Edge Davao 9 Issue 58

VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

HELPING HAND. Two physically-challenged persons on wheelchair bring a fellow person with disability home by pushing his customized wheelchair along Sta. Ana Avenue in Davao City last night.

Presumptive president Rodrigo R. Duterte, who supports the group by providing them livelihood programs, wants to have concrete policies for the PWD sector. Lean Daval Jr.

MAKE WAY FOR ‘BATO’ Duterte names Dela Rosa as PHL top cop

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

S

ACKED earlier for his stern warning against election cheaters, Police Chief Supt. Ronald dela Rosa will now become the country’s next top policeman.

Dela Rosa, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1986, reportedly got the nod of president-elect and Rodrigo R. Duterte from among three nominees as the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Dela Rosa’s appointment was reported by 105.9 Balita

FM in its Facebook page yesterday afternoon. The report said it was Christopher “Bong” Go, Duterte’s executive assistant, who revealed the development.

Reached for comment, Dela Rosa neither confirm nor deny the appointment and would rather have Duterte make the announcement himself.

“Walang formal announcement from Mayor Duterte na ako na ang next PNP chief. Pero nag usap na making tatlo (Aspera and

Apolinario). Ayaw kong sakin manggaling, dapat sa kanya (Duterte) (There was no formal announcement from Mayor Duterte that I am the next PNP chief. But the three of us already talked. I don’t want to make the announcement, it should be from him),” Dela Rosa told 105.9 Balita FM. Bato, as Dela Rosa is called because of his rock-like physique, was referring to Chief Supt. Ramon Apolinario, officer-in-charge of the Mimaropa Region, and Sr. Supt. Rene

GOOD FRIENDS. Dela Rosa (left) chares a light moment with President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and his runningmate

F MAKE WAY, 10 Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano (right) in file photo.

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

HOPEFUL. Laborers work on a construction site beside a huge Duterte-Cayetano campaign tarpaulin along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Real estate and land development industry in the city is expecting a continued boost under the helm of president-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte. Lean Daval Jr.

DOH program gives free pneumonia vaccination to 9.2-M senior citizens

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

S

crc@edgedavao.net

ENIOR citizens who just turned 60 this year stand to receive “birthday gift” from the government.

This, after Health secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin led the launching of the Expanded Pneumococcal Immunization Program of the Department of Health (DOH) for more than 9.2 million senior citizens around the country yesterday at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

Under the program, the government’s birthday gift to the elderly, all senior citizens aged 60 and 65 years old can avail of free pneumococcal vaccination in their respective health centers.

“The vaccine will comprise of two doses: senior citizens aged 60 years old will be given the first does and will receive the second dose after a 5-year interval,” Garin told re-

porters in a press conference.

However, those aged 65 years old and above will receive only one dose of the pneumococcal vaccine.

Statistics showed that pneumonia is one of the leading causes of mortality among Filipinos along with heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

City health officer Dr. Josephine Villafuerte said Davao City has a total of 84,167 senior citizens, with 82,351 of them are registered under the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs, who are vulnerable to getting pneumonia.

Villafuerte said the city has 1,577 deaths last year related to pneumonia while there were a total of 14,966 cases in 2015, making the city as one of the areas with the highest prevalence rate.

EVEN troopers from the 10th Scout Ranger Company were wounded in a grenade attack in Jolo, Sulu early Wednesday morning.

The incident took place 5:21 a.m. at Barangay Walled City in the above-mentioned town.

Major Filemon Tan, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, said the victims were conducting a logistic run when a still unidentified suspect hurled a fragmentation grenade at the soldiers, wounding seven of the latter.

Logistics run means the

soldiers went to the town proper either for marketing or to get supplies.

Tan did not release the names of the wounded soldiers except in saying they belong to the 10th Scout Ranger Company of the Army’s 4th Scout Ranger Battalion based in Bud Datu, Tagbak, Indanan.

“They (the soldiers) opted not to open fire as civilians might be hit,” he said citing there were many people vicinity of the incident.

He said there is a big possibility that the Abu Sayyaf brigands were behind the grenade attack. (PNA)

F DOH, 10

7 troopers injured in Sulu grenade attack S

Reds: Talks first before cabinet

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

T

njb@edgedavao.net

HE proposal of president-elect Rodrigo Duterte to appoint four from the communist bloc to cabinet positions will have to wait after the two parties sit down and talk.

Interviewed yesterday by Manila-based radio station DZMM, Luis Jalandoni, the rebels’ exiled chief peace negotiator, said they welcome the plans by the new president which could pave the way for achieving peace in the country.

“We applaud the plans and programmes announced by president-elect Duterte. We

believe these would be key factors to achieving peace,” Jalandoni was quoted as telling DZMM by telephone.

Last Monday, Duterte offered four cabinet posts to members of the Left namely, agrarian reform, social welfare and development, labor and environment and natural resources. Duterte said he trusts in the expertise of the Left in the four portfolios.

According to the report, the Netherlands-based Jalandoni said the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) rebels were expected to shortly ex-

change delegation visits with the Duterte camp “as part of the process for preparing the resumption of peace talks” as well as to iron out terms of cooperation.

Duterte said on Monday during his first press conference after his landslide victory in the presidential polls that he welcomed plans by CPP founder Jose Maria Sison to end nearly 30 years of Dutch exile to take part in the peace talks.

In the same press briefing, Duterte also named lawyer Silvestre Bello III as his chief peace negotiator with the

CPP-NDF. Bello, the former secretary of the Department of Justice (DoJ) welcomed the incoming administration’s move to resume the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF).

Bello said in an interview that he will do his best to finally reach a peace agreement between the government and the CPP-NDF for peace and development of the country.

The formal peace negotiations with the communist movement were stalled in

with the communist movement, Bello said he will do his best to finally reach a peace agreement between the government and the CPP-NDF for peace and development of the country.

The formal peace negotiations with the communist movement was stalled in 2004 after the NDF withdrew from the negotiating table on account of the renewed inclusion of Jose Maria Sison and the CPP-NPA in the US terrorist list.

In the website of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the government conducted several rounds of informal talks through the facilitation of the Royal Norwegian Government as an attempt to revive the negotiations. RNG served as Third Party Facilitator for the talks since 2001.

There has been no progress. OPAPP said the informals, however, were stymied by prejudicial questions, impediments and preconditions

raised at the negotiating table.

In the two rounds of informals held in June and November 2009, the Parties agreed to: (a) work towards the resumption of the formal talks; (b) for GRP to lift the suspension of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG); (c) undertake confidence-building measures for the talks; (d) for GRP to work for the participation of the NDF’s four priority Consultants (Principe, Echanis, Bay-

F REDS, 10

Bello accepts offer as Duterte admin’s peace negotiator with CPP F

ORMER secretary of the Department of Justice (DoJ) Silvestre Bello III is accepting the offer of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte as peace negotiator and welcomed the incoming administration’s move to resume the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF).

Although he was surprised after being named by Duterte to be the government’s frontman in the peace negotiations

F BELLO, 10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

NAPOLCOM, PNP gear up for recruitment program

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HE National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) approved the recruitment of 21,200 personnel for the plantilla position of Police Officer 1 (PO1) through Resolution No. 2016-285 to increase police manpower strength, improve police-to-population ratio, and enhance police visibility program and anti-insurgency operation of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

NAPOLCOM Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Atty. Rogelio T. Casurao said that for CY 2016, PNP will recruit 10,000 civilians for the regular recruitment quota and 11,200 new police officers for the attrition recruitment quota.

“The regular recruitment quota is intended to strengthen the Public Safety Forces (PSFs) in identified Police Regional Offices (PROs) which operate in insurgency-affected areas and to support the personnel build-up of other PROs and some of the National Operational Support Units of the PNP, such as the Special Action Force (SAF), Maritime Group (MG) and Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP),” Casurao said.

Casurao added that the distribution of the quota is based on the prevailing peace and order condition and actual personnel demand in areas of operation covered by the respective PROs. The attrition recruitment quota is intended to replenish personnel loss due to retirement, death, dropping from

the rolls, separation, dismissal and resignation from the police service.

The 10,000 regular quota is distributed per region, as follows: PRO1- 450; PRO2500; PRO3- 450; PRO4A- 700; PRO4B- 450; PRO5- 800; PRO6- 375; PRO7- 375; PRO8800; PRO9- 500; PRO10- 600; PRO11- 500; PRO12- 500; PRO13- 800; PRO COR- 800; PRO ARMM- 300; NCRPO400; PRO18- 300; MG- 200; AVSEGROUP - 200. The SAF was not allocated a quota for this recruitment program.

The 11,200 attrition quota is distributed per region, as follows: PRO1- 500; PRO2- 600; PRO3- 1,100; PRO4A- 1,000; PRO4B- 500 PRO5- 450; PRO6- 600; PRO7700; PRO8- 450; PRO9- 500; PRO10- 600; PRO11- 600; PRO12- 500; PRO13- 300; PRO COR- 300; PRO ARMM500; NCRPO- 1,000; PRO18300; SAF - 200; MG- 200; AVSEGROUP - 300.

“Chiefs of PNP offices/ units and members of the PNP Regional Screening Committees are required to ensure strict compliance with the recruitment procedures and guarantee the appointment of the best and most qualified police personnel, otherwise, they would be subjected to administrative sanctions,” Casurao stressed.

Applications can be filed at the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan Taguig City and at the Police Regional Offices nationwide. (PNA)

NEWS 3

PLAY TIME. A young boy plays atop a fishing boat while fishermen prepare their nets before sailing out to the Davao Gulf yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Aquino signs law protecting kids in emergency situations P

RESIDENT Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday signed into law a bill mandating all concerned government agencies to provide relief and protection for children during emergency situations.

The bill which originated in the Senate and approved as Senate Bill No. 3034 by both the houses of Congress last Feb. 16 will now be registered

as Republic Act No. 10821 or Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act. The enactment ceremony was held at the Rizal Hall of the Malacanang Palace and witnessed Senate President Franklin Drilon, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, Senator Bam Aquino, congresswomen Susan Yap and Linabelle Ruth Villarica,

partners from international and local civil societies and children beneficiaries. ”Hanggang sa mga huling sandali ng pagbagtas natin sa Daang Matuwid, narito po tayo at ang inyong gobyerno, nakatutok sa pagtutupad ng isang panata: Ipamana ang isang Pilipinas na di hamak na mas maganda kaysa ating dinatnan,” President said in his speech.

President Aquino said the new law aims to create comprehensive and extensive plans to assure the protection of the Filipino children affected by calamities, disasters and other forms of emergencies. ”Sa mga pagkakataong ito, kabataan ang pinaka-nanganganib ang kalagayan dahil talagang wala silang kalaban-laban,” he said.

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4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

DOLE cites SMB as law-compliant firm L ABOR Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz recently conferred a citation to the San Miguel Brewery, Inc. Darong Plant in the municipality of Sta. Cruz, for being a Labor Law Compliant firm.

