Edge Davao 9 Issue 53

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

HOME ALONG THE SIDEWALK. A homeless man makes the sidewalk along Anda corner Rizal Streets his home where he installed a shanty made of used tarpaulin and cardboard boxes. Among the economic agenda of President-in-waiting Rodrigo Duterte is to trickle down economic gains to those who live below the poverty line.

Lean Daval Jr.

DUTERTE BARES ECON AGENDA 8-Point Agenda to help poor, reduce red tape using‘Davao City model’

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

P

njb@edgedavao.net

RESIDENT-IN-WAITING Rodrigo Duterte’s team of economic planners yesterday presented an 8-point economic agenda aimed at improving the lives of the majority of Filipinos living below the poverty threshold, and using the “Davao City Model” to create a friendly business atmosphere.

Former agriculture secretary and member of Duterte’s transition team Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez presented the Duterte presidency’s economic agenda shortly after the first meeting of the designated

transition team composed of Duterte’s closest advisers and formed less than 24 hours before yesterday’s briefing at The Marco Polo Davao.

The 8-point economic agenda is composed of reforms in tax revenue collection, accelerating infrastructure spending by setting aside 5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), ensure attractiveness of the country to foreign direct investments by addressing restrictive economic provisions in the Constitution, pursue genuine agricultural development, address bottle-

necks in land administration and management system, strengthen basic education system and provide tertiary education scholarships, improve income tax system, and expand the implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program.

Dominguez said the agenda is aimed at fulfilling the President’s promise of curbing corruption in government.

He said the new administration will create a business climate that is friendly to investors

ECONOMIC BRIEFING. Duterte Transition Team member Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez presents the 8-Point Economic

F DUTERTE, 10 Agenda of the new administration duyring yesterday’s briefing at The Marco Polo Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

CUSTOMIZED PLATES. Customized plates printed with an image of president-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte is fast becoming the fab among motorists days after the mayor won the election. These customized plates are displayed along Quezon Blvd. in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Rody to propose con-con to pave way for federalism

I

NCOMING president Rodrigo R. Duterte is proposing to Congress amend the 1987 Philippine constitution by starting within the next two years the process that will pave the way for a parliamentary federal form of government from a unitary type.

Peter T. Laviña, in a press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel here Tuesday, said that this is part of the threepoint agenda which the presumptive president would push under his administration.

The other two – battling drugs and criminality and forging of peace agreements with rebel groups.

He said that they will ask Congress to call for a constitutional convention to start with the drafting of a new constitution.

Laviña said that they expect members will be convened by early next year so they can start with the draft and hold national consultation with stakeholders, including Filipinos abroad.

“That will require a wide national consensus beginning with the asking of Congress to call for a constitutional conventional electing our delegates in a democratic way. We will undergo a national study

F RODY, 10

Camp confident of an ally as House Speaker

T

HE camp of incoming president Rodrigo R. Duterte, during a meeting here today, is confident they can have an ally to win the speakership of the House of Representatives.

In an interview at the Marco Polo Davao, third-time Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles said that Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez (PDP-Laban), one of the representatives from Davao del Norte, is the top choice to vie for the speakership.

Nograles, who is congressman since 2010, was in the meeting of Duterte’s transition committee and allies which started in the morning; he left

at past 2 p.m.

He said that he believes they have the numbers to get enough votes in the lower house to elect a Duterte ally as House Speaker.

“We need to have a House Speaker who will support the policy legislative agenda and the directions of the Duterte administration,” he said.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, the running mate of the incoming president, arrived at the hotel past 3 p.m. to join the meeting of the transition committee, which was still ongoing as of press time.

Peter T. Laviña, spokesperson of Duterte, in his Facebook

F CAMP, 10

No final names yet on Duterte cabinet

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

A

njb@edgedavao.net

N estimated total of 6,000 vacant positions are up for filling but as of yesterday, the number of names to President-in-waiting Rodrigo Duterte’s cabinet is zero.

Asked to confirm the names of Duterte’s cabinet men, former agriculture secretary and member of the Duterte transition team Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez quickly answered “zero.”

“Not one has been confirmed,” said Dominguez during yesterday’s media briefing at The Marco Polo

Davao.

Dominguez was prominently mentioned by no less than Mayor Duterte as his choice for the Department of Finance and the Department of Transportation and Communications. Duterte earlier said he wanted Dominguez to institute immediate reforms in the DOTC which he said is tainted with corruption.

The others mentioned in Duterte’s cabinet were Jesus Dureza as Presidential Adviser for Peace Process and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano for the Department of Foreign Af-

fairs or Department of Justice once the one-year restriction is over.

Dominguez said there are more or less 6,000 positions to be filled up and that would not be easy for the President to appoint people.

Dominguez said the transition team will entertain nominations but will also form another team to function as “devil’s advocate.”

“They will be the ones who will make oppositions to try to balance things out,” Dominguez said.

He explained that the

main job of the transition team is “to make sure the new administration hits the ground running, that it’s fully staffed with qualified people, and fully ready for all the challenges and hard work ahead of us.”

Meantime, Dominguez said they are working closely with the Malacañang Household staff on the details of the moving in of the new President and the inaugural on June 30.

While not giving clear details, Dominguez said the inaugural rites will be simple.

HE Philippines’ president-elect, roughtalking city mayor Rodrigo Duterte, announced plans on Tuesday for an overhaul of the country’s system of government that would devolve power from “imperial Manila” to long-neglected provinces.

Duterte’s win in Monday’s poll has not been confirmed, but an unofficial count of votes by an election commission-accredited watchdog showed he had a huge lead over his two

closest rivals, both of whom conceded defeat.

By Tuesday afternoon, the ballot count showed Duterte had almost 39 percent of votes cast. He was more than 6 million votes ahead of the second-placed candidate with 92 percent of votes counted from an electorate of 54 million.

It is not clear when Duterte’s victory will be officially declared but he is expected to take office on June 30.

Votes were also cast on Monday for vice-president.

One day on, counting showed the outgoing administration’s candidate, Maria Leonor Robredo, ahead of the son and namesake of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Duterte’s spokesman, Peter Lavina, told a news conference that the new president would seek a national consensus for a revision of the constitution which would switch from a unitary form of government to a parliamentary and federal model.

The proposal to devolve

power from Manila fits with Duterte’s challenge as a political outsider to the country’s establishment, which he has slammed as self-serving and corrupt.

“The powerful elites in Manila who will be affected by this system will definitely oppose this proposal,” said Earl Parreno, an analyst at the Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms.

Duterte’s spokesman said he would also seek peace

New president plans government overhaul T F NEW PRESIDENT, 10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

LGBTs back Rody, seek anti-discrimination law

M

EMBERS of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community on Thursday expressed support for presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte, in the hope that he would champion their rights.

In a press conference, Bahaghari LGBT Organization, Pro-Gay, Liga ng Kabataang Moro and other groups also sought a dialogue with Duterte, whom they dubbed “Papa D.” The groups called for passage of the anti-discrimination bill and the creation of health care for those diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases.

The “rainbow community”

also urged Duterte to deliver on his promise of ending contractualization.

They said they are also ready to follow a nationwide liquor ban, curfew and other measures Duterte may impose to curb criminality.

Their press conference ended with chants of: “Ipaglaban: kabuhayan, kalusugan, karapatan. Pagbabago, bet ko ‘yan, push na ‘yan.”

Duterte has earned points for condemning discrimination against the LGBT community and supporting LGBT pary-list Ladlad.

He has also vowed to look into legalizing same-sex marriage.

Robin files online defamation, libel charges against netizens

A

CTOR Robin Padilla on Thursday filed a complaint of online defamation and online libel before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against some netizens who have been bashing on the picture he posted on his instagram account.

The basher, who identified herself as Kryssy Kallerki, would like Padilla to be detained for the violation of the law he committed.

In his instagram post, Padilla was holding an election ballot.

However, Padilla’s legal

counsel Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado said that Padilla did not violate any election law.

Jurado said that Padilla was not a registered voter because since he was convicted for his case some years ago, he was deprived of his right of suffrage.

He added that Padilla was just holding a sample ballot when he took picture and that the picture was not taken in a polling precinct.

Jurado argued that the actor was already severely hurt with the bashings by the netizens such that it ended into

F ROBIN, 10

NEWS 3

ANAYSIS. Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) political scientist Prof. Ramon Beleno III gives a post-election analysis where Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte won the presidency by a wide margin. Beleno was the guest of honor during the Rotary Club of Davao’s meeting at The Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

GPH-MILF peace process supports fight vs organized crime, terrorism –Ferrer

G

OVERNMENT of the Philippines (GPH) Chief Negotiator for Talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer underscored the importance of peace negotiations as a tool in curbing organized crime and terrorism that are threats to the security and development of the country.

“There is unprecedented opportunity to quell terrorism and crime with the success of a political process with a ma-

jor player, as in the case of the GPH-MILF peace negotiations.

Without this flank, the job would be much more difficult and deadly,” Ferrer said in an international forum held in the Thai capital today, organized by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the Thailand Institute of Justice.

“Spatial, family, cultural, ideological affinity make borders porous but distinctions among groups should be made

nonetheless,” emphasized Ferrer. “Efforts to draw in the rank-and-file toward the peace process must continue, with the peace partner also as the most effective ally to serve as buffer if not counterforce to the seamless operations of criminal and terrorist groups,” she added.

The GPH chief negotiator also pointed out that the MILF has taken decisive steps to cut off their ties with international terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah, and

criminal groups in the Philippines like the Al Kobar Gang and the Pentagon Gang.

Meanwhile, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) integrees in the Armed Forces of the Philippines have actively participated in military campaigns against groups like the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Ferrer recalled that two MNLF integrees in the AFP were among the 19 soldiers killed in Basilan last April 9, in an intense battle against the

F GPH-MILF, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

ARMM votes Duterte-Robredo

T

LANAO SUR CANVASSING. Because of security threats, canvassing for all towns in Lanao del Sur was merged under one roof at the the Lanao del Sur provincial gymnasium in Marawi City on Tuesday (10 May 2016). MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

After 3-day zero net signal, SoCot poll winners bared S

LOW internet signal in two South Cotabato towns delayed the proclamation of provincial winners in Monday’s elections, the commission on Elections here said.

Lawyer Kendatu Laguialam, acting South Cotabato provincial election supervisor, said the provincial board waited for transmission of results from It took three days before the provincial board of canvassers proclaimed winners for gubernatorial, vice gubernatorial, members of the provincial board and House of Representatives.

“Blame it to very slow to zero internet signal,” said Laguialam who is also the chair of the provincial board of canvassers (PBC).

Laguialam said the PBC had completed canvassing of all election returns on Tuesday evening except those from the towns of T’boli and Norala.

Laguialam said internet signal in T’boli, an upland town in South Cotabato, was very poor and advised the mu-

nicipal board of canvassers to look for higher grounds where signal is strong “so they can transmit results.”

On Wednesday morning, Laguialam said the provincial board of canvassers had received only 60 votes out of more than 24,000 votes cast in Norala town.

Based on unofficial count, Tiboli has 46,075 registered voters, 32,716 of which cast votes on Monday or 92.31 percent turnout.

In Norala, 15,206 of 25,116 registered voters have voted last Monday or 72.50 percent turnout.

Votes from T’boli and Norala were transmitted to the provincial board at about 4 p.m. Wednesday. Winners were proclaimed at 7:30 p.m.

He said the voters’ turnout in South Cotabato was 568,556 or 94.7 percent of 724,325 registered voters that included Gen. Santos City.

Laguialam admitted he was surprised at the turnout of voters in the province.

“The high turnout of voters could be attributed to Duter-

te’s popularity that many went out and vote for him but not on other candidates, this is my theory,” Laguialam said.

Based on Comelec official count, reelectionist Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes (LP-NPC) had 205,482 votes.

In the vice gubernatorial race, aspirant and incumbent South Cotabato Board Member Vic de Jesus had 162,401 votes.

“I would like to thank all those who gave me and the party winners new mandate” Avance-Fuentes said after her hands were raised by PBC officials. “Let’s forget the divisive political exercise, time to unite for our people” she added.

For South Cotabato’s first congressional district, the board proclaimed as Representative-elect Pedro Acharon Jr. (NPC). In the second district, the board proclaimed Representative-elect Dinand Hernandez (NPC).

Also proclaimed board members-elect were Mon Matti, Gly Mariano-Trabado and Romy Tamayo for the first district, and Ester Catorce, Hilar-

io de Pedro, Cecile Diel, Ellen Grace Subere-Albios, Romulo Solivio, Dardanilo Dar and Agustin Dema-ala.

