Edge Davao | Vol 11 Issue 245 | Friday-Saturday, March 1-2, 2019

VOL.11 ISSUE 245 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 1-2, 2019

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NO REASON TO FEAR RICE TRADE LIBERALIZATION: PIÑOL P2

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

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ENCOURAGING SUICIDE. A teenager watches a video entitled ‘Momo Challenge’ from a popular social media website using her electronic gadget on Thursday. ‘Momo Challenge’ is a viral challenge that allegedly encouraging suicide and giving kids tips on how to do it is currently infiltrating children’s video websites. Lean Daval Jr

KIDS IN CRIME Mendicancy leads to CICLs: DSWD 11

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

S

Scenes like this are no treet mendicancy is the �irst stage of becom- signed by President Ferdi- light.

An Edge Davao reporter longer uncommon and nand Marcos in 1978. ing children in con�lict with the law (CICL), On a typical rush eve- personally witnessed the even Davao City Police Ofaccording to a social worker. ning hour at the busy inter- violent acts which caught �ice (DCPO) director Police

Fritz Adam Rondero, Department of Social Welfare and Development XI (DSWD-XI) of�icer, said that the increasing number of mendicants in the streets of Davao City is very alarming

despite the existence of a 41-year old law prohibiting mendicancy or begging in the streets. Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1563, otherwise known as the Anti Mendicancy Law was

section along J.P. Laurel on Wednesday, three minors stopped a jeepney to beg for money. After being turned down, they hurled stones on the public transport while stopped at the traf�ic

the jeepney driver and his passengers by surprise and caused a minor commotion and traf�ic congestion. No police of�icer was around and the minors ran away from the scene.

Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum admitted this particular road section is the favorite of mendicants in the city who often cause trouble in the streets.

Rondero said that the

law that penalizes people from giving amount to street beggars is not really fully implemented resulting to various abuses including children being exploited by syndicates.

“Since they are exposed in the streets, they get to absorb all the negativities they

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 245 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 1-2, 2019

PRIDE OF DAVAO. Multi-awarded Dabawenyo artist Welehito Pepito checks one of his masterpieces before the opening of his solo exhibit at Bistro Rosario along F. Torres Street in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

Dav Or offers reward No reason to fear rice trade liberalization: Piñol for cocaine surrender

By ADAM B. MORRELL

“W

alaa ninyo ang kahadlok (Take away your fears). If there’s adverse effect on this (law), it is only temporary.”

Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol reminded farmers and traders during the Consultation with Stakeholders on the Rice Trade Liberalization Law Mindanao Cluster held at the Grand Regal Hotel on Thursday, February 28.

Some 300 stakeholders and farmers from Mindanao attended the forum which focused on the controversial Republic Act (RA) 11203 or the Rice Tarif�ication Law, an act liberalizing the importation, exportation, and trading of rice, lifting for the purpose the quantitative import restriction on rice that was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on February 14.

“We may not understand for now why the president signed this, but we just have

to trust him, we must have faith in him,” Piñol said.

An in�lux of cheap imported milled rice that could result to lowering of wholesale price and lowering farm gate price, said Piñol, are the main possible impacts of rice liberalization. There had been some speculations the law could lead to oversupply of imported rice.

“Kung nakulbaan mo na bahaon ta ug imported na bugas, dili dapat kay each year naga increase atoang population. Paphaa ang kahadlok kay if there is adverse effect, it is only temporary,” he explained.”If time comes mag baha na ug imported na bugas, this law can always put utmost 180 percent tariff and I’m pretty sure wala’y tarong ug utok na magpa sulod ug ingana kadako ang tarrif ang

i-impose,” he explained.

The law will be take effect beginning March 5.

However, the National Food Authority (NFA) thinks otherwise. NFA legal chief lawyer Ma. Theresa Villa�lor said it is the agency’s dooms day, She said NFA’s major functions will all be repealed on that day.

“We are mainly affected by this law. The only thing we can only perform is buffer stocking. And this function is only essential if may calamity.

If walang calamity, wala kaming gagawin,” Villa�lor said adding that the law will put NFA’s more than 4,000 employees in jeopardy.

Piñol, meanwhile, said he sincerely understands the NFA’s sentiment but reiterated that the law has already been signed and “it has to be implemented.” Piñol said DA only promised to help the farmers.

“What DA intends to do is to improve competitiveness

and farm income, enhance resiliency to disasters and climate risks and ensure access to safe and nutritious rice,” he said.

The DA secretary also urged the farmers to continue planting rice despite the effects the law may af�lict on their community.”We cannot abandon planting rice. If you stop planting rice, as if you condemn the next generation,” he said.

Although the law is a commitment of the country to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Piñol said that “we cannot rely solely on the world market for our needs, we need to continue helping our rice farmers and the domestic rice industry.”

Meantime, the funds that will be generated from the rice importers under the Rice Tarif�ication Law will be allocated for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) for farmers. The tariff

enforcers who were conducted the search.

Four jail guards are now also being investigated, for allowing the contraband of illegal drugs to be brought inside the city jail.

Tagum said that 12 inmates were found positive of illegal drugs in the drug inspection on Monday.

The Ma-a City Jail has a total 3,000 inmates, while its allowable capacity is only good for 300 persons.

Currently, the “no visit rule” is being implemented,

while BJMP is working on establishing a receiving area for inmates to communicate with families without necessarily going through physical contact.

The DCPO head also said that they will intensify the drug testing, not only the inmates and the jail wardens, but also on the whole police organization.

“This will serve as a deterrent to the PNP (Philippine National Police) marker, from taking illegal drugs,” Tagum said.

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Cops digging deep into drugs in jail

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

D

ays after the discovery of illegal drugs inside the facility of the Ma-a City Jail last weekend, Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) director Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum cannot determine, as of the moment, the intensity of the drug trade inside the city jail.

Tagum, on Thursday, said that they had submitted all reports to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), for investigation.

“Whatever developments in the future (resulting from

the report), we will adjust and act on the given information that would reach under our unit,” he said during the iSpeak media forum at the City Hall of Davao.

DCPO, on Saturday, conducted a surprise greyhound search inside the city jail, wherein law enforcers recovered two plastic sachets of white crystalline substances believed to be shabu valued at P160,000, drug paraphernalia, and deadly weapons.

Four inmates were killed after allegedly attacking law

M

ati City – As he lauded the immediate response of residents and law enforcement agencies on the recent discovery of bricks of cocaine found along the shorelines of Caraga town, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang said that reward await those villagers who tipped and reported to the authorities about the shockingly massive �ind.

“First of all, I congratulate the residents of Caraga town, particularly residents and village of�icials of Barangay Santiago for immediately reporting to the local police the recovery of bricks of cocaine found along their shoreline. I also thank the local police, the personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine Navy for their immediate response to the incident. We will give rewards to residents who found and surrendered to the government authorities the bricks of cocaine,” says Governor Dayanghirang in a statement.

During the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) Meeting held on February 27 at the Oriental Prince Hotel in the City of Mati, the members passed a resolution to extend monetary reward of P30,000 each to the two residents who reported the discovered bricks of cocaine to the authorities.

PADAC Action Of�icer and Provincial Administrator Art Benjie Bulaong said that the two residents who have been instrumental in the recovery of the drugs deserve to get the reward so that more people will be encouraged to support and cooperate in the province’s anti-drug efforts.

“We are giving this reward to people who have enough courage to report incidents such as this,” he said.

Members of the PADAC have agreed that they are

highly in favor of giving incentives to those who will give valuable intelligence reports to the authorities related to illegal drugs. Some members also suggested to institutionalize a reward system for cases like this.

On February 24, based on report from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), residents discovered 36 bricks of cocaine valued to be more or less P215 million pesos washed ashore the coast of Barangay Santiago in Caraga. Three additional bricks were discovered a day after said IA1 Eleazar Arapoc of PDEA. He said that the total amount of the seized cocaine is estimated to be around 47 kilos.

He said law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy are conducting monitoring in the coastal areas of Caraga to see if there are still remnants of the cocaine left along the coasts while the police and the PDEA are investigating the source of drugs and their connection to the other discovered cocaine bricks in other areas in the country.