The recognition is the first in the entire province of Davao del Sur and it is normally given to companies complying to the requirements and labor standards of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Sec. Baldoz also did the honor of unveiling the Labor Law Compliance Marker at SMB Plant, with DOLE-11 Regional Director Joffrey Suyao,

NEW TOURIST SPOT. Visitors drop by the house of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte at Doña Luisa subdivision in Matina, Davao City on May 14, 2016 and pose beside a standee of the mayor, the 16th President of the Philippines and the first Mindanawon to lead the country. MindaNews photo

by TOTO LOZANO

DavNor voters show political maturity V

OTERS in Davao del Norte have levelled up their political maturity, according to Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario said.

Guesting in the recently held Tagum Biz Talk at Big 8, Del Rosario, 81, made the assessment saying people were looking for clear direction in governance, and that despite some black propaganda, “our electorate remained objective in choosing their candidates based on the presentation

of their programs and their platforms”.

“What I have noticed is that the black propaganda, di na pinapansin ng mga tao ngayon (the black propaganda are no longer given attention by people now). It shows maturity and education on the part of our people and I appreciated that very much,” Del Rosario said.

He noted that efforts geared towards educating the electorates and pro-

viding them the necessary information to know more about the candidates had helped the people decide objectively despite the mud-slinging during the campaign period.

He was out of the political race but Del Rosario admitted having been hit by a slew of black propaganda to discredit the candidates under his team, “but the people responded positively, that only proved that the people can no longer be misguided.”

the strongholds of the communists New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao.

The incoming governor pointed out of the sacrifices of the local government units (LGUs) in Compostela Valley and their constituents due to the continued presence of the rebels in the area – the displacement of people in communities in years due to armed confrontations.

Uy said he now fully understands the situation of the province, the yearnings of its people and the principles and the rebels have been fighting for years.

Prior to his rise to the highest office in Compostela Valley, Uy served for three consecutive terms as Board Member in the province.

“They (NPAs) are also citizens of this country. They are Filipinos. There is no more reason the fighting will continue. Let the talks be opened again. I am willing to help,” he emphasized.

Aside from the silencing of guns, Uy said the presence of peace, if the talks prosper will further develop Compostela Valley, especially the countryside.

He is also hopeful the incoming Duterte administration will bring change in the government especially in the fight against drugs, crime and corruption.

“We also expect a more disciplined law enforcers and vigilant barangay officials when Duterte assumes office in Malacañang,” he added.

Uy is also looking forward for a change in the system of government to federalism to further strengthen the revenue generation efforts of LGUs in the country.

“Federalism will bring real devolution in government, the genuine decentralization of the powers of government agencies down to the LGUs to effect change,” he pointed out. (PNA)

“I think in the future, our future candidates should learn better. The people are looking for programs, platforms of the candidates; hindi sila nakikinig sa black propaganda (they’re not listening to black propaganda),” Del Rosario said.

(Jeanevive Duron-Abangan, PIA XI)

SMB Plant Manager Wilfredo R. Camaclang, SMB National Human Resource and Business Affairs and Communications Head Enrico Reyes and Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez Other offices of SMB which also qualified for recognition and were entitled to the marker include the regional offices in Ulas, Davao City and Tagum City which belong to Metro Davao Sales Operations and Provincial Davao Sales Operations, respectively.

To date, SMB has a total of eight establishments nationwide which qualified for the recognition markers. (CDIOSta. Cruz/Julius Paner)

Old Tagum city hall to be turned into cultural center

T

HE Old City Hall will soon become the City Cultural and Historical Center.

Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon bared during the recent Tagum Biz Talk at Big 8 that one of his priority projects in his second term is the conversion of the old city hall located in Rizal Street into a Cultural and Historical Center.

The city government vacated the old city hall and transferred to the New City Hall in Brgy. Apokon last March 7 during the celebration of the 18th Araw ng Tagum.

He said that the initial proposal of the City Historical and Cultural Commission includes a museum, library and Pasalubong

Center.

“This is one of the immediate infrastructures that we will develop to preserve the building,” he said.

According to the city’s history, the old city hall was built in the early 1950s.

Mayor Rellon also emphasized that there will be clearing of unnecessary structures around the old city hall.

“If Gov. (Rodolfo) del Rosario still can remember, this was his suggestion before to clear these eye sores structures.

Rellon also disclosed that the Sangguniang Panlungsod Building will house among others the Fiscal’s Office and Provincial Attorney’s Office. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

Uy to help in quest for peace with Reds

T

HE newly-elected governor of Compostela Valley province offered himself to help the administration of presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte in its quest to win peace and development in the country through the resumption of talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF) of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“I am willing to join and help President Duterte in the peace talks with the NDF. I can be of help,” said recently-proclaimed Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy said Tuesday.

Uy also expressed appreciation to the openness of the incoming president to the communist movement, saying that such gesture manifests the coming of change in the country.

The province of Compostela Valley is considered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as among

CLASSROOM FINALLY. Prior to the implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS, students in Barangay Lagumit in Malita town, Davao Occidental held their classes in a makeshift classroom beneath a mango tree since their room could not accommodate a large number

of students. With the construction of a two-classroom High School building worth P 1,488,158.00 through Kalahi-CIDSS, 90 students can now comfortably sit and learn inside their brand new rooms. (DSWD)

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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NEW BEAUTY PARLOR. Hairology Salon owner Peter Reyes (center) raises the ribbon after yesterday’s grand opening of the latest beauty parlor in Davao City at the 3rd floor of Gaisano Mall of Davao. Gracing the

event were Roselle Joy Reyes (third from left) and local television personalities Rovic Cuasito (right), Cherry Manning (second from right), Dottie Ibañez (second from left), and Ruben Gonzaga. Lean Daval Jr.

Rody package eyed for Davao visitors E

XPECTING a deluge of visitors after a landslide victory of incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 will come up with a “get-to-know-your-president” type of tour packages.

This was revealed by DOT regional director Roberto Alabado III during Tuesday’s Davao Business Forum at the SM City.

Alabado, who was former head of Davao City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) during the time of Sara Duterte-Carpio as mayor from 2010 to 2013, met a group of tour operators here to draft initial plans.

“We may have to have a tour package solely for our president. (In his campaign) we have been showcasing ano ang mga nagawa nya dito sa Davao. We are thinking of creating a tour package, focusing on him and his accomplish-

ments, ano ang life story niya,” he said. “We can showcase him in the tour.”

Alabado said that they will suggest to Museo Dabawenyo to dedicate a room for Duterte where the visitors can learn about his personal history.

Davao City has created a curiosity among domestic tourists when Duterte led the presidential surveys and became the apparent winner after the May 9 elections, he said.

“Today, we will sit down with the tour operators. Dapat handa kami for that. There are visitors who are coming here because they want to learn about their president,” he added.

Alabado said he was thinking about including in the tour package the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), Davao City Central 911, City Hall, and some places around the city where Duter-

te’s policies had transformed them into a peaceful and progressive area.

Part of the package will be a quick tour to the now popular residence of Duterte in Doña Luisa Subdivision in Matina.

He said there are tourists who became suddenly interested about how the 71-yearold mayor ran the city for more 22 years beginning in 1988 when he was first elected.

Duterte 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.

“People who would like to know Duterte would want to know the policies that he implemented in Davao which he planned to replicate in the

tional travel organizations and the successful hosting of APEC and other events,” Canizal said in a text message.

In January 18 to 22, the Philippines hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), which is a cooperative regional meeting meant to promote the ASEAN region as a single tourist destination.

The country also hosted other big-ticket events such as the Routes Asia last March 6 to 8 and the second edition of Madrid Fusion Manila last April 7 to 9 to name a few.

For March 2016 alone, foreign tourist arrivals reached 510,270 which is an 11.86 percent increase versus the

456,163 arrivals in the same period last year.

The country’s tourist arrivals grew by double digit this year at 13.17 percent in January, 20.42 percent in February, and 11.86 percent in March.

Top three markets include Korea with a total of 383,544 visitors for the first quarter of 2016, supplying the biggest arrivals to the country. Korea is followed by the USA with 231,233 visitors and China with 184,512 visitors.

Rounding up the top ten visitor markets are Japan (143,624 visitors), Australia (67,265 visitors), Canada (53,301 visitors), Taiwan

F RODY, 10

Tourists hit 1.6 M in Q1 2016 T

HE Philippines welcomed a total of 1.6-million foreign tourists in the first quarter of 2016, backed by aggressive marketing activities and international events under its ‘Visit the Philippines Again’ campaign, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Wednesday.

DOT Asst. Sec. Rolando Canizal said that this number is an increase of around 15 percent compared to the 1.39 million acquired in the same quarter last year.

“The growth is attributed to the good perception of the Philippines as a destination as shown by various awards and citations given by interna-

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6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

Trade mission to Malaysia, Singapore

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

R

crc@edgedavao.net

EPRESENTATIVES from the Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 and the private sector will fly to Singapore and Malaysia next week for trade mission.

Speaking before the Tuesday’s Davao Business Forum at SM City Davao, DOT 11 regional director Roberto P. Alabado III said the team from Davao will conduct product update to the members of Malaysian and Singaporean counterpart, tour operators, and travel agencies.

Alabado said delegates from the region and some from

Visayas will present respective new tourist destinations to these two East Asian nations on May 23 to 24.

For Davao, Alabado said his team will be showcasing new destinations like the white sand beaches of Talikud and Buenavista Island and the recently-launched Mt. Hamiguitan in Davao Oriental.

The trade mission aims to entice Singaporean and Malaysian tourist to come over and explore destinations in Davao and the rest of Mindanao.

He said it is important to

Phoenix Petroleum grows volume by 56% year-on-year

D

AVAO-BASED leading independent oil company Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. (PNX. PS) announced On Wednesday a consolidated net income of P255 million for the first quarter of 2016, an increase of 11% against last year’s performance.

This is brought about by the increase in sales volume of petroleum products by 56% compared to the same period in 2015.

Growth in sales volume was driven by strong performances from the retail and commercial sales segments of the company. Retail Sales grew by 22% from the expansion of the company’s retail station network and improvements in same store sales.

The Company added 14 more retail stations to its network of 454 stations as of the end of 2015, for a total of 468 stations as of March 31.

Moreover, sales to commercial accounts, primarily to the power, shipping, fishing, mining, and transportation sectors, registered a continuous growth during the year.

Phoenix Petroleum supplies about 50% of Cebu Pacific’s jet fuel requirements and handles all their logistics needs in Mindanao and many parts of Visayas.

The Company continues to expand its logistics (shipping and land transport), stor-

age, and infrastructure to support both its retail network expansion and its commercial and industrial clients.

The non-fuel related business (NFRB) complements the growth of the retail segment by adding more locators to various retail station sites.

The Company has been growing this segment as it builds bigger stations with ample spaces that can accommodate the growing needs of NFRB by capitalizing on the company’s brand and the stations’ good location.

