Edge Davao Special Supplement June 30 - July 1, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 64 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 30 - JULY 1, 2017

www.edgedavao.net

President Duterte

The first 365 days

BY NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

‘President Duterte has been a character not just for Philippine consumption. Like it or not, the world watches out for the guy each time he speaks. It touches some cords elsewhere.’

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HE first 365 days of the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte practically had all the trappings of several past presidencies combined.

Martial Law, controversies, corruption, crimes, impeachment, health issues, Marcos, protests, church.

Add to that the new ‘spices’---terrorism, global attention and foreign relations.

Yes, President Duterte is all that and then some.

But after all that, just about every Juan is getting used to waking up with a Rodrigo Duterte as the nation’s leader.

Save for the opposition and his critics. Everyday is a nightmare.

After his first year in office, a highlight reel made for him will probably be a montage of his inauguration where a President is seen on an inaugural with a folded barong—portent of the things to come that this leader will be working with his sleeves rolled

up, his bloody war against illegal drugs, the testimonies of Edgar Matobato and Arturo Lascanas, the jailing of Sen. Leila De Lima, the travesty of Sen. Antonio Trillanes, the Marcos burial, the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines, his visits to China and Russia, the war in Marawi and his Martial Law declaration, and his tearful visit to fallen soldiers.

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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A year after:

How Dutertenomics and the bigger hand will push growth

By JOHN CARLO B. TRIA, Edge Davao columnist

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UNDITS have spoken long and hard about how well or unwell the economy has been performing a year after President Duterte. Harking back to June 2016, many of them stood worried that he would not appoint a good economic team to continue our high growth clip. Markets had their usual jitters as a new President takes office and the rest is history.

With markets at their best, inflation within managed bands and our currency exchange rates stable, the fear of the Philippines becoming Venezuela did not happen.

A year since the Duterte election, our economy remains humming, even surpassing certain benchmarks such as Foreign Direct Investment figures and a robust stock market.

The following is a set of descriptions that can shed light on our economy’s performance, and the changes that are taking place in the way by which our economic managers have held our economic growth, kept largely intact and growing, beating expectations.

Markets are stable The economic team led by secretaries Sonny Dominguez of the Department of Finance and Ernie Pernia of NEDA worked well to placate market concerns, and got to work involving economic stakeholders to build a ten point socioeconomic agenda that enabled stakeholders to participate in crafting a program they could claim as their own- and keep adverse opinions and market sentiment within safe territory.

Creating Equity At the end of the last President’s term, the worry advanced by many experts and multilateral banks was that despite high growth, inequality remained, even intensi-

fied as unemployment and poverty rated stayed the same. This would breed many externalities, such as traffic in the cities, and conflict in the countrysides. Inequality heightens enmity and creates strife.

The fear was that without creating equity and empowering poorer sectors, growth cannot be sustained. It would be paper growth that would only feed an economic bubble that burst similar to the late 1990s financial crisis.

Reducing poverty to 15% Reducing inequality and spreading the wealth will build strong markets that will sustain growth.

This by itself, is a theoretical departure from the neoliberal policies of the past, where small government and privatized public services, utilities were preferred. Privatizing may have ensured the survival of these services, but was unable to increase the access of more Filipinos to these essentials.

Build Build Build As the government promises to spend some P8 trillion over a five-year period to fill in the infrastructure gap, hundreds of thousands of jobs and a multitude of new investments, not to mention millions more tourists are expected to arrive. The infrastructure renaissance that helped push Thailand and Malaysia to cut poverty and experience sustained growth promises dividends for us.

Grow and Grow Grow the food through free irrigation and intensified support for agriculture. As the Quantitative restriction regime under GATT ends in 2017, we are simply tasked to produce more of our own food to create not only self sufficiency and perhaps lower food costs especially for the poor.

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The Big Hand The 10-point socioeconomic program includes deliberate programs to create the inclusive economy where past regimes failed. Departing from the hands-off policies of the past, expect pump priming and direct resources to create opportunity.

In all of these, the radical departure from the past government is that it is putting its hand is pushing activities to create growth, putting its own

‘Lowering income taxes for the middle class is good because it frees up money to be spent on essentials which will also be sourced locally. Passing the tax burden to other sectors without driving inflation will require careful planning.’

money where its mouth is, to create the economy it needs to sustain peace and development, particularly in reducing income inequality.

Government intervention is needed since the market is not always efficient to include the vulnerable and excluded, or the poor, of which a fourth is still the Philippines. Sustaining growth means including them.

Tax reforms are needed for the big hand to work This is the particular challenge of the big handit requires locally generated resources, and should avoid external borrowings since they are foreign currency denominated and expose financing to external shocks. The proposed

80-20 mix in favor of local sources is a step in this direction. It allays the fears of many of a debt crisis, as local borrowings are easier to manage than dollar denominated loans.

This is why tax reforms are a must if the big hand is to work. Government must be able to generate the needed revenue from local sources without over burdening certain sectors like the middle class which have been the old bedrock of our tax effort.

Lowering income taxes for the middle class is good because it frees up money to be spent on essentials which will also be sourced locally. Passing the tax burden to other sectors without driving inflation will require careful planning.#

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Photos by Lean Daval Jr.

President S1 There was also the poison of corruption in his own circle leading to the firing of National Irrigation Administration (NIA) administrator and his campaign spokesperson Pete Lavina, the Bureau of Immigration scandal that shipped out two of his appointees, the firing of VP Leni Robredo from the cabinet, and a spat between two strong allies—Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Rep. Tonyboy Floirendo.

President Duterte’s first year has by far been more colorful than any presidency to note.

In the midst of the whirlwind of issues and events, President Rodrigo Duterte has the country’s economy jumping off to the world’s 10th fastest growing economy in 2017.

This was based on the World Bank’s latest edition of Global Economic Prospects. For 2017, Philippines’ economy is forecasted to grow between 6.5 to 7.5 percent or almost twice the country’s longterm growth.

Forbes.com recently reported that GDP Annual Growth Rate in Philippines averaged 3.68 percent from 1982 until 2017, reaching an all time high of 12.40 percent in the fourth quarter of 1988 and a record low of -11.10 percent in the first quarter of 1985, according to Tradingeconomics.com. The report attributed this to the fact that the Philippine economy has benefited from a stable macroeconomic environment of low inflation and low debt to GDP ratio, which has helped sustain a healthy domestic demand

growth; and from a revival of the Asian Pacific region that have boosted exports, which account for close to a third of GDP. Exports from the Philippines rose 12.1 percent from a year earlier to USD 4.81 billion in April of 2017.

With a campaign battlecry “change is coming”, President Duterte’s first year ratings have been varied depending on who raises the scorecard.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, a staunch Presidential ally and partymate, has given President Duterte a grade of 8.5 to nine for his performance in his first year in office. Sen. Pimentel cited his high mark for the many changes brought by the President.

