Edge Davao | Vol 11 Issue 239 | Thursday, February 21, 2019

VOL.11 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019

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P6.7M WORTH OF FAKE CIGARETTES SEIZED IN RAID P2

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EXPANDED ORDER

‘No backpack’policy to be enforced in Araw events

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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pectators and participants in upcoming Araw ng Davao 2019 celebration are expected to follow security protocol. This means, they are also discouraged from bringing backpacks as part of the city’s “No Backpack” policy.

Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) deputy chief Angel Sumagaysay said that they will also implement it during the celebration, as agreed during the coordination meeting with city officials. He said that more than 3,000 security and auxiliary forces will be deployed during the festivities.

Sumagaysay said that security officers will be strict in the policy, especially in close door events, including the Mutya ng Dabaw, Ginoong Davao and Reyna Dabawenya pageants.

“We wanted to ensure the safety of those who will be going to the Araw ng Dabaw,” he told Edge Davao in a phone interview on Tuesday.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ordered the banning of backpacks, big bags, and bulky plastic bags inside all churches and other places of worship in the aftermath of the Jolo blasts inside the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral last January 27 that killed 22 people and left over 100 injured.

Sumagaysay added they are also discouraging the pub-

lic from bringing backpacks during the Lamdag Parada, one of the main highlights of the celebration, happening on March 16.

Sumagaysay emphasized that the order is not intended to bring inconvenience to the public.

Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) director Chief Supt.

Marcelo C. Morales, meanwhile, said more than 1,000 police personnel will be on active duty during the celebration. Morales clarified that his office has not yet received an intelligence report on possible threats that would disrupt the festivities. But he said that the Davao Region is on a level two alert.

He said that the PRO11 will maintain a full alert status, not discounting threats from communists, New People’s Army (NPA), terrorists and Muslim extremists.

The 82nd celebration of the Araw ng Dabaw also falls within the 2019 midterm election campaign period.

The City Tourism and

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Allow Sison, others to come home to talk peace: PRRD

By ADAM B. MORRELL

THE "F." President Rodrigo Duterte flashes his middle finger while expressing his disappointment against the policies of the European Union and the United States of America towards the Philippines during the 9th anniversary of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and 25th anniversary of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) held at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Tuesday night. Lean Daval Jr

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resident Rodrigo Duterte is open for another peace talk with the communists that would pursue more progress in Mindanao.

Gracing the 9th Anniversary of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and 25th Anniversary of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area at the SMX Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 19, Duterte said it is much important to reduce the struggle for everyone through the peace talk.

"For in the end we cannot be fighting forever, neither

as a Moro Warrior nor a soldier of the government. So with the NPAs (New People's Army)," Duterte said.

He added that unless the government, somehow, reduce to the barest minimum the communists' sentiment including their hunger for justice, there will be no peace in the land.

The Philippine president, however, said he doesn't mean he is now in agreement with the Netherlands-based, Joma Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army

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VOL.11 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019

RAID. Agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group- Davao Field Unit seal boxes containing suspected counterfeit cigarettes following an implementation of the search warrant at a warehouse owned by Chinese national in Davao City on Wednesday. The raid yielded at least 152 master cases of alleged counterfeit cigarettes with an estimated street value of P6.7 million, according to CIDG-DFU. Photo courtesy of Keith Bacongco

PA system ordinance to make citizens alert

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT Days after the Davao City Council passed an ordinance requiring all establishments to have a public safety and security announcement system, the Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) hopes that this new local law will make the Dabawenyos more alert and responsive in times of emergency and disasters.

PSSCC deputy head Angel Sumagaysay, the one who endorsed the proposal to public safety and security committee chair councilor Maria Belen Sunga Acosta, said that the soon to be ordinance is very timely, considering Davao City is a progressive city, and many infrastructures are being constructed.

The ordinance, which was approved on third and final reading last Thursday, states that the PA system shall be used to announce in a persuasive and audible manner the safety tips on what to do during emergencies and the procedures leading to all emergency units.

It shall cover all establishments with a total floor area of the building, or at least 2,790 square meters.

Sumagaysay said that the proposal came after attending a summit for high rise building, in which the date he did not specify.

He cited the NCCC Ma-a fire incident as one of the reasons why the proposal was crafted.

The 14-year old mall caught fire last December 23, 2017, killing 38 work-

ers, 37 of them were from SSI (Survey Sampling International) business processing outsourcing (BPO) firm and one mall employee who helped rescue trapped SSI workers.

Acosta also proposed the usage of “luminous markings” instead of “luminous paint” for directional signs near stairwells, pathways and all available emergency exits to ensure safety of establishment occupants in time of fire last year.

The public safety and security chief said that the proposed markings, along with the proposed public address system, will further strengthen the mindset of the public, in times of disaster.

“Having public address systems is more effective because it will educate more the public more, especially to those who are in the malls,” Sumagaysay said.

“The problem with signage is that most people do not mostly mind it,” he added.

Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) director Chief Supt. Marcelo C. Morales said that the PA system will also be beneficial in the part of the security forces.

“We, the PNP, can issue advisories to the public, informing them not only on emergency and disaster, and crisis management, but also informing them regarding crime prevention tips and how they can report suspected persons,” Morales said.

P6.7M worth of fake cigarettes seized in raid

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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that would pave the way for the entry of Chinese investments in similar areas, according to Tamayo.

He said the Chinese have yet to identify specific commitments for Mindanao and Palawan as they are still in the exploratory stage but added, “what is certain is that, investments will pour in Palawan area, then hoping in the coming few months, Mindanao LGUs will be partnered with these investors.”

He said MinDA presented its priority projects and pro-

grams for Mindanao, particularly on infrastructure development, highlighting the Metro Davao Urban Master Plan.

The master plan, created by urban planner Arch. Felino Palafox, includes identifying the comparative strengths and functional roles of the different areas within Metro Davao with the end-goal of complementation and alignment of policies, programs and projects; identifying solutions to shared challenges including transport efficiency, provision of urban services, among others; aiding national agencies, local government units, and the private sector in planning and implementing development endeavors within Metro Davao and its influence areas.

It also serves as a guide

for local governments in updating their respective comprehensive land use plans taking into account the land use and socio-economic dynamics not only within their political boundaries but the impact and influence of adjacent areas as well; promotes and facilitates more investments and economic activities within Metro Davao and the adjacent areas; and supports the creation of more formal alliances between the local governments especially on matters pertaining to policies and regulations.

The MinDA has also identified 12 catalytic programs for Mindanao such as the 2,135-km Trans-Mindanao High Speed Railway System worth P753.5 billion; Marawi

“We have to band together. The world is changing, including the economy. It could go either bad or very bad or it could go well, but we will have to go into a bad level and I hope we can survive it,” the President said.

Since the four member countries are engaged in commerce, Duterte underscored the need for vigilance of those guarding the sea borders.

“Our navies must be vigilant. We have to be one in our patrols,” he said. “If there are pirates in our territory or in the high seas, my orders are

blast them to kingdom come.”

Duterte also highlighted the country’s concerns on illegal drugs and the radical group Islamic State.

“This is a troubled world.

Number one here in the Philippines, we have so many fronts to cover, interspersed with violence and talks,” he said, referring to communists and terrorists.

While the President cited the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) for reaching peace agreements with the government, he reiterated that his intensi-

fied campaign against illegal drugs and terrorism would continue.

Duterte expressed worry over the illegal drugs trade, which he said is getting widespread, hinting at the expansion of the Sinaloa cartel of Mexico and the well-known drug cartel, Golden Triangle, which operates in East Asian countries.

Amid continued criticisms of his administration’s war against drugs, he called on critics to also look on the other side -- the injustice and crime committed by drug

peratives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group- Davao Field Unit (CIDG-DFU) and the Sta. Ana Police Station seized P6.7 million worth of alleged fake cigarettes from an establishment owned by a Chinese national on Wednesday.

Tamayo said on Monday that MinDA Secretary Abul Khayr D. Alonto held a meeting with Madam Lam Guo, chairman of the Silk Road Investment HK, at his office in Davao City on Monday where he bannered the potential investment opportunities in Mindanao, particularly medical tourism, power infrastructure, real estate, and retirement facilities.