Total shareholder’s equity was P10.230 billion as of March 31, 2016 as against P10.023 billion in December 31, 2015 as a result of the current period’s net income net of the cash dividends declared during the year.

The company plans to embark on a share buy-back program this year of up to two hundred fifty million pesos (P250,000,000.00). The Company believes that its share price is heavily discounted in them market compared with its peers in the country and in the region.

Phoenix Petroleum is the fastest growing oil company today with an expanding network of operations nationwide. It is engaged in the business of trading refined petroleum products and lubricants, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, shipping/logistics and allied services.

DBM: Next administration to inherit robust, performance-based budget

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HE Department of Budget and Management confirmed today that 84 percent of the P3-trillion budget for 2016 has been released to agencies as of end April 2016, but this does not mean that the incoming administration has been left with little resources for its priority programs.

“It is not true that only 16 percent of the budget is left, contrary to the claim of the camp of former Vice President Jejomar Binay. That is an incorrect and malicious claim.

Allotment releases to agencies do not indicate actual spend-

ing of funds,” Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad said.

An allotment gives an agency the authority to obligate funds for projects. When projects have been awarded, the funds have been obligated and it is only then that actual funds are disbursed to agencies to pay the contractors and suppliers.

Abad clarified that of the total P3.002 trillion general appropriation in 2016, P2.505 trillion in allotments have already been released to government agencies. The remaining allotments amount

F DBM, 13

conduct product updating especially now that the city is gaining popularity abroad because of the landslide victory of President Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Very few tourists still know Davao. Knowledge of tourists about destinations in the country is limited to areas like Boracay, Bohol, and Cebu.

Davao is considered to the gateway to the rest of Mindanao. The numbers of Singaporean and Malaysian tourists have been increasing for the past year, putting them on the

top 10 foreign visitors of the region.

The mission, Alabado said, targets to increase the traffic for existing airlines like Cebu Pacific Air and Silk Air which have been providing direct flights between Davao and Singapore.

Last December 17, the Lance Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific launched its twice-weekly Davao City-Singapore flights, while SilkAir increased flight frequency to cater the growing demand from the two cities.

Early this year, represen-

tatives from Cebu Pacific and DOT 11 flew to Singapore for another mission for the promotion of different tourist destinations and local cuisines of the Davao Region.

During the recent trade mission, he said the delegates from Davao were able to identify the requirement and interests of the Singaporean tourists.

Alabado said visitors from the Merlion city are interested to visit eco-tourism destinations and experience eco-adventure activities like

snorkeling, scuba diving, and spelunking.

The recent mission resulted in the visitation of 8-member group of female bloggers who were able to experience different destinations in the region like the beaches of Samal Island, and the wild water rafting in Davao River and a roam in the Crocodile Park.

Alabado said this activity will allow bloggers to get to know the tourist attractions in the island and share their experience to their readers through their blogs.

GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL. A shopper browses a collection of notebooks on display at the atrium of a mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue yesterday as part of its back-to-school promotion. Lean Daval Jr.

Incoming agriculture chief gets marching orders from Duterte I

NCOMING agriculture secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol said he has two initial marching orders from presumptive President Rodrigo R. Duterte--to make sure that food is available and affordable, and to stop corruption in the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Piñol, who has started making the rounds of the country talking to farmers and inspecting farms affected

by El Niño, told Edge Davao that he will give a report on the situation on the ground to Dutere before their inauguration on June 30.

On his first marching order, Piñol told Edge Davao

that corruption in the Department of Agriculture take place during the bidding and implementation of projects.

To curb corrupt these nefarious activities, Pinol said he will push for the formulation of the agriculture infrastructure monitoring and advisory group whose focus is to keep track of infrastructure projects of the agency.

The group, he said, will be composed of representatives from DA, local government units, barangay captains and stakeholders from farmers organization, religious sector groups, and civic society organizations.

The former North Cota-

bato governor said members of the monitoring group will ensure that the project will be implemented “the right way” based on the project design and specifications.

Under his incoming administration of the agency, he also plans to install more irrigation systems throughout the country to increase farmers’ productivity which will also positively affect their income.

“We will make sure that production areas in the country will have efficient water and irrigation system,” he said.

He targets to improve distribution of plant inputs

like seedlings and fertilizers through establishment of farmers exchange center which will act like a “store.”

“The center will like be a store where farmers can have direct access to seeds, fertilizers and other farm inputs,” Piñol added.

Farmers will be able to avail these services through soft loan without interest.

“DA intends to give farmers with initial capitalization so that they will be able to start immediately,” he added.

Piñol said he will immediately implement these initiatives once he takes his oath on June 30. CHENEEN R. CAPON

HE prices of basic and prime commodities in South Cotabato has remained steady and stable as a price freeze remains in effect in the province following its declaration under the state of calamity last March due to the effects of the El Nino Phenomenon.

Rectoniel Reginio, chief trade-industry development

specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry in South Cotabato, said Wednesday local business establishments and public market traders have properly complied with the price freeze since its imposition.

He said the have been monitoring the prices of various commodities in commercial establishments and public

markets on a weekly basis as part of their mandate.

“There have been no increases so far in the prices of basic and prime commodities in our major trading centers,” he said in a media forum.

Reginio said they have linked with the province’s city and municipal governments for the price monitoring activities.

Based on an order issued by the DTI provincial office, no adjustments or increases in the prices of all basic and prime commodities will take effect within 60 days from the calamity declaration last March 21.

“It may be extended beyond 60 days depending on the situation,” Reginio said.

Prices of basic goods in SoCot remain stable T

F PRICES, 13

EDGEDAVAO

7 HEALTH

VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

When eating less means longer life Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

D

URING fiestas, birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, most Filipinos eat more than they can consume. They eat as if there is no tomorrow.

It is no wonder why buffet restaurants all over the country are always full. “Eat all you can” doesn’t seem to be the rule instead of the exception.

Gluttony, which is one of the seven deadly sins, is written all over the place.

Like Americans, Filipinos love to eat. Unfortunately, this love for eating makes a person more susceptible to diseases and may actually reduce one’s lifespan. “Eating less may be the new secret to prolonging life,” says Dr. Willie T. Ong, an internist-cardiologist and book author.

One piece of evidence comes from the people living in Okinawa Island in Japan, which boasts of having one of the longest life spans worldwide. Many Okinawans live up to over 100 years old.

One news report states: “The people of Okinawa live longer and are healthier than anyone else in the world.

There are more than 800 centenarians living on the tiny island and diseases like cancer, diabetes and hypertension are rare. Healthy seniors work actively in fishing and farming, seemingly immune to the effects of old age.”

What is their secret? “They eat less,” wrote Amy Toffelmire in an article which appeared in “The Times Herald.” “On average, Okinawans eat 11% fewer calories than those eating a standard Japanese diet.

And they practice something called ‘hara hachi-bu,’ which translates roughly to ‘eat until you’re 80% full.’”

Although the “eating less to live more” concept, at first, seems hard to believe, studies done on animals and humans seem to prove this theory.

Studies done in rats, monkeys, fish, and even microscopic yeast, show that semi-starved animals live as much as 50% longer than their overweight and fully-fed counterparts. It was found that thinner animals have less diabetes, cancer, and heart and brain disease.

A study conducted on human beings had the same conclusion. A 2006 pilot study enrolled 48 subjects to either a normal diet or a 25% reduced calorie diet, for over

Avoid not-so-health food Avoid sugary food

six months. The researchers were trying to see if food restriction (less caloric intake) can down the aging process.

Results show that the low calorie group had lower bad cholesterol levels, lower blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance.

The above study has been featured in numerous articles, including one that appeared in “Time” magazine. “I feel better, lighter and healthier,” one participant was quoted as saying.

“But if it could help you live longer, that would be pretty amazing.”

Currently, a trial on CALERIE (Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy) is underway in the United States.

Its purpose is “to study the effects of prolonged calorie restriction on healthy human subjects.”

The CALERIE study is being carried out at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (Boston, Massachusetts) and the Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis, Missouri).

What could be the reason why eating less seems to be beneficial to the body? “Some experts have theorized that

being slightly hungry may act as a mild stressor that makes us stronger and more resistant to disease,” writes Dr. Ong in his book, “Stay Younger, Live Healthier.” “Less food may also mean less waste products and toxic materials stored in the body. Eating less may also possibly slow down one’s metabolism, which could delay the aging process.”

Just eating less meat, for instance, has a protective effect. A National Cancer Institute study of 500,000 people found that those who ate 113 grams of red meat or more daily were 30 percent more likely to have died of any cause during a 10-year period than were those who consumed less. Sausage, luncheon meats and other processed meats also increased the risk. Those who ate mostly poultry or fish had a lower risk of death.

Although most experts still are not sure why eating less may be beneficial, they know that eating in excess is bad for your health. For one, the body needs to work doubly harder to digest the food. “Blood sugar levels will also rise steeply with a large food intake,” Dr. Ong adds.

Eating too much also can lead to obesity, the condition of a person having excessive weight for his/her height, build, and age. A few years

back, the Philippines was ranked third as having the “fattest people” in Asia – after Malaysia and Singapore. At that time, about 500,000 Filipinos were classified as obese.

Today, that figure has considerably increased. According to a survey conducted by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), obesity is increasing among Filipino adults ages 20 and up. Based on the study, there were about 20 out of 100 adults of both sexes who were overweight 1998. The figure then increased to 24 and 27 out of 100 in 2003 and 2008, respectively.

Obesity is known to increase the risk of cardiovas-

cular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. In addition, obesity is now recognized as an important risk factor in the development of several respiratory diseases, including obstructive sleep apnea and obesity-hypoventilation syndrome. More recent data suggest that the prevalence of wheezing and bronchial hyper-responsiveness, two symptoms often associated with asthma, are increased in overweight and obese individual.

That’s what overeating will do. But if you eat just enough or around 10-20% less than your usual food intake, your body can obtain several health benefits. “Your blood pressure, blood sugar level and cholesterol level will most likely decrease,” Dr. Ong says.

“Losing weight can also make you less prone to arthritis and other diseases.”

What kind of foods should you eat? Eat only those which are healthy and good for your body. “The traditional Okinawan diet emphasizes nutrient-dense but low-calorie foods,” writes Toffelmire.

The Holy Bible states: “You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten” (Leviticus

11:47).

Dr. Ong suggests eating more the following: vegetables, fruits, fish, beans and soy products. Eggs, wheat bread and high-fiber cereals are also acceptable. As much as possible, the following are to be taken less: beef, pork, sugary beverages and desserts. Foods with a high fat and high sugar content, such as candies, gravies, creams and icings, must be limited.

Eating too much white rice is not also healthy. “White rice can be reduced and replaced with healthy vegetables like cabbage, kangkong, bean sprouts, and broccoli,” Dr. Ong suggests. “If you usually take two cups of rice, reduce this to one cup. If you’re eating a cup of rice, reduce this to twothirds cup.”