According to Pimentel, the President has fulfilled his campaign promise that “change is coming,” particularly in the areas of foreign relations and peace and order.

“We’ve felt so many changes... The world believes that we have an independent foreign policy. We are no longer being dictated by other countries. We determine our own course in international affairs,” Pimentel told an interview by the Philippine Star.

On the other hand, his critics believe he has not fulfilled his promises and has been a disappointment.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Basic Ecclesial Communities (CBCP-BEC) executive secretary Amado Picardal said Duterte has so far failed to address the problem of criminality and thinks the problem

has even worsened.

But for Sen. Francis Escudero, who ran for the vice presidency alongside Sen. Grace Poe whom Duterte soundly beat, believe that Filipinos and Duterte “are getting used to each other and learning from each other.”

On the ground, President Duterte continues to enjoy massive support from the Filipino people and there are no indications it will diminish dramatically as predicted by Sen. Trillanes.

On social media, his army of followers continue to hold sway dominating cyberspace’s opinion atmosphere. The exchange of opinion, or call it bashing, has been dynamic and has been a good sign that democracy works pretty well. That is true as well with mainstream media.

The Chief Executive has managed to live with the criticisms—from the church, to the academe, to militant groups. And albeit he may not have the best men at the Palace to handle communications and press issues, he has maintained a strong cabinet bolstered by the appointment of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as Foreign Affairs Secretary despite losing Gina Lopez (DENR) and the unpopular Perfecto Yasay (DFA) to the powerful Commission on Appointments.

Unprecedented highs have been some of the highlight marks of the Duterte administration.

He flexed the country’s reach in international relations and has become allies with China and Russia as well as strengthen-

ing relations with ASEAN neighbors.

President Duterte has been a character not just for Philippine consumption. Like it or not, the world watches out for the guy each time he speaks.

It touches some cords elsewhere.Proof to that is his being named among the most influential persons by international publication Time Magazine.

President Duterte has achieved a lot and at the

same time lagged a lot. His critics are right--he is way, way behind his mission of bringing about change to this country.

But this 72-year old man is working his butt like crazy.

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

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Accomplishments

he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) made headways in promoting gainful employment opportunities, developing the country’s human resources, upholding the welfare and protecting workers’ rights, and enhancing a climate of industrial peace and harmony. In continuing fulfillment of its fresh mandate from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the department under the leadership of Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III marked the following achievements in the first year of the administration.

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STREAMLINED SERVICES 4.566 million clients served by the DOLE under the 72-hour policy as of May 2017. Of this figure, 3.347 million or 73 percent of the clients were served in less than 24 hours

DOLE HOTLINE 1349 62,668 calls received

SECURITY OF TENURE

by the DOLE Hotline as of May resulting to 105,470 assisted queries or an average of 5,222 calls and 8,789 queries per month

(Ensured Compliance to Labor Laws, Labor Standards) 49,393 workers were regularized from

August 2016 to June 16, 2017 through DOLE’s ‘anti-endo’ campaign

PROMOTION OF CONCILIATION MEDIATION AS ALTERNATIVE LABOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION

35,349 workers have been voluntarily regularized

14,044 workers were regularized through labor inspection

(Ensured just, simplified, and expeditious resolution of labor disputes)

47,214 establishments have been inspected

covering 1.975 million workers from July 2016 to May 2017

34,698 labor cases were settled involving monetary and collective bargaining benefits amounting to P2.68 billion and benefiting 57,127 workers from July 2016 to May 2017 P1.311-B highest recorded monetary award due to settlement of 34,220 out of the 48,669 cases handled through the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) and benefitting 45,874 workers

84,415 beneficiaries were given livelihood assistance

308,129

beneficiaries were provided with emergency employment from July 2016 to May 2017

P1.296-B awarded to 8,543 workers due to settled140 strikes/lockouts P81.539-M awarded to 2,710 workers due to 420 cases settled through Preventive Mediation

EMPLOYMENT FACILITATION

(Enhanced Workers’ Employability and Competitiveness to Address Unemployment and Underemployment)

1,854 job fairs were conducted nationwide that drew in 758,347 jobseekers

138,640 applicants were Hired-on-the-Spot (HOTS)

19,268 stranded and undocumented OFWs were brought home through DOLE’s intensified repatriation campaign for distressed Filipino workers in the Middle East

12,218 Filipinos signified interest to avail of the 90-day Amnesty Program of KSA

4,475 Filipinos were able to get exit visas, and 5,299 were already repatriated as of June 27, 2017

The OFW Bank, which will cater to the remittance and other banking needs of Filipino migrant workers all over the world, is expected to be operational in September

(Strengthened Social Protection for Vulnerable Workers)

Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), Government Internship Program (GIP), and JobStart Philippines from July 2016 to May 2017

1,095,335 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were provided with onsite assistance such as workers training, case management, custodial services, repatriation assistance, and other welfare assistance

1,005,194 OFWs had been served and benefited from the 17 established One-Stop Service Center for OFWs (OSSCO) nationwide as of May

LIVELIHOOD FOR INFORMAL SECTOR

171,569 youth were assisted under DOLE’s

OFW WELFARE AND PROTECTION

8,715 workers benefited through

productivity orientations to 10,293 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) attended by 22,679 participants

3,324 MSMEs provided with productivity training

An OFW Identification Card System (OFW ID) will be developed and issued as replacement for Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) to allow OFWs to easily transact with government and private agencies DOLE also extended microfinancing loans ranging from P50,000 to P300,000 to the repatriated OFWs

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Aeon Towers’ global investment deal highlights PRRD era in Davao City

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

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njb@edgedavao.net

EON TOWERS, a majestic architectural masterpiece that’s bound to become the tallest skyscraper in Mindanao, punctuated the influx of global investments into Davao City under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

The maiden venture of homegrown developer FTC Group of Companies signed a landmark deal with a global investment firm Altus Hospitality South Inc. in February.

The deal made between FTC Group of Companies and Altus Hospitality South, Inc., a joint venture hospitality investment company between Altus Capital Corporation and Private Equity capital (via a fund from Singapore) involves the bulk purchase by the company of units at Aeon Towers, a new

mixed-used residential and commercial tower, which at 33 floors is set to become the tallest skyscraper in Mindanao.

“We welcome the influx of this new investment coming to Davao City via Aeon Towers. This only solidifies the fact of growing investor confidence for Davao City in general and in Aeon Towers in particular,” said Ian Y. Cruz, president and CEO of FTC Group of Companies.

Cruz also attributed the rosy investor climate to the administration of President Duterte, past Mayor of Davao for 22 years.

The investment company is managed by Altus Capital Partners, an affiliate of the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation.

With this new investment pouring in, Aeon

Towers is set to operate a 144-Hotel and 144-serviced apartment along with a 197room high-end residential condominium. It will also have over 2,000 square meters of prime retail space, and with over 1,000 square meters grand ballroom, the largest in Davao.