The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Provincial Government of Palawan last year

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PRRD calls on BIMP-EAGA to band vs drug, security threats

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AVAO CITY -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte has called on the Philippines’ partners in the East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA) to band together against all fronts that threaten the economy.

Speaking at the 9th anniversary of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the 25th anniversary of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines (BIMP) - EAGA held at the SMX Convention Center here Tuesday, Duterte voiced concern over the illegal drugs trade and security threats.

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VOL.11 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019

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4 NEWS

VOL.11 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019

Candidate’s confession sparks public reaction

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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DE ORO BIZICON. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Compostela Valley Province division chief Patrick Kim Evangelio, together with Trade and Industry development specialist Rochelle Otoc, discusses the upcoming De Oro Business Investment Conference 2019 in time for the Bulawan Festival slated on March 3

to 8 at Capitol Compound, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province.

Evangelio added during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall that the agency is targeting P500 million worth of investment, 500 percent increase from last year’s P100 million target which generated a sales of P58 million. Lean Daval Jr

he recent “coming out” of one the candidates in the 2019 Mutya ng Dabaw sparked discussions on the need for the inclusivity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) in society.

On Monday, Louise Ann Canalija shocked the public during the presentation of the 29 candidates for the annual beauty pageant for Dabawenyas, as she declared herself a lesbian.

She said during the question and answer portion that she will continue to lobby for the rights of the LGBT if ever she will be crowned as this year’s Mutya.

Norman Baloro of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) said in an interview that Canalija’s move signifies that the LGBT community in the city is empowered, thanks to the government’s initiatives and programs that recognize the sector.

“I admire her for standing loud and proud what she is,” Baloro said.

He then said that Canali-

ja must “walk the talk” as it would make a huge impact in the community.

“Promoting the LGBT rights had been a long struggle. With the current push for the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) bill, there hasn’t been enough support,” Baloro said. “It’s a huge challenge for her to exert double efforts in lobbying it to legislators and other stakeholders.”

Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) head Generose Tecson clarified that for as long as the candidate is a “natural born female”, she is qualified to join the pageant.

“Whatever her inclinations are, for as long as she carries herself well, then she should be able to discharge her duties and responsibilities, if ever she will be crowned as Mutya,” Tecson said.

Pamela Framil, Sinag ng Davao 2018, said that sexual preferences and personal beliefs should not be any

ABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley - - Some 62 former rebels receive on Tuesday the immediate and livelihood assistance amounting to PhP 15,000 to PhP 65,000 each under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program.

Aside from the said assistance, 13 of those former rebels also got additional benefits as firearms renumerations, in which the amount varies on the weapons they surrendered.

Held at Provincial Capitol in Nabunturan, the turnover ceremony was headed

by Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, 10th Infantry Division commander Major General Jose Faustino Jr, and Provincial Director Noel Duarte of

the Department of Interior and Local Government.

During the program, one of the former rebels expressed his gratitude to the government and to the military for embracing them despite of their previous actions.

According to the data from DILG Compostela Valley, these rebels were the surrenderers since October 2018.

The 10th Infantry Division reported a total of 7,823 communist-rebels who surrendered on 2018, including 535 regular members of the New People’s Army and 703 members of the Militia ng Bayan.

In an interview, Governor Uy stressed that the gov-

62 former rebels get ECLIP assistance

Afternoon fire guts 200 houses in B23-C N

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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ire suspected to have originated from a driver’s home gutted down more than 200 houses after raging for almost four hours in Purok 4, Barangay 23-C in Davao City, Wednesday afternoon.

SF03 Ramil Gillado of the Bureau Fire Protection (BFP) said the flames started at 1:20pm on Wednesday, February 20, and was officially declared fire out at exactly 4:52pm.

Gillado couldn't still give the exact cause of the fire as it is still under investigation.

However, he said there are reports that the fire began in the house of a certain "Dodong driver", who wasn't home when the fire broke out.

"Duha kabook ang gina tudlo sa nga balay karon.

Gina estbalish pa jud kung kay kinsa nag sugod ang su-

resident Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday night castigated Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for his remark that there are only fewer drug addicts in the country today because most of them were killed in the drug war.

Duterte called Trillanes “stupid” for believing the international figures on drug war deaths instead of the “real numbers” released by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Some critic, a senator -a stupid senator -- Trillanes said, ‘Oh they are dead, there are no more (drug addicts) -- because they are dead,’” he said in a speech during the 9th anniversary of the Mindanao Development Authority and 25th anniversary of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) in Davao City.

Duterte said that Trillanes should go to the US since he preferred to trust

the drug war figures released by human rights groups there.

“You do not even know how to count. And you kowtow to the figures of foreigners. You go to America, Trillanes,” he said.

Earlier, Trillanes said Filipinos believe that there has been a decrease in the number of illegal drug users because most of them are dead.

The lawmaker made this remark following a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey that showed 66 percent of Filipinos believe the number of illegal drug users has decreased.

PNP data showed that from July 1, 2016 to April 30, 2018, more than 4,000 have been killed in drug-related operations.

New York-based Human Rights Watch has estimated that more than 12,000 suspected drug personalities were killed since the crackdown on illegal drugs was launched on July 1, 2016.

Trillanes’remarks on drug war‘stupid’: Du30 P

nog. Pero, naay witness na gina tudlo nga ang sunog nag gikan sa kining ginatawag nilang Dodong driver," Gillado said.

He said the BFP will coordinate with purok leader Jovencio Mansueto in identifying the said Dodong, who was not in his house during the incident.

The exact number of houses that was engulfed by the fire is yet to be validated by the Crime Control and Social Development Organization (CCSDO), the BFP officer

said.

The fire, meanwhile, was declared as a fourth alarm, thus, the Davao City Central Fire Station along with Bangoy Fire Station, Buhangin Fire Station, Lanang Fire Station and volunteers white and green, including the Central 911 worked together to put out the fire.

The victims, on the other hand, were temporarily evacuated to a gym near the fire incident.

Fortunately, no casualties and deaths were reported.

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FIRE. Firefighters try to extinguish the blaze that hit a coastal community in Brgy. 23-C Isla Verde, Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

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5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019

DBM eyes higher ranking in budget transparency

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he Department of Budget and Management (DBM) aims to further improve the Philippines’ budget transparency score in the Open Budget Survey (OBS).

The International Budget Partnership (IBP), which spearheads the OBS, has begun collecting data in over 100 countries for the 2019 round of the OBS. The IBP said that governments have until the end of this year to take meaningful steps to improve budget transparency, participation, and oversight.

In 2017, the Philippines’ transparency score was 67 points out of 100, significantly higher than Indonesia (64), Japan (60), South Korea (60), Thailand (56), Malaysia (46), Timor-Leste (42), Cambodia (20), Vietnam (15), and Myanmar (7).

2017 open survey budget Said score indicates that citizens have access to substantial budget information, which enables them to participate in decision making and hold the government to account. In addition, the Philippines is the only Asian country which received moderate scores for public participation, joining New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

The OBS evaluates budget transparency based on the comprehensiveness and public availability, in terms of timeliness of release, of eight (8) key budget documents: 1) Pre-Budget Statement, 2) Executive Budget Proposal, 3) Enacted Budget, 4) Citizens Budget, 5) In-Year Reports, 6) Mid-Year Report, 7) Year-End Report, and 8) Audit Report.

ice tariffication will be implemented by March 5 this year sans the issuance of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III told reporters that “there are parts of the law that are clear upfront and can be implemented earlier than the parts of the law that require an IRR to implement”.

“So the heart of the reform, which tariffies rice importation with the least government intervention, will be implemented ASAP to bring down rice prices for more than 100 million Filipino rice consumers,” he said.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed into law sever-

al measures last February 14, including the rice tariffication bill, which is now known as Republic Act (RA) 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Act. Rice tariffication aims to bring down the cost of rice by allowing higher volume of importation, a change from the use of the minimum access volume (MAV).

Under the newly-signed law, tariff will be based on bound rates, which are 35 percent for all imports from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), 40 percent for in-quota or within MAV from non-ASEAN, and 180 percent for out-quota and non-ASEAN or as calculated by the Tariff Commission.