Here’s one nutritionist said of rice: “Rice is digested to become sugar. Rice cannot be digested before it is thoroughly cooked. However, when thoroughly cooked, it becomes sugar and spikes circulating blood sugar within half an hour-almost as quickly as it would if you took a sugar candy.”

A concurrent advice to eating less is to eat more often, preferably five to six times a day. “This strategy won’t make you fat if you will stick to

F HEALTH, 13

More fruits

More vegetables

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

A

Quest for peace

PEACEFUL solution to the long-drawn insurgency conflict between the Philippine government and the communist movement looms over the horizon as the incoming administration of president-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte and leaders of the Maoist rebels continue to cement the path for a long and lasting peace in the land. The road to the long-desired resolution to one of Asia’s longest insurgencies became wider this time after Duterte offered the communists four Cabinet positions under his administration, and with the rebels complimenting the incoming leader’s gesture by giving assurance that they are ready to go back to the negotiating table and resume the stalled peace process.

No less than the founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), Jose Maria Sison, vowed to end his 30 years of exile in the Netherlands to return home and personally take part in the peace talks. The fact that Sison himself will lead the negotiations on the part of the communists and that also Netherlands-based Luis Jalandoni, the rebel’s chief negotiator, expressing confidence

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on the Duterte administration, the quest for peace received a tremendous boost.

Duterte had promised during the campaign period that he would pursue the peace talks with the communist rebels. After getting an overwhelming mandate from the electorate in the May 9 presidential race, Duterte put himself in a vantage position to realize his goal of brokering a peace deal with the rebels and partly achieve his dream of seeing the Filipino people live in peace and harmony. It’s no secret that Duterte is also aiming to attain a peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and even visited the Moro rebels’ lair in one of his campaign sorties to underscore his sincerity towards the group.

And, as it has become clearer now, Duterte’s peace-keeping efforts are slowly bearing fruit. His offer for peace is genuine, initiallty with the Reds whose confidence was boosted when Duterte expressed willingness to release all political prisoners and grant them amnesty to get the peace talks started. The nation can’t wait to have peace.

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T

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Reviewing Daang Matuwid economics

HE government economic managers are bright economic minds that ought to have given flesh to important programs to push growth in areas where they are needed. Alas, They have been used to free markets and were left to support certain sectors which they think are champions of growth, and listen daily to “stock analysts” who tend to reduce economic performance to the flimflam of fleeting portfolio investments and bourse performance. Hence, they fall into the trap set by failures like Mar Roxas, who warned of a stock market crash and currency decline on the advent of a Duterte presidency. After six years, the sectors that have grown thus far are those that can give quick results to shore up a governance agenda needing a larger support base.

Obviously, BPO and OFW income remain winners and manufacturing is picking up. The externalities of this growth are of

O

VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

N June 30, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte will be inaugurated as the new president of the Republic of the Philippines. The very first from Mindanao (although he was born in Maasin, Leyte; he grew up in Davao City), Digong -- as his close friends and family members call him -- will be the 16th president of the country.

During his campaign, he was asked who supported his presidency. He answer, in jest, that it was Emilio Aguinaldo who financed his expenses.

Unknowingly, Aguinaldo was the first ever president of the Philippines. A leader of revolutionary forces first against Spanish rule and then against the United States, he became the president of the short-lived Malolos Republic (considered the first Philippine Republic) in 1899.

Aguinaldo ended his presidency when he was captured at Palanan, Isabela by American troops in 1901. Although the republic never received international recognition, the Philippine government recognized Aguinaldo as its first president.

During the American colonial period (1898–1946), the Philippine Commonwealth was established with Manuel L. Quezon as the president. As such, he became the country’s second president.

“During the Second World War, the Philippines had three Presidents - one de facto and two de jure – with two concurrently heading rival governments either under Allied or Axis influence,” Wikipedia reports. “Presidents Manuel L. Quezon and his successor, Sergio Osmeña served under the American-controlled Commonwealth of the Philippines and its subsequent government-in-exile, respectively. President José P. Laurel was a puppet ruler of the Second Republic – a client state of the Empire of Japan, which asserted that the Phil-

course, Metro MY TWO CENTS’ Manilas traffic and yucky port congestion.

Hence, flyovers, new tollways and viaducts are needed for Metro Manila, which is still designed as the country’s John Tria premier port ecisouth@gmail.com of entry. Are the Gods at Manila’s Customs house must be jumping for joy?

The agriculture sector that could have brought sustained equitable growth and reduced poverty, however, has declined. While some subsectors like poultry gained, the

sector as a whole has shrunk. Just last year it shrunk by .37% while population growth rates remain at about 1.9%. This is the most worrisome, and the obstacle to true inclusive growth. Robust agriculture could have fed the hungry third and boosted local economies by shoring up their purchasing power and reducing the cost of living of all Filipinos.

This would have made the inclusive growth real. Looking at the DA, however, deliberate programs to boost production are hampered by the fact that agricultural land has no value to banks. Thererfore, landowners turn to loan sharks for financing. This key reform item was unfulfilled. I hope it is not ignored by the next administration. Financing means production. Having little financing dampens production.

The result is that Daang Matuwid economics only strengthened imperial Manila’s chokehold on the economy. It decided all

policy and simply downloaded all to the regions. Poverty remained the same, and some say increased in spite of the increased GDP growth.

The real question to be asked is whether the economic policy bias of Daang Matuwid actually set the stage for longer terms economic growth. My answer: it made PNOY look Good, and gave Mar Roxas the numbers to brag about in front of the Wharton elite. sadly, the growth in the countryside, where it mattered didnt take off. Whether or not this creates the sustainability and equity is another question. These investments are spread as an enlarged urban carpet around metro manila. The regions remain untouched.

In my mind its simply growth with equity to include the margins such as agriculture.

GDP Growth means nothing if a third remain left behind, and cannot be sustained if those left behind cannot contribute.

ippines was inTHINK ON THESE! dependent.”

Laurel’s term ended with his dissolving the Philippine Republic on August 17, 1945 in the wake of the surrender of Japanese forces Henrylito D. Tacio to the Amerihenrytacio@gmail.com cans at World War II. He was not formally recognized as a President until the rule of Diosdado Macapagal.

Manuel L. Roxas became the fifth president when he was elected in 1946, a post he held until his death in 1948. Briefly, he served as the third and last president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from May 28, 1946 to July 4, 1946.

After the untimely death of in 1948, Elpidio R. Quirino succeeded the presidency. He ran for president again in the 1953 presidential election, but was defeated by Ramon Magsaysay, an auto mechanic. He was sworn into office wearing the Barong Tagalog, a first by a Filipino president. He was then called “Mambo Magsaysay.”

Wikipedia wrote of Magsaysay’s administration: “During his term, he made Malacañang literally a ‘house of the people,’ opening its gates to the public. One example of his integrity followed a demonstration flight aboard a new plane belonging to the Philippine Air Force (PAF): President Magsaysay asked what the operating costs per hour were for that type of aircraft and then wrote a personal check to the PAF, covering the cost of his flight. He restored the people’s trust in the military and in the government.”

But Magsaysay’s term was cut short when he figured in a plane crash on December 30, 1957. Vice-President Carlos García, who was on an official visit to Australia at the time of the accident, assumed the presidency. Garcia became the first president to hail from the Visayas.

Garcia ran for re-election but was defeated by Diosdado P. Macapagal, who became the ninth President of the Philippines, serving from 1961 to 1965. When he ran again, he was defeated by a young lawyer named Ferdinand E. Marcos, who would rule the country for 21 years.

The administration of Marcos ended with the People Power Revolution in 1986. Corazon C. Aquino, the widow of Benigno Aquino, was installed the president, making her as the first woman president of the country.

Aquino was succeeded by Fidel V. Ramos, who served as her chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and then as head of the Department of National Defense. The twelfth president served the country from 1992 to 1998.

The thirteenth president was Joseph Estrada, a former movie actor who also served as mayor, senator and then vice-president. But after three years in the office, he deposed after the Supreme Court declared him as resigned. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, then the vice-president, succeeded and finished the three remaining years.

GMA ran again in the following election and won the presidency. When her presidency was almost to end, Cory Aquino died. Thousands of people attended the burial of Aquino when made the rivals of GMA to allow the son of the late president, Benigno Aquino III, to run.

Aquino ran and won the presidency. He became the 15th president of the Philippines.

In the last election, five aspirants competed

against each other: Rodrigo Duterte, Manuel Roxas, Grace Poe, Jejomar Binay and Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Duterte, who was never defeated whenever he ran for a government office, overlorded the other four.

So far, only three presidents of the Philippines are still alive (excluding the forthcoming Duterte): Fidel V. Ramos (who completely retired from politics), Joseph Estrada (who is now mayor of Manila), and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (now a Congressman from Pampanga).

Generally, the President of the Philippines takes the Oath of Office at noon of June 30 following the Presidential election.

Traditionally, the Vice-President takes the Oath first, a little before noon. This is for two reasons: first, according to protocol, no one follows the President (who is last due to his supremacy), and second, to establish a constitutionally valid successor before the President-elect accedes.

You may wonder: how much does a president receives? Article XVIII Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution provides that until the Congress provides otherwise the President shall receive an annual salary of P300,000.00.

On March 14, 2007, GMA issued Executive Order No. 611, in which the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is hereby directed to implement a ten percent (10%) increase over the basic monthly salaries of civilian government personnel whose positions are covered by the Compensation and Position Classification System, including the salaries of the President, Vice-President, Senators and members of the House of Representatives, “but to take effect only after the expiration of the respective terms of office of the incumbent officials pursuant to Section 10 of Article VI and Section 6 of Article VII of the 1987 Constitution.”

All the Philippine Presidents

10 NEWS MAKE WAY... FROM 1

EDGEDAVAO

Aspera, the chief of staff of the PNP-Anti-Kidnapping Group.

Duterte had earlier announced that his preferred PNP chief will come from among the three officers.

Dela Rosa will serve the Duterte administration as PNP chief for only 11 months as he is set to retire from service in May 2017. Duterte will assume office noon of June 30, 2016.

The incoming PNP top gun

was earlier relieved from his post as brigade commander of the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) in Camp Crame for partisan politics.

Dela Rosa, a marksman who once served as director of the Davao City Police OPfficde (DCPO), got the ire of his superiors after posting on his Facebook page that he would “crush” elections cheats.

Duterte’s decision to ap-

point Dela Rosa to the post came as no surprise. The police officer was instrumental in the successful combat against illegal drugs and organized crime groups in Davao when he was head of the police force from January 2012 to October 2013.

Prior to his assignment in Davao City, Dela Rosa was head of the Davao del Sur Provincial Police Office (DDSPPO).

2004 after the NDF withdrew from the negotiating table on account of the renewed inclusion of Sison and the CPP-NPA in the US terrorist list.

Sison is Duterte’s former political science professor at a Manila university. His return, Duterte said, would be important in helping to end the rebellion, which has claimed an estimated 30,000 lives since the 1960s.