Aeon Towers is FTC Group’s initial venture into real estate development, with several projects already lined up in the pipeline for 2018 and beyond.

Altus Managing Director Pavan C. Gidwani said: “We are excited to partner with FTC Group of Companies in this landmark development for Davao. We admire the integrity and vision the family has set-out to build and serve the community they have grown up with. It is an opportune time to be in Davao, and with this invest-

ment, Altus has secured a foothold to provide hospitality assets in the south of the country.

The Fund Director Jason Chen said: “We are proud to support the development and growth of FTC Group of Companies. The AEON project gives us a footprint in Davao, an exciting gateway to this part of the region, which has long history in trade and commerce. We see great opportunities in secondary cities, especially with businesses that will serve the

wave of firms and individuals, both foreign and domestic that are looking to set up shop here.

Cruz said that Aeon Towers is scheduled for completion at the end of 2017, with the retail, hotel and service apartments expected to be opened to the public by June 2018.

Aeon Towers is designed

by Syndicated Architects, Far East Associates with Ian Campbell and Associates as project and construction manager.

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By HENRYLITO D. TACIO Photos by Lean Daval Jr.

WHEN Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte ran for President in last year’s election, no one ever think he would win. After all, he is from Mindanao and no Filipino ever as ascended to the country’s highest position. There were few attempts but they all failed.

When he decided finally to run, candidates from Metro Manila never took a second look at him. He was not a threat at all as they saw him as that “little known leader from the poverty-stricken, remote island of Mindanao.”

But a few months before the election, he surged in the surveys.

It was then that various issues were thrown at him to bring him down – but to no avail. As they continue to raise accusations, he kept his calm and focused more on his candidacy.

In the end, Duterte became the 16th President of the Philippines.

National Artist F. Sionil considered Duterte as the leader of a revolution who took up the 1896 Filipino revolution which, according to Jose, “had been subverted by the Americans in 1902 and

by Filipino oligarchs who took control of the Philippine government after liberation from American rule in 1946.”

Here’s what Jose wrote in his article entitled “The Duterte Revolution”: “Many of our problems are due to the irresponsibility of the oligarchy: they are the number one culprit of our economic and moral decline. They argue and make decisions from comfortable positions. The revolution is happening, and they cannot see it. Perhaps, when it reaches them, they will be forced to be more socially involved and invest in enterprises that will ‘spread money like fertilizer.’ They may even

bring home the money they have stashed or invested abroad, and participate in the resurgence of ethics and patriotism.”

Duterte’s war on illegal drugs earned him more criticisms (and enemies). But U.S. President Donald Trump sees it differently. In an April 29th phone call with the President of the Philippines, the American leader said: “I just wanted to congratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job (you’re doing) on the drug problem. Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that.”

At the end of the conversation, Trump said: “You are a good man … Keep up the good work. … You are doing an amazing job.”

Now, after one year, what has Duterte accomplished so far – aside from his war on drugs which, according to his critics, left thousands of Filipinos killed “like chicken”?

“Almost one year since Duterte took over as President, he continues to enjoy high popularity ratings, despite having a reported reputation as a misogynist and harboring a questionable attitude towards the importance of human lives,” wrote Mong Palatino, a former member of the House of Representatives, in a commentary which appeared in the website of Channel News Asia.

“Almost one year since Duterte took over as President, he continues to enjoy high popularity ratings, despite having a reported reputation as a misogynist and harboring a questionable attitude towards the importance of human lives,” What do other Filipinos say about Duterte as the current president?

Julito R.Ugpo, a former resident of Davao City, who now lives in Canada, considers him as the best president the country ever has.

“May action dayon ug

moadto gyud sa actual nga situation,” he said.

Lily Oton, a high school teacher from Digos City, describes Duterte as “a man of change.”

She may not have meet him personally, but based on what she observed about him, the

president is “dare, brave, tough, highly-principle man but compassionate at heart.”

Bubuyz Avenue, a college professor, has these words about the President: “An honest, straightforward and very supportive President of

all time.” Tessa Jazmines, a Manila-based journalist, adds this description on Duterte: “Caring, decisive, visionary. Very focused. A true leader.”

“A no-holds-barred, full- time public servant,” said Basti Legaspino, a lawyer from Davao City. “He does not give bullshit to the people he serves, and certainly hates to get one either.”

Manila-based freelance journalist, Gigi de Leon, shares this thought: “Though some of his acts and words have baffled me, I still support him as president. so far he has steered the country toward a lot of good things. and you can see his concern for the soldiers which is good.”

Grace under pressure – that’s how Dashiel Indelible, Jr., administrative officer of the Investment Promotions Office in Mati City. He explains: “Despite with all the pressure he is experiencing right now from war on drugs, the Maute Group, and the left and right tirades of the opposition, morag beauty queen pa rin, naa pa gihapon ang poise and composure.”

Dr. Richard T. Mata expresses his strong opinion about the president through these words: “He is authentic and the people can feel

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Agriculture in the past 12 months

Text and Photos

by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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URING the 12 months of the a d m i n i s t r at i o n of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, here are some of the events – interesting, informative, and otherwise – that happened in the country’s agriculture sector. These were culled from various news reports (national, local and government press releases):

profitable farming activity.

“Among industries, growing of Cavendish banana generated the highest valued added amounting to US$14.4 billion, 0r 35.6% of the total,” the report said.

Unfortunately, only 180 establishments are engaged in Cavendish production. Total number of people employed in growing Cavendish topped all other industries with 48,442 workers, or 29.7% of the total.

March 2017: To increase May 2017: “We used to be abaca output to 221,238 metric the world’s second-largest batons by 2022, the Department of nana producer and exporter Agriculture has to find a budget next to Ecuador,” said Antero of P7 billion.

The increase can Sison, Jr., president of Marsman only be made possible if the adEstate Plantation, Inc. “But toditional abaca plantations will day, the Philippines has been be added: 17,000 hectares in edged out by Costa Rica.”

2017, 10,000 hectares in 2018, From US$1.1 billion in 2014, the country’s export 9,000 hectares in 2019, and earnings from banana dipped some more 9,000 hectares in to US$440 million in 2015. 2020.

This was bared in the Phil“Ironically, this could be the ippine Abaca Roadmap 2017best time for us to recover be2022.

About 85% of the world cause of the increasing demand abaca supply comes from the from large markets like China, Philippines. but unpredictable state policies are pulling the industry down,” February 2017: About said Sison, referring to the inP126-million worth of tilapia consistency of the strategies of was destroyed when a massive the Department of Agrarian fish kill, touted to be the worst, Reform. hit the municipality of Lake April 2017: A survey done Sebu. Three barangays (Poblaby the Philippine Statistics Au- cion, Takonel and Bacdulong – thority showed that growing Cavendish banana is the most

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Moody’s maintains PH’s favorable credit Agriculture S13 standing as growth prospects remain were placed under the state of calamity. robust, debt manageability improves

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OODY’S Investors Service has maintained the Philippines’ important investment grade rating, citing the country’s robust growth that is outpacing peers and sustained improvement in the affordability of government’s debt.