Also proclaimed as mayors-elect and vice mayors-elect were: Banga: Mayor-elect Albert Palencia and Vice Mayor-elect Aguinaldo Inocente.

Tantangan: Mayor-elect Figueroa Benjamin Jr. and Vice Mayor-elect Timee Joy Torres-Gonzales.

Tupi: Mayor-elect Reynaldo Tamayo Jr and Vice Mayor-elect Noel Escobillo.

Tampakan: Mayor-elect Leonardo Escobillo and Vice Mayor-elect James Cagas.

Lake Sebu: Mayor-elect Antonio Fungan and Vice Mayor-elect Floro Gandam.

Polomolok: Mayor-elect Honey Lumayag Matti and Vice Mayor-elect Elyat Jovero.

Surallah: Mayor-elect Tony Bendita and Vice Mayor-elect Pinky Divinagracia.

Sto. Nino: Mayor-elect Pablo Matinong Sr and Vice Mayor-elect Sulpicio Villalobos.

Winners in T’boli and Norala were also proclaimed.

(PNA)

vincial election supervisor acting as PBC chair, said the total votes from these towns will no longer affect the votes earned by provincial candidates, from governor to board members to members of House or Representatives.

At past 1 a.m. Thursday, Guyo proclaimed Maguindanao Gov Esmael Toto Mangudadatu and Vice Gov. Lester Sinsuat as governor-elect and vice governor-elect, respectively.

Mangudadatu had 221,205 votes while his rival, Datu Ali Midtimbang of United Nationalist Alliance, had only 140,636 votes.

Sinsuat garnered 225,275

votes as against Dustin Sinsuat 117,249 in the vice gubernatorial race.

Earlier, counsels of United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) opposed the transfer of canvassing venue from ARMM compound in Cotabato City to Buluan town in Maguindanao.

But Guyo stressed Buluan is the seat of provincial government and it was here that the Sangguniang Panglalawigan building is located, the venue of provincial canvassing per Comelec resolution.

Also proclaimed were provincial board members and members of the House of Representatives.

Mangudadatu vowed the Liberal Party members who were elected and reelected in the province will be behind presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte.

Mangudadatu said the coming of Duterte to Malacañang further brings higher hopes for peace in Mindanao.

He also vowed all out support to other flagship programs and projects in the region.

Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was also present when Mangudadatu and other winners were proclaimed.

(PNA)

HE five-province Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), stronghold of the administration’s Liberal Party (LP) voted LP for the regional, provincial and Vice Presidential posts but chose Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte (PDP-Laban) for President.

With 79.96% of election returns processed as of 6:45 a.m.

May 12, Duterte is leading he Presidential race in the ARMM with 744,722 votes against administration bet Manuel Roxas’ 216,778, Vice President Jejomar Binay’s 103,878, Senator Grace Poe’s 63,252 and Santiago’s 2,406. The results were posted on the Comelec-GMA Mirror Server.

LP candidates in the ARMM are winning in the regional and provincial levels but failed to deliver votes for Roxas.

The LP is taking a beating in Tawi-tawi for the posts of governor and vice governor and voters preferred Duterte for President and LP bet Leni Robredo for Vice President.

In the Vice Presidential race, Robredo is leading with 450,996 against 273,769 of Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s 146,823 and Senator Francis Escudero’s 87,295.

Robredo led the race in Hataman’s Basilan, in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Tawi-tawi, but Sulu went for Marcos, followed by Cayetano and Robredo in third place.

ARMM has 1,691,250 registered voters.

“People’s will” Reelectionist ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman is assured of victory with 726,891 votes against 299,488 votes for his rival, outgoing Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan, an LP member who ran as an Independent candidate. Tan’s son, Abdusakur Jr. is sure of reelection as Governor and his wife Nuranisah is expected to take over his post as Vice Governor.

Reelectionist Vice Governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr. is also assured of victory with 594,299 votes against 160,259 votes of Binladen Sharief (Ind) and 111,345 votes of Haron Bandila (Ind).

Hataman told MindaNews that the outcome in the Presidential race is proof that the people voted freely.

“Patunay yan na malaya pumili mga tao. Wala na ang dating gawi na iniipit mga tao.

Patunay na ang reporma at kalayaan ng bawat isa ay nangingibabaw” (That is proof that

the people voted freely. Gone are the days when you could force the people. This is proof that reforms and the freedom of choice prevail), he said in a text message.

“We campaigned for Mar (Roxas) but in the end tao at kagustuhan pa rin nila ang mananaig” (it’s the people’s will that will prevail).

Mother-son, Son-mother In Lanao del Sur, it’s a mother and son tandem for Governor and Vice Governor while in Sulu, it’s a son and mother team.

In Basilan, Hataman’s brother, Jim Hataman Salliman is leading with 100,653 votes with Joel Maturan (UNA) far behind with 42,274. But Nationalist People’s Coalition member Yusop Alano is leading the vice-gubernatorial post with 72,993 against the LP’s Keemhar Jay Sakkalahul’s 65,356.

In Lanao del Sur, Soraya Adiong, mother of outgoing Governor Mamintal Adiong, Jr., is ahead of the race with152,936 against Fahad Panarigan Salic (UNA) with 95,627 and outgoing Rep. Pangalian Balindong (Ind), 22,894.

Adiong, who will complete his third term by June 30 will be his mother’s Vice Governor as he is leading with 204,036 votes against 51,366 votes of Mohammad Ali (UNA).

In Maguindanao, Governor Esmael Mangudadatu is getting a third term with 208,983 votes against UNA bet Midtimbang Ali’s 112,570, while Mangudadatu’s running mate, reelectionist Vice Governror Lester Sinuat is ahead with 209,735 votes against former Vice Governor Ismael Mastura (UNA) with 92,591.

In Sulu, reelectionist Governor Abdusakur Tan II is wining the race with 147,927 votes against the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino candidate Cocoy Tulawie’s 28,677.

Tan’s mother, Nurunisah is assured of victory as Vice Governor with 136,031 votes against LDP bet Munib Estino’s 39,868.

Tawi-tawi is the lone province among the five ARMM provinces where the LP is not leading the race. Rashid Matba (NUP) is ahead with 77,605 votes against LP’s reelectionist Governor Nurbert Sahali’s 61,372.

The NUP’s vice gubernatorial bet, Tati Ahaja, is in a tight race with 68,216 votes against 61,824 of the LP’s Faizal Jamalul Mohd getting 61,824. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

Koronadal cops foil attempt Maguindanao poll winners proclaimed minus votes from 3 towns to slip shabu in PNP lock up cell

E

VEN without the results from three Maguindanao towns, the Commission on Elections early today proclaimed winners in the Maguindanao local elections with reelectionist provincial Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu winning his third term.

The proclamation was carried out despite three municipal board of canvassers are yet to transmit results to the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBC).

Results from towns of Ampatuan, Pagalungan and Gen. SK Pendatun are yet to reach the PBC. Lawyer Muamar Guyo, Maguindanao acting pro-

P

OLICE authorities here foiled an attempt by a relative of an inmate to bring in prohibited drugs inside the Koronadal City police lock-up cell Wednesday night.

Senior Supt. Barney Condes, Koronadal City police director, identified the suspect as Jay Rey Magbanua Godio, 18, and resident Barangay Gen. Paulino Santos, Koronadal City.

At past 9 p.m., police noticed Godio coming to the city PNP lock-up cell to visit Marlon del Rosario.

Godio told Police Officer 3 Vincent Aala, the police officer on duty, that he will be bringing in a loaf of bread to Del Rosario.

As regular inspection, Aala

wanted to physically check the bread but the suspect hesitated at first but later gave in.

Condes said Aala was surprised to see a sachet of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu in between slices of cream bread.

Godio told police investigators that he was unaware that the bread had a sachet of shabu. He said someone asked him to deliver the bread to del Rosario who was detained for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Godio is now sharing detention cell with Del Rosario while charges for violation of RA 916 is being prepared against him. (PNA)

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

Rave party set for Rody’s victory

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

I

crc@edgedavao.net

N anticipation of Duterte’s presidency, the business sector in Davao City will hold RAVE VOLT: Laser Lights Loaded, a free party for everyone, on May 21 at Phoenix

Megastation, Lanang, Davao City.

Karla Singson of the Meeting, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibits (MICE), Organizers Ventures (MOVE)-

Davao posted on a Facebook post that Rave Volt is one of the flagship events of the Visit Davao Fun Sale under the party, fun and leisure category.

“Rave Volt features guest

DJs Carlo Atendido (3rd best Thre3style DJ Champion in the World, 2-time Thre3style DJ Champion) and Cathy Frey (FHM Model, DJ - Set the Beat with Pioneer), “ Singson said.

RARE BIRDS. African lovebirds, which originated from Madagascar, are being peddled by a lady hawker for P1,500 a pair around Ecoland area in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

She said the guest dj’s will be joined by homegrown talents: DJ Wacky Masbad, DJ Pae Dobles, DJ Torch, MC Lemuel and MC Mackoy.

“Gates open at 7 p.m.,” she

said.

Singson said AirAsia will raffle off one round-trip ticket for Davao-Manila and 5 souvenir sets for lucky partygoers.

HE Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) will implement a15-minute power interruptions on May 13 and 14 affecting customers in the southern part of its franchise area.

The first service disruption on May 13, Friday, will be from 11:45 p.m. to 12:00 m.n..

“This will be necessary to transfer the load from Dumoy and Toril Substations to nearby lines to facilitate the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ upgrading works on its Matanao Substation,” a DLPC statement said.

Affected by this power outage are customers from Dumoy Brgy. Hall up to Toril

Proper that includes the entire Toril area.

The DLPC said another service disruptions will on May 14, Saturday, which will be necessary to conduct a corrective maintenance servicing on Davao Light’s 69 kV line affecting Toril Feeder 2.

“To avoid longer service disruptions, loads from the affected feeder will be temporarily transferred to nearby lines from 1:00 a.m. to 1:15 a.m.,” it said. “ Normalization or return to its normal set up will be from 4:00 a.m. to 4:15 a.m..”

Customers affected are those from crossing Bato up to Inawayan, the DLPC added.

CHENEEN R. CAPON

HE Philippine College of Physicians Foundation Inc. (PCPFI) welcomed on Thursday presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to devolve power from the so-called “Imperial Manila” or National Capital Region (NCR) to long-neglected provinces.

“This is a great move to solve health inequities (in some parts of the country),” said PCPFI president Dr. Anthony Leachon, who also sits currently as one of the directors in the Monetary Board of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

Dr. Leachon said he is optimistic that the widely-perceived strong leadership that Duterte can exude will contribute a lot in shaping the health environment in the country.

He said that usually, the challenges that he is foreseeing lie on the common observation that neglected areas are often ruled by political dynasties in which Duterte can create the needed change.

It can be recalled that Duterte has announced his plans to overhaul the country’s system of government in order to benefit the “disadvantaged regions” to spread wealth more evenly across the country.

It has been noted that while the outgoing administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III, through the Department of Health (DOH), has exerted efforts and started reforms in the healthcare agenda under the Universal Healthcare (UHC) or Kalusugang Pangkalahatan goal by putting forward several health agenda to solve some health inequities, there are some ex-

isting health gaps that need to be fully addressed.

The identified existing health gaps pertain to the fact that there are still far areas in the country that are not served by doctors or health professionals due to some deterrent factors.

This is because health professionals are usually concentrated in the urban centers such as Metro Manila’s tertiary hospitals because the urban cities are more conducive to them and to their families’ survival and ease of movement.

Environmental factors such as conducive economic environment (opportunity to earn), peace and security concerns, and lack of basic infrastructure facilities such as good roads, universities, and other amenities commonly found in cities and absent in the remote areas of the country serve as a setback for some healthcare professionals and their families to be encouraged to stay in remote and far-flung provinces.

Another factor driving them away is that usually, the earnings of health professionals serving in far-flung areas are not enough to fully support their families. This is why some of them are tempted to look for greener pastures and work outside the country where they can have bigger income.

According to DOH Secretary Janette L. Garin, peace and order situation is also one of the factors that drive away or can scare health professionals.

Secretary Garin said that as one of the efforts in reducing the existing health gaps, they have enhanced the Doc-

DLPC 15-min outage slated on May 13,14 T

PCPFI sees bright rays of hope on Duterte’s plan to devolve power

Foreign firm needs 200 IT programmers T A US-BASED IT firm is set to expand its operation in Davao City if it could hire at least 200 IT programmers.

Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) chief Ivan C. Cortez said the company had started discussion with schools which produce IT graduates.