Jalandoni said in the radio interview that the communist rebels, who have been waging one of Asia’s longest insurgencies, would enter into peace talks with Duterte and submit

the names of the four political allies to his cabinet.

However, the appointment may have to wait. Both Jalandoni and Sison said no guerrillas would actually serve in Duterte’s cabinet prior to reaching a political settlement, when the insurgents hoped to lay down arms and join a coalition government.

“We have relayed to president-elect Duterte that (guerrilla) personnel themselves would not be taking up government posts, but we will recommend a list of qualified, competent and dedicated persons that could fill the posts,”

Jalandoni said.

Duterte also said he is open to free ailing guerrillas from prison to jumpstart peace negotiations that was halted by the Philippine government in 2013. President Benigno Aquino III ended talks with the communists over the rebels’ demand for the unconditional release of their detained comrades.

Jalandoni also told DZMM the rebels would consider a ceasefire and would ask the Duterte government to release 543 “political prisoners”, the insurgents’ term for imprisoned comrades.

losis and Ladlad) in the talks; and (e) hold simultaneous GPH-NDF meetings when formal talks are resumed at various levels: Panels, Reciprocal Working Committees on Socio-Economic Reforms (SER); Working Groups on Political and Constitutional Reforms (PCR); Working Groups on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (EOH/DOF); and the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) under the CARHRIHL. In line with these commitments, the GRP reactivated the JASIG on 17 July 2009; continued the review of alleged political offenders (APOs) to effect the release of qualified APOs; worked for the release of the abovementioned four NDF priority consultants (note: Baylosis and Ladlad have not surfaced); facilitated the processing of their travel documents; and coordinated with CHR on the cases of disappeared NDF personalities. However, the

NDF backtracked from their commitments and insisted on their unreasonable demand that the GRP release their 14 priority Consultants (all facing criminal charges in various courts in the Philippines), before formal negotiations are resumed. The GRP and the RNG communicated their respective messages to the NDF, expressing disappointment over this development.

Meanwhile, Bello also welcomed Duterte’s move to offer cabinet positions of four departments to any qualified members of the communist movement CPP-NDF as gesture of building bridges with other groups. Duterte has offered the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Labor.

According to Bello, this was also done during the ad-

ministration of former presidents Ramos and Aquino.

Bello said major issues in the peace negotiation with communist movement would have been addressed but there were matters which did not suit to the Arroyo administration and so he was removed from the position.

Bello is one of two peace negotiators named by Duterte to be members of his would-be Cabinet. The other is former press secretary Jesus Dureza, who will head the peace process with the Moro groups.

Bello, is the currently sitting in House of Representatives for 1BAP party-list group which won a seat in May 13, 2013 elections. He was former secretary general for Mindanao of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and after that served the Cabinet of past Presidents Corazon Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. (PNA)

Garin underscored the importance of vaccinating members of the above 60-years-old population because they are the most vulnerable and at risk of getting infected with the contagious pneumococcus bacteria.

Aside from pneumonia, the bacteria cause illnesses including meningitis, middle ear and sinus infection, and a condition called sepsis, which is an infection in the bloodstream.

She said the administration of pneumococcal vaccines has been present in the country since the department issued Administrative Order 2011-0015 five years ago but only made available to indigent senior citizens.

DOH 11 regional director Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr. said 27,000 doses of the vaccine are already administered to

indigent senior citizens.

Years after, the department decided to expand the health program to address the need for such vaccines among non-indigent senior citizens.

Garin said is a preventive program of the government to stop the spreading of the diseases which caused lives of elderly for the past years.

The most vulnerable are those senior citizen who have developed resistance from antibiotic due to self medication and those who have weak immune system.

For this year, the DOH has allotted P342 million for the procurement of vaccines which will be given to a total of 1 million senior citizens.

Next year, the agency targets to double the number of beneficiaries hoping the legislators will increase its budget.

Dr. Rontgene Solarte, past

president of the Philippine Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, told senior citizens that vaccination is safe and can improve their immunity from the deadly disease.

Albina L. Sarona, president of the OSCA in Davao, said the program had been in their wishlist of many years.

“The program is an advantage for us. We’ve been waiting this for many years because the vaccination is expensive to avail in private clinics and hospitals,” Sarona said.

A total of 600 senior citizens will be initially vaccinated from different barangays of Davao City. Garin said the agency chose to launch the national program here because of the high prevalence rate of the disease here as well as the presence of more organized senior citizen organizations.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

SHIELDED. A baby boy peeks from a face towel which his mother used as cover to protect him from the searing heat of the sun as they cross San Pedro Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Tourists... FROM 5 (52,102 visitors), UK (49,097 visitors), Singapore (44,441 visitors) and Malaysia (36,601 visitors).

As for receipts, tourists generated approximately PHP67.74 billion from January to March 2016.

For March alone, tourists generated approximately PHP18.31 billion worth

of earnings which is a 6.85 percent growth from the PHP17.13 billion earnings in the same period last year.

The Average Daily Expenditure (ADE) recorded for March 2016 is PHP4,933 while the Average Length of Stay (ALoS) of visitors for the same month is nine to 10 nights.

Top spending market is still Korea with receipts accumulating to PHP4.09 billion, followed by the US with PHP3.119 billion and Australia with PHP1.46 billion.

Completing the top spending markets are Japan with PHP1.10-billion and Canada, with a total of PHP1.06 billion.

(PNA)

country. Policies of the city can become an attraction by itself... kung ano ang mangyayari sa Pilipinas, i-replicate sa buong Pilipinas,” Alabado said.

Some hotel operators are experiencing high occupancy rates after Duterte’s victory, which Alabado said could be typical during election season but the tourism sector would like to sustain the growth by coming up with new tourism offerings.

“We need to enhance our tour packages para ang mga guests makita nila na malinis and progressive ang Davao and our destinations. This is the chance to promote the tourism destinations outside of Davao City,” he said.

“Ito na yung isang opportunity to market our destinations kasi dati alam ng tao Davao City ay beaches lang. With renewed interest, we are able to inform the public that there’s more to Davao,” he added.

Having the first Philippines president from Mindanao, Alabado expects that it will bring a

huge impact in terms of development in the island and might improve its image in the eyes of foreign visitors.

He said the incoming president has vowed to make Mindanao “safe for tourists and will help improve (travel) advisories.”

In an interview Tuesday outside the Duterte residence, Lucille Sia Pajarito, a retired worker of an insurance firm in the California, said she came to visit her relatives in the city.

A Filipino immigrant in the United States since 1982, she said she was thrilled to see Duterte’s humble residence that she even requested her relatives to take her there before she would go back to Manila by Thursday and before leaving for the US by end of the month.

“It’s just a simple family house. I can see his personality through his house. Simple,” she said. “He loves plants,” she said, referring to the ornamental plants that adorned Duterte’s garage.

Just like other visitors, she also had her photo taken with the house in the background, along with her relatives and Duterte’s standee.

Pajarito did not expect that she could one day see by her own eyes the residence of the incoming Philippine president, not anymore on the Filipino TV news channel.

Duterte’s tough character and discipline reminds Pajarito of her dad who passed away last month.

For her, she believes that it’s about time that someone like Duterte will lead the nation.

Last May 11, Abet Valencia, a local government worker, said they started requesting their visitors to log their names and has since recorded around 1,000 visitors already.

She said that workers from city government would take shifts – 2-8 a.m., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. – to take charge of the logbook 24 hours. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

Rody... FROM 5

11 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

Matina Enclaves begin sales for Building 4

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

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njb@edgedavao.net

FTER whirlwind sales of two of its recent developments, developer Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) has started selling Building 4 of its condominium sector called The Residences.

Project head Gerald Kent Garces said they have to open the sales for Building 4 of The Residences after Buildings 2 and 3 have already been fully sold out. Building 4 is set to be launched June yet but because of the brisk sales, they have to start selling Building 4 units.

Garces said Building 4 will have 10 residential floors and two parking floors. Each residential floor will have 21 units with varying measurements. A studio unit has a 30-square meter floor area.

For a one-bedroom unit, the variations are 1 Br A (31.5 sqm), 1 Br B (32.2 sqm), 1 BrC (32.2 sqm) and 1 BrD (35.6 sqm). For two-bedroom units, the choices are 2 Br A (46.5 sqm) and 2 Br B (56 sqm). For three-bedroom units, each unit measures 71.5 sqm.

The price range for each unit is as follows: studio P2.2 to P2.3M, 1 Br A P2.4 to P2.5M, 1 Br B P2.4 to P2.5M, 1 Br C P2.4 to P2.5M, 1 Br

D P2.7 to P2.8M, 2 Br A P3.3 to P4.057M, 2 Br B P4.5 to P4.9M, and 3 Br P5.8 to P6.3M. Building 4 will have unique features located right across the Clubhouse. Instead of additional three buildings, Esdevco changed its original plan and added two buildings with a swimming pool in between at the vacant lot across the clubhouse.

Garces said all first floor units will get to enjoy a spacious balcony. Building 4 is also the only building in the condominium sector with a variety of 1 bedroom units.

Building 4 is offered at affordable and flexible payment terms with huge discounts amounting from P50,000 to P75,000.

The Matina Enclaves’ condominium buildings offer the following distinct features: Building 1 with 8 floors (2 floors parking, 6 floors residential) has a total of 118 units; Building 2 with 10 floors (2 floors parking, 8 floors residential) has a total of 120 units; Building 3 with 10 floors (2 floors parking, 8 floors residential) has a total of 152 units; and Building 4 with 12 floors (2 floors parking, 10 floors residential) has a total of 210 units.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

A mutant of a treat Introducing Pizza Hut’s 4x Blowout Pizza ASIDE FROM PASTA, WHAT’S ONE OTHER FOOD CRAVING THAT LETS YOUR IMAGINED FOOD PAIRINGS COME TO LIFE? PIZZA. Definitely pizza.

With a plethora of flavours to choose from and food combinations to try out, a slice is never enough to curb a hunger like no other. From a pan full of veggies to a medley of meats to cheeses of taste and depth, pizza will always be the answer to instant and unexpected cravings – day in and day out.

In the country, we love that there are a number of pizza options. Companies come up with unorthodox flavours that become instant favourites. One particular company is PIZZA HUT. Globally recognized as one of the world’s forerunner in creating some of the most delicious pizza pairings, they never cease to come up with something new for everyone to love.

With the world in great anticipation of the newest instalment of the XMen movie series (X-Men Apocalypse), Pizza Hut introduces their X-Men inspired pizza. Now, sharing just got bigger with Pizza Hut’s big Blowout Pizza.

Experience an extraordinary taste of flavours in one big pizza for you and the whole gang to enjoy.

Perfectly cooked 18 inch pizza with four incredibly delicious flavours is now yours for the taking.

Pizza Hut’s Blowout Pizza is packed and of course,

every inch enjoyable. With 4 flavours to choose from – Sausage and Bacon, Roast Beef and Veggies, Supreme and Hawaiian – not only do you get to enjoy the movie but also have a delightful palate time.