In a statement released Tuesday, Moody’s said the sovereign credit rating was maintained at Baa2, which is a notch above the minimum investment grade, and the outlook on the rating remained “stable.” “… Moody’s expects that the Philippines’ economic performance will remain strong while debt consolidation will continue and foster further convergence of key fiscal metrics versus corresponding peer medians,” the statement said.

The Philippines’ average gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.4 percent from 20142016, it noted, was more than twice the median for similarly rated sovereigns.

Robust growth is expected to continue, Moody’s said, with remittances remaining strong and continuing to support household consumption. It also

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noted that private sector investments are rising and providing diversified sources of economic growth. Foreign direct investments actually hit a record high of $7.9 billion in 2016, it said.

At the same time, Moody’s mentioned improving debt manageability, as the unconsolidated general government debt (which does not net out holdings of social security institutions) slid to just 38.3 percent of GDP last year from 47.8 percent in 2009. “[W]e project the Philippines’ indebtedness to remain low over the medium term compared to similarly rated sovereigns, with general government debt falling to around 37 percent of GDP by 2017,” Moody’s said.

Moody’s also acknowledged the ability of the Philippines to withstand risks, given prudent monetary policy and reliable banking sector.

In response, outgoing Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. said: “The decision of Moody’s speaks well regarding the favorable path that the Philippine

that he is really for the Filipinos and not for his political party unlike the former President Aquino.

He not only works so hard but he is also a great visionary. He aims to achieve something so big that can bring the Filipinos to a First World level in the years to come and even this early we can already see the needed changes. Regarding peace and order, he handles his military so well in fighting terrorists and the same time continues to achieve peace through negotiations. A great balance that assures as that peace is coming.”

As a citizen of the Philippines, a working engineer, and a ministering pastor (based in Cavite), here’s what James Joy Dy said: “President Duterte has the leadership that the Filipino people need. A proactive President that envisions peaceful and prosperous nation, felt by many specially the poor. A decisive servant manifested through his political will to solve drug problems, crime and insurgencies.

And a sincere politician shown by his love to the soldiers, needy and all people. I have to mention his policy about foreign independence that is awesome too. I am satisfied and proud for my president, job well done.”

economy continues to tread, partly on account of the price and financial stability that comes on the back of prudent monetary policies and bank supervision. The banking sector, which remains strong and stable, will also continue to support the increasing potential output of the economy as it provides financing for growing investment and consumer demand.”

On a similar note, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said: “The favorable credit rating from Moody’s is a telling mark of the Duterte administration’s heightened efforts to sustain the robust growth of the Philippines by attracting more investments and, more importantly, to make it a more inclusive one by raising spending on infrastructure and human capital.”

Dominguez pointed out that financial institutions here in the Philippines and abroad have lauded Malacañang’s commitment to further economic reforms. This commitment is shown in part by the House of Representatives’ recent approval of the first

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Ermin Garcia, Jr, veteran journalist and publisher/editor of Sunday Punch, wrote: “(As the president, he is) better than expected in spite of his constant unstatesman remarks.”

Garcia further explains: “I’m particularly impressed with his genuine commitment to adhere to an independent foreign policy, seeking to promote Philippine interests first, his determination to pursue the war on drugs and campaign contract corruption, support for calibration of pro-poor programs, strengthening campaign for better health programs, and intensifying fight versus terrorism.”

Another media personality, Jun N. Aguirre from Aklan, said: “He is sincere although not perfect.

What is good is he has shown his compassion to the army. He has strength and weaknesses. I guess he is still learning how to be the president.”

Ferina Santos, a fellow writer at Edge Davao, observed: “For somebody who didn’t want the job in the first place, he is doing what I’ve always dreamt of happening: finally letting the rest of country and the world know what the Filipinos outside the capital are capable of.”

As a result, the 10-% limit of the lake’s area for aquaculture development would be enforced. This was already set in Republic Act 8850 or the Philippine Fishery Code of 1998. When the massive fish kill happened, around 20% of the 354-hectare lake were occupied by fish cages.

January 2017: To ensure the country’s food security, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol proposed a 10-year road map that would be legislated so that even if President Duterte has already stepped down it will still be implemented.

“I told the President that his administration must lay the foundation of a strong agriculture sector,” Piñol told the audience who came to celebrate the 87th anniversary of the Bureau of Plant Industry in Manila. He also said, “Our problem in the Philippines is that our agriculture sector is hostage to the terms of government officials.”

December 2016: During the inauguration of a modern rice seed processing facility at the Philippine Rice Research Institute, Piñol said that his department “will have to focus programs on the commercialization of rice seed production in the country by 2017.”

“Good genetics and good farm management are two factors the DA needs to focus on to be able to synch our strategies with the vision of the President towards affordable and accessible food for every Filipino,” he said.

November 2016: After receiving reports that many import permits were being recycled and that smugglers are misdeclaring imported goods like meat, Piñol said that his department will inspect all inbound shipments of agricultural goods and food before the Bureau of

Customs evaluates the tariffs for these imports.

Piñol said that he would create under his department the Agriculture and Fisheries Trade Facilitation Unit, which would handle the inspection of all inbound shipments of agricultural goods in the country. “We have to do this to protect the interest of government which is being deprived of the appropriate tariffs from smugglers,” he pointed out.

October 2016: To mark the first 100 Days of the Agriculture sector under his leadership, the President handed out over P100-M worth of farming equipment and machineries and fiberglass fishing boats to poor farmers and fishermen of Basilan Province.

“If you have issues against government, do not get angry right away. Call me or course your complaints through my people and we will settle the problem,” Duterte told the audience. “Let us stop the fighting here so I could focus on giving the country more programs to develop our economy. I am just asking for six conflict-free years so that we will be able to move forward.”

September 2016: In its bid to provide affordable credit to Filipino farmers and fishermen, the agriculture department launched a P200-million loan program called Program for Unified Lending to Agriculture (PUNLA). “This is part of the government’s effort to provide trouble-free services to rural communities, as we want to make things easier for them,” Piñol said.

Among those who can avail the loan are farmers and fishermen from the 10 poorest regions in the country: Apayao, Cotabato, Eastern Samar, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Sarangani, Western Samar, and Zamboanga del Norte.

August 2016: Piñol announced that his department was developing two mobile applications which would help increase crop production and income of the farmers. “I believe that the two mobile applications could revolutionize Philippine agriculture,” he was quoted as saying

by Business Mirror.

On why he was doing so, he replied: “The farmers’ lack of access to information regarding the buyers and the price of their products has made Philippine agriculture a one-sided affair where traders dictate the price.”