Meanwhile, Governor Dayanghirang called on his constituents to immediately surrender the remnants of illegal drugs believed to be still �loating along the coastal communities in the province as he promised to give rewards to those who would surrender bricks of cocaine to government authorities.

STRENGTHENING INTELLIGENCE AND CAMPAIGN While it is nearly impossible to guard every inch of the province’s coasts which is the longest coastline in the Davao Region, stretching to more than 500 kilometers, authorities say that it would not stop them from making efforts to secure the province and its

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VOL.11 ISSUE 245 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 1-2, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

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NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 245 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 1-2, 2019

Calape youth launch Eco Bo-Bote Project T

RICE TARIFFICATION LAW. Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol says Rice Tariffication Law will greatly help the farmers as the tariff from the rice importers worth P10 billion annually will be used to fund the Rice

Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). Piñol graced the consultation with the stakeholders on the Rice Trade Liberalization Law Mindanao cluster at Grand Regal Hotel on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

he Sangguniang Kabataan Pambayang Pederasyon ng Calape launched its project dubbed as “Eco Bo-Bote ng Calape” on February 15 mainly aimed to gather plastic trash and wastes in the municipality.

SK Municipal Federation President, John Ted Labajo said this project is aimed at mitigating plastics in Calape town, segregating of plastics ang keeping them inside plastic bottles, and empowering the community to participate in clean and green revolution.

Under the Eco Bo-Bote scheme, a kilo of rice is paid for every three (3) liters of plastic bottles stocked with plastic trash.

Labajo said the project is particularly aimed at tapping non-working mothers to participate as a mode of additional source of liveli-

hood.

Calape Mayor Nelson Yu, has personally indorsed this project which will be provided with corresponding budget every year.

According to the youth chairman, an appropriation of P100,000 inserted in the municipality’s Solid Waste budget has been earmarked to support the project.

All the thirty three (33) Barangay SK Chairmen serve as coordinators of the project in their respective jurisdiction.

To further broaden the capability of the movement, the SK Federation is willing to accept volunteers or private stakeholders.

The project has for its themes: #PlasticFreeCalape, #EcoBo-BotengCalapeProject2K19 and # Wa r O n Wa s te C a l a p e . (ecb/PIA7-Bohol w/ reports from Calape IO)

earn knowledge, skills and competencies throughout their lifetime.

In a press brie�ing, DepEd Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Nepomuceno Malaluan said the implementing rules and regulations of the PQF have been approved and concerned agencies will harmonize the quali�ication levels across basic, technical-vocational and higher education.

"The PQF was signed into law by President Duterte on Jan. 16, 2018 and Section 14 of the law directed DepEd, Commission on Higher Education and Technical Education and Skills Development,

Department of Labor and Employment and Philippine Regulations Committee to issue the IRR which was approved on Jan. 15, 2019," he said.

Malaluan said while the PQF National Coordinating Council preserved the declaration of policy, powers and functions of the existing PQF, they strengthened the provisions for stakeholder participation.

"It [PQF] is key in transforming the language of education from diplomas to quali�ications in terms of knowledge skills, values and ability

54 violators nabbed CGov’t comes out with qualifications framework in i-ACT operations

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

D

avao City Transport and Traf�ic Management Of�ice (CTTMO) apprehended 54 violations in an intensive operation of the Inter-Agency Council on Traf�ic (i-ACT) on Wednesday at Toril.

CTTMO head Dionisio Abude said on Thursday that the operation apprehended violators of the local traf�ic code, including those with no helmet, no license, and no franchise for public transport operators. i-ACT, launched on Tuesday, aims to address the traf�ic congestion of the city.

Abude said that the operation, held in partnership

with other agencies including Task Force Davao, Davao City Police Of�ice, Land Transportation Of�ice, Land Transportation Franchising an Regulatory Board, Department of Public Works and Highways, Public Safety and Security Command Center, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Philippine Coast Guard, aims

to widen its coverage in addressing the worsening traf�ic condition of the city.

“During our operation, we had impounded so many vehicles, especially those who did pass the smoke emission test,” Abude said.

He said that the number excluded impounded vehicles such as tricycles, side cars and payong-payong, which were impounded at the LTFRB compound.

Abude said that the next schedule for the i-ACT is yet to be �inalized.

Drug-using jail officer not involved in drug trade: BJMP

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV

J

ail Chief Insp. Roman Hernandez, who was arrested after he tested positive for illegal drug use in a random testing conducted during Oplan Greyhound at the Davao City Jail in Ma-a on February 23, was not involved in the illegal drug trade inside the jail facility, according to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) 11.

Speaking during the AFP-PNP press brie�ing on Wednesday, BJMP-11 spokesperson Jail Insp. Edo Lobenia insisted that their intelligence report did not directly link Hernandez to illegal drugs activity inside the jail facility.

He said the jail of�icer, who admitted to have used “shabu,” is a victim himself “of the drug menace” in the country.

Joint forces from Police Regional Of�ice 11, BJMP, DCPO, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group conducted a joint operation at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday to clear the jail facility of illegal drugs.

The bloody operation left four inmates killed and three police of�icers wounded. Authorities recovered two sachets of suspected shabu worth P160,000, drug paraphernalia, and deadly weapons.

Oplan Greyhound is an anti-illegal drugs and anti-contraband campaign conducted to prevent the entry, use and movement of contraband within jail premises to protect the public, employees and inmates.

Lobenia said Hernandez will be dismissed from the service.

Aside from Hernandez, Lobenia said four other non-of�icers of the Davao City Jail had been relieved from their posts for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs based on the intelligence report from PDEA 11.

PDEA 11 director Antonio E. Rivera said charges had been �iled on Tuesday against Hernandez for possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal drug use.

He said Hernandez was not in their watchlist.

Rivera said the jail of�icer claimed to have used shabu as it helped ease the pain caused by an illness that developed due to a complication of diabetes.

He said Hernandez, who is now detained at PDEA 11, claimed that he got his supply of shabu from outside the jail facility. “But he did not divulge where. We cannot also force him to speak up but he reiterated that he is not in any way involved in the illegal drug activity inside the jail facility,” Rivera said.

Lobenia admitted that illegal drugs may have proliferated inside the jail for lack of personnel securing the facility. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

ollege dropouts who want to take a business degree after running a pro�itable business can have their years of practical experience assessed and credited equivalent to course requirements as soon as the Philippine Quali�ications Framework (PQF) law becomes fully functional.

The PQF law reinforces and strengthens the recognition of knowledge and skills acquired outside the formal education system. It expands the system of pathways, equivalencies and credit transfers that recognize the different ways Filipinos can

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VOL.11 ISSUE 245 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 1-2, 2019

PH can hit greening goal by 2028: DENR D

epartment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu is optimistic in accomplishing the goal of reforesting the remaining unproductive, denuded and degraded forestland nationwide by 2028.

"At the rate we're going, we're con�ident of meeting the 7.1 million hectares by 2028," Cimatu said in a message delivered by DENR Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna at the international forest landscape restoration (FLR) conference in Makati City on Monday.

The DENR launched in 2011 the National Greening Program (NGP) to reforest by 2016 some 1.5 million hectares of unproductive, denuded and degraded forestland around the country.

In 2015, Malacañang issued Executive Order 193 extending NGP's implementation period from 2016 to 2028 to cover the country's estimated 7.1 million hectares of remaining unproductive, denuded and degraded forestland.

The program aims to promote Philippine self-suf�iciency in wood and wood products, economic security and environmental stability.

Latest available data from the DENR show that the NGP registered a 109 percent planting accomplishment during the 2011 to 2018 period, greening nearly two million hectares of unproductive, denuded and degraded forestland nationwide.

Some 1.7 billion seedlings were planted during the period.

"Last year, we produced more than 145 million pieces of planting materials using native and fast-growing species -- in addition, we produced 3.3 million bamboo culms or cuttings and 1.72 million mangrove propagules and beach forest tree seedlings," he added.

Aside from implementing the NGP, Cimatu said the Philippine government also banned the export of logs and

lumber from natural forests, as well as timber-cutting in natural and residual forests to help protect these ecosystems.

"From the foregoing, it may be gleaned that the Philippines has built up several years and almost two million hectares of experience in FLR," he said.

He said the Philippines is willing to share its reforestation experience with interested parties as FLR regains ecological functionality and enhances human well-being across deforested or degraded forest landscapes.