Personally, the Roast Beef and Veggies is truly delectable and can have you smiling from ear to ear in an instant. I love that the meat is sliced thinly but remained juicy. The veggies adds a new depth in the already savoury crust, beef and sauce. Now, that’s something to crave for.

Not only do you get to enjoy their pizza but with

every purchase of their Blowout Pizza (a la carte (P659) or any of their Blowout Pizza Hut Feasts) from May 5 until June 6, 2016, you get a chance to win one free 4days/3nights trip to Las Vegas, USA. Contest is open to all Pizza Hut costumers with valid passport.

Other prizes include 2 winners of one of a kind collectible Magneto Hel-

met (Second Prize) and 10 winners of 18” Blowout Pizza (Minor Prize).

Choose from three different blowout feasts.

Blowout Pizza Hut Feast 1 (P999) includes 18” Blowout pizza, family size spaghetti Bolognese, 6 cream of mushroom soup, 1 Pepsi pitcher and 1 Mt. Dew pitcher. Blowout Pizza Hut Feast 2 (P1,299) includes 18” Blowout pizza,

4pc fried chicken, order of slinger, 1 Pepsi pitcher and 1 Mt. Dew pitcher.

Blowout Pizza Hut Feast 3 (P1,499) includes 18” Blowout pizza, 4pc fried chicken, family size spaghetti Bolognese with meatballs, 1 Pepsi pitcher and 1 Mt. Dew pitcher.

It’s not just the pizza that you’d want to look forward to. Collector of Xmen memorabilia? Collect

Pizza Hut’s 4 X-men box designs. I know I will.

So, what are you waiting for? Head on to the nearest Pizza Hut branch and get that movie craving satisfied in an instant. Just don’t forget your appetite and you are all set.

Thank you Pizza Hut Gaisano Mall branch for letting us unleash the mutants in us even before the movie is shown. Now, here’s one big Blowout Pizza for Professor X and his team of talented mutants … for delivery. Yes, Pizza Hut delivers. No delivery charge.

Pizza Hut Gaisano Mall is located at the Lower Ground Level, Gaisano Mall of Davao, J.P. Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City.

For orders you may call them at (082) 222 2222.

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

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FOOD

A private dining experience THANKS TO A FRESH WAVE OF NEW RESTAURANTS, CAFES, AND COFFEE SHOPS, DABAWENYOS ARE NOW STARTING TO DINE OUT. From the many places in the city’s bustling malls or in quaint spots away from the hustle of the city, tables are now filled with diners eager to try anything delicious.

Although I love the noise and energy on a full dining establishment, at times I wish I could have good food at a more quieter nook and that is where one new dining establishment in Durianburg has

done.

Offering good food and an ultra private dining experience, Mykie’s Private Kitchen serves comfort food cooked and served in Chef Mykie Hao’s own residence in Ladislawa and

Potato Crusted Scallops with Wasabi Mayo.

The man of the house.

Chef Mykie Hao.

Pork Chop with Sweet and Sour Peppers.

thanks to fellow EDGE Davao columnist Nikki Gotianse-Tan, I was given a chance to dine there.

“I did not want to open a restaurant just yet, so together with my friend Topher Lopez, we decided to offer private dining instead.”says Chef Mykie who admits that Mykie’s Private Kitchen is something he came up with to support his love of cooking.

Although the menu of Mykie’s Private Kitchen is a bit short, it does carry a range of dishes that are sure to satiate any palate.

“Mykie’s Private Kitchen is a work in progress,” admitted Mykie “but for sure, we will be adding more items to the menu as we go along.”

Dinner started with a hefty serving of Angulas, baby Spanish eels cooked with olive oil and garlic. Served with toast, the eels were meaty yet tasted bright thanks to the addition of some lemon. This appetiser was immediately followed by some Potato Crusted Scallops with Wasabi Mayo. The fried croquettes were crispy with a briny and meaty finish thanks to the scallops.

After the appetisers, we had a Garden Salad with Smoked Salmon in Truffle Cranberry Vinaigrette.

Seared Chicken breast with White Wine Sauce served with Edamame.

Angulas.

Angus Ribeye steak.

The addition of truffle oil onto the cranberry vinaigrette made the salad extra luxurious.

Four entrees followed, a Seared Chicken breast with White Wine Sauce served with Edamame for the ones who are watching their weight, a delicious and flaky Baked Salmon, a nice and fatty Pork Chop with Sweet and Sour Peppers, and a decadent 500 gram Angus Ribeye steak, done to medium rare

perfection. Although the wine list at Mykie’s Private Kitchen is a bit limited, Mykie does allow diners to bring their own wines.

Capping of the wonderful meal, Mykie served his Warm Apple Crumble which really hit the spot thanks to its heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nikki on-the-other-hand got the decadent Strawberry in Chantilly Cream.

To dine at Mykie’s Private Kitchen, a minimum

of Php1,000 per person with a minimum of 4 persons is required. To book your dinner or get to know more of Mykie’s Private Kitchen, you may visit their official Facebook page at www.facebook. com /Myk ies-Pr ivateKitchen.

Follow me on Twitter or on Instagram at @kennethkingong for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

Together with fellow diners Nikki Gotianse-Tan and her husband Philip Tan. Warm Apple Crumble served a la mode.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Louise Delos Reyes and Juancho Triviño star in ‘Magkaibang Mundo’

BEGINNING MAY 23, the intriguing story of Magkaibang Mundo unfolds on GMA Afternoon Prime.

This series revolves around a unique friendship between a human and a dwarf that will soon blossom into a strong and everlasting love.

Louise Delos Reyes is Princess, the heiress of a shoe business man and a shoe designer.

Orphaned at a young age, she then lives in an unfortunate state of neglect because of her wicked aunt and step cousins. She will fall in love with Jeffrey, but will also develop special feelings for Elfino—a dwarf that she’s been friends with since she was a child.

Bagging this role is a dream come true for Louise. According to her, it has always been her aspiration to portray a character similar to Cinderella. “From being a princess, naging slave.

Dream role ko ito e.

Actually excited ako kay Princess. Kasi very close siya sa akin dahil daddy’s girl din ako.

Nakakarelate ako sa kanya,” she said.

Juancho Triviño,

on the other hand, is Elfino. At a young age, he meets Princess and becomes friends with her. He admires her for having a complete family. When her father died, he became the girl’s confidant.

The Kapuso hunk reveals that he was very excited when he learned that he will be paired with Louise for this project. This is their first team up and he hopes that viewers will appreciate and support their loveteam.

“Nang pumasok ako sa industriya, tinitingnan ko rin siyempre ‘yung

mga posible kong makaparter, at isa na si Louise doon. Sa chemistry part, siguro dahil matagal na kaming magkakilala and comfortable na kami sa isa’t isa kaya nakikitaan na kami ng kilig. I’m very happy to be working with her,” he said.

Joining Louise and Juancho are some of the country’s respected artists in film and television: Assunta de Rossi as Amanda, Princess’ mother who will be separated to her; Dion Ignacio as Jeffrey, Elfino’s rival to Princess’ heart; Rez Cortez as Jojo, Noreen’s docile

husband; and Ms. Gina Alajar as Noreen, the greedy step-sister of Princess’ father.

Magkaibang Mundo also features awardwinning Kapuso actor Gabby Eigenmann in a special role as Ruben, Princess’ father who loves his family dearly.

Adding star power to this Afternoon Prime series are Maricar de Mesa as Criselda, Jeffrey’s haughty mother; Isabelle de Leon as Sofie, Noreen’s greedy eldest daughter; Mike “Pekto” Nacua as Bombi, Elfino’s energetic friend who accompanies

him in his adventures; Liezl Lopez as Analyn, Noreen’s youngest daughter; Marika Sasaki as Maffi, Princess’ best friend; introducing international dancing sensation Balang as Dino, the witty dwarf friend of Elfino and Bombi.

Find out how Princess and Elfino will surpass their challenges to an everlasting love. Will Elfino be able to spend the rest of his life with Princess as a human?

Will Princess be able to finally fight for Elfino?

Magkaibang Mundo is under the helm of Director Mark Sicat Dela Cruz.

Behind this engrossing drama is the creative team composed of Creative Director Roy Iglesias; Creative Head for Afternoon Prime Dode Cruz; Concept Creator Pam Miras; Headwriter Geng Delgado; Writers Pam Miras, Paul Sta. Ana; Brainstormers

Zita Garganera, Jules Katanyag and Borgy Danao.

The program is another original creation of the GMA Drama group under the supervision of Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Drama Redgie Acuña-Magno; Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl ChingSy; Program Manager Anthony Pastorpide, and Executive Producer Arlene Pilapil.

Catch the unique and one-of-a-kind story of Magkaibang Mundo from Monday to Friday, beginning May 23 after Eat Bulaga on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Get the latest updates about Magkaibang Mundo from the official Facebook page of GMA Drama www.facebook. com/GMADrama, twitter account @ GMADrama and the GMA Network website w w w. G M A N e t w o r k . com.

UP AND ABOUT

Mercado Locale opens in SM Lanang Premier A NEW MALL-BASED BAZAAR THAT WILL MAKE ACCESSIBLE THE BEST LOCAL FINDS is set to be launched on May 19 to 22 at the Upper Ground Level of SM Lanang Premier.

Called “Mercado Locale,” the bazaar features more than 20 merchants selling a variety of products – ready -to-eat food, organic produce, fancy accessories, souvenirs, handicrafts and other artsy items.

Aromacology, Florence Home, Kultura, Juvy’s Doll, Nino Basilio, Desserts Bar, Adele’s Food Product, Happy Farmers, Green Bounty, Real Confections, Cacao de Davao, Fred’s Fishcracker, Racoma Farms, Aloha Garden, Chicharon Homemade, Joe Fish Crackers, Yanii’s Sweet Tooth, Dragon Dumpling’s, V Moringa and Tabara Gift Shop are some of the featured merchants in Mercado Locale.

May 18 – 24, 2016

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence PG

11:00 | 2:00 | 5:00 | 8:00 LFS

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE 3D James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence

Going by the catchprase, “shop, eat, spend and enjoy local,” the said bazaar welcomes mallgoers to visit and feast the senses on delightful homegrown products.

Mercado Locale intends to provide local business players the opportunity to grow and broaden

their reach by setting up shop in a mall frequented by thousands of shoppers. It is organized by Mocha Events Production together with SM Lanang Premier.

For more information, visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PG

12:00 | 3:00 | 6:00 | 9:00 LFS

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

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

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence PG

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

EVENT

GENSAN PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

MX3 in Vigan: An enchanting trip to the past MX3 AND GMA REGIONAL TV WERE ENCHANTED BY VIGAN CITY’S CELEBRATION OF VIVA VIGAN BINATBATAN FESTIVAL AT THE PLAZA BURGOS LAST MAY 7, 2016. The architectural designs infused from Filipino-Oriental construction was on point in bringing the historical ambiance of the “World Heritage City.” The cobblestone laden streets transports one to the older days when were still under the Spanish influence. It is a good reminder of the rich and diverse culture of the Philippines.