July 2016: By shifting to a federal system of government, the economic growth will be ensured to reach the countryside. That was according to Rep. Raymund Villafuerte of Camarines Sur. Villafuerte believed that the current form of government is “the single biggest impediment to industrial and agricultural development in the provinces.” He said: “The concentration of national wealth remains in imperial Manila with 35% of the national budget going to the National Capital Region, even if it represents only 14% of the Philippine population.”

June 2016: To maximize the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in agricultural production in the country, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization rolled out the National E-agriculture Strategy in cooperation with the agriculture department.

“Right now, we have a lot of individual ICT interventions for agriculture, but there is no framework that harmonizes all of these,” said Tamara Jean C. Palis, FAO program assistant, was quoted as saying. “The e-agriculture strategy will improve the efficiency of (ICT projects) and benefit agricultural value chains.” (Photo of Secretary Emmanuel Piñol is courtesy from him)

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DAVAO’S BEST BREW | Ariel Dubria of Balutakay Coffee Farmers Association (BACOFA) in Balutakay, Bansalan, Davao del Sur demonstrates how coffee depulper from DA improves the quality of their Arabica green coffee beans. Recently, BACOFA had been graded 85 over 100 by Q1 cup grader for specialty coffee.

DA Davao gears up to improve farmers’ income and make food available, affordable

A

SIMPLIFIED and more doable mandate sets the direction of the Department of Agriculture (DA) under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

This mandate stems from President’s pronouncement: “It is my moral obligation to provide available and affordable food for my

people.”

In response to this challenge, the DA under Secretary Emmanuel Piñol has immediately drafted a 10-point agenda that spells out how to make food available and affordable at the same time provide decent income to our farmers.

Davao Region being the President home region is at the forefront

of fulfilling his administration’s agriculture agenda. The region blessed with good climate, fertile soil, and dynamic farmers continuously make substantial contribution to agricultural development.

One Stop Laboratory In response to the

DA Davao S21

LUXE | LIVING

Reflecting the elegance, simplicity, and comfort that define the Dusit signature style, the residences features a combination of Thai and classic Filipino decor, furnishings made of silk and teakwood, and world-class amenities that distinguish the hotel.

The Dusit Thani Residences community will be the first of its kindone that perfectly blends urban living with the finest hotel amenities that offer the renowned Dusit Spa, lap and childfriendly pools, specialty dining outlets, a business center and fitness area, among many others.

With a long established reputation for exceptional service, the luxury complex will likewise feature room house keeping and luxury services .Personal concierge services will also be offered for the parking and package-delivery needs of its residents.

Situated right JP Laurel, Lanang in Davao City, the complex will showcase a panoramic view of the ocean as well as sprawling , 360 –degree view of the entire community and skyline of the city.

A sanctuary amid a bustling cityscape, the Dusit Thani Residences Davao is a luxury apartment complex offering 175 irresistibly spacious full-service residents units.

Building Amenities • Hotel Lobby Lounge & Bar • All Day Dining • Specialty Restaurant • Grab n Go • Spa

• Meeting and Function Rooms • Swimming Pools (lap and children) • Kids Play Area • Residential Lounge • Residential Pool

Business Center • Special Services • 24-hour concierge • Valet and Limousine Services • Executive Butler

• In-Residence Catering and Chef on Demand • Housekeeping and Laundry Services • Medical Clinic Services

The luxury serviced residences and hotel is expected to open its doors in 2018 and will truly offer an intimate world-class retreat that blends the best of Filipino and Asian culture with worldclass standards.

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Imagining a train from Tagum to Digos ‘Rail service is the cheapest form of transport per kilometer, since one engine can move 15 rail cars, with an average of 60 passengers.

Imagine the fuel cost of the equivalent of one or two buses pulling 15 times the number of passengers on a rail with practically no friction. You save on fuel per kilometer, reduce emissions and less traffic on roads. Rails are also cheaper to build and maintain compared to expressways or public highways.’

L

AST week’s unfortunate accident on the UV express van along the Maharlika highway entering Davao caused quite a stir, and caused a backlog among the usual commuters along the route from Tagum to Davao cities.

The accident, which left 10 dead and a flurry of social media posts, reportedly led to the stoppage of the operations of the vans pending a thorough investigation.

With this, the regular buses plying the Tagum- Davao route

were packed with passengers, with thousands more facing delays due to the void left by the absence of the vans.

The van trip takes a little over an hour, while the bus trip about two, owing to stops in Panabo and other areas to pick up passengers.

For many, the 50-peso trip breaks their daily budget, as an additional jeepney ride may be necessary to get from the van terminal to their destination.

Conservatively, we can estimate that the Tagum to Davao segment has a daily ridership of about 25,000

By JOHN CARLO B. TRIA, Edge Davao columnist

passengers, with an equal number from Davao to Digos. Most of them work, trade and study in Davao City.

This does not include a good number who choose not to do the daily commute and instead rent bed spaces and apartments in the city for a place to stay in the city during the work or school week. This is an additional cost for them, not to mention brings additional residents to Davao city causing both traffic and residential congestion.

Mindanao Rail from Tagum to Digos For this reason, there is a lot of hope that the recently announced first phase of the Mindanao railway Project from Tagum to Digos will help alleviate the traffic congestion, create cheaper, faster and safer daily transport for those from Tagum and Digos and nearby areas who work and study in Davao.

In a press release last June 8, 2017, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the first segment will reduce travel time from Tagum City, Davao del Norte to Digos City, Davao del Sur from 3.5 hours to 1.3 hours once it starts operating in 2022.

Upon project completion, the DOTr expects the daily ridership of the Tagum-DavaoDigos segment to increase to 134,060 by 2022. It includes several; stations in the city of Panabo and the town of Sta. Cruz, including two or three stations within Davao City Rail is cheapest with least social costs Rail service is the cheapest form of transport per kilometer, since one engine can move 15 rail cars, with an average of 60 passengers.

Imagine the fuel cost of the equivalent of one or two buses pulling 15 times the number of passengers on a rail with

practically no friction.

You save on fuel per kilometer, reduce emissions and less traffic on roads. Rails are also cheaper to build and maintain compared to expressways or public highways.

In a transportation study done by David J. Forkenbrock for the public policy center of the University of Iowa, the private (direct costs to the transport operator) of truck service are as much as six to seven times more expensive for trucks compared to rail service, with higher externalities in terms of safety and pollution. (http://www.efsec. w a . g o v / Te s o r o % 2 0 Savage/Adjudication/ Exhibits/Tesoro%204/ Exhibit%204009000018-CWF.pdf) Road transport causes residential congestion within Davao City and traffic congestion along the main highway linking the two, especially in the Panacan section leading to the Sasa wharf.

If there was a way for them to travel to and from Tagum or Digos within an hour on a daily basis at low cost, then they would probably do so on a daily basis, leaving dorms and apartments in Davao City free, with more of their salaries saved for other important expenses.