NEARING FINISH. View from the iconic Aeon Towers along J.P. Laurel Avenue which is nearing finish for its condominium and hotel sectors.

Aeon Towers releases Rice tariffication a go by March 5 new building updates R

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

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eon Luxe Properties recently released the recent construction update for their signature project Aeon Towers.

The Davao-based Aeon Luxe Properties released last week the latest construction update by its construction arm I.A. Campbell Associates showing the project accomplishment of the 33-level residential-commercial tower along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City.

The updates were segregated as Condominium and

Hotel sections.

For the condo sector, the mechanical works is now at 95.15 percent while the hotel sector is at 59.55 percent.

The electricals are at 91.23% for the condominium and 26.56% for the hotel.

The rest of the developments for the condo sector are auxiliary and alarm systems 59.84%, plumbing and sani-

tary 92.03%, fire protection 98.17%, architectural 71.54%, elevator 85% and curtain wall 83.11%. For the hotel sector, auxiliary and alarm systems 14.10%, plumbing and sanitary 38.55%, fire protection 79.99%, architectural 34.40%, elevator 75% and curtain wall 61%.

The building, poised to become the first tallest skyscraper in all of Mindanao, is expected to turnover next year.

"We are glad to announce

the progress of the Aeon Towers project in both the condominium and hotel sectors which are moving on according to our revised timelines," said Aeon Luxe Properties president and CEO Ian Y. Cruz.

"We are just as excited as the future residents of the building to see this project rise to completion."

Aeon's main consideration in building its projects is ensuring that at the end of the day, it becomes one oasis at the heart of a progressive city.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019

EDITORIAL The other side of the pageant

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he Mutya ng Davao pagent competitions have provided Dabawenyas the opportunity to showcase various facets of their personality. Through the years, it has produced the best and brightest among Dabawenyas who have essayed their role as ambassadress of the city as well as role models for the youth.

Not long from now, 29 women will pit their personalities in this year’s Mutya ng Davao pageant and already there had been some very interesting realities that came out of the aspirants. For one, these women are very much in touch with the goings on in the city specifically in the aspect of governance, laws and women issues. No wonder, the pageant gets more competitive and interesting each year.

The latest of the revelations coming out of the pageant, although it’s too early at this stage, is the revelations made by two of the 29 candidates of their personality and experience. One admitted of being a victim of domestic violence, while the other confessed she was a proud member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community.

Whether or not the revelations will have some bearing and impact

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PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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RALPH LAWRENCE G. LLEMIT ADAM B. MORRELL Reporter

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BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Social Media Manager/Lifestyle KENNETH IRVING K. ONG MEGHANN STA. INES NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Lifestyle

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. JAN MIKKO CANARIAS CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

DR. MAURO L. PUYOD LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Cartoonist Photography Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBONHENRYLITO • MARY ANN “ADI”• GREGORIO C. QUISIDO LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: D. TACIO G.•DELIGERO • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDAGOTIANSE-TAN MIA S. VALVERDE•• NICASIO FRED C. LUMBA • ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO• DENNIS “GICO” R. G.GORECHO DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ MUJAHID NAVARRA • HAROLD CAVITE

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JASPERSOLANI V. BACSAL General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist VP Operations General Manager JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

on the chances of the two candidates remains to be seen. One thing, these confessions are themselves eye-openers that a beauty contest has now evolved from mere contest of beauty and brains into a vehicle and platform to bring a strong message to the community on issues that are ordinarily not given attention or are just clouded into the complexities of the society.

It must have extracted the most out of one’s courage to come out and disrobe oneself of her sexuality and experience. Win or lose, they have already sent a message across and that is essentially what the pageant is all about.

In the past, women advocates protest over the staging of beauty pageants like the Mutya ng Davao as they regard it as a representation of society’s exploitation of women.

A lot has changed. The Mutya ng Davao has evolved from being what was perceived as a manifestation of an exploitative society into a viable vehicle to push women issues which now have a face and voice to survive the platform of discourse.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09382022120 Tel: (088) 852-4894

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VOL.11 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

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Reclassification of towns

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lassifying towns, then and now, has been dependent on average annual income the municipality earns. In the past, Congress and the Executive were imbued with the sole power to issue edicts or statutes.

One of the postwar presidential fiats issued to reclassify towns was Exec. Order No. 333, which President Carlos P. Garcia signed on March 28, 1959, three months before Republic Act No. 2368, which amended the Revised Administrative Code, was approved. Unlike the Garcia edict, the law was signed “to provide for the classification of municipalities, to fix the maximum limit of the salaries of municipal officers.”

Under Exec. Order No. 333, existing municipalities in Davao region were recategorized as follows: eight, as first class; four, as first-class B; nine, as second class; and two, as third class. Those classified as first-class towns were Lupon, Malalag, Malita, Panabo, Samal, Santa Cruz, Tagum, and Compostela.

Three of the municipalities have since become cities, all of these, interestingly, are now part of the province of Davao del Norte.

The towns rated as First-B were Mati (now a

“T

he Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change impacts. We cannot emphasize enough how our wetlands can help protect communities, especially the poor who are most vulnerable and last resilient.” – Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim *** Most people think wetlands are wastelands. But they are not.

“Wetlands matter in the fight against climate change,” the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), a line agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), points out. “When they are burned or drained, they go from being a carbon sink to a carbon source.”

That’s getting ahead of the story. The BMB defines wetland as “any land area that is saturated or flooded with water, either seasonally or permanently. They can be either inland such as lakes, aquifers and marshes or coastal, as mangroves, estuaries and coral reefs.”

A patch of land that develops pools of water after a rain storm would not be considered a “wetland,” even though the land is wet.

Specifically, wetlands are characterized as having a water table that stands at or near the land surface for

city), Padada (formerly Limonzo), Digos (now a city), and Bansalan. Under second-class category were Asuncion (formerly Saug), Babak (now amalgamated), Baganga, Cateel, Gov. Generoso (formerly Sigaboy), Hagonoy, Kapalong, Manay, and Pantukan. Only Caraga and Jose Abad Santos were categorized as third-class.

Under RA 2368, municipalities were divided into seven classes according to average annual income and the number of councilors per town based on classification.

For instance, towns with an average total revenue of P300,000 annually in the past four fiscal years had eight councilors, while second-class towns with an average total revenue of P200,000 or more per year but not over P300,000 were also allocated eight councilors. Section 2171 of the same statute, however, provides that starting July 1, 1958, the authority to categorize towns would be turned over to the finance secretary, who had the records of incomes earned by towns within a given year.

Meanwhile, on May 20, 1974, President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued a decree, but this took effect only on

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa July 1, 1974, the start of the fiscal year. The fiat provided for “a new classification of provinces, cities and municipalities and fixing the maximum amounts expendable for salaries and wages.” It also amended Republic Acts 4477, 2368, and 4358.

Under the decree, the six classifications were retained.

The new categorizations, with their annual average annual income, are as follows: first class, P1 million; second class, P1 million or more but less than P1.5 million; third class, P500,000 or more but less than P1 million; fourth class, P300,000 or more but less than P500,000; fifth class, P150,000 or more but

less than P300,000; and sixth class, less than P150,000.

On July 25, 1987, President Corazon C. Aquino issued Exec. Order No. 249, which provided a new income classification for the provinces, cities and municipalities. The last reclassifications prior to this were on July1, 1982 and on July 1, 1986, five months after the fall of martial law.

From seven, the classification of towns was reduced to six, with the average annual income adjusted due to various factors, including currency fluctuation and inflation.

Under the Order, those categorized as first-class towns had an average annual income of P15 million or more, while second-class towns were required to have a yearly average income of P10-P15 million. For third, fourth, fifth, and sixth class towns, they were required to have income of P5-P10 million, P3-P5 million, P1-P3 million, and less than P1 million, respectively.

Under the Local Government Code of 1991 or RA 7160, a new classification was introduced but still retaining the six categories based on average annual income, namely: first

class, at least P55 million; second class, P45 million to P54,999,999; third class, P35 million to P44,999,999; fourth class, P25 million to P34,999,999; fifth class, P15 million to P24,999,999; and sixth class, at most P15 million.