Binatbatan Festival was not only a celebration of the unique and preserved culture of the Filipino but also a commemoration of their pride on the existence of the abel weaving industry since time immemorial with the Spaniards.

MX3 contributed to the gaiety of the festival. A game called MX3 Hooray was participated by chosen audiences who were determined to win the game. DMI Medical Supply–MX3 gave gifts to the contestants and winners as a way of showing gratitude to the overwhelming support of Filipinos to one

of the top nutritional supplements in the market.

MX3 products harness the goodness of nature to provide good benefits for its users. Alpha, Beta and Gamma Mangostana are natural components that can help make one achieve a sound health thru its anti-inflammatory components.

GMA Kapuso casts of Encantadia captured the people’s exuberance as Ruru Madrid, Gabbi Garcia, Kylie Padilla, Glaiza de Castro, Sanaya Lopez, and Rochelle Pangilinan entertained them. Their beauties were sophistically

enchanting as like to the ancestral houses of Vigan City.

As we dedicate ourselves in preserving the beauty of our own cities, it is also a positive practice to maintain balanced lifestyle with the help of organic products. The confidence we attain is better off when we are also morally upright and spiritually righteous; for beauty is not only a matter of outside appearance but also a reflection of your inner compassion.

The City of Vigan was both an epitome of ancestral beauty and a history of a deep and rich society.

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

Aquino... FROM 3

The President said the law will also formalize the steps and processes to be taken in time of emergencies and to provide the national and local government with clear duties and responsibilities on how children be protected in times of calamities. ”Bukod dito, hangad din nating maging pundasyon at pamantayan ang batas na ito sa pangangalaga sa kabataang Pilipino, sinuman ang nakaupo sa puwesto,” the President said. ”Ngayon, lalong tumitibay ang mandato ng lokal at

pambansang pamahalaan na magtayo ng child-friendly spaces, evacuation centers, transitional shelters na may pasilidad para sa mga pangangailangan ng kabataan, pati na ng mga nagdadalantao,” he added.

President Aquino is set to step down on June 30. He will be succeeded by presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte.

The new law will also provide child-responsive training program for all the responders particularly in the calamity-prone areas of the country.

(PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

Prices... FROM 6

The prices of the covered goods will be based on the prevailing prices at the time of the declaration, it said.

Violators could face fines of up to PHP1 million and/ or imprisonment of up to 10 years, depending on the gravity of the violation.

In support of the move, South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes, who chairs the province’s Local Price Coordinating Council, earlier directed local government units in the province to conduct monitoring activities down to the barangay level.

She ordered the proper posting of the prevailing prices of basic and prime goods in barangay halls and public markets to ensure proper compliance.

The entire province was placed under the state of calamity due to the severe effects of the El Nino, which has destroyed around P284.23 million worth of agricultural crops in the area.

The declaration was made following similar moves by Koronadal City and the municipalities of T’boli, Surallah and Tantangan. (PNA)

NEWS 13

DBM... FROM 6

to P496.3 billion and this is slated to be released later this year.

For Special Purpose Funds (SPFs), as of May 2016, P157.4 billion has already been released out of the P446.4 billion total appropriation—a large share of which was for the Budgetary Support to Government Corporations at P43.1 billion and the Pension and Gratuity Fund at P41.6 billion. This still leaves 75 percent or P332.8 billion in SPFs to be utilized by the incoming administration—with P58.0 billion for the miscellaneous personnel benefits of government personnel and P42.1 billion still intact for calamities.

Abad said the comprehensive release of agency budgets was made possible through the GAA-As-Release-Document regime, a public financial management reform in 2014 that phased out the Agency Budget Matrices (ABMs) and Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) from the budget process to facilitate the swift and efficient implementation of the expenditure program.

With the General Appropriations Act (GAA) as the primary fund release document, agencies are now able to obligate funds for their projects in the beginning of the year and thereby accelerate spending.

“Let me assure the people and the incoming administration that the 2016 national budget was not squandered in the last elections and the appropriations in the budget are being released and spent according to the specific purposes and guidelines in the General Appropriations Act,” the budget chief said.

“We are proud to say that the next administration will inherit not only a financially stable and robust budget, but also a transparent and performance-based budget. If you look at the GAA, and it is available online, it has detailed disclosure of agencies’ performance targets. Also, we have disaggregated the lump sum amounts in the agency budgets into component projects, intended beneficiaries and location in order for the GAA to function as a budget release document.”

smaller meals,” Dr. Ong says. “A banana, an apple or a piece of bread can already constitute a meal. By eating less and more often, your blood sugar will not rise as high. Eating less is also gentler to your body and may help you live longer.”

As Dr. Marc Hellerstein, a nutritionist at the University of California, Berkeley, puts it: “Calorie restriction is pretty much the only thing out there that we know will not just prevent disease but also extend maximal life span.”

HEALTH... FROM 7

14 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

Tulong Sakuna Initiative Project on its second year T

HE local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMC) of Therma South’s host communities received disaster response equipment to improve their capabilities when responding to emergencies.

Under the Tulong Sakuna Initiative Project, one of TSI’s corporate social responsibility activities, Barangays Binugao in Davao City and Inayawan in the municipality of Sta. Cruz were each given one set of equipment needed to respond to disaster risks that the community was most vulnerable to.

Risks were identified following a disaster risk mapping conducted last year.

The project was implemented in partnership with the City Disaster Risk

Reduction Management Office (DRRMO), Municipality Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) of Sta. Cruz, and the local government units of barangay Binugao and barangay Inawayan.

While vehicular accidents were often reported in both barangays, they are vulnerable to different kinds of natural hazards. Barangay Binugao is vulnerable to tsunami while Inayawan is prone to flashfloods.

During the construction of TSI in 2013, the Tulong Sakuna Initiative Project enabled both barangays to come up with their five-year disaster plans.

In 2014, during the second phase of the project, TSI helped organize disaster preparedness and response trainings for the DRRMCs.

THERMA SOUTH launched the Tulong Sakuna Initiative Project to enable its host communities to effectively and efficiently manage and respond to disasters and other hazards. This sign is found in Sitio Lomboy in Binugao, Toril, Davao City.

SM Lanang Premier to feature the Art of Bonsai and Pet Style M

ALLGOERS are in for two must-visit events at SM Lanang Premier this coming weekend.

On May 20 to 22, an exhibit featuring “The Art of Bonsai,” the Japanese art form of forming miniature trees in containers, will take place at The Atrium. Organized by SM Lanang Premier in partnership with Harbest Bonsai, the Philippine Bonsai Society, Inc., and the Davao Bonsai Society, it features the works of 32 Bonsai

artists and collectors who are passionate in propagating the said art form.

Shoppers are invited to see the exhibit and join the Bonsai Beginners’ Workshop on May 21 to 22, from 11am to 5pm. Registration fee is Php1,500 inclusive of plant, tools and handouts.

In celebration of National Pet Month, man’s furry best friends will take the centerstage on May 22, 4pm to 6 pm at the “Pets in Style” show at The Fountain Court Grounds. Pet lovers and

BOOK DONATIONS. UP Mindanao faculty members Asst. Prof. Rommel Real (Dept. of Math., Physics, and Computer Science) and Lecturer Lualhati Abreu (Dept. of Social Sciences) give Davao City Mayor and presumptive president

owners can discover the latest fashion trends for their four-legged animals from the said event.

Pets in Style is staged in collaboration with the Davao Dog Lover’s Community, Pet Nannies Petshop, Ur Furry Kid’s Costumes and Clothing, and Doggie’s Choice.

As the first pet-friendly shopping establishment in Davao City, SM Lanang Premier regularly holds pet-related activities, including dog walks every last Sunday of the month. In May 2013,

it launched its ‘Pets are welcome here’ campaign to provide a venue where all pets’ needs are met and ensure a pleasurable shopping experience for pet owners and their pets.

Don’t miss unique cultural and pet-friendly activities at Davaos’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination! For inquiries, contact 285-0943 loc. 135-138.

Like SM Lanang Premier on Facebook and follow @SMLanangPremier on Twitter for news and event updates.

Rodrigo Duterte copies of books written by Chairman Jose Maria Sison during the press conference held on 16 May 2016 in Davao City. (Photo by Harvey Niere)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

When passion meets compassion

by Christine Joy G. Bajao

P

ASSION. Doing what you love makes a job your life and makes you love every millisecond of your lifetime. Since high school, I often found myself alone with a scratch paper and a pen, writing effusive feelings like a poet. From there, I discovered my passion for writing. Then, I took up Mass Communication in college, and as time passed by, my writing has evolved from “what I want others to know” to “what I believe others should know”—and I believe, little or big, good stories matter more.

This is why I am grateful I did a right decision when I quitted less than a week after I was hired (and already training) in an Online English Tutorial institution and ended up happily working as Corporate Communications Assistant in Hedcor, Inc., a subsidiary of AboitizPower, which I never knew existed until I was invited to their office for an examination after finding their job advertisement and sending them my curriculum vitae via email and got call backs and eventually was hired.

My dream to inspire through writing has begun to materialize when my passion met my employer’s compassion.

Had I stuck with the status quo of “Having a job is enough”, I would not have experienced what I had for 11 months.

I can still remember my very first task back 2015: I was sent to a rural area near Mt. Apo to cover the turnover of a tribal hall to the Bagobo-Tagabawa community of Sitio Pogpog in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. At that time, I still have a vague understanding of why they were doing what they were doing (newbie problems!) but I knew it was something philanthropic. Then I shortly figured out that it was part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

Unlike some companies, as far as I have observed from that moment, Hedcor is genuinely committed to reciprocating the generosity of their host communities. This makes me proud to be a part of the family and an additional pillar to the bridge that connects Hedcor to the people. Vouchsafing is rare to big companies but Hed-

cor does it innately—a trait passed on from its mother company, AboitizPower.

In spite of overwhelming negative news I inevitably have to glance to as I read nine newspapers daily, Hedcor showed me that good news happens everywhere, too, and taught me that as much as possible, be the good news to others.

Marketing Hedcor did not require me to use too many flowering words, I just put their actions into words.

Another thing I love about my work here aside from writing good stories is the team I work with, especially my buddy Sir Lloyd, who always believes in my capabilities.

One time during an activity for new-comers, our HR Manager asked us one-by-one, “What can you say about Hedcor?”

With no second thoughts, I answered, “Too good to be true,” then abruptly she replied with a smile on her face, “Really?”

Yes—really—because out of the movies I watched and stories heard, I was expecting that in my first job, I would be undergoing stressful adjustments because of fearsome bosses and indifferent co-workers. But sometimes, reality is nicer than what is onscreen. From executives to ordinary employees like me, everyone appreciates and motivates to bring out the best in me.

I enjoyed performing and hosting events and became empowered to be a part of making their vision of having a better future come true in and out of their walls in my own ways.