From Digos we can expect tons of vegeta-

bles coming from the Kapatagan areas in Davao del Sur to fill the train bound for markets in Tagum, and a similar load of daily passengers travelling to work and school in Davao.

As this railway eventually finds its way to Butuan as designed by the Mindanao Railway project, the markets of Cebu, Bohol and Leyte will open for produce from as far as South Cotabato, filling the islands needs for vegetables, poultry and livestock. As this demand is filled, we can also imagine more farmers able to earn as they meet higher demand.

Once the future railway starts operating in five years, it will continue to expand into more cities as the years come, to link major urban centers in the island with each other in an affordable, fast and safe manner.

The benefit it bears to lower the cost of living for individual Mindanaoans, and lower cargo costs makes living simpler, more competitive and more fulfilling. Greater and cheaper connectivity between north and south Mindanao will be achieved, and the promise of the island as the food and growth basket of southern Philippines can finally be fulfilled.

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Matina Enclaves front seat watcher of the

Saga of President Duterte WITH the assumption of His Excellency President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Matina Enclaves has been dubbed as “the place where new seat of power temporary resides.” This was since President Duterte used the Matina Enclaves clubhouse as his temporary office prior to assuming office last June 30.

Since then, Matina Enclaves has been the venue of notable Presidential activities: May 16, 2016 - Rodrigo Roa Duterte makes his first appearance as President-elect and holds his first press conference.

President-elect Duterte receives visitors wanting to congratulate him, including Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa, Ambassador of China to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua, Senators, Local Government Officials, Political Families and even Actors.

President-elect Duterte holds temporary office at the Clubhouse of Matina Enclaves (CAME), where he held meetings, received well wishers, and discussed cabinet appointments.

PDP Laban and Nacionalista leaders signed the Coalition for Change, an agreement of both parties to support the incoming Duterte Administration. Present during the event were former Senator Manuel Villar Jr, and Senator Aquilino Pimintel III, representatives of the parties.

June 30, 2016 - President Duterte and officers of the Eastern Mindanao Command converge in Matina Enclaves for the arrival of honors for his upcoming Inauguration as the 16th President of the Philippines.

August 19, 2016 - President Duterte hosts special Kadayawan dinner for guests and friends.

September 4, 2016 - President Duterte holds meetings with several Cabinet members and national security officials regarding terrorist activities of the Abu Sayaff and possible counter-moves to solve the problem.

September 18, 2016 - President Duterte holds a press conference and facilitates release of Abu Sayaff Norweigan hostage, Kjartan Sekkingstad.

September 19, 2016 - President Duterte addresses the victims of the Davao City bombing and holds a press conference about the terror act.

November 25, 2016 - President Duterte meets with Norweigan Foreign Affairs Minister Borge Brende, discussing new ways of expanding areas of cooperation in trade, investments and maritime activities.

They also discussed the country’s participation in the Philippines’ recovery from Typhoon Yolanda.

December 2, 2016 - President Duterte chats with the winners of Miss Asia Pacific International 2016 and Miss Continentes Unidos 2016, Jeslyn Santos.

March 16, 2017 - President Duterte and family celebrate the baptismal of Sarah Duterte’s son, Stonefish.

April 10, 2017 - President Duterte and family celebrate Kitty Duterte’s birthday.

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Photos by Lean Daval Jr.

DA Davao S18

need for upgrading of agricultural facilities to help farmers make science-based decisions, Secretary Piñol led the groundbreaking of Southern Mindanao Integrated Laboratory (SOMINAL).

Located at DA research Compound in DA Research Compound in Manambulan, Tugbok District, Davao City, the SOMINAL aims to harmonize agri laboratories to help increase production and ensure quality and bio-safety of agricultural products.

The one-stop laboratory which is expected to be operational in 2018, is aP150-million worth one-stop-laboratory (P100 M for building construction and P50-M for lab equipment) including the following functions: Regional Soils Laboratory, Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Regional Crop Protection, and Feed Chemical Analysis Laboratory.

“This will end the guessing game in agricultural production and farmers will be guided on what and how much fertilizers and other inputs will be applied in his field,” says Secretary Piñol.

At the national scene, the National Color-Coded Agricultural Guide Map (NCCAG) has been launched to serve as a new planning tool and guide map for

farmers and fisherfolk.

The map considers the challenges of climate change as well as the science-based interventions of government towards climate-ready crop management systems. With the NCCAG in place, farmers can easily identify the crops that are most suitable in a particular area.

Developing Farmer Mechanic Apart from the regular provision of farm machineries and equipment, DA Davao Region in partnership with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) embarked on training farmer mechanic.

Dubbed as “Mekanikong-Magsasaka” or farmer mechanic, this significant training aims to establish a core of farmer-machine technicians to cater to small farm equipment repair services within their own farmer-associations or cooperative.

“This program will equip beneficiaries of DA mechanization program with appropriate training on operations, repair and maintenance on agricultural machineries,” says DA OIC-regional director Ricardo Oñate, Jr. “We need to develop a core of farmer-me-

chanic as we intensify our distribution of farm machineries and equipment as wear and tear cannot be avoided.

Breakdown of farm machines affects farm operations and productivity considering that trouble could be costly,” he said.

Creating a pool of highly-trained and certified farmer-mechanic, the repair and maintenance of farm equipment will be made accessible and affordable to farmer in remote areas in the region.

Industry Road Maps Cacao and coffee is fast becoming champion commodities of DavaoRegion. It ranked first and second in cacao and coffee production respectively.

To attract more investment and strengthen partnership with the private sector, commodity road maps were developed and presented to the President. It should be noted that most of the stakeholders that crafted these two road maps are private and government key players in the region.

The Coffee and Cacao Industry Roadmaps provide direction to the coffee and cacao industries and its stakeholders towards a sustainable and globally competitive Philippine Coffee and Cacao Industry.

Marketing Agreement In May this year, the Laak Multipurpose Co-

operative (LAMCO) in Laak, Compostela Valley Province has forged a marketing agreement with Vitarich Corporation, a pioneering poultry and feeds producer in the country.

Such marketing agreement paved way for a direct market linkage between the Laak corn farmers and feed processors. The Vitarich commits to provide direct market to corn growers and agrees to buy the consolidated corn grains based on prescribe quality standards, prices, and volume requirements.

Quality standards include: moisture content of not more than 14 percent and total damage grains lower than 5 percent.

In December 2016, Vitarich has opened its four-hectare processing plant in Panacan, Davao City to cater to the growing demands for aqua feeds products.

The forging of marketing agreement is an expression of private sector’s confidence on the capability of farmer in the region to meet their supply demands and quality standards.

Credit and Finance Agri-fishery credit was given utmost priority to provide farmers access to financial assistance without the travails of stringent requirements and paperworks.