On July 4, 2016, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson filed a bill which was titled ‘The Local Government Units Income Classification Act of 2016.”

The initiative failed to hurdle the legislative mill.

According to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Davao del Norte, for one, a first-class province, has three cities in three different categories based on income classification. Tagum City, the capital town, is first class, while Panabo City and the Island Garden City of Samal are third-class and fourthclass cities, respectively. It also has eight towns, two of which are fist-class, two are second-class, and two are fourth-class.

The municipalities of Davao del Norte and their categories are as follows: Asuncion, Carmen, Kapalong, and Sto. Tomas, first-class; New Corella and Talaingod, second-class; and San Isidro and B.E. Dujali, fourth-class.

says. “They are essential for many amphibians, reptiles and migratory birds.”

Ornithologist Arne Jensen, who heads the records committee of Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), told Philippine Daily Inquirer: “Birds that live in wetlands, or spend some time of their life in wetlands, are about 150 species or 22 percent of the Philippine avifauna. Most waterbird species have adapted to the drastically changing conditions of wetlands through their migratory behavior.”

Wetlands also guarantee our food supply. “Wetlands provide important food products like fish and rice,” BMB says. Fish and rice are our staple food. Each day, we consume about 31,450 metric tons of rice, according to Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol of the Department of Agriculture.

In addition, wetlands sustain livelihoods.

According to BMB, wetlands support 61.8 million people that earn their living directly from fishing and aquaculture.

The role of wetlands when it comes to the problem of climate change cannot be ignored as they store carbon. “Peatlands alone hold 30% of all carbon stored on land,” it says. “This is twice the amount stored in the world’s forests, providing resilience against climate

change.”

Despite their myriad uses, wetlands are not given much prominence. They are neglected and not given importance.

“Encroachment on, or loss of, wetlands can cause serious environmental damage to the ecosystem, so they should be restored and rehabilitated when possible,” the environment department suggested.

Wetlands should be conserved through “wise use,” which Ramsar Convention defines as “the maintenance of their ecological character, achieved through the implementation of ecosystem approaches, within the context of sustainable development.”

Let’s stop draining wetlands, BMB urges as it joins the international community the commemoration of World Wetlands Day on February 2. “Keep your voice to #KeepWetlands.”

Senator Loren Legarda, in a statement, urged: “Each of us has opportunities to make a difference for our future. We must take hold of the opportunity to responsibly manage out wetlands. We must maintain focus and momentum in order to restore health to our wetlands and other critical ecosystems and thereby protect our citizens from the impacts of natural hazards and climate change.”

Why wetlands matter

a long period each year to support aquatic plants.

In the Philippines, there are six wetlands of international importance; these are Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Mindanao, Naujan Lake National Park in Oriental Mindoro, Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Cebu, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Sulu Sea, and the Las PiñasParañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area.

Peatlands, also known as mires, have been confirmed in Sab-a basin in Leyte and Agusan March in Mindanao.

There are also some reports that peatlands also exist in Ligawasan Marsh in Mindanao, Dolongan area in Basey, Samar, Southern Leyte, Mount Pulag in Northern Luzon, Surigao del Norte, Northeastern Mindanao, and Naujan Lake Marshland.

BMB states the first basic function of wetlands is that they ensure fresh for all of us. “Wetlands provide us with drinking water,” it explains. “Only 0.75% of the world’s fresh water is accessible for direct human uses. The United Nations estimates that 2 billion people will not have access to safe drinking water by 2025.”

Wetlands also filter harmful waste from water.

“Eighty percent of wastewater is discharged

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

into the natural environment without any form of treatment,” BMB says. “The abundant plant life in wetlands absorbs waste, which helps purify water.”

Unknown to many, wetlands are nature’s shock absorbers. “Wetlands are a natural buffer during extreme weather.

They store heavy rainfall during storms, which reduces flooding and delays the onset of droughts,” BMB states.

Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, former head of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development, agrees. “Mangroves serve as coastal buffers and reduce coastal erosion,” he says.

The wetlands are very important when it comes to biodiversity. “Wetlands are home to more than 100,000 freshwater species,” BMB

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8 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT with DEED OF SALE

Raising goats can boost lagging dairy industry Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

F

arming has been a long-standing primary livelihood of most Filipinos. If they want to earn extra income from their farms, they should raise goats. With an increasing contribution to farming income, goats are slowly drawing support and attention both from government and private sectors.

Goats will not only help the Philippine economy but also lessen their farm expenses and help fight malnutrition among children, says Jethro P. Adang, the director of the Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC).

“They may be known as ‘poor man’s cow,’ but goats can be farmers’ source of income should there be crop failure,” he explains. “Since goats have relatively smaller built than cattle and carabaos, they are easier to raise and require a small initial investment. As such, farmers won’t have any problem in integrating raising goats with their existing crop-based farming systems,” he adds.

Goats have been raised since time immemorial. In his book, Goat Husbandry, David Mackenzie wrote: “When man began his farming operations in the dawn of history, the goat was the kingpin of the personal life, making possible the conquest of desert and mountain non-government and the occupation oforganizathe fertile tion advocates were invited land that lay beyond.

The first of Man’s animals to colonize to thedomestic hearing. the wilderness, goat that is the we last “We are the lucky to abandon the deserts that man have an office leaves behind him.” for women History that records addresses showedtheir that goats were through considered the the first concerns Inhoofed animals ever tamed. the tegrated Gender and InDeBiblical town of Jericho, people kept velopment Division,” tame goats as long as 6,000 orOrtiz 7,000 years before Christ. The ancient Greeks and Romans paid great attention to the rearing of goats. Anyone at all familiar with classical auSkills Development thors will remember howAuthorfrequently these animals for are mentioned, ity (TESDA) teaching especially in pastoral poems. skills on riceto crop According Adang,producthere are many advantages of raising goats tion, modern rice farming compared with seed other dairy livetechniques, producstock. For one, they multiply faster tion, farm mechanization, than cattle or carabaos.

“Before a goat turns three years old, she can and knowledge/ technolhave given birth to as many as five ogy transfer through farm kids,” he says.

Another advantage: goats require less feeds than cows and carabaos. “About 10 native goats can be fed on the feedstuffs sufficient for one cow,” Adang claims. “About 6-7 purebred dairy goats can be fed on what one dairy cow needs.”

Although it is a small animal, “a purebred goat can produce as much as 4 liters of milk if the doe is given a ration that meets all of her nutritional requirements,” points out Adang.

Unknown to many, goat’s milk is nearest to mother’s milk. “Thus, it has a wide variety of health benefits,” wrote Dr. Edwin C. Villar in an article, “The ‘udder side’ of goat.”

“Goat milk has smaller, well-emulsified fat globules, without agglutinin protein hence easier to digest. This is very ideal for infants and senior citizens which constitute approximately 16% of the population of the country.”

That’s not all. “Goat milk has higher levels of amino acids and significant proportion of medium chain triglycerides, recognized as highly beneficial to a number of health issues, and has higher amounts of vitamins and minerals with greater bioavailability,” Dr. Villar wrote.

A research done by the Department of Science and Technology said citing the (DOST) showed thatcity goat’sgovernmilk per ment's well-known advoca200 milligram serving can provide 20% the rights daily requirements for cy forofthe and welfare calcium, 4% for vitamin A, and 8% of women and children. for iron. Interestingly enough, goat added her milkShe is easier to digestthat and assimcommittee is also working ilate in the human body with every amendments 3.8 times more calcium on of thethan Chil-a mother’s milk. dren’s Development Code.

In the cosmetic industry, goat RLL milk is the new trend. “It has naturally occurring alpha-hydroxyacids which is a good skin exfoliant,” Dr. Villar reported. “It is also high in capric, caprylic, and caapronic acids, Piñol saidmoisturizer the which makes it a good with good fats (theRCEF, medium chain PHP10-billion which fatty acids) that keeps the skin’s oil would Filipino in balance.” enable Adang says farmers to successful export raising their of dairyatgoats starts with the right rice globally competkind of breed. Highly recommenditive levels, would ed is theprice Anglo-Nubian goats.

