Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 119 | Friday-Saturday, August 23-24, 2019

EDGEDAVAO blooms of kadayawan Serving a seamless society

INVEST FIRM’S CEO FROM DAVAO KILLED NEWS P3

VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

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KADAYAWAN SPECIAL

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Photo by Lean Daval Jr

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EDGE

SPECIAL

DAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

blooms of kadayawan Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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very year, on New Year’s Day, the Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California, comes alive with the Rose Parade. In Davao City, its counterpart happens during the Kadayawan sa Dabaw every August. Mindanao’s festival of all festivals bursts in excitement during the highlight street dancing event.

Kadayawan's version of Mardi Gras is called Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan and usually takes place on Saturdays. Pamulak sa Kadayawan, as the �loral �loat parade is called, follows the day after.

With a few changes this year, it happens a week after the thunderous street dancing.

The reason for this change is that the Kadayawan Festival is now celebrated throughout the month of August – instead of just a week as in the previous years. This is to give visitors and guests, according to the organizers, something to look forward during the weekends.

As in the previous years, expect in this year’s Pamulak �loats to be spectacular with lavish, colorful, creative and mind-boggling adornments. Be enthralled with �loats that are decorated with various �lora and fauna that symbolizes Davao, the country’s largest city in terms of land area, at its best.

One of Davao’s emblems that will �igure prominently is the endangered Philippine

Eagle. Second only to the Madagascar sea eagle in rarity, it beats the American bald eagle in size. It is the world’s second largest – after the Harpy eagle of Central and South America.

In the past, Philippine eagles abound in the forests of Mount Apo and other parts of Mindanao. They were also seen �lying over the forests of Sierra Madre in Luzon and Samar and Leyte in the Visayas.

Fresh �lowers, however, are the centerpiece of the �loats.

They come in various sizes, colors, shapes and varieties. Waling-waling, another Kadayawan icon, tops them all as it is the queen of tropical �lowers.

Waling-waling “is one of the �inest orchid species endemic to the Philippines, desired by orchid growers and breeders alike for its showy and attractive �lowers and ability to imparts its vigor and �loral characteristic to its progeny,” wrote Dr. Helen Valmayor in her book, Orchidiana Philippiniana.

Davao is blessed with various types of orchids (the name orchid is derived from the Greek word orchis which means testicle because of the shape of the root tubers in some species).

For one, there’s the Phalaenopsis orchids, which usually have long �lower spikes. Known as moth orchids, they have the power to add elegance and brighten up a dull atmosphere.

The Dendrobium orchids, called restaurant orchids, are used to decorate tables of restaurants. They come in several colors; the most prominent ones are white, green, purple, pink, and yellow.

Then, there are the

slipper orchids and the boat orchids. The �irst one has pouch-shaped lips while the latter are oftentimes depicted in drawings and poetry.

Adding more color, particularly the brilliant yellow, to the �loats are the chrysanthemums.

The name comes from the Greek words chrys which means golden (the color of the original �lower) and anthemon, meaning �lower. It was Carolus Liannaeus, a Swedish naturalist, who gave the name.

Mums – as it is known – bloom in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons. In Japan, chrysanthemum

BLOOMS, P8

3 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

DILG 12 serves suspension order against NoCot guv

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he Department of Interior and Local Government 12 has served the suspension order against North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco who was meted a 90day suspension by the graft court Sandiganbayan.

The suspension order was handed by DILG 12 director to the Of�ice of the Governor around 4 pm today, August 22.

Governor Catamco was not at the of�ice when the suspension order was served but was received by Provincial Legal Of�ice.

Sandiganbayan ordered the suspension of Governor Catamco for the malversation and graft charges �iled against her over the fertilizer fund scam �ifteen years ago.

Catamco was sus-

pended by the 6th Division of Sandiganbayan for 90 days for her alleged involvement in the P5 million fertilizer fund scam that included her former husband Pompey Perez and former Poro, Cebu Mayor Edgar Rama.

The respondents each posted a P110,000 bailbond last year.

The couple were accused of overpricing their delivered products by as much as P4.58 million.

Catamco and Perez allegedly conspired with Rama in the delivery of the supposed overpriced liquid fertilizers to the local government of Poro.

The 3,333 bottles of Vitacrop liquid organic fertilizer was said to have been marked up by as much as P1,092 per bottle.

The Scene of the Crime Operatives in Bukidnon exhumiated a skeleton of the murdered retired police officer in the remote area of Barangay Digongan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon on Thursday morning. The recovered

skeleton identified as Patrolman Joel Ray Galendez, 43, who was abducted by the New People’s Army (NPA) along with his relatives in 2017 in Barangay Kalagangan in the said town. Armando Fenequito Jr.

Invest firm’s top exec from Davao City killed

Victim, 2 other officers disappeared with P400 million collection

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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rowd Royals Real Estate Services, whose chief operating of�icer (CEO) was reportedly killed last Tuesday, August 20, in Cebu, is included in the watch list of the Inter-Agency Task Force, a group of government enforcers investigating several Davao-based companies suspected of being involved in fraudulent investment schemes.

This was con�irmed

by Police Maj. Jason Baria, spokesperson of the Police Regional Of�ice 11 based in Davao City yesterday.

Baria identi�ied the

shooting victim is Armando Bernaldez Oppus, 34, a resident of Dona Vicenta Subdivision in Davao City.

He told Edge Davao that Crowd Royals is one of the

investment schemes based in Davao Region that was being monitored by the Inter-Agency Task Force, composed of law enforcement agencies spearheaded by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to prevent fraudulent investment schemes.

"Isa sila sa mga nasa checklist na pinuntahan ng Inter-Task Force Agency at yung pina-monitor ni PRO 11 regional director Police BGen Marcelo Morales to

check if may legal permits sila to operate sa like sa investment scheme nila.

“They are based in Digos City, Davao del Sur," Baria said, adding that the operation came after the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to stop these investment schemes.

Baria said they cannot give any further details about the true motive of the killing of Oppus, 34, since the crime didn't happen in their area of jurisdiction.

"Merong press statement yun Cebu Police Provincial Of�ice Balamban Police station but they are still looking for the motive. We cannot yet conclude if the killing is connected with the investment scheme or personal problem," the PRO 11 spokesman added.

A social media pos said that Oppus and two other Crowd Royals of�icers, Edmon Corona Quiñones of �inance and Judy Ann Delatina-Estrella of marketing,

schools in Davao City. Rivera also urged establishments to use the module to educate their employees. Rivera said during I-Speak media forum at City Hall on Thursday that this project is part of the campaign to prevent and control drug abuse in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr

INVEST, P9

PRRD to Xi: Like it or not, we have to discuss arbitral ruling

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DRUG EDUCATION MODULE. Davao City Anti Drug Abuse Council (CADAC Davao) technical adviser Donado Rivera talks about the CADAC Davao initiated enhancement of the School Curricula through developing drug education instructional materials and integrating it in the elementary, secondary and tertiary curricula of all public and private

are wanted in the Davao region for large-scale estafa after running away with P400 million from their investors.

The Balamban police statement indicated that Oppus was found dead on a grassy portion of Barangay Cansomoroy, Balamban, Cebu.

The victim was reportedly shot in the head and chest and was hogtied with his face covered with boxer

hether Chinese President Xi Jinping likes it or not, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said he would insist on invoking the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling during his upcoming trip to China.

Duterte said the �irst thing he would do when he sets foot in China for the �ifth time during his term is to invoke the arbitral ruling -- a promise he said he would act on before the end of his term.

“I’m going to China.

And the �irst thing that I will bring out before them, the arbitral ruling,” Duterte said during the inauguration of a solar power project in Romblon on Wednesday night.

The President said that if he would not be allowed to raise the arbitral ruling during his next meeting with Xi, he would rather not talk about it at all.

Despite this, Duterte said he would not allow himself to be prevented from speaking his mind.

“You just cannot talk air. At sabi nila hindi

pag-usapan. Sabi ko (And they said, it won’t be discussed. I said), 'No.' If I’m not allowed as a President of a sovereign nation to talk whatever I want to talk about, then let us not rather talk altogether,” he said.