PUNLA (Program

for Unified Lending to Agriculture) was set up to provide a convenient lending window with low interest rates. It also aims to expand credit delivery channels and ensure sustainability of credit.

SURE (Survival and Recovery Loan Program) is a quick-response, post disaster survival and recovery loan assistance for farmers and fishers affected by natural calamities.

The SURE Loan Program provides two packages - the Survival Package of P15,000 for food and subsistence and the Recovery Package of P20,000 for the farmer and fisherman to use to buy fertilizers and farm inputs to be able to recover. The loan is interest and collateral free and payable in three years.

Early this year, President Duterte has also launched in the neighboring region the Solar-Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) in M’lang North Cotabato, it is designed to irrigate lands as wide as 100 to 150 hectares. SPIS can pump out up to 1,000 gallons of water on intense sunny days and 400 gallons during cloudy days.

Other major interventions under Duterte Administration The national food consumption quantification survey, currently being undertaken, which will give accurate

statistics on food supply and consumption.

Paradigm shift in irrigation wherein for the first time in the history of rice farming in the country, irrigation water will be provided free by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) starting next year.

In the next five years, the government will continue to push for nationwide food sufficiency under the banner programs of DA. Along with the farmers, fishers and other champions of Philippine agriculture and fisheries, the men and women of the Agriculture Department will carry out the mission for empowered rural communities towards a competitive, sustainable, and technology-based agri-fishery sectors.

“My field of exposure as a local government leader made me realize the problems affecting the country’s farmers and why in spite of the fact that we are endowed with so much resources, the country could hardly produce enough food for its growing population,” Secretary Piñol says.

“I feel the discontentment, the needs, the dreams and aspiration, and I promise that under the leadership of incorruptible President Rody Duterte, I will ensure that Change will come to the lives of Filipino farmers.” DA-RAFIS 11 Team

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Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Elisa Gray crowns 21-year old Mary Joy De Castro, who clinched the Bb. DavNor 2017 during the coronation night last June 28, 2017 highlighting the 50th Araw ng Davao del Norte celebrations. McRobert Nacario

Dabaonons hail new

Bb. DavNor 2017

By NOEL BAGUIO

D

AVAO DEL NORTE – Dabaonons welcomed their new Bb. DavNor 2017 when 21-year old Mary Joy De Castro was crowned during the grand coronation night last June 28, 2017 at the Kadagayaan Festival 2017 Activity Area.

De Castro won the hearts of both the judges and the thousands of audiences when 18 lovely candidates showed off their charm and intelligence in the evening gown and swimsuit competitions, as well as the question and answer portion.

The surfing and karatedo enthusiast from Tagum City, who graduated AB Mass Communication from the Ateneo de Davao University, received P200,000 cash prize.

Other major and minor awards won by De Castro include Best in Swim Wear, Best in Playsuit, Best in Festivals of DavNor Attire, and Ms. Beautederm Ambassadress.

Reigning Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Elisa Gray crowned De Castro, together with Governor Anthony del Rosario.

The governor said the pageant, which was revived after 13 years of hiatus, is about empowering the women of Davao del Norte.

“Behind those gowns are a story of inspiration and empowerment,” the governor said, as he stressed the important job of the winner as ambassadress of goodwill of the Province.

Twenty-two-year old Chariss Manuel, also of Tagum City, a BS Civil Engineering student of UM-Tagum is

DABAONONS S25

The top 5 winners of the Bb. DavNor 2017 led by 21-year old Mary Joy De Castro, with Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Elisa Gray and Gov. Anthony del Rosario, during the coronation night last June 28, 2017. McRobert Nacario

Governor Anthony del Rosario awards the P200,000 cash prize and sash to 21-year old Mary Joy De Castro, who was crowned Bb. DavNor 2017 during the coronation night last June 28, 2017 highlighting the 50th Araw ng Davao del Norte celebrations. Lorde Apique

Newly-crowned Bb. DavNor 2017 Mary Joy De Castro, with Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Elisa Gray and Gov. Anthony del Rosario, during the coronation night last June 28, 2017. Lorde Apique

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He loves to sing.

In fact, he is a karaoke enthusiast who loves to spend hours with mic in his hand to unwind from his day job when he was still the mayor of Davao. So, when he visited Malaysia recently, he sang Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” to the surprise of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak who also belted out Cliff Richard’s “The Young Ones.”

He asks for forgiveness. When he declared martial law in Mindanao and for the havoc wrought by the local terrorist Maute Group, he asked for apology and understanding from the people of Marawi City.

In his speech delivered before the evacuees in Iligan City, he said: “I’d like to say to the Maranao people that I am very, very, very sorry that this happened to us. I hope you will find a new heart to forgive my soldiers, the government and me for declaring martial law.”

He also asked for “forgiveness” when former President Ferdinand E. Marcos was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in 2016. Speaking in Lima, Peru, he said: “Well, it seems to be a very raucous issue for the nation but I would like to pray that everybody would find a space in his heart for forgiveness.”

He cusses. Wikipedia notes: “(He) is known for his straightforward and vocal attitude in public especially in interview, showing no hesitation in using profanity profusely live on-screen on numerous occasions despite formal requests by media groups and schools beforehand to abstain.”

He admits he has health problems. “My state of health: What you see is what you get.”

These were the words he told the audience in Butuan City for not being seen for a few days.

During the campaign last year, Philippine Daily Inquirer had this headline: “DUTERTE ADMITS HE HAS 4 AILMENTS.” The four ailments, according to the news report, were slipped disc (due to a motorcycle accident), Barrett’s esophagus (a condition in which tissue that is similar to the lining of your intestine replaces the tissue lining of the esophagus), Buerger’s disease (a rare ailment of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs), and acute bronchitis.

“I have no cancer, I have four illnesses but they are not fatal,” Duterte said.

He hates drugs.

Drug addiction begets a host of other problems – smuggling, prostitution, killing, gunrunning. “Majority of crimes which occur are basically influenced by drug addiction,” said the late Senator Ernesto F. Herrera, who was then the chairman of the National Citizens Drugwatch Movement.

For that reason and several others, he doesn’t like people doing drugs. “I don’t like people involved in drugs,” he admitted.

“I don’t care if they are soldiers or policemen. I tell them that drug dealers and criminals in my city have only two destinations – the jail or the funeral parlors.”

He is vindictive.

That’s how former justice secretary Leila De Lima described him.

When she was still human rights commission chief, she had him probed in 2009 for his He needs rest. Just alleged links to the solike all human beings, called Davao Death When both he can also be tired. Squad.

Due to his “brutal” were elected, she kept schedule, he was not on criticizing him.

“But I never, for a seen in public for a few days; in fact, he skipped single moment, ever the Independence Day imagined that he would rites in Luneta. “I think be this vindictive,” De we need to allow him a Lima was quoted as sayfew rest,” Presidential ing by Rappler. “I never Spokesperson Ernesto anticipated that I would Abella told the press. be imprisoned ever. I “He was actually on top was a DOJ secretary. I of the situation but he was putting people behind bars. Now, I am also needs rest.” here.”