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said. (PNA)

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MARINA MIGRIÑO PELAEZ who died inestate on January 11, 2019 at Southern Philippine Medical Center, Davao City has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among her heirs, per Doc. No. 305; PageNo.62; Book No.XIX Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. BEETHOVEN L. ORCULLO.

Jan. 25, Feb. 1 and 8, 2019

(Second of Three Parts)

drooping ears, distinct Roman nose and prominent forehead. Some strains are predominantly black, others brown, and the coat is long.

“Anglo-Nubian goats produce an average of two liters of milk daily,” Adang says. The butterfat content is about 5.6% (in comparison, the common goat has a butterfat content of 46%). This breed, a native of Northeastern Africa, is found to have a satisfactory performance in the country.

“If you cannot secure purebred stock, you can start with the best female goats available in your area,” Adang says. “Mate them with purebred or upgraded stock. Then, select only their offspring and discard the undesirable ones (you can either sell them or butcher them for meat).

Continue this procedure each year, and you will have desirable goat stocks.”

But here’s a timely thought from Bryan Regencia, a recipient of Gawad Saka for small animal raising in 2013. His Sagana Farm, as he calls it, is located in Mati City, Davao Oriental. He started raising goats in 2008.

“Most goat farmers in the Philippines raise native goats or crosses because they believe they are cheaper to raise compared to purebreds,” he said. This is true when it comes to meat production. But for dairy production, he bats for purebreds.

In 2011, he shifted into raising well-selected, purebred Anglo-Nubian goats. “Unlike other dairy-type goats,” he said, referring to Saanen, Toggenburg and French Alpine, “the Anglo-Nubian breed has Asian, Middle eastern, and Western blood in them.” Which is why, he added, they are good for milk production.

There are several ways of raising dairy goats. The MBRLC, touted as Davao del Sur’s goat capital, recommends zero grazing. In this system, the goats are not allowed to graze in the field. Instead, the pasture area is planted to recommended varieties of grasses and legumes.

The forages are cut by the strips and carried to the goats’ house. The goats are completely confined in their assigned pens. Although this system is recommended mainly for milk production, it has

become a popular method also in meat production.

Dairy goats need a simple house for protection. It can be constructed using local materials available in your area. Bamboo slats, ipil-ipil poles, and coconut leaves make fine flooring, siding and roofing, respectively. Nipa or cogon grass can also be utilized for roofing.

A mature goat needs a maximum floor space of 4 by 5 feet or 20 square feet. The floor is raised by about 4 feet off the ground to facilitate easy cleaning and manure collecting. A fact to remember: goats don’t like rain and damp places.

Dairy goats should be fed nutritious feeds on a year-round basis.

But the question is, what kind of forages should they be given? Native grasses decline fast, have low volume per hectare, inadequate for high stocking rates, and do not respond well to fertilization.

Obviously, the solution is to plant new, improved, and more efficient grass and legume species, which are palatable to goats.

MBRLC recommends the following legumes: Flemingia macrophylla, Desmodium rensonii, Indigofera anil, and Gliricidia sepium.

“A combination of these legumes provides three advantages,” Adang says. “They improve milk production and chevon quality of the goats, aside from making the soil fertile and helping prevent soil erosion.”

The MBRLC has been raising dairy goats since the 1970s. Today, people come to the center not only to undergo training on raising goats but also buying breeding stock. It sells ready-to-breed purebred Anglo-Nubian at P10,000, for the first 20 kilograms. If a goat is more than 20 kilograms, the buyer adds P1,000 per additional kilogram.

And there’s money in selling goat milk. At the MBRLC, fresh milk is sold at P30 (350 milligrams), P35 (500 milligrams), and P65 (one liter). When mixed with chocolate and little sugar, the cost is P35, P45, and P75, respectively. “With fresh goat milk, you can be sure that the milk your child is taking is free from harmful chemicals,” Adang assures. (To be concluded)

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late COLETA TAN and OSCAR TAN, who died on December 18, 2013 and July 19, 1996 in Davao City, Philippines, respectively has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT with DEED OF SALE executed among their heirs, per Doc. No.1; PageNo.2; Book No.165 Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN Feb. 14, 21 & 28, 2019

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND (HDMF) Mortgagee EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,110-19 - versus EMELIE U. LUGAR married to ALLADIN T. LUGAR, Mortgagor/s.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-Ibig Fund against the mortgagor/s EMELIE U. LUGAR married to ALLADIN T. LUGAR, both of legal age, Filipino citizens, with residence and postal address at LOT 24, BLOCK 08, PHASE 6, DECA HOMES RESORT RESIDENCES SUBDIVISION, BARANGAY TUGBOK, MINTAL, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness, which as of NOVEMBER 20, 2018 in the total amount of ONE MILLION EIGHTY THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FOUR PESOS & 85/100 (P1,080,204.85), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction February 28, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below with the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2016013075 “A parcel of land (Lot 3, Block 1 of the subdivision plan Pcs-11005085, being a portion of consolidation-subdivision Lot 1061, CAD-174; Lot 1 PSD-31479, Lot 35, Pcs-3076 AMD, Lot 46, PCS3076 AMD, and Lot 51, Pcs3076 AMD.) situated in the Barangay of Tacunan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED (100) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. XXX” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on March 28, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, January 28, 2019.

FOR: Atty. Francisco M. Campaner OIC-Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) ALBERT C. ABEJARON Feb. 4, 11 & 18, 2019 Sheriff IV

INdulge!

VOL.11 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

JOKO AND SUY’S MAGICAL MOMENT

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

BEGINNING the year of weddings, the Royal Mandaya Hotel has launched its monthly choice wedding events held at its very own turf.

While it maintains all weddings held at the hotel are equally staged to the best of expectations, its monthly picks are for those that simply stand out for a reason.

Starting off with the January Wedding of the Month--a magical fairytale-like wedding tailored to perfection by a very hands-on couple who picked the hotel among all other venues for being “the perfect fit.”

Jose Conrado “Joko” Zantua and Peachy Joyce “Suy” Pabiona tied the knot and celebrated their first day as husband and wife in their magical wedding reception on January 18, 2019 at The Royal Ballroom of The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City.

Joko and Suy, are the kind of couple who loves to eat and exploring new tastes from restaurants to hotels as their way of bonding and de-stressing.

That is how they have started planning on May of last year for their much-awaited wedding day as they began the search for churches and hotels that they think is best for this very special day.

From friend’s feedbacks and those of the so-called ‘experts’ in

the events business, the couple got wind of TRMH’s delicious variety of food menu and that made them decide to have their wedding reception there. Add to the food, there’s The Royal Ballroom, which according to Suy is the perfect fit for their wedding.

TRMH boasts of elegant inte-

riors and mood lighting that’s tailor-made for weddings, debut parties and other formal events.

“We then informed our chosen event stylist, Mr. Glenn Estipona of Events Library that we would love our wedding reception to be held in the said Hotel. Luckily, Sir Glenn agreed and assured we made the right choice and wont regret the services and food of The Royal Mandaya Hotel has to offer,” Suy said.

After months of preparation, The Royal Mandaya Hotel never failed to win the hearts of the Joko and Suy as the couple readily gave their thumbs up to the food choices they sampled during the food tasting stage. Suy said it is something they would love to eat and eat again because of how delicious it is.

“Friday, the weather was perfect. I love my room so much, we stayed for two nights at the Royal Suite. It was very clean and spacious,” Suy added.

Come the wedding day, everything seemed like scenes cut out from fairytale movies as Joko entered The Royal Ballroom with Suy in her elegant

gray wedding dress that complemented with the dreamlike arrangement of the immense venue. Two perfect matching stars met and danced their night away in the sky was how magically everything turned out to be on Joko and Suy’s very special day.

“This is a dream come true Magical Wedding for me and my now husband, Joko Zantua,” the bride said.

The couple expressed their gratitude to Mr. Glenn Estipona of Events Library, Spike Jayme Production for their splendid photo and videos and the The Royal Mandaya Hotel for the excellent service from its battery of chefs to the events serice team and sales staff.