Cortez told Edge Davao the IT company originally needed at least 300 programmers, but the city cannot supply it immediately.

Data from the ICT-Davao revealed that only 20 percent of the 1,000 IT graduates every year are retained. “Majority of our IT graduates go to Manila or abroad for better-paying jobs,” he said, while those retained are absorbed by existing BPM firms or prefer being home based.

Cortez also said the firm is also planning to buy-out small IT firms in Davao that have 10 to 20 programmers. “The firm had started talks with smaller firms,” he added. “It targets

to buy-out five to six firms to meet its requirement.

“The company is looking for programmers with “hardcore background in IT,” Cortez said adding the company can start its operation anytime once it meets its manpower requirement.

He also said the center is receiving at least one inquiry from investors in the IT sector every week, signifying the increasing interest coming from both Manila-based and international companies.

He said the city has enough BPM space which can cater to the company.

At present, the city has more than 19,000 square meter (sqm.) available BPO spaces, the Association of Mixed-Use Property Developers (AMPD) in Davao said.

The association and the DCIPC projected that the city will continue to lure more investors now that a Dabawenyo will lead the country for the first time. CHENEEN R. CAPON

outperforming the five-year annual averages of 5.9 percent for the GDP growth, 4.8 percent for the 10-year T-bond, 3.3 percent for the inflation rate, and 1.8 percent for the 364-day T-bill.

Government securities, the largest contributor to SSS investment earnings at 38.6 percent, registered a 7.1 percent ROI and brought in P11.05 billion last year, improving on the P10.98 billion earned in 2014. Combined income from government securities and equities make up two-thirds or P19.18 billion of the entire SSS investment earnings for 2015.

“Equity investments have been generating good returns for the funds of our members, earningP8.13 billion last year while the ROI reached 8.2 percent despite the 3.9 percent PSEi (Philippine Stock Exchange Index) decline in 2015. Equities accounted for 28.4 percent of our total investment income last year, and remain a major component in our investment strategies,” Capulong said.

Earnings from salary loans amounted to P4.86 billion, higher than P4.79 billion the previous year, on the back of a 7.8 percent ROI. Meanwhile, income from corporate notes and bonds rose from P1.03 billion in 2014 to P1.41 billion last year with nearly a five percent ROI. The P426.66-billion SSS investment portfolio is currently comprised of government securities (39.9 percent), equities (23.0 percent), salary loans (15.6 percent), corporate notes and bonds (8.0 percent), bank deposits (5.9 percent), real estate (4.7 percent), and housing and development loans (2.9 percent).

“Real estate, while only about five percent of the SSS investment portfolio, contributed P2.2 billion or seven percent of the total SSS investment income last year. Real estate also recorded the highest ROI among the different types of SSS investments in 2015,” Capulong observed.

The SSS, through its investments, supports the government’s economic and social

programs such as education, infrastructure, water, communications, power and electrification. The pension fund generated earnings of over P11 billion last year from its investments with the government, which is SSS’ biggest borrower.

“Earnings of about P10 billion came from SSS placements in the private sector, including some P3 billion in stable cash dividends from financial, power and utility companies,” Capulong said.

About 1.5 million SSS members benefited from salary loan releases in 2015 alone, while over 70,000 student-beneficiaries have availed themselves of SSS Educational Assistance Loans as of end-2015.

SSS investment decisions are supervised by the Investment Oversight Committee (IOC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) of the Social Security Commission, which serves as the SSS governing board and highest policy-making body.

“Functions of the IOC include

SSS outperforms investment benchmarks, earns P28-B in 2015

T

HE Social Security System (SSS) attained a full-year investment income of P28.65 billion last year while its return on investments (ROI) reached 6.9 percent, outpacing key market indicators such as the 10-year Treasury bond and 364-day T-bill rates which averaged 4.0 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively.

SSS Executive Vice President for Investments Sector Rizaldy T. Capulong noted that the agency’s ROI last year also remained ahead of national economic indicators, particularly the 5.8 percent growth in gross domestic product (GDP) and 1.4 percent inflation rate for 2015.

“Our investment activities are guided by SSS charter and adhere to the principles of safety, good yield and liquidity. SSS performance under present management has consistently outdone major investment benchmarks, and we continue to do our best amid the prevailing market conditions,” Capulong said.

From 2011 to 2015, the SSS annual ROI averaged 9.1 percent,

F SSS, 10

F PCPFI, 10

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

Franchise your business seminar in Davao C

OMMITTED to creating enterprises since 1995, the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) will conduct a half-day seminar on “How to Franchise Your Business” on May 20, from 2:30pm to 4:30pm at the Max’s Restaurant, Abreeza Mall, Davao City.

“Franchising as a means of business expansion strategy is a profitable and proven model for entrepreneurs,” says PFA

President Alan Escalona. “It allows for rapid duplication of your brand and aids in expanding your business across the nation and even beyond despite limited resources.”

The seminar is for business owners who want to grow their business via franchising and will present the necessary steps an entrepreneur must take if he wants to franchise his business. It will also reveal the essential

components of a franchised business, which will increase its viability and sustainability.

“We also want to correct the misconception that franchising is merely lending one’s trademark or allowing another party to sell your products. It is really all about sharing the best practices of the franchisor to his franchisee so that the franchisee will have a higher chance in succeeding in his business ven-

ture.”Esacalona said.

Francorp Philippines CEO, Ms. Bing Sibal-Limjoco, also regarded as the “Woman Icon of Philippine Franchising” and Ms. Dana Cuneta also of Francorp will be the speakers for the said seminar which will discuss current franchising trends, elements of a franchise program and advantages of franchising. The seminar will also help determine if a business concept is franchis-

able.

“How to Franchise Your Business” seminar is part of “Franchising Negosyo Para sa Davao” scheduled on May 20 to 22 at the Abreeza Mall. The 3-day expo, which will feature a wide array of investment opportunities, is organized in partnership with Department of Trade and Industry Region XI, Negosyo Center, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Region XI, 2Go

Phoenix Petroleum posts Q1 net income of P255-M

P

EL NINO UPDATES. City Agriculturist Rocelio T. Tabay (left) bares the latest El Niño damage report on Davao City’s agriculture sector. He also said that parts of Calinan and Tugbok are now in state of calamity due to the effects

of drought. Tabay was accompanied by Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DCRRMO) chief Emmanuel R. Jaldon during Park during yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

ASEAN urged to capacitate SMEs D

ESPITE the increasing contribution of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in terms of job generation and contribution to GDP in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, experts argue that they remain one of the region’s untapped resources.

In a recent forum organized by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Department of Trade and Industry, Management Association of the Philippines, and Financial Executives of the Philippines, experts concurred that a lot can still be done

to unleash the potential of SMEs. Currently, SMEs comprise the largest number of firms in the ASEAN region. They generate the majority of jobs and substantially contribute to ASEAN’s GDP. ADB’s Vice President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development Bambang Susanto stressed in his keynote address the importance of opening access and opportunities for micro and small and medium enterprises.

To help SMEs play their role in the domestic, regional, and global production networks, Susanto suggested that the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)

must build the physical connectivity of SMEs, raise their labor productivity and skills to standards of global value chains, and improve their access to finance.

Meanwhile, PIDS Senior Research Fellow Erlinda Medalla and ADB Advisor Ganeshan Wignaraja discussed how to improve SMEs’ access to market and investment opportunities in the AEC. “SMEs play a role not just as a vehicle for poverty reduction but also as an engine of growth,” said Medalla. She emphasized the sector’s employment and value added contributions to the Philippine, which peaked at 65 percent and 35 percent,

respectively. Across Southeast Asia, Wignaraja noted that SME employment makes up 74 percent of all jobs, and contributes 41 percent of the GDP of ASEAN economies.

Yet, Wignaraja lamented that these contributions are not yet reflected in international trade. Wignaraja observed that high-performing SMEs make up only 21 percent of direct exports across ASEAN economies.

Many factors obstruct the growth of SMEs, but one of the oft-cited problems is the lack of access to finance and credit. Wignaraja explained that the current banking and credit

Camarines Sur, and Coron in Palawan where a single largest deployment of 100 units in a single community was done.

“We are happy that many local government units (LGUs) have adopted the EV (e-vehicle) transport systems. We hope that with the proof of concept already evident, even more LGUs will follow suit as we now offer not just EVs but a complete mass transport solution package,” the EVAP president said.

He added that EVAP’s annual e-vehicle summit has attracted foreign investors, especially from the United States, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan,

and China, to explore their opportunities in the Philippines.

In its recent summit last month, industry players from Canada, Australia and Kuwait displayed their lines of e-vehicles.

“In some cases, these foreign investors have tied up with local EV players through either technical licensing agreements or joint ventures.

It has been a slow burn but through the efforts of our association, its members and the government, this has enabled us to successfully roll out various EV projects around the country,” said Juan.

“Indeed slowly but surely,

the EV advocacy is growing in the Philippines. And people are doing it not just for the environment but also for economic viability. EV operators and drivers in the public transport sector have reported a growth in income when they went electric. Commuters prefer the quiet, smoke free, comfortable ride that they enjoy with EVs. As a result, drivers post higher rider numbers and more income,” he added.

He also encouraged industry players to maximize the potential of the huge local market then start exploring neighboring markets such as the ASEAN. (PNA)

F ASEAN, 10

PHL expands deployment of e-vehicles M

ORE electric vehicles are being deployed in the country, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) President Rommel T. Juan said.

Juan mentioned that e-jeepneys are now roving in various areas such as Makati, Filinvest City in Alabang, Bonifacio Global City, Las Pinas, Iloilo, Bacolod, Muntinlupa and even in university campuses like La Salle and Ateneo.

Likewise, e-tricycle are being adopted not only in Metro Manila particularly in areas of Manila and Mandaluyong but also in provinces such as Boracay in Aklan, Naga in

Express, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., Go Negosyo, PLDT Smart SME Nation, BPI Family Ka-Negosyo, Abreeza Mall and Ayala Malls.

For more information about the seminar, please contact PFA Davao at +639253214282 or Manila Office at +632 6870365 to 67. You may register online at http://pfa.org.ph/ DavaoFYBS.

HOENIX Petroleum Philippines Inc. posted a net profit of PHP255 million for the first quarter this year, which increased by 11 percent from PHP 230 million from the same period last year, driven by a higher sales volume.

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines said in a statement Thursday it gained “a consolidated net income of PHP255 million for the first quarter of 2016, an increase of 11% against last year’s performance.”

The oil firm noted 56-percent better sales volume was due to strong performances from both its retail and commercial sales segments.

The retail segment increased by 22 percent due to its higher number of stations at 468 from 454 during the first quarter and better store sales.

Its commercial sales similarly seen growth, which is comprised of the power, shipping, fishing, mining and transport sectors. Phoenix noted it supplies around 50 percent of Cebu Pacific’s jet fuel requirements and handles all their logistics needs in Mindanao and

Visayas.

The oil company further said it will continue to expand its logistics, storage and infrastructure for its retail network expansion, along with its commercial and industrial clients.

Its non-fuel related business, on the other hand, will support the growth of its retail segment by increasing more locators to various retail station sites.

The company’s shareholder equity amounts to PHP10.230 billion for the first quarter, compared with the previous quarter at PHP10.02 billion.

Phoenix also disclosed it eyes to start a share buy-back program this year amounting to up to PHP250 million.

It stressed it “believes that its share price is heavily discounted in the market compared with its peers in the country and in the region.”

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. is engaged in the business of trading refined petroleum products and lubricants, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, shipping/logistics and allied services. (PNA)

Biz groups vow support for Duterte administration

L

EADING Philippine business groups have expressed support and vowed to fully partner with the incoming administration of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who gained an insurmountable lead in the unofficial count for the presidential race.

“We congratulate the newly-elected leaders. We assure them of the cooperation and support of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in providing a stable and enabling environment for further growth of the economy,” PCCI President George T. Barcelon said.

PCCI is the country’s largest business organization.

“In full partnership with all sectors of our nation, we join in the effort to create more businesses, more employments to benefit more people,” he added.

Aside from PCCI, the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) also congratulated

Duterte and the other elected officials.

“As the Filipino people has finally spoken, the Federation enjoins everyone to now link arms and support the new leaders of this country so we can all together move on. A peaceful transition and healing of the wounds brought about by the unprecedented brutal campaign which we experienced during this recent election will be good for us all and the country,” FPI said.

Both PCCI and FPI lauded the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the successful holding of an “orderly and peaceful 2016 general elections.”

