Refran further said the expected PHP100 billion worth of capital-raising is still much lower than the Exchange’s PHP200-billion target for the year.

But while it is maintaining this year’s PHP200-billion capital-raising goal, the PSE official added “we will (still) take a look at it (goal).”

Refran believes that the British referendum on leaving the European Union will not affect the local market.

“We are not heavily dependent or interrelated now with the European markets in terms of the real economy or politics in general although we are obviously globalized, we connect with them,” he said.

(PNA)

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa

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Aboitiz, DOST to upgrade Davao HS libraries

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

E

crc@edgedavao.net

NVISIONED to produce competitive high school graduates through improvement of science literacy, the Aboitiz Foundation inked pact yesterday with various agencies of the government and private institutions for the renovation of two libraries of the two host communities of the 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant of the Therma South Inc. (TSI).

The Aboitiz Foundation

signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), represented by newly-appointed secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña; the University of Mindanao (UM); and administrators of the beneficiary schools to realize the implementation of the “It’s A-libe! Project”.

Under the agreement, the Aboitiz Foundation and TSI will shell-out a total of

Firm suspends exploration of Apo geothermal energy

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BOITIZ Power Corporation (AboitizPower) temporarily put on hold its pursuit to secure all permits for the exploration of geothermal power sources in approximately 18,000 hectares in the conservation area of Mt Talomo and Mt. Apo. Manuel M. Orig, AboitizPower 1st vice president for Mindanao affairs said the decision was made last year.

“We will be prioritizing the geothermal power project we’re developing in Indonesia,” Orig told reporters yesterday at the sidelines of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing for the “It’s A-libe Project” of Abotiz Power and the Department of Science

and Technology (DOST).

He pointed out that AboitizPower is developing the Indonesian geothermal power plant ahead of the plan to develop a geothermal power plant in Davao because of its “determined geothermal energy sources.”

“They are giving it to us,” Orig said, referring to USbased energy giant Chevron.

Earlier reports revealed that Chevron owns geothermal operations at the Salak Field in Indonesia that has a capacity of 377 megawatts (MW).

Reports said Aboitiz expressed interest in the auction of the $3 billion (P139.3 billion) geothermal assets of

FFIRM, 10

P712,000 for the refurbishment of libraries and purchase of computers for the Binugao National High School in Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur and Inawayan National High School in Toril, Davao City.

TSI president and chief operating officer Sebastian Arsenio R. Lacson said the project will involve the conversion of the libraries of beneficiary schools into reading hubs using a design made by

the College of Architecture and Fine Arts Education of UM. “It will be the first time that we will be implementing such kind of project,” Lacson said.

Lacson said it is essential to cultivate the learning of students through reading now that advancement of technology is growing fast.

He reminded school administrators to be responsible

Newly-appointed Science Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña (center) posed with Aboitiz-owned Therma South Inc. president and COO Sebastian R. Lacson (second to the left) and Dr. Ronaldo V. Amorado (fourth to the left), vice president for academic planning and services of the University of Mindanao (UM) during the MOA signing of the “It’s A-libe! Project” of Aboitiz

of the donations to encourage more assistance from private organizations.

“Our foundation can extend activities like rewiring for old schools and construction of new classrooms,” he added.

Apart from financial assistance, employees from TSI will also extend human resource for the mass plastic covering of existing library books.

Considered as a public-private partnership project,

the DOST will be installing science and technology e-library using the Starbooks System in each school.

DOST Secretary Dela Peña said this will be the first time the DOST will partner with a private entity in the installation of the system.

In the past, he said, the project is implemented in partnership with the local government units.

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Foundation on Wednesday. during the MOA signing yesterday. Included in the photo are beneficiary school principals’ Efren T. Butlig of Binugao National High School (BNHS) and Josephine Aragon of Inawayan National High School (INHS). (Photo by Cheneen R. Capon)

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11 firms, personalities A face tax evasion raps

VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Davao Region needs P54.68M for La Niña-resistant crop seeds

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

B

adlopez0920@gmail.com

EFORE stepping down as commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), former Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares facilitated the filing of numerous tax evasion cases.

Henares was replaced by Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay

who assumed his post on July 1.

Implemented under the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program of the bureau, 11 business firms and personalities were charged by the BIR of tax evasion cases for under-declared taxable sales and

other irregularities discovered in their respective books of accounts.

Among those charged with tax evasion with civil liability was Remy Borbon Daffon after BIR investigators discovered that he substantially under-declared his correct taxable sales

by 1,288.30 percent and 100 percent in the years 2012 and 2013.

Investigations revealed that Daffon had sales amounting to P39.43 million in 2012 and P182.35 million in 2013; however, he only declared his

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SURGE IN TOURISTS. An unknown number of luggage owned by hotel visitors are placed at the lobby of The Marco Polo Davao yesterday. Davao City’s tourists arrivals increased after President Rodrigo R. Duterte won the highest seat in the country. Lean Daval Jr.

BUDGET of P54.68 million is needed to help the agriculture sector in the Davao Region mitigate the impact of the ongoing rainy season, according to the Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Unit of the Department of Agriculture.

Joedel R. Leliza, disaster risk reduction and management overall report officer at the DA regional office , told reporter the budget would basically be used in buying crop seeds that are climate resilient.

Earlier, the DA regional office sought the release of P21 million for corn seeds and another P680,000 for rice seeds that can survive the rainy season, Leliza said, adding that the seeds will serve as buffer stocks for areas that are to be affected by La Niña phenomenon.

Funding assistance is vitally need for the corn industry, which suffered a 3.2-percent reduction in production during the first quarter because of the long dry spell, or El Nino phenomenon.

Hoever, the production decrease was lower than what the country experienced during the quarter where the Philippine Statistics Authority that the production volume for the quarter was 19.07% compared with the same period last year.

The DA regional office also seeks an additional budget of P33 million that it would use to buy high-value crop and

vegetable seedlings for the expected long wet season as the agency, said Leliza who identified the areas to be affected as the cities of Panabo and Tagum and the town of Carmen in Davao del Norte, Cateel and Banaybanay in Davao Oriental and Nabunturan and Monkayo in Compostela Valley.

The farms in these areas are low-lying that even a small amount of rain will result in flooding, he said.

Among the initiatives that the agency has implemented is helping farmers adjust their planting calendar, repair irrigation systems including draining excess waters from farms, and practice rainwater harvesting.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Pinol earlier said that the agency will tap farmers for cash-for-work programs in case their farms get affected by the rainy season and those that were reeling from the impact of the drought that lasted for about half a year starting late last month.

The regional office has started mapping out a plan for the rainy season after the outgoing administration failed to address its request for about P95 million in funding, although the national government decided to distribute assistance during the campaign period for the elections that some viewed it as campaigning.

Regional Director Remelyn

F DAVAO, 10

7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Raising goats

for milk and profit Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio In “Feeding Millions,” authored by Emmanuel F. Piñol, President Rodrigo R. Duterte was quoted as saying: “We cannot be forever dependent on imported milk and dairy products. Our farmers could raise dairy animals.” *** HE PHILIPPINE dairy industry -- although considered a vital component of the country’s economic and nutritional development -- has remained badly underdeveloped. Although the Philippine Dairy Corporation is making some headway, the government is still far behind its target of 20-percent national sufficiency in milk. The Philippines still depends on imports for at least 99 percent of its dairy food requirements.

“With domestic milk production able to supply only 1 percent of the country’s dairy needs,” reports the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “the Philippine will continue to rely on imports to meet the requirements of its growing domestic and export markets.” New Zealand is the country’s top source of dairy products. The Philippines also import milk products from China because they are cheaper.

For the United States, the Philippines is the largest Southeast Asian market for its dairy products. “Dairy products are the country’s second largest agricultural import after wheat,” the USDA reports. Despite this, the annual per-capita consumption of dairy products in the Philippines is just 16 kilograms or roughly half of the recommended daily allowance.

“At present, dairy production in the Philippines is heavily dependent on imports. There is a need for the industry to accelerate and increase the local production to lessen our dependency from import,” Marilyn Mabale, the Mindanao department manager of the National Dairy Authority (NDA), pointed out.