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Photo by Lean Daval Jr.

Biz leaders laud approval of Mindanao rail’s Phase 1

D

AVAO CITY - Business leaders were all praises after the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) board approved the phase 1 of the 830-km. Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) that will heighten the “pace of development” in the island.

In a text message Thursday, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) president Ronald Go said the railway project will allow for a faster movement of people and goods across Mindanao.

“A project such as this, that can connect the whole island of Mindanao and hasten the transportation of passen-

Moody S16

package of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, which President Duterte himself had certified as a priority measure crucial to his ambitious spending program on infrastructure, human capital, and social protection for the poor and other vulnerable sectors.

Moody’s did acknowledge that the Philippines, like any sovereign, is confronted with some risks. It cited the conflict in Marawi as something to monitor.

It also cited the emergence of protectionist policies in advanced economies, which it said could dampen revenues of the

DABAONONS S24

the 1st runner-up bringing home P150,000 in cash prize, while 22-year old Ed Goldilane Flores of Panabo City, a teacher at the North Davao Colleges is 2nd runner-up with P100,000 reward.

Twenty-one-year old Myrell Martinez of San Isidro, a BS Psycholo-

gers, goods and products will definitely be good for all,” he said.

Go said he believes that a “faster and hopefully more expedient means of transportation will pave the way for a heightened pace of development for our local economies.”

Mindanao Business Council chair Vicente T. Lao said the railway project can also benefit the export products of Mindanao by becoming more competitive and open up opportunities for products produced by non-traditional producers.

“It will make our export products more competitive and open a lot of new areas that are not traditionally

sources of these commodities,” he said.

The NEDA board announced Wednesday that it has already adopted the National Transport Policy (NTP) and approved 11 big-ticket projects that included infrastructure projects such as airports, seaports, and even education.

The P35.26-billion 102.28-km MRP Phase 1 will run from Tagum City in Davao del Norte, passing through Davao City until Digos City in Davao del Sur. In an interview during the launch of the Tuason-owned Hijo Industrial Estates in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City on June 16, House Speaker

Pantaleon Alvarez said the national government will fund the acquisition of the rightof-way while the rest will be funded through official development assistance (ODA).

He said the construction of the rail will commence early part of 2018.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the NEDA said the National Transport Policy (NTP) “aims to unify all transport-related projects in the country” particularly by synchronizing decisions and investments of all “transport-related agencies and better coordinate such efforts between the national and local levels.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

currently vibrant Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

In response, Secretary Dominguez, who leads the administration’s economic team, said the Duterte administration was on top of the situation in Marawi and that the impact of the conflict is expected to be minimal and contained to that city in Southern Mindanao.

“The imposition of Martial Law in Mindanao, which is allowed under the Philippines’ Constitution and which has won support from the people, the business community, and the Congress, shows that

the government is doing what is required to address this situation within the bounds of the law. This decisive action was taken to insulate the vibrant domestic economy from the conflict,” Secretary Dominguez said.

“This administration continues to take actions to sustain the growth momentum and enhance investor confidence in the economy, and the ongoing efforts toward strengthening national security are testament to this commitment,” he added.

Addressing the prospects of the business pro-

cess outsourcing (BPO) sector, an important sector of the country’s business community, Dominguez said the industry is expected to remain one of the Philippines’ growth drivers notwithstanding the seeming rise of protectionist policies abroad.

“At the end of the day,” he said, “investors make decisions based on what are good for business. And the Philippines, with its competitive cost, and young and educated workforce, will continue to be a wise investment destination for BPO companies and other enterprises.”

gy student of San Pedro College landed 3rd runner-up earning P75,000 prize; while 20-year old Princess Faye Fernandez of New Corella is 4th runner-up with P50,000 cash prize.

The resuscitated pageant, which is an important highlight of the 50th

Araw ng Davao del Norte celebrations, was hosted

by Miss Universe third runner-up Shamcey Supsup and Actor TJ Trinidad.

The province staged its grandest Golden Jubilee with Tagum Agricultural Development Company (TADECO),

Inc. as its official partner, together with Globe Telecom as the official mobile telecommunication partner.

The major sponsors include Ulticon Builders, Inc., Davao Light and Power Company, Med 13, and RVE Farm & BEB’s Trading.

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Getting to know

President Duterte

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

R

O D R I G O “Rody” Roa Duterte – also known as Digong – is the current President – the 16 th – of the Philippines. He is the first ever from Mindanao to become the country’s highest official and the fourth of Visayan descent.

Now, 72 (he was born on March 28, 1945), he is the oldest person to assume the Philippine presidency (Sergio Osmeña Sr. used to hold the record who was 65 when he became the President).

In December 2016 – six months after he became the president – the Forbes ranked him 70th among the World’s Most Powerful People.

“He is unorthodox as he is popular,” wrote Davao journalist Daisy C. Gonzales of the former mayor of Davao City.

“He gained fame (or notoriety) as a no-nonsense mayor in his fight against criminality. A good source of sound bite, he is his own effective propaganda machine. He is both loved and loathed.”

As a politician, Duterte has never been defeated. As the mayor of Davao City, he is credited with helping transform Davao into a clean, green, gender-sensitive, and highly urbanized city.

Now, here are some facts about Duterte as reported in the media: He believes in the Supreme Being. When he was still mayor, he said: “If I listened to the Ten Commandments or to the priests, I would not be able to do anything as a mayor.” Yes, he still believes in God but not in religion. On June 26, 2016, he admitted that he’s Christian, but also added that he believes “in one god Allah.”

He was not born in

Davao. Yes, he grew up in Davao but he came into this world in Maasin, Southern Leyte on March 28, 1945. He was still three years old when the family moved to Davao where his father, Vicente, became the last governor of then undivided Davao (now composed of five provinces: Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental and Compostela Valley).

He claims he’s a Mama’s Boy. In an interview with Philippine Star ‘s Ricky Lo last year, he said: “Actually, I am a Mama’s Boy, since I’m the eldest.” He was also quoted as saying: “During the campaign when I was very tired, I felt beat and down that night and I kept on repeating names that I could not figure out. I was eating alone and I saw a picture of my mother. Bigla na lang akong nag-breakdown.”

Most people know that he was very close to his mother, Soledad, a school teacher, a plucky civic leader and a philanthropist. When it was inevitable that he would become the next president, Rody went to the grave of his parents at three in the morning and cried.

“Tabangi ko ma,” he was heard to be saying.

He doesn’t smoke.

He used to smoke but he has stopped a long time ago. “That’s why Davao is a no-smoking city,” he said. Just a few days before the Philippines joined the international community in observing World No Tobacco Day last May 31, he signed the Executive Order 26 making true to his campaign promise of imposing a smoking ban throughout the country.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 64 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 30 - JULY 1, 2017