“Do not control my mouth because that is a gift from God,” he added.

Regardless of what Xi would think, Duterte said he was ready to bring up the arbitral ruling and the 60-40 sharing arrangement on the proposed joint exploration for oil and gas in the West Philippine Sea. “Whether you like it or not, will it make you happy or not, angry or otherwise, I’m sorry. But we have to talk (about) the arbitral ruling, then what we get if there is a start in the exploration and in the extraction of whatever worth there is in the bowels of the earth,” he said.

“The proposal of 6040 in our favor would be a good start. I hope that it would graduate into something like towards how do we solve the arbitral ruling

PRRD, P9

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EDGE DAVAO

SPECIAL

VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

Waling-Waling: KADAYAWAN’S QUEEN OF FLOWERS Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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ampaguita was once taught in schools as the country's national �lower. Later, it was found out that the �lower is a native of India.

Enter waling-waling which was named a few years ago as the country’s newest �lower icon -- thanks to ex-Senator Loren Legarda. It was Senator Legarda who pushed for the declaration of the beautiful orchid as another national �lower to make its beauty known to the whole country and to the world.

“The waling-waling’s beauty adorns our treetops, especially in Davao, Cotabato, and Zamboanga where it is endemic. But there are threats to its survival, as the �lowers that grow and thrive in the wild are harvested for commercial and decorative purposes, and their habitat is destroyed by deforestation,” Legarda said in a statement.

Waling-waling “is one of the �inest orchid species endemic to the Philippines, desired by orchid growers and breeders alike for its showy and attractive �lowers and ability to impart its vigor and �loral characteristics to its progeny,” wrote Dr. Helen Valmayor in her book, “Orchidiana Philippiniana.”

“A Pictorial Cyclopedia of Philippine Ornamental Plants,” described the exotic waling-waling in these words: “The �lowers are �lat, to eight centimeters across; the sepals and petals are obviate, bluish pink, with buff-yellow stain, and

dull-crimson reticulations on the lateral sepals; the lip is small and concave, purple-red at base, strongly recurved and brownish purple at apex; with three prominent keels.”

The waling-waling, named in “allusion to a moth in �light,” was discovered on Mindanao in 1882.

It used to grow on tree trunks in the rainforests of Davao, Sultan Kudarat and other parts of the island.

It is w o r shipped as “diwata” (fairy) by the native Bagobos.

Unfortunately, the exotic orchid is almost on the brink of extinction.

“The waling-waling is almost extinct in the wild,” deplored Dr. Domingo Madulid, one of the country’s noted botanists. “Rarer varieties of this plant can only be found in expensive nurseries.”

Recent surveys show that the waling-waling can be found in abundance no longer in the Philippines but in other countries, particularly Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Hawaii.

It is the best orchid variety of the country, Madulid said. But most Filipinos didn’t know that it could be one of the biggest sources of dollars for the country. In

the 1950s, the “systematic plunder” of wild plants, including orchids, started.

Madulid said that long before the country was sending maids to Singapore and Hong Kong, upland farmers had been despoiling the forests and selling rare orchid varieties, such as waling-waling, abroad.

There’s an interesting on

how the world came to know waling-waling. Valmayor, in her very informative book, shared this story: “One of the most successful and secretive collectors was Carl Roebelin, who was in the employ of Frederick Sander of the Orchid House of Sanders at St. Albans, England.

“About 1879, the Spanish government of the Philippines initiated a regular mail service between Manila a n d Mindanao.

This provided a satisfactory means of sending collected plant material from the southern island to Manila. Consequently, Sander commissioned Roebelin to explore Mindanao for spectacular and still undiscovered orchids.”

It was February or March of 1880 when Roebelin came to Mindanao in the Bay of Illana near Cotabato.

The place was described as “a very mountainous region on the western side of Mindanao.”

Valmayor added this additional information: “At that

time, only the coastal regions and some rivers were controlled by the Spaniards. The interiors were populated by hostile tribes who were wary about white intruders.”

The story continued: “Earlier, (Roebelin) had heard of stories from natives about an orchid that grew on trees in mosquito-infested jungles with ‘�lowers as big a dishpans.’ This whetted his appetite to seek the mysterious orchid, thinking of fabulous prices it would command in Europe.

“To reach the area, Roebelin had to travel with Sam Choon, half Chinese and Filipino, for apparently he was the only one who could trade safely with the natives. (The two) sailed up the river towards Lake Magindanao to the interior village of a rather peaceful tribe, the Subanons. They lived above the mosquito zone in tree houses about 50 feet above the ground. These raised dwellings protected them from the marauding warlike Bagobos, who would attack the villagers at night. Ladders for the tree houses made up of tree trunks were pulled up for the night, making them safe from raids of the Bagobos.

“Roebelin slept for the night in one of these tree houses very close to the tree branches. While asleep he was awakened by a loud roar and the shaking of the �limsy thatched hut. He was sure it was an earthquake and proceeded to tie himself to a

WALING-WALING, P8

VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

SOLAR POWER PROJECT. President Rodrigo Duterte inspects the map of the areas to be powered by the Tumingad Solar Power Project as he leads its inauguration in Odiongan, Romblon on Wednesday. With the President is Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Davao firm plans to export 18K coconuts daily to China A

Alcohol excise tax hike to fund Universal Health Care: DOF exec

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he Filipino-Chinese entrepreneur who owns the Davao City-based Eng Seng Food Products targets to increase the export volume of young coconuts to China to at least 18,000 daily starting this October following the successful initial shipments last July.

Eng Seng Food Products President John Tan said in an interview that his company, currently exporting 18,000 nuts weekly, had already made three shipments to China since the last week of July.

He added that they are receiving inquiries from farmers from different parts of the region who are interested to participate in the export of young coconuts to China as suppliers.

He urged Mindanawon farmers to produce export quality coconuts to im-

prove their livelihood to seize the huge market opportunity in China.

“We want to help Mindanao and the farmers. I can see that they are poor.

Some are not happy and abandon their farms,” Tan said.

He said they target to explore other parts of Mindanao, including the cities of Kidapawan, General Santos, Surigao, and Zamboanga, to meet the target export volume.

In July, Eng Seng Food Products, a food manufac-

Apo Agua 2Q Construction Update

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po Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua), a joint venture company between Aboitiz Equity Ventures and J.V. Angeles Construction Corporation (JVACC) is currently progressing with the construction of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) of Davao City Water District (DCWD).

The major works being conducted by JVACC, the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction contractor, are in two separate sites in Baguio District. In Brgy.

Gumalang, excavation works are ongoing for the different structures within the water treatment facility. In Brgy. Tawantawan, preparation works are ongoing for the construction of the weir. The weir will allow for the water to �low through without obstruction and divert a portion of the water towards the

project’s pipeline.

Laying of treated water pipes is targeted to commence in October 2019.

The 60-kilometer treated water pipeline will start from the water treatment facility and end in DCWD’s �ive existing water systems namely, Dumoy, Calinan, Tugbok, Panacan, and Cabantian, as well as three additional new water systems at Talandang, Mandug, and Indangan.

Apo Agua General Manager Ones Almario said, “We have an aggressive timeline. We will maximize the available time we are allowed by the city and barangay local government units to perform our construction activities.

We are also seeking the assistance of the local government in the quick issuance of necessary permits particularly excavation permits.”

Workplace safety is al-

APO AGUA, P9

turer that popularized the “tower” yema and other snacks, shipped 48 tons or equivalent to 36,000 pieces of aromatic coconuts to Guangzhou and Xiamen, after the Philippines complied with the export protocol allowing the entry of coconuts from Mindanao and Leyte province to China.

Duterte witnessed the contract signing between the local company and its counterpart China Artex Corporation Fujian Company during the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing last April for one-year exportation of 64.5 million metric tons of young coconuts.

Tan said one case of nine coconuts can sell for $7 in China or P366.45 (at P52.35 per $1) or P40.71

per nut.

Tan added that his �irm is willing to accept all varieties from different regions of Mindanao for as long as they meet the standards of the Chinese who prefer sweet coconut.