“It (Comelec) sets a high standard of quality for free and fair election in the future. With the tabulation and transmission of a big portion of votes all over the country overnight, the automated process has gained public confidence in our democratic process,” PCCI said. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

Too fast, too furious

7 HEALTH

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

MONG MEN -- and his partner -- the most common sexual problem is erectile dysfunction, or more popularly known as impotence. More often than not, impotence affects mostly men who are already older.

But there is another sexual dysfunction among males that strikes not only older men but younger people as well is premature ejaculation (PE). “Premature ejaculation occurs when a man ejaculates sooner during sexual intercourse than he or his partner would like,” explains the Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic.

PE has also been called early ejaculation, rapid ejaculation, rapid climax, premature climax, and (historically) ejaculation praecox. Actually, there is no uniform cut-off defining “premature,” but a consensus of experts at the International Society for Sexual Medicine endorsed a definition including “ejaculation which always or nearly always occurs prior to or within about one minute.”

The International Classification of Diseases applies a cut-off of 15 seconds from the beginning of sexual intercourse. Although men with PE describe feeling that they have less control over ejaculating, it is not clear if that is true, and many or most average men also report that they wish they could last longer. Studies have shown that men’s typical ejaculatory latency is approximately 4–8 minutes.

The Mayo Clinic informs that a person may meet the diagnostic criteria for PE if he experiences the following: always or nearly always ejaculate within one minute of penetration; is unable to delay ejaculation during intercourse all or nearly all of the time; and feels distressed and frustrated, and tends to avoid sexual intimacy as a result.

One out of three men may be afflicted with PE but this condition remains underdiagnosed and undertreated.

“Men with PE are often reluctant to discuss their condition or are in denial,” Dr. George Lee Eng Geap, consultant urological surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was quoted as saying in article which appeared in Philippine Daily Inquirer. “Their partners, on

the other hand, avoid raising the topic for fear of hurting their man’s feelings. This communication gap hinders diagnosis and treatment.”

“Because of the social stigma attached to PE, very few couples and even fewer men dare speak about it,” added Dr. Ulysses Quanico, president of the Philippine Urological Association (PUA).

But how widespread is the problem of PE among Filipinos? According to the 2013 Asia-Pacific Sexual Behaviors and Satisfaction Survey, 91 percent of men in the country find it highly important to sexually satisfy their partners; men want their partners to feel happy, loved and satisfied.

Unfortunately, seven out of 10 Filipinos (72 percent) were concerned that they weren’t able to sexually satisfy their sexual partners. And almost half (46 percent) were worried about ejaculating too early or not being able to control when to ejaculate.

Two types In an article published in Health and Lifestyle, Dr. Jaime Songco, president of the Philippine Society of Urological Oncology and PUA vice president, identifies two types of PE: lifelong (primary) or acquired (secondary).

According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, lifelong PE is characterized by the following: ejaculation that always or nearly always occurs within one minute of vaginal pene-

tration; the inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all vaginal penetrations; and negative personal consequences, such as stress, frustration or the avoidance of sexual intimacy.

Secondary PE shares the same symptoms as lifelong PE, except for one key difference: that is, secondary PE develops after one had previous, satisfying sexual relationships without ejaculatory problems. This type of PE may be brought about by several problems or clinical conditions. “The most common of course is infection like prostatitis. Prostatitis or the inflammation of the prostate can make one ejaculate faster,” Dr. Songco was quoted as saying.

The exact cause of PE isn’t known, Dr. Songco claimed, but contributory factors have been identified. It was believed previously to be solely a psychological problem, but doctors now acknowledge it is more complicated and is actually caused by a complex combination of both psychological and biological factors.

Psychological causes Some doctors believe that early sexual experiences may establish a pattern that can be difficult to change later in life, such as: situations in which you may have hurried to reach climax in order to avoid being discovered and guilty feelings that increase your tendency to rush through sexual encounters.

Other factors that can

play a role in causing PE include erectile dysfunction (“men who are anxious about obtaining or maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse may form a pattern of rushing to ejaculate, which can be difficult to change”) and anxiety “many men with premature ejaculation also have problems with anxiety -either specifically about sexual performance or related to other issues”).

Relationship problems may also play a significant part. “If you have had satisfying sexual relationships with other partners in which premature ejaculation happened infrequently or not at all, it’s possible that interpersonal issues between you and your current partner are contributing to the problem,” the Mayo Clinic explains.

Biological causes The Mayo Clinic lists these biological factors that may contribute to PE: abnormal hormone levels, abnormal levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, abnormal reflex activity of the ejaculatory system, certain thyroid problems, inflammation and infection of the prostate or urethra, inherited traits, and nerve damage from surgery or trauma (rare).

Various factors can increase your risk of PE, include erectile dysfunction (“fear of losing your erection may cause you to consciously or unconsciously hurry through sexual encounters) and stress (“emotional or mental strain

in any area of your life can play a role in premature ejaculation, often limiting your ability to relax and focus during sexual encounters”).

Health problems can also be contributing factor. “If you have a serious or chronic medical condition, such as heart disease,” the Mayo Clinic points out, “you may feel anxious during sex and may unknowingly rush to ejaculate.”

While PE alone doesn’t increase your risk of health problems, it can cause significant problems in your personal life. A common complication of PE is relationship stress. In addition, PE can occasionally make fertilization difficult or impossible for couples who are trying to have a baby.

Possible solutions “Behavior modification therapy can help most men overcome premature ejaculation,” The Merck Manual of Medical Information claims.

“A therapist provides reassurance, explains why premature ejaculation occurs, and teaches the man strategies for delaying ejaculation.”

Other methods that can help a man delay ejaculation include drug treatment, application of an anesthetic to the penis, and use of condoms, which tend to decrease sensation. Sometimes a combination of drug treatment and behavioral therapy enables a man to delay ejaculation even longer than he might be able to with only one of these

treatments.

“When premature ejaculation is caused by more serious psychologic problems, psychologic therapy may help,” the Merck manual said.

Meanwhile, a relatively simple method called the squeeze technique may also be effective for some. This consists of the following steps, according to the Mayo Clinic: Step 1. Begin sexual activity as usual, including stimulation of the penis, until you feel almost ready to ejaculate.

Step 2. Have your partner squeeze the end of your penis, at the point where the head (glans) joins the shaft, and maintain the squeeze for several seconds, until the urge to ejaculate passes.

Step 3. After the squeeze is released, wait for about 30 seconds, then go back to foreplay. You may notice that squeezing the penis causes it to become less erect, but when sexual stimulation is resumed, it soon regains full erection.

Step 4. If you again feel you’re about to ejaculate, have your partner repeat the squeeze process.

“These steps are to be repeated as many times as necessary, and eventually, one can do actual intercourse without prematurely ejaculating,” the Mayo Clinic says. “After several sessions, one develops the confidence and know-how to delay ejaculation even without doing the squeeze technique.” All photos were taken from the net

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

EDITORIAL Positive outlook

T

HE next steps for the incoming administration of presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte won’t be coming that easy.

This early, his team of advisers has drafted an 8-point economic agenda aimed towards making the economic gains of the country trickle down to the poor who comprise two-thirds of the country’s 104 million population.

Yesterday, the team presented their output. Not bad for a team formed less than 24 hours before the presentation of the draft. If this were a masteral class, Duterte’s advisers have passed the test with flying colors.

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO CHENEEN R. CAPON MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. CHA MONFORTE ARLENE D. PASAJE Photography Correspondents Cartoons Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • EDCER C.B. ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA • GREGORIO G. DELIGERO JOHN CARLO TRIA • BORBONCARLOS • MARYMUNDA ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO•AGUSTIN • EMILY VIDA S. VALVERDE C. LUMBA • HENRY J. SCHUMACHER • VANESSA KATE MADRAZO• JONALLIER Economic Analysts: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG ZENMIA CHUA • CARLOS• FRED MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG M. PEREZ

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

Of course, what may be put on paper may not be as good on the actual implementation and that is something the new administration will have to be wary about. The country is eagerly awaiting the change of leadership and see for themselves what this brand new administration under a tough-talking leader is all about.

The eagerness of the people reflects a long desire for change and this is now the window of opportunity for the hopeful Filipinos to treat this new government with a positive outlook.

As Duterte’s campaign slogan puts it, change is coming.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

EDGEDAVAO

T

VANTAGE POINTS

9

The election homily and message to Christians

HE homily I heard in last Sunday’s mass is a welcome, but needed respite from the high emotions that have characterized the current political exercise. The priest is right- all the mudslinging back and forth has not only divided many of us, it has also turned us into the mud we smeared on each other. While this may be expected from ordinary people, he laments that this should not be the case for Christians in general, and members of Catholic renewal communities in particular. In response perhaps to the deep criticisms of a few against church people making their voices heard in politics, he went on to remind us that Christian values underpin many tenets and principles of modern governance and our commonly held notions of human rights.

He went further to clarify the canonical boundaries on how exactly the Church hierarchy and clergy is able to play a role in secular politics, which is to jump into all except running for public office. In a nutshell, his homily warns us about the dangers of being too absorbed in the “world of the lord” rather than the “Lord of the World.” These phrases echo the warnings of Saint John Paul to the Latin American clergy in the midst of the popularity of Liberation theology in the late 1970s and

“D

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

IAMONDS,” says the title of a James Bond movie, “are forever.” Someone quipped that these precious stones are “a woman’s best friend.”

A diamond is pure carbon, made into a crystal by great heat and pressure inside the earth and brought to the surface by volcanic action. “Diamond is the hardest mineral on earth,” my scientist friend told me.

Of course, you know that. But do you know of a diamond that has been cursed? You may not believe it, but people who managed to own or buy it died in a mysterious way. Read on…

The story started in 1668, when a French merchant returned from India with a 112.5 carat blue diamond of unknown origin. Rumor has it that the diamond is the sacred eye of an Indian god. King Louis XIV bought the diamond and, in 1673, turned it into the shape of a heart, reducing it size to 67.5 carats but enhancing its brilliance. Later, Louis XVI inherited the diamond, and his wife, Marie Antoinette, wore it.

The Princesse de Lamballe, a friend of Antoinette who had been loaned the diamond, was murdered by a mob during the French Revolution in 1792. The fa-

the decade afMY TWO CENTS’ ter it, where the emphasis of their work was disproportionately in favor of social action at the expense of other works of the gospel.

All that John Tria said, politics ecisouth@gmail.com is part of the reality we are in, for which there is little escape. In the age of intensified, often emotional discussions democratized through social media, the greatest need is for healing and consensus to follow the conflict. We cannot do without healing, and what would it profit us to continue with the animosity?

These are valid questions. The vital role of Christians in general is their desire to engender unifying, healing humility. While imperfect, Christian Churches have the responsibility to foster the healing that should take place after necessary conflict spawned in politics. It is the ability and credibility to do so in grounded in Gospel values and the example of Christ himself,

who offered as the paschal lamb, that we may all be one in love under his feet.

This love, however, needs to formed in peace and the ever elusive goal of justice.

It behooves us as Christians and Catholics in particular to push the limits of current secular political discourse (the mud) by creating spaces and opportunities for the necessary injustices to be corrected. While it may be tough to do so above the din of personality politics, Catholic social teaching is particularly deep and comprehensive, providing the moorings for effective engagement that transcends transactional politicking, enabling focus on the deep, chronic wounds that pervade Philippine society and persist in the Third World. For one, a third of Filipinos remain in absolute poverty and hunger, in spite of the high GDP numbers and higher Foreign Direct investments entering the country in the last year. The price of electricity and food remains high, even more than many of our neighbors- driving many households into the debt cycle and the hands of loan sharks, even the families of the 2 million or so Overseas Filipino workers living as divided, unparented households. The people suffer from neglect and indifference as seen in the faces of stranded MRT passengers, the deaths

in the Kidapawan massacre, less productive farms, the ill-preparedness in the face of natural disasters, and the ever present corruption estimated to eat a third of the peoples money. Worst of all, the holy spirit has been replaced by the chemical kind, with 92 percent of all Filipino Barangays infiltrated with illegal drugs. My greatest lament is that all these we have allowed to become clichés and statistics, driving many into resignation, apathy and indifference as Pope Francis himself has so observed. The greater sadness is when these ought to have been discussed further as election issues, yet some Bishops would rather talk about a candidates’ cuss words.

Yet the hope is that with new leadership comes new opportunities for dialogue. Doubtless, the President Elect , by his words, and with the reactions of others, has opened spaces for dialogue beyond the usual issues. Beyond this, the Church as a whole, not just the hierarchy, needs to engage and set the agenda on these issues that matter and not be mere reagents in the toxic soup that is Philippine politics. Christ’s light shines not only through those clothed in robes and standing on pulpits. As Christians, we are all asked.

mous “Great THINK ON THESE! Blue” diamond disappeared.