Experts said FLR is not just about planting trees but involves restoring a whole landscape to meet present and future demands, as well as offer multiple bene�its and land uses over time.

"FLR has been steadily gaining interest globally over the past years," Cimatu said.

Fanning such interest is Germany's Bonn Challenge, a global effort launched in 2011 to bring 150 million hectares of the world’s deforested and degraded land into restoration by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030.

"There's a consensus that gaps remain between FLR's ideals and action actually taken to transform these into reality," Cimatu said.

In the Philippines, he said forest cover loss over the years highlighted the need for FLR. "For over three decades now, we have lost so much forest cover, being one of the planet's top exporters of logs, lumber and plywood," he said.

Cimatu welcomed the Philippines' hosting of the FLR conference, which drew participants from almost 20 countries.

He described the conference as an opportunity for the Philippines and other participating countries to share their respective FLR experiences so each can gain information and better address challenges on the ground. (PNA)

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

HR SOLUTIONS. Salarium head of solutions Jonathan Engalla (center), together with Web Design Davao operations manager Marie Garcia (right) and People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) vice president Roland Suico,

walks members of the media through the services of the company which aims to help companies automate their human resources for only P50 per employee per month during a press conference in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

Siargao hosts women farmer entrepreneurs conference

M

ore Love for Women Farmers’ conference brought a powerhouse of multi-awarded women farmer entrepreneurs to Siargao on Saturday, 23 February 2019, held at the Del Carmen Convention Center, Del Carmen, Siargao, Surigao del Norte.

AGREA, together with the Of�ice of the 1st District Representative of Surigao del Norte, the province of Surigao del Norte, and the local government of Del Carmen, brought this local iteration of the Leaders and Entrepreneurs in Agriculture Forum (LEAF).

LEAF is a community of champions across all sectors uniting as advo-

cates for better agriculture.

The More Love for Women Farmers, a conference free for all, aimed to inspire Siargaonons to reinvigorate local agriculture with a special emphasis on empowering the island’s women.

It was attended by farmer leaders, women farmers, agricultural of�icers, teachers, students,

and other individuals from surrounding areas in Surigao del Norte.

Speakers during the event were women farmer entrepreneurs Edita Dacuycuy also known as ‘Dragonfruit Queen’; Daisy Duran, the ‘Seedling Queen,’ and Cherrie Atilano, a multi-awarded ‘Agriculture Change Maker.’

"Siargao will be the �irst women-led agriculture island in the Philippines. This is part of AGREA’s vision of building island economies in the Philippines that are zero hunger, zero waste

and zero insuf�iciency,” said Atilano.

AGREA is an innovative inclusive business based in the Island Province of Marinduque, Philippines. AGREA aims to create a living model of a replicable one-island economy with a social mission of cultivation of human beings through livelihood that is indigenous to the land.

More information about the AGREA and LEAF can be viewed at www.agreaph.com, or they can be contacted via info@agrea.ph. (AGREA/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Fuel marking to start in March

A

bout 15.2 billion liters of imported and locally-produced gasoline, diesel and kerosene will be subjected to fuel marking this year.

Of the total, the Bureau of the Customs (BOC) will mark some 6.8 billion liters of imported fuel while the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will be in charge for 8.4 billion liters of locally-produced oil products.

The government has been pushing for the implementation of fuel marking to address smuggling, which Finance of�icials said is costing the government at least PHP20 billion in revenues annually. This requirement is included under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

In a brie�ing Wednesday, Department of Finance (DOF) Director Nina Asuncion said they will start the fuel marking in March.

The government has awarded the fuel marking contract to Switzerland-based security ink technology provider Société Industrielle et Commerciale de Produits Alimentaires (SICPA).

Under the plan, the government will pay the PHP0.6884 per liter fuel mark-

ing fee for the �irst year of implementation, while for the second to �ifth year, this will be shouldered by the oil companies.

This fee is on top of the duties and taxes to be collected by the BIR and the BOC. The process will be done by teams from the BIR, BOC and SICPA in the depots before the imported oil will be distributed to the gas stations and in the re�ineries in Bataan and Batangas for locally-produced oil.

BOC Deputy Commissioner Teddy Raval, during the same brie�ing, said they are now �inalizing the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for fuel marking.

He said they cannot yet issue the IRR unless the fuel markers have been approved by the BOC and the BIR. DOF Revenues Operations Group Director Emee Macabales said they are done testing the marker, adding there is no recognizable pattern that affects the marker.

Finance of�icials said the fees that would be collected from the oil companies will be placed in a fuel marketing trust fund, which will then be used for the implementation of the program. (PNA)

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 245 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 1-2, 2019

EDITORIAL Who can stop Momo?

It is widespread and victimizing children across the world like a dreaded disease. It’s like a spinoff to the movie Birdbox where people commit suicide upon seeing an unknown force with the same dreadful, deadly effect and impact. And the worst thing is, nobody seems to have the switch to stop it.

It’s called the “Momo Challenge” and it claimed its most recent victim in the Philippines where an 11-year old boy succumbed to drug overdose after allegedly joining the online challenge.

What is this thing called “Momo Challenge”? It is best for people, especially parents, to know this worrisome threat. It’s not a game anymore. It’s not even playful. Momo Challenge is an online “game” that encourages young people to harm themselves and in some cases even take their own lives. It has been reported in several countries via the social media platform. Users who engage with Momo on WhatsApp are sent disturbing and graphic photographs and in some cases are ‘doxed’ into self-harm and suicide. Doxing is when someone hacks your private information and then threatens to share it online or in a public forum, akin to blackmail. The game is reminiscent of the Blue Whale phenomenon, which was linked to at least 130 teenage deaths in Russia in 2017. A news report said Momo is “also linked to the theft of personal data, harassment, extortion, anxiety, depression and insomnia”. Of late, images of Momo are being spliced into children’s videos, including Peppa Pig, on YouTube by internet trolls.

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Where did it originate? The game started in Mexico, with players “challenged” to communicate on WhatsApp with an unknown person known as Momo, according to the Computer Crime Investigation Unit of the State of Tabasco, Mexico. The disturbing avatar was initially believed to show a work by Japanese artist Midori Hayashi, but is actually of a sculpture created by Japanese special effects company Link Factory and displayed at a Tokyo gallery. Neither the company nor Hayashi had anything to do with the Momo challenge, which began being shared online in August 2016. The Momo icon has begun appearing as an avatar or so-called mod in the popular video game Grand Theft Auto 5, while Momo content has also been added to the popular children’s game Minecraft, owned by Microsoft.

The viral nature of Momo means it can quickly spread panic online, as twisted internet users seize upon the craze to spread it further.

In the light of Momo’s continuing existence, as no tech experts appear to be ready to stop or remove this online form of bullyng, there is a need for parents to be very vigilant of their children’s activities online. Gadgets have easily grown to be favorite presents and rewards by parents to their children making it easily accessible if not a must-have these days. And as long as children are connected to online games and messaging apps, there is always the danger of Momo or any other form of cyberspace bullying. There can be devastating consequences if children are left unsupervised with their devices.

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 245 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 1-2, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

Islamic Business

I

slam is a religion of moderation. It is a religion that strives for balance between the physical and the spiritual, between this material world and the Hereafter. Islam therefore opposes materialism or consumerism where one’s existence or happiness is heavily dependent upon the collection of material wealth such as gadgets, real estate, motor vehicles and others. Having said that, Islam also opposes any form of total abandonment of worldly affairs. Islam aims that man achieves the best of both worlds. Allah Himself said in the Quran, ‘Our Lord, give us good in this world and gives us good in the Hereafter.’ Quran 2:210.

This is probably one of the best supplications there is, as this encompasses everything that we could hope for in this life such as wealth, well-being and others. And much more, this also encompasses all the good thing to come in the Afterlife.

This supplication, in fact, is memorized by Muslims by heart and is mentioned during Muslim religious activities such as the Friday Sermon or during the performance of circumambulation around the Ka’bah in Mecca.

That being said, let us focus on this world for a while and how we could make our lives here more worthwhile and sustainable. Let us leave the issues about spirituality and the discovery of God in our daily lives.

T

here’s one good reason why mothers should breastfeed their babies: breast milk can �ight diseases, including measles.