He said they are investing in machines to improve the packaging and upgrade their plant in Calinan to increase its production capacity. Around 250 workers are employed at the company’s processing facility in Calinan.

“The taste was good but we have not perfected yet the packaging unlike in Thailand where they are already so used to it. We are still practicing on the proper way of removing the husk,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

ranking of�icial of the Department of Finance (DOF) is optimistic that senators will realize the importance of increasing excise taxes on alcohol products, as this will help fund the Universal Health Care (UHC) program.

In an interview after the hearing of the Senate ways and means committee on Tuesday, Finance Undersecretary Karl Chua said raising excise taxes on alcohol products, which is part of Package 2 Plus, is a “very crucial part” of the tax reform program.

Chua explained that the gains from this measure would �inance the UHC, which has a funding gap of about PHP45 billion.

He said this funding gap has been reduced from PHP62 billion after President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed last July Republic Act (RA) 11346 increasing

the excise tax on tobacco products by PHP45 A ranking of�icial of the Department of Finance (DOF) is optimistic that senators will realize the importance of increasing excise taxes on alcohol products, as this will help fund the Universal Health Care (UHC) program.

In an interview after the hearing of the Senate ways and means committee on Tuesday, Finance Undersecretary Karl Chua said raising excise taxes on alcohol products, which is part of Package 2 Plus, is a “very crucial part” of the tax reform program.

Chua explained that the gains from this measure would �inance the UHC, which has a funding gap of about PHP45 billion.

He said this funding gap has been reduced from PHP62 billion after President Rodrigo R. Duterte

ALCOHOL, P9

FARM AND GARDEN FAIR. A woman chooses from a wide array of ornamental plants at the exhibit area of Kadayawan Farm and Garden Fair 2019 at SM City Davao parking area on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

EDITORIAL

Review is necessary

Republic Act 10592 which expanded the application of good conduct time allowance for prisoners even during preventive imprisonment and increased the number of days that may be credited for good conduct i effect increases the periods for good conduct time allowance.

The law also allowed additional deduction of 15 days for each month of study, teaching or mentoring service while it expanded the special time allowance for loyalty and applied it to preventive imprisonment.

It is the application of this law that would allow convicted rapist and murderer ex-Calauan mayor Antonio Sanchez to likely walk free in 2 months as con�irmed Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Nicanor Faeldon.

In June this year, the Supreme Court, in a decision penned by Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta, unanimously voted to allow retroactive application of the law as it bene�its detention and convicted prisoners.

Guevarra said application of the law will not only bene�it Sanchez, but thousands of other PDL. Although Sanchez was sentenced to 7 counts of reclusion perpetua, he stands to bene�it from the 3-fold rule under the Revised Penal Code, which limits the service of sentence to a maximum of 3 times the harshest penalty

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO KENNETH IRVING K. ONG the national association of newspapers NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES DAVE STEPHENN VILLAMORA FERINA SANTOS Online Operations Lifestyle PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Correspondent CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

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

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

but in no case more than 40 years.

The Revised Penal Code also allows the application of good conduct time allowances, which reduces the years and days spent in prison.

The question is, is it right to free hardened convicted criminals like Sanchez because of the retroactive application of the law?

Around 11,000 convicts are bound to bene�it from the retroactive application of the law but it is different when the name of Sanchez is involved.

BuCor is recomputing the good conduct time allowances of Sanchez, who was sentenced in 1995 to 7 counts of reclusion perpetua (or 40 years imprisonment) over the murder of University of the Philippines Los Baños students Eileen Sarmenta and Allan Gomez in June 1993. Sarmenta was also found raped. Sanchez is “very likely for release” soon, about 25 years after he was arrested for the gruesome crimes.

Sanchez’s case need to be reviewed before the law is applied to his favor.

Given the nature of the crimes he was found guilty of, it is only right that with the Sanchez case being very signi�icant in jurisprudence, Sanchez’s case being bene�ited by the application of the law must be carefully reviewed.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Product Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

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ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

A MATTER OF TRANSPORT FRANCHISE Owning vehicles for public transport, then and now, has always been covered by certain limitations, especially in the matter of ownership. Under American rule, a certi�icate of public conveyance, the equivalent of a franchise, was granted to a foreigner, subject to conditions.

An interesting case involving a Japanese resident of Davao reached Supreme Court (SC).

On December 18, 1929, under Case No. 21268, the Public Service Commission, forerunner of the Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board, issued a franchise to Genanichi Ishi, a Japanese, allowing him to operate a single Ford automobile to be used in the transport of passengers within Davao Province. The franchise carried the following proviso: “And without authorization… this commission previously had, the applicant shall not alter the manner of operating his car as prescribed herein, increase or decrease the number thereof, substitute them with others, change the form

of the carriage with a different one, or in any case send them on a trip outside the zone of operation of the service herein authorized…

“The certi�icate of public convenience to be issued to him… shall take effect on the date the [franchise] is issued and shall continue [to be] in force until further order to the contrary [is released] from this commission.”

Prior to the effectivity of the Commonwealth charter on November 15, 1935, Genanichi �iled on October 23, 1935, an application to add another unit to his solo transport, citing as reason the lack of public utility vehicles to address the demand for transport among inhabitants.

The commission, however, denied the application on February 14, 1936, citing the constitutional provision which states that “no franchise, certi�icate, or any other form of authorization for the operation of a public utility shall be granted except to citizens of the Philippines or to corporations or other entities organized under the laws of the

Philippines, sixty per centum of the capital of which is owned by citizens of the Philippines.”

As a remedy, the Japanese �iled a petition for a writ of certiorari against the commission’s order. Given that the SC had the authority to review the PSC order, the issue was elevated to the high court where it was docketed as G. R. No. 45134.

In its decision issued on September 10, 1936, the SC said the petition did not state that the commission exceeded its authority by issuing the order under Case No. 21268. Under Act No. 3108, as amended, the allegations in the petition failed to justify the issuance of a writ, pointing out that the right remedy was to review the order based on the same statute.

Section 35 of Act No. 3108, as amended, states: “Any order made by the Commission may be reviewed on the application of any person or public utility affected thereby, by certiorari in appropriate cases, or by petition, to the Supreme Court, within thirty days from the date upon which

such order becomes effective, as herein provided; said petition shall be �iled with the clerk of that Supreme Court and a copy thereof served upon the secretary of the Commission either personally or by leaving same at the of�ice of said Commission in the City of Manila.

“The Supreme Court is hereby given jurisdiction to review said order of the Commission, and to modify or set aside such order when it clearly appears that there was no evidence before the Commission to support reasonably such order, or that the same was without the jurisdiction of the Commission.

The evidence presented to the Commission, together with the �inding of the Commission and any order issued thereon, shall be certi�ied by the secretary of the Commission to the Supreme Court. The procedure for review, except as herein provided, shall be prescribed by rules of the Supreme Court.”

On the matter of constitutional question raised, the SC ruled that Genanichi’s application for an increase in equip-

ment falls within the prohibition of Article XIII, Section 8, of the 1935 Constitution despite that the franchise was issued before the same charter took effect.

The court also made it clear that the petitioner is not a Filipino or a corporation with 60% of its capital owned by citizens of the Philippines, adding there was no need to issue a new franchise but an authorization limited to Filipinos or corporations held in majority by Filipinos.

“The Constitution,” the high court argued, “provides for the nationalization not only of the natural resources and of all forces of potential energy, but also of all public services or utilities, except only those rights that might have been acquired prior to [its] adoption…

This court cannot agree to the suggestion that, as the petitioner is the lawful holder of a certi�icate of public convenience… he has a vested right to be authorized to increase his equipment by the addition of one or more cars thereto.”

In short, Genanichi’s new application was denied.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

MURDER (ENGLISH), THEY WROTE Last Sunday, while riding a jeepney, I saw this signage screaming in front of me: “Before pay, please tell where the get on before get the off.”

I have to re-read the signage twice in order for me to understand. What it really means was: “Before paying, please tell where you get on before you get off.”