I may not have seen yet the worst of all, but when an employer’s passion complements its employee’s passion, worst moments for me would be like eating vegetables—I hate it but I have got to love it because I know it will make me grow healthily.

Though someone told me to never turn my back on opportunities, I am thankful I did, because if I continued doing what I do not love, I would end up consoling myself with words “a bad decision makes a good story”, however, I am glad that I did not have to, because based on what happened, I made a right decision—and a good decision makes a better story.

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SLAUGHTER VOL. 9 ISSUE 58 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

Cavs wipe out Raptors by 31 in Game 1

UNSTOPPABLE. LeBron James and the Cavaliers prove too strong for DeMarre Carroll and the Raptors. AP

Gilas loses Slaughter, Ganuelas-Rosser to injuries

G

ILAS Pilipinas will have two less players to choose from as Greg Slaughter and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser have been ruled out of the pool due to ankle injuries.

National coach Tab Baldwin confirmed the unfortunate development on Wednesday when Gilas resumed practice, saying Slaughter had a scan and found out an issue on his ankle liga-

8th summer beach sports fest highlights climate change initiative

T

T

HE Cleveland Cavaliers maintained their 100 percent postseason record with a crushing 115-84 defeat of the weary Toronto Raptors to take a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.

Kyrie Irving scored 27 points while LeBron James added 24 as the Cavaliers dominated almost from start to finish to the delight of their home fans at the Quicken Loans Arena.

The 31-point rout was Cleveland’s biggest ever victory in a playoff game.

The Cavaliers went into the game well-rested after wrapping up back-to-back 4-0 sweeps in their opening two postseason series.

Toronto by contrast had been forced to make a quick turnaround after only clinching a 4-3 series victory over the Miami Heat in their conference semi-final on Sunday.

On the evidence of Game One, few would bet against James and the Cavaliers making short work of the Raptors.

James attributed the win to Cleveland’s attention to detail.

T

“It’s our preparation, every single day. We understand the moment that we’re in and the guys are rising to that,” James said.

“The coach is doing a great job of giving us a game plan and we’re just trying to go out and execute.

“We had a couple of mistakes but for the most part our attention to detail was there for all 48 minutes -we’ve got to continue to do that in Game Two.” James had special praise for team-mates Irving and Kevin Love, who have hit prime form during the postseason.

“They waited a full regular season to get back to this moment,” James said.

“Last year Kevin’s moment was cut short because of the shoulder (injury); Kyrie wasn’t himself last year in postseason because of the knee and all the injuries he had.

“They’ve trained their bodies all season long to get back to this point -- those guys are spectacular.”

- Points blitz The outcome of the contest was effectively decided in a devastating period of Cleveland dominance which began late in the first quarter and continued to the half-time buzzer.

A 28-27 Toronto lead with around one minute left on the clock in the first quarter rapidly became a 39-28 lead for Cleveland as they reeled off 12 unanswered points.

The Raptors were always struggling to stay in touch and with Irving, James and Love in form, it rapidly became an exercise in damage limitation for the visitors, playing their 15th game of the postseason.

The Cavs quickly sprinted into a 49-30 lead and although the Raptors hit back to narrow the gap to 54-42, it was only a temporary staunching of the tide.

Cleveland produced another burst of points and by half-time had surged into a 22-point lead at 64-44, Toronto’s woe exacerbated by consecutive air balls to close the half.

straight road games against teams that had lost only three times combined at home all season. On Monday night, they did it with a fourth-quarter comeback against the defending NBA champion Warriors, who had won their first six playoff games at Oracle Arena. Game Two is on Wednesday.

Oklahoma City lost 14 games during the regular season when it led going into the fourth.

But with Monday night’s 108102 victory to open the best-ofseven series, the Thunder won their second straight road game when trailing after three quarters. They also came back in the crucial Game Five in the last round at San Antonio.

“We just find a way to finish the game,” Thunder guard Dion Waiters said. “Early in the season when we had a lead into the fourth quarter, we let a lot of games slip away. And I think just

coming down in the postseason we’ve just been finding ways just to finish it out. We get up big, just try to keep the lead just to get the win.”

Now, Golden State is embracing the chance to rally from down 1-0.

“Every team that I was on that won a title lost at least a home game during the playoffs, so it happens,” Coach of the Year Steve Kerr said. “There’s a reason we pour champagne on each other when we win. It’s hard, it’s a grind, and this is a great reminder of that.”

This is the first time the Warriors have lost a series opener under Kerr, but last year they had to rally from 2-1 down in both the second round against Memphis and the NBA Finals facing Cleveland on the way to the franchise’s first title in 40 years — an experience they believe could help them this time.

OKC are‘Road Warriors’

HE team that struggled to protect a fourth-quarter lead all season long suddenly has figured out how to stage late comebacks in the postseason — against the toughest teams and in the most hostile environments, no less.

Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder will look to build on their 1-0 lead in the Western Conference finals after rallying down the stretch to hand the defending champion Golden State Warriors their first home loss these playoffs and just their third all season at Oracle Arena.

“Just being able to go in and lock in,” Russell Westbrook said on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time). “You’ve got to give credit to our guys just coming in and focusing on the task at hand. We couldn’t have done a better job of that, especially in the playoffs.”

The Thunder won three

The torture continued in the third quarter as the Cavaliers maintained a healthy double-digit lead against a Toronto side unable to find any answers on defense.

James’ buoyant mood was typified by a steal which finished with the two-time NBA champion racing up the court for an emphatic slam dunk to make it 81-56.

It got worse for the Raptors near the end of the third, with the Cavaliers opening up what at that point was the biggest lead of the night, a 28-point margin of 95-67.

That soon became 30 points in the fourth quarter, with Cleveland surging into a 97-67 advantage as the slaughter continued before the score settled at 115-84.

DeMar DeRozan led the scoring for the Raptors with 18 points, but it was a miserable night for Kyle Lowry.

The Toronto talisman who excelled against Miami on Sunday finished with only eight points.

Game Two of the series takes place on Thursday in Cleveland.

ONE-TWO PUNCH. Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook look to Game 2 for another road win.

ment, while Rosser has had surgery for his own ankle injury.

“Every player under my responsibility and has an injury is a concern,” Baldwin said.

Japeth Aguilar, Slaughter’s Ginebra teammate, said Slaughter could be out for two months.

The 6-11 slotman dropped by the Meralco Gym to talk to Baldwin on Wednesday but left before Gilas practice could end.

HE province’s Summer Beach Sports Festival this year, will centre on the contribution of its tourism program to the campaign to mitigate the future impact of climate change on the eco-tourism resources of Compostela Valley.

The province’s beach sports festival is held all weekends of May along the coasts of Mabini and Pantukan at the northern edge of ecologically fragile Davao gulf, a key biodiversity area (KBA) in the Philippines listed as one of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots.

In 2014, the MPLS Protected Area Management Board conducted a coral reef assessment at the site. Based on the assessment, 53.40% of the seascape’s live coral cover percentage is in good condition. It also identified 46 scleractinian coral genera.

Only 110 genera of scleractinian coral have been identified worldwide, 72 of which are found in the Philippines.

Christine Dompor, provincial tourism officer, explained the annual summer beach sports festival was conceptualized in 2008 as a tourism promotion campaign and a mechanism to raise awareness on protecting, preserving, and conserving the endangered marine ecosystem of the gulf particularly within the 3,433-hectare Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape (MPLS).

Dompor said the twin objectives may not be enough now because of climate change. In 2014, she noted, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its fifth Assessment Report that predicted that oceans would rise more than three feet by 2100, a little less than 90 years from now.

“What would happen then to our coastal areas … to our ecotourism industry if the waters of Davao gulf rise? We will never know if this, in fact, will happen but it is better to be prepared. It

is better to contribute to minimizing the impacts of climate change,” the provincial tourism officer said.

She thanked the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of Maco and MPLS Protected Area Supervisor Julie Español for the 150 mangrove seedlings and the Month of the Ocean tarpaulin that will be displayed on different festival sites.

The tourism officer said on May 21, a Saturday, students, soldiers from the 10th Infantry Division of the province, beach resorts owners and workers, and coastal villagers among others will do zumba at Omandac Beach View Resort in Brgy. Pindasan, Mabini at 5:00 a.m. then proceed to nearby Sitio Casilac in Brgy. San Antonio for the mangrove planting at 6:30 a.m. to be followed by a clean-up of the coastal area.

Mangrove planting is a regular activity of the beach festival to augment the existing mangrove forests of the seascape.

Mabini, approximately 70 kilometers away from Davao City, is located in the southeastern section of the province of Compostela Valley. The Protected Landscape and Seascape includes Kopiat island and Lunod island.

Kopiat island, host of the multi-million peso international standard resort Lubi Plantation of Lapanday Properties Inc., is the staging point of the region-wide almost a kilometer Kopiat swimming challenge.

This year’s challenge finishes at Omandac Beach View Resort and falls on Sunday morning of May 22.

All of the five marine turtle species in the Philippines found in Davao Gulf are the Hawksbill, Oliver Ridley, Green Sea, Loggerhead, and the Leatherback turtles. Two – the hawksbill and the leatherback turtles – lay their eggs on the coasts of Kopiat island. (jpa/pgo-tss/ids)

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports A

NDRAY Blatche is still nowhere to be found as Gilas Pilipinas begins its buildup for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which Manila will host from July 5-10.

Gilas is set to reconvene on Wednesday to begin its preparations for the Manila qualifiers, where the hosts face the daunting task of beating the likes of France, Canada and New Zealand for a place in the basketball competitions of the Rio Olympics.

Blatche was scheduled to arrive last May 15 but has yet to plane in, prompting questions on when he would rejoin Gilas for the final and most important phase of what had been an eight-month buildup for the Manila tournament.

When pressed for an answer, a top official of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) bared that the 6-10 former NBA player had asked for a leave ‘of a week or two’ to be able to attend to his ailing mom.

Blatche’s mom is stricken with cancer and is set to undergo surgery, the top official added.

However, the SBP official said Blatche has assured that he will fly in as soon as possible. He has also scheduled a video call with top officials led by Manny V. Pangilinan to make a similar

assurance, the official added.

It will be recalled that Blatche arrived for the buildup to the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship out of shape and was later granted a few days’ leave in the middle of Gilas’ campaign in the Jones Cup last year to be able to attend the funeral of an uncle.

But the official assured that Blatche is currently in fine shape.

Consequently, Gilas will gather for an early afternoon practice at the Meralco Gym on Wednesday without Blatche and Gilas members from Rain or Shine and Alaska, which will be play in Game Six of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals later in the day.

MISSING BLATCHE

VOL. VOL.99ISSUE ISSUE58 58••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,MAY MAY19, 19,2016 2016 WHERE IS HE? Andray Blatche has asked to delay his arrival in Manila 'by a week or two' to attend to his ailing mom in the US, a top SBP official says. Fiba.com