Plan your wedding reception with The Royal Mandaya Hotel. For wedding packages and inquiries call the Hotel’s Banquet Events Supervisor, Michelle S. Sollano, at (82) 225-8888 loc 6179, (82) 244-6603 or at 0956136-3840. You may also send an e-mail at banquetevents@theroyalmandayahotel.com or visit The Royal Mandaya Hotel, J. Palma Gil Street, Davao City.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

FOOD

EDGED

Bangsamoro schools embrace the use of digital learning tools, educational apps from Smart OVER 22 SCHOOLS in the Bangsamoro region are reaping the benefits of digital learning after being recipients of Smart Communications’ (Smart) School-in-a-Bag packages.

For grade school teacher Alamina Bao, it is uncommon for children in their far-flung community of Lanao del Sur to be exposed to technology. Most of her students in Ragayan Elementary School are not even familiar with watching television, as their parents are constantly on the lookout for threats of armed conflict in their area.

After receiving School-in-a-Bag digital portable classrooms in 2018, the kits’ modern learning tools and educational content have allowed Bao and her pupils to connect with technology and be open to innovations that could enhance education and uplift the quality of life for children everywhere.

“After experiencing technology first hand, my students are now more excited to go to school every day,” the educator said.

Quality content Each School-in-a-Bag comes with a teacher’s laptop and tablet, LED TV, solar panel and battery, Smart pocket Wi-Fi, and student tablets that are pre-loaded with literacy applications, multimedia resources, and disaster preparedness videos. More than just receiving gadgets though, Bao specifies that the donations are useful because of the Learn Smart educational content that is pre-installed in each student tablet.

“Learning has become enjoyable for them, thanks to these apps,” she said. The five literacy apps developed by Smart in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and local stakeholders, colleges and universities include the Bahay Kubo Filipino app, Kaalam Cebuano app, Taallam and Tahderiyyah Arabic apps, and Matigsalug app for the Matigsalug tribe of Davao and Bukidnon.

More apps are set to be launched in 2019.

Enhanced teaching Hasmin Macud, a teacher of Alternative Learning System (ALS) in Marawi City, is grateful at how the Learn Smart apps have helped enhance her teaching.

The educator attests to how the Tahderriyah and T’allam apps guide her in the more accurate pronunciation of certain Arabic words. “Not all of us are articulate enough with extensive knowledge of the Arabic language,” she admitted.

“These well-developed apps ensure that our students learn Arabic words and sayings precisely, and more than what us teachers can share to them during class hours,” Macud explained.

Innovative learning School-in-a-Bag recipients are also trained on the CVIF-Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF-DLP) teaching methodology. First implemented in the Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF) in Jagna, Bohol, the disaster-resilient form of education promotes independent learning. Students work on activity sheets 80% of the time, while teachers conduct lectures for the remaining 20%.

CVIF-DLP has reportedly boosted the academic performance of students in more than 100 public and private schools nationwide.

Schools that have adopted the methodology record enhanced academic performance, especially in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines.

Teachers such as Faith Bernardio from Kalumenga Elementary School in Maguindanao, said the teaching methodology allows educators to focus more on the quality – rather than quantity – of their teaching. “DLP makes work easier for teachers, as students practice independence and critical thinking,” she stated.

No learner left behind Since 2016, Smart and its partners have donated a 109 School-in-a-Bag units to various learning institutions nationwide, 83 of which were turned over in 2018 alone. To date, the Program has benefitted over thirty thousand students and over a thousand teachers in communities all over the country.

The School-in-a-Bag kits provided to schools in the Bangsamoro region were donated by Smart and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) with the support of the Philippines Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Synergeia Foundation, and the local government units around the province. “We hope to create more partnerships with other organizations to reach more remote schools in the Philippines,” said Stephanie Orlino, Senior Manager for Education, Smart Public Affairs.

Smart emphasized how strong partnerships with community stakeholders are essential in developing Learn Smart programs.

“From partnerships with government and non-government offices, local government units, companies, academe, advocacy groups, and media, we all need to work together to help build a nation where no learner is left behind,” said Darwin F. Flores, Community Partnerships Head, Smart Public Affairs.

Interested parties who wish to learn more about Smart’s educational programs can visit the Smart Communities Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SmartCommunities or email learnsmart@smart.com.ph.

Pasta, pasta and more pasta -- basic yet very robust.

The search for real authentic dining is over AUTHENTIC DINING -- an unrealistic notion of truth. Or is it? Everything is according to one’s preference; one’s subjective understanding of the food per se. Personally, I go for the nakedness in food. Not entirely raw but food that enables you to taste the many different ingredients that made it one.

In a world of fast food and instant meals, our palate has slowly grown accustomed to bland taste.

From dried herbs and spices to dehydrated meat, convenience practically killed the ability of our palates to experience the nakedness of ingredients… the beauty of savouring fresh food even.

True, convenience means comfort and ease. But it won’t hurt if we give in to temptation and spoil our palates every once in a while. How you may ask? Go out, spend time at the dining table and enjoy a spread without minding the calories.

For years, Padre Ninno’s Gourmet restaurant has been on everyone’s list of foodie places to visit. From typical diners to adventure seeking foodies, his repertoire is nothing like you’d expect. Staple Italian dishes prepared and cooked with utmost love, Padre Franco or Padre Ninno to us all, fuses flavours that creates depth after depth of palatable texture you won’t find elsewhere.

Their menu is a play of childhood favourites – pasta, pate and pizza, just a few to make you salivate. On top of it all, each dish uses the freshest of organically produced ingredients grown at their organic farm. Now, that’s true fusion –

local ingredients, global flavours.

Padre Ninno’s Gourmet, for a fact, is one happy foodie place to visit. This is authentic dining at its best – no pretence, just good food on any given day. The restaurant itself is downright subtle – very probinsya to the core. But as soon as the whiff of delicious air hits your nostrils, you’d be transported to the doorways of dramatic Italian villas on the countryside. It is that powerful.

Many rave of their pizza – but I think, it is their pasta that sits highly on the golden throne. The starch from the pasta and the robust flavour of the fresh ingredients used makes any plate of pasta remarkable. Truly, remarkable indeed.

Accordingly, it is the simplicity of the dish that elevates it. It is not as potent as any pasta you’ve tasted. The aroma is very subtle yet you know what once it hits your palate, you’d be in for a surprise. And every forkful never fails to surprise the diner.

Their pizza, on the other hand, is equally orgasmic. I just love the pasta a notch higher. The crust, the sauce and the toppings strikes a delectable balance that makes every bite one to remember.

The acidity and the basicity of the ingredients are neutralised with heat thus creating numerous layers of taste.

Another one that should not be missed is Padre Ninno’s roasted marinated Peking Duck. It’s both crispy and juicy and does not leave an ‘umay’ taste on the palate. With or without rice, you’d be delighted.

So, yeah, authentic dining is possible – it is real. All you need to do is look around.

Padr is mo just a geniu to ed every orga

Roas duck Ninn ultim brea

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.11 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

NEW EDUCATIONAL CHANNELS FOR KIDS NOW ON SKYCABLE SELECT

KIDS and adults have more chances to experience the joys of learning while being entertained with SKYcable Select’s new channels – ZooMoo, Da Vinci Kids and FilmBox ArtHouse.

Padre Ninno’s is always a welcome place to visit.

In ZooMoo, children get to explore and build their knowledge of the animal world in fun ways. Through shows like ZoomooPedia, kids get a closer look at the wonderful world of the wild as it answers questions such as “why is a flamingo pink? Or why do monkeys have tails?”

Meanwhile, real

questions from kids get answered in the Da Vinci

Kids channel, with its treasure trove of educational shows based on school subjects: science, math, technology, history, culture, nature, and sports. The topics of each show is carefully handpicked for kids’ safe viewing.

A magical tour of arts history await children in “Art with Mati and Dada” while a peek into

the world’s greatest moments of discovery can be enjoyed in “Mindblowing Breakthroughs.”