Yes, even if Filipinos have a hard time speaking and writing English, we try as much as possible to speak and write it. We use English in all our communications in businesses, in schools, and even during meetings.

“Once, Filipinos liked to say theirs was the third-largest English-speaking country in the world, after the United States and Britain. I do not know if it was ever true, but any claim to English dominance would have to be prefaced with ‘sort of,’” wrote Alan C. Robles in his column in South China Morning Post.

Among Asian countries, the Philippines has an edge when it comes to speaking and writing English. As Honesto General wrote in an article published in a national daily: “We are way ahead of everybody. Ever since the American colonizers sent over a shipload of teachers on the transport Thomas a hundred years ago, we have been grappling

with the nuances of the English language.”

Perhaps, one reason is that English is very hard to learn.

An unknown poet pointed this out: “We’ll begin with box; the plural is boxes, but the plural of ox is oxen, not oxes. One fowl is a goose, and two are called geese, yet the plural for moose is never called meese.

“You may �ind a lone mouse or a house full of mice; but the plural of house is houses, not hice. The plural of man is always men, but the plural of pan is never pen. If I speak of a foot, and you show me two feet, and I give you a book, would a pair be a beek?

“If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth, why shouldn’t two booths be called beeth? If the singular’s this and the plural is these, should the plural of kiss be ever called keese? We speak of a brother and also of brethren, but though we say mother, we never say methren. Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him; but imagine the feminine: she, shis, and shim!”

Now, you know why English is very hard? However, if you think Filipinos these days don’t have good command of English anymore, think twice.

A few years ago, a newspaper in New York printed quotes from student-evaluation reports written by public

school teachers. One teacher wrote that her student “does not take to many things serious.” Another reported that one student in his class had a “studdering” (the spelling should have been “stuttering”) problem.

Then, there was one teacher who was wondering about a boy. “Why is he not learning or learning so but so little,” she wrote. “How comes his past teachers have been passing him from grade to grade without he advancing or progressing academicly. I will like to know what is causing the mental blockage.”

I also want to know! But on second thought, Filipinos and Americans are not the only people in the world who have committed in “murdering” the English language.

Consider these signs spotted from all over the world: A Bangkok dry cleaner in Thailand asks its customers to: “Drop your trousers here for best results.” A laundry in Rome, Italy proves it knows la dolce vita: “Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time.”

That’s great!

A Norwegian cocktail lounge isn’t asking for much: “Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.” In the window of a Barcelona travel agency in Spain that may not

last long: “Go away.” What a way to advertise!

Hotels are good sources of humorous signs. In Mexico, Hotel de Paseo pleads: “We sorry to advise you that by a electric desperfect in the generator master of the elevator, we have the necessity that don’t give service at our distinguishable guests.”

In Bucharest, a hotel posted this notice: “The lift is being �ixed for the next four days.

During this time, you will be unbearable.” In Hotel Deustschland, Leipzig: “Do not enter the lift backwards and only when lit up.” In China, a hotel posted this sign in an elevator: “Push up to go up, push down to go down.” Okay, I get that.

A Tokyo hotel has this notice on its elevator doors: “Do Not Open Door Until Door Opens First.” Another Tokyo hotel placed this elevator sign: “Keep your hands away from unnecessary buttons for you.”

Still another Tokyo hotel posted this sign inside the room: “Is forbidden to steal towels, please. If you are not person to do such, please not to read notice.”

Restaurants have their own share of hilarious signs.

From a little restaurant in Mexico City: “U.S. Hots Dog.” Some like it hots! And don’t worry about not getting tea drinks anytime at the Restau-

rant des Artistes, Montmartre: “We serve �ive o’clock tea at all hours.” Five o’clock tea, anytime.

When a friend went to Nepal a couple of months ago, he sent me an email reporting that there was this restaurant which place a notice on every table in the dining room. The notice reads: “All vegetables in this establishment have been washed in water especially passed by the management.”

Some entrepreneurs have their own way of promoting their own line of businesses. A butcher in Nahariya, Israel boasted: “I slaughter myself twice daily.” Go �igure! A dentist in Hong Kong claimed: “Teeth extracted by latest Methodists.” Very religious, indeed! A barber in Zanzibar advertised: “Gentlemen’s throats cut with nice sharp razors.” But a barber in Tokyo topped them all when he publicized: “All customers promptly executed.” Please, come in!

Funny, funny! Now, what about this announcement posted on a city bus in Columbus, Ohio: “When you exit this vehicle, please be sure to lower your head and watch your step. If you fail to do so, please lower your voice and watch your language.”

Now, why are you laughing out loud? – ###

8 NEWS

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VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

Sanofi loses appeal to restore SASO...

Dengvaxia registration: DOH

T

he Department of Health said Thursday it denied the appeal of French drug maker Sano�i Pasteur to reverse a regulatory ruling that effectively banned the use of its anti-dengue vaccine in the Philippines.

The DOH said it upheld the permanent revocation of the certi�icate of product registration for Dengvaxia for "continued failure to submit post-approval requirements."

"The decision concerns Sano�i’s complete disre-

gard of FDA regulations, which were precisely put in place by law to ensure safety,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque said. The decision was dated Aug. 19.

Sano�i may reapply for a new certi�icate of regis-

tration at the FDA, according to the DOH as it said the agency was "focusing" on its response to the national dengue epidemic.

Sano�i failed to submit the third and �inal risk management plan or RMP for the drug, which was recalled in late 2017 due to safety concerns, the DOH said.

"Given that Dengvaxia is an innovative drug, the importance of complying with these post-marketing

commitments is critical to public safety," it said.

The Dengue Vaccine National Expert Panel urged Sano�i to submit its updated data on pharmacovigilance and post-marketing surveillance, the DOH said.

"This should show what the company has done in terms of monitoring and preventing the drug’s adverse effects for the more than 830,000 individuals vaccinated," it said.

Protest filed over China warships' passage in PH waters: Locsin

F

oreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. con�irmed Thursday that the Philippine government �iled a diplomatic protest over the passage of some Chinese warships in Philippine waters.

"They're just �ired off, that's it," he told the media in an interview.

Locsin did not provide additional details, saying

EDGE DAVAO

he prefers to discuss the issue with the Philippine Army.

"You know how I feel about speaking to the civilian media, I speak only to the army. Really, that's the best," he said.

"I've already described my foreign policy as the �ist in the iron glove of the army."

The Western Mindanao Command earlier

reported that �ive Chinese naval vessels passed through Sibutu Strait in the waters of Tawi-Tawi -- four of which were recorded in July and the last on August 4.

The unauthorized passage compelled President Rodrigo R. Duterte to issue an order, instructing all foreign vessels passing through the Philippines’ territorial

waters to get a clearance “well in advance”.

It is not clear whether the issue will be brought up by Duterte, who is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, when he visits China anew.

When asked about Duterte's agenda on his China trip, Locsin said the government was still "working on" it. (PNA)

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branch while the shaking continued. He dropped off exhausted, fell asleep, and when he woke up in the morning he saw the beautiful spray of purple and brown �lowers which the natives called as ‘waling-waling.’”

Roebelin took some plants and mailed them but they never reached England, “as themail service was disrupted by the earthquake.”

Valmayor wrote: “Roebelin returned to England with only an illustration of waling-waling, but he was again dispatched by Sander to go back, and this time he did secure the orchid.”

When the orchid �low-

ered in England in 1882, German taxonomist Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach named the plant after Sander, hence the name “Vanda Sanderiana,” or “Euanthe sanderiana,” as another taxonomist preferred to call the plant.

After that, Sanders introduced waling-waling to orchid enthusiasts and lovers in London the following year. Since then, it has in�luenced another thousand or more colorful and attractive vandaceous hybrids that are now part of the world’s multibillion-dollar orchid and cut�lower industry.

For almost a century, waling-waling disap-

is one of the national seals and a crest used by the emperor and members of the Imperial Family.

The lovely red comes in the form of roses and anthuriums.

Wikipedia says there are over three hundred species and thousands of cultivars of roses.