“A mother’s milk has what you call anti-bodies against measles that would give the infant against many diseases. It’s called passive immunity,” Dr. Robin Navarro, a cellular and biochemical medicine specialist, was quoted as saying by Manila Bulletin.

Dr. Ameleen B. Bangayan, who was one of the organizers of the First International Breastfeeding Conference in Davao City some years back, agreed. She said mother’s milk “is the optimum source of nutrition” for babies. Which is why she urged mothers to breastfeed their babies up to six months.

Dr. Hiroshi Nakajima, former director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), described breast milk in these words: “The sole truly universal food for the entire human species.”

The WHO, along with two other United Nations agencies – the International Labor Organization (ILO) and UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – said that the breastfeeding rate among mothers in the Philippines has signi�icantly increased.

The three UN agencies cited recent �igures released by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute showing breast-feeding rates to have

Let’s talk about business and how the Muslims are guided by the Islamic teachings on how to conduct one.

Doing business, such as trading in selling products or owning and managing a company that provides services is the best way that a Muslim could �ind a living especially when he is living as a minority in a Non-Muslim country like the Philippines. Being self-employed meant that you have freedom with your time because Muslims perform prayers �ive times a day and spend a whole month every year fasting and these are dif�icult if the Muslim is employed by a company which may not have religious tolerance or simply could not afford to have a Muslim employee be absent or half-away during those times of worship.

It is sad truth that Muslims who are employed in companies often compromise their religion by not wearing the veil for women or not being able to pray on time.

Being engaged in any business is generally allowed in Islam especially if conditions are met by having Halal products and Halal business dealings.

Now, you may be surprised to read the word Halal in the business setting especially when what you have known about Halal is all about food. Well, Halal is not limited to food that does not contain pork. Halal is an all-encompassing word that

UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

Mujahid Navarra

meant that such a thing, ideal or practice is allowed for Muslims to be involved in. Technically, Halal products and services are those that do not contain anything prohibited or directly result to any spiritual or physical harm to Muslims and Non-Muslims who may avail of these products or services.

Having Halal merchandise for example, meant that the Muslim may not sell religious images, liquor, cigarettes, drugs, pornography and others in his store. He may otherwise sell anything that is not prohibited such as food, clothing etc. However, there are questions about merchandise that are generally neutral but may be utilized negatively such as �irearms or some articles of clothing especially women’s and others. These articles may still be sold because

their use shall be at the buyer’s discretion and not the seller.

These were sold for a general bene�it that any crime that arises beyond the sale or purchase is never the seller’s fault unless the seller breaks some of the laws regarding selling.

Having Halal services too is generally allowed like construction, maintenance, and Auto-mechanic. These are all allowed. However there will be issues if what you are constructing or will be working in for example, is a bar for drinking liquor, casino for gambling or a brothel for prostitution or a church. All these are clearly to be avoided at all costs.

Halal business dealings meant that it should be free from the prohibited types of business dealings. The �irst of this usury, the businessman may not involve himself in borrowing money from a bank or anyone only to return it with interest. If he needed money for the expansion of his business, he may take an investor and give him equity of his company.

Or he may borrow money from a brother in faith who may lend him money without interest.

Trading is where many of these un-Islamic business practices aside from usury happen. The Arabic word Gharar is a fairly broad concept that literally means deceit, risk, fraud, uncertainty or hazard that might lead to destruction or loss. Scholars have de�ined

Gharar as “something which its consequence is undetermined.”

Islamic trading is built upon honesty, transparency and fairness to all parties concerned.

Gharar occurs in all sorts of transactions where the subject matter, the price or the two, are not determined and �ixed in advance. Speculative activities in capital market, derivatives instruments and short-selling contracts are bright examples of Gharar in modern �inance.

Common examples of Gharar is from what Prophet Muhammad has forbidden on the purchase of the unborn animal in the mother’s womb, the sale of the milk in the udder without measurement, and the purchase of the catch of a �isherman even before the determination of how much �ish was actually caught. As you can see here, these are all uncertain. A person may have paid already and suddenly, the animals’ child was stillborn, or the cow suddenly does not produce milk or the �isherman did not catch much �ish that day – this is going to cause trouble to the buyer.

Another prohibition in trading is the sale of something that is not in your possession which is the common trend now among online sellers especially on their pre-order basis, where they sell a product that is not theirs and they will only buy it to be sold to the buyer once payment was made to them.

Dr. Nakajima said breast milk, until recently, has served as “a vital link for nutrition and survival across the entire span of human existence, nurturing the newborn, the infant, and the young child during the most vulnerable years, all the while providing a powerful source of protection from infectious disease.”

Breast milk, the United Nations health agency explains, is more than a simple collection of nutrients. It contains all the essential nutrients like protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and sugars, in exact proportion. It meets the needs of the growing infant at every stage.

For thousands of years, in all continents, babies have been breastfed for simple reason: mother’s milk is natural.

“It comes ready-prepared, pure, warm, does not require mixing or sterilization and above all it is free. It is a living substance,” commented one physician.

“Mother’s milk is a living substance of great biological complexity that not only provides unique protection against disease, but also stimulates the baby’s own immune system,” the WHO points out.

The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the �irst six months of life, after which “infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or

beyond.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics pointed out the importance of breastfeeding.

It said: “Extensive research using improved epidemiologic methods and modern laboratory techniques documents diverse and compelling advantages for infants, mothers, families, and society from breastfeeding and use of human milk for infant feeding. These advantages include health, nutritional, immunologic, developmental, psychologic, social, economic, and environmental bene�its.”

Breast milk is easily digested by babies, so they don’t have to face the problem of constipation. Breastfed babies rarely have ear or respiratory system infections, allergies, stomach problems like diarrhea and vomiting.

Children who were breastfed exclusively for at least three months had better intelligence scores later in life than those who received formula, according to a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Children who are arti�icially fed or breastfed for only 6 months or less, are at an increased risk of developing cancer before age 15, according to Dr. M.K. Davis in an article which appeared in Lancet. The risk of arti�icially fed children was 1-8 times that of long-term breastfed children, and the risk for short term feeders was 1-9 times that of long-term breast feeders.

Best milk for babies

increased from 36% in 2008 to 47% in 2011. In addition, the initiation of breast-feeding within one hour of delivery also rose to 52% in 2011 from 32% in 2008.

Some years back, the national breast-feeding rate was only 16%. Experts believe the low rate was due to advertisement made by the formula milk industry. It reportedly spent billions of pesos to promote its products through ads in televisions, radios, and newspapers.

“Advertising is the main way that big corporations convince mothers who can breast feed that the bottle is best,” writes Father Shay Cullen, of Preda Center, in his column.

“It became so effective that breast-feeding dropped and mortality rates for children one to two years old vastly increased.”

A global study showed the Philippines – with 82,000 annual deaths – as one of the countries accounting for 90% of deaths among those under �ive years old. The study also disclosed that only 16% of 4to 5-month-old babies were breastfed exclusively while 30% were formula fed.

Most formula milk ads contain “false medical claims,” to quote the words of Dr. Nicholas Alipui, then UNICEF country representative. Emphasizing “the vast difference” between breast milk and baby formula, he explained that milk from mothers had su-

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

perior quality and contained nutrients and antibodies that would help raise children with strong immune systems.

“Breast milk is a living substance that is impossible to duplicate or replicate in industry.... No technology is capable of replicating or duplicating mother’s milk. That’s a fact.

Any claim to the contrary is a lie,” Dr. Alipui pointed out.

By breastfeeding her baby, a mother can save money. Filipino mothers spend 21.5 billion pesos a year on infant formula. That’s about 2000 pesos a month per child, according to UNICEF. As the best source of nutrition for babies, breast milk has been proven many times over that breast milk has components that help protect the child against infection and disease.

8 EDGEDAVAO

KIDS... FROM 1

get from people, including their barkadas. That makes them prone from doing unlawful acts,” he said on Tuesday during the Kolokabildo forum at the Holy Cross of Davao College.

With the recent push for the lowering of the criminal age of liability, Rondero said that interventions must be made to alleviate their situation. Poverty, she said, pushed children to beg in the streets.

Acting on Wednesday’s incident, Tagum said that he had already instructed Sta. Ana Police Station Chief Michael Uyanguren to monitor the area, known as a hotspot for street beggars, including street children.