Adults, on the other hand, get to enjoy the fine art of film in FilmBox ArtHouse, a channel that showcases the best cinema classics and the works of world’s most prominent directors, including Hitchcock, Kurosawa, Fellini, and many more. Contemporary arthouse movies that sprang from various film festivals such as Cannes, Toronto, Venice, Berlin, Locarno, Sundance, and Tokyo are also available.

Subscribers may choose to add any of these channels to their channel line-up via SKYcable Select for as low as P20/month. FilmBox ArtHouse and Da Vinci Kids are also available on SKYcable Select’s Family Pack for only P350/ month. Call 418-0000 to subscribe.

JED MADELA SOARS HIGH WITH “SUPERHERO” ALBUM MULTI-AWARDED recording artist Jed Madela has finally introduced his newest and much-awaited album “Superhero” under Star Music, now available on digital platforms—iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music, and Spotify.

The “Tawag ng Tanghalan” judge’s latest offering has multiple tracks, including “Superman,” “Superhero,” “I Got Your Back,” “You Were Mine,” and “Di Matitinag.”

Also part of his “Superhero” album is the single “Be With You Again,” his exciting collaboration with BoybandPH. “It’s about two people who had a relationship

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that didn’t work. One of them is hoping to get another chance at love,” Jed shared. “Be With You Again” is now part of the MYX Daily Top 10 (as of Feb. 18).

The highly anticipated album launch, held last Saturday at Eastwood Open Park with Six Part Invention, also featured guest performers JMKO and Lara. It was led by musical director Rey Cantong and hosted by MYX VJ Ai dela Cruz.

Aside from the recording project, the World Championship of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) hall of famer is also set to have his 15th anniversary concert tour

all over the Philippines and also in the US and Canada this year.

Download Jed’s “Superhero” album on digital stores and watch out for his nationwide

mall tours to promote his latest songs. For more details, like Star Music on facebook.com/starmusicph, and follow it on Twitter and Instagram @ StarMusicPH.

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Operations Office (CTOO) is looking at some 200,000 tourists and visitors for the whole month of March this year.

CTOO head Generose Tecson also reminded the public to refrain from wearing clothing resembling that of the mil-

itary, police or security forces as to avoid any confusion. Republic Act 493 prohibits civilians from wearing, using, manufacturing, and selling military uniforms, insignia, medals, and badges prescribed only for soldiers and policemen.

Tecson noticed the proliferation of civilians wearing garments resembling these uniforms. The reminders are for both local and foreign tourist to follow and respect local ordinances, she stressed.

rehabilitation for livelihood and business development, land resource management, and social services that would need P 16 billion; P42 billion for the establishment of Agro-Economic Zones in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Agusan del Sur, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan; and P15 billion for the Tawi-Tawi Integrated Develop-

ment Project/Ecozone; P25 billion for Picong FreePort and Ecozone in Picong, Lanao del Sur; P39.2 billion for the Mindanao River Basin Integrated Flood Control Projects; P300 million for the proposed Mindanao Executive Leadership Academy in Maramag, Bukidnon; P75 billion for the MinDC Interregional Connectivity Projects comprising roads and bridges;

P100 million for Tourism Assistance Center in 20 strategic areas in Mindanao; P9.8 billion for New Zamboanga Airport in Mercedes, Zamboanga City; and P100 million for Polloc Freeport and Ecozone in Polloc, Maguindanao; and P9.8 billion for General Santos Aerotropolis that is still recommended for a feasibility study. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

hindrance of joining the pageant.

Framil, a self-confessed agnostic or “a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God”, said that it did not hinder her from joining the pageant, nor representing her city.

“Davao City can be represented by anyone who is ready to accept the crown together with the responsi-

bilities and duties that come with it. And I am utterly sure that someone who comes out publicly is resilient and responsible enough to know that even though there may still be bigots in this city, she stands up for what she believes in and which preference she is most comfortable with,” Framil said in a public Facebook post.

Another Mutya winner,

who opted not to be named, said “the words she will speak, and most especially, the decisions and preferences she will make which encompass her views about gender and sexuality.”

“As Davaoeños, let us ask ourselves how we want our city to be known if it is to be represented by someone to the rest of the world,” she said.

ernment is sincere in curbing out insurgency through providing the needs of the former rebels.

“Atong mapakita karon kung unsa ka sincere ang gobiyerno, administrasyon ni Presidente Digong (Rodri-

go Duterte) sa insurhensiya kay kini babag sa atong developments,” the governer said. (We are now showcasing how sincere the government, the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte is, in insurgency since this

blocks our development.)

He urged the active rebels who are still in the mountains to go down and surrender; and assured that the government will help them through a whole of nation approach.

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(CPP-NPA).

"I don’t like his style but I do not hate him. We are friends and we can be friends.

Some other time they say I would kill for money. But since Sison is my professor, I will kill him for nothing. Except that before he goes to the blue yonder, kindly find time to talk sensible peace," Duterte explained.

The country, said Duterte, have been struggling with this kind of conflict during the past 53 years, thus, being not be able to succeed in just about five years isn't a lost cause at all.

"I suggest that we do not make any demands. We go to the table and to talk about it.

And if he proposes something which is not acceptable and I would say, No, I cannot accept that. And if I propose something and he does not relish it, then maybe he can go back to the Netherlands," Duterte, pertaining to Sison, who he suggest to just get two wives and start breeding new family there instead.

Duterte also exclaimed that if there's no peace, there is no way Sison can come back to the Philippines.

He also advised the military and the police to allow National Democratic Front (NDF) peace panel chair Fidel

Agcaoili if he wants to return to the country to talk peace with his government (GRP) panel despite the his previous threats to arrest and detain communist consultants.

"I think Atty. Agcaoili has sounded off, he was coming again to talk and I told the military and the police just allow him. For after all we’re just on a waiting period about the appropriate time to talk about peace. I am not that cruel."

Meantime, Duterte said he is one with the men and women of the Mindanao Development Authority as they celebrate the continuing success of their mission to build a stronger and more progressive Mindanao.

As the primary coordinating agency in the affairs of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines –East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), Duterte said MinDA has played an invaluable role in the implementation of viable socio-economic programs in the region, especially as we enter a new period of peace and development with the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. By facilitating the active involvement and participation of all relevant sectors in your initiatives, the organiza-

tion has enabled the institution of effective mechanisms for socio-civic endeavors, launched political education campaigns, and establishment of agro-economic zones across the nation.

“Indeed, these efforts highlight the importance of our collaborative efforts in realizing lasting peace and sustainable growth across Mindanao,” he said, adding: “As our nation’s development landscape reaches a new level of progress, I count on your unwavering commitment to contribute further in our efforts to improve our people’s lives through peace and development.”

Duterte said “may this occasion foster economic cooperation that will lead to the creation of more viable opportunities in trade and investment, transportation, agri-business, tourism, energy, and environmental protection and management, among others, not only in the region but in the entire BIMP-EAGA corridor” “Rest assured that this administration will remain resolute in building the capacity of our local government units to deliver excellent public service and promote good governance, especially in Mindanao.”

suppliers and some drug addicts.

“We’ll try to solve our own problems. We do not have to kill. We do not bomb churches. We do not kill civilians. There’s nothing in the book of civilization which says that you kill innocent person, helpless women and children,” he said.

BIMP-EAGA is a sub-regional economic co-operation established in Davao City in 1994 to spur economic development in the lagging sub-economies.

It covers the underdeveloped and geographically remote areas of the four-member countries -- the entire sultanate of Brunei Darus-

salam; nine provinces in Kalimantan, Sulawesi, the island chain of Maluku, and Papua in Indonesia; the federal states of Sabah and Sarawak, and the federal territory of Labuan in Malaysia; the 26 provinces of Mindanao and the province of Palawan in the Philippines. (PNA)

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Chooks-To-Go will be the main supporter of the FIBA 3x3 Asia-Pacific Super Quest set in April.

PH to host FIBA 3x3 Super Quest

T

he Philippines’ last dash to the first-ever Olympic 3x3 basketball event got a huge boost as it hosts the FIBA 3x3 Asia-Pacific Super Quest, possibly in April.

Ronald Mascariñas, president of Chooks-ToGo, the main presenter of the tournament, officially announced the development during a press conference at the Bar One inside Crowne Plaza in Pasig City on Tuesday night.