Flowers vary in size and shape and are usually large and showy, in col-

peared in the Davao gardens. But thanks to Charita Pentespina, it has “returned” to its native home.

Then a neophyte orchidist, Puentespina successfully pioneered in mass producing the waling-waling through embryo culture in 1985.

During the 48th Araw ng Dabaw, the �irst waling-waling seedlings in compots (community pots) were sold to the public, which in no time generated interest among hobbyists and commercial orchid growers.

Since then, the waling-waling has become a �ixture in almost every garden in Davao. “The return

ors ranging from white through yellows and reds.

But the most popular of them all is still red. Just like rose, anthurium also comes in various colors (white, yellow, red, pink, orange or green). Again, the most popular is still the red, heart-shaped �lower.

The verdant green color are provided by of the waling-waling to every home garden in Davao and elsewhere in the country is one thing,” one noted author wrote. “It is another thing to see it bloom in its habitat at the foothills of Mount Apo.” Yes, waling-waling is endemic to the country.

“Our national symbols are vital to our identity as Filipinos,” Legarda pointed out. “As we discover more about ourselves, we must also update the symbols that represent us. I believe that initiatives to do so increase the engagement of everyday Filipinos with the symbols of our nation, and aid in our nation-building process.”

FROM 11

Tagle and swimmers Xiandi Chua, Michaela Jasime Mojdeh and Marc Bryant Dula.

Completing the Young Heroes are Denise Basila and Michael Angelo Fernandez (shooting), skater Diane Gabrielle Panlilio (skating), Jannah Romero (table tennis), Janzeth Gajo (wushu), Joshua Glenn Bullo (sepak takraw), Lanz Zafra (badminton), Saman-

tha Catantan (fencing) and Solomon Padiz Jr. (badminton).

Sandrex Gaisan (wushu), Patrick Coo (cycling), Mariel Abuan (athletics), Remond Lofranco (boxing), Vanessa Sarno (weightlifting), Ivo Nikolai Enot (swimming) and Dylan Valmores (jujitsu) will also receive the elegant Super Kids trophy. (PR)

on ahead of its title defense in China.

“We don’t care — we want to be here and are putting in the time to be here and we de�initely take that as motivation,” Walker said Wednesday. “We have a bunch of guys who don’t mind being the underdogs.

We are hungry and we are going to go out there to try and win a gold medal.”

Walker said he, Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell

and Celtics guard Marcus Smart would share the captaincy duties as part of a leadership group.

“I take pride in being a leader and guys looking to me and I’m here to set the tempo and bring my experience and energy,” he said.

Australia, meanwhile, hopes to end 55 years of losses against the U.S. The Americans have won all 25 games against Australia since 1964.

dez (13-1, 5 KO's), who is the reigning NABO (North American Boxing Organization) 105-pound monarch.

Far more accomplished and experienced �ighter,

Saludar is favorite to retain his belt this Saturday, though Wilfredo "Bimbito" Méndez wants to rock and shock the Pinoy. (Philboxing.com)

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ferns and other vascular plants.

Fruits also abound in some of the �loats. Durian, another Kadayawan icon, �igures prominently. The king of tropical fruits, which “smells like hell but tastes like heaven,” according to one scribe, is abundant during the festivity.

Other fruits that are displayed in the �loats are mangosteen, ram-

butan, lanzones, banana, mangoes, pomelo, pineapple and watermelon.

Since Kadayawan signi�ies abundant harvest, vegetables also have their own places in the �loats. Some of those used in the past include upo, squash, sayote, ampalaya, string beans, tomato, okra, sweet pepper, carrots, radish, and lemon grass.

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VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Toast to 10.

Maggie Wilson-Consuji at the photowall.

GLOBAL wellness food supplement company Organique Inc., the group behind the phenomenal superfood Organique Acai Berry, celebrates its 10th anniversary with the launch of its new line of acai berry products to meet the ever-growing consumer demand for quality health-boosting supplements.

With an unwavering and sincere commitment to promote healthy living, President and CEO Cathy Salimbangon says Organique Inc. is marking the newest milestone in its journey by launching its latest line of natural and organic acai berry food supplements to celebrate 10 years of health and wellness.

The company was born in 2009 from a dream of Cathy and her husband, Elton, to help people – from business executives to ordinary housewives – keep their health and energy at an optimum and enable them cope the daily stresses of work and life and enjoy wellness.

Their dream evolved into a successful enterprise and a lifelong advocacy for people to attain and value their health

Tweetie de Leon Gonzalez Faces of Organique.

ORGANIQUE MARKS ONE DECADE OF PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELLNESS LAUNCHES NEW LINE OF QUALITY HEALTH-BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS and wellness so they could live life to the fullest. A decade since their journey began, the couple and the dynamic team behind Organique Inc. follow one mantra: A Celebration of Life, Making It Possible.

“Organique helps people live out their passion and mission in life with by providing them with an extra boost of nutrition,” said Cathy Salimbangon, Following the phenomenal success of the Açaí Premium Blend, the flagship product that established Organique as a leading and trusted wellness beverage brand in the Philippines, United States, Canada, Singapore and Hong Kong, the company is launching this year its latest line of products.

“With customers in mind over the past 10 years, we have always prioritized their wants and needs. This is the reason why we’re coming out with different products that will allow our loyal customers to further integrate a healthy lifestyle with their own way of life,” Salimbangon said.

URBANISSIMO A4

New products presentation.

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EVENT

CULTURAL REFLECTIONS AND THOUGHTS CAUGHT ON CANVASS AND FILM WHILE art can be about self expression, it can also be a way for the artist to be introspective and reflect on their own culture and beliefs.

This was the common thread I felt from two different art events the past week. While one event, Tes Surs Treasures was about the tribal past of Mindanao and the people’s struggle for identity, the other event, the Spanish Film Festival, looks into the nuances of Spanish culture and how it identifies itself from global culture.

EVENT

PHILIPPINE EAGLE, FILM, PHOTOGRAPHY AND MORE

TRES SURS TREASURES Mindanao artists Ibn’Saud Salip Yasin Ahmad, Joel Goelamen and Rameer Tawasil will showcase their painting collection at the Marco Polo Hotel lobby from August 15 to 31. The exhibit features works that show the artists take on the culture of the indigenous people of Mindanao and their land.

Marco Polo General Manager Collin Healy shared that the exhibit is just one of the many activities the hotel has lined up for the long Kadayawan Festival “We

THIS WEEKEND, the Philippine Eagle Foundation and its partners will tap into the power of film, photography, and meaningful dialogue for environmental awareness.

Bird of Prey: An Environmental Fair, happening on August 24 at the MCM Auditorium, will be a celebration of biodiversity—a fitting community-led activity in line with the closing of the Kadayawan season.

It is organized by Global Shapers Community – Davao Hub, a network of young advocates initiated by the World Economic Forum.

The fair is made possible

are proud to be partners of this exhibit to show a different side of Mindanao through art.”

SPANISH FILM FEST From August 20 to 23, Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of Spain and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) present “Contemporáneos”, a film cycle featuring four contemporary Spanish films. The screenings will take place at the FDCP Cinemathéque in Davao City during those dates at 6PM. Dir. Javier Galvan of the In-

through a partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, and Pasalidahay, a local film collective.

“Through this event, we hope to bring the focus of the month’s celebrations to the environment— a key component of our heritage and history as a people,” said Isaac Oñate, Global Shapers Davao curator.

The whole day activity will feature short films on the environment as well as the free public screening of Bird of Prey, a documentary produced by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation. There will also be Q&A sessions with Emmy Award-winning

stituto Cervantes shared that the film festival is an opportunity to promote Spanish culture outside of Mindanao. You can still catch the closing film today with the drama ‘No sé decir adiós,’ by Lino Escalera. A story about a girl named Clara who receives a call from her father, with whom she has not spoken for a long time.

He is suffering from a terminal illness, which Clara refuses to accept. Against everyone’s advice, she takes her father to be treated, both of them escaping the reality which neither can accept.

cinematographer Neil Rettig and Dr. Laura Johnson.