Tagum said that they are strictly implementing curfew so that children in the streets will be spared from

committing unlawful acts.

He said that the DCPO is teaming up with the City Social Services and Development Of�ice in rescuing minor street mendicants.

The police of�ice reminded the public to report cases of minors involved in criminal activities.

Florie May Tacang, executive director of Kaugmaon for Children’s Rights and Social Development, said that sustainable help must be given to these children since they are also victims themselves.

“The (mendicancy) law is still relevant. Instead of focusing on the penalties, we should focus more on the long-lasting solution in addressing to their needs, so that they will not result of returning to begging,” Tacang said.

will be pegged at 35 percent for ASEAN member countries while a 50 percent tariff is set for non-ASEAN countries.

This tariff is expected to generate 10 billion each year.

5 billion of it will go for mechanization and implementation for PhilMech. P3 billion will be for the production of high quality seeds while 1 billion will be allocated for other contingency expenses.

Another P1 billion is also

allotted for the development and training for farmers particularly P700 million for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), P100 million for Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), P100 million for Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) and another P100 million for agricultural training institute.

NO... FROM 2

GOV’T... FROM 4

to apply them, acquired by learners and workers not only through formal but also non-formal and informal learning modalities," he said, adding that the NCC will develop mechanisms to validate and accredit learnings acquired in such manner.

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DAVOR... FROM 2

borders from land to the sea.

The governor has called for the strengthening of partnership and coordination and integration of all efforts of stakeholders to help solve the most serious problem of illegal drugs.

The PADAC said that the discovery of cocaine in the province is yet another challenge to Council to even more strengthen the intelligence reports, anti-drug efforts, and advocacy campaigns in order to once and for all rid the

province of the drug menace and to help create a healthy and safe society to live in.

“We have stepped up all our efforts especially our anti-drug advocacy campaign,” Bulaong said. On the note about the surfacing of cocaine which is not a commonly abused drug by drug users in the country, he said that regardless if it is already being marketed here, the PADAC and the communities here will not let their guard down.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) RXI Regional Director Atty. Jasper Alberto Lascano (1st Row, 4th from Left) turns over updated 1:10,000 scale geohazard map of Davao del Norte and its municipalities to Governor Anthony G. Del Rosario (1st Row, 3rd from Lef). Beside Atty. Lascano are DENR-PENRO

SUAREZ... FROM 11

and we go home feeling hurt because we really wanted to reach the �inal."

Worst of all for Madrid, La Liga leaders Barca will be back at the Bernabeu once again on Saturday for a league �ixture which, should they win again, would see them move 12 points clear of their arch rivals.

Barca coach Ernesto Valverde attempted to neutralise the threat of Vinicius by deploying right-sided defenders Sergi Roberto and

Nelson Semedo to protect the left �lank but the Brazilian was still the most dangerous player in the �irst half.

Vinicius could have won a penalty when Semedo clattered into him and had three clear chances to score before the interval, failing to hit the target twice from inside the area, and being thwarted by Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

He continued to dance his way through Barca's defence after the break but his �inal touch let him down.

Victor T. Billiones, CENRO New Corella Isabel C. Parilla and CENRO Panabo Rogelio M. Hermo. Also present during the turn over are the technical staff of the province and MGB RXI.

VOL.11 ISSUE 245 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 1-2, 2019

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TECH

HUAWEI UNVEILS NEWEST Y SERIES SMARTPHONES

MOBILE PHONE INNOVATOR Huawei surprises the Philippine tech scene with bigger and better smartphones as it introduces two fresh devices.

AN ENTRY LEVEL GAMECHANGER Kicking-off its new offerings is the new Huawei Y6 Pro 2019.

A salute to both technology and aesthetics, the Huawei Y6 Pro 2019 features a 6.09-inch Dewdrop Display that offers more advanced and immersive viewing experience. But more than that, Y6 Pro 2019’s display brings a new type of humanmachine interaction with fullscreen gestures that are designed to better navigation and leverage the advantages of bigger display.

Y6 Pro 2019’s notch houses the front camera, ambient light sensor, front flash, and a superslim earpiece. And its bezel-less screen is designed to protect your eyes.

In terms of build, the Huawei Y6 Pro 2019 is a delight to hold and behold. It has two symmetrical 2.5D curve design that improves the feel of the entire handset. Weighing only 150 grams, it feels lightweight in the palm of your hands.

The Huawei Y6 Pro 2019 sports a 13MP high-resolution rear camera that produces crystal-clear imaging quality in daylight or low-light settings. Its 8MP front camera, on the other hand, has smarter beautification algorithms that ensures more natural results. So, when environmental lighting is insufficient, expect that the front flash and screen will emit soft light that is perfect for selfie taking.

Y7 Pro 2019.

By KENNETH IRVING ONG

Despite its compact size, the Huawei Y6 Pro 2019 is packed with an immersive theater-like Histen 5.0 Huawei SuperSound allowing users to experience an excellent sound quality even at high volume levels. It has a smart power amplifier that amazingly adapts to the surroundings in real-time, and configures optimal solution that achieves a more desired audio quality output. And unlike any other entry-level smartphone that are currently available in the market, the Y6 Pro 2019 boasts a built-in FM antenna that does not require wired headphones.

Equipped with both Huawei EMUI 9.0 and Android 9.0 Pie, expect a smooth experience with Huawei Y6 Pro 2019’s because was made easier. Hence, instead of showing at the top, new notifications will display on the side on the new EMUI to avoid disrupting the user. The Y6 Pro 2019 also has a smarter phone manager and security system. The phone manager can intelligently clear unnecessary applications and the face recognition feature is more reliable even in a low light environment.

The Huawei Y6 Pro 2019 is a gamechanger with outstanding build quality far above the competition and its

mobile technology passes industry’s standards. Offering the best for its price, the Y6 Pro 2019 is fully packed with class-leading specs that are manufactured to satisfy and challenge the market.

THE BEST SNAP FOR A BUCK Going beyond to bring more to the table, the new Huawei Y7 Pro 2019 is another addition to the Huawei Y Series. Developed with #EvenBiggerAndBetter class-leading features, this device proves that it is the best snap for a buck.

The Huawei Y7 Pro 2019 sports a 6.26-inch Dewdrop display that incorpo-

rates a pearl-shaped notch – one of Huawei’s smallest notches to date. The dewdrop notch is situated in the middle of the device to provide a wider and more vivid visual experience.

In terms of design, when the Huawei Y7 Pro 2019 is held horizontally, the back strongly resembles a compact digital camera. This is a deliberate design choice: Huawei Y Series was designed to offer the best smartphone photography experience amongst devices of its class. The resemblance works like a suggestion that associates Y7 Pro 2019’s superior photography capability.

Available in Aurora Blue and Midnight Black, the Huawei Y7 Pro 2019 incorporates the colors of nature onto the premium design of its ceramic back plate, which is secured seamlessly onto the metallic, matte mid-frame.

In addition, the back plate has a polycarbonate coating that gives it better durability and scratch resistance.

With AI-powered Y6 Pro 2019.

13+2MP dual cameras, the Huawei Y7Pro can recognize 22 different categories of objects and can produce high quality images in different settings. In fact, these powerful cameras can capture 50 percent more light information to produce clear nighttime photographs.

The HDR mode can also combine three images into one for improved color vibrancy.

This device also features Face Unlock 2.0, a quick and easy to unlock devices. Leveraging AI and the front camera, the device can authenticate the identity of a user and unlock the device quickly, so users can dive right back into action.

Helping you to keep your selfie game strong, Y7 Pro 2019 has an easy hands-free shooting that can be enabled through the Gesture Control and Smile Detection.

The Huawei Y7 Pro 2019 gives full performance at your fingertips with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 octa-core SoC. It can deliver great multi-core performance at superb battery efficiency. It also runs with an Adreno 506 GPU with Vulkan support, delivering convenient and reliable performance.

Equipped with an expandable storage of up to 512GB via microSD card slot and 32GB internal storage, the Y7 Pro 2019 can store and support all the recorded fun - images, videos, documents and games to share via Huawei Share 2.0.

Y7 Pro 2019 allows users to enjoy fully immersive gaming experience through the improved Do Not Disturb Mode.