“This is the first time na in-offer ito ng FIBA (This is the first time FIBA made the offer),” Mascariñas said. “It’s really a special window given to the Philippines.”

The Super Quest will be the biggest event for a cagefest being played on a half court that the country will host since it hosted the FIBA 3x3 World Cup at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan last year.

The Super Quest, expected to be of bigger

bearing than the FIBA 3x3 Quest tournaments, will pit two Philippine teams against some of the best 3x3 teams in the world.

“Most likely it would happen in April, right after the Chooks-To-Go 3x3 President’s Cup,” Eric Altamirano said, as he bared the possible schedule of the Super Quest.

Altamirano is the commissioner of the Chooks-To-Go 3x3, the first 3x3 league in the

country.

The top two teams after the grand finals of the ongoing President’s Cup will qualify for the Super Quest, a qualifying tournament for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

Bataan got to a great start in the President’s Cup by ruling the first leg at the SM Megamall Events Center in Mandaluyong on Saturday, stunning preseason favorite Pasig in the finals.

Altamirano said the top three teams in the

A

I

t has been touted about that the Philippines is interested – and is preparing – to host the 1922 (or the 1926) Asian Games.

(Our Southeast Asian neighbor – Indonesia – just last year hosted the 2018 quadrennial sportsfest in Jakarta and other nearby sites.)

This is the information I got that is why the government reconsidered – after initially thumbing it down – and forthwith volunteered to host the 2019 SEA Games after Brunei gave up its rotational assignment to do it.

This was some two years plus ago when Allan Peter Cayetano was the sitting DFA secretary wherein he was also designated chair of the organizing executive committee by Pres. Duterte. At that time, it proposed a P7.6B budget, not so huge a monetary

Olympics in Tokyo next year.

The Philippines currently ranks 50th in the FIBA 3x3 men’s world ranking, way outside the Top 20.

The 20 countries with the most number of accumulated points per gender will earn a spot in the Olympic 3x3 event.

Japan, the host of the Olympics, ranks fourth overall -- number one in Asia -- in the men’s ranking as of posting. (PNA)

her first serve points while making 25 unforced errors.

It was the second major surprise in a week involving U.S. Open champion Osaka, who announced she had parted ways with Sascha Bajin, the coach who had guided her in both her Grand Slam victories.

“This match is the result of that,” Osaka told reporters of her coaching shake-up.

“I’m pretty sure as time goes on you guys will stop talking about it. For now, it’s like the biggest tennis news, I guess.

“See, it’s a little bit hard because I feel like people are staring at me, and not in a good way.”

The hard-hitting Osaka has become one of tennis’s most bankable players since upsetting American great Serena Williams in the final at Flushing Meadows but has always spoken of feeling uncomfortable in the spotlight.

Osaka wiped away tears as she spoke of the challenge of adjusting to her new celebrity.

Osaka stunned in Dubai tearful Naomi Osaka said she was struggling with the attention of being the world’s topranked woman after being stunned 6-3 6-3 by France’s Kristina Mladenovic in her opening match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday.

Playing her first match since claiming the number one ranking with her Australian Open triumph, the Japanese 21-year-old capitulated in just over an hour, having won less than half of

World no. 1 Naomi Osaka sees no cause for panic after Dubai loss: ‘I still feel like I have a lot to learn’.

Super Quest will make it to the World Tour.

Just like the other tournaments, FIBA 3x3 World Ranking Points will be given to the teams depending on how they will perform.

It means that the better the rankings of the two Philippine teams in the Super Quest and the World Tour are, should they both qualify, the higher the points they can get and the better the chance for the Philippines to make it to the

Asian Games hosting prospects allocation considering the huge sports infrastructure that was needed to build and rehabilitate.

However, Congress very recently pruned down the P7.6B to only P6B, a reduction that grossly saddened officials of the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, an action which I thought would ring negative alarm bells in the sports community.

New sports structures like the Athlete’s Village, a central stadium to stage the opening and closing programs, an athletic and football field, gymnasiums, swimming pools and arenas in the New Clark City in the former Clark Air Force Base reservations bordering the provinces of Pampanga and Tarlac are sprouting up today in a bid to promptly meet strict schedules and timelines.

SPORTS KEN Fred C. Lumba Rehabilitation of other sports venues in other sites and cities also require funding.

The budget reduction will certainly dampen efforts of local organizers to exceed expectation

because the 2019 SEAG hosting is the first prudent step to show to officials of the Olympic Council of Asia that the Philippine government is capable and ready to stage the next Asian Games.

We are under the watchful eyes of those who will approve our bid to host the next Asian Games. The 2019 SEAG hosting will reveal our true worth.

The country first and last hosted the AG competitions in 1954.

Hosting international sports contest boost every country’s tourism program because thousands of sports fans – if not hundreds of thousands – usually troop to the host country to watch A-1 athletes display herculean strength, speed and stamina.

Filipinos are noted worldwide for their remarkable hos-

pitality and organizational ability as well as for their warmth friendship and communication skills.

We must continue to build on these positives and sustain them.

Tourism is one area of life and governance where our government and the people can profit from immensely.

Congress should not overlook the fact that hosting sports conclaves contributes a lot more in attracting foreigners to visit our country without exerting too much advertising and convincing effort.

This said, the organizing executive committee should henceforth make a dramatic appeal to Congress to restore the original P7.6B request so that the smooth flow of the SEAG blueprint is observed.

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HAPPY MOMENT PSC hails President Duterte’s signing of PSTC law

“I

t’s a happy moment for Philippine sports.”

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez could not hide his elation following President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing of Republic Act 11214 or “The Philippine Sports Training Center Act” last February 14.

The law establishing a state-of-the-art sports training facility in the country was signed by the president “to promote and develop sports in the country, to achieve excellence in international sports competitions, to ensure success in the country’s quest to achieve competitiveness in the Olympic Games and to promote international amity among nations.”

“We at the PSC are extremely grateful to the President for making this historic devel-

opment in Philippine sports happen” said Ramirez. The law has been a work in progress for the past two years with the PSC head hoping that “this facility can become a reality to be able to provide our athletes more fighting chance in their competitions with an upgraded training facility.”

The 20-hectare sports hub that will rise in Rosales, Pangasinan in 2022 will feature numerous facilities for administrative, sports science, medical and dormitories for athletes and coaches; with sports amenities for 39 Olympic and non-Olympic sports.

The amount of P3.5 billion is appropriated by the law for the construction of infrastructure and shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The amount

PSC chairman William Ramirez calls it "happy moment for Philippine sports" after President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Philippine Sports Training Center Act. PSC photo

necessary to carry out the other provisions of the Act, particularly for the maintenance, operation, and management

PBA All Stars starters out

I

t's gonna be speed versus brute in this year's Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Star Game at the Calasiao Sports Complex in Pangasinan on March 31.

Four agile players will headline the North All-Star starters, while the twin tower combination of June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter will banner the South All-Stars' first five.

Ginebra's LA Tenorio, Magnolia's Paul Lee, Phoenix's Calvin Abueva, and San Miguel's Marcio Lassiter made the cut for the North as announced on Tuesday.

Tenorio's fellow Gin King Japeth Aguilar, who is quick in his own rights as well, complete the North starters.

On the other hand, Fajardo and Slaughter are ex-

SOUTH

NORTH

pected to once again dominate the paint together for the South All-Stars.

Rain Or Shine's James Yap, Magnolia's Mark Barroca, and Ginebra's Scottie Thompson complete the South starters.

The announcement was made after the closing of the balloting period among

fans.

The rest of the AllStar lineups will be named at a later date.

Following two straight seasons of having Gilas Pilipinas take on a selection from each of the Philippines' three major regions, the PBA decided to revert to the North versus South format. (PNA)

of the PSTC shall be also be included in the GAA, under the budget of the PSC. “We will be hands-on

in overseeing the operation and construction of the PSTC,” affirmed Ramirez.

The ceremonial sign-

ing of the said RA was held Wednesday at the Malacañan Palace with Ramirez and other PSC officials in attendance.