“We see films and photography as powerful media for storytelling and a way to involve the youth to take action for the environment,” said Keisha Halili, Pasalidahay spokesperson. Pasalidahay-curated films from Manila, Ilo-ilo, Cebu and Davao will be screened in the morning.

Students, bloggers and photo enthusiasts are also invited to join the photo contest that invites introspection on urban life and the environment’s impact on it. Full mechanics are in facebook.com/ globalshapersdavaohub Admission to the whole day activity is free.

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VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

HIMIG HANDOG TOP 12, ALL READY TO WIN BIG AND WIN HEARTS MASTERPIECES reflecting Filipinos’ struggle and hope when it comes to love comprise the Himig Handog 2019 Top 12 entries, all vying to win the sought-after Best Song recognition from the country’s biggest songwriting competition.

From almost 4,000 entries, the song finalists are down to 12, now produced and brought to life by this year’s carefully selected interpreters.

Daniel Padilla and Moira Dela Torre come back in this year’s competition and collaborate in Dan Martel Simon Tañedo’s “Mabagal.”

“The Killer Bride” star Janella Salvador also returns to join the roster of interpreters and sings “Nung Tayo Pa” of Rex Torremoro and Elmar Jann Bolaño.

Former “Idol Philippines” contestant Alekzandra Nicolle Quitalig competes with her own composition, “Alaala,” while Davao-based singer-songwriter Eamarie Gilayo likewise interprets her own song, “Ikaw at Linggo.”

Another former “Idol Philippines” contender, Vanya Castor, tries her luck in a different contest by interpreting “Paano Ba,” penned by composer Richanne Charms Jacinto. Meanwhile, “Isa Pang Ikaw,” composed by Joseph Ponce is performed by former “X Factor Australia” contestant Justin Vasquez.

This year, acoustic balladeer TJ Monterde interprets “Panandalian,” composed by Jerome Arcangel and Cee Jay Del Rosario, while Alex Gonzaga sings the composition of Michael Angelo “Aikee” Aplacador titled “Please Lang.”

Former “X Factor Philippines” contender Joan Da interprets her

song with LJ Manzano entitled “Sasabihin Ko,” while singer-songwriter Davey Langit comes back in the competition—this time as an interpreter of the song “Simula ng Dulo,” which he co-wrote with Therese Marie Villarante.

I Belong To The Zoo, sings Ferdinand Aragon’s song “Ingat,” while “Tawag ng Tanghalan” champion Janine Berdin gives her rendition to “Sa’yong Mundo,” composed by Noah Zuniga.

Charms Jacinto, composer of the song ‘Paano Ba’ with interpreter Vanya Castor.

Over the years, the songs produced in Himig Handog have won year’s Best Song, the entries also go hearts of Filipino listeners here and head-to-head for the other soughtabroad. True to its mission, ABSafter awards, including MOR’s CBN’s songwriting competition has Choice, MYX Choice for Best Music also continuously brought about Video, TFC’s Global Choice Award, the best of OPM by searching for Star Music’s Choice Award, and outstanding musical compositions Best Produced track. from all over the world.

The #HimigHandog2019 songs The grand winner will take home can be streamed on all digital music P1 million, while the 2nd, 3rd, stores worldwide and are also avail4th, and 5th placers get P500,000, able on Star Music’s YouTube chanP200,000, P150,000, and P100,000 nel. For details, like @HimigHancash prizes, respectively. Watch dog2019 on Facebook. You may also out for the grand finals of Himig visit starmusic.ph, like Star Music Handog 2019 live on “ASAP Natin on facebook.com/starmusicph, and ‘To” on October 13. follow it on Twitter and Instagram Aside from being hailed as this @ StarMusicPH.

TJ Monterde with composers of the song ‘Panandalian’ Jerome Arcangel and Cee Jay Del Rosario.

Janine Berdin with ‘Sa’yong Mundo’ composer Noah Zuniga.

Eamarie Gilayo, composer and interpreter of the song ‘Ikaw at Linggo’.

Joseph Ponce, composer of the song ‘Isa Pang Ikaw’.

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EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

URBANISSIMO A1

As Organique begins another chapter in its wellness advocacy, Salimbangon shared the company’s plan to expand its healthy product line-up further to meet every requirement of nutrition savvy consumers.

These exciting new additions will include trail mix, vita bar, and ready-to-drink beverages, while an acai café will be opened in several locations (in the metro/in major cities across the country) to serve fresh and healthy acai smoothies and bowls.

Since it was introduced a decade ago, Organique’s Acai Berry Premium Blend – a rich syrupy blend of the highest quality Brazilian açai (pronounced “ah-sigh-ee”) berries and natural juice extracts, such as Acerola, Guarana and Green Tea – has gained popularity because of its anti-aging, antiinflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.

Acai berries, a widely acknowledged “superfruit” that which only grow in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, can help control the heart rate and

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Organique Triathlon Team receives an award . blood pressure due to their high Organique’s success stems potassium content. The berries from its health and wellness are also very rich in B-complex, strategy, reaching out to those Vitamin K, Niacin, Vitamin B-6 who see value in living a healthy (pyridoxine) as well as Riboflaand balanced lifestyle. These are vin. These vitamins function the individuals who choose to as co-factors that help the body never put a price tag on health, process carbohydrates, proteins but rather see it as an investand fats more efficiently. ment in their well-being.

Committed to bring health From being processed and and wellness to every household bottled in a cutting-edge, statein the world, Organique guarof-the-art plant in California to antees to provide every custom- making sure that the products er quality products “that are not are GMO-free, the brand cononly healthy but delicious.” tinues to stay true to its mission

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VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

drugstores and supermarkets, such as Mercury Drug, Watsons, S&R Membership Shopping, Landers, Southstar Drug, Rose Pharmacy, and other leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide. It can also be purchased online via Lazada and in Organique kiosks present in selected malls and in the soon to be launched Organique Cafés.

As Organique embarks on its second decade in the health and wellness industry, Salimbangon disclosed plans of expanding its presence in more countries, adding that the company is currently in discussions with Faces of Organique. potential distributors in Southand vision by following strineast Asia and the Middle East. VOL.12 VOL.12 IS gent processes and regulations.

“We are proud of our ten-year It is a certified organic product track record. With our strong by the US Department of Agrimanagement team, brand, and culture and a globally-certified retail presence, we believe our Halal product. products will be recognized not Moreover, all Organique acai only in the Philippines, but in berry products go through asep- other countries as well,” Salimtic processing, meaning they bagon said. “AtJULY the same time, VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 94 84 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 19-20, 5-6, 2019 undergo a meticulous sterilizawe are forward-focused on this tion procedure to produce shelf- next decade and have significant stable products that do not need plans to deliver substantial adrefrigeration. ditional value to our consumers Locally, Organique Acai and innovationJULY toJULY the health VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 9484 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, 19-20, 5-6, 2019 Premium Blend is sold in major and wellness industry.”

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

UP AND FURNITURE A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

9 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

Motor Image Pilipinas addressed long queue for Forester i-S Eyesight by shipping in more units M otor Image Pilipinas, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines, shipped in more units of the much coveted Forester i-S Eyesight to address the months-long

waiting time of customers.

Since its launch last January 2019, the top of the line Forester model has not met the demands of the customers for the �irst half of the year, effectively giving customers up to 2

months waiting time before being served. It has now been addressed recently by the Subaru distributor, as the Japan-made model will now enjoy having more stocks in the country.

The All-New Forester

i-S Eyesight is equipped with Subaru’s 4 core technologies – 2.0 Boxer Engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and Subaru’s new Global Platform. The same model

also boasts of Subaru’s new version of X-Mode, allowing the vehicle to traverse challenging terrain outside of the city. The Forester i-S Eyesight retails for Php 1,828,000 and is readily available nationwide.

INVEST... FROM3

shorts when found by the police authorities.

Oppus was identi�ied by responding police of�icers through his passport from his vehicle that was set on �ire and thrown into a cliff in nearby Barangay Sunog.

Oppus’ body was brought to Gemma Funeral Homes of Barangay Cantuad, Balamban, for autopsy while followup investigation is still being conducted to determine the motive of the killing.

peacefully,” he added.