With this feature, anyone can route calls to secondary sim when playing challenging online mobile games.

Made #EvenBiggerAndBetter to beat expectations for the entrylevel class, this newest addition to HUAWEI Y Series is undeniably the best snap for a buck that can keep pace with any of your extensive entertainment needs.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

FOOD

Something old, somethin

FOOD never fails to create memories; never fails to make any moment last a lifetime. The flavour may be a hit or miss but the exceptional display of one’s interpretation of the dish is truly a force to be reckoned with. And that is not limited to professional cooks.

Not everyone is given the opportunity to have a first look at a soon-to-open restaurant’s menu. Minus the struggle to a steward’s attention, the privilege is, for a foodie like me, hitting a home run on your birthday. Not only do you get first dibs but more so, you get to see the entire kitchen brigade in full action. That alone made my heart skip a million beat.

Seasoned Executive Chef Anton Abad boasted of a traditionally familiar palate experience. “This is all Pinoy — typical cravings and dishes that we’ve all grown to love”,

Abad noted. Pegged as an allday food destination, Nords’s Bread Hub lets you add calories without you knowing.

Nord’s Bread Hub in Davao is the third to open in the country. With two others located in the bustling Manila metropolis, the Davao store has a different set of menu all together. “We opted to revamp (the menu) from the typical, of which the two other branches have, but with the same Nord’s quality for good”, Abad added.

Nord’s Bread Hub is under the Vikings Group of companies.

Despite the urban style

Crispy milkfish, anyone?

Their premiera tapa is a must when dining. bakery and cafe reception and interior, Nord’s deliver flavours that speaks of childhood and memories all at once.

Very reminiscent of a sunday brunch, their menu is playful yet hits home at every bite.

From their breakfast to lunch to dinner and of course, pastries, Nord’s has an exceptional selection of dishes that will soon become a Dabawenyo staple.

Their menu includes adobo diablo (a take on the traditional chicken-pork adobo but deconstructed and on the spicy side served with egg salsa and relish on the side), premiera tapa (marinated beef pieces served with anato-lemongrass infused rice, sunny side up egg and relish on the side), crispy milkfish (served in a bed of fried garlic rice) and a plate of

sautéed minced pork omelet with a bed of green drizzled with thousand island dressing and crusted bread.

As mentioned, Nord’s is a bread hub that serves a plethora of breads and pastries. Not to be outdone, their list of sweet offerings are also spectacular.

Meet the Cookie Monster.

From traditional breads and cakes to the more elaborate of flavours (try their bibingka cake!), theirs is a symphony of happiness under one roof.

Nord’s Bread Hub is still on their soft opening. They are located at Azuela Cove, Davao City

UP AND ABOUT

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“Maybank clients can experience these adventures of a lifetime with the iSave. iShop. iFly Promo. By simply turning deposits into a chance to win wonderful adventures, saving becomes delightful,” said Donna Michelle Barroga, Head of Marketing of May-

bank Philippines.

In addition, she said, winners of the iSave.iShop.iFly promo can customize how they want to enjoy their prize, giving them the flexibility to create their own travel or shopping package. All these are made possible simply by opening an iSave account. All Maybank iSave Accounts will earn one raffle entry for every Php 10,000 month-to-date average daily balance maintained in their accounts from February 1 to July 31, 2019.

They will be automatically registered for the draw and

will be informed through SMS. All iSave Accounts will continue to earn raffle entries until the end of the promo, Barroga said.

There will be three preliminary draws with three winners each of a shopping spree worth Php 300,000, Php 200,000, and Php 100,000, and there will be one (1) grand draw winner who will win a trip to the U.S.A. or any preferred destination worth Php 1,000,000, TAX FREE. iSave depositors can join in all raffle draws, but can only win once per draw.

Vincent Dexter Go, Head of Virtual Banking of Maybank, explained “Opening an iSave savings account in the Maybank2U PH app makes it easier for every Filipino to get a bank account.” iSave as an online only savings account that can be applied through the Maybank2U PH App. The Maybank account is convenient and hassle-free because one can open it without going to a branch.

Moreover, the account is affordable.

Go explained that there is no initial deposit and zero

maintaining balance. The client earns interest of 0.25% per annum at PHP 20,000 balance.

He or she can withdraw from any BancNet ATM in the Philippines for free. The account is accessible via any Maybank ATM in Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia with no charge and can enjoy better conversion rates. It comes with an EMV Enabled ATM, thus very secure. The client enjoys banking transactions online via the Maybank2U PH App. So iSave now and get to create delightful memories with Maybank.

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VOL.11 ISSUE 245 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 1-2, 2019

ing new Love is a plate of adobo on any given day.

A bibingka cake to curb a growling tummy.

The omelet is packed with juicy sauteed ground pork.

posit in Maybank

ENTERTAINMENT

Jong Madaliday, Garrett Bolden and Anthony Rosaldo release first single via GMA Music THE CLASH alumni Jong Madaliday, Garrett Bolden and Anthony Rosaldo expressed their delight now that they finally have their own singles released under GMA Music.

Jong, Garrett, and Anthony treated entertainment reporters and bloggers to an intimate meeting where they also performed their originals “Ano Ba?” “Lilipad Na” and “Larawan Mo,” respectively. During their interview, the three The Clash alumni shared their happiness in pursuing their music through the Kapuso music label.

For Jong, who hails from the far-flung North Cotabato, releasing his own single and listening to his song on the radio feels surreal.

He said, “Para po sa akin, sobrang napakalaking karangalan po na may sarili na po kaming kanta galing GMA Music. Kasi po dati po sa probinsya nakikinig lang ako ng kanta ng iba. Ngayon po napapakinggan ko na ‘yung kanta ko. ‘Pag nakikinig po ako ng raydo, naririnig ko ‘yung kanta ko, parang sobrang sarap po sa feeling na dati nakikinig ka lang ng kanta ng iba pero ngayon pinapakinggan mo na rin ‘yung kanta mo. Parang na-

nanaginip lang din po ako ngayon na… ‘meron na ako nito, parang pangarap ko lang talga dati.’ Sa ngayon po nagkakatotoo na po.”

Garrett echoed Jong’s sentiment, saying, “Same lang po kay Jong na hindi pa rin po kami makapaniwala na meron na kaming sariling kanta. ‘Yung sa genre naman po, I think ‘yung mga first single namin, nag-suit naman po sa aming tatlo.

Kasi po ako medyo soulful po although may R&B feel pero hindi ‘yung fully R&B. Tapos si Jong naman sobrang bubbly, upbeat siya tapos si Anthony naman po ‘yung tagos-puso na ballad song po.”

Anthony also felt the same, claiming he along with his The Clash batchmates were fortunate to be given a break.

He said, “For me naman po, very humbled po ako na I was given this opportunity to, again, show what I can do po. Actually I consider this as a privilege po na binigay po nila kasi hindi po lahat ng mga singers po ay nabibigyan ng single.

“This is a good start po and for us po na mga galing sa competition, ‘yung next goal naman namin is to be like our idols po na merong sariling mga kanta na iidolohin naman po ng mga susunod po sa aming generations. So napakasaya po and of course happy po na binigyan kami ng chance ng GMA Music to really pick for the song that would suit us. Talaga naman pong bagay sa aming tatlo ‘yung mga kanta, mga genre ng binigay sa amin,” he added.

Home entertainment with Globe to the Xtreme!

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Globe At Home brought together the power of all these digital home entertainment experiences in just one device - the Globe Streamwatch Xtreme Prepaid.

The first of its kind in the world, this all-in-one device is equipped with free clear local live TV channels, and serves as an Internet TV with over a million videos, shows and movies. It also boasts of an internet connection that is 2x faster, 2X stronger, with 2x wider coverage than your average pocket wi-fi device.

With this innovative device, everyone in the family can get the best out of their favorite entertainment content in higher definition, and stream all they want. Multiple devices can also be connected to Globe Streamwatch Xtreme so everyone can access all the content they want at the same time.

Mom and Dad also need time to sit back and relax.

With Globe Streamwatch Xtreme, they can watch the local news or get updated on the latest in sports via clear free local live TV channels. Now, It is easier for Mom to follow her favorite teleseryes. In case they miss it, they can always access YouTube for a catch up online.