In 1793, Marie Antoinette and the royal family were executed.

In 1830, a London auc- Henrylito D. Tacio tion house henrytacio@gmail.com reported of a 44.5-carat oval-shaped blue diamond (some said it was the “Great Blue” diamond, which was changed to conceal its true identity). Henry Philip Hope, a rich London banker, purchased the diamond for $90,000, and thereafter the diamond was known as “Hope Diamond.” Three generations of Hopes lived and died unaffected by any sort of curse.

Of course, there was Lord Francis Hope, one of the relatives who inherited the diamond, and his crumbling marriage and eventual bankruptcy. While people cynical of a Hope Diamond curse feel that Francis’s chronic gambling was a logical explanation, according to the television show Unsolved Mysteries, his

wife believed otherwise, claiming that anyone who owned the diamond would experience very bad luck. She died a beggar and broke.

In 1901, Lord Francis got permission from his sisters and the courts to sell the diamond to a New York jeweler who sold it (during hard times) to Jacques Colot. Colot later sold it to Prince Ivan Kanitovski of Russia who in turn sold it to a Greek jeweler. Each of three links in the chain experienced very bad luck.

Colot went made and committed suicide. Prince Ivan loaned the diamond to his mistress, a dancer, and on the night of her performance with the diamond, he shot her from the balcony. Revolutionaries later stabbed him. The Greek jeweler drove off a cliff with his family inside the car.

In 1908, Turkish sultan Abdul Hamid bought the diamond. He went made the following year (after being forced into exile). Also in 1909, a Persian diamond merchant drowned in the sinking of a French steamer. He briefly owned the Hope Diamond.

In 1911, Edward and Evalyn MacLean bought the diamond and the next thirty years proved a difficult time for the family. Edward’s mother and two servants

died soon after the purchase. His father went made. Evalyn’s father became an alcoholic and the MacLean’s firstborn son died after being struck by a car in front of the house. Edward died in a mental institution from brain atrophy related to his alcoholism. Evalyn sold the family newspaper, The Washington Post, during financial troubles. Her only daughter, Emily, died from a drug overdose in an alleged suicide.

Evalyn’s children sold the diamond to the eminent jewelry dealer Harry Winston to pay the estate taxes. This was in 1949. In 1958, Winston plopped the diamond in a box addressed to the Smithsonian Institution. He paid $2.44 in postage and $155 for insurance and the U.S. government has owned it ever since.

Here are more unlikely deaths associated with the Hope Diamond. Louis XIV died from gangrene. A guardian of the French court jewels wore the diamond at a party and was later executed by the king. A concubine who wore the diamond was knifed to death. And a guardian of the sultan’s diamond was hanged by a rowdy mob.

Are all these events coincidence or what? Your answer is as good as mine.

The curse of diamond

10 NEWS DUTERTE... FROM 1

The economic reforms under a Duterte presidency will eliminate the bottlenecks of economic growth which prevents the country’s gains from trickling down to the twothirds of the country’s population or those living under the poverty line and in rural areas.

Dominguez also stressed the inadequacy of infrastructure, the need to create more jobs and injecting economic activity. For the agriculture sector, Dominguez said the Duterte presidency will focus on improving productivity by providing better irrigation and better support services.

He cited the Davao City model which eliminates layers

of bureaucracy and enhance the processing of permits and licenses. “The government will be helping business and not make it hard for them.”

To improve tax collection, Dominguez stressed that the new administration will index tax collection with inflation to enable those who earn little to have more money in their pockets. In seeking to make taxation more progressive, Dominguez said they will consider a change in the income tax brackets, as these were set 25 years ago, and are no longer fair.

He also said the CCT will be improved and indexed to inflation.

agreements with rebel groups in the south of the archipelago, where the outgoing government has been using force to quell militancy.

The 71-year-old’s truculent defiance of political tradition has drawn comparisons with U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, as have his references to his libido.

That tapped into popular disgust with the ruling class over its failure to reduce poverty and inequality despite several years of robust economic growth.

tion of President Benigno Aquino has asked a court of arbitration in The Hague to recognise its right to exploit waters in the South China Sea, a case it hoped could bolster claims by other countries against China in the resource-rich waters.

Duterte said negotiations should include Japan, Australia and the United States, which is traditionally the region’s dominant security player and contests China’s development of islands and rocky outcrops in the sea.

The influential Chinese state-run tabloid the Global Times, said that Beijing would not be naive enough to believe that a new president would bring a solution to the South China Sea disputes.

“Only time will tell how far the new leader, be it Duterte or not, will go toward restoring the bilateral relationship.”

New president... FROM 2

SOUTH CHINA SEA TALKS Duterte’s vows to restore law and order also resonated with voters. But his incendiary rhetoric and advocacy of extrajudicial killings to stamp out crime and drugs have alarmed many who hear echoes of the country’s authoritarian past.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Daniel Russel told reporters in Vietnam that Washington respected the choice of the Philippine people and “will gladly work with the leader that they select”.

Duterte made a succession of winding, bellicose and attimes comical remarks late on Monday as the votes were being counted, venting over corruption and bad governance and telling anecdotes from his 22 years as mayor of Davao city.

Wearing a casual checked shirt and slouched in a chair, he said corrupt officials should “retire or die” and reiterated his support for police to use deadly force against criminals.

“I’ll behave if I become president,” he said, adding that he would not make state visits to countries with cold weather.

In an early indication of his unorthodoxy, Duterte told reporters on Monday that if he became president he would seek multilateral talks to resolve disputes over the South China Sea. The outgoing administra-

SSS... FROM 5

ensuring our compliance with the SSS Charter’s provisions on the investment of reserve funds, and spearheading the development and adoption of guidelines to ensure transparency in the investment performance of SSS. The RMC, meanwhile, is tasked to ensure SSS’ compliance with risk management policies and practices,” Capulong explained Limitations on the SSS reserve funds allotted per type

FIGHTING THE ESTABLISHMENT Duterte’s entertaining and profanity-loaded speeches have shed little light on his policies beyond going after gangsters and drug pushers.

He has been vague on what he would do to spur an economy that has averaged growth at around 6 percent under Aquino.

Duterte said on Monday he had been criticised for not discussing policy but would “hire the best economic minds”.

One of his advisers told Reuters spending on education would be lifted to benefit “disadvantaged regions” and rural development will be prioritised to spread wealth more evenly across the country.

“Everything seems to be in imperial Manila,” said Ernesto Pernia, professor emeritus of economics at the University of the Philippines. “He wants to give more attention to the lagging, the backward regions.”

Pernia said the pursuit of tax evaders and corrupt officials should bolster government revenues to fund extra spending. of investment are specified under the SSS Charter, namely 40 percent for private securities, 35 percent for housing, 30 percent in real estate, 10 percent in short and medium term member loans, 30 percent in government financial institutions and corporations, 30 percent in infrastructure projects, 15 percent in any particular industry, and 7.5 percent in foreign currency dominated investments.

EDGEDAVAO

Rody... FROM 2

of these proposals,” he said.

Once prepared and approved, Laviña said they will present the proposal to the Filipino people to be voted upon through plebiscite, which is being initially planned either earlier than or simultaneous with the 2019 midterm elections.

He said if things get going in the first few months of the Duterte administration, then plebiscite could be held simultaneously with the Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October 2016. “But of course we have to deal with the new Congress,” he added.

Laviña said that Duterte made it a point that his immediate acts as incoming president would be to ask Congress to pass a law calling for a constitutional convention to start the process by electing the new framers of the constitution.

If push comes to shove, he said only then that new regional states will be set up and ready from 2019 to 2022, the last three years of the Duterte administration.

“The first elections for the federal officials will be 2022.

It is a wrong notion that the president will become the president of a new federal government. He will only preside towards that transition, the federal state as well as the regional states by 2022,” he said.

During the constitutional convention deliberations, Laviña added they expect that review on the country’s economic provisions and its foreign relations will also be taken up.

He said the Duterte administration will give “primacy” in crafting new policies for overseas Filipino workers, which he said will create a major shift in the country’s foreign policy.

Although pushing for a federal system, Duterte said that he will respect the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the Framework Agreement on the

Bangsamoro (FAB) signed between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

post disclosed the members of the transition committee: campaign manager Jun Evasco, assistant campaign manager and executive assistant Christopher Bong Go, former cabinet member and head of campaign finance committee Carlos G. Dominguez, lawyers Medialdea and Loreto Ata (Duterte’s personal lawyers), and Laviña himself.

In a press conference at the Royal Mandaya Tuesday, Laviña said that they are working out for the formation of four committees, namely: transition committee, selection committee, policy group, and inauguration committee.

He said the transition committee will work for the smooth transition of the incoming president with outgoing President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, the selection committee will help Duterte

vet and select prospect personalities to be appointed as members of the cabinet, while the policy group will work on programs that need immediate actions for the next three to six months of the incoming administration.

Duterte earlier said that he would like a simple inauguration with select guests, as he does not want to disturb the public with traffic congestions.

The 71-year-old Duterte was elected mayor in 1988. He served as mayor until 1998, and again for three terms from 2001 to 2010. He served as first district representative from 1998 to 2001 and vice mayor to daughter Sara from 2010 to 2013. He was elected mayor again in 2013, and by June 30 shall have completed 22 years as mayor of Davao City. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

structure does not know how to deal with SMEs. Bank requirements on collateral and business and finance plans are strict.

Unable to comply and lacking financial literacy, SMEs are often forced to rely on informal resources.

SMEs simply do not have

access to the capital they need to expand or participate in larger business and trading activities.

According to Wignaraja, total credit gap, or the difference between formal credit provided to SMEs and estimated SME financing needs in ASEAN, amounts to as much as USD 52.8 billion.

Camp... FROM 2

ASEAN... FROM 6

National unity Duterte has offered his “hands of friendship” and called for a national unity with rivals, Laviña said, to counter the most pressing problems like drugs, criminality, and corruption.

He mentioned about fighting against external threats that have been rumored to be massing in the Southern Philippines who are advocating for violent extremism.

“We are being threatened

by China over West Philippine sea – islet grabbing – there are existing global problems like global warming, human trafficking, properties, and monopolies of big countries over trade relation,” he said.

Duterte’s third agenda, Laviña said, will be forging of peace agreements and establish political settlements with the rebel forces in the country.

He said armed conflicts have to be stopped in order to build peace in the country.

“We need to end the internal conflict that has been attempted to be solved by the past administrations,” he said.

He added that this is Duterte’s “golden opportunity” since the presumptive president is close to the communist rebels but he was quick to clarify that the incoming president is not a member of any communist group.

“The mayor is not close [to the communist group] in a sense that he is a member of the communist party or bring them all to the government or convert the country into a communist state,” Laviña stressed.

The 71-year-old Davao City patriarch will take his oath as 16th president of the Philippines at noon of June 30.

(Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

GPH-MILF... FROM 3 ASG. Also with her in Bangkok is Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan, the Government Panel’s action officer for Western Mindanao, a former MNLF combatant who was integrated in the AFP as part of the Final Peace Agreement with the MNLF. Retired Major Carlos Sol Jr., the head of the GPH ceasefire secretariat based in Cotabato City, also accompanied Ferrer in representing the Philippine government in the experts’ meeting.

“The nexus of crime and terrorism plus insurgency is inevitable. They share the same space, kinship ties, cultural affinity, and historical and ideological links,” Ferrer said. “[But] the peace process has progressed. It serves as a counterpole to violent movements.

Also, functional mechanisms are in place, namely the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the GPH-MILF Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) that enable valuable security cooperation.”

“Alternately, when the peace process broke down or floundered, conditions for the rise of other armed groups were enhanced, adding to the complexity,”‎ she added.

Despite the difference in the philosophical frameworks, Ferrer maintained that there is a need to infuse the dominant counter-terrorism and anti-crime framework with the peace orientation. “Such a cohesive approach is even more essential in complex or mixed situations where crime, terrorism, insurgency and revolution interplay within the same spatial dimensions -- terrestrial and intellectual,” she said.

UNICRI was established in 1965 and is mandated to support countries across the globe in preventing crime and facilitating criminal justice.

Programs under the institute include creating and testing new and holistic approaches in

preventing crime and promoting justice and development.

The chief negotiator has been lauded around the globe for her work on the Bangsamoro peace process. Ferrer is last year’s recipient of the Hillary Clinton Award for Advancing Women in Peace and Security for her “indefatigable work to bring about peace in the Philippines and for her historic role as the first female chief negotiator to sign a comprehensive peace agreement.”