The President acknowledged that the Philippines could not afford to go to war against China since it would feed the military and police “to the mouths of hell.”

However, he emphasized how both the Philippines and China have always agreed to solve the sea row “peacefully.”

“You have always been saying we do not want --- we do not have to go to war, we do not have to go to trouble and let us resolve this controversy peacefully,” Duterte said.

“So I will ask them, as what you said and what we have agreed upon, we talk to resolve this problem peacefully. Now, how, tell me, how do we start to solve the problem peacefully? There has got to be something,” he added.

Aside from the arbitral ruling and 60-40 sharing agreement, Duterte will also raise the June 9 Recto Bank (Reed Bank) mar-

itime incident, where a Chinese vessel allegedly rammed and abandoned a Philippine �ishing boat at sea.

Duterte is also scheduled to watch a Gilas Pilipinas game in the 2019 FIBA World Cup at the International Sports and Cultural Arena in Foshan City and visit Fujian University to attend the inauguration of a building there that was built in honor of his late mother, Soledad.

On July 12, 2016, the Philippines won its arbitration case �iled against China in 2013, nullifying China’s nine-dash line claims of nearly the entire West Philippine Sea or South China Sea, including part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The PCA found “no legal basis” for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line” but China refused to recognize this.

(PNA)

ways at the forefront of the project since the start of its construction activities.

Last April 2019, the DCBWSP has reached 500,000 safe man-hours without lost-time incident. This is a signi�icant milestone of the project which as of June, employs a total of 418 laborers and skilled workers who are mostly from its host barangays namely, Gumalang, Wines, Tawantawan, Tambobong, and Tamugan.

“We thank the Local Government of Davao for their support in the project. Together with DCWD and JVACC, we are one with the City Government in ensuring the long-term security of the city’s water supply,” Almario said.

Apo Agua began its three-year construction phase with engineering design works in 2018 and targets to commence operations by the �irst half of 2021.

PRRD... FROM3

Registration for the 2019 subaru palm challenge is officially open

M

otor Image Pilipinas, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines, opens the registration today for the 2019 Subaru Palm Challenge: Philippine Face-Off to be held at the Subaru Festival on September 21 to 22 at Bonifacio Global

City, Taguig.

It’s that time of the year again where Subaru tests your limits and searches for the longest standing contestant who will be able to prevail against physical challenges, unpredictable weather and mental pressure. Cash prizes await local winners

and the last 10 standing will be recognized as the of�icial representatives of the Philippines competing alongside other Asian countries in the Regional Palm Challenge in Singapore this coming November. This might �inally be the year where a Filipino not only captures that eva-

sive regional crown but also walk away with an All-New Forester 2.0i-L. Interested participants must at least be 18 years old, a Filipino passport holder and in good health condition. Learn more and sign up at http://www. subaru.asia/ph/palmchallenge2019.

and not gradually implemented.

“There’s really a gap, so the budget will have to be reprioritized. But it’s more manageable. From PHP62 billion, (it is) now PHP10 billion,” he added.

The House of Representatives has approved its own version of alcohol excise tax hike, but its gains is only about PHP17 billion, which is about half of the PHP33.5 billion under the proposal of the Depart-

ment of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Health (DOH).

He said the increase in the excise tax on beer under the House version is PHP32 per liter, lower than the PHP40 per liter under the DOF-DOH proposal.

For distilled spirits, the House version, which was approved in the 17th Congress after lawmakers adopted House rule 48, is an increase of PHP35 per proof liter, lower than the

PHP40 per liter based on the DOF-DOH proposal.

Chua said they believe that Senators will be more open to the rate hikes under the DOF-DOH proposal based on the presentations they made during the hearing Tuesday.

“I think the case has been made today and we will work with the Senators and the health advocates to produce the evidence to support the higher rates,” he said.

ALCOHOL... FROM5

signed last July Republic Act (RA) 11346 increasing the excise tax on tobacco products by PHP45 per pack starting 2020, PHP50 per pack by 2021, PHP55 per pack by 2022, and PHP60 per pack by 2023.

Chua, however, said there remains a PHP10-billion gap for the UHC since they expect the bill �iled

by Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao, which has gains amounting to PHP60 billion, to be approved as is

The All-New Forester, XV and other Subaru models are also available for test drive at your nearest Subaru showroom. Exclusive deals also await those who visit within the month of August 2019.

APO AGUA... FROM5

10 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 18th City Council 47th Regular Session Series of 2018 Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Bernard E. Al-ag Presiding Officer Maria Belen S. Acosta Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Al Ryan S. Alejandre Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Joanne M. Bonguyan-Quilos Ma. Cherry Ann M. Bonguyan Carmelo J. Clarion April Marie C. Dayap Jimmy G. Dureza Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor Avegayle Dalodo Ortiz Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Leah A. Librado-Yap Councilor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Rene Elias C. Lopez Councilor Marissa P. Salvador-Abella Diosdado Angelo A. Mahipus Councilor Halila Y. Sudagar Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Bonifacio E. Militar Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ABSENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor

Nilo M. Abellera Jr. Pilar C. Braga Danilo C. Dayanghirang

-

On Official Business On Domestic Emergency Leave On Official Business

ORDINANCE NO. 0624-18 Series of 2018 AN ORDINANCE DECLARING BARANGAY SIBULAN, TORIL DISTRICT, THIS CITY, AS AGRICULTURAL ORGANIC ZONE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE- This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE DECLARING BARANGAY SIBULAN, TORIL DISTRICT, THIS CITY, AS AGRICULTURAL ORGANIC ZONE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”.

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLE AND POLICY – It is hereby declared as the policy of the City Government of Davao that: 1. The Local Government shall promote and protect the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them; 2. The Local Government shall ensure that the Dabawenyos have access to clean and safe food products free from harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers; and 3. The Local Government shall promote Organic Agriculture as a mode of agricultural practice to ensure that the health of the consumers as well as the producers of food products are protected.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS– As used in the Ordinance, the following terms shall mean: 1. Buffer Zone- are defined areas on the boundary of an organic farm that has land use controls and allow only activities compatible with the protection of the organic farm. It serves as a barrier that surrounds or separates an organic farm from other traditional or conventional farms where plants are not designated as organic.

2. Conversion-is the process of transforming a traditional or conventional farm into an organic farm for a period of three (3) to five (5) years.

3. Conventional Farm- refers to farming systems which include the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other synthetic farm inputs.

4. Organic Agriculture-is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic Agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and good quality of life for all involved (IFOAM); 5. Organic Farming-is a farming method that involves growing and nurturing crops without the use of synthetic-based fertilizers and pesticides.

6. Organic Zone- is a zone that will be protected from encroachment and contamination of using chemical-based farm inputs, mining, including contamination of genetically-engineered crops and other similar activities. This Zone shall be separate and distinct and shall not be confused with the Zones provided under the Davao City Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).

SECTION 4. DECLARATION OF BARANGAY SIBULAN AS ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL ZONE- It is hereby declared that Barangay Sibulan, located at the third district of Davao City, is an Organic Agricultural Zone. As such, all synthetic and chemical-based farm inputs shall be prohibited within the said zone. Further, no genetically-modified/engineered agricultural products shall be introduced therein.

SECTION 5. BUFFER ZONE- To preserve the integrity of the area as an organic agricultural zone and to prevent contamination from non-organic practices surrounding the area, a buffer zone shall be established.

5.1 A minimum of 40-meter buffer zone shall be established between the organic agricultural zone and non-organic agricultural areas near and/or adjacent to the former which shall be measured from the outermost boundary of the organic agricultural zone. Buffer Zones shall be planted with diversified plant species.

SECTION 6. FARM CONVERSION- Non-organic farms within the organic agricultural zone shall have a maximum period of five (5) years from the date of approval of this Ordinance within which to convert their conventional farm to organic farm. No new conventional farm using synthetic chemicals shall hereafter be established within the organic zone.