Whether it’s online gaming for Kuya, the best travel and beauty vlogs for Ate or newest YouTube videos for Bunso, everyone can stay connected and stream their choices using Globe Streamwatch Xtreme. And as a bonus feature, it is also videoke-ready! It has two builtin microphone outlets in case the family wants to spend the weekend singing their favorite hits.

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With this new all-in-one device, Globe At Home Prepaid strengthens its commitment to providing the Filipino customer with the best that international and local entertainment have to offer. It’s never been this easy to #PlayItRight and stream the best entertainment via legitimate sources only.

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 245 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 1-2, 2019

9 SCIENCE

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VOL.11 ISSUE 245 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 1-2, 2019

Saving beleaguered marine resources from extinction

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

S

harks, described as a “highly feared apex predator of the sea,” have been on this planet for some 400 million years, according to marine biologists. They possess replaceable razor-sharp teeth that grow in tens of thousands over a lifetime, which are “purely designed for killing and eating.”

Their presence in the open seas is enough to send people to �ind a place where they could be safe. The Steven Spielberg directed movie, Jaws, is a classic example. After the Hollywood blockbuster was released, people stopped going to the beach.

U n k n o w i n g ly, sharks help maintain the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. “They are top predators,” says Dr. Arnel “AA” Yaptinchay, founder and director of Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines. “Sharks maintain healthy ecosystems by keeping �ish populations in check.”

Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, executive director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, agrees. “Their presence is an indicator of a healthy ocean with abundance of prey, including �isheries. Without them, there will be no early warning signs of impending impacts that could ultimately affect human survival.”

According to Dr. Lim, sharks keep population of certain species in check thus keeping the �ish

stocks robust. In addition, they help in preventing the spread of diseases. “They naturally preyed upon the weakest and the ones in poor health,” she explains.

But while sharks may have a deadly reputation, their population are dwindling. This has been the contention of a recent scienti�ic paper published in Marine Policy.

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Hong Kong, the Sea Around Us initiative at the University of British Columbia and WildAid, reveals that �ishing pressure on threatened shark populations has increased dramatically.

Data from the Sea Around Us shows that the global shark catch has more than doubled to 1.4 million tons the in the last six decades, with the overexploitation “threatening almost 60% of shark species, the highest proportion among all vertebrate groups,” said lead author Professor Yvonne Sadovy, of the Swire Institute for Marine Science at the University of Hong Kong.

Over the past several years, dozens of countries around the world have adopted bans on shark �ishing. “However, given the prevalence of illegal, unregulated, and unreported �ishing, and the fact that most countries still do not ban �inning, the practice continues globally,” WildAid said in a press statement.

Faced with challenges

such as poor enforcement, accidental catch, inadequate laws, and criminal activity, the researchers call for adopting the precautionary principle and halting the consumption and trade in all shark �in.

In fact, some species of sharks are now facing potential extinction. “If you go to any reef around the world, except for those that are really protected, the sharks are gone,” said Dr. Ransom Myers, a world-renowned American marine biologist and conservationist.

“Their value is so great that completely harmless sharks, like whalesharks, are killed, for their �ins.”

Sharks are the main ingredient for shark �in soup, a prestigious dish among ethnic Chinese both in China and abroad, served at wedding banquets, Lunar New Year celebrations, and high-end restaurants.

“The demand among an expanding middle class in places like Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia is driving unsustainable �ishing in unmanaged �isheries of less economically developed countries,” WildAid deplored.

Dr. Myers has warned that over�ishing of sharks could lead to collapse of Atlantic cod populations and also noted that 90% of the world’s blue�in tuna and other large predatory �ish have already disappeared. The outlook for sharks and large predators is not good.

The future looks

bleak. There are over 1,000 shark species that swim the world’s oceans, according to Save Sharks Network Philippines (SSNP). With 200 species, the Philippines has earned a unique position globally in shark biodiversity. It ranks fourth after Australia, Indonesia, and Japan.

What most Filipinos don’t know is that some of the most dangerous sharks in the world are thriving in the country’s waters. The Davao Gulf is reportedly a migration path for several species, including whale sharks.

When God created the heaven and earth, he asked man to be the steward of his creations. “Sadly, humans have always been very good at killing big animals,” noted Dr. Myers.

“Ten thousand years ago, with just some pointed sticks, humans managed to wipe out the woolly mammoth, sabre tooth tigers, mastodons, and giant vampire bats.”

He said the same could happen in the oceans.

Studies show that around the world, people kill nearly 100 million sharks and billions of other sea animals each year.

And although concerns for sharks are high, shark populations continue to decline due to lack of �isheries management and rampant illegal, unreported, and unregulated �ishing, according to a report released by the Worldwide Fund for Na-

(Fourth of Five Parts)

ture and Traf�ic (WWF).

Data submitted to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations said that between 2000 and 2008 the Philippines reported exports of dried and salted shark �ins (averaging 36 tons per year) and shark liver oil (19 tons per year).

This has to stop, said House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently. So, she �iled House Bill No. 7912, the “Act Regulating the Catching, Sale, Purchae, Possession, Transportation, Importation, and Exportation of All Sharks, Rays, and Chimaeras and Any Part Thereof in the Country.”

Arroyo says that due to their unique life history traits, sharks and their relatives reproduces slowly, making them particularly vulnerable to threats from targeted �isheries, over�ishing, bycatch, pollution, unregulated tourism, and climate change. “A declined population will �ind it hard to recover without special conservation attention,” she adds.

Sharks are not created equal. “There are different kinds of sharks,” Dr. Lim says. “The carnivorous sharks, like the tiger sharks, great whales, bull sharks, are considered apex predators.”

But there are sharks which don’t eat meat.

“The largest sharks are harmless and are plankton-feeders,” Dr. Lim says, refer-

ring to whale sharks and megamouths. Like the apex predators, these large sharks are also good indicators of abundant food supply. “The presence of krills and copepods that these sharks feed on also attract marine species that are considered important to �isheries,” she says.

Aside from ecological bene�its, sharks have also been proven to boost local economies through sustainable tourism activities. The most noted sharkbased tourism in the country are those in Donsol in Sorsogon and Malapascua Island in Cebu.

“You can [bene�it from] live sharks over and over again throughout their lifetime. But once they are dead, you can use them only once and nothing more,” Dr. Yaptinchay says.

In addition, sharks can also be a source of food of those living near the seashores. “In greater numbers, sharks and ray can be part of the diet of coastal communities, as it was in the olden days when they have not yet been overhunted, and the oceans were less polluted,” Dr. Lim says.

Sharks have to be saved from disappearing in the country’s waters. “Protecting sharks in the Philippines is in our best interest,” SSNP said in a statement. “Their presence is bene�icial to both our economy and ecosystems.” (To be concluded) (Photos courtesy of WildAid)

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11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 245 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 1-2, 2019

STRUGGLE IS REAL

RPV, Apo struggle in PAL Seniors Interclub

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

F

inding themselves in the tougher division, Rancho Palos Verdes struggled to keep their head high amongst the powerhouse squads for the second straight day in the 33rd Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub golf team championships at the rolling Alta Vista layout in Cebu City.

Lito Dublan scored 38 points while Elias Arriba and Joe Tesado backed him up with identical 34s for the Cabatian swingers’ 106 total in Day 2 to go with the �irst round 110 for a two-day aggregate of 216. De Cura’s 33 did not count in the four-to-play three-to-count format.

That score put last year’s Sportswriters division winners in 11th place in the tougher Aviator division which was paced by Team Coral Ocean Point with 242 points.

RPV opened its campaign on Wednesday at the Club Filipino de Cebu with

last year’s top scorer Randy Cadiogan and Noe Taojo scored 38 points while Jun Serado had a 34. The 33 of Abe Dizon was inconsequential.

Another Davao squad Apo Golf and Country Club was way down in the standings at 13th place in the Founders division which saw Orchard leading with 266 points.

Regino Capa sizzled with 40 points while Jun Hor�illa had a 35 and Felix Onofre 32 for a 107 total in the second round and 219 overall. Ru�ino Cabang’s 30 did not count. Apo scored better in the �irst round with 112 courtesy of 42 from Celso Villegas, 38 from Osamu Ikeda, and 32 from Niceto Gumapac.

Necito Rollon’s 22 did not tally.