“Promoting international peace and security is at the heart of the United Nations Charter. The rise of extremist Islamist movements is a matter of international concern,” Ferrer said previously.

“The UN also upholds the right of self-determination. In this instance, the reference is to internal self-determination or regional autonomy and this is what the foreign governments support,” she added, referring to the proposed Bangsamoro regional government that is parliamentary in form to provide more representation to the various stakeholders in the region and with more political and fiscal autonomy.

Unfortunately, the Congress failed to act on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) when it adjourned last February to give way to the recently concluded general elections. Proponents of the BBL have pledged to re-file the bill once the next Congress assumes power in July.

Ferrer urged the participants to see the larger picture of the peace architecture in solving the problem in organized crime and terrorism.

“This is one case, but it reflects a dynamic that bears scrutiny. [It] doesn’t negate all the focused specific interventions along law enforcement and criminal justice but we must put these in a bigger peace-building frame, not the other way around,” Ferrer stressed. (PNA)

harsh words, more so on the issue of his previous detention because he did not want any more to recall the bitter effect to his family when he was detained.

He added that the product endorsement of Padilla was also affected by the bashings of some netizens.

In fact, Jurado said, there were some companies, whose products are being endorsed by Padilla, have been calling the actor and telling their apprehensions.

The camp of Padilla ex-

pressed fears that the bashing incident may lead to the withdrawal of his product endorsement.

Jurado said that they would meticulously scrutinize the “thread” of the social media account of Padilla to get the names of some netizen bashers and include them in the complaint.

Meanwhile, Atty. Ronald Aguto, Jr., chief of the NBI Anti-Cyber Crime Division, has ordered a team of his personnel to investigate the complaint of Padilla. (PNA)

tors to the Barrio (DTTB) program and introduced and started last year innovative programs such as deployment of “Public Health Associates” and “Universal Health Care Implementers.”

“A new innovation was started so far by the DOH last year. There are actually two which we have created -- one is the Public Health Associates, and the other one is the Universal Health Care (UHC) Imple-

menters,” the Health Chief said.

She explained that Public Health Associates are actually nursing graduates who have not yet taken the Board examination or not lucky to pass it.

She said that the UHC Implementers are also graduates of Doctor of Medicine and their job will be a course “refresher” and at the same time give them the chance to earn while continuing to enhance their experience and exposure. (PNA)

Robin... FROM 3

PCPFI... FROM 5

11 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

Carabao-based dairy farming gains ground C

ARABAO-BASED dairy farming has become a viable enterprise in the Philippines and experts are saying that it is an emerging industry that is seen to have the ability to address food security and income-generating opportunities to Filipinos.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority milk production in the country was 19.5 million liters in 2013, 33.6 liters of which came from carabao’s milk.

However, despite the potential of this industry, local milk production can only contribute 1 percent of the country’s dairy needs – making dairy products the country’s third largest agricultural import after wheat and soybean meal.

To meet the demand for this commodity, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) has bared its Industry Strategic S&T Plans (ISP) as part of pursuing development goals for the dairy industry through science solutions in the country.

The PCAARRD ISP is aimed at increasing dairy production to meet local demand and decrease import requirements by 2020, as well as to enhance the processing efficiency of milk and other dairy products.

The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) is playing a big role in the implementation of the plan.

PCAARRD’s strategic research and development (R&D) initiative focuses on technology transfer through the promotion of genetically improved dairy buffalo, commercialization of food safety compliant milk handling and other processing technologies and community-based technology promotion and transfer for increased milk production.

Through S&T interventions, the PCAARRD provided funding support to seven technology transfer projects

ers of silage in Nueva Ecija and to promote community-based commercial silage production as a source of additional income for farmers.

Project leader Dr. Eric P. Palacpac, PCC’s R&D coordinator, said that corn silage is an enriched forage that can help address problems on nutrition and forage deficiencies during lean months.

“Silage-making can be easily adopted by farmers for farm use or in a commercial scale because it only requires sim-

across Regions III, IV, VII and VIII through its S&T Community-Based Farm (STBCF) and TechnoMart (TM) modalities.

These projects have a combined budget of Php 23.9 million, wherein 70 percent (Php 16.7 million) is from PCAARRD and the rest from PCC and other stakeholders.

STBCF and TM are two important components under the Pinoy S&T Services for Farmers and Entrepreneurs (PSF) Program.

These modalities are PCAARRD’s transition platform from technology demonstration to technology commercialization.

STBCF promotes wider adoption of S&T interventions to increase productivity and empower farmers in a given community.

It aims to provide a sustainable supply of raw materials in support of the TM enterprise.

Meanwhile, TM aims to fast track the movement of S&T products from source to the markets, increase product value, establish and implement business match, synchronize strategies with other sectors involved and track the road toward the commercialization of the S&T products.

Of the seven projects included in the plan, three are already on-going.

These are the Commercialization of Grass/ Forage Corn Silage for Dairy Buffaloes in Lupao, Nueva Ecija through TechnoMart; Community-Based S&T Project on the Preparation & Utilization of Urea-Treated Rice Straw (UTRS) as Fodder for Dairy Buffaloes; and Enhancing the Carabao-Based Dairy Enterprise in Magdalena, Laguna through TechnoMart.

PCAARRD said the results of the on-going STBCF and TM projects will provide the basis for a more effective and efficient implementation of the ISP for Dairy.

The project for grass/forage corn silage for dairy buffaloes is meant to support the carabao-based dairy farming enterprises at the National Impact Zone (NIZ) in Nueva Ecija through the production of sustainable supply of conserved/ preserved forages for feeding of dairy buffaloes.

Specifically, this project aims to establish private or coop-led commercial produc-

ple equipment and low input costs,” he said.

The ongoing three-year project was piloted in Lupao, Nueva Ecija and involves a group of farmer-cooperators whose members were selected due to their significant production of corn forage and having land availability for corn planting in the targeted area.

Palacpac said that to be successful, S&T interventions were being applied to meet the expected outputs.

These include formation of farmer-led business opportunity for commercially producing silages, promotion of community-based, commercial silage production as a source of additional income for farmers, increasing the supply of conserved forages during lean months to address forage requirement of at least 32 percent, increasing adoption of feeding conserved forages for dairy buffaloes, establishing linkage between producers of silage and the clients and disseminating promotional materials for the marketing of silages.

As of September 2014, a total of 397,658 kilograms of forage/silage were produced by the selected farmer-cooperators from about 13 hectares of land.

The forage/silage was sold to farmers, private farms and PCC-operated dairy farms and generated a net income of Php 448, 920.55.

The PCC official said that sets of trainings, field day, study tours and promotional activities were initiated to spur the interest of other farmers to patronize the use of silage in their animal feeding management.

“Constant project monitoring and conduct of team meetings were regularly conducted to document and analyze the farmer’s feedback and report generation,” Palacpac said.

Meanwhile, the CBSTF intervention through the feeding of urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) was introduced as another dairy technology for community adoption as a response to the need of sustainable production and supply of conserved forages for feeding of dairy buffaloes.

Project leader Dr. Daniel L. Aquino said rice straw was a forage with poor quality but when treated with the right amount of urea and/or molasses, it will improve its crude protein contents from 4 percent to 7 percent.

“The improvement in the nutritive value will lead to the enhancement of its palatability and digestibility. In effect, this helps increase the feed intake and overall productivity of the buffaloes,” he said.

Three project collaborators were identified as recipients of the three-year project.

They are the Kapitbahayan sa Mabini Cooperative in Llanera, Nueva Ecija Punla Multi-Purpose Cooperative in General Natividad, Nueva Ecija and Casile Dairy Producers Cooperative.

Aquino said that to effectively promote the adoption of the technology, the S&T intervention capacitated the three participating primary cooperatives and 30 partner-farmers on the production and feeding of UTRS through collection and stacking of rice straw, treatment, filling, compacting, sealing and storage of UTRS and harvesting and feeding of UTRS. “The conduct of feeding intervention was also provided to selected recipient-farmers and applied to the dairy animals.

The feeding trial was monitored and evaluated. The results generated was reported and submitted to PCAARRD,” he said.

Trainings of farmers and actual demonstration in the preparation and feeding of UTRS were also conducted as part of the technology transfer and monitoring of the adoption rate of the project.

To support the project,

nine bunker silos were constructed for the production of UTRS. The silos were equally distributed to the three partner-cooperatives. Supplies and materials were also distributed in the production process.

During the first year of its implementation, 38 dairy farmers from the three partner-cooperatives in Llanera and General Natividad, Nueva Ecija were trained for UTRS production and feeding.

They were able to produce 73 tons of UTRS from the collected 200 tons of rice straws.

Ninety-two percent of the rice straws targeted for collection for the 1st production cycle was already achieved. Forty-seven percent of these were already produced as UTRS. The produced UTRS were use as feeding intervention for 12 lactating cows which were on their third month of feeding intervention.

“The animals were able to produce 4.7 kilograms of milk per day each compared to the 3.5 kilograms milk produced from the controlled cows in the study,” Aquino said.

For three months, each cow produced 423 kilograms of milk.

This translated to a gross sale of Php 17, 766.00 at Php 42.00 per liter.

An additional Php 3,702, or 30.20 percent increase in income was realized when the cows were fed with UTRS. The actual UTRS demonstration benefited 45 farmers from Nueva Ecija and 73 farmers from Pangasinan.

Based on the 2013-2016 plans, the project is aiming to encourage 100 dairy farmers to adopt UTRS feeding to their dairy buffaloes and this was more than achieved.

In the meantime, the TechnoMart project in Magdalena, Laguna aims to improve the quality of milk produced by the community-based farms through commercialization of food safety, compliant milk handing and other processing technologies.

Specifically, it aims to increase volume and ensure quality of raw milk collected through the establishment of community cluster milk collection system; comply with food safety and GMP standards; capacitate major stakeholders/ partners and team members to manage and sustain a profitable carabao-based dairy enterprise through capacity-building; and increase sales and profit through product development and promotion. (PNA)

12 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

Mother’s Day Tea and Cake Party at SM Lanang Premier

T

O show appreciation for moms and mother figures on Mother’s Day, the country’s wellloved boutique bakery – The French Baker – and SM Lanang Premier threw a chic tea and cake party on Sunday, May 8.

Mommies were treated to servings of relaxing hot teas and luscious cakes at the Atrium of Davao’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination.

Mothers who dined at The French Baker from May

5 to 8 with a minimum purchase of Php 500 received free entry passes to join the event and enjoy their Sunday afternoon with their families and friends.

Premium teas – Chamomile, Vanille, Red Roses, Blueberry, Assam Bari, Morgenthau, to name a few varieties – were served to the guests during the event.

Known for its French pastries and freshly baked products, The French Baker also offered three delightful cakes

– Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Concorde and Carrot – to the moms.

A pianist also played songs to serenade the guests during the cozy affair.

Enjoy a selection of soothing teas and delectable pastries at The French Baker located at the Upper Ground Level and at The Fountain Court of SM Lanang Premier.

For dining reservations, call 285-2639 or 285-7127.

Visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event updates and exclusive promos.

Mallgoers dine at the Mom’s Tea and Cake Party on Sunday.

U

Smart to offer iPhone SE on May 26

NRIVALED mobile services provider Smart Communications today announced it will offer iPhone SE, the most powerful phone with a four-inch display, beginning on May 26. iPhone SE packs the power of iPhone 6s in a beloved compact aluminum design that customers love, featuring a stunning fourinch Retina display and four gorgeous metallic finishes, including rose gold. With the exceptional performance of the advanced 64bit A9 chip, longer battery life, camera innovations including a 12-megapixel iSight camera, Live Photos, the ability to record in 4K and Touch ID with Apple Pay, iPhone SE is the perfect phone for everyone who wants a smaller phone.

Be among the first to get hold of the iPhone SE by registering at www.smart. com.ph/iPhoneSE now.

“iPhone SE proves that indeed big things can come in small packages, and we can’t wait for more Filipinos to enjoy Apple’s topof-the-line features in such a compact and affordable device,” said Smart Brand Head Kathy C. Carag.

“And as we always say, your phone is only as powerful as your network.

Smart’s nationwidest network powers the new iPhone SE to keep up with your very active mobile lifestyle – from your daily dose of mobile surfing and gaming, instant social media sharing, and seamless music and video streaming on the fly,” she added.

Smart will make the iPhone SE available at Smart Stores and Smart Online Store at store.smart.com. ph. For updates, visit www. smart.com.ph/iPhoneSE. For more information on iPhone, please visit www. apple.com/iphone.