SECTION 7. INCENTIVES TO INDIVIDUALS, FARMERS AND SCHOOLS- The City shall give incentives, awards and financial support to individuals, farmers and schools which pursue, promote and practice organic farming. The City Agriculturist’s Office shall formulate guidelines for developing incentive programs, award systems and/or financial support.

SECTION 8. IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES- The City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO) shall serve as the lead agency in implementing this order in collaboration with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). The Department of Agriculture Region XI (DA XI), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XI (DENR XI), and Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority Region XI (FPA XI ) are hereby enjoined to give their full support, assistance, and cooperation in the course of the implementation of the provisions of this order.

SECTION 9. SUPPORT SERVICES- Section 9 and Section 15 of the Organic Agriculture of Davao City 2009 or Ordinance No. 0384-10, Series of 2010, state that provision of support services to organic farmers and other assistance as may be deemed necessary by the implementing agencies; SECTION 10. SIGNS- The Barangay Sibulan LGU is hereby directed to provide appropriate signages in collaboration with the cooperative advocating organic agriculture and the City Agriculturist’s Office indicating that the area is an organic agricultural zone, as well as the prohibited acts within the area.

SECTION 11. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE- If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 12. EFFECTIVITY- This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after completion of its publication in a local newspaper of general circulation in Davao City.

ENACTED, on the 12th day of December, 2018, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 119 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 23-24, 2019

11

Leo Yap blasts out of the sand trap during the recent 30th Durian Tee Invitational Golf Tournament at the Apo Golf and Country Club. BOY LIM

Saludar arrives in Puerto Rico for title defense

W

BO minimumweight world champion Vic Saludar (19-3, 10 KO's) arrived this morning in Puerto Rico ready for battle.

The Filipino and his team have �lown to the "Island of Enchantment" for his important world title defense against Puerto Rican WBO #1 ranked challenger Wilfredo "Bimbito" Méndez in the main event of "Casino Metro Boxing Nights" this Saturday, August 24.

The WBO world title clash -- a production of Puerto Rico's top boxing out�it PRBBP (PR Best Boxing Promotions) in association with Spartan Boxing -- will unfold at the plush Puerto Rico Convention Center and will televised LIVE on Puerto Rico sports

channel Wapa Deportes.

"We come to Puerto Rico to make a good �ight.

We are well-prepared after a long training camp to keep my title," assured Saludar upon arrival.

The 28-year-old Saludar, born in Polomolok, Cotabato del Sur (just nearby General Santos City), claimed his WBO 105 lbs world crown by decisioning Japanese Ryuya Yamanaka (16-3, 5 KO's) in July of last year in Kobe; and then made his �irst defense against Nippon warrior Masataka Taniguchi (11-3, 7 KO's) last February in Tokyo.

Saludar's second defense this coming Saturday is against well-trained 22-year-old local Puerto Rican �ighter Wilfredo Mén-

SALUDAR, P8

Popovic sees Australia as World Cup threat

T

eam USA coach Gregg Popovich sees Australia as a title threat at the upcoming World Cup in China.

He’ll soon �ind out how much of a threat when the teams meet Thursday in the �irst of two exhibition games in Melbourne. A record Australian basketball crowd of 50,000 is forecast for the match at Marvel Stadium. The second game is set for Saturday.

“Huge, huge threat,” Popovich said of the Boomers. “They are one of the teams that can win the whole thing, without a doubt. I’m not saying that because I’m here. It’s just a fact.”

“They’ve been close for several years, and they are hungry. They are talented.

They have the toughness and physicality to go with it. I think they are one of the top contenders without a doubt.”

Australia, led by Patty Mills, who is coached by Popovich at San Antonio, lost the bronze medal �inal at the 2016 Olympics to Spain.

The U.S. team is thin on superstars, with only Kemba Walker, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez combining for �ive NBA All-Star appearances in comparison to their last Olympics squad which had 33.

But Walker, who last month joined Boston after eight seasons in Charlotte, said criticism of the U.S. team was spurring them

POPOVIC, P8

Saso leads Phoenix Siklab Sports Awards

R

eigning girls PGA champion Yuka Saso heads the cast of awardees when the Phoenix Petroleum Siklab Sports Youth Awards 2019 honors the future heroes of Philippine sports at the Market!

Market! Activity Area in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City on September 2.

The 18-year-old Asian Games gold medalist will share the stage with triathlete Andrew Kim Remolino, basketball’s Dave Ildefonso and 18 other athletes from various sports as Siklab Young Heroes, along with fencer Maxine Esteban and junior cycling champ Marc

Ryan Lago.

Paddlers Christine Mae Talledo and Lealyn Baligasa, members of the Philippine dragon boat team that won �ive gold medals in the ICF World Dragon Boat Championships, will also be recognized in the event backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Joining them during the gala for the most promising athletes 18 years and younger are International Masters Kylen Mordido and Marvin Miciano, speed skater Julian Kyle Silverio, as well as pole vaulter

AWARDEE. Young golfer Yuka Saso waves the Philippine flag after winning the gold medal in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. Saso leads the future heroes who will be honored during the Phoenix Petroleum

Hokett delos Santos and wrestler Cadel Evance Hualda.

Organized by the PSCPOC Media Group with Market! Market! and Ayala Malls as venue partners, the second edition of the Siklab Sports Youth Awards will also put the spotlight on Super Kids awardees led by gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo and IM Daniel Quizon.

Bowlers Norel Nuevo and Grace Gella, who both captured bronze medals in the recent junior world championships, likewise got the recognition that they deserve, along with promising skateboarder

David Sebastian Chanco and taekwondo jin Ian Matthew Corton.

Receiving the Sports Idols accolade this year are track and �ield icon Elma Muros-Posadas and jujitsu world champion Meggie Ochoa while PSC Chairman William Ramirez and Go For Gold head Jeremy Go have been named godfathers of the year.

The PSC Children’s Games for Peace Award is exclusive for the top performers of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa and the Batang Pinoy Games led by archer Naina Dominique

SASO, P8

Siklab Sports Youth Awards 2019 at the Market! Market! Activity Area in BGC, Taguig City on September 2, 2019.

12 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 119 VOL.12 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, AUGUST JUNE 23-24, 27, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

POUND SQUAD. Women fitness enthusiasts take a breather after a POUND session at the Arcadia Fitness Gym. The POUND classes are set Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm.

Manny not just focused on Floyd EDGEDAVAO

NOT DONE YET F A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO ollowing a sensation- American’s appetite to real 2019, which saw turn to the ring, ‘Pacman’ unanimous decision has his options �irmly wins over Adrien Broner open in the welterweight Manny Pacquiaodivision. says even at 40, he is notSpence finished yet.Jr. and Keith Thurman, ManErrol ny Pacquiao is contem- and Shawn Porter battle plating his next move. it out in a uni�ication on While a potential re- September 28th. Meanmatch with Floyd May- while, Terrance Crawford weather depends on the currently holds the WBO

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO 14 12 EDGE

version.

Pacquiao advisor Sean Gibbons casted his views on the current SEE STORY ON P11 147-lb landscape.

The MP Promotions guru revealed the boxing icon’s vision for the remainder of the year. “I don’t see a lot of people

screaming for Spence ver“These guys need him guys �ight, things shake sus the Senator or Craw- right now so at the end out again. Right now, for VOL.11 VOL.12 ISSUE 241 ISSUE • SUNDAY-MONDAY, 6VOL.12 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 17-18, ISSUE •FEBRUARY TUESDAY, MAY 21,2019 2019 ford,” Gibbons exclusively of the day yeah don’t 51 the rest of the year, the VOL.12 ISSUE 45 •you SUNDAYMONDAY, MAY 12 -13, told World Boxing News. VOL.12 rule anything out, but Senator is just enjoying VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019 ISSUE 55 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 26-27, “They seem to be yell- it’s boxing. Spence has a himself playing basketing for them to �ight each tough �ight with Shawn ball. He’s taking care of other. Again, the Senator Porter �irst. He isn’t an his basketball league and would beat every Craw- easy �ight by any means. then he’ll see in a few ford, every Spence on his He’s a very hard guy stylis- months what his future way up.” tically. So until all of these looks like for 2020.”