Lanang and Davao City Golf Club carried a 1-2 overnight lead after the �irst round in the Sportswriters division after the end of play on Wednesday.

In the championship division, Cebu Country Club drew a pair of 50 points from Nonoy Tirol and rookie Eric Deen Wednesday to emerge as the surprise leader.

CCC collected 142 points at the Alta Vista Golf Club to open a threepoint lead over defending champion Canlubang, Luisita and Del Monte, all tied with 138.

This year’s Interclub is sponsored by Radio Mindanao Network, Asian Air Safari, and Vanguard Radio Network. Also extending support are ABS-CBN Global Ltd. (The Filipino Channel), Rolls Royce, Primax Broadcasting Network, UM Broadcasting Network (Mindanao), Fox Sports, Cignal TV, GECAS, Boeing, Lufthansa Technik AG, Manila Standard, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Dusit Thani Manila, and Casino Filipino. Of�icial hotel is Quest Hotel Conference Center Cebu.

called tournament director Henry Arabelo to inform Sumulong’s infraction.

As a result, Rafael Garcia’s 43 counted along with Rodel Mangulabnan’s 50 and Demy Saclot’s 45 as Luisita ended up with 138 points.

Luisita now trails Canlubang, 278-276.

Canlubang struggled for the second straight day, scoring 140 behind a pair of 48s from Abe Rosal and Damasus Wong and a 44 from Zaldy Villa.

Abe Rosal, last year’s individual champion in Bacolod City, failed to break 50 following a round of one birdie against seven bogeys.

No Canlubang player has scored more than 48 points after two rounds.

A day after taking the lead on opening day, Cebu Country Club slowed down with 131 points, but remained �ive shots behind Canlubang.

Newcomer Ju�il Sato was CCC’s top scorer with 46 with Nelson Yuvallos adding 43. The 42 of either Montito Garcia or Lorenzo Alaan rounded out scoring.

Del Monte Golf Club brought up the rear in the championship bracket with 129 and 267 total.

Arsenio Mondilla led Del Monte with 44 followed by Erning Apas 43 and Antonio Arancon 42.

In the second-tier Founders division also played at the Club Filipino de Cebu, Orchard hung on to a �ive-point

lead over Negros Occidental.

Orchard, led by Dong Jin Tak’s 48 points, �inished the day with 125 points to boost its total to 266.

Negros Occidental got a big lift from Francis Gaston’s 50 points to tally 136 and 261 overall.

Valley took third spot with 255 following a 123.

This year’s Interclub is sponsored by Radio Mindanao Network, Asian Air Safari, and Vanguard Radio Network. Also extending support are ABSCBN Global Ltd. (The Filipino Channel), Rolls Royce, Primax Broadcasting Network, UM Broadcasting Network (Mindanao), Fox Sports, Cignal TV, GECAS, Boeing, Lufthansa Technik AG, Manila Standard, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Dusit Thani Manila, and Casino Filipino. Of�icial hotel is Quest Hotel Conference Center Cebu.

The partial results after two rounds: CHAMPIONSHIP – Canlubang 278 (138-140), Luisita 276 (138-138), Cebu Country Club 273 (142-131), Del Monte 267 (138-129) FOUNDERS – Orchard 266 (141-125), Negros Occidental 261 (125-136), Valley 255 (132-123), Manila Southwoods 252 (129-123), Riviera 251 (133-118), Manila Golf 251 (133-118), Wack Wack 249 (129-120), Villamor 245 (133-112), Eagle Ridge 243 (142-101), Sherwood Hills 241 (128-113), Southern California Redhawk 236 (116-120), Pueblo de Oro 234 (125-109), Metgot 219 (116-103), Apo Golf 219 (112107), Alabang 218 (110-108), American Paci�ic Association 184 (94-90), Tri-City Golf 165 (93-72), Toronto Canada Golfers Club 140, Moffet Field Golf Team II 133 (79-54), Western Social 104 (63-41).

Canlubang leads Luisita by 2

C

EBU CITY – Order was restored at the 33rd Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub golf team championships Thursday with defending champion Canlubang taking a slim two-point lead over long-time rival Luisita in a controversy-laden second round at the Club Filipino de Cebu.

Luisita had earlier taken a seven-point lead after outscoring Canlubang, 147-140, but a protest �iled later in the day led to the disquali�ication of one of its players.

Benjie Sumulong had signed for 52, including an erroneous par in one hole that should have been bogey.

Luisita non-playing captain Jeric Hechanova, in a gesture of sportsmans h i p,

Abe Rosal watches his tee shot on the first hole at the Club Filipino de Cebu during the second round of the 33rd PAL Seniors Interclub golf team championships in Cebu City.

Benjie Sumulong of Luisita reacts after his putt on the sixth hole at the Club Filipino de Cebu during the second round of the 33rd PAL Seniors Interclub golf team championships in Cebu City.

Pem Rosal of Canlubang putts on the sixth green.

Suarez double sends Barca into Cup Finals

M

ADRID -- A clinical Barcelona won 3-0 at Real Madrid in an intense second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-�inal on Wednesday as a Luis Suarez double helped them secure a 4-1 aggregate victory and a spot in the �inal for the sixth straight season.

A dominant yet wasteful Real ravaged their rivals in the �irst half while spurning a string of clear chances at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Yet Barca went ahead against the run of play in the 50th minute as Ousmane Dembele led a counter-attack and Suarez slotted his pass into the net.

Spearheaded by the pace and con�idence of Brazilian teenager Vinicius Jr, Madrid continued to �ly forward but failed to �ind the target.

Barca effectively killed off the tie when Raphael Varane bundled the ball into his own net as he tried to prevent Suarez reaching another cross from Dembele.

Suarez then earned a penalty and further humiliated Madrid by converting with an audacious 'Panenka', deceiving goalkeeper Keylor Navas by chipping the ball into the net.

Barca, who lost �irst leg games to Levante and Sevilla in the Cup and drew 1-1 with Madrid in the �irst leg of the semi-�inal, booked their place in the �inal at the Benito Villamarin stadium, the home of Real Betis, on May 25.

Bidding to win the trophy for a record �ifth year in a row, the Catalans will face either Betis or Valencia, who drew 2-2 in the �irst leg of

their semi-�inal and meet again on Thursday.

"This is another demonstration of how good this team is. People keep saying that we don't care about the Cup, but we have shown that we always want to win every single trophy," Suarez told reporters.

READ: Barca stuns Madrid 3-0 at Bernabeu, reaches Copa �inal again NUMEROUS CHANCES Real coach Santiago Solari stressed his side's dominance in the game but cursed their inability to take their numerous chances.

"In football you have to be ef�icient and take the chances you get," he said.

"We fell with honour, we could do no more. We were not clinical but they were,

SUAREZ, P9

Sabio's 37 lifts Caltex past Lorejo Farms 88-78

By ADAM B. MORRELL

J

aps Sabio made it rain from downtown as Caltex held off Lorejo Farms 88-78, in the resumption of the Uraya Fortys Ballers Club (UFBC) regular season at the Elenita Heights court in Barangay Catalunan Grande on Sunday.

Coming off from a stinging 70-74 beat loss to Team Pombo-Tonzo in Caltex’s last outing, Sabio made sure the skid is snapped by scoring a game-high 37 points including nine treys to shut down the determined Lorejo Farms.

Jeff Bucol, on the other end, also gave Caltex the much-needed support by adding 13 points that goes with exceptional defensive effort.

Lorejo Farms, meanwhile, banked on reliable gunners Braden Salvador and Jhem Cuer, who com-

bined for 40 points. Salvador led the pack with 25 while Cuer made 15.

On the other hand, the DC Construction dismantled MDI Carwash 74-68, behind the heroics of Burn Estocado and Ian Arguelles.

Estocado showed torcjed the hoops all day paving the way for the Builder’s second win in the hoopfest devoted for 40 years old and above cagers of Uraya Subdivision in Catalunan Grande.

Estocado dropped 25 points while Arguelles handed 15 markers.

Jun Cadotdot and Dominic Recto, meanwhile, scored 20 and 11 points, respectively, for MDI Carwash which absorbed its second-straight defeat.

The games will resume on Sunday.

Japs Sabio, who scored game-high 37 points, concentrates at the penalty lane against Lorejo Farms on Sunday.

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