A kid slices a cake by The French Baker.

Each guest gets to enjoy a cup of soothing, quality tea at the event.

The French Baker’s selection of premium quality teas

ICTSI throughput up 4% to 2.1M TEUs I

NTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) today reported unaudited consolidated financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 posting revenue from port operations of US$266.5 million, a decrease of 10 percent from the US$296.1 million reported for the same period last year; Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) of US$121.9 million, four percent lower than the US$127.5 million generated in the first quarter of 2015; and net income attributable to equity holders of US$42.2 million, down 22 percent compared to the US$54.0 million earned in the same period last year. The decline in earnings was mainly driven by lower storage & ancillary revenues, unfavorable container volume mix, lower capitalized borrowing cost, higher depreciation and amortization expenses and start-up costs of new terminals and projects. Diluted earnings per share for the period declined 40 percent to US$0.014 from US$0.023 in 2015.

ICTSI handled consolidated volume of 2,053,639 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, four percent more than the 1,982,773 TEUs handled in the same period in 2015. The increase in volume was mainly due to the acquisition of new shipping line customers and services at the Company’s terminals in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Manzanillo, Mexico, and Karachi, Pakistan; continuing ramp-up at ICTSI Iraq; and improvement in trade activities at the Company’s terminals in Jakarta, Indonesia and most Philippine ports.

Gross revenues from port operations for the quarter-ended March 31, 2016 declined 10 percent to US$266.5 million from the US$296.1 million reported in the same period in 2015. The decrease in revenues was mainly due to unfavorable container volume mix, lower storage & an-

cillary revenues and unfavorable translation impact of the depreciation of local currencies to the US dollar at certain terminals.

The decline in gross revenues was tapered by tariff rate adjustments and new contracts with shipping lines and services at certain terminals, and the continuing ramp-up at ICTSI Iraq. Excluding the translation impact of local currency depreciation to the US dollar, particularly the 36 percent depreciation of the Brazilian Reais (BRL) at TSSA; the 21 percent depreciation of the Mexican Peso (MXN) at CMSA; and the six percent depreciation of the Philippine Peso (PHP) at the various Philippine terminals, consolidated gross revenues would have decreased by six percent in 2016.

Consolidated cash operating expenses in the first quarter of 2016 was 15 percent lower at US$101.5 million compared to US$119.7 million in the same period in 2015. The reduction in cash operating expenses was mainly driven by lower costs of repairs & maintenance and equipment rental at certain terminals; lower fuel costs as a result of the lower global prices of fuel and operational efficiencies; lower variable costs at ICTSI Oregon; and the favorable translation impact to the US Dollar of the Brazilian, Mexican and Philippine terminals’ local currency expenses. The decline in cash operating expenses, however, was tapered by the expense contributions and start-up costs of new terminals and projects in Argentina, Australia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Laguna in southern Philippines. Excluding the translation impact of currency depreciation, consolidated cash operating expenses would have decreased by nine percent in 2016.

Consolidated EBITDA for the first quarter of 2016 decreased four percent to US$121.9 million from US$127.5 million in 2015 mainly due to lower storage and ancillary revenues, unfavorable

container volume mix, and unfavorable translation impact from significant depreciation of local currencies to the US Dollar at certain terminals. Excluding the translation impact of currency depreciation, consolidated EBITDA would have decreased by three percent in 2016. Consolidated EBITDA margin, on the other hand, increased to 46 percent in the first quarter of 2016 compared to 43 percent in the same period in 2015 as the new terminals continue to ramp-up and improve efficiencies.

Consolidated financing charges and other expenses for the quarter increased 26 percent from US$16.6 million in 2015 to US$20.9 million in 2016 primarily due to slightly higher average loan balance and lower capitalized borrowing cost.

Capital expenditures, excluding capitalized borrowing costs and expenses, for the first quarter of 2016 amounted to US$89.5 million, approximately 21 percent

of the US$420.0 million capital expenditure budget for the full year 2016. The established budget is mainly allocated for the completion of the initial stage of the Company’s new container terminals in Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq, and the continuing development of the Company’s project in Australia. In addition, ICTSI invested US$20.0 million in the development of SPIA, its joint venture container terminal development project with PSA International Pte Ltd. (PSA ) in Buenaventura, Colombia. The Company’s share for 2016 to complete the initial phase of the project is approximately US$60 million.

ICTSI is widely acknowledged to be a leading global developer, manager and operator of container terminals in the 50,000 to 2.5 million TEU/year range.

ICTSI has an experience record that spans four continents and continues to pursue container terminal opportunities around the world.

INdulge!

THERE are many reasons why you should go to Eden Nature Park & Resort not only for the tourist attractions but also for its food offerings. Eden is fast becoming a popular foodie destination with its wide selection of dining outlets inside the resort.

Vista Restaurant is Eden’s most popular feature where a truly gastronomic experience awaits you. The fresh garden salad and specialty dressings are served at Vista Restaurant. The vegetables are handpicked from the vegetable garden using the state-of-the-art Hydroponic technology, while the dressings are concocted in-house using Eden’s very own herbs and spices.

Café Vista showcases the best in ambiance in an enjoyable dining experience with its delectable snacks.

Skyview Café delivers

the best dining experience to its guests. Whether you need a cold refreshing drink or a sumptuous snack, there are options to choose from. Enjoy a sumptuous snack package with a choice of pasta or sandwich at Skyview Café.

Fishing Village is a popular destination in the resort where children and adults experience the thrill of fishing and eating what you catch. Our ponds abound with tilapia or St. Peter’s fish, and hito or Catfish. Whatever you catch is weighed and paid for. You may either take these home or choose

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

Food finds at Eden from four different ways of cooking: pinaputok, inihaw, dried, and paksiw. For a minimal fee, our fishing staff will serve your fish dish in your preferred manner of cooking.

To accommodate more diners at the Fishing Village, a new dining facility- Fisher’s Frill opened its doors to its diners last May 1, 2016. Fisher’s Grill is a new restaurant that offers Filipino dishes.

Prepare yourselves to

be served with delicious and mouth-watering kinilaw, ensaladang talong, sinigang na hipon, sinigang na maya-maya, oriental noodles, chicken barbecue, pork barbecue, pork chop, pinakbet, grilled tuna buntot, panga, and belly.

There are more to this new restaurant to enjoy a new dining experience, the Eden way. While at

FOOD FINDS A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

STYLE This fun floral dress from SM Babies is perfect for My First Party.

My First Party will be memorable pretty in pink spaghetti strap dress with a bow from SM Babies.

Babies’ Fashion Firsts EVERY FIRST IN A CHILD’S LIFE IS WONDERFUL. Every first touch, first smile, first word and all other “first” milestones will be cherished by loved ones forever. Capture these moments, treasure these, and make these more special by dressingup the little ones with Babies’ Fashion Firsts from SM Babies.

It’s never too early to be fashionable at SM Babies.

My First Blessing has adorable baptismal gowns adorned with of silk, satin and lace. My First Party has outfits that will make baby step out in style for his or her first special occasion. My First Playsuit is great for active toddlers to wear during playtime or traveling in style.

The collection is available at the Children’s Wear – Babies Section at all SM Store Nationwide.

Make his first party extra fun with comfy clothes.

This nautical outfit will make waves for the little boy on his first party.

A classic denim is tops from SM Babies.

Playtime is fashionably fun time with SM Babies.

Marco Polo Davao hosts Celebrations Fair MARCO POLO DAVAO WILL BE HOSTING A TWODAY CELEBRATIONS FAIR AT ITS MAIN BALLROOM with the city’s top wedding and events suppliers.

The Celebrations Fair is part of the 18th year anniversary activities of Mindanao’s first and only premier hotel.

Showcasing the latest trends in events planning, the fair will be participated by Cameo Events (official event partner), Giardano Gelato, Taters, Infinity Studio, DC Tech Micro Services, Alcohall, Wine Warehouse, Titania Wine Cellar, INVEX,

Makeup Artistry by Isabel Chua, For the Love of Prints, Atelier de Marco, Edgar Buyan Couture, Golden Touch

by Noel Tanza, Cake Temptations, K Davao (formerly Kasuotan), Elegance Enterprise, and Simply Gray.

The fair will start at

10:00 AM this Friday with a fashion show of Erwin Tan’s wedding and gown collection from K Davao and is expected to be graced by celebritybusiness woman, Juliana Palermo. The Celebrations Fair will run until May 14 (Saturday).

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA offers new sexy and naughty primetime series

BEGINNING MAY 16, WITNESS THE COMEBACK TWO OF THE COUNTRY’S FITSPOS (FIT INSPIRATIONS)—Kapuso Network’s Drama King Dennis Trillo and Philippine TV’s Sweetheart Heart Evangelista—in an exceptionally hot and sexy series in Juan Happy Love Story.

This primetime show will excite viewers as they learn to appreciate their own love stories through Juan (Dennis) and Happy’s (Love) journey, how a man and a woman who are worlds apart in their views about life and love find themselves in a whirlwind romance.

In the series, Dennis Trillo is Juan, a responsible and go-getter businessman who is also a certified ‘chick boy.’

He meets Happy played by Heart Evangelista, a feisty and family-oriented woman who relies on signs to find her The One. Their life will be tested when they found out they cannot bear a child. As their solution, they decide to adopt a child. The lovers will then find Katkat, a 6-yearold bubbly girl. They had a whirlwind romance and eventually marry.

They started having

marital problems and they decided to separate. But because it will be easier for two parents to adopt a child instead of a single parent, Happy asked Juan to live with her again so that the DSWD will grant their application for adoption.

Juan agrees vowing to win Happy back.

Agatha and Bob will try to intervene. Agatha, played

by Kim Domingo, has started falling in love with her business partner, Juan.

Bob, to be played by Joross Gamboa, is hoping to win his high school best friend Happy.

With Bob and Agatha’s plan to break Juan and Happy’s marriage, will they be able to legally adopt Katkat? Will they be able to create a family that they have both longed for?

Joining them in Juan Happy Love Story are: Queen of Philippine

Cinema Ms. Gloria Romero as Lola Mameng and Mr. Nick Lizaso as Lolo Caloy, Juan’s grandparents; Gardo Versoza as Boyong and Lotlot De Leon as Isay, Happy’s parents; Ericka Padilla as Joy, Happy’s older sister; Joross Gamboa as Bob, Happy’s childhood best friend; Dominic Roco as Henry, Happy’s brotherin-law; Kim Domingo as Agatha, Juan’s business partner; Vincent Magbanua as Lucky, Happy’s youngest brother; Rob Moya is Kyle, Juan’s bestfriend; Leanne Bautista as Katkat, Juan and Happy’s adopted child; Arianne Bautista as Sally, Happy’s friend; Koreen Medina as Lorriane, Kyle’s wife and Happy’s friend; Vince Gamad as Glenn, Juan’s friend.

Witness the naughty and sexy love story of Juan at Happy beginning May 16, from Monday to Friday after Once Again on GMA Telebabad.

Get the latest updates about Juan Happy Love Story from the GMA Network website www.

GMANetwork.com.

HGTV challenges Sky subscribers to pitch for a kitchen makeover

POSING A CHALLENGE TO AVID HOMEMAKERS AND HOME MAKEOVER FANS CAN BRING ABOUT SOME VERY ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE. This is what HGTV, Asia’s only regional home focused channel together with SKYcable proved as they asked subscribers to convince them why their kitchen deserved a makeover.

The prize included a chance to attend the HGTV House Party and meet best friends and real life cousins, Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri more popularly known as The Cousins and vouchers worth P300,000 for a kitchen makeover.

Subscribers who participated in the contest got the invitation to attend the party at Discovery Primea in Makati City, and with it, a chat with the talented and goodlooking pair. But it was one subscriber who walked away the luckiest: Shayne

Grape who simply shared a picture of their desperate kitchen which she wanted to remodel as a gift for her mom on Mother’s Day. When asked why, Shayne said “I wanted to give it to my mom as a Mother’s Day gift, since she has been cooking for us ever since we were born”.

She and the rest of the other subscribers also got to listen to The Cousins who gamely answered questions and took on kitchen challenges such as guessing the use of rare, Filipino kitchen utensils.

The charismatic duo,

who have become faces of kitchen renovation on television since the debut of Kitchen Cousins in 2011, have gone on to star in other hit programs such as Cousins on Call and Cousins Undercover.

America’s Most Desperate Kitchens will see the return of The Cousins who both run a New Jerseybased family construction company as they rescue desperate homeowners in need of a major kitchen overhaul.