Emmanuel F. Piñol, the secretary of the Department of Agriculture, said the country imported P28-billion worth of milk and dairy products in 2010. “The failure of government to develop the dairy industry is a huge loss of income

T

opportunity for the Filipino farmers,” for former governor said.

There is a bright future for Filipino farmers who will be engaged in milk production.

“With an average per capita consumption of 20 kilograms of dairy products and milk every year, a country with an estimated population of 110-million two years from now would be a virtual gold mine for dairy and milk producers,” Piñol said.

There are three chief sources of milk in the Philippines: cattle, carabao and goat. Of these three animals, the goat is the least expensive to raise and its milk is the best for infants and children.

Roy C. Alimoane, director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in Bansalan, Davao del Sur said that by raising goats, Filipino farmers can help augment milk production in the country and lessen the malnutrition problem among children, especially those living in rural areas.

“If only more and more farmers will raise goats in their farms, the health status of our

children will improve,” Alimoane pointed out. “Not only that, our importation of milk and other dairy products will further decrease.”

Piñol believes so, too. This is the reason why he wants to make an immediate inventory of goats in the Philippines “to check whether these are producing milk,” to quote a report released by the state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA).

If he will find out that the dairy goats are not producing milk, “then the merchants and those responsible for the purchase of these goats will be held accountable,” the agriculture chief said.

Most of the imported goats which are now under the were part of the thousands brought into the country from the United States under a US government program called PL480 aimed at helping the dairy industry in the Philippines.

PNA shares this information: The PL 480 refers to Public Law 480 of the United States, which is also known as the Agriculture Trade Development and Assistance Act. This was

enacted in 1954 in line with the US Policy of using its agricultural productivity to enhance the food security of developing countries and the determination of the importing country’s capacity of improving its food security.

“PL 480 consists of three food aid titles -- the government-to-government sale on credit of US commodities under long-term, concessional arrangement. This was amended later to include commodity sale to private entities. Payment of the commodities is expected over 30 years with a grace period of seven years. Beneficiaries of the program are developing countries that find it difficult to provide for the food needs of its citizens through commercial sources of foreign exchange problems.”

Piñol described it as “wonderful program, “but corruption again got in the way of this program which could have made money for the small farmers.” He said that instead of buying pedigreed goats which would improve the genetics of the local goats in the country,

old goats discarded by many dairy farmers in the US were included in the shipment.

“The goat merchants have been doing this for many years now and have been raking in money to the disadvantage of both the U.S. taxpayers who are spending for the program and the Filipino farmers who are supposed to benefit from it,” Piñol said.

At the MBRLC, a farming system has been developed that integrates goat raising. It is called Simple Agro-Livestock Technology (SALT 2), a modification of its famous Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT 1).

Under the SALT 2 scheme, 40 percent of the farm’s land is devoted to agricultural crops (like citrus, black pepper, beans, and corn), 40 percent to livestock (particularly goats), and 20 percent to forestry (mostly fruit trees and various nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs).

“Our model farm is only one-half hectare,” says Alimoane. Instead of raising cattle, which requires a land area of one hectare per animal, MBRLC recommends goats. “Although a goat is small, she can produce as much as four liters of milk every day if she is purebred and is given a ration to meet all of her nutritional requirements,” he says.

In SALT 2, 12 does and one buck are raised. The buck is separated from the does so

that when it is time to milk the does, the milk won’t “catch” the “goaty smell” of the buck.

During breeding, a doe is brought to the cottage of the buck. The manure is utilized as fertilizer for the forage and the crops.

As it follows the original SALT system, hedgerows of various nitrogen fixing trees are planted all over the farm. At the lower portion, more forage crops are planted. The forages and hedgerows are cut every now and then and the cuttings are used as feed for goats.

The goat manure is utilized as fertilizer for the forages and agricultural crops (which are planted at the upper portion of the farm). Studies have shown that goat manure contains 1.5 percent of nitrogen, 1.2 percent of potassium, and 0.5 percent of phosphorus.

There is money in goat’s milk. At the MBRLC, fresh milk is sold at P27 (330 milligrams), 32 (500 milligrams), and 60 (one liter). When mixed with chocolate and little sugar, the cost is P32, P40, and P70, respectively. “With fresh goat’s milk, you can be sure that the milk your child is taking is free from harmful chemicals,” Alimoane declares.

Although a goat is small, she can produce as much as four liters of milk everyday—if she is purebred and is given a ration to meet all of her nutritional requirements.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

A

Traffic powers

BILL has been filed seeking to grant President Rodrigo Duterte emergency powers to address the perennial traffic problem not only in Metro Manila but also in other major urban areas as well.

Under Senate Bill 11 or the proposed Transportation Crisis Act of 2016 filed by Senator Franklin Drilon, the President will be authorized to adopt alternative methods of procurement for the construction repair, rehabilitation, improvement or maintenance of transportation projects aimed at the reduction of traffic congestion in Metro Manila and other urban areas.

The emergency powers will cover, among others, limited source bidding or selective bidding, direct contracting or single source procurement, repeat order, shopping, and negotiated procurement.

The bill also contains a “no TRO clause” which means that no court, except the Supreme Court, shall issue any temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or preliminary mandatory injunction against the government or any of its officials or any person or entity acting under the government direction to restrain, prohibit, or compel in the acquisition, clearance, and development of the right of way; and bidding or awarding of any transportation project identified by the

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President, among others.

The Drilon Bill also stipulates that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Department of Transportation (DOT) shall be the urban traffic management authority in the National Capital Region and other urban areas. The two agencies will also absorb some functions currently being performed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office and Local Government Units.

Also extended to the President is the power to reorganize the DOT and its attached agencies, LTFRB and LTO, and the MMDA. The bill, which will be valid for two years after its effectivity, sought to get the necessary funds from the proceeds of the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge Fund, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and current budget of the agencies involved.

In the past, the passage of bills granting emergency powers to the President was met with strong opposition for fear of abuse and overbreadth. This time, the emergency powers being proposed to solve a long overdue headache is seen to pass the august body and pave the way for radical changes in the congested roads of Metro Manila and other urban centers like Cebu and Davao.

ANTONIO M. AJERO NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Editor in Chief Managing Editor ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ Associate Editor

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VANTAGE POINTS

9

Traditional media and the order of things

FRIEND once told me that among all Filipinos, Metro Manilans treat the Philippine President like their office assistant. Having provided a good portion of votes in any election, they expect him or her to lend greater focus on local problems they feel helpless to resolve, like traffic, the lack of sufficient public transport, the fear of walking the night streets, airport delays and the high cost of living, including the corruption and ineptitude they experience from public servants they encounter daily- traffic enforcers, city hall employees and the like. They expect the President to fix and solve these issues.

They make noise, heap bushelfuls of criticism and amplify the vitriol when they see fit to gain the attention they feel they deserve.

Presidents all too often oblige this.

The problem is that forcing the national government to address their concerns first also takes precious attention and resources away from other regions. This only exacerbates the congestion, and compounds the ills of the megacity. Since 1898, Mega Manila has been the prime focus of everything that takes place in Philippine decision making, making it the center of our economic, politi-

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

OOD news for those working in the armed, civilian national police force of the Philippines. Senator Alan Cayetano has filed a bill seeking to increase the salaries and other incentives of the law enforcers in the country, particularly the officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP). This was to fulfill an electoral promise made during the campaign season.

Known as the Philippine National Police Compensation Act of 2016, the Cayetano’s bill was filed at the beginning of the 17th Congress, along with nine other “reform measures” aimed at creating real change.

“Police officials are mandated by the Constitution to maintain and preserve the peace and order in the country. They have given and continue to give much for the society – even risking their lives to protect the citizens and uphold peace and order. Yet the government has not provided them well enough compensation, not even a living wage,” the explanatory note of the bill said.

And yet, law enforcers play a crucial role in maintaining peace and order situation in the country. “As part of the intensified efforts of the new administration to curb criminality and illegal drugs in the country, the police force will play crucial role in keeping all our streets crime and drug free,” the explanatory note said. “In the past years, the police force has been neglected both in terms of professional development and institutional support.”

In the past administrations, there were a number of personnel and officers who had been involved in petty and large-scale corruption cases. “The increase in their monthly salaries and other benefits is a step towards revitalizing the police institution and attracting the best and the brightest young individuals to join the PNP,” the explanatory note further stated.

cal and cultural MY TWO CENTS’ gravity. This is enshrined in the flag as the 8 rays of the sun signifying the first provinces to revolt against Spain. The rest of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, peJohn Tria ripheral stars.

Must our hope ecisouth@gmail.com rest on these same 8 rays?

The Metro Manila media (often called “national media”) recently released a pooled editorial called for establishing a “proper relationship” with the president, or calling upon the president to build the “proper relationship” with them. While lauded for its honesty, the editorial established the presidency as a monolith of power and attention which it should no longer be the case in a democracy. Insisting on the presidency as a “pivot” of policy only reinforces the current, central-

ized order, and all the unfairness and imbalance it includes against all other branches of government. Bluntly put, it is crass showbiz journalism of the highest order, where every action or thought of the celebrity, no matter how mundane, is considered news that sells.

It smacks of elite capture of the media institution, where only the elites deserve attention and focus, as though only they mattered in society.

Democracies require the distribution of power with the checks and balances inherent in the structure and functions of government.

Media’s role is not to personify the check and balance, since it is not elected by the people to serve its purpose. The role of mass media is precisely what the word implies, to mediate like a medium, from the latin word medi, meaning “middle.” It is not the check and balance, but in a democratic society where sovereign will is exercised by the State as delegated to it by the people, it is merely the means by which imbalances and abuses are seen and corrected by the people involved in setting or correcting such. It has limited right to induce or influence choice, save for the individual choices of its practitioners. Forcing

that definition is to make media a player in influencing or determining social outcomes which it should not be. It is an arbiter of the outcomes of the people, and should not act like a birthmother or manager. Doing so exhibits outward bias. Why is that a problem?

It is because media is owned by the interests behind the capital that was used to found and sustain such organizations. It is free in so far as it is able to exercise its functions independent of the interest of its organizations owners. Often, media becomes its own self limiter.

Thus, if traditional media would like us to think that the president is the “pivot” of all that happens in society, then I think they are creating their own emperor or tyrant. Thus, they what the unlimited access they feel they deserve, and demand propriety within their limited perspective, that which does not see beyond the bounds of the Pasig river. The traditional media, mainly based in powerful Metro Manila, has so far shaped our view of the country and its institutions, and has determined how the rest of the world sees the Philippines. This has been the “traditional” order of things. Perhaps even that will change sooner than we think.

According THINK ON THESE! to Cayetano, police personnel in the country do not receive adequate compensation from the government.

“Compared to our neighbouring countries, Filipino police Henrylito D. Tacio and soldiers are henrytacio@gmail.com underpaid,” the senator said.

In Hong Kong, an entry level police officer receives a monthly salary of HK$21,410 - $34,255 or an estimate of P130,000-200,000 while in Singapore, they receive $1,975 - $2,537.50 monthly or an estimate of P66,000-85,000.

In Singapore, a Second Lieutenant in military receives a monthly salary of $2,140-2,410 or $2,660-$2,890 when they are in combat service. This is approximately P72,000-P97,000.

Now compared that with what Filipino counterparts receive. An entry level Police Officer (PO1) only receives a basic salary of P14,834; such amount is way below the monthly living wage of P27,510 for a family of five, according to the National Wages and Productivity Commission. “How can an entry level police officer provide for the needs of his/her family?”

Cayetano asked.

In his bill, the senator wants to double the current base pay of the lowest ranking police from P14,834 to P29,668 and increase its monthly allowances and other benefits from P7,862 to P20,862. Upon the passage of this Act, the minimum monthly gross pay of Police Officer 1 will amount to P50,530.

Excluding the monthly allowances and

other benefits, the monthly base of various officers and officials are as follows: Police Officer II, P33,868; Police Officer III, P37,330; Senior Police Officer I, P43,542; Senior Police Officer II, P47,026; Senior Police Officer III, P50,788; Senior Police Officer IV, P54,850; Inspector I, P64,682; Senior Inspector, P70,624; Chief Inspector, P74,626; Superintendent, P80,596; Senior Superintendent, P87,042; Chief Superintendent, P94,004; Director, P101,526l; Deputy Director General, P118,420; and Director General, P135,000.

“It is not enough that we punish and remove corrupt cops from the service,” Cayetano explained. “Without just compensation, crime and corruption will only seduce what is left of the government’s honest, yet, impoverished police personnel.”

The PNP was formed on January 29, 1991 when the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police were merged pursuant to Republic Act 6975 of 1990. The PNP is administered and controlled by the National Police Commission and is part of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Local Police officers are operationally controlled by municipal mayors but it is the task of the DILG to organize, train and equip the PNP for the performance of police functions as a police force that is national in scope and civilian in character.

Wikipedia gives some historical background of PNP in these words: “The common history of the police forces of the Philippines can be traced back to the reigns of the pre-Hispanic lakans, datus and sultans in the islands, where soldiers who served in the communities where the people lived (and which reported directly to local leaders) also enforced local laws.”

But all those changed with the arrival of the Spanish rule and the introduction of Western

law to the archipelago. “Until 1868, personnel of the Spanish army and local militias were also tasked with policing duties in local communities, together with the Island Carabiniers (raised 1768 and the colony’s first ever police service),” Wikipedia notes.

“In that year, the local branch of the Civil Guard was officially established by order of then Governor-General Carlos María de la Torre y Nava Cerrada. Starting from a single division, during the Revolutionary period it grew into a corps of military police with detachments in Luzon and the Visayas, and was notorious for its abuses against Filipinos.”

Those abuses were mentioned in José Rizal’s two novels, “Noli Me Tángere” and “El Filibusterismo.” In both fictions (although they were based from real events), several cases of Civil Guardsmen abusing the local populace were highlighted.

“With the beginning of American rule and the Philippine–American War, the Philippine Constabulary (PC) was raised in 1901 as a national gendarmerie force for law enforcement, directly reporting to the American government.

“The PC was later integrated into the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the late 1930s - first as a command of the Army, and later on its own after the State Police folded.”

On December 13, 1990, the Republic Act No. 6975 -- called the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 -- was passed. The law ordered the merger of both the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police and formally created the Philippine National Police. R.A. 6975 was further amended by R.A. 8551, the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, and by R.A. 9708. The R.A. 8551 envisioned the PNP to be a community- and service-oriented agency.

Good news for law enforcers

10 NEWS UNITY... FROM 1

He also urged men and women in uniform who are into drugs or involved in illegal drug syndicates to stop now.

“If they don’t then I have to enforce the full disciplinary mechanisms of the PNP against any of my subordinate officers,” Gaerland warned.

When asked if he had the names of those PNP members involved in drugs in the region, Gaerlan replied: “I do not want to pre-empt. We have our on-going efforts (to investigate) but I will not give any details (as of this moment).”

Hundreds of persons involved in drugs have already yielded to authorities as the massive campaigns already reached the municipal and barangay levels in Davao region.

Lately, seven persons involved in illegal drug trade surrendered to Davao City Acting Mayor Paolo Duterte on Monday.

Also on Monday, around 500 illegal drug personalities in the town of Cateel in Davao Oriental surrendered to authorities and pledged to do away with illegal drugs.

The personalities took their oath in a ceremony led

by Cateel Mayor Linda C. Nuñez and Senior Inspector Romie L. Baintin, the police chief of the town.

The LGU in Cateel, since July 1 intensified their “OPLAN TOKHANG” (Toktok Hangyo or Knock and Ask) campaign with the aim of allowing those involved in illegal drug trade and users to change.

tion is a big boost to the country’s floriculture industry and inspire them to continue developing endemic and indigenous plants that can be at par with the best species in the world.

With the rising popularity of President Duterte in the global community, the IBS in its website said “plant lovers, garden enthusiasts, bromeliad connoisseurs from all over the world are busy and going crazy to add Neoregelia Rody Duterte in their must have list.”

Onari clarified and allayed fears of enthusiasts and hobbyists that bromeliad can be a breeding ground for dengue-causing mosquitoes. A study from University of Flori-

da also showed that of 78 mosquitos’ species in Florida, none were associated with bromeliads.

“In Singapore, they are even investing millions of dollars to include bromeliads in their landscaping as it helps in cushion the impact of global warming,” he added.

Having been engaged in the floriculture business since 1990s, Onari said their noble intention is to help sustain the industry. “Before we seek government support, we need to show what we have done and what we can do. Just like what the President said, change must begin within us,” she said. (Noel T. Provido/DA-XI)

weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and also from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) will feature health and nutrition related

forums and other activities at SM Mall of Asia (MOA).

The DOST’s main office in Bicutan,Taguig has prepared numerous treats for those who will visit during the NSTW celebration. Among the activities lined up are food tasting of DOST-assisted products called Future Flavors, technology forums on livelihood, career talks, product launches, science film showings. (PNA)

Chevron in Asia, specifically in Indonesia.

Reports added that Chevron is looking for buyers for share in the Indonesia oil and natural gas fields totaling to P46.44 billion (US$1 billion).

Orig said there’s still no definite timeline for the resumption of the exploration project.

AboitizPower, the firm in charge, started to secure permits for the exploration last year for the development of the renewable energy facility which has a target installed capacity of 200MW. Orig earlier said the firm plans to explore the areas of Davao and Digos, including in the areas of Magpet in North Cotabato and Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur for geothermal energy source.

The company will conduct surface exploration for geothermal resources inside its contract areas that cover the Mt. Talomo-Tico contract area consisting of 8,586 hectares and the Mt. Sibulan-Kapatagan contract area that covers 8,910 hectares, Apart from surface exploration that will verify the existence, sufficiency, and suitability of geothermal resources, the firm will also introduce the power project to respective local government units and other stakeholders and indigenous peoples living around the area.

The project will be only pursued if the result of the exploration shows that there’s a presence of at least 50MW of geothermal resources in the area. CHENEEN R. CAPON

R. Recoter also said that the regional office decided to realign some funds in order to help the farmers, particularly in set-

ting up of repairing their small irrigation systems as well as conducting cloud seeding activities. AMA

President... FROM 2

Public... FROM 3

Firm... FROM 5

Davao... FROM 6

EDGEDAVAO

SUPPORT TO WAR ON DRUGS. Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey says one of the marching orders of the new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya is to

Sueno... FROM 2 cials denied the charges and vowed to clear their names.

Sueno said before July ends, the President will also name publicly local officials

from governors down to barangay chairpersons who are in power and proven to be protectors of drug syndicates.

(PNA)

“We hope to seal more partnerships with private companies,” he emphasized, adding it will expedite the carrying out of government projects in the countryside.

Dela Peña stressed that the system will allow students

sales on said years at P2.84 million in 2012 and none in 2013.

Daffon is also facing a civil liability of P206.33 million, the BIR said.

BIR also charged Tradetechnique Enterprises, Inc. and its officer-in-charge Liza Olario for evading the payment of P115.77 million taxes in 2012.

The bureau said Tradetechnique substantially under-declared its gross sales by P133.93 million for income tax and P86.74 million for the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Three domestic corporations together with their responsible corporate officers were also charged by the BIR with tax evasion last month.

The corporations include the Salle De Jeux, Inc. (SJDI) and its president Cecilia M. Lee and treasurer Norma M Recinto; the AJ Corintian Hauling Corporation and its manager Arcelis S. Sajonas and treasurer John Fitz Jerald Claudio; and the Jun Roque Construction & Development Corp. (JRCDC) together with its president Domingo Roque, Jr. and treasurer Elizabeth F. Roque.

The BIR said SJDI, being a domestic corporation engaged in business in the country and operating as a licensee of PAGCOR, and under the provisions of the Tax Code, is subject to Income Tax and is mandated to withhold and remit the corresponding tax withheld on its payouts.

The SJDI, investigations of the BIR said, declared its gross revenues for the years 2010 to 2012 as “Not Subject to Tax”.

The said company either did not file its final withholding

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

intensify the army’s support in the police’s ongoing drive against illegal drugs.

Balagtey was among the guests of yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at the Davao City Police Office. Lean Daval Jr.

Drilon... FROM 3

to have access to electronic reference materials developed by the department itself.

The renovation of the school libraries will be completed in November just in time for the National Reading Month.

Similarly, employees receiving the smallest minimum basic salary — Salary Grade 1 — will see their monthly wages rise from PHP9,000 to PHP11,068 a month.

They, along with other government workers, will be entitled to a mid-year bonus, which will be given not earlier than May of each year, and a performance-based bonus.

The bill will also ensure that there will be no more “salary overlaps” to recog-

nize differences in duties and responsibilities. It will also strengthen the link between pay and performance especially for those in the higher salary grades, Drilon underscored.

“The structure of the adjustment should temper the cost of benefits (i.e. GSIS premiums and PhilHealth contributions) and allow for higher take home pay, especially for those in the lower salary grades,” he concluded. (PNA)

tax returns or under-withheld its withholding taxes on payouts in the same period, the bureau added.

AJ CORINTHIAN, on the other hand did not file its Income Tax Returns (ITRs), Percentage Tax returns and Value-Added Tax returns for from 2012 to 2014.

The company also failed to pay the corresponding tax due despite earning taxable income amounting to P 3.73 Million, P 8.70 Million and P 2.02 Million in 2012, 2013, ad 2014, respectively, the BIR said.

The bureau also charged the JRCDC for failure to declare its correct amount of income earned after a comparison of its Financial Statement for 2003 as against the consideration in the Deed of Absolute Sale dated January 7, 2003 that disclosed an income of just P 996,098.69 as against the gross income per audit of P 85,996,098.69.

JRCDC under-declared the P85 Million or 8,633%, the BIR said.

SJDI, AJ CORINTHIAN and JRCDC, together with their responsible corporate officers were held liable to pay an estimated aggregate deficiency tax in the sum of P 53.48 Million for 2010 to 2012; P 3.92 Million for 2012 to 2014; and P 107.7 Million in 2003, respectively, the bureau emphasized.

Bank, former mayor charged The BIR also reported that it is filing charges against the Planters Development Bank (PDB), including its senior vice president Jose F. Acetre and its lot buyer Willingthon Lim colluding in post-dating

the sale of a parcel of land to evade the payment of applicable penalties in the amount of P 959,581.35.

Results of the bureau’s investigation showed that Lim obtained a P 5.2 Million loan from PDB and fully paid the same in the amount of P 4.95 Million as adjusted last November 16, 2009.

The PDB also issued an official receipt on said payment, the BIR added.

BIR Investigators posited that the November 16, 2009 should be the reckoning point for the transfer of the subject property as there was already a cash sale between the PDB and Lim. Both PDB and Lim executed a Deed of Absolute Sale on July 7, 2015 on which date they claimed the transfer of the subject property took place.

Investigations said further that their proposition on the execution of the sale was negated by the issuance of the Sanitary and Plumbing Permit, Fire Safety Inspection Certificate, Certificate of Completion that were issued to Lim and Certificate of Occupancy on various dates that confirmed the fact that the subject property was by then already conveyed by PDB to LIM. Former Carmen, Bohol mayor and founder of beauty soap company Beauche International by Conchita, Inc. Conchita Toribio de los Reyes was also slapped with a P 15.73 Million tax evasion suit after investigators discovered that despite the receipt of substantial amounts of income as shown by the significant increase in

her net worth, acquisition of numerous properties, she still failed to file any Income Tax Return (ITR) and pay the corresponding taxes in 2011 and 2012.

The bureau said De los Reyes acquired some agricultural lots in Bohol, residential building also in Bohol, motor vehicles, jewelries, furniture, appliances and other fixtures, as enumerated in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN) as of December 31 of the years 2011 and 2012.

A perusal of the said SALN made by the BIR showed a substantial increase in De los Reyes’ net worth of P 19.10 Million in 2011 and P 4.0 Million in 2012.

Four other delinquent taxpayers were also charged by the BIR recently.

These include the North Star Port Development Corp. and its president Alberto H. Suansing and treasurer Rosauro A. Aguinaldo; the Actite Travel & Tours Inc. and its CEO and president See Siu Hung Dionisio and chief finance officer See Siu Ying Dionision; a certain Tessie R. Moral; and Jose P. Bautista for wilful failure to pay taxes due to the government in the amount of P29.83 Million in 2008; P8.56 Million in 2008; P3.77 Million in 2008 and 2009; and P2.20 Million in2008 respectively.

The BIR said the filing of the 11 cases brought to 492 the total number of cases already filed by the BIR under its RATE Program during the administration of Commissioner Henares.

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Orgasmic Food Faves

VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW. SOMETHING SWEET, SOMETHING SALTY. For most, for a food or dish to be considered gastronomically orgasmic, it has to have depth of flavours, texture and of course, taste. True but personally, what I call gastronomically orgasmic are dishes that reminds me of instances or places and even of people that I’ve met along the way. That there is my green light.

Of the many new dining places in town, I’ve discovered and re-discovered dishes that brought back memories. Some are new while some has been a personal favorite for quite some time. Of who and what instances hit the green light, here’s my warmest smile.

Next time you want to explore the many flavours of Davao’s finest chefs and cooks, go ahead indulge.

Don’t forget to tag your friends and make it even more memorable.

Batu Cafe Nacho Salad

I find satisfaction in the most inconvenient of food pairings. I love a medley of textures in my food. It is that unexpected burst of flavour that makes me crave for something on any given day. This one is no exception. I love their take on this crunchy, leafy salad. I just wish they’d add more cheese on top.

Other than that, this is good. Value for money too.

Batu Cafe is located at G/F Las Casitas Hotel, #509 Loyola Street, Obrero, Davao City. They are open Mondays to Sundays 6:00am to 12:00am. For orders and reservations, you may call them at 082 222 6552.

K Steak Unlimited Chicken Steak

Of course, I love my chicken (dishes). This is one of those dishes that I want to eat especially after a tough day at work.

The chicken is tender and juicy and the chargrilled taste and aroma makes it even more interesting.

With or without gravy, this is good.

K Steak Unlimited is located at Loreto corner Macopa street, Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City.

You may call them at 082 330 0060.

Pancake House Roast Beef Platter (Abreeza Ayala Mall branch)

I’m not much of a beef lover but I find this dish deliciously bearable. I admit, there are days that their roast beef is tough and some days, its fork tender. Despite that, I still love this especially on weekends and I’m on “relax mode”. If you find the beef tough, drown it in gravy. That’s what I do.

Pepper’s Iberica Resto Fish and Chips Oh this is love! This is my new favorite from this quaint and humble restaurant that serves my ultimate favorite Pesto Pasta and Iberica Chick-

again.

Pepper’s Iberica Resto is located at Door 9 Asaje IV Building, Mabini Street, Davao City.

For orders and reservations, you may call them at 0922 391 2364 They are open Mondays to Saturdays 10:00am-2:00pm and 6:00pm-10:00pm en. Their fish and chips (or fries if you want) is really delicious. Batter coats the fish well and is not overpowering to the fish meat. It’s so crunchy

but juicy at the same time.

More so, I love their sauce.

It pairs perfectly well with the fried fish. This one is something I’d order and eat again..and again..and

FCF Minatamis na Saging

For those who know me well, I am such a saging lover. When this was introduced to me, I immediately said yes. The

sauce is out of this world delicious. It’s carmel alright but it tasted more than just caramel. It’s milky but not too creamy.

Hands down, the caramel sauce is the winner.

FCF- Filipino Comfort Food Davao is located at the Damosa complex, Lanang, Davao City. You may call them at 0925 799 6731.

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

UP AND ABOUT

ON JUNE 16 TO 18, 2016, Mindanaoan cuisine and the Philippines’ finest chefs took center stage once again at SM Lanang Premier for the Davao Culinary Cup 2016, the region’s biggest and most anticipated event that aimed to raise the bar in culinary competition.

Mallgoers witnessed a tough 3-day culinary battle with 15 celebrity chefs from the Les Toques Blanches (LTB) Chefs Association Philippines and Pastry Alliance of the Philippines (PAP) judging the entries. These were Chefs Fernando Aracama, James Antolin, Jose Gamboa, Carlo Miguel, Norbert Gandler, Buddy Trinidad, Penk Ching Tan, Dan Basilio, Jackie Ang Po, Brando Santos, Jerome Valencia, Sito Senn, Reggie Aspiras, Mia Yan, and Jem Raymundo.

Participants from various schools, hotels, and restaurants vied for the following categories: Savory (Filipino Cuisine Challenge, Young Chefs Team Challenge, Local Fish or Seafood, Pasta, Quick Fire Salad, and Creative Breakfast Challenge), and Pastry (Plated Desserts, Wedding Cakes, Dress the Cake and Fantasy Davao Desserts).

As a warm welcome to the top chefs, SM Lanang Premier served up signa-

ture eats from the country’s “Durian Capital” in a dinner feast called “Davao Fiesta.” The feast featured dishes from SM Lanang Premier tenants Bistro Selera, Choobi-Choobi, and Dencio’s Kamayan, Inc., hotel partner Park Inn by Radisson Davao and two of Davao’s gourmands, The Crazy Cook and Kakimkris Lechon.

No less than Councilors Al-Ryan Alejandre and Marissa Abella graced the opening of the Davao Culinary Cup and Davao Fiesta respectively. Also present were Malaysian Consul General in Davao Abdullah Zawawi Tahir and wife Madam Badiah Hanum, Ikebana Davao Chapter members and officers headed by President Arlene Puentespina, and the Indonesian Consulate represented by Bella Darameswari, among others.

The Davao Culinary Cup 2016 was organized

by LTB Chefs Davao, in partnership with LTB Philippines Chefs Asso-

Mindanaoan cuisine and top chefs at SM Lanang Premier

ciation, the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines, SM Lanang Premier, the World Food Expo, the De-

partment of Tourism, and the City Tourism Office of Davao.

Witness the best cu-

linary events at SM Lanang Premier. Check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and

Instagram for the latest happenings at the region’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination.

NU Pep Squad to return to SM Davao University Fair THREE-TIME UAAP CHEERDANCE CHAMPIONS NU PEP SQUAD ONCE AGAIN JOINS SM CITY DAVAO’S UNIVERSITY FAIR THIS WEEKEND. The group is expected to cap the 3-day academic fair at the Annex on July 9 and kick off the interschool cheerdance competition Dance U on July 10.

Dance U will be open to all bona fide Junior – Senior High School and College level students. Participating schools are allowed a maximum of three (3) entries with each team having a minimum of ten (10) and a maximum of fifteen (15) members. All groups are given a three (3) to five (5) minutes to perform.

This year’s University Fair will bring the senior

high and K-12 education into focus. The participating schools are expected to showcase their senior high and college programs as well as special courses.

Mapua Institute of Technology, De La Salle University- College of Saint Benilde, Silliman University, Sofa Design Institute, Ateneo de Davao University, University of the Philippines in Mindanao, Center for Asian Culinary Arts,

Davao Doctors’ College, IChef and MOST Institute of Culinary Arts are expected to again participate in the event this year. The University of Mindanao as well as Career Academy Asia will also be joining the roster.

Apart from booths and school’s pitches, the event with the support of the Davao Association of Catholic Schools will also hold forums on basic education path, personal branding, alternative education and learning in the digital age. Admission to the event is free. Interested parties may inquire about the schedule and book slots with the Marketing Department at 297.6998.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Jessy Mendiola’s mom has strong words for daughter’s bashers ‘Encantadia’s official launch date revealed

JESSY MENDIOLA’S MOTHER, DIDITH GARVIDA, did not mince her words in defending her daughter from bashers who have been hounding the actress FHM Philippines named her the sexiest woman of 2016.

Didith lashed out against netizens who have been questioning Jessy’s win.

She posted, “Ang dami nyong mga pakialamera kayo...mind all your business and leave her alone!

Lahat ng paratang nyo na hindi maganda ay walang katuturan at wala kayong pakialam sa personal na buhay nya” Didith added, “All you have been accussing her is baseless... and tantamount to speculations and envy anu problema nyo??

Sya nanalo at sa mga ginagawa nya wala kayong karapatang pakialaman bakit pinakakain nyo ba sya..you all stop the bashing naging mga sakit nyo na yan…

Well nanalo sya EAT your HEART OUT!” Jessy’s mother also told bashers to stay away from her social media accounts if they don’t like the young actress at all.

She also went on to express her profound gratitude to all the supporters of Jessy.

“TO ALL BASHERS JESSY IS NO. 1 thank you for supporting her we are enjoying the moment.. the winner does not care about the bashing, the crown is her shield and the people who loves

THE LONG WAIT IS FINALLY OVER as the launch date of the muchawaited Encantadia has been revealed.

Based on the GMA News program, Kapuso viewers are set to experience the world of Encantadia starting July 18, Monday, on GMA Telebabad. The timeslot was not announced yet but it will be revealed? ?soon.

Aside from the date, Encantadia’s official full trailer also aired on national TV. After 11 years, the Kapuso network decided to retell its amazing story and add exciting twists to the classic tale for the new generation of viewers.

Wait for the announcement of the timeslot and other official updates on Encantadia by logging on to GMANetwork.com.

her ...YOU DONT LIKE HER? STAY AWAY FROM HER IGs and lungkot nyo lang! Masaya kaya dito..so

many are envious and naive..and to the real supporters? THANK YOU for the LOVE!”

Kristoffer Martin is the exemplary son and brother in Wish Ko Lang!

KAPUSO ACTOR KRISTOFFER MARTIN plays the son who will do everything for his family on this Saturday’s episode of Wish Ko Lang!

Since his father was sent to jail, Mark (Kristoffer) had to shoulder the responsibility to support his family.

His siblings are too young to take care of themselves and their mother seems to have accepted the fact that her husband won’t be able to be free again.

Mark had to find himself a job that accepts people like him who was only able to finish high school. On top of the household expenses he has to deal with, he is also trying to save money for his father’s case.

Meanwhile, Mark’s mother would find herself a new partner—younger and almost Mark’s age. To make matters worse, Mark is not in good terms with this man who also lays his hands on Mark and his siblings.

Catch Kristoffer together with Jak Roberto, Elijah Alejo, Mikoy Morales, and Tanya Gomez on Wish Ko Lang!, hosted by Vicky Morales, this Saturday (July 9), after Karelasyon on GMA-7.

July 6-8, 2016

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EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

FOOD

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT THE FOURTH OF JULY MAY NOT BE A HOLIDAY HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES but for the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao it was the perfect date to showcase their golden culinary streak.

Fresh off their gold medal wins at the recently concluded Davao Culinary Cup, the Waterfront culinary team invited guests and foodies to an intimate lunch buffet at the hotel’s Cafe Uno featuring the red, white, and blue of Filipino-American Friendship Day. The menu which was planned by the hotel’s

dynamic chef Victor Barangan, featured an allAmerican buffet of famous recipes like Cajun Seafood, Chili Fries, Mac and Cheese with Truffles, Cowboy Ribs and Corn Bread and a bucketful of hot and spicy Buffalo Wings to name a few.

Together with the celebration, WIHD introduced their quarter-round American Themed Lunch Buffet and other dining options for the months of

July to September. At La Parilla, one may savor a hearty and authentic hotpot Shabu-Shabu meal daily from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, best enjoyed with a bowl of rice and five other friends.

At the Vinta Bar, a bucketful of Buffalo Wings is available every Friday from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am and a side-feature of a Buffalo Bucket Challenge in between 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm – the person who gets to eat the most number of wings at the given time wins a prize.

The American Lunch Buffet at Cafe Uno is on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for only Php699 nett per person, with the Filipino Buffet set on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Promos start the first week of July. For information, find them on Facebook at waterfront.davao or call (082) 233 2881 to 83.

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Positive attitude, a tool to win in life L IFE’S challenges do not dampen his spirit to keep chasing his dreams. Rodrigo Bobvic, 19, of Catalunan Pequeño in Davao City, always sees a silver lining in each test that he faced with which gives him the strength to keep going in life.

The life’s biggest blow came when he did not almost graduate from high school due to a financial problem.

He continued nevertheless because it was not enough reason for Rodrigo to give up on his dream of becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). He graduated top of his class.

Hedcor, a wholly owned subsidiary of AboitizPower, gave him the needed financial boost to fulfill his dream. Rodrigo, who is now a fourth-year student of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at

the Holy Cross of Davao College is a consistent dean’s lister.

“Hedcor really helps me make my dream to become a CPA come true. Without Hedcor, I would have been a bystander or a street vendor battling the hurdles of life”, Rodrigo said.

In return, he promised good grades and hopes to be a successful CPA working for Hedcor.

Aside from Rodrigo, two Hedcor scholars have already finished Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Finance.

Hedcor is supporting 14 more college students in Davao del Sur and Davao CIty. Since 2005, Hedcor has been helping students who have less in life through its scholarship program to help them achieve their career goals for themselves and their families.

Construction updates out for Aeon Towers

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

T

njb@edgedavao.net

HE much-anticipated iconic structure of Davao City has just wrapped up concreting works for the 12th level and is moving up to the next strata.

As of Monday, the construction team of the 33-level Aeon Towers project reported the concreting of the 12th floor and will be moving up to the next level.

Aeon Towers is the initial venture into real estate development by the FTC Group of Companies, a Davao-born firm

with highly successful track record in business.

FTC Group of Companies president and CEO Ian Cruz said the project is right on schedule based on timelines and is expected to have its topping off late this year.

“So far it’s been good, we are right on track and our clients are assured that we will be finishing the project according to our targets,” said Cruz.

Cruz also said there are just a few units left for sale for

the first tower.

“We are down to the last few and a lot of serious inquiries and expression of intents are coming,” he added.

The target turnover of the project is set on December this year barring any hitches.

Aeon Towers, located at JP Laurel Avenue in Davao’s CBD, 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.

Marketing head Gen Marchan said 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 or the City View and at another side facing the Island Garden City of Samal or the Island View,” Marchan said.

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

AEON TOWERS. Photo on the left shows the 12th floor concrete pouring works as of June 22 and the same spot as of June 29 on the right.

DATE‘16 starring cacao, coffee, other Mindanao golden crops Rodrigo Bobvic, 19, is one of the 15 students who are blessed to be sent to college for free through the College Scholarship Program of Hedcor.

M

Event’s focus is marketing – John Tria

INDANAO’S so-called golden crops, namely cacao, coffee, coconut, cassava, corn and rice, will rtake center stage in the upcoming Davao Agri Trade Exposition (DATE), a flagship annual project of the Davao

City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII).

DATE , traditionally the blockbuster among DCCCII’s yearly projects, will be staged on Sept. 22-24 at the SMX Convention Center of SM Lanang Premier.

John Carlo B. Tria, program director of DATE 2016, said that the focus of the event and its accompanying discussion forums in the sidelines, will focus on how products from these crops can be marketed. Although the region’s products, particularly cacao and banana, have gained prominence in the international markets, there is still areas that need to be strengthened so that these products can fetch better prices.

Among these crops, cacao has gained more prominence that big foreign companies have started buying from local producers, Tria said.

Both the government, local and national, as well as the private sector like the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao Inc., have joined forces to ensure that the crop is provided with better attention to ensure its continued growth.

On the part of the city government, it has identified the crop as its crop for the development in the Philippine Rural Development Project, a P27 billion six-year project that the Agriculture department is spearheading.

As a starter, he said, there is a need to “strengthen the linkage between government and the business sector to enable agricultural exports to grow.”

He said that at present, “synergies between the two (government and private sector) have not been fully developed” because government “government has to have a clearer mandate to prioritize the exporting of agricultural products.”

On how to go about this, he said this will be part of the discussions during the embedded event of the exposition, the agri-marketing conference, a daylong event that intends to provide exporters with technical know-how on marketing their products.

Sofronio M. Jucutan Jr., DCCCII executive vice president, said that another issue that needs to be looked into is how to market products that are not as big in volume as the biggest export products of the region, banana and coconut.

“One way for them to reach the intended market is to let them piggyback on these bigger products,” said Jucutan.

F DATE ‘16, 13

VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

WANTED 2 REPORTERS

EDGE DAVAO is in need of 2 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

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

Investments... FROM 3

NEWS 13

structure spending, Neri said the country should invest more in human capital.

“So if you want to move higher in the value chain, it’s really education. And K to 12 (basic education program) is actually the ideal framework for that,” he added.

The Philippines believes

it can realize the vision of becoming nearly a high-income country by 2040 with the right policies, according to the National Economic and Development Authority’s AmBisyon Natin 2040.

The 2040 vision for the Philippines noted that sufficient high-quality infrastruc-

ture could boost the competitiveness of enterprises generating high-quality jobs and create inclusive economy.

AmBisyon Natin 2040 represents the collective longterm vision and aspirations of the Filipino people for themselves and for the country for the next 25 years. (PNA)

their names and assured him that they will fully cooperate with any investigation.

The PNP chief said he already forwarded the case of the three generals to the National Police Commission (Napolcom) for investigation.

“They will be reporting to Napolcom,” Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa said despite the involvement of generals in illegal drugs on the announcement of President Duterte , the morale of the PNP remains very high adding that he considered the incident as morale a booster.

“Itoy pagsubok lamang, lilipas din ito, high morale kami,” he said.

”Morale booster not only to the PNP but to the whole nation strong message na sinasabi nya (President Duterte) na wala akong sinasanto kahit sino kayo sabi nya kahit anak ko kapag involved sa drugs patayin ninyo so wala syang kyeme,” he added.

He noted that not only the PNP that provided intelligence reports to the President but also the other government agencies. ”The President can have the access to all intelligence information na nakalap dito sa Pilipinas at sa ibang bansa. He is the president. Yung kanyang information hindi lang nanggaling sa PNP, hindi lang ISAFP (Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces

of the Philippines), lahat ng mga government agencies na may intelligence department so the president has all the access and all the information,” he explained.

During the 69th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Air Force on Tuesday, President Duterte publicly tagged the five police generals as involved in illegal drugs.

Diaz, Tinio, Pagdilao and Mayor Loot already denied the allegation against them saying that the President must be misinformed.

Pagdilao and Tinio said they are willing to face investigation and undergo lie detector test and lifestyle check. (PNA)

The event, which is expected to attract about 10,000 participants, or about 2,000 higher than the number of participants last year, is also expected to surpass the P83.77 million in product

sales that it recorded in 2013.

Tria said the organization is using the 2013 record because it is showcasing the same products as the ones it showcased that year.

To be able to invite for-

eign buyers, as the organizers said several foreign companies have confirmed their attendance, they have tap chambers of commerce in the country and abroad to help in the marketing of the event.

Dela Rosa... FROM 4

DATE ‘16... FROM 11

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

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Ford PH sales rise 61% F

ORD Philippines today reports an all-time best first half performance with retail sales rising 61 percent through June, led by strong customer demand for the Ranger pickup, and record first half sales from the Everest and EcoSport SUVs. Ford also delivered its best-ever June performance as sales rose 50 percent to 2,808 units, helping Ford remain one of the fastest growing auto brands in the country this year.

“Consumer confidence and discretionary spending continue to be fairly strong, and our full lineup of Ford vehicles is helping attract a wide range of Filipino customers to our showrooms across the country,” said Lance Mosley, managing director, Ford Philippines.

The all-new Everest midsized SUV re-

mained Ford’s best-selling nameplate in the Philippines in June, delivering retail sales of 1,054 units. First half sales for the Everest totaled 6,961 units, as its striking design, advanced connectivity, driver assistance technologies, and outstanding capability continue to set the benchmark for its segment.

The EcoSport compact SUV delivered its best monthly performance this year with June sales increasing 11 percent from 2015 to 852 units. The EcoSport also capped a record first half performance with sales increasing nearly 6 percent to 4,367 units.

The segment defining Ranger pickup truck contributed to the record first half performance with yearto-date sales of

3,972 units, including 629 units in June.

June sales of the premium Explorer SUV totaled 87 units, helping drive its first half sales up 5 percent to 552 units. Mustang also saw a solid month in June with delivery of 37 units, pushing its year-to-date total up 12 percent to 145 units.

The sporty Fiesta equipped with the globally acclaimed 1.0L EcoBoost engine - delivered retail sales of 75 units in June, pushing its year-to-date total to 464 units.

Nissan GT Academy PH Season 2 officially starts

N

ISSAN’S unique “virtual-to-reality” racing series is back for a second season.

The Nissan GT Academy Season 2 hopes to discover new racing talents who share one thing in common: they were discovered through playing the video game, Gran Turismo.

“Through this virtual-to-reality racing competition, we look forward to giving more opportunities for Filipino gamers to realize their dream of becoming professional race-car drivers,” said NPI president and Managing Director Ramesh Narasimhan.

Last season, over 13,000 hopefuls vied for the Top 6 slots that represented the country at Race Camp Week at the Silverstone Circuit in the United Kingdom.

Joward Policarpio, who bested other competitors from Asia to win last year’s competition, was crowned the first Filipino

Nissan GT Academy Asia champion.

This year, the competition is tougher thanks to a new track running on the yet-to-be-released Gran Turismo Sport. It means would-be participants will not be able to practice at home and would need to rely on the GT Academy pods to set good times.

Nissan, in partnership with developer Polypho-

ny Digital, is using the GT Academy to introduce the newest iteration of the famed driving simulator.

It will released exclusively for the Sony Playstation 4 in November.

Lucas Ordoñez, winner of the inaugural 2008 Nissan Playstation GT academy in Europe, graced the opening of the event, encouraging participants to grab the Nissan

GT Academy Season 2 as an opportunity to make their race-car dreams come true.

The first location of the Nissan GT Academy is at the Trinoma MRT Link.

The first leg runs from today until July 3 from 10am to 10pm. For more information on the Nissan GT Academy pod locations, check out Nissan Philippines’s Facebook page.

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ALL PRAISE

Hunat Dabaw 4 Run for Apo registration starts July 15

H

UNAT Dabaw Run for a Cause will start its registration for running enthusiasts slated on July 15 at designated areas.

Hunat Dabaw race chairman Megzyl Rose Jolejole in Tuesday’s SCOOP Session at The Royal Mandaya Hotel bared that the registration schedule will be timely for its annual fun run this September 4.

This year’s edition of the Hunat Dabaw Run for a Cause now on its fourth year will be on an out and back course starting at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. It will cover the 3K, 5K and 10K race routes.

Registration areas will be at the Matina Town Square, Mesa SM Ecoland, Mesa SM Lanang Premier, Columbia Sports Apparel Abreeza, Columbia Sports Apparel SM

Ecoland, Gaisano Mall of Davao and NCCC Mall. It is pegged at P375 (3K), P425 (5K) and P475 (10K) inclusive of singlet, race bib, certificate, buffet breakfast and raffle coupon.

“This edition of Hunat Dabaw will be sort of a Foam Fun Run with P200,000 worth of prizes are to be given away,” said Jolejole adding that that this year’s run is expecting some 2,500 entries for all three race categories.

“Proceeds of this year’s run will go to the Mount Apo Rehabilitation Center. That’s why we are calling this year’s run Takbo Para Kay Apo,” she added.

This year’s singlet will also be one of a kind as it was patterned to the Philippine Flag with colors red, white and blue and the fabled three stars and the sun.

RMH Cup 2016 tips off July 9

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HIS year’s edition of the Royal Mandaya Hotel Cup basketball tournament tips off on July 9, in grand rites at the Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym).

“Tip off time will be at 8 a.m. following the opening ceremonies,” said tournament coordinator Neil Baquiran in Tuesday’s SCOOP Session at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

The tournament will cover six squads with players aged 18 years-old and under.

Ateneo de Davao University heads this year’s list of entries to be joined by Assumption College of Davao, Davao Jones Academy, Jose Maria Colleges, Ford Academy of the Arts and Holy Child College of Davao.

Teams will play a round-robin elimination round with the top four teams as based on the standings will move on to the Final Four playoff matches.

Cash prizes and trophies will be at stake with the champion team bringing home P10,000 while the first to third runners-up will get P5,000; P3,000 and P2,000.

“This is part of The Royal Mandaya Hotel’s commitment to the sport in seeking for young basketball players who may be future collegiate or professional hoopsters,” Baquiran added.

No less than The Royal Mandaya Hotel president Glen Escandor will grace the opening rites highlighting the traditional ceremonial toss.

SCOOP AT RMH. Megzyl Rose Jolejole of The Royal Mandaya Hotel graced Tuesday’s SCOOP Session to brief on the coming 2016 Royal Mandaya Cup and the Hunat Dabaw 4 Run for a Cause. TOMMY IÑIGO/SCOOP Davao

SPORTS 15

Parker impressed by Gilas’energy, toughness

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ONY Parker was gracious enough to praise Gilas Pilipinas guards who held their own against him in France’s narrow win over the hosts in the opener of the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Tuesday night at the jampacked Mall of Asia Arena.

Terrence Romeo and Jayson Castro alternated in trying to stop the NBA veteran to no avail as Parker cut loose for 21 points on 7 of 13 shooting from the field, including 3 of 7 from downtown, in the Les Bleus’ 93-84 win.

But the 32-year-old Parker had nothing but good words for both Filipino guards - and the entire Gilas team for that matter.

“They were pretty good, they were very aggressive, they tried to make stuff happen,” said Parker in the postgame interview.

“They were very aggressive going to the basket and creating shots for their teammates. They played pretty

well.”

Romero finished with 19 points but was just 5 of 14 overall from the field, while Castro added 14 on 5 of 11 shooting.

Not lost on the San Antonio Spurs guard though, was the effort made by the hosts in making a game out of it despite trailing by as many as 13 points in the third period.

“They made it tough for us,” acknowledged Parker, whose team found itself trailing early on by as many as 10 points.

IMPRESSED. NBA star Tony Parker races past Ray Ray Parks of the Philippines.

“They played with a lot energy, you have to give a lot of credit to them.

They played a great game.”

With KD in, GSW is now a superteam

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OUR All-Stars, two MVPs, a whole new Splash Family in Golden State.

Kevin Durant’s decision to join the Warriors sent tremors through the NBA, and players and executives throughout the league immediately started to contemplate how the newest super team would alter the landscape.

“Thats crazy!!!! KD in GSW????” Wizards center Marcin Gortat tweeted. “(Are) they gonna score 200 points a game?”

The Warriors already were a super team before one of the league’s most unstoppable scorers decided to leave Oklahoma City for the Bay Area. Golden State won the championship in 2015, rolled to a regular-season record 73 victories last season and came within one game of back-toback titles when they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers Game Seven of the NBA Finals.

Now they have added the player who nearly eliminated them a round earlier.

Though not everyone is anointing them next year’s champions.

“Everyone is so hyped up on the match up problems on the offensive end? They still gotta come down the other end,” Pistons All-Star center Andre Drummond tweeted.

“Not a very big team.”

Durant’s decision immediately rekindled the discussion about stars leaving teams to chase a championship elsewhere. Durant spent his first nine seasons in Oklahoma City.

While there, he helped lead the Thunder to the Western

SPLASH FAMILY. Kevin Durant will complete GSW’s version of the Big Three.

Conference finals four times and to the NBA Finals in 2012, where they lost to the Heat, another super team formed when LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade in Miami.

Durant himself spoke out negatively about creating super teams when James made his decision in 2010.

But after the Thunder could never get to the top of the mountain with Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka — and even though they had the Warriors down 3-1 in the conference finals — Durant opted to head west.

“If you can’t beat um, join um,” Clippers forward Paul Pierce tweeted to tweak Durant.

When James left Cleveland for Miami, stars like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson were critical of the decision to join forces with players he had competed against.

“There’s no way, with hindsight, I would’ve ever called up Larry (Bird), called up Magic and said, ‘Hey, look, let’s get together and play on one team,’” Jordan said in 2010. “But that’s

... things are different. I can’t say that’s a bad thing. It’s an opportunity these kids have today. In all honesty, I was trying to beat those guys.”

Denver Nuggets forward Jusuf Nurkic was equally puzzled by Durant’s decision.

“Somebody beat you! And you go there... ?” Nurkic tweeted. “Superstar not doing that man.”

While Durant has never been too concerned by outside opinions, his decision may also have ramifications on the NBA’s collective bargaining negotiations.

During the last lockout, the owners pushed to make changes to the agreement so that teams, especially those in smaller markets, would have a bigger advantage in retaining players. Commissioner Adam Silver has said in the past that those changes were effective, but the influx of new money into the system this summer from the league’s new $24 billion television contract, and Stephen Curry’s bargain contract that was negotiated when he was struggling with ankle injuries, conspired to give the Warriors enough wiggle room

to spend $54 million on Durant.

The league and the players’ union can opt out of the current CBA this year, and both sides have been negotiating to try to avoid another work stoppage. One of the biggest talking points Silver has been making over the last six months is the league’s continued push for more parity.

“The intention wasn’t that in this system that teams could sign, without going above the tax, that many max player contracts and that many All-Stars,” Silver said during All-Star weekend in Toronto. “So if you ask me from a league standpoint, we would prefer that our All-Stars be distributed around the league rather than having so many All-Stars in one market. But we’ll see what happens this summer.”

The summer is here, and so are the Warriors, who still have work to do.

The Heat went 2-2 in the finals during the James, Wade and Bosh era, including a loss to the underdog Dallas Mavericks in their first season together. When James went back to Cleveland to team up with Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, the Cavaliers lost in the finals their first year before winning this season.

And everyone remembers the Los Angeles Lakers falling short both in 2003-04 — when Gary Payton and Karl Malone joined Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal to chase a title — and even more spectacularly in 2012-13 when Dwight Howard and Steve Nash came to town.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 94 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

GILAS FANS. President Rodrigo Duterte sits with Davao businessman and basketball enthusiast Glenn Escandor and Secretary Christopher “Bong” Go during the France-Philippines match at the MOA Arena. (ME photo)

INSPIRING PRESENCE. President Rodrigo R. Duterte prepares to toss the ceremonial ball during the France-Philippines match in the Manila Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

MOMENT OF TRUTH Gilas faces New Zealand in the game that matters

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FTER a heartbreaking loss to France, the Philippine national men’s basketball team has less than 24 hours to recover before taking on another tough opponent at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Gilas Pilipinas needs to win

versus New Zealand on Wednesday night to keep its 2016 Rio Olympics hopes alive.

They may be exhausted after pushing the world No.5 France to the limit, but the Filipinos really don’t need to be pushed for them to revive their grit during their crucial

match against the Tall Blacks, according to coach Tab Baldwin.

“That’s easy. If you’re that unprofessional that you can’t leave a possession behind, leave a game behind because you have an important game in front of you, then you shouldn’t be playing in this level,”

he said.

“24 hrs takes care a lot of things in life. Putting this loss behind us and the importance of tomorrow’s game should give us everything that we need. I don’t think our coaching staff needs to do any motivational talk: we understand the task, and

we’re pretty confident with what the guys are capable of.”

Barring any upset to France by New Zealand, Gilas Pilipinas only has to secure a win versus the Tall Blacks in order to advance to the knockout stages.

And after the Filipinos’ inspiring outing versus France, it’s not a stretch to give the hosts a fighting chance against New Zealand especially if one factors in Baldwin’s familiarity with the Tall Blacks.

Baldwin, a Kiwi-American, coached New Zealand from 2001 to 2006 and led the squad to a surprising semifinal run in the 2002 FIBA World Championship.

Gilas Pilipinas big man June Mar Fajardo assured the whole team will give their all on Wednesday.

“Oo, kailangan naming manalo bukas,” he said.