Homeowners looking for inspiration to turn their mediocre kitchens into masterpieces

can tune in to America’s Most Desperate Kitchens every Tuesday at 9PM on HGTV on Skycable.

HGTV is the premier source for home-related inspiration, instruction and entertainment. With the growing demand for high quality home lifestyle entertainment in Asia, HGTV is the first regional channel dedicated exclusively to the growing home and lifestyle category in Asia.

To watch HGTV on SKYcable in high definition, tune in to Channel 246 (Mega Manila) or Channel 88 to watch it in standard definition.

HGTV is also available online via livestream on SKY On Demand if you are subscribed to the channel.

Not yet on your plan’s channel line up? You can also choose to add HGTV to your SKYcable basic plan via SELECT for only Php 50/month in Standard or High Definition.

May 11 – 17, 2016

JUST THE 3 OF US John Lloyd Cruz, Jennylyn Mercado R13

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

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR Chris Evans , Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson PG

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

THE ANGRY BIRDS Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson PG

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

THIS TIME / * PRECIOUS CARGO James Reid, Nadine Lustre/ *Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Bruce Willis G/ *R16

12:05 | 2:10 | 4:15 LFS / *6:20 | 8:10 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

FOOD back, relax and enjoy the scenery at Fisher’s Grill while savoring a fresh mountain weather experience.For inquiries, and reservations, please call (082) 299-1020, (082) 299-0313, 0918-9307590 or visit our Sales and Reservations Office at Matina Town Square, Mac Arthur Highway, Matina or you may also check our website at www.edennaturepark. com.ph.

FOOD FINDS A1 Fisher’s grill, you can have a good view of the deer park which serves as a domicile of over twenty-five Philippine deer. Spot the deer as they move beneath the trees while you enjoy the sight and the cold temperature that makes for a cozy spot to hang out. Dine now and enjoy what the new Fisher’s Grill has to offer! Fisher’s Grill is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

Fisher’s Grill is also a perfect venue for small meetings and other corporate functions with a seating capacity of 110 persons. The interior is made of bamboo and fern tree materials which are found in Eden. With its see-through walls, sit

GENSAN PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

CLASSIFIEDS 13

Serving a seamless society

WANTED 3 REPORTERS

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

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

We are now hiring for the ff. job vacancies:

1. CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER (C.S.O.) Scope of Work: • Handling of customer services (e.g. inquiries, complaints, scheduling of services) • Preparation of quotation for clients • STARTING SALARY: P12, 000 (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE) 2. TECHNICAL ENGINEER (T.E.) Scope of Work: • Installation/Programming/Configuration for the ff. products *CCTV, PABX, PABGM, INTERCOM, BIOMETRICS, ACCESS CONTROL, FIRE ALARM • STARTING SALARY: P13, 000 (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE) 3.ACCOUNTS MANAGER (A.M.) Scope of Work: • Sales & Marketing for New Clients • STARTING SALARY: P15, 000 UP (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE) 4. STORE SUPERVISOR Scope of Work: • Responsible for daily store operation • Handling of manpower

Please email your resume to: sales@vmtech.com.ph or marcxtian@yahoo.com For walk in applicants, you may call the ff. branches: Cebu Office: (032) 2380912 Globe: 09173293471 • Sun: 09255014723 Davao Office: (082) 2212789 Globe: 09177952469 • Sun: 09322448030

14 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Yuka Saso adds a 72 to her opening 67.

Read more at http://www.spin. ph/golf/news/yuka-saso-ladies-philippine-golf-tour-princess-superal-eagle-ridge#hjPov73qglRukAWu.99

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO Sports 15

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

Laviña says Butch not interested with PSC

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

T

njb@edgedavao.net

HE spokesperson of presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte said yesterday former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez is not interested in returning to the sports agency.

In an interview after yesterday’s press briefing at the Marco Polo Davao, Pete Laviña said Ramirez was considered for the position as chairman of the sports governing body but he said the latter declined.

Lavina did not elaborate the reason why Ramirez, who is part of the Duterte campaign

team, declined the post.

“We will try to find someone there (PSC), we are looking at a number of suggestions,” Laviña said.

Some sportswriters from Manila earlier speculated Ramirez’s return to PSC after Duterte handily won the presidential race. However, a veteran scribe opined that the PSC may be too “small” for Ramirez who could be eyeing for a bigger office.

There were also questions whether Ramirez is qualified to be appointed to PSC or other government agency because of pending administra-

tive cases dating back to his tenure as PSC chairman.

Laviña also said that the transition team has already initially discussed the sports agenda under the Duterte presidency and among the more pressing concerns now is the Philippine delegation to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

“We have to address the needs of the athletes going to the Olympics because there is too little time to prepare. That one is among the urgent concerns. As to the appointments and policies, we are working on it,” Laviña said. “Mayor

Duterte has always been a supporter of sports, you can expect him to be behind our athletes and their needs.”

The Duterte Transition Committee is composed of campaign manager Leoncio Jun Evasco; assistant campaign manager and executive assistant Christopher “Bong” Go; Carlos G. Dominguez, former cabinet member and head of campaign finance committee; lawyers Salvador Medialdea and Loreto Ata, Duterte’s personal lawyers, and Laviña, the head of the Duterte-Cayetano Media Team.

ANOTHER BIG GAME. Steph Curry finished with five 3-pointers a day after becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history.

PETE LAVIÑA: “Sports will be thriving under Mayor Duterte.”

Davao recruit Pasaol shines for UE

A

LVIN Pasaol put on another impressive performance to lift University of the East to a 91-75 win over Lyceum on Wednesday in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup. The Davao recruit, who had just finished his one-year residency, had 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block to lead the Red Warriors to their first victory in three games.

UE forced Lyceum to 31 turnovers in the second half as the Red Warriors turned the game around after trailing, 2934, at halftime.

“The second half was an all-out effort especially on defense. That’s what we missed in the first half,” said UE coach Derrick Pumaren.

Nick Abanto had 13 points for the Red Warriors.

Joseph Gabayni had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a losing effort for Lyceum, which dropped to 1-2.

The scores: UE (91) — Pasaol 17, Abanto 13, Batiller 9, Palma 9, Derige 9, Manalang 8, P. Varilla 6, De Leon 6, Armenion 4, Penuela 4, Charcos 2, Acuno 2, Bartolome 2, Poblete 0, Larupay 0, Olayon 0, Gagate 0, Sta. Ana 0.

LPU (75) — Gabayni 20, Ayaay 14, Zamora 8, Baltazar 8, Malabanan 8, Alban 7, Soliman 6, Bulawan 2, Caduyac 1, Alanes 1, Marata 0, Magbuhos 0, Serafica 0.

Quarters: 18-19, 29-34, 60-56, 91-75.

Duncan looking to regain old form

F

ATHER Time can be awfully sneaky.

San Antonio forward Tim Duncan turned 40 last month, and the basketball world marveled at his accomplishments. Sure, his minutes were scaled back this season, but he played a significant role in helping the Spurs have their best regular season ever.

Suddenly, though, Duncan looks his age.

He has struggled in the past two games of the Western Conference semifinals against Oklahoma City’s young front line featuring Steven Adams and Enes Kanter. In Game Three, the 15-time All-Star, fivetime NBA champion and threetime Finals MVP went scoreless in 12 minutes, committed four fouls in the first half and did not play in the fourth quarter.

In Game Four, Duncan was 1 for 6 from the field and scored five points in 28 minutes.

Duncan likely will need to play more like his former self if the Spurs are to extend their season, and perhaps his career.

Duncan has a player option for next season, and he hasn’t made it clear what he will do.

When asked what he was doing to be effective against Duncan, Adams said “Nothing,” perhaps not wanting to give the future Hall of Famer any additional motivation.

Adams and Kanter also have slowed LaMarcus Aldridge, who averaged 39.5 points on 75 percent shooting the first two games. That has dropped to 21.3 points per contest on 36.7 percent shooting the last three games.

“He had a lot of open looks,” Kawhi Leonard said of Aldridge after Game Five. “They just didn’t fall. It’s basketball. Once we play the right way and get the shots we take and play hard, that’s all we could do.”

Adams, a 7-foot center from New Zealand, is averaging 10.2 points and 12.0 rebounds in the series. Kanter, a 6-foot11 forward from Turkey, is averaging 9.0 points and 7.6 rebounds. They usually don’t play together, but have been both been on the floor late in the past two games. Thunder coach Billy Donovan said Kanter and Adams have put in the time to make the experiment successful.

“I give them a lot of credit because, although we did it a little bit during the regular season, being able to get with those guys after practice and talk with those guys, seeing them work together to try to play off of each other — they’ve had to space the floor and work together.” Donovan said.

“They’ve got a good bond going there.”

Warriors move on to West Finals K

LAY Thompson’s sweet shooting touch carried the Warriors while Stephen Curry was down, and together again in the starting lineup the Splash Brothers led Golden State back to the Western Conference finals.

Thompson scored 33 points with six 3-pointers, Curry added 29 and sealed it with a 3 with 24.9 seconds left, and Golden State advanced to the West finals for the second straight season with a 125121 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Five on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time).

Curry finished with five 3-pointers a day after becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. He added 11 assists after returning to the starting lineup for the first time all series because of a knee injury.

Draymond Green, who had his left ankle re-taped in the fourth quarter, had 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists after guaranteeing Golden State would advance from this game.

Damian Lillard scored 28 points and CJ McCollum had 27 for the Trail Blazers.

The Warriors got past Portland playing without Curry for the first three games as he recovered from a sprained right knee.

Now, Golden State will wait

for the conclusion of the Oklahoma City-San Antonio series, led 3-2 by the Thunder. And the banged-up Warriors could use the time to get healthy.

They lost 7-foot center Andrew Bogut for the second half because of a right leg injury.

Thompson shot 13 for 17 and became the first player to have at least five 3s in seven straight games, also recording his fourth 30-point game this postseason.

Marreese Speights provided key minutes off the bench and made a 3-pointer with 8:19 to play after a layup the previous possession.

“Klay’s shooting was incredible tonight,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.

Curry’s 3-pointer to beat the third-quarter buzzer gave Golden State a 93-91 lead heading into the final 12 minutes, then the Warriors made sure their raucous crowd at Oracle Arena got to celebrate another series-clincher after they eliminated Houston at home — also winning that best-of-seven series 4-1.

The Trail Blazers were 16 of 36 on 3-pointers and unlike their Game 2 loss at Oracle Arena stayed in this one all 48 minutes.

Allen Crabbe, who played at the University of California in nearby Berkeley, scored 20 points.

Curry’s first points came at

the 5:29 mark of the first quarter and then he got Golden State right back in it on one wild sequence.

He missed a long 3-pointer off the front rim, Leandro Barbosa got the rebound and tried a backward pass to Curry that the point guard had to save. The ball went to Bogut, who turned toward the baseline and handed off to Curry from close range and buried a triple over his tall teammate with 4:34 to go.

Green, who blocked a career-high seven shots in Game 4 on Monday, made good on his declaration to eliminate Portland.

After Game Four, he said: “Do I think they’re done? Of course I think they’re done,” which he later acknowledged wasn’t meant as disrespect but rather to fuel his own team.

Curry started for the first time since Game Four of the first round at Houston, the day he slipped on a wet spot and sprained his knee.

He came off the bench in a 132-125 overtime win in Game Four and scored an NBA-record 17 points in the extra period on the way to 40.

Last year, on May 5, 2015, the Warriors lost their next game the day after Curry was named MVP — falling 97-90 at home to Memphis as Curry went 7 for 19, including 3 of 11 on 3-pointers, for 19 points.

Lillard, an Oakland native, was 7-for-24 shooting in his final game

of the season back home in the East Bay.

MVP CEREMONY Curry, donning one of those yellow “Strength in Numbers” T-shirts over his No. 30 jersey, received his MVP award from Commissioner Adam Silver before the game as fans chanted “M-V-P!” and video highlights played of Curry’s year.

“He reinvents the game every time he takes the floor,” Silver said.

Curry spoke briefly before re-joining his teammates for the anthem.

“I just want to say thank you to the fans, all of Dub Nation for your support all year long,” Curry said.

“It’s something I’ll never forget.

Let’s keep it going.”

TIP-INS Trail Blazers: Lillard has scored at least 14 points in each of his first 17 postseason games. ...

The Blazers missed 10 free throws (29 of 39).

Warriors: Golden State will appear in back-to-back Western Conference Finals for the second time in franchise history, also done in 1975-76. ... Curry made a 3-pointer in his 44th straight playoff games, tying Reggie Miller’s record set from 1995-2000. ... Green has four technicals this postseason